Vol. 8, Issue 25 Newsstand Price $1.50 per week Thursday, February 18, 2021

Star struck Ombudsman faults Plympton- Wyoming for meeting in private to fill council seat Heather Wright The Independent

Plympton-Wyoming broke rules for in camera meetings when it decided privately to appoint a new councillor in June instead of holding a by-election. Ontario’s Ombudsman, Paul Dube, said there is no reason talking about the process to fill a council vacancy – a matter of public interest – should have been a private discussion. That has Plympton-Wyoming’s mayor musing whether there should only be one option to fill a vacant council seat. Dube investigated a complaint filed in August about the appointment of Mike Vasey after council declared a seat vacant when long time Councillor Ron Schenk died. In a lengthy decision released Feb. 10, Dube said the council should not have decided in camera (a private meeting of council) to appoint a new councillor instead of holding a by election. He did say their discussion about two people who had expressed interest in the seat could legally be held in camera. Photo Credit Under the Municipal Act, all meetings of council, local Dylan Webster sets up his telescope with his camera and points it to the sky at his dad’s house on Churchill Line. boards, and committees of council must be open to the The LCCVI student has been photographing stars and galaxies for about a year and is submitting his awe inspiring public, except for some very specific circumstances results to contests for amateur astronomers at NASA. See Story Page 8. including receiving legal advice, property matters or dealing with personal matters. The June 24th meeting listed a discussion about a personal Couple wants retreat to save families from ‘heartbreak’ issue, where the Ombudsman found the council talked about Heather Wright and his family.” Authority which says it is a protected how to fill the vacancy. Dube said staff presented a report The Independent The family wanted to do something woodland. outlining the town’s options to fill the seat and how the issue in his memory and settled on building The family says it is “keenly aware” had been handled in the past. The 2018 election results were A Dawn-Euphemia couple is hoping a cabin in a 50 acre bush on Shetland of the need to preserve the land but also included. township council will help them Road which they own “to be used as a want to move forward. “It is our “Council subsequently discussed the two individuals who realize a dream to honour their son. retreat for first responders and farmers hope to make a positive difference had expressed interest in the position... Those we spoke to Dalles Bergsma, a farmer who was primarily, who might be in need of in the lives of others and prevent this recalled discussing the individuals’ personalities and if they a member of the Dawn-Euphemia respite. heartbreak from devastating other would be well-suited for a council position,” writes Dube in fire department, died by suicide in “Both of theses professions have a families.” the decision. November. very high rate of suicide...The intent The Bergsmas asked council to work Dube says councillors considered a motion to appoint His parents, Al and Diane, say he is to provide a welcoming place free with them to find a way to realize their a new councillor, but a formal vote was not taken. The was a “dedicated husband, farmer and of charge for members in these groups dream. councillors interviewed by Dube, he says, agreed there was volunteer firefighter. who need a time to rest and recharge Council agreed, saying the project consensus on making an appointment. “In his life, he made it his mission to and heal.” is important. Staff will work with But staff told Dube a slightly different story – a story he decided was not true. look for ways to contribute to the lives But they’ve run into a road block the county planner to see how the See SENSITIVE PG 2 and safety of others in the community with the St. Clair Region Conservation woodland retreat can be built.

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* Canadian Media Concentration Research Project, 2020 T:5.7" 2 – The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton Thursday, February 18, 2021 Independent up for six provincial awards The Independent dismissal of three top firefighters in Wyoming, Photographer of the Year The Independent of Petrolia and and Columnist of the Year for her Central Lambton is up for six awards weekly page 4 missive. in the Ontario Community News- The Lambton County newspaper paper Associations’ Beter Newspaper has also been nominated for Feature Awards. Writing for an article on the trials The newspaper has been nomin- of personal support workers in long ated for General Excellence in the term care and Best Sports Section. small newspaper class. The award The Sarnia Journal was the only recognizes the quality of all aspects Lambton County newspaper in the of a newspaper. The Independent’s running with three nominations. competition is the Haliburton County Tara Jeffery, Cathy Dobson and Troy Echo and the Deep River North Ren- Shantz are all nominated for their frew Times. reporting. Heather Wright has also been nom- The award winners will be an- inated in the Best Investigative News nounced in April in a virtual cere- Story for the ongoing coverage of the mony. Sensitive info not a reason for secrecy: Dube CON’T FROM PG 1 “I understand that council felt the “According to the staff member, subject matter discussed during this the purpose of the June 24 meeting meeting was sensitive. However, was to receive legal advice related to the closed meeting exceptions are one of the individuals interested in not intended to shield council from filling the council vacancy. According the public’s scrutiny of sensitive or to the staff member, council had contentious topics. It bears repeating decided to proceed with filling the that the exceptions in the Municipal council vacancy at a previous council Act are to be interpreted and meeting, but did not provide my applied narrowly, to maximize the Office with the date of that meeting,” information discussed in public. wrote Dube. As stated in my Office’s 2014 “The staff member told my Office report about the City of Welland: A harmless that staff had sought legal advice Although there may have been a prior to the meeting. They said that desire to maintain confidentiality this legal advice was discussed by in order to protect various interests council in camera on June 24, and of the city, I must emphasize that council also discussed potential again that council cannot bring a coffee break litigation involving the individual. matter in camera simply because it is One councillor out of the six council considered sensitive or confidential or

members had a similar recollection of potentially against the city’s interest T:13.5" the meeting. to discuss it publicly. Matters can “The other five members of council only be discussed in camera if they fit can do more we interviewed did not indicate squarely within the exceptions to the that legal advice was received or open meeting requirements.” discussed during the closed session,” Dube recommends council make says Dube. sure it follows the rules of the harm than “The clerk told my office that Municipal Act and be aware of what council did not discuss any potential topics actually can be discussed litigation or legal advice during the privately. closed session. In fact, according to He also urged council to make sure the clerk, staff had not sought legal it clearly identifies the issue it is you think. advice prior to the June 24 meeting talking about in camera, the direction and, therefore, there was no legal given to staff and formally vote on advice to discuss.” the record “so there is no confusion The Ombudsman concluded there on what direction or procedural was no legal advice discussed. matter was voted on during the When asked by The Independent if properly closed meeting of the the staffer who told the Ombudsman council.” a legal opinion was discussed, Mayor There are no penalties attached to Lonny Napper said he would not be the Ombudsman’s finding, however drawn into discussing that. council is expected to write a report Dube ruled that while discussing on how it will deal with the issue in the actual candidates for council the future and place it in on a public and their personalities was properly agenda. discussed in camera, the discussion Napper, in an interview with The and decision about appointing a Independent, said it may be time councillor instead of holding a by- for the Municipal Act to eliminate election should have been open to the options for filling a councillor seat. public. Currently, the council of the day “A council vacancy is generally a choses whether another election is topic of public interest. There is no held, if the runner up from the last Wear a mask, wash your hands reason why discussions involving the election is installed or if someone is process by which the vacancy is filled appointed. and physically distance to stop should be held in closed session,” Napper says he prefers the runner wrote Dube. up in the last election to fill the the spread of COVID-19. Council had a chance to review vacancy. Dube’s report before it was “I thought it was a fair way to do it Learn more at ontario.ca/covid-19 made public. “Council members as a runner up (they were) the most told us that they felt the entire vote getters, I guess they are just discussion was appropriate for in automatically the people,” he says. camera consideration. Council Napper says perhaps the province members indicated that filling the should make a change to the vacant seat was a sensitive topic and Municpal Act. Paid for by the Government of Ontario that the meeting was held during a “It takes it out of the counselors time of stress for municipal staff and hands, it take the politics out of it, I council members. think, if you had a policy in place.”

