All Watford News

‘You’ve already got a really strong foundation’ says consultant Cathy Dobson/The Independent Amid all the angst about hundreds of homeless in Sarnia-Lambton, a consultant is praising the community for doing a lot of things right. “The shelters I visited are doing really good work.  The Hart Hub, the youth programs…there is so much that we’d often say should be your

Cathy Dobson/The Independent Human trafficking has escalated in Sarnia Lambton increasingly targeting young teens, say local counsellors and educators. It’s a very tough subject to discuss but it is a problem that won’t go away without a lot more community awareness, said Chantel Butterfield, executive director of The Centre, which hosted a symposium Monday warning that human trafficking is on

The Independent The Independent of Petrolia and Central Lambton has been nominated in six categories, including for best newspaper, in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Competition. The Independent has been nominated in the General Excellence category for best newspaper in the 1,500 to 8,000 circulation category with the Eganville Leader and the New Liskeard Temiskaming Speaker. Reporter Tara

Blake Ellis/The Independent Bertha Rose Park’s story as an educator will be just one of many recorded for history. Several of the women participating in Women and Family in Local History, part of the Petrolia Heritage Open House 2026, at Victoria Hall Saturday, were asked to have their stories made into voice recordings, Park is one of the women. The

Barry Wright/The Independent The runway is getting short for the Sarnia Sting as they try to chase down the final playoff spot in the OHL’s Western Conference. Sarnia remains six points from a postseason berth after a split of games last weekend. After a 6-3 loss at the Soo Feb. 20, Matthew Manza recorded his first career OHL hat trick

The Independent The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority expects water levels in local watercourses to peak in the next two days. Officials say above seasonal temperatures and 8-24 mm or rain in the last week have elevated water levels with some spilling into low-lying areas that often flood during the spring. Water pooling on roads is possible. More runoff is expected

THE ST CLAIR REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED A FLOOD ALERT Message: Rain and Melting Snow Expected to Raise Water Levels   Warmer weather and rain over the next several days will cause water levels in local rivers and streams to rise.   A weather system is moving through the area and will stay for most of the week, bringing

Barry Wright/The Independent The Mooretown Flags will have home ice advantage in the first round of the Provincial Junior Hockey League playoffs, clinching fourth place in the Stobbs Division with a 6-4 win over the Jr. Kings in Dresden. Wheatley, the Kings or Amherstburg are battling for the final playoff spots and the chance to play the Flags. Dylan Dupuis

Barry Wright/The Independent The London Knights reached the 30-win mark for the 23rd straight season win a 5-3 against the Saginaw Spirit. The Dale Hunter led club has reached that plateau every season that has been played since the 2001-02campaign. Watford’s Evan Van Gorp had an assist against the Spirit and now has points in nine of his past 12

‘This is rural Lambton county working together at its finest’ Heather Wright/The Independent The roads closed, transports jack-knifed, cars and trucks were stranded in white-out conditions but the OPP say in all those accidents, there were no injuries reported after a blizzard blew through Lambton over the weekend. Around 11:42 am Friday, Environment Canada posted a Blizzard warning for East

The Independent Lambton County communities are sharpening their pencils as the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation prepares to choose projects to support in the area. Each year the foundation selects a number of proposals from organizations looking to improve their communities. Over 15 years, the foundation has funded $8.6 million for everything from renovations to the cancer care clinic to

Heather Wright/The Independent The OPP says over 500 vehicles have been stranded in blizzard conditions in Lambton County. Environment Canada issued an Orange Blizzard warning Friday. By 9:47 pm, forecasters said the wind gusts were hitting 68 km/h. Strong northwesterly winds will continue tonight which will lead to widespread blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. Environment Canada says visibility may