Dan Rolph
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Reporter/Photographer at the @TimesAdvance and Mohawk College Journalism graduate.
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Articles by Dan Rolph
This Thanksgiving, give thanks for democracy
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editior By Dan Rolph I’ve always believed that Thanksgiving is a particularly special day. In Canada we celebrate occasions stemming from traditions that have shifted over generations. Some are born from religious practices, some are secular, and some stray so far from one origin that they become something new entirely. Thanksgiving, I think, has become a holiday that is truly unique.
Hensall family gives back with Childcan Family Fun Day
In recognition of the Cann family opening their family pond in Hensall to host a Childcan Family Fun Day, the organization recently presented a framed set of photos from the exciting day. By Dan Rolph What started as an elevator pitch in a hospital as a local boy was receiving cancer treatment led to a day filled with fun, firsts and hope for families from throughout the region impacted by a child’s cancer diagnosis.
Pinery Fall Classic supports access, education and conservation
Bryan Getchell and Jill Haygarth are volunteers who collect recycling at Pinery Provincial Park, ensuring the park stays clean while simultaneously fundraising for The Friends of Pinery Park with refundable cans and bottles. By Dan Rolph Hundreds of runners and walkers will return to Pinery Provincial Park on Oct. 18 for the annual Pinery Fall Classic Run and Walk, a major fundraiser supporting research, education and conservation initiatives in the park.
Exeter Hawks rack up two wins over weekend
Exeter’s Titus Muhn receives a pass during the Oct. 2 matchup against the Port Stanley Sailors. By Dan Rolph The Exeter Hawks were back in action over the weekend, putting an end to a rough string of games and pulling off back-to-back wins. The Hawks hosted the Port Stanley Sailors at the South Huron Recreation Centre Oct. 2 in what proved to be a lopsided affair.
Ground broken on long-awaited new Dashwood fire station
A new firehall that will serve Dashwood and the surrounding area is expected to open in April 2027. Local representatives and community members gathered at the new firehall’s location on Centre Street South Sept. 14 to break ground on the new station. By Dan Rolph Construction on a new fire station that will serve Dashwood and the surrounding area has officially begun, bringing the community one step closer to the end of a years-long effort to replace its aging firehall.
Trillium Foundation boosts recreation in South Huron
A cheque was presented to South Huron on Sept. 14 in recognition of the municipality receiving an $89,900 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. From left are Coun. Milt Dietrich, Deputy Mayor Jim Dietrich, Coun. Ted Oke, Dawson Hallahan (representing Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson’s office), Mayor George Finch and Coun. Marissa Vaughan. By Dan Rolph Local representatives and South Huron staff gathered at the South Huron Recreation Centre on Sept.
Lucan Irish lose home opener against Petrolia, drop two following games
The Lucan Irish Six are back for another season of hockey in the PJHL’s West Yeck division. The Irish hosted the Petrolia Flyers at the Lucan Biddulph Community Memorial Centre on Sept. 12 for Lucan’s first home game of the season. Pictured are Cameron Davidson of the Petrolia Flyers and Lucan Irish forward Kevin Waters during the Sept. 12 home opener in Lucan. By Dan Rolph The Lucan Irish Six stepped onto the ice Sept.
Exeter Hawks topple Thamesford in home opener
Jonas Schmidt lines up the game winning goal during the Exeter Hawks’ home opener Sept. 11 against the Thamesford Trojans. By Dan Rolph The Exeter Hawks started the 2026-2027 season of hockey on a high note after coming out on top of a matchup against the Thamesford Trojans Sept. 11 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter. Exeter’s Trey Taylor was first on the scoreboard with a goal for the Hawks at 9:12 in the first period, assisted by Chase Wedlake.
Wilberforce play to highlight environmental conservation
• The school’s production calls on “Earth Avengers” to do their part in fighting climate change. LUCAN – An upcoming play being staged by students at Lucan’s Wilberforce public school is emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and protecting ecosystems. The show, which is being dubbed “The Greatest Show … on Earth,” brings together about 150 students from grades 1-8 as they hit the stage April 19-20 for a music-filled play with a Muppet Show theme.
