Watford mourns loss of long-time firefighter
Blake Ellis and Submitted Photos
Hockey fans, players support friends battling cancer
December 3, 2025
The Independent
The Killer Bees and the team’s fans came through for four-year-old Archie Leitch and his parents, John and Janelle, of Alvinston during Hockey Fights Cancer Night.
A total of $17,892 was raised for the family during Hockey Fights Cancer Night Nov. 29.
Archie was just diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma on Sept. 25 after emergency surgery in London was conducted.
Believing the little boy was just experiencing some stomach issues and constipation, an MRI was conducted to reveal a tumour on his spine. This is what led to the emergency surgery.
“We are super fortunate to live in this community,” said Archie’s mom Janelle, previously to The Independent. “This means everything to us.”
The Killer Bees wore special jerseys on Saturday in honour of Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The Killer Bees dropped the game 5-2 against Strathroy, bringing their record to eight wins and two losses in the Northern Premier Hockey League.
The Killer Bees were not the only hockey team fighting cancer on Saturday. Just up the Nauvoo Road in Watford, the Under 15 teams of the Lambton Attack were hosting its own event to fight cancer to support Sherry Banks. She is a hockey mom and a board member of the Lambton Attack organization.
Two games took place each featuring the Under 15 Lambton Attack teams against the Sarnia Lady Sting.
The Lambton Attack Under 15 players also presented Banks with a quilt made by the girls which could help keep her warm during her treatments.
The Attack put a topper on the night by beating Sarnia 2-1 with Damien Wamsley allowing just one goal.
Front Page
Watford mourns loss of long-time firefighter
September 17, 2026
Milner served the Watford Fire Service for 60 years The Independent Keith Milner is being remembered for his life-long commitment to his community, family and friends. Milner had served as a Watford firefighter for 55 years and the caretaker of the Watford fire hall for another five years before his retirement from the department. He passed away Saturday. In a
Read More
Front Page
Dream Home lottery to support CEEH redevelopment
September 17, 2026
The Independent The Bluewater Health Foundation have kicked off this year’s Dream Home Lottery. The funds raised by the lottery for a fully-furnished $1.9 million home in Camlachie will help support the $20 million redevelopment of Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital’s emergency department and to help purchase diagnostic imaging equipment. In its 32-year history, the lottery has raised $11 million for
Read More
Front Page
The Legionnaires start fresh after difficult season
September 17, 2026
Barry Wright/The Independent The first step in erasing the dubious memory of last season’s record-setting winless season comes this week for the GOHL’s Sarnia Legionnaires. With new ownership and a revamped coaching staff and roster, Sarnia takes on the Komoka Kings on Thursday (Sept. 17) at Pat Stapleton Arena. Game time is 7 p.m. Sting prospect Ethan Glavin will wear
Read More
Front Page
Lambton launches $3.5 million campaign for Stones ‘N Bones Museum
September 17, 2026
The Independent Lambton County has launched a $3.5 million fundraising campaign to help create the Stones ‘N Bones Museum and transform the Sarnia Library. The campaign launched Sept. 10, with the Alix Foundation providing a $500,000 contribution designated for the children’s library. ““We hope this investment will help create meaningful experiences for children and families, inspiring a lifelong connection to
Read More