Mosquitoes in Wyoming, Sarnia test positive for West Nile Virus

August 21, 2023

Lambton Public Health has found mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in both Wyoming and Sarnia.

Officials say the data collected Aug. 16 are resulted in the first positive cases of the virus in Lambton this year.

There have been no human cases of the virus yet. Public Health Ontario says there have been two West Nile Virus cases reported in humans so far this year.

Most people infected after being bitten by a mosquito with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do usually have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash, or muscle aches.

Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill.

Public health says to avoid being bit, use bug spray with DEET, wear long sleeves and pants and to keep mosquitoes from breeding at your home, remove as much standing water as possible.

United Way sets $1.4M campaign target as need for services grows

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Petrolia for cash in second round of housing funding

September 16, 2024

Heather Wright/The Independent Petrolia is hoping the second time will be a charm. The town will again apply for the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. The federal program was announced early in 2024 and early this summer Petrolia and Plympton-Wyoming and Warwick were shut out of funding which would have allowed the municipalities to attract more affordable housing investment in

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Town may recognize Petrolia White Rose Band with plaque

September 16, 2024

Heather Wright/The Independent Norm Sutherland wants Petrolia to honour its musical history. He’s written a letter to town council asking if it will consider erecting a plaque at the new bandshell, built as a legacy project during the town’s 150th anniversary. “Mr. Percie Cox, musical director of the Petrolia White Rose Band and teacher of almost all of the youngsters

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Lambton wants tighter rules for vape sales

September 16, 2024

Heather Wright/The Independent Lambton Public Health officials want vape shop owners who sell to minors to face Automatic Prohibition, just like store owners who sell cigarettes. In a report to Lambton County Council, Jordan Banninga, manager of health promotion says a recent survey shows up to 30 per cent of teens from 15 to 19 have tried vaping at least

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OPP urge safety as deer season starts

September 16, 2024

It’s that time of year again. Lambton OPP are urging drivers to be on the lookout for deer. OPP suggest watching for deer especially in rural and wooded areas, use your high beams to illuminate the eyes of a deer on or near the road. If you see a deer, the OPP suggests you slow down and blow your horn