Huron County Library hosts author talk with Matthew Dawkins
Advertisement oop Skip to Content • Author Matthew Dawkins spoke during an author talk hosted by the Huron County Library in celebration of Black History Month. Handout The Huron County Library was host to author Matthew Dawkins on Feb. 16 for an online talk about his journey as a writer and his debut novel Until We Break as part of the library’s celebration of Black History Month.
Grand Bend Summer Sunset Sounds wraps up another year of concerts
Grand Bend Summer Sunset Sounds held its final concert of the year Sept. 3 on the Rotary Community Stage, wrapping up the free concert series. Toronto indie-rock band Meteor Heist opened the concert. By Dan Rolph It was a fitting sendoff to a summer of music as the final acts of Grand Bend Summer Sunset Sounds took to the stage Sept. 3.
Police urge caution after four drownings in Grand Bend area
Police are urging residents and tourists to be cautious as they spend time in or around the water after a string of four drownings in less than two weeks in the Grand Bend area. Pictured above are police during search efforts in May to find a 22-year-old individual from Nepal who went missing at Pinery Provincial Park.
Community pushback stops Bluewater energy storage project
By Dan Rolph A large-scale energy project has been turned down by Bluewater council after residents rallied in opposition to the proposal. The project would have made use of two depleted natural gas caverns between Bayfield and Varna off Goshen Line, pulling power from the grid to compress air into the caverns that could be released later to move turbines, effectively storing the energy for times when demand increases.
Let’s talk about mental health
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editor By Dan Rolph With September being World Suicide Prevention Month, I think it’s important that we take a moment to discuss the topic of mental health with transparency and honesty. Throughout my career covering the news in this community, every discussion I’ve been a part of regarding mental health has had one theme as its focus — the stigma that exists around mental health and how we can overcome it.
Highview Lucan hosts open house for intergenerational care home
Highview Lucan held an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 18, offering a glimpse of what the new intergenerational care home offers. The facility in the former Jake’s House location provides retirement living spaces, supported independent living for those with developmental disabilities and dementia care.
The regional election roundup
By Dan Rolph The nomination period for candidates in the upcoming municipal elections has passed, and the slate of names of voters will see on the ballot is set. Here’s everything you need to know about the local races. This information was current on Aug. 21 after the Exeter Examiner went to press. The basics Ontario’s upcoming municipal election will take place on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, when local councils will be chosen by voters in municipalities across the province.
Bluewater council briefs
By Dan Rolph Clerk-administrator appointed Chandra Alexander was appointed as Bluewater’s new clerk-administrator during the Aug. 10 council meeting, marking the merging of the clerk and chief administrative officer (CAO) roles into one position. Alexander has served as Bluewater’s clerk since 2017 and became the municipality’s acting CAO last October after the departure of former CAO Laurie Spence Bannerman.
From Exeter Rodeo dreams to a Texas scholarship
Exeter barrel racer Olivia Den Hollander is heading to Texas to compete with a scholarship. By Dan Rolph What started as a dream for a 10-year-old girl from Exeter has become reality for a local barrel racer. Olivia Den Hollander, a barrel racer who competes in events including the Exeter Rodeo, is packing her bags and heading south of the border to join the Sam Houston State University rodeo team in Texas on a scholarship that makes it all possible.
Do yourself a favour and take a moment to look up
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editor By Dan Rolph Depending on when you find this issue of the Exeter Examiner in your hands, you may have a fantastic opportunity to experience the wonders of our universe ahead of you. This year, we’re particularly lucky that two fascinating astronomical events will be happening on the same day. On Aug. 12 and 13, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak and grace the night sky with dozens of meteors each hour.
Fatal house fire on Parr Line under investigation
Investigators were still on the scene of a fatal house fire on Aug. 10 in the afternoon. By Dan Rolph An Aug. 10 house fire on Parr Line south of Varna has resulted in the death of an 82-year-old. According to Huron County OPP, emergency crews responded at about 2:45 a.m. to a reported structure fire in Bluewater. Police said emergency services were able to successfully contain and extinguish the fire, but crews found one individual inside the home who was pronounced dead at the scene.
