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FRONT PAGE NEWS

Agricultural Hall of Fame inducts four new members

The Class of 2026 for the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame included (from left): Alyssa Thibodeau & Cole McLean (representing the late Walter McLean), Leo Guilbeault, Neil McBeth and Rochelle Deslippe. They were inducted last Thursday night at a ceremony held at the Harrow Agricultural Exhibition Hall. Four new members have been inducted into the Essex County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Rochelle Deslippe, Leo Guilbeault, Neil McBeth and Walter McLean were honoured last T

3 hours ago

Town gets $838,000 for Howard Industrial Park development

The Town of Amherstburg received $838,000 from the province’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) with the announcement being Monday morning. From left: Councillor Linden Crain, Councillor Don McArthur, Councillor Diane Pouget, Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb, Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, Deputy CAO/director of development services Melissa Osborne and CAO Valerie Critchley The Town of Amherstburg got $838,000 in provincial money for industrial development and made some history in

Mar 31

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LOCAL NEWS

Good Friday procession marches through Amherstburg

Participants in this year's Good Friday procession gather for a group photo outside of St. John the Baptist Church last Friday morning. The annual tradition started inside the church The annual Good Friday procession, otherwise known as the Way of the Cross, wound its way through the downtown core of Amherstburg the morning of April 3. The procession was presented by St. John the Baptist Church, with it being a long-standing project of the church’s Italian community. After a

3 hours ago

Passions People & Possibilities Fair scheduled for Windsor this Saturday

Passions, People & Possibilities (PPP) Fair is this Saturday in Windsor. The Windsor-Essex Family Network (WEFN) indicates an event they are planning was originally geared towards those with disabilities, but now the scope has expanded to anyone feeling alone and disconnected. The first-ever Passions, People & Possibilities (PPP) Fair is this Saturday in Windsor and features not only services and vendors from Windsor, but Essex County as well. It runs April 11 from 10 a.m.-2:

3 hours ago

Community services officer warns against scams to seniors & others

Const. Nick Dupuis spoke recently at ACS about fraud and scam awareness for seniors and other community members. A seniors luncheon at Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) also served as an attempt to take a bite out of crime. Const. Nick Dupuis, community services officer with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment, was at ACS recently and outlined a series of scams that have been used to take the money and identities of seniors, but people of all ages as well.

3 hours ago

Promotions & donations part of cadets’ Commanding Officer’s parade

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. president Shawn Wilkie (left) presents a $5,000 cheque to the 202nd Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps last Wednesday. It was an important night for the 202nd Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps last Wednesday. The 202 Fort Malden RCACC trains out of North Star High School in Amherstburg and the evening included promotions, awards and a donation. The evening also featured the Commanding O

3 hours ago

World Autism Day flag raised at town hall

A World Autism Day flag was raised at town hall last Thursday morning. World Autism Day was observed last week in Amherstburg. Members of the local chapter of Autism Ontario were at the Amherstburg Municipal Building last Thursday morning along with members of town council. Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb noted last Thursday, April 2, was World Autism Day and the flag raising was done in support of those on the autism spectrum and their families. That included families both in the Am

3 hours ago

Volunteer Recruitment Fair returns to Amherstburg Community Services

Chantell Rossi and Tony DeSantis from Community Living Essex County were representing one of the 18 groups at last Thursday evening's volunteer recruitment fair in the community room at ACS. Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 was represented by (seated, from left): president Shawn Wilkie, Terri Wilkie, Rita Jariett and (back row, standing) James Jariett. Organizations from Amherstburg, Essex County and Windsor were among those in the community room at Amherstburg Commu

Mar 31

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ARTS & CULTURE

“Resiliency” exhibit unveiled at the Park House Museum

Park House Museum curator Kat Bezaire gestures as she speaks about the new “Resiliency” exhibit on the museum’s second floor. The new exhibit was officially unveiled last Wednesday morning and features the work of three Indigenous artists. A new exhibit honouring the Indigenous community is now open at the Park House Museum. The grand opening of “Resiliency” was unveiled last Wednesday morning at the museum’s Indigenous History Learning Gallery. Park House curator Kat Bezaire

3 hours ago

Amherstburg poet releasing book for Poetry Month

Kathryn MacDonald has written a new book of poetry entitled “The Blue Gate.” National Poetry Month is coming up in April and an Amherstburg poet is releasing a new book just in time for it. “The Blue Gate” is coming out next month with the book launch being April 26. Kathryn MacDonald wrote the poems featured in the upcoming release and said the book explores the “surprise of love, the shock of loss and challenges boundaries and liminal spaces.” It is being released by Front

