Co-founder of Lambton Concert Band retires
Grand Bend life guards say leave the floaties at home after 18 rescues in two weekends
August 21, 2025
The Independent
The Grand Bend Beach Patrol is asking people to leave their floaties at home when they come to the beach.
The lifeguards say they’re the leading cause of trouble in the water.
The warning comes after a busy two weeks for the patrol. Lambton Shores officials say the team has had 37 rescues and assists over the last two weekends on the main beach in Grand Bend. They estimate there were over 43,000 visitors; 18 people were rescued by the on-duty lifeguards. Another 19 people needed assistance.
Paramedics were called to the beach four times to help with major issues and another 14 people required first aid, but not the paramedics.
Officials say floaties are fine for the pool, however Lake Huron can have strong currents, waves, and winds and conditions can change rapidly. People on floaties can easily drift off and find themselves in a life-threatening situation even for strong swimmers or those with a lifejacket on.
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Co-founder of Lambton Concert Band retires
June 9, 2026
Blake Ellis/The Independent For 82 years, Norm Sutherland has immersed himself in his passion of playing music and performing with various bands. May 24, the 92 year-old Petrolia man gave his last performance with the Bluewater Wind Ensemble, a group he has been playing with for the past two years. Sutherland joined Petrolia’s White Rose Junior Band at the age
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Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny hands out $25K
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Blake Ellis/The Independent Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny handed out over $25,000 to groups supporting people with mental health issues. The organization held its annual Family Fun Day at the Brigden Fairgrounds last Saturday. Operation Talk 2 Me Johnny was launched in May 2023 by the family of Canadian Armed Forces veteran Sergeant John Little of Wyoming, 18 months after
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Killer Bees sign more home-grown talent
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Deputy chief, civilian also suspended in workplace harassment investigation at Sarnia Police
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Board chair says “multiple people” have come forward Heather Wright/The Independent The chair of Sarnia’s Police Services Board says “multiple people” have come forward in the workplace harassment investigation. That’s has led to more suspensions of the department’s top administrators. The board released a statement announcing Deputy Chief Ron Hansen and an unnamed civilian employee had been suspended Monday morning.
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