Two Ontario men face charges after alleged immigration fraud at Lambton College
Alvinston Optimist give cash for arena operations
February 1, 2025
The Independent
The Alvinston Optimist have been raising money to improve the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre for years. But Thursday, the group came to council with a $5,000 donation to help cover the yearly operating deficit at the facility.
Optimist member Hannah Symington told council the group uses the community centre for many of their events.
“We feel that is the pillar in the community. It’s a gathering place for individuals of all ages and especially youth.”
The club focuses on helping youth. With all of the club’s fundraising events, Symington said the arena and the centre are “crucial. ..Without it I don’t believe our community would be as strong and vibrant as it is.”
Symington told council the club understands it takes a lot of money to operate the building, but the Optimists are committed to making sure the arena remains the “backbone of the community.”
Brooke-Alvinston is mounting another attempt to be named Kraft Hockeyville this year. The municipality needs to invest about $1.2 million to repair the arena’s floor and the $250,000 grant would help complete the work. Brooke-Alvinston council accepted the donation from Symington and Optimist members Bob Bressette and Doug MacDougall.
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Two Ontario men face charges after alleged immigration fraud at Lambton College
July 10, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was edited July 10 to include comments from the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Two men are facing immigration and criminal charges after Lambton College tipped authorities off about a student immigration scam. College officials called the Canada Border Services Agency in February 2025, about students who had dealt with immigration consultants.
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OPP look for missing Crime Stoppers sign in Thedford
July 9, 2026
The Independent It may not be a good sign for Crime Stoppers. Lambton OPP were called to the intersection of Highway 70 and Arkona Road after a large Crime Stoppers sign at the entrance of the community was stolen. It’s valued at $800. Police are investigating, adding if you have tip about the stolen Crime Stoppers’ sign, you can call
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Whoops: Local plowing match officials back track, confirms Brigden will host 2027 IPM after all
July 9, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent The Lambton 2027 International Plowing Match Committee says they were wrong; the 2027 event will be in Brigden. A local committee landed the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in April 2025. The group attracted hundreds of volunteers and planning was well underway. In late May, Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) officials came to Brigden, working with the
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Integrity Commissioner dismisses complaint against Dennis’ ‘woke’ art tirade
July 9, 2026
The Independent The Integrity Commissioner says a Sarnia councillor’s comments about an Indigenous mural at City Hall were “a political argument” and has dismissed the complaint. In March, Sarnia unveiled a mural depicting the relationship between Sarnia-Lambton and The Council of Three Fires Confederacy; the Ojibway, Odawa, and Potawatomi people. The project included the $5,000 mural, a new wall honouring
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