Ontario “committed’ to building power plant in Courtright
The publisher of The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton has purchased a historic Chatham-Kent newspaper.
The Thamesville Herald was founded in 1886 and most recently was owned and operated by Allison Humphrey. Heather Wright purchased the community newspaper with a circulation of about 900 in late June. The sale was finalized today (July 28).
Wright plans to expand the coverage area of The Herald to include the communities of Dresden and Bothwell which have been without their own community weekly for several years.
Wright is familiar with the area. She covered Chatham-Kent for a decade and lived in Dresden for much of that time.
“I am very excited to be able to tell the stories of these communities. While the people of Thamesville have seen their stories in their own community newspaper, it has been some time since Dresden and Bothwell have, and many people have already told me how excited they are to have their own community newspaper again,” says Wright.
“It’s also a pleasure for me to continue the great tradition of this 130 year old newspaper.”
The first edition of the renewed Herald will hit the streets of Thamesville, Bothwell and Dresden Aug. 17.
Front Page
Ontario “committed’ to building power plant in Courtright
August 25, 2026
Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative Ontario’s Energy Minister says the province is committed to building a power plant at the site of the former Lambton Generating Station. Stephen Lecce and Associate Energy Minister Sam Oosterhoff were in Courtright Tuesday. The pair stood with their backs to the St. Clair River and nearby St. Clair Township, touting the project as “tariff proof”
Read More
Front Page
Looking for cash to fix Alvinston bridge
August 25, 2026
The Independent Brooke-Alvinston is going to look at a way to fund improvements to the Cameron Road Bridge. The bridge, according to engineers, is in need of between $1.25 million and $2 million in repairs. If the repairs could not be done, the engineers said it should be closed. Neighbours around the bridge pleaded with council July 23 to fix
Read More
Front Page
Tecumseh Pool’s legendary Mimi celebrated
August 24, 2026
Cathy Dobson/The Independent Some people and places are so special, their impact never diminishes. For Dan Miller, Mimi (Mary) Ettinger is that person and Sarnia’s Tecumseh Park is that place. Miller, now 31, was one of a group of little kids in Ettinger’s daycare who walked behind her little red wagon every summer day as she took them to Tecumseh
Read More
Front Page
Historic operating budget for Sarnia police approved
August 24, 2026
Cathy Dobson/The Independent Hours after the Sarnia Police Services board debated how to budget for major building repairs, the Ministry of Labour ordered the removal and reconstruction of the large staircase at the 39-year-old station’s front entrance. The timing was purely coincidental, says board chair Kelly Ash. Yellow caution tape now surrounds the stairs outside Sarnia Police headquarters and the
Read More