Strong Saturday afternoon storm leaves trail of damage along St. Clair River
Blake Ellis Photos
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 Legion Pipe Band, Simon the Camel with an anniversary message, and floats marking the date of the community’s incorporation as a village. The community is now a part of Lambton Shores.
There was also a lot of history on display. Many poured over the many photos and artifacts on display at the Arkona Community Centre, below, last Saturday. Utter Farm was also a popular spot. Many came to see the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society, below.
NEXT
OPP urge drivers to come to a full stop
PREVIOUS
Bright’s Grove library construction expected to start in July
Front Page
Strong Saturday afternoon storm leaves trail of damage along St. Clair River
July 19, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent A fast-moving storm with high winds blew through Lambton County, taking down trees along the St. Clair River Saturday. Around 2:30 pm, a storm moved quickly across the St. Clair River with strong winds and reports of some hail. From Corunna to Courtright, trees took the brunt the of the damage. A tree blocked Lyndoch Street at
Read More
Front Page
Warwick Township inks $2.5M deal for municipal office
July 17, 2026
Move to save $100K a year Heather Wright/The Independent Warwick Township now owns its municipal building. The township moved into its new office in Watford on Nauvoo Road in April 2022. The Watford Investment Group which removed a block of old buildings in the downtown and erected a new plaza and home for Libro Financial. Council approved the construction and work
Read More
Front Page
Royal Canadian Legion turns 100 today
July 17, 2026
The Independent The Royal Canadian Legion is 100 years old today. After the First World War, a number of associations serving veterans – Amputation Association of the Great War and the Tuberculous Veterans’ Association and the largest of the groups was the Great War Veterans’ Association – merged at the urging of Field Marshal Earl Haig, founder of the British Legion
Read More
Front Page
More cancellations, fire bans as wildfire smoke continues to blanket Lambton
July 17, 2026
Black Gold Fest in Oil Springs among cancellations The Independent If you’re heading out to an event this weekend, you might want to check to see if it is still on. A number of events have been cancelled for the weekend because of poor air quality in Lambton from wildfire smoke. In Petrolia, town officials have cancelled the Saturday morning
Read More