Cossette MINISTRY OF HEALTH 100% of Final Size Covid-19 Print 5.7" x 13.5" None 170909-1_MOH_COVIDWAKEUPCALL_ 5.7" x 13.5" 170909-1 4C 111170909-1 None Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black 2-11-2021 12:10 PM 5.7" x 13.5" None None

Dawn-Marie Mills Violet K. / Evan B Julia Morra / Emma Wright ® Shireen Kok / Robin Osmond

None 1 Thursday, February 18, 2021 The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton – 3 Building strong in Petrolia, Plympton-Wyoming in 2020 Heather Wright construction. In all, there were 32 new dwelling MP Marilyn Gladu The Independent Petrolia also saw a boom in build- units created. Sarnia-Lambton ing but not just in new homes. Figures In all, Petrolia issued 73 building Building is booming in both Plymp- show there was $10 million for four permits in 2020, five fewer than 2019, We Are Here To Serve You ton-Wyoming and Petrolia. new commercial buildings under con- however the value of construction 1000 Finch Drive, The municipalities received their year struction including the largest project, jumped by more than $6,000,000. end building permit reports and even the new Shell plaza on the corner of “If you want to do the math, the Sarnia, Ontario through the pandemic, building was Petrolia Line and Oil Heritage Road value of construction is this year was N7S 6G5 bustling. which the developer has valued around $6,247,862 higher than the previous In Plympton Wyoming, there were $5 to $7 million. year,” said Mayor Brad Loosley during 519-383-6600 173 building permits issued valued at There were 23 new homes built in a recent council meeting. $32,525,074. Petrolia in 2020 with construction “And I think that’s good news under [email protected] The town issued 72 home build- valued at $7,076,000. the circumstances of the difficult year ing permits worth $26,530,504 - the There were also two multi-residen- we had last year with COVID. We still www.mpmarilyngladu.ca largest amount ever and 43 per cent tial buildings constructed valued at came out ahead. So I’m really pleased higher than the 2019 value of home $954,000. with that.” No conflict with Brooke-Alvinston councillors on pavilion project Have a Great Story Idea? Heather Wright adding wording in the municipality’s declaring ourselves in conflict,” says Send it to us! The Independent Code of Conflict to make councillors Ferguson. declare a personal conflict. Armstrong voiced concern that Brooke-Alvinston’s Integrity Com- “The purpose of the MCIA is to at- council would follow a clear procedure missioner says Optimist members and tract stakeholders in communities to when a citizen complains of a conflict. email us at: [email protected] municipal leaders Frank Nemcek and run for council who are required only This time, citizens wrote to council Jamie Armstrong weren’t in conflict to declare a conflict if they benefit- fi and it was dealt with in public, yet when they voted on a pavilion project. nancially from an issue coming before Armstrong says the procedure online A resident recently questioned wheth- council. The Code of Conduct should says people have to submit a written er the pair should be voting because of not increase that obligation.” complaint.” their membership in the club. But Mayor Dave Ferguson disagreed “We just need to adhere to our pro- Robert Swayze, in a letter to council, saying the conflict of interest act also cedures because if we don’t, in the fu- said “the two members do not have a talks about indirect interest and he ture, our own procedures will be used Do you have all the pecuniary interest in the construction believes that could cover interest in against us because we actually went of the building and therefore do not promoting projects they’re personally against the procedure that we have in skills for the job? contravene the Municipal Conflict of involved with. place,” Armstrong said at Thursday’s Interest Act. It is not required that they “I think we should all be aware of meeting. “The reason why you put that declare a conflict on any related matter this, and what direct and indirect to in procedure in there is because we don’t coming before council.” our interest covers, and make ourselves want to deal with false accusations of And Swayze says he doesn’t favour aware at all times when it should be conflict of interest.” Bird Lane residents may have way to stop lot splitting Heather Wright the Bird Lanes became highly sought “A resident found an application for The Independent after. Dillon’s plan to take one of the an official plan amendment and noted lots and divide it in two, neighbours lots in hamlets defined in the official Residents of the Bird Lanes in say, would be completely out of char- plan can’t be split into two. We also Plympton-Wyoming may have found a acter with the neighbourhood. noted the associated $1,200 applica- Be confident and job way to stop homeowners from subdiv- The application is before the commit- tion fee I’m confident neighbors would iding their lots. tee of adjustment and councillors have support if it immediately stopped other ready with the key skills Tim Dillon, who has taken a number told residents there may be little they lots from be split in two.” employers want. of large lots in Lambton, divided them can do to stop the process. Plympton-Wyoming Planner Sarah and built new houses, wants to do the But resident Dale Lane told Plymp- Baldwin suggested the neighbourhood same on Hummingbird Lane. ton-Wyoming councillors Tuesday, either ask for a zoning amendment or The move required a minor variance. neighbours are now concerned this add this as an issue in the municipal- When the issue came to Plympton- could become a trend which would ity’s Official Plan review which is now Find out how to get the skills edge at Wyoming’s committee of adjustment change the neighbourhood forever. underway. CAO Carolyn Tripp ac- recently, 91 people were at the virtual “Staff have identified approximately knowledged that could take some time upskillsforwork.ca meeting. That is the largest online 29 of the existing 68 neighborhood and other landowners in the subdiv- meeting Plympton-Wyoming has had lots or 42 per cent of them that could ision would be able to move forward since the pandemic moved to an online apparently accommodate a second lot, splitting their lots. fl #UPSkillsForWork format. which would destroy the character of But Councillor Netty McEwen The issue is the size of the lots. The the neighborhood forever,” he says. advised Lane and the neighbours to Bird Lanes were developed in the That includes one landowner who is launch an appeal immediately since Founding Sponsor 1970s along the lake with large heavily already considering the move. once it was completed, other sever- treed lots. Over the years, as new sub- But Lane says they have found some- ances could not move forward until it divisions emerged with smaller lots, thing which may stop the process.2500 Londonwas 10 decided x 3 1-877-404-4246 on. 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There should be clear rules around how municipal councils appoint people to fill vacancies between elec- tions. That is very clear after Ontario’s Ombudsman investi- gated the closed meeting of Plympton-Wyoming coun- cil June 24. The meeting was held in camera - behind closed doors - to talk about filling the seat left vacant when long-time Councillor Ron Schenk passed away. Bear in mind, this was a particularly difficult time for council as residents were demanding answers about the turmoil within the Wyoming Fire Department. It’s likely why, in our opinion, the conversation moved into private. In fact that’s what the Ombudsman found - the councillors felt the appointment of a new councillor would be “sensitive.” As the Ombudsman said, just because something is sensitive doesn’t mean it should be discussed in private. The Ombudsman ruled talking about the process of how the new councillor was to be appointed should not have been in private. However he did say when the councillors discussed the possible candidates and how they would “fit” with council, that was permissible FROM THE DAVE BURWELL POSTCARD COLLECTION under the Municipal Act. A beautiful view of the downtown looking west. You can see the railroad tracks which ran beside the Methodist Permissible, maybe. Acceptable, we don’t think so. Church. The structures behind the church are now gone and soon, that area is likely to be home to a new The voters had already discussed the worthiness of the seniors residents. opponents during the 2018 municipal elections. Each person’s ballot counted equally. Councillors should not have more say in the matter. In the end, councillors did do the right thing, ap- March Break in March likely would have been safer pointing the election candidate who just missed the cut If you’re having a hard time virus faster. said of online education. “It wasn’t a during the 2018 election. understanding why the province So, the province wants student’s safe vacation.” Howitt is concerned about We won’t know if council chose that option because decided to move the March Break this so school can continue in class. Fair burnout particularly among teachers. it was the voters will or because they thought the can- year, maybe I can help. enough. But then he says keeping your But the minister appears to be didate would be a “good fit.” Thursday, Education Minister kids in class is “an important way that override that concern saying he can’t The Ontario government needs to change the Muni- Stephen Lecce announced instead of schools can help limit community trust Ontarians to do the right thing cipal Act which gives municipal councils a range of March Break being in March – as the transmission.” Will a March options to fill vacancies, including an appointment. name might suggest – it will now be Hmm. So, this isn’t just only about Break in April Across Ontario, whenever there is a vacant seat, the the week of April 12. Why? It seems the immediate health of your kids, it’s be any better? I the Conservative government doesn’t about making sure you don’t pile the highly doubt it. voters choices should prevail. It’s an easy change that trust the people of the province to stay kids in the car and go on a vacation. Scientists widely would take the power from the hands of the politicians at home, even though that’s largely The province apparently doesn’t believe the new and puts it in the hands of the people. what we have almost all been doing. believe you will do the right thing, so COVID variants Here’s some of what Lecce said they’re keeping your kids in school to will mean a third during his news conference. make sure you can’t go anywhere. wave of illness, “Postponing March Break – not The minister said he talked to greater than the Letters to the Editor cancelling it – is an important way educators including trustees and last two, likely at The Independent welcomes Letters to the Editor. that schools can help limit community teachers about the idea. the end of March Our preferred methods to receive letters are via email transmission. In our community, the public director and April. Iwonder to [email protected] (please use “We recognize that congregation is a of education has said he would have if the April Break Letter in the subject line) or through our website www. key driver of the spread of COVID-19, preferred the March Break remain will even happen Heather petrolialambtonindependent.ca something we realized over the winter in place. John Howitt admitted or if our kids Wright You can also deliver letters to The Independent at 4156 break. We will not take that risk again the public health measures might are more likely Petrolia Line, Petrolia or drop them in the mail at The with your child, with our staff with override educators concerns, but he to spend April Independent, Petrolia, ON, NON 1R0. Ontario families.” says everyone, students, teachers and learning at home, again. The Independent reserves the right to edit letters for brevity Lecce added the province is administrators, are tired after online Perhaps, it would have been better to and clarity. concerned about the rise of new learning and constant changes. have a little trust in Ontarians doing All letters need to be signed and must have a phone number COVID-19 variants which spread the “They’ve been working hard,” he the right thing and staying home for verification.

