Premier Doug Ford celebrated his 61st birthday in St. Thomas on Nov. 20, officially welcoming Vianode’s $3.2 billion investment in the community and underscoring southwestern Ontario’s important contributions to economic growth across Canada. “The best birthday present I’ve ever had,” the premier told a small crowd assembled in Yarmouth Yards. “$3.2 billion investment, it’s absolutely…
An Orwell man, 34, who had been wearing a tracking monitor but allegedly removed it, was charged by Aylmer Police with spousal assault and has been remanded into custody. He was described by police as “a prolific offender.” Chief Kyle Johnstone said the man had been out on bail for a charge of possession of…
Springfield Public School’s Parent Council held its Third Annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 15, to raise money for year-end field trips for all the pupils there. Laurie Syrnyk, left, of Laurie’s Animal Antics of Springfield chatted over colourful pet bandanas with Ginger Abbott of Mount Salem. (AE/Rob Perry)
Aylmer-Malahide Museum and Archives volunteer Melanie MacNeil welcomed guests on the annual Christmas Tour of Homes to St. Paul’s United Church in Aylmer on Saturday, Nov. 15. The church was also decorated for the holidays, including trees, wreaths, laurels and, in front of the altar, a crèche. The 150-year-old church had been busy during the…
Belmont United Church’s 136th Turkey Supper on Wednesday night, Nov. 5, sold out with 400 attending. The menu included turkey, dressing, cranberries, potatoes, gravy, corn, turnip, coleslaw, dinner roll, pie and a beverage. The event was organized by the United Church Women under the leadership of Peggy Cameron, who credited its success to a group…
A St. Thomas teenager’s compassion and giving spirit are being remembered after her death three days following a Nov. 14 collision between a sedan and transport truck at the intersection of Quaker Road and Southdale Line in Central Elgin. Hadley Denison, 17, a Grade 12 student at St. Thomas’ Parkside Collegiate Institute and a member…
The music and charm of Christmas will return to the streets of Aylmer as the 81st annual Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade commences at 2 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 22. Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade committee head Andrew Beck says the “folksy” holiday event is the official launch of the town’s Christmas shopping season and invites businesses,…
The Port Stanley Business Improvement Area seems to have encountered a few re-branding bumps in the road as villagers continue to question the BIA management board’s decision to change the name of its once popular Dickens Days Christmas celebrations. While the Port Stanley Lions and Lioness clubs’ Dickens Day Night Parade will continue as usual…
Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt and Deputy Mayor Pete Barbour, at a council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, condemned the use of profanities and the vulgarity of some comments made at a prior meeting at Old Town Hall on Oct. 15. They didn’t mention anyone by name, but appeared to be referring to Tyler Desrosiers, spouse…
Aylmer Police Chief Kyle Johnstone is offering reassurances to families who may have left Aylmer Old Town Hall on Oct. 15 with doubts about their children’s safety. During a council meeting there about the future of the library, a couple speakers suggested the town was unsafe for youngsters. Local realtor Johnny Friesen and Aylmer Councillor Kathryn…
The tax paid by property owners in Aylmer to the town each year are below the per capita rate and average tax burden in municipalities across Southwestern Ontario, Administrator Andy Grozelle will report to town council’s finance committee on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The town, he wrote, “continues to prioritize affordability and cost-efficiency as key objectives.”…
Tarry Parkway homeowner Steven Tolles went above and beyond in observing the Halloween theme this year. In addition to an elaborate front yard display and family members dressed as witches, he turned his garage into a “haunt,” featuring animatronic characters and eerie lighting. A big crowd was already gathering by 6 p.m. For more, see…