Posts by Rob Perry
Warming up for gymnastics meet
The 67 gymnastics team members at Assumption Catholic School in Aylmer have been practising their routines for a meet for Gr. 1 through 8 pupils in London on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Here, Gr. 2s Oakleigh Barham, left, and Atourina Barber rehearsed a partner balance. (AE/Rob Perry
Read MoreBest winter for snowmobilers
This winter has been the best in 20 years for local snowmobilers, Poplar Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club President Martin Baelde said Saturday, Feb. 18… but it almost didn’t happen. Coming into this winter, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs had expected to have to cut 20 percent of its 30,000 kilometres of groomed trails across…
Read More“Mayor Joe” lauded by chamber members
Guests and members at the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lunch With The Mayors bid a fond – albeit premature – farewell to Mayor Joe Preston, Wednesday, Feb. 11. at the Memorial Centre in St. Thomas. After eight years on the job, Mayor Preston announced Feb. 10 that he will not run for office in the October 2026 municipal election. About 220 Chamber of Commerce guests expressed their gratitude for Mayor…
Read MorePSTR faces $500,000 bridge repair bill
Post Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) has confirmed that its temporary suspension of all operations is due to the discovery of “serious erosion” under the south abutment of the historic railway bridge across Kettle Creek in Port Stanley. A preliminary estimate of the cost to repair the damaged bridge is $500,000, PSTR President Dan Vernackt said…
Read MoreAMHA U9 Black team wins tourney title
Thane VanKasteren of Aylmer Minor Hockey’s Under 9 Black team cut between two Lambeth defenders as he raced toward their goal on Friday, Feb. 6. Aylmer won that game 9-2. AMHA hosted a three-day weekend tournament for U9 teams at East Elgin Community Complex, and the final in one division Sunday came down to this…
Read MoreWarm memories made building igloo
Abe Knelsen of St. Thomas and sons Lucas, 10, and Sam, 12, recently took advantage of frigid temperatures to build a creatively colourful igloo in their front yard. Abe, a realtor, said he and his wife Elissa have lived in their home for 13 years, with both sons growing up there. “I don’t think you…
Read MoreBackyard chickens on the way in Bayham
Following a plea from a resident Thursday, Feb. 5, Bayham councillors went against staff advice and approved backyard chickens in the municipality. Kristen Young spoke during the two-minute open forum at the start of the meeting before Bylaw Enforcement Officer Mark Russell presented his report recommending not proceeding with backyard chickens. She suggested a time-limited…
Read MoreEagles take down CASS 7-3
Jamieson Weber of host East Elgin Secondary School’s boys hockey team made a lobbing pass that flew the puck over a Woodstock College Avenue Secondary School player’s stick during a game at East Elgin Community Complex on Thursday, Feb. 5. EESS took the win, 7-3. (AE/Rob Perry)
Read MoreGeerts Memorial U7 Jamboree
The competition was intense but fun loving at the Jason Geerts Memorial U7 Jamboree on Jan. 31, at the East Elgin Community Complex, in Aylmer. The Jamboree is named in honour of Jason Geerts, who died in 2019 at the age of 35 years after struggling with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease,…
Read MoreSt. Thomas support services stressed by cold weather
Frigid winter weather conditions in St. Thomas have put local support services to the test. The homeless and transient populations are seeking shelter at warming stations at the Joe Thornton Community Centre, 75 Caso Crossing, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as 24/7 emergency shelter at The Inn St Thomas-Elgin, 10 Princess Avenue. Both…
Read More