The contents of this newspaper are protected by copyright. www.petrolialambtonindependent.ca No material from this edition may be reproduced without expressed written consent of The Independent of Petrolia & Central Lambton © Publisher / Editor: Heather Wright [email protected] Reporters: Alex Kurial Sales Associates: [email protected] Classi eds / Graphics: Sarah Hills / Julli Archibald o[email protected]

4156 Petrolia Line, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 • 226-738-0728 Publications Mail Registration No. 42663514 Proud host of the Local Journalism Initiative Subscription Rates: $55.00/year within 50 kms of Petrolia Post Oce $65.00/year outside of 50 km radius $75.00/year other provinces (HST included on all prices) Subscriptions are non-refundable Thursday, February 18, 2021 The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton – 5 Opinion • Emery Huszka Gladu says three faith groups voiced concern about C-6 Dealer - Florence ON, 226-373-6244 EDITOR: Catholic Diocese, the Evangelical and the Canadian Psychological • Julie Maw Dealer - Courtright ON, Clarifying Bill C-6: An Act to Fellowship of Canada (EFC), and Association. These would be 519-384-2281 amend the Criminal Code (conversion many legal groups representing over acceptable to all. The Liberals • Dave Foulon therapy) 14 million Canadians have expressed recognized there was an issue with Dealer - Tupperville ON, There has been a lot of concern about this bill and are calling the definition and put a clarification 519-683-2136 • Dave Emery, Territory Manager misinformation circulating regarding on the government to amend the on the Justice Department web page. South Lambton ON, the conversion therapy bill, Bill C-6. definition. Unfortunately, judges have to rule by 519-360-6072 www.maizex.com Let me be clear: I am strongly opposed Here locally, Catholics and what is in the bill, not what is on the • Kirk Van Will, Territory Manager 4488 Mint Line, North Lambton ON, RR#2 Tilbury, Ontario to conversion therapy, as is every churches aligning with the EFC view government’s web page. The Liberals 519-899-3255 N0P 2L0 single person who has contacted my represent nearly half of the population have refused so far to amend the office. That is not the problem with (reference: Wikipedia, areascore.ca, definition as requested. this bill. The issue is the overly broad Sarnia Evangelical Fellowship). I am working toward a bill that will definition of conversion therapy, which In terms of the definition of criminalize conversion therapy while will criminalize behaviors that are not conversion therapy, other pieces protecting the rights of freedom of 3.33x2 Pet_Lambt_Ind_Dealer Ad.indd 1 10/15/19 2:51 PM conversion therapy. of legislation use the definition put belief and speech for all Canadians. Catholic school boards across the forward by the medical profession— Marilyn Gladu country, as well as members of the the Canadian Psychiatrist Association Sarnia-Lambton MP Minister decides to run for NDP nomination after MP’s C-6 petition Heather Wright on behalf of a constituent however a respect the inclusive values of Sarnia- The Independent letter written to local churches by the Lambton residents,” he added. MP explains concerns the bill will “An unprecedented number of people Adam Kilner intends to run as the limit religious freedoms to talk to are speaking out against Ms. Gladu’s Sarnia-Lambton NDP candidate in people about their “sexual confusion.” petition to the House of Commons the next federal election after Sarnia- Gladu had said the majority of the seeking to alter or withdraw Bill C6.. Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu’s petition churches in Sarnia-Lambton supported Altering or withdrawing the bill will to change the Liberals bill to ban the petition. It had been signed by 169 harm LGBTQ+ people.” conversion therapy. people. A petition calling on Gladu to resign “You deserve an MP who fights for Kilner, who is the pastor of Dunlop on over the petition has been signed by every member of our community. One United Church in Sarnia, raised over 3,600 people. who believes in justice and progress. concern about the premise of the The NDP nomination meeting in One who will make you proud in petition. Sarnia-Lambton will be held virtually Ottawa,” said Kilner in a social media And his candidacy is a result of the March 1. post. MPs actions, he says in a social media The Liberals lead a minority Kilner ran second to Gladu in the post. government. There has been 2018 vote. She won the race by over “The last few weeks have shown us speculation there may be snap election 16,000 votes over the NDP candidate. for certain that Marilyn Gladu does not during the pandemic however the Kilner recently has been raising represent our values,” says Kilner. prime minister has side stepped the concerns about the petition filed by “You deserve an MP who fights for issue, saying only it is a possibility. MP Gladu in Parliament which called every member of our community. One Gladu, who is the president of for the Liberals to either clarify a bill who believes in justice and progress. the Queen’s Privy Council for the which would ban conversion therapy One who will make you proud in opposition Conservatives, was or scrap it. Not all products are Ottawa…because this community acclaimed to run for the next federal available in all provinces Gladu said she presented the petition deserves an MP who will serve and election in December. 11 Thirty-four inmates at Sarnia Jail COVID positive Alex Kurial Several safety measures have been Lucas, says testing is taking place Local Journalism Initiative introduced for inmates who must every three to five days as cases come into the jail, including new continue. Thirty-four of the people housed at inmates spending their first two weeks And officials are promoting the use the Sarnia jail tested positive in the last separated from the general population of masks. nine days along with a wave of cleaning Joel Bissonnette of OPSEU Local The COVID-19 outbreak was protocols for correctional officers. 128 who is also a correctional officer declared Feb. 7 and by the end of Jail officials are also working to keep at the jail, says prior to the outbreak, this week, 14 inmates and two staff COVID-19 positive cases isolated. inmates were wearing masks anytime members tested positive for the virus. “Any inmate that tests positive for they left the housing unit or moved Over the weekend, Lambton Public COVID-19 is placed under droplet through the jail.

