Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Southpoint Sun - 9
Two agri-food businesses get boost from fund LEAMINGTON — Two area agrifood businesses were part of a six million dollar contribution from the federal government recently. Lakeside Produce of Leamington and Under Sun Acres of Staples, were both recipients of the Southwestern Ontario Emergency Proccessing Fund Bundle, which saw 31 agri-food companies across Ontario receive funds. Both local companies used the funds to add to their already stellar COVID-19 protection policies. Irek Kusmierczyk, MP for Windsor-Tecumseh, made the announcement, along with Neil Ellis, MP for the Bay of Quinte. “We are proud to support our local food processors,” said Kusmierczyk. Ellis agreed with the local MP. “The pandemic shone a light on the food industry,” he said. “These producers are vital for our economy. Over the
past year, they’ve shown incredible resilience.” Under Sun Acres General Manager, Lucas Semple, explained that their Staples farm is a 48-acre bell pepper operation, where they grow about 62 million kg of red, yellow and orange peppers each year. “Through the Processing Fund, we were able to erect a security entrance, where we sanitize everyone entering, including a show washer,” he said. “This gives us great confidence that no outside virus or disease is entering our facility.” Over at Lakeside Produce, Chief Operating Officer, Sudeshna Nambiar was thankful to Agri-Food Canada for the investment they’ve made in the operation. “The support we received has made all the difference in our fight against COVID-19,” she said. “Our workers are our people and we want to take every precaution to keep them safe.”
Letter to the Editor
Writer for small business, not maskless rally Dear Editor: I am in support of small businesses controlling the amount of people in their stores or restaurants. They are doing everything to stay afloat, but keeping people safe. But watching the news about protesting in front of Family Kitchen in Leamington, I feel did a grave disservice. Not a mask in sight and no social
distancing. They could have organized lines of marchers going by with their signs, SAFELY. Hopefully your actions will not cause severe illness and deter the message to help these small independent businesses. Sincerely, Barb VanWingerden
GORE HILL ROCKS THEIR SOCKS LEAMINGTON — Gore Hill Public School recently participated in Rock Your Socks For Down Syndrome. Principal’s Council decided to ask families to consider sending in a donation to Community Living Essex County. In the photo, a cheque for $80.45 was presented to Tony DeSantis, Manager of Community Relations for Community Living. Principal Council Member, Ghina Hamra, presents the donation to Mr. DeSantis while fellow member, Devin Neufeld, looks on. Photo submitted
Fishtailing driver charged LEAMINGTON - On April 11, at approximately 8:30 p.m. a black car was travelling on Russell Street, approaching Chestnut Street, in the municipality of Leamington. The vehicle approached the stop sign and stopped, but as the driver began the turning motion, he revved the engine until the vehicle’s tires lost traction. As the engine continued to rev, the rear of the vehicle was observed to sway side-
to-side in a fish-tail motion. An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer from Leamington Detachment observed the incident and stopped the vehicle for the offence. OPP have charged an 18-year-old from Dover, Ontario with stunt driving - Perform Stunt - Cause Tire to Lose Traction under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). The vehicle was impounded for 7 days and the driver lost his licence for 7 days.
