Remuneration for members of Essex County council and its committee members for 2025 has been released. The annual report, which county director of financial services/treasurer Melissa Ryan states fulfills the requirements of the Municipal Act, details all forms of remuneration from salaries, conference expenses, mileage and more. “Base salaries for the warden, deputy warden, councillors, and alternate members are adjusted annually in line with the percentage increase approved

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi, seen here making a funding announcement in Amherstburg March 30, 2026, is promoting the new Ontario budget that came out March 26, 2026. The Ontario budget was presented last week and the PC MPP for the riding of Essex is promoting it. Essex MPP Anthony Leardi is touting the provincial budget as one that is good for Ontarians and for the riding. The budget was released last Thursday and Leardi stated it will be good for people’s wallets. “There are n

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,

Students from North Star High School in Amherstburg took home first and second place at the University of Windsor High School Design competition held March 23. The first place team was (back row, from left): June Buchner, Sophie Rivait, Violet McArthur and Chloe Pukay. The second place team was (front row, from left): Elijah Horton, Aarush Malbari, Joshua Heber and Caleb McLennan. Two teams of physics students from North Star High School represented their school well at the U

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

Amanda Gray and John Bianchi perform at auditions held March 29 at Musicland. Visitors to Amherstburg’s Open Air Weekends will be pleased to know that the musical talent this year will once again be exceptional. Musicland hosted auditions last Sunday afternoon and a steady stream of talent made its way through the doors. Among the hopefuls looking for a spot on the outdoor stage were a couple of familiar faces - Jenna Ward and Liam Pangilinan. In front of the judges who will

Villanova forward Liam MacDonald just missed during the semi-finals. Villanova captured the bronze medal in the OFSAA “AAA” boys hockey tournament, played in LaSalle and Amherstburg last week. It may not have been the medal they were hoping for, but the St. Thomas of Villanova boys hockey team can say they are one of the best teams in the province. Last week at the Vollmer Recreation Centre in LaSalle, the Wildcats doubled Father Brescani of Vaughan 4-2 to win the bronze meda

Curtis Realba of the Fighting Island Boxing Club (left) won his second national title recently in Calgary. Teammate Dawson Woltz-Raby (right) also fought at the nationals. Two fighters from Amherstburg’s Fighting Island Boxing Show headed to Calgary in mid-March and one of them repeated as a national champion. Curtis Realba is now a two-time national champion and said the trip to Calgary was a good experience overall. “I won both my fights by unanimous decision,” said Realba.