Health says another 20 inmates and precautions and isolated from the rest Since the outbreak hit, they are now 11 two staff were found COVID-19 of the inmate population while they wearing masks all the time, including positive. receive appropriate medical care,” says in their cells. Staff and visitors wear The Sarnia Jail had 73 inmates in Morrison. masks at all times, too. custody as of Feb. 10. The jail has The union representing correctional Bissonnette says the corrections operated at an average of 82 per cent workers said separating prisoners was workers are doing their best in a Looking for a dentist close to home? of its 101 inmate capacity during the not easy. stressful situation. past six months according to Andrew “There’s limited space in a jail. “We’re doing our best to prevent it Petrolia Dentistry offers dentistry for the Morrison, the media relations officer You can’t segregate and you can’t from happening, but when an outbreak whole family, from cleanings and exams to for the Solicitor General’s office. have people stay six feet apart in that does happen it’s no one’s fault inside. natural looking fillings, crowns, bridges & more. Morrison says the ministry has tried kind of a setting. It’s just not there,” It’s impossible to stop this 100 per With convenient hours and a clean modern office, to reduce the number of inmates in jail when the facility is full, says Laurie cent. you’ll feel completely comfortable. through a temporary absence program, Nancekivell, OPSEU regional vice- “When an outbreak happens, we’re where people serving intermittent president for the Sarnia area all human, we all have our own sentences can do their time in the Lori Lucas, supervisor of health anxieties and fears about this, and Dr. Mike Hoben community. services for Lambton Public Health, we all have our loved ones who are Dr. Rudha Al-Rohani As of Tuesday evening, only 45 says public health officials have been vulnerable,” he says. “Despite that people are still in custody in the jail as in the jail and talked with officials everyone’s still coming into work and Dr. Rebecca Phillips officials try to make sure there enough about precautions which can be taken. showing up and doing their best to separation between the COVID And she says testing is ongoing as help manage this.” 519-882-0520 positive inmates and the healthy. more cases are found. Right now, - with files from Heather Wright 430 Albany Street • petroliadentistry.com 6 – The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton Thursday, February 18, 2021

Big snowfall, big snow piles

HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTO Don Campbell of Total Driveway Maintenance was busy Tuesday helping to clean up from Lambton county’s biggest snowfall of 2020. The snow he moved in the Petrolia Line Plaza and Circle K Store created a pile so high it dwarfed his skid steer. An estimated 20 centimeters - eight inches - fell in the area with more snow expected overnight and into Thursday and Friday. Strong winds caused drifting on local roads. School buses were pulled off the roads Tuesday because of the heavy snowfall.

Brooke-Alvinston’s taxes rise 1.5 per cent Maintaining Heather Wright would feel the pinch of didn’t think the work upstairs The Independent COVID-19 through 2021. should go ahead since there was Your Mobility They asked Ikert to include no revenue coming in this year Being active doesn’t mean you have to be a gym addict. Taxes in Brooke-Alvinston are another $45,000 into the to the hall. going up 1.5 per cent. budget to be put in reserves to “I personally don’t think we Active living is important for your health and well-being, no matter what your age is, but it can be vital for older adults. Being active and mobile Municipal council approved deal with any outfall from the need to do anything upstairs can help many chronic conditions that can impact you as you age. the $4,288,629 operating and pandemic. this year at all,” he says. BRISK WALKING $4,747,130 capital budgets That created a 1.5 per cent But Councillor Jeannette Walking doesn’t require any extra equipment apart from supportive shoes. Taking a walk every day is Thursday. tax increase. That will work Douglas felt the work should a simple and effective way to help maintain balance and strength. Brooke-Alvinston spent out to a little more than $11 per go ahead, as did Mayor Dave STRENGTH TRAINING about $4.226 million in 2020. $100,000 of assessment on a Ferguson saying there is money Strength training can be adapted for your needs through simple exercises such as leg extensions. In a Treasurer Stephen Ikert held home or $4 more in taxes per available from governments to seated position, straighten out one leg, lift to a comfortable height, old for 10 seconds and put down. the line on spending for 2021. $100,000 for farms. kick start the economy. but the capital budget doubled While councillors all seemed “Right now we’re gonna MAINTAIN YOUR MOBILITY AS YOU AGE Over the years, you can develop habitual ways of using your muscles to move and position yourself. from 2020. Part of the spending to agree some extra cash was see money coming down to Poor posture and a lack of flexibility may be the result of limited stretching and has been transferred from last needed, they couldn’t agree get some work done and get improper body alignment. years budget. A number of on renovations to the upper things fixed up. After this items couldn’t be purchased as meeting room in the arena. year, it’s going to be critical suppliers were squeezed during The municipality plans to infrastructure grants only,” says www.lambtonchiropractic.ca COVID-19 shutdowns. spend $44,000 to complete the Ferguson. Brooke-Alvinston received renovations upstairs. Another The majority of council, 431 King Street, Petrolia a large grant of $1,854,478 $56,000 in renos is expected in Ferguson, Douglas and Deputy to spend on the $3.1 million the main hall downstairs. Staff Mayor Frank Nemcek agreed 519-882-1880 Dr.Storozuk Dr.Martyniuk upgrade of Rokeby Line. had applied for a $34,000 grant and the budget was passed with But councillors were to cover some of the costs. Deans and Councillor Jamie concerned the municipality But Councillor Wayne Deans Armstrong disagreeing. St. Clair wants four ways stops on Kimball Shop Safe, Shop Local Alex Kurial the mayor said after a drive on a Myers. “I think having a four- Local Journalism Initiative snowy day earlier this month. way stop, if there is human “I was thinking the flashing error in a collision then it would St. Clair Township is turning lights over the stop signs may be at a lower rate of speed.” to the county for assistance as help commuters at these deadly Arnold says the idea has it tries to solve the issue of road intersections,” says the mayor. been brought before county safety at a pair of Kimball Road He says the Lambton has paid council before but is usually intersections. for similar lights at Warwick disregarded due to concerns The crossings at Petrolia intersections in the past and felt over reducing traffic flow on the Line and Courtright Line have they would do the same for St. busy east/west routes. been the subject of numerous Clair now. Councillor Tracy Kingston complaints due to their history Council unanimously says the problem isn’t caused of collisions. Two people were approved the request to the by vehicles travelling east/west. WELDING, FABRICATION WORK killed in crashes at Petrolia and county at their Feb. 16 meeting. “It’s mostly people blasting AUTOMOTIVE, FARM & MARINE REPAIRS Kimball last year. Councillor Bill Myers wants the through that stop sign...(Four Mayor Steve Arnold says township go even further and way stops) will slow that other NOW OFFERING when the area experiences explore the possibility of a four- traffic down, but it’s getting heavy snowfall, as it did this way stop at each intersection. people to stop that are going STEEL & ALUMINUM week, visibility becomes a Stop signs are only present for north and south is the problem,” factor. “I could barely see the vehicles going north/south at she says. SOLD BY THE FOOT centre light in the intersection each intersection. Myers’ motion passed 4-2 and but couldn’t tell for sure how “The rate of speed going now goes to county council for 226.390.0057 far I was away from it and the through there is enough that consideration. stop sign was mostly covered in if there is a collision there it - The Independent 4212 Oil Heritage Rd. Petrolia snow making it difficult to see,” usually is very severe,” says Thursday, February 18, 2021 The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton – 7