United Way Perth-Huron fundraiser hits the road in Huron County
By Dan Rolph United Way Perth-Huron is inviting the community to take to the open road in support of the organization with their newest fundraiser. The first annual United We Ride is a self-guided rain-or-shine motorcycle ride through Huron County that will take riders on paved backroads and through communities along the Lake Huron shore on Saturday, Sept. 19. The ride will travel along a pre-mapped route and feature an interactive mobile scavenger hunt with challenges and prizes for participants.
Local girls capture U11 provincial softball title
A new local team made up of players from Exeter and Zurich played in the ORSA U11 tournament in Innerkip on July 4 and 5, becoming provincial champions. In front from left are Danni Holmes, Kinsley Ferguson, Adele Hern, Maddie Renning, Olivia Baehnisch and Leah Masse. In middle from left are Emelia Davies, Cailin Willert, Jaden Cann, Claire Bilcke, Payton Batten and Abby LaPorte. In back from left are coach Mitch Masse, coach Megan Davies, coach Courtney LaPorte and coach Justin LaPorte.
Zurich Bean Festival serves up another year of excitement
By Dan Rolph A community tradition that has lasted generations is returning to Zurich this month, bringing neighbours and visitors together in a celebration of the area’s agricultural roots. The Zurich Bean Festival will kick off Friday, Aug. 21 with an evening of entertainment and attractions including food trucks and a midway at 5 p.m. Fan favourites Chemically Altered and Tasty Newz will take to the main stage that evening. The schedule for Saturday, Aug.
Municipal elections in the age of artificial intelligence
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editior By Dan Rolph The future is now. At least that’s the sentiment we’re hearing repeated like a broken record from artificial intelligence (AI) companies. They say we are entering a new age of advanced technology that promises greater efficiency and innovation, all thanks to this new invention that has become accessible to the world.
Stirling Sands Vineyard opens in Grand Bend
Grand Bend Stirling Sands Vineyard held a grand opening ceremony on July 14, cutting the ribbon to the new destination in the community. Opened in the former Dark Horse Estate Winery, the vineyard marks the first expansion for Blyth’s Cowbell Brewing. By Dan Rolph The area’s newest vineyard has opened its doors to the public, creating a new place in the community where tourists and locals alike can find wine, dining and experiences fuelled by local products.
Bluewater youth tug-of-war team prepares to return to Europe
The Bluewater Youth Tug-of-War team will be returning to Europe in August to compete in the GENSB International Junior Tug-of-War Tournament, which is being hosted in Switzerland this year. From left are youth team members Bryce Jeffrey, Harlen Regier, Dakota Restemayer, Carson Vandenbussche and Grant Hoffman By Dan Rolph In Dashwood, tug-of-war has long been a tradition that has lasted generations through Friedsburg Days.
Exeter saddles up for 28th annual rodeo
By Dan Rolph A local staple will be back in Exeter next month, bringing two days of rodeo action, entertainment and community spirit to the South Huron Recreation Centre’s Rodeo Arena. Running from Aug. 8 to 9, the Exeter RAM Rodeo will feature all the favourite rodeo competitions, including bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding and more. Laura Goulding of the rodeo committee said the annual event is one that attracts everyone from sports enthusiasts to animal lovers.
The troubling trend of hotter summers
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editor By Dan Rolph We are now officially in the summer season. Summer brings with it beach days, times at the cottage with friends and family and plenty of community events taking advantage of the season when the landscape isn’t covered by mounds of snow. That is, however, when the weather permits it, because these days it seems that we’re getting fewer moments to enjoy time outside as we’re forced to retreat indoors to the solace that air conditioning provides.
Huron County lays out homelessness strategy for next decade
Huron County’s new homelessness and affordability strategy sets priorities for the next decade in improving the lives of residents struggling with housing. The county’s largest affordable housing initiative, the Gibbons Street apartments in Goderich, features 40 affordable rental units. By Dan Rolph A plan that sets the strategy for tackling homelessness and affordability in Huron County until 2035 has been approved.
Ailsa Craig Highland Games return July 25
The Ailsa Craig Highland Games and Scottish Festival will be returning to the community on July 25 for another day celebrating local Scottish roots. By Dan Rolph Bagpipes will be blowing and kilts will be abundant as the annual Ailsa Craig Highland Games and Scottish Festival returns July 25.
