LOCAL HEADLINES

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.

When Grace Aulsebrook-Smith first put her name forward to become Paris Fair Ambassador in 2022, things didn’t go the way she hoped. She didn’t win. For the next three years, the experience lingered in the back of her mind, along with one persistent question: What if? Last year, she decided it was time to find out.

Reflecting back on about a decade ago, Cultivate’s executive director Jeff Bray remembers the roots of a once small food and music festival in Port Hope.

When his snout isn’t to the ground sniffing out a human scent or contraband, Atos might be found soaking up rays in his handler’s sunny backyard and savouring a liver treat or two when he’s being a good boy.

Downtown New Hamburg stepped back in time last week as the cast and crew of Murdoch Mysteries transformed the community into 1912 for the hit CBC series' upcoming Christmas special.

After presenting a revolutionary vision for the what the Grand Trunk site could be late last year, local architect Robert Ritz promised to have formal numbers soon.

Goderich Seahawks Girls Fastball program hosted their fifth annual Lions House League Tournament, the weekend of July 17-19 at Bannister Park, John O’Keefe Field and Goderich Public School.

The 172nd edition of the Tillsonburg Fair promises Monster Trucks, a talent contest, movie stars, the annual ambassador contest, and of course, a midway complete with rides, games and food trucks with favourites like candy floss and saltwater taffy.

St. Marys is taking on some of Ontario’s biggest tourism destinations after its iconic swimming quarry was nominated for Attractions Ontario’s annual Ontario’s Choice Awards.

Abigail Chastney came to see the cows, have some ice cream and hang out with her friend Aubrey Terry-Clarke. She wasn’t expecting to get a science lesson in magnetism.

After weeks of debate, public feedback and hundreds of pages of additional review, County of Brant council has approved a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), replacing the municipality's traditional planning framework with what staff describe as a simpler, more streamlined "one-window" development approval process.

Cleanup efforts are continuing at 121 Cavan St. – the site more commonly known as the former file factory property – and the Municipality of Port Hope expects the property owner to pay for costs associated with remediation being undertaken at the municipal level, say officials.

Residents of Cobourg can help people who have been displaced by the ongoing wildfires in northwestern Ontario by participating in a local “10 for 10 campaign.”

There’s a new chief in town tasked with a lengthy to-do list for Cobourg. Learn more about his experience and plans to tackle community concerns in this in-depth coverage.

Wondering where to