Burnout concerns as March Break moves Honouring public service Alex Kurial John Howitt, Lambton-Kent District Local Journalism Initiative School Board’s director of education, speaking to The Independent before the Lambton’s public director of education is announcement, says most educators wanted worried about staff burnout as the March the March Break to remain in place. Break is delayed. “There’s a misconception that our students Education Minister Stephen Lecce says were off in January. March Break will be delayed until April 12. “Our students were not off in January. Our “Many students have been learning students and our staff were waking up in the remotely since the start of 2021. It is critical morning and were in front of the screen and we follow public health advice to protect working hard as if they had been in school,” schools and avoid a repeat of the concerning he says. spike in youth-related cases over the winter “Our students have been working very break, when students and staff were out of hard… and our students are ready for a schools for a prolonged period of time. break. We’ve been talking a lot about their “We are taking this precaution based on mental health, and that being at home was advice from health experts, including the taxing on them. They weren’t at home on province’s Science Table and the Chief vacation. They were at home working and Medical Officer of Health, to help protect learning. There’s a difference,” says Howitt. against the emerging COVID-19 variants of “Our staff, similarly, have been going concern,” said Lecce at a news conference non-stop in trying conditions, and are also Thursday. due for a break. Burnout is a real, legitimate “To keep schools open, we must keep concern.” them free of COVID-19. The actions Howitt says most educators favoured announced serve to limit opportunities for leaving March Break the way it was. congregation,” he added. March Break “The minister has consulted… with is a traditional time for families to take unions, with the trustee groups, with the vacations – including trips south of the principal’s associations, with directors, who border. Lecce says the province wants to have pretty consistently suggested that there avoid that. not be a change in the school year calendar. “Ontarians should refrain from traveling, “The minister did follow that up though by particularly given the increase in new stating very clearly that this will be a public variants that pose a direct risk to our health decision, and that consultations – country. while powerful and important – may not “Please stay at home as much as possible overrule the advice given by the chief and continue following the direction of medical officer of health around the SUBMITTED PHOTO public health officials so that we can keep perception of whether or not March Break Jim Lamb was recently honoured for his work with the Lambton County Fire schools open and protect our seniors, front should occur.” Prevention Association. He’s been president of the group for the last seven years line health workers and all families.” - The Independent and recently retired from service at the Watford Fire Station after 33 years of Petrolia woman seriously injured in Blenheim crash The Independent the roadway, struck several trees and came to rest just west of Lagoon Road. A Petrolia woman is in critical condition The 32 year old woman, the only person after a crash near Blenheim. in the car, was taken to the Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Police say just before mid- Erickson’s Health Alliance with life-threatening injur- night Friday, a vehicle traveling on Talbot ies. She was transferred to Windsor, where, Trail near Lagoon Road went off the road. as of Tuesday, she was in critical but stable Police believe the woman, who has not condition. been named, lost control of her vehicle, left The collision is still under investigation. Lambton business begin cautiously reopening CERTIFIED NEW Heather Wright have to be screened. Liquor can only be ® The Independent sold until 9 pm and the restaurant has to DEALER HOFMANN WHEEL close at 10. Dancing, singing and musical ALIGNMENT Restaurants and hair salons are among the performance is permitted with restrictions. businesses able to open as Lambton begins Gyms will be open, with limits around MACHINE its reopening Tuesday. how close patrons can be. Arenas will also Lambton is in the Orange-Restrict level of be allowed to reopen with parents being on the province’s reopening framework. hand to watch. OUR “It is very important for our community to Meeting and event spaces will be able to view these changes as a gradual transition reopen with capacity of 50 people indoors with many restrictions and recommended or 100 outdoors. actions still required,” said Dr. Ranade, Retail stores will be able to be open with Medical Officer of Health for the County of 50 per cent capacity. Retailers have to have Lambton in a news release. signs on doors warning customers not to “Be diligent and limit trips in the enter if they have COVID-19 symptoms. community to only essential needs, People waiting in lines outdoors will also maintain close contacts with only those in have to be two meters apart. your household, and in doing so you will Personal services, like hair salons can allow services in the community to operate reopen, with the same capacity limits safely.” as retail. They’ll have to take contact Under the Orange-Restrict phase, there can information from patrons and follow the be 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors for same guidelines as before Christmas. social gatherings. Public gatherings will be Services that would require someone to take allowed to 50 people indoor and 100 people off their face mask are still prohibited. outdoor. Religious services will be able Bingo halls, casinos, theaters and movie to operate at 30 per cent capacity or 100 theaters can all open with 50 people in outdoors. attendance indoors and 100 outdoors. Restaurants will be able to have up to 50 Lambton is the only public health unit in people indoors with two metres and a barrier the area in the Orange-Restrict zone. Both between them. Masks have to be worn when London, Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent patrons are not eating. Customers will also are in Red zone – the most restrictive stage. 8 – The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton Thursday, February 18, 2021 Teen discovers galaxies light years away in his Wyoming backyard Webster uses a camera and telescope to capture the night sky in astonishing detail Heather Wright The Independent

Dylan Webster is amazed how big the universe is. The 14 year-old LCCVI student’s hobby gives him an up close view of galaxies millions of light years away, all from the backyard of his dad’s home near Wyoming. For the past year or so, Webster has been taking his telescope and camera outdoors at night to view the stars and take pictures of what he sees. “I’ve always thought those pictures that NASA takes with their Hubble Space Telescope...were so amazing and interesting,” says Webster. “And then, I saw other people were doing it from their backyard, and if you buy the right equipment, you can take photos, just like that. So I thought, if I could do it Dylan Webster Photos too, that would be pretty cool.” Above is Webster’s photo of the Orion Nebula; Webster started with a digital SLR camera in Nov- the birthplace of the stars found just below the ember and set it up on his deck, looking for the nearest constellation Orion’s “belt.” It’s 1,344 light years constellations. from earth. Below is the Pinwheel Galaxy 20.87 “I just took, like 10 second exposures of the night sky, million light years from Earth. And to the right is the and I was able to see the constellation.” Comet NEOWISE which was seen in Ontario in July. By the spring, he was hooked, plugging into online Webster took the photo on vacation. forums and learning how to get even closer to the stars. He was given a small telescope with a tracking mount so he could capture even more of the night sky. “I could point it at this one galaxy and it would move and point at it and then it would track the sky. So instead of the night sky moving, it would keep the galaxy in the center of the camera frame.” That produced much sharper images. Soon, Webster was upgrading his equipment, getting a larger tracking mount to see even deeper into space. The equipment is much more complex now, with a larger telescope and a digital camera with a 200 mm zoom lense, warming rings to make sure the telescope doesn’t fog up with condensation and it is all linked to his lap- top. The unit weighs about 100 pounds and takes about an hour to set up. For Webster, it’s worth the effort to combine photog- raphy, technology and science to capture the stars. “I was still able to see galaxies that are like millions of light years away. The one galaxy I captured, it was the Cigar Galaxy, it’s something like 40 million light years away. “That’s what’s the amazing part is, how big the uni- verse is. “Sometimes I just stop and look and just think like, ‘Wow, how beautiful.’ And then sometimes when the image pops up on my computer after it’s done taking an exposure, sometimes, my jaw just drops because it’s like, that was not what I was expecting.” The teen doesn’t plan to make a career of photograph- ing the stars. But he does want to be close to the stars, working in the aerospace industry. For now, Webster is happy capturing what can be seen in the Plympton-Wyoming night sky and hoping that someday NASA will choose one of his photographs in its Amateur Astronomer competition. Thursday, February 18, 2021 The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton – 9