Exeter Legion reflects on a century of service
Exeter Legion R.E. Pooley Branch 167. By Dan Rolph It can be difficult to fathom how much has happened in the span of 100 years. In that period the world has seen the Second World War, the invention of computers, the moon landings and more recently the introduction of artificial intelligence. But even though the world has vastly changed over those years, the Royal Canadian Legion has continued to be there, helping veterans and building communities.
Zurich Country Fair brings returning favourites and new attractions
By Dan Rolph The Zurich Country Fair will be back in town from July 24 to 26 for another weekend of classic festival fun. This year’s event marks the 162nd year in the long-running agricultural fair’s history, and Jenna Becker of the Zurich Agricultural Society said the fair has changed a great deal over those years. “It’s a big title to keep going,” she said. “It used to be such a different type of fair back in the day.
Hockey action down Highway 4
• Central Huron secondary school's varsity girls hockey team travelled down Highway 4 to face off against South Huron District high school Jan. 13, losing in Exeter 4-1 in their first time on the ice since the winter holiday. The match was the sole game for Central Huron scheduled in January, and the team will hit the ice again Feb. 4, when the team will travel to Wingham to play against F. E. Madill secondary school. Pictured above is Ali Lammerant, right, during the game against South Huron.
South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala raises $557,000
Mentalist Ryan Edwards was featured at this year’s South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala, which raised $557,000. (Melissa V. Photography photo) By Dan Rolph It was another successful year for the South Huron Hospital Foundation Gala, which raised $557,000. The gala was the 17th hosted by the foundation and took place on Friday, June 5, welcoming supporters from the community to the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter for an evening of glamour, good food and entertainment.
Missteps and tricky treks
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editor By Dan Rolph For this issue’s editorial, I’m going to share a personal story. Several weeks ago, my wife Molly and I decided to stop by a new food truck that has set up shop in St. Joseph to try their poutine we’d been hearing so much about.
The regional election roundup
By Dan Rolph With the end of the nomination period for candidates in the upcoming municipal elections approaching, residents looking to represent their communities are stepping forward to serve on local councils. Here’s what you need to know as the races start to take shape before nominations close in August. The following information was current as of June 30, 2026, when the Exeter Examiner went to press. The basics Ontario’s upcoming municipal election will take place on Monday, Oct.
Lucan apartment decision deferred as council seeks lower building height
Discussions about reducing the height of a proposed Lucan apartment building will continue after councillors deferred a two decisions about the building to a future meeting in the hopes that the developers will be able to reduce its height. If approved, the new building would be built next to the MacEwen gas station on Richmond Street.
Bluewater Council briefs
By Dan Rolph Magnetic Moments campaign requests $250,000 Bluewater was asked to commit $250,000 in support over five years to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital’s Magnetic Moments MRI campaign during the June 15 council meeting. The campaign, which has been receiving support from groups and individuals throughout the Huron County community, aims to bring an MRI to the hospital in Goderich that would serve residents throughout the county and beyond.
Young entrepreneur plants roots in Crediton
Merrin Paff opened Merlyn’s Roadside Stand in Crediton over the Victoria Day long weekend this year. From her stand, she sells plants that she grows with her grandmother in Parkhill. She also plants to expand into selling vegetables By Dan Rolph A young girl’s new business venture in Crediton is becoming a well-known spot for garden lovers throughout the region to find locally sourced plants.
The spirit of Canada lives right here
Exeter Examiner Editor - Dan Rolph By Dan Rolph Every Canada Day, we see the same images of fireworks over Parliament Hill. We see the pictures of crowds gathered in cities for attention-grabbing and over-the-top celebrations that we’ve come to expect from the day that marks the anniversary of Canada’s Confederation. Canada Day brings with it moments of joy and celebration that many of us partake in every year, albeit on a smaller scale in communities like ours.
Grand Bend gears up for Canada Day celebration
By Dan Rolph With Canada Day right around the corner, the annual festivities in Grand Bend are set to be as exciting as ever. Organized by a committee of local volunteers, this year’s event will take place on Wednesday, July 1, bringing with it a lineup of musical acts who will perform on the Rotary Community Stage, as well as what is being labelled by organizers as southwestern Ontario’s largest Canada Day fireworks display.