3 hours ago

Area author debuts new fantasy-themed book

Elly Blake signs a copy of her new book “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter.” A new fantasy-themed book was released at a recent book launch and signing event. Elly Blake’s latest book “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter” is the second in her “Thirstwood” series. The first book in the current series is “The Forest King’s Daughter” but “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter” was the book that was the subject of the most recent launch. “I wrote a trilogy a few years ago,” Blake said in reference to h

3 hours ago

Rain or Shine

Skate Amherstburg presented its 53rd annual ice show March 29 at the Libro Centre with this year’s theme being “Rain or Shine.” Skaters of all ages showed their skills individually, in pairs or groups during the two-hour show. The guest skater was Jake Ellis, a two-time recipient of the Windsor-Essex County sports person of the year award. He won the 2024 Toller Cranston award for creativity and freedom of expression. More photos are on our social media pages. Rain or Shine

Mar 31

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SPORTS

Wolves girls soccer team settles for 3-3 tie with Essex

North Star’s Aria Pare (left) controls the ball during the Wolves game against the Essex Red Raiders April 1 at the Libro Centre. The Wolves battled Essex to a 3-3 tie. The North Star Wolves girls soccer team battled hard in their first game and came away with a tie. The Wolves hosted the Essex Red Raiders last Wednesday afternoon at the Libro Centre, with the April Fool’s Day weather being no joke as there were cold temperatures and blustery conditions. The Wolves also battl

3 hours ago

North Star boys soccer team loses its opening game of the season

North Star’s Max Ricciuti (right) celebrates after scoring a first half goal against the Erie Migration Coyotes April 2 at the Libro Centre. Erie Migration went on to win the game 3-1. The North Star Wolves boys soccer team opened the 2026 WECSSAA “A/AA” boys soccer season with a result they didn’t really want. The Wolves hosted the Erie Migration Coyotes last Thursday afternoon at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg. The Coyotes earned the 3-1 victory. Erie Migration took a 1-0

3 hours ago

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Article on doctor issue should have included more on specific incentives

Re: Attracting doctors, clinics discussed at town council in March 11 edition Here is a list of effective strategies I’ve heard other municipalities use to attract doctors. •Financial incentives such as large, upfront payments or signing bonuses, relocation expenses, student loan repayment and guaranteed income for the first few years. This may seem extravagant, but the return on investment will be significantly greater to the town than paying anything to do with street festi

Mar 24

Local resident gives his ideas to re-name Gordie Howe International Bridge

Now that Trump has raised the issue of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge, it might be worthwhile to suggest that the bridge be renamed the Ojibway Bridge because it sits on traditional Ojibway land next to two Ojibway parks, the Ojibway National Urban Park and Ojibway Industrial Park in Windsor, and passes by the Ojibway Parkway. Prime Minister Harper, a hockey fan, named the bridge on a whim but Howe never played in Canada, only for Detroit, Houston and Hartford, and there is alre

Mar 17

McGregor can be a “crown jewel” for the Town of Amherstburg

Since the amalgamation of Anderdon by Amherstburg, McGregor has been often overlooked. It gives us a competitive advantage. The new expanded Howard Ave. Industrial Park with easy access to a major transportation route, benefits industrial and residential growth. Amherstburg will benefit greatly in various ways. The proposed decommission of the wastewater lagoons currently under environmental study does not go far enough. It proposes on-site wastewater treatment with limite

Mar 17

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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

Obituary - Ronald James Amlin

Ronald James Amlin Ronald James Amlin was surrounded by his loving family when he passed peacefully into the arms of his Saviour on Friday March 6, 2026 at the age of 82. Ron was the beloved husband of Mary Kay (nee MacFarlane). He was the loving father of Jeff Amlin and his wife Joy, Sheri Rilett and her husband Jamie, Sara Russell and her husband Andrew, Steven Amlin and his wife Brittany. Ron was the cherished grandfather of Nick (Haley), Natalie, Ethan, Madison, Avery, C

Obituary - Beetham, Beverly Ann, (Nee Bean)

Beetham, Beverly Ann, (Nee Bean) Passed away February 27, 2026, at the Village of St. Clair with her sister Evelyn Wightman, her daughter Deborah and the compassionate staff of The Village of St. Clair at her side. Predeceased by her soulmate of 62 years Everett Stanley Beetham (2015), and her beloved daughter Cheryl Wietecha (2019) (Martin Wietecha – surviving spouse and favourite son-in-law). She will be dearly missed by her Daughter Deborah Lynn, her son Steven Everett (Li