FOOD BANK Help Us Sports Stock Our PETROLIA Shelves Could OHL hockey hit the ice in April? here to lend a helping hand ...as we work Barry Wright provincial government and public health to help keep The Independent officials as “encouraging”, he says a plan bellies full. isn’t complete. “The league will share more There remains a glimmer of hope for the information with our players, families, staff, 4156 Petrolia Line, Unit 1 (rear) to play a shortened billets and tremendous fans as a finalized 519-882-3950 season this year. plan for a safe return to the ice becomes It was suggested in a report last week in available,” he added. We are currently running low on the items listed the Athletic the league is working on a plan After granting approval to American here: Hamburger Helper, Sidekicks (rice & pasta), for a 24 game regular season beginning in Hockey League franchises in Toronto and instant potatoes, boxed stuffing, Manwich, canned early April. Belleville to begin their season, Ontario’s pasta (eg. Zoodles, Chef Boyardee), vegetable, But the league says nothing is imminent. Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and mushroom and Habitant soups, “First and foremost, the Ontario Hockey Culture hinted in a tweet that Ontario’s top large canned fruit, peanut butter, League is anxious to return to play and junior league could be next.“I’m looking pancake mixes (just add water - eager to get our players back on the ice forward to working with other leagues, like preferred), and to drop the puck on a 2020-21 Regular the OHL, on what and when a safe return to snacks for families Season,” said Commissioner David Branch. play would look like,” said Lisa MacLeod. (chips, cheezies, etc.) “As we have for many months, we The Sting have not played a league game Donations can be left at area continue to work hard toward ensuring a for nearly a calendar year. Their last contest grocery stores or dropped off safe return to play for everyone.” While to the Food Bank was a 4-1 win over Guelph last March 8 at Mondays 9:00-11:30am or he categorized ongoing talks with the the Progressive Auto Sales Arena. 4th Wednesday 6-7:45pm Triple A hockey plans to hit the ice in March We are also always in need of The Independent GLUTEN FREE program which is planned for March 1-31. ITEMS. “While we are doing our best to have the Following the provincial announcement of upcoming session resemble the first two Lambton County being placed in the Orange sessions, we can guarantee the same amount protocol, the Lambton Junior Sting “AAA” of ice time or the same dates or times.” hockey program plans on its players getting Eligibility for the March session is only back on the blades in March. open to those who participated with the “The session will be the same as the first Lambton Junior Sting in the first two two (pre-lockdown) sessions in terms of sessions. practices and player development,” said a Alliance Hockey and the Ontario Hockey statement posted last weekend on the Junior Federation has also given teams the option Your gEnEroSITY & SupporT arE grEaTlY apprECIaTEd. Sting website. of an extended season that would run from The Sting note that any downgrading April 1 to the end of May, but the Junior of the COVID protocol colour in the Sting says a decision on such a move will community will result in changes to the come at a later date. Brigden’s Fulcher returned to Wings affiliate don’t The Independent back season after being limited to just two games with Toledo of the ECHL last season Brigden’s Kaden Fulcher is among three due to injury. forget players who have been reassigned to Grand He appeared in 30 games over the previous to check your Rapids of the by two seasons with the Walleye. The Griffins, the . 1-2 on the AHL season, complete a four- Fulcher had been on the Wings’ taxi squad game road swing with a game in Rockford expiry date since Feb. 1. During that time he did not Thursday. They host Cleveland in their see any action with the NHL squad. home opener on Saturday afternoon. It’s not The former OHL champion with the immediately known if Fulcher will see any is looking for a bounce action in either of those games. Steeves heads to Toledo to play NCCA hockey The Independent and scoring leader in the PJHL’s Stobbs Division last year. He notched 23 goals and 4 EASY WAYS TO RENEW Former Mooretown Flags star Max added 42 assists for 65 points ins 38 regular Steeves has signed with the University of season contest. Toledo for the coming season. The Sarnia native added six goals and E-Transfer In Print - 1 Year The Rockets are an NCAA Division II nine helpers for 15 points in eight playoff to: [email protected] 50 weeks of Local News school that plays in the American Collegiate encounters. with the password: renewal Hockey Association. The 21 year-old played two seasons each Steeves, a product of the Lambton Junior at the Hill Academy and in the OJHL before Over The Phone within Sting AAA organization, was the MVP landing with the Flags. $ 50 kms with your credit card 55of Petrolia Forest McGregor to raise money for Fox Foundation Call 226-738-0728 Tyler McGregor hopes to raise $25,000 for personally.” $ ONTARIO the Terry Fox Foundation when he skates 25 The captain of Canada’s national sledge Mail A Cheque 65 outside 50 km radius km. along the Blue Mountain Skating Trail hockey team is grateful that his life is one in Collingwood this Saturday. of those saved by Terry Fox’s message of mail to: 4156 Petrolia Line $ “Terry has always been an inspirational hope. Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 75 OTHER PROVINCES example of courage, hope, perseverance, “Please join me in helping honour Terry’s and selflessness, for me and so many legacy and find a cure for cancer,” added Drop It Off At The Office others,” said the Forest native in a social McGregor. media post. A link to make a donation can be found on Drop o a cheque or cash with your name “Being diagnosed with bone cancer McGregor’s Facebook page. and address in our mail slot at and losing my leg in 2010 gave his life As of Tuesday afternoon nearly $15,000 4156 Petrolia Line, beside Tim Horton’s Serving Petrolia and Central Lambton and legacy even more meaning to me had been pledged. 10 – The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton Thursday, February 18, 2021

