Marking 150 years as the community of Arkona
Heather Wright Photo
Petrolia’s Senior of the Year
June 26, 2025
The Independent
Les Whiting is known for his public speaking. As Petrolia’s Town Crier, he has written hundreds of poems about the people of the town.
So, when Mayor Brad Loosley surprised Whiting Monday, naming him Petrolia’s Senior of the Year, it was not a surprise that Whiting kept council in stitches while recounting his resume.
Aside from being the town crier for 20 years, he also Chair of the Committee of Adjustment, member of the Board for Petrolia Discovery, and the Community Refrigerator, a member of the Rotary, St. Andrew’s Society and the Scotch Club.
“I’m hardly old enough to be a senior although I’m sneaking up on it,” Whiting joked. “And this helps a lot – I’ve been feeling kind of guilty lately because I’ve taken all the good jobs that younger people should be doing.”
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Marking 150 years as the community of Arkona
June 22, 2026
The Independent Arkona residents marked 150 years as a community last Saturday. Arkona was founded in 1836, built around a mill built by Henry Utter. Originally named Smithfield in 1851, the village was renamed Arkona in 1857 and officially incorporated as a village on June 10, 1876. The highlight of the 150th anniversary was the parade which attracted the Forest
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OPP urge drivers to come to a full stop
June 22, 2026
The Independent Lambton OPP and officers across the province want to reinforce the importance of fully stopping at regulated intersections. Rolling stops may appear to save time, police say, but it significantly increases the risk of a collision. “Every time a driver approaches a stop sign, they are making a decision that impacts not only their own safety, but the
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Bright’s Grove library construction expected to start in July
June 22, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent Construction on the $5.8 million upgrade at the Bright’s Grove Library will start a little in sooner than expected. And that means the Gallery in the Grove will close Saturday. Since 2017, Lambton County, which provides staff and operates the library, and the City of Sarnia, which owns the building, have been talking about expanding the library.
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One scrappy Hometown Hero
June 22, 2026
Blake Ellis/The Independent The young man they call the P-Town Scrapper was among four people honoured by the Toastmasters of Petrolia as Hometown Heros. Cathy Tong presented the awards to four people whose dedication to the community and volunteerism may not otherwise be recognized. She organized the contest saying she wanted to honour people in Petrolia and area who do
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