Local rescue works to keep up with rising number of cats in need
Terra and Taffy are just two of the cats up for adoption through Heavenly Hills. Those interested in finding their new best friend can contact Heavenly Hills at heavenlyhillsadopt@gmail.com By Dan Rolph What started as a sanctuary for farm animals has become a busy rescue for cats in need of a home. Heavenly Hills Animal Sanctuary in Lucan was created by Sonia Kastanis in 2000.
Body of missing swimmer recovered near Port Franks
The body of a swimmer who went missing on Victoria Day weekend in Grand Bend has been recovered in Port Franks. The search effort for the swimmer included an underwater search and recovery unit By Dan Rolph The body of a swimmer who went missing on Victoria Day weekend in Grand Bend has been found. According to Lambton County OPP, the body of the swimmer, a 22-year-old from Nepal, was recovered on May 29 in Lake Huron along the shore in Port Franks.
Exeter defenceman Jesse Debruyn signs with Windsor Spitfires
Exeter native Jesse Debruyn will play in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfires for the 2026-2027 season. By Dan Rolph When a 5-year-old Jesse Debruyn first stepped on the ice, the idea of playing in the Ontario Hockey League was little more than a distant dream. But now, that dream has become reality with Debruyn signing with the Windsor Spitfires to an OHL scholarship and development agreement.
Beachfest returns with a youth-focused kickoff to summer
By Dan Rolph The Grand Bend Optimist Club’s Beachfest will be back at the main beach on June 20, but this year’s event will focus on being a family-friendly affair. Dubbed “Beachfest Kids Edition – Kickoff to Summer,” the annual event is bringing with it a new vision that Grand Bend Optimist Club president Paul Rivard said stays true to the organization’s priorities. “Over the past number of years we’ve been shifting over from just beer and bands to a more family event,” said Rivard.
Fire destroys Grand Bend RONA, causes $10 million in damage
A May 22 fire at the Moffatt and Powell RONA location in Grand Bend has destroyed the local hardware store and caused an estimated $10 million in damage. By Dan Rolph A staple in the Grand Bend business community has been left in ruins after a fire on Friday, May 22. Firefighters were called to the Moffatt and Powell RONA on Ontario Street South around 2 p.m. According to Lambton Shores fire chief Sean Smith, everyone inside the building at the time made it out to safety.
Spring is finally here and it’s a breath of fresh air
Exeter Examiner Editor - Dan Rolph. By Dan Rolph It has been a long time coming, but spring has finally arrived. I don’t mean the official changing of the season that we mark on our calendars in mid-March each year. I think we are all more than aware of how often that date proves optimistic, at least as far as the weather is concerned.
Hoffmans of Dashwood retire, pass torch to Haskett Funeral Homes
Jim and Donna Hoffman of T. Harry Hoffman and Sons Funeral Home marked the end of more than 80 years of service in Dashwood during a May 24 open house, where they announced the sale of the funeral home to Haskett’s Funeral Homes. By Dan Rolph With generations Hoffmans having served Dashwood and the surrounding area, the family is saying goodbye to its long-standing funeral home that has become a pillar of the community. Jim and Donna Hoffman, the owners and operators of T.
Bluewater Council briefs
By Dan Rolph Bridge tender comes in under budget Councillors granted the tender for supplying the culvert and footings for a bridge on Parr Line to ARMTEC for $222,930, excluding HST. The bid was the lower of the two received for the project, with the higher bid coming in at $231,299. The 2026 municipal budget included $570,000 for the bridge replacement project, with another $34,803 remaining from the 2025 budget for the project, leaving the bridge replacement under budget.
Municipal nominations are open, and so is your chance to make a difference
Dan Rolph - Exeter Examiner Editor By Dan Rolph With about five months to go Ontario’s 2026 municipal elections, nominations are now open for candidates looking to run to represent their communities across the province. As the political races start to materialize locally, it is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of paying attention to what is happening in our community. For many people, it is easy to get caught up in the drama of federal politics.
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