Word Classifieds: $10 plus tax for up to 40 words Classified Deadline: Stop in at the office 9a-5p Mon-Fri Monday @ 12 noon 4156 Petrolia Line – Call 226-738-0728 Classifieds or email: [email protected] In Memory WANTED TO BUY Obituary Obituary Obituary Buying Vintage items in nice In loving memory of a condition throughout Lamb- wonderful Dad, Grandpa & Great Grandpa ton County . . . Mid-century Teak Furniture, Lamps, Hockey Cards, ARNOLD Marbles, Glassware etc. from the 1950’s - 80’s. Please call 519 882- JOHNSON 4729. who passed away eight years ago, February 18, 2013 Those we love don’t go away, Service They walk beside us every day, Bob’s Tax Service - Unseen, unheard, but always near, 256 Warwick Street, Watford, Still loved, still missed and very dear. Personal, Small Farm, Small Busi- For death leaves a heartache, Forever loved and missed Elaine, Len, Kathy, ness, Rentals, Self Employed, No one can heal, Prior Years, e-filer, Fast De- And love leaves a memory Linda and Larry and families pendable Service, Reasonable No one can steal. Rates, Call Robert Alcock for WAGNER BOGAERT McCUTCHEON Appointment - 519-876-2360. Ronald Allan Hypolitus Petrus Charles William In Memory At his home in Sarnia surrounded Hypolitus Petrus Bogaert, a It is with great sadness that we Notice by family on Thursday, February resident of Brigden, passed announce the sudden passing of a 11, 2021, Ronald Allan Wagner away peacefully at his home on husband, father and grandfather Bluewater Anglers - “Dadeo”, passed away at the age February 12, 2021, at the age of Charles William (Bill) McCutcheon PATRICIA MCLACHLAN in his 77th year at London Health Pat Regret to inform you the cancel- of 60. Beloved husband to Cathy 90. Paul was born in Lamswaarde, lation of our Annual Open House (nee Scott) for 30 years. Loving The Netherlands on March 25, Sciences Victoria Campus on Who passed away one year ago - set for March 20-21, 2021 —- due father to Rochelle Clark (Pat John- 1930. He immigrated to Ontario February 13th, 2021. Bill is February 19, 2020 to COVID 19 restrictions. son), and Michelle (Jay) Claxton. in 1951. Wallaceburg was his survived by his wife of 54 years Proud grandpa to Anthony (Sta- home until he met Joan and Judy, daughter Maureen (David), One year has passed since that sad day, cey) Clark, Tyler (Amber) Clark, moved to Brigden where they sons Darcy (Kathren) and Aaron (Shari). Loved Grandpa and Papa When one we loved was called away Notice Jordan Claxton, Jocelyn Claxton raised their family. Paul had quite (Paulo Cunha), Janessa Claxton the entrepreneurial spirit most to Caleb, Mac, Cole and Marnie. God took her home; it was His will, ADVERTISING POLICY - The and Chris Johnson and James known for Van Communications, Chosen Grandpa to Spencer, But in our hearts she lives on still. publisher of this newspaper, The Johnson and great-grandpa to and farming with family. He Celia, Reagan, Jocelyn and Taylor. Independent of Petrolia and Cen- prided himself in his large garden Bill was predeceased by his tral Lambton, reserves the right to Henry and Riley. His memory will be cherished by his mother- big enough to feed the town of parents Mac (1977) and Pauline Love your family, clarify or refuse any advertisement (2009) McCutcheon. Bill is also Clayton and Lisa, based on its sole discretion. The in-law Marie Scott. Survived by Brigden, visitors did not leave his brothers, Ed (Julie) Wagner without a basket of produce. survived by sister-in-law Jayne Tyson & Jen, Tyler, publisher reserves the right to re- Dillon, brother-in-law Jack Brown, ject, discontinue or omit any adver- and Don (Laurie) Wagner and his One of his biggest passions was Zoey & Sadie tisement without notice or penalty brothers and sisters-in-law, Gail travelling; after each trip he was nephew Jeff (April) Brown, great- XOXO to either party. Liability for errors (Walt) Horton, Jack (Shirley) Scott, already planning the next. All of nephew Edward Brown, as well or non-insertion is limited to the Terry (Steve) Zavitz, and Dona his passions can be seen and will as cousins Darryl (Gisele) Dennis, amount paid for the cost of space (Tony) Swift. He will be missed be carried on through his children, Barry Dennis and their families. In Memory occupied by the error. Claims of er- by several nieces, nephews and grandchildren and generations to He will also be missed daily by his rors must be made prior to the next cousins. He will be remembered come. He will be deeply missed faithful companion Ted. Bill lived publication date. by his life-long best friend, Fred by his family and friends. Beloved and farmed in Florence. He was In loving memory of our precious daugh- Jolly. Predeceased by his parents husband and best friend of a graduate of Ontario Agriculture ter, sister and auntie Ken and Dorothy Wagner and his Joan for 65 years. Loving father College. He took pride in the Notice sister Ruth Johnston-Wagner. The of Michael (Sucely), Kenneth multi generational family farm Kristel Leighann Lucan family would like to thank Amelda (1970), Christopher (Shelley), ... Ridge Farms. Over his lifetime who left us for heaven at the age of 5 1/2. DIY KIT from LC Library - Get he was very active in many farm We miss you .... creative at home with Lambton and Dr. Kim and the palliative Mary (Robert) Smith, Lisa (1994) So much it hurts February 22, 1987 team and Bayshore for their lov- (John) Butler and daughter-in- and community organizations. County Library. Pick up a DIY kit at He was a member of Tecumseh But when we think of the one of our participating curbside ing care. Dadeo worked at Sarnia law Judy Bogaert. Sadly missed RV as a technician for many years by his grandchildren Terra (Nolan) Sydenham Lodge #245 in Memories of us all together pickup locations to make a secret Thamesville and the Mocha We feel incredibly blessed book safe. Register by Sunday, and made lots of friends and con- Wallace, April (Adam) Brown, Bryan (Mary Beth) Bogaert, Temple Shrine in London. He to have had you at all Kristel February 21, 2021 to reserve your nections to his community. Due Kandace (Robert) Stark, Korrie was a former chair of the Ontario Never to be forgotten kit here: https://lclibrary.libnet. to COVID restrictions, a private Love Dad & Mom, service was held. Visitors were (John) Whitney, Craig Bogaert, Fruit and Vegetable Growers You are loved until forever info/event/4767782 Association. He was also former Rick Jr & Lindsey, received at the Needham-Jay Amanda (Derek) Mathews, Ashley and always in our hearts and thoughts Funeral Home, Petrolia on Tues- (Steven) Smith-Bolyantu, Eddie chair of the Asparagus Growers Brittney & Shawn and of Ontario, as well as being Gabriella Notice day, February 16, 2021. As an Butler, Sebastian, Eden, Holiday, expression of sympathy, memo- Chance, Michael and Kenneth instrumental in its inception. Sign up for the latest program rial donations may be made to St. Bogaert. He will be missed by 12 He was also a former municipal offered by the Sarnia-Lambton Joseph’s Hospice (https://www. great grandchildren and 1 great councillor for the Township of In loving memory of our special Economic Partnership! Learn- stjosephshospice.ca/). Memories great grandchild. Paul’s family: Euphemia. He was also very proud little friend 5 1/2 yr old ing for Life: Entrepreneurship and condolences may be shared Ludovicus (Regina), Gysbertus of his three children, their spouses Series (good for both new online at www.needhamjay.com (Florentina), Josephus, Richard and grandchildren of all their Eternal joy and memories. Cassie Lynn McNally and seasoned entrepreneurs)! (Berendina), Cyril, Maria (Aloysius accomplishments. Cremation Stay in our hearts forever. who left this earth for heaven https://www.sarnialambton. VanEsbroeck), Anna (Omere has taken place. A private family Cassie dear February 27, 1987 on.ca/learning-for-life-entrepre- Burm), Theodore (Irene), Ernest service will take place at a later Today, tomorrow our whole life through. neurship-series-launching-this- (Johanna), Achiel (Edith). Brother- date. Arrangements are entrusted We will never forget you winter in-law of the late Joseph and to the John C. Badder Funeral Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by Paula Burm, the late Constant and Home, Thamesville. Donations Rick & Rita, Rick Jr & Lindsey, Dianne Burm, Jean and George if desired to Children’s Health Brittney & Shawn and Gabriella Lucan Celebration Van Damme, the late Marjorie Foundation London Ontario, or the Diabetes Society would be Not all products are and Henry Laevens, Doreen and available in all provinces John Bogaart. Due to provincial appreciated. Online condolences 11 Covid-19 restrictions there and donations may be left at will be no visitation or services www.badderfuneralhome.com. Solution Dale & Donna at STEADMAN BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, BRIGDEN. A ROBINSON private family Mass will be held Notice at St. Philips Catholic Church, th Petrolia. Interment will take Living Tobacco & Vape Free - February 13 place at Bear Creek cemetery. Quitting is tough. But so are you. Sympathy may be expressed This year has been tough but let’s Happy 50th Anniversary! through donation to Parkinson’s use that strength to break bad Canada donate.parkinson.ca habits. If you smoke/vape–set (send cheque to funeral home) or a quit date, make a plan, follow charity of choice. Memories and these tips, and access resources condolences may be sent online to help. Make this year all about 50 at www.steadmanbrothers. your quit story. https://lambton- ca. Steadman Brothers, 519-864- publichealth.ca/.../quit-smoking- 1193. support.../ 11 Thursday, February 18, 2021 The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton – 11

Word Classifieds: $10 plus tax for up to 40 words Classified Deadline: Stop in at the office 9a-5p Mon-Fri Monday @ 12 noon 4156 Petrolia Line – Call 226-738-0728 Classifieds or email: [email protected] Real Estate 11 Sunset Ave. COVID-19 WATFORD Attractive, desirable, home, move in SOCIAL DISTANCING ready! This brick bungalow has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, main oor laundry, MAINTAIN A DISTANCE galley kitchen, separate dining area, master bedroom has a walk-in closet. OF AT LEAST 6 FEET The spacious lower level has just been (2 METERS) FROM totally renovated, ready for family OTHERS & remember to entertaining and children's play area. Front porch to enjoy sunsets together. WEAR YOUR MASK! $ Walking distance to all amenities. 459,900 MLS#21001390 Call for Details! SHANAHAN REALTY INC. BROKERAGE 7963 Egremont Road, Watford • 519.849.6783 www.shanhanrealty.com Leo Shanahan Sales Representative Direct: 519-878-5981 • [email protected] • Fax-519.849.6683

