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The Independent wins provincial honours

April 18, 2023

For the fourth time in five years, The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton has been named the top small newspaper in the province.
The Ontario Community Newspaper Association handed out its 2022 awards Friday and The Independent was named the Best Newspaper among those with circulation under 2,000.
The judges praised The Independent’s “extensive coverage, strong photography, clean design and effective advertising…providing the people the information they need about their community.”
The Independent also placed second in Sports Photography for Heather Wright’s photo at the Alvinston Pro Rodeo and third for a story about racism in hockey in the Sports and Recreation category.
“We’re excited to be recognized again for the work we love to do,” says Publisher Heather Wright.

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York1 letter asks Dresden residents for comments on scaled-back landfill plan

August 10, 2026

Activist says the letter raises more questions than answers Heather Wright/The Independent York1 Environmental Waste Solutions is looking for input on its new plan for the former Dresden dump. But the company is only asking residents in Dresden and they have very little time to have their say. Dresden residents are receiving an envelope in the mail addressed “current occupant”

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Man airlifted to London hospital after St. Clair Township accident

August 9, 2026

The Independent Lambton OPP say one man has life-threatening injuries after a crash on the St. Clair Parkway in Port Lambton. Saturday, around 8:30 pm, OPP, firefighters and paramedics were called to the St. Clair Parkway between West French Line and West Holt line for a motorcycle crash. Air Ornge was called in to take the 57-year-old man to Victoria

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One corny weekend in Watford

August 9, 2026

Blake Ellis/The Independent It was all about the corn in Watford for Cornfest over the weekend. The Kids’ Parade kicked off the events Friday as youngsters decorated their bikes and wagons, assembling at the elementary school to the East Lambton Community Centre grounds. Sunday, the car show was one of the events on the grounds keeping people entertained. But above

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Full steam ahead at the Western Ontario Steam Threshers’ show

August 9, 2026

Blake Ellis/The Independent Rain threatened the fun Saturday, but it was full steam head at the Western Ontario Steam Threshers 69th annual show over the weekend. Saturday morning rain threatened to spoil the evening tractor pull, but after a hour delay, the pull went ahead. The weather was beautiful Sunday drawing hundreds to the Forest Fairgrounds. The Parade of Power

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