FRONT PAGE NEWS

Kids Curing Cancer raises over $48k in final year

Both of this year’s recipients were joined by the Baillargeon family and Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery co-owner Steve Mitchell to display KCC’s 13-year total. Kids Curing Cancer (KCC) has gone out with a bang. In what was KCC’s 13 th and final year, this year’s campaign raised $48,452.30 with cheque presentations taking place late last Friday afternoon at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. The money will be split between the Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) and the Winds

18 hours ago

Town moving ahead in heritage designation process for GAHS site

Town council has voted to go down the heritage designation route for the former General Amherst High School. Town council has voted to go down the heritage designation route for the former General Amherst High School. The building, located at 130 Sandwich St. S., is proposed to be transformed by the Valente Development Corporation into a residential and commercial site, including eight and 11-storey towers. Despite a vow from owner Peter Valente to recreate the southern facad

Apr 14

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LOCAL NEWS

Lots to choose from at “Books & Brews” event for Marsh Historical Collection

Meg Reiner (right) of the Marsh Historical Collection, helped Marija Argoselo pick out some books. Fiction, non-fiction, gardening, cooking, mystery – books on everything and anything were available this past weekend at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. It was the second annual “Books and Brews” sale with all proceeds going to the Marsh Historical Collection. “A lot of people came out last time and it’s a great partnership with G.L. Heritage. We are looking to do this again,” said Ma

19 hours ago

“Laugh Your Socks Off!” fundraiser in McGregor helps out SACU

Leo Dufour (left), Keith Lenart (centre) and Jonny P (right) were the comedians at Saturday night’s “Laugh Your Socks Off!” fundraiser for SACU. Laughter in McGregor will turn into support for children in Africa thanks to a fundraiser held over the weekend. The “Laugh Your Socks Off!” dinner and comedy show was held last Saturday night with proceeds going to Save African Child Uganda (SACU). Roughly 124 people attended the April 18 show at the Columbian Club in McGregor, head

19 hours ago

Public enjoys visiting Clydesdales

Brantley Essery-Ouellette was excited to visit the farm. Wismer Clydes held an open house last Sunday afternoon. In 1979, Gerald Wismer and his wife Barbara brought their first Clydesdale horse to their Amherstburg farm Cedar Lane Farm. Through a lot of hard work, his love of the gentle giants was passed down to two generations and now the Wismer Clydesdales are world renowned and the legacy and tradition continues. “It was his passion, he loved horses,” said Barbara, outside

Apr 14

Chili cookoff held by Order of the Eastern Star

Eight chili recipes were served to the crowd at a chili cookoff held at Thistle Masonic Lodge #34 on Murray St. April 11. It was presented by the Order of the Eastern Star - Erie Chapter No. 19. A chili cookoff returned to town this week all with a charitable twist. The Order of the Eastern Star – Erie Chapter No. 19 out of Essex, which includes several members from Amherstburg, met at Thistle Masonic Lodge #34 on Murray St. in Amherstburg last Saturday night for the fourth a

Apr 14

Heritage committee hears plans to restore Richmond St building

Restoration work is being proposed to the building at 79 Richmond St. The Amherstburg heritage committee discussed the matter April 9. The Amherstburg heritage committee has endorsed a heritage alteration permit for the building at 79 Richmond St. The building, which currently houses a dental office on the first of two floors, will see its masonry cleaned using a “Heritage Restore” cleaning product, removal of damaged mortar and replacement with a specified “Type O” mortar,

Apr 14

Long-time CLEC employee heads into retirement

Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with Community Living Essex County, retired April 10 after a 24-year career with the agency. A long-time employee of Community Living Essex County (CLEC) has retired and his colleagues gathered to pay tribute to him. Tony DeSantis, the agency’s manager of community relations and resource development, retired April 10 and a boardroom packed with family, friends and colleagues gave him a send-off. Tributes c

Apr 14

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ARTS & CULTURE

Canadian-themed art exhibit unveiled

The Local Collective Art Project unveiled its “O Canada” exhibit April 18 at The O, located within Hotel STRY. It will be displayed for the next two weeks. Artists within the Local Collective Art Project have put their patriotism on display. The “O Canada” exhibit and festival was held last Saturday afternoon at The O, the bar and restaurant within Hotel STRY. The local group of artists that comprise the collection will have their work exhibited for roughly two weeks, startin

18 hours ago

"Jane's Walks" returning to Amherstburg

Amherstburg events are scheduled for April 23 and April 25

5 days ago

New book capturing Amherstburg through photos officially released

Marty Gervais shows photos he took while creating his new book “Amherstburg: Picture a River Town.” A book launch was held April 9 at the River Bookshop. A new book featuring mainly photography and prose has shone a light on Amherstburg. Retired journalist and Poet Laureate Emeritus Marty Gervais has produced “Amherstburg: Picture a River Town” with the book launch being last Thursday night at the River Bookshop. The book was done in partnership with Gervais’ Black Moss Press

Apr 14

Local artists featured in latest Gibson Gallery exhibit

Artists of Art-Create-Learn were at the Gibson Gallery last Sunday. Strolling along a beach could be considered relaxing for some people, but for Amherstburg’s Katherine Roth, it’s a chance to find what just might be a piece of art. On Sunday afternoon, Roth was one of several area artists that featured their work at the Gibson Gallery’s new exhibit “Artists of Art-Create-Learn.” There were many paintings displayed but Roth’s “Driftwood Sculpture” was the only sculpture in t