Coming Event Science Fair Open to students Grades 3-12 Judging April 9&102021 Virtual Event For information and to register Christ Anglican Church St. Andrew’s www.lambtoncountysciencefair.ca 414 Oil Street, Petrolia Registration Closes March 26th. Presbyterian Church 416 Queen Street, Petrolia We are closed due to the (Behind the Post Office) In this time of Social distancing provincial lock-down. we invite you to join a virtual Death Notices congregation and watch the Sunday February 6 - February 12, 2021 morning worship at St. Andrew’s. Rev. Michelle Collins-Wongkee 10am Service - Live SATURDAY, February 6 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Church Office 519-882-1430 BEAULIEU, Tony MACDONALD, Patricia [email protected] www.standrews-petrolia.ca Age 63, of Petrolia Age 80, of Sarnia Needham-Jay Funeral Home Smith Funeral Home HUME, Murray CASSELMAN, Helen Age 68, of Sarnia Age 89, of Sarnia Smith Funeral Home Smith Funeral Home First Baptist Church CARTER, Bonita SMEEKENS, Cornelius St. Paul’s United Church 418 Greenfield Street, Petrolia Wyoming United Church Age 78, of Sarnia “Case” 4169 Petrolia Line at Centre Street 730 Second Street, Wyoming McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home Age 97, of Forest Denning’s of Forest WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 In-person services have been Via ZOOM In-person services suspended until end TETREAULT, Mavrice THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 suspended until the end of the Age 60, of Sarnia WAGNER, Ronald provincial lock-down. Sunday Mornings 10:30am of provincial lock-down. Join us for on- Smith Funeral Home Age 60, of Sarnia line worship in January. KRAAK, Cornelua Needham-Jay Funeral Home Pastor: Alex Craig Age 101, of Sarnia BOYLE, Kenneth 10:30am Service Church Office 519-882-2480 Smith Funeral Home Age 78, of Sarnia email: [email protected] Smith Funeral Home Rev. Carey Wagner www.firstbaptistpetrolia.ca Church Office 519-845-3963 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Church Office: 519-882-1390 GIFFIN, Elizabeth JAREMEK, Feliksa stpaulsunitedpetrolia.net Find us on Facebook! 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WYRZYKOWSKI, Steadman Funeral Chapel Hildegarde This information is provided as a community service. Call and find out more Age 90, of Sarnia For detailed information, please refer to the funeral McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home home website listing. 226-738-0728 12 – The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton Thursday, February 18, 2021 Shotgun search raises questions about police searches Alex Kurial why the OPP were called to the days of trial and evidence Super snowman Local Journalism Initiative residence in the first place,” she about the nature and extent to says. which police were lawfully The discovery of an “The OPP were called to the searching.” Enniskillen man’s sawed off residence for an overdose call, “The circumstances were shotgun prompted concerns and then engaged in what the somewhat extraordinary, and about when police can defense submits is an improper your household called for justifiably investigate people at investigation into running assistance because of a life the scene of a drug overdose. license plates of vehicles on the and death overdose situation, Jonathan Clark, 27, was property.” and thankfully that person sentenced to a year in jail after Donohue says this could has survived. But that is what pleading guilty to illegally set a dangerous precedent. “I launched the steps that were possessing a sawed-off shotgun. want to make it very clear that taken that allowed the police to Clark is already serving an 18 this sentence does not have a retrieve this item,” says Austin. month sentence after pleading chilling effect on persons that However, Austin concluded guilty in December to several are calling in overdose calls in by telling Clark “You have, in assault charges and uttering the future.” entering your plea, abandoned death threats. Donohue wants to ensure any Charter application, The incident took place nearly that “persons who are calling abandoned raising those issues, two years ago on a March in overdose calls in this and have acknowledged the afternoon. Police were called jurisdiction can rest assured that truth of what was going on to a home on Aberfeldy Line the police will not investigate with respect to that firearm, and in Enniskillen for an overdose. unrelated occurrences on the acknowledging your guilt.” Emergency services were able property. They’re there to make “I’m very sorry for my to reverse the overdose effects sure the safety and welfare of actions. I’m very happy that the and save the patient. the persons involved is upheld.” person that was overdosing is When police initially arrived Crown Attorney Sarah still alive. I hope I never have at the scene, they found Clark Carmody says OPP officers to go through anything like and another person in a car on were well within their rights to that again,” says Clark before the front lawn. investigate the vehicle and its sentencing was finalized. Officers ran the plates and occupants. “I’ve been working on my found the car was stolen, and “It was within plain view, addictions, and I try to just do the pair were arrested. and the police running that the best that I can and turn my

A search warrant was granted license plate was a perfectly life around.” HEATHER WRIGHT PHOTO for Clark’s house where several appropriate use of their power Donohue says after Clark is Krista Brand gives The Hulk a snowy hug at her Petrolia home Tuesday. stolen items were found. Most as to why they were called to released he’s looking forward She entered the green superhero in the Petrolia Snow Sculpture Contest. notably was the 12-gauge the property.” to “moving completely away Brand worked on the project three days, before the big snowfall, bringing sawed-off shotgun with the Justice Deborah Austin from any past association he buckets of snow over to shape into The Hulk. Family members and some serial number ground off. acknowledged had the case has had with the local drug neighbourhood children helped her put the finishing touches on Sunday. Defense Lawyer Sarah gone to trial, the nature of subculture, as well as some Donohue says Clark should not the search may have been inappropriate associations in have been investigated at all contested. “There were triable this jurisdiction.” that day. issues in this case, and you have Clark also received a 10 year FORM 6 “This was an investigation heard a very brief argument firearms ban, must submit a Sale of Land By Public Tender that was entered into from the crown and defense of DNA order, and must forfeit the Municipal Act, 2001 independently of the reason what would have been several shotgun. Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER First round of COVID-19 vaccine complete in LTC THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF PETROLIA Heather Wright and hospitals. The Independent Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will The first vaccines went to COVID-19 hotspots be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on March 10, 2021, at the Petrolia Municipal Office, 411 in the province including Toronto, Windsor and Greenfield Street, Petrolia Ontario. Lambton Public Health says every senior Ottawa. At the time, Lambton was at the height The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. in long term care in the county who wanted a of it’s second wave and some local politicians at the Petrolia Municipal Office, 411 Greenfield Street, Petrolia. COVID-19 vaccine has now had the first dose. – including Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey – Public health says it completed the vaccinations pleaded with the government to start sending the Description of Land: of every resident of long term care and high risk vaccine here. By Jan. 20, only 20 per cent of long Roll No. 38 19 000 080 15200 0000; 4317 Discovery Line, Petrolia; PIN 43329-0100(R); Part retirement homes in Lambton and at elder care term care residents had received the first dose of of Lots 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 Registered Plan 26 (PA), Town of Petrolia, County of Lambton, facilities in Aamjiwnaang, Kettle and Stony Point the vaccine. designated Parts 3, 4 and 5 Plan 25R-6964; File No. 18-09 and Walpole Island First Nations Friday . Then the federal government’s supplies According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $83,000 “We have established an efficient process and dwindled when drug makers delayed delivery. Minimum tender amount: $35,148.82 look forward to receiving more doses of the The Ford government decided on Jan. 24 only the Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of vaccine, so we can continue to protect our most province’s 75,000 long term care residents should at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified vulnerable residents with their second dose,” said be vaccinated. Lambton still had not been given cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality. Dr. Sudit Ranade, Medical Officer of Health for any vaccines. Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, Lambton County in a news release. Lambton received its first vaccines – 500 doses crown interests, or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility The news came three days after a provincial – the next day. On Jan. 26, Valerie Verberg in for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. Any interests of goal of having all long term residents receive Trillium Villa Nursing Home became the first the Federal or Provincial Crown encumbering the land at the time of the tax sale will continue to encumber the land after the registration of the tax deed. The assessed value their first dose of the vaccine by Feb. 10. person to receive the Moderna vaccine. according to the last returned assessment roll may or may not be representative of the current Meantime, the Minister of Long Term Care sent By then, the three long term care and retirement market value of the property. out a news release Thursday saying the province homes were in the middle of the worst outbreaks had reached its deadline to vaccinate all residents of the second wave in Lambton. They all started This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus of long term care. Premier Doug Ford, in a radio after the first vaccines arrived in the province. accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST. interview with CHOK Thursday, said he’d been Eight people would die of COVID-19 at Twin told Lambton’s vaccinations were complete when Lakes Terrace, Village on the St. Clair and The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser. there were still well at least 150 more residents Vision Rest Home. All but one of the residents of A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of to be reached. It was reported as many as 9,000 Vision’s rest home tested positive for COVID-19. Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. seniors across Ontario still had not been offered All three homes are still in outbreak. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by It took until Feb. 5 for the next round of contact: Thursday. vaccines to arrive in Lambton – 600 in all. Rick Charlebois The province has faced criticism of the first Ranade said public health revised who would CAO/Treasurer phase of its vaccine roll out. Ontario started get the vaccines – just long term care homes and The Corporation of the Town of Petrolia receiving the much sought after vaccine in mid those in high risk retirement homes, older homes 411 Greenfield Street December. At the time, long term care residents or those attached to long term care. Petrolia ON N0N 1R0 – the most vulnerable to COVID-19 – were Friday, residents of Vision Nursing Home 519-882-2350 Ext. 225 among a group of receiving the vaccine which received the vaccine. They were among the last in [email protected] included health care workers in long term care the province to receive it. www.town.petrolia.on.ca