All Front Page News

Oil Spring’s Ollie whispers his prediction of six more weeks of winter to Mayor Ian Veen.   Oil Springs Ollie’s may be lovable, but he’s not very popular right now. Ollie’s first foray as a weather forecaster ended with a verdict on winter that didn’t satisfy the crowd which gathered to see him. Mayor Ian Veen leaned in close to

  Oil Springs Ollie could be a hero the first time he makes an appearance. The groundhog will be the main attraction today as Oil Springs residents gather to find out if he’ll predict an early spring. The event is the brain child of Peggy Jenkins of Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue. She uses Ollie in her naturalist talks at schools and thought it would be a good idea to

Officials at Petrolia Discovery say in two months the problems, which have plagued the historic Fitzgerald Rig, should be fixed. But some local oil producers are questioning why it has taken so long and why other oil wells on the site have been idle. Discovery general manager Donna McIlmoyle and Foundation Board President Wendy Bratanek recently sat down with The Independent, concerned with the perception the historic oil site was “dilapidated.” A report from town staff in

Politicians, business people and hydro officials want to know what Hydro One is doing to make sure the power stays on. Oil Springs Mayor Ian Veen raised the alarm after the Jan. 20 power outage which affected people in his village, Enniskillen and Petrolia. The lights were out for as much as five hours in some places. Veen says in

Emily Murray uses her foot to move the puck during the Midget B’s game against North Halton Friday afternoon. The Oilers take on Grey Highlands at 12:45pm Saturday at the Clearwater Arena.   The Petrolia Midget Oilers are 2-0 in the Girls’ International Silver Stick in Sarnia this weekend. The Midgets, who have a record of 28-3-2 this season, started

Drivers on Highway 402 were having a hard time with blowing snow, white outs and slick conditions. Lambton OPP responded to nine collisions, including a rollover as drivers dealt with the weather that brought, at times, blowing snow with white out conditions. No major injuries were reported. Officials say the conditions can change quickly and ask drivers to adjust your

Petrolia and area families will have lots to do on the Family Day weekend. A number of family friendly activities are planned including a snow sculpture contest according to Petrolia’s marketing manager, Laurissa Ellsworth. Starting Saturday until February 17 the town is encouraging residents to get outside and enter their snow sculpture contest.  This year’s theme is “Under the Sea”

Traffic was slow going on Highway 402 westbound near the Nauvoo Road exit this morning after a transport truck headed toward the Bluewater Bridge lost its rear axel. The eight back tires and axel from the trailer lay on the passing lane and about 100 meters away the truck came to a stop, upright, with the trailer doors open but

Lambton County Warden Todd Case is recognizing the thousands of volunteers who have made Silver Stick a winter tradition The warden was at the opening ceremonies of the International Silver Stick tournament in Forest to present the Citizen of the Month Award for January. “Silver Stick weekends are woven into the social fabric of our communities, many have been in

The president of the Ontario Provincial Police Association says if policing costs are causing financial hardships to municipalities, the province should help out. Jim Christie spoke to reporters from community newspapers across the province via teleconference this week talking about policing costs and the eight percent wage increase officers are receiving this week. The OPPA accepted a two-year wage freeze

As the winds pick up and the temperatures dip, the Lambton Medical Officer of Health has issued another Cold Weather Alert. Environment Canada predicts the daily, low air temperature will drop to -16°C today and -23°C tonight. The wind chill values over the next few days, especially at night, will feel extremely cold.The cold alert will remain in effect until Thursday

Driving conditions in Petrolia and Central Lambton can be challenging at times. Lambton County road crews are out in the ploughs but gusty winds are causing rapid drifting especially on secondary roadways. Oil Heritage Line (formerly Highway 21) is track bare in places but in open areas the road remains snow covered. The conditions are not likely to improve overnight