ESSEX FREE PRESS

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative All eyes were on the ice at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre in Belle River on Sunday afternoon, as an impressive line-up of NHL Alumni faced-off against a team comprised of local Law Enforcement personnel.   This was the fourth annual time the NHL Alumni Vs. Law Enforcement hockey game has taken place in Essex County, Constable Jim Chauvin said, who has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for over...

by Essex Free Press Staff With hot dogs and pizza available, cookie decorating, and opportunities to get a picture with Santa, mail Christmas wishes to the North Pole, play holiday-themed games, and listen in on festive music, there were plenty of reasons to head down to the McGregor Parkette on Friday evening to enjoy this year’s Stroll by Santa event.   With all the activities, coupled with great evening weather, this year’s event was a big hit in the small hamlet, perhaps attracting a near...

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative When members of Essex Council participated in the 2026 Budget Walkthrough meeting two-weeks ago, staff presented an average tax increase of 4.92% through the draft budget document.   Having had some time to digest the details inside the draft document, the local decision-makers chiseled away at the tax rate during its around five-hour deliberation meeting on Monday, December 8, settling on an average 2.99%, or 2.66% blended with the County, total...