Apr 14

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SPORTS

LEMHA holds year-end banquet for travel players

Teams that advanced to the OMHA championships were recognized at last Thursday night’s Lake Erie Minor Hockey travel banquet. That included the U11B team, pictured here. The first travel hockey season under the new Lake Erie Minor Hockey Association (LEMHA) is over and it was time for some awards. LEMHA held its travel hockey banquet last Thursday night at the Libro Centre, with it being the first travel banquet as part of the new association. The 2025-26 minor hockey season

19 hours ago

Amherstburg and Essex fire departments suit up for charity hockey game

Amherstburg captain Corey Beaulieu (centre) goes after a loose puck during the third period of Friday’s game. A good game, for a good cause in front of a very good crowd. The Amherstburg Fire Department hung on to beat their firefighting counterparts from Essex 10-8 in a well-attended charity hockey game April 17 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex. Admission to the game was non-perishable goods which were donated to the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and the Essex Fo

19 hours ago

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Resident suggests formal policy distinguishing a “want” versus need”

Based on past financial decisions made by council, our taxes, water and sewage rates continues to escalate well beyond what is considered normal for municipalities of our size in the County of Essex. Sooner than later, it will become more difficult to promote our town to new and existing industries and business as an affordable place to locate to. Currently, our town’s total taxable assessment base is the second lowest of all municipalities in the County of Essex and our tax

18 hours ago

A few thoughts on some recent news and some “growth” at home

Count me among those who want to see the Valente Development Corporation be able to transform the former General Amherst High School into a residential and commercial showpiece for our community sooner rather than later. With town council making the decision via 4-3 vote to go forward with a notice to intent to designate the property, I am hopeful that the town and the Valente Development Corporation can come to an agreement as quickly as possible on the items relating to her

18 hours ago

Homeowner near former high school doesn’t see it as heritage site

This letter is about the future of General Amherst. Having lived on North St. for 74 years, since I was five, I would like to state some facts. In the 1950’s, there were additions. Then, in the 60’s, the gym on Laird and also additions on the east side were added. Also in the 1960’s, the tech wing was added to the north. I can’t see where this school is of heritage status. This school is not like Kennedy or W.D. Lowe in Windsor. These schools are in original condition, not wi

18 hours ago

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Obituary - Klein-Lebbink, Ada Jessie (née Wild)

Klein-Lebbink, Ada Jessie (née Wild) In loving memory of Jessie Klein-Lebbink who passed away peacefully in her 98th year on Tuesday 14 April 2026. Beloved mother, school librarian, and teacher. She originally came to Canada from the UK in 1954, where she married and had 3 children. She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Betty) Klein-Lebbink (Jerome Scott), Christine (Tina) Klein- Lebbink (Bruce Payette), and Gordon Klein-Lebbink. She taught for over 40 years at various

Obituary - Renee Marie Therese Dupont (nee Bernier)

Renee Marie Therese Dupont (nee Bernier) June 10, 1930 - March 19, 2026 Dupont, Renee Marie Therese (nee Bernier) passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 in Amherstburg, ON surrounded by family at 95 years of age. Reunited with her beloved husband John (2017) of 65 years. Loving mother of Danielle, Marc, the late Gilles (1974), Pierre, Louis (Nathalie Gaudreau), Jose (Theresa Whelan), and Paul (Roxana Mavai). Beloved Grandmaman of Natalie, Alberto, Marc Alexandre, Katherine

Obituary - James Bastien

James Bastien In his 91st year, surrounded by family, James Michael Bastien, moved into his heavenly home, where carpenters Jesus, Joseph, Jim’s Father Herman, Brother’s Pat, Gordon, Ferman, Joe, Bob, and Mac, made certain Jim’s room was ready… EVERYTHING Square, and the precision finishing touches, ALL passed their final inspection. Jim was born to Irene and Herman Bastien, September 21, 1935. Predeceased by his parents and siblings Patrick (Louise) Bastien, Gordon Bastien,

Obituary - Carol Ann Pillon

Carol Ann Pillon 1949 - 2026 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carol Pillon on March 25th, 2026, at the age of 76, after a six-year-long battle with cancer. Carol was born June 16, 1949, to parents Walter and Ida Bebbington. She is the daughter-in-law of Russell and Margaret Pillon. She will be forever missed and loved by her family. Carol is the wife of Robert Pillon and a mother to Jodi (Geoff), Jeffrey (Steph) and Janice (Kelly). Gramma to Craig,

Obituary - LaFramboise, Paul

Laframboise, Paul Passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Mary Anne. Loving father of Bret and Beth (Matt Brennan). Cherished Pepe of Daniel, Brandon, Amanda, Nicholas and Kaylee. Great grandfather of Theodore. Paul will be dearly missed by his siblings Joan (late George) Strang, Janet (Michael) Hakem, late Leroy, Yvonne (Alan) Stewart, Bernadette (Gary Craigen), Roland, and a host of nieces and nephews. Cremation and private family s

Obituary - Elizabeth Mickle (Semande)

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Elizabeth Mickle (Semande) at the age of 73. Loving Wife of the late James (Jim) Mickle. Loving Mother of Tj & Julie, Brandin, Mike, Glen & Monique. Also Survived by her stepchildren James & the late Tracye, Jeff & Ruth, Joey & Roberta, Jeremy & Tina, Jody Beaudette & the late Craig, Janice Taylor & Jason. Dear Grandmother of 22 and Great Grandmother of nine. Beloved Daughter of the late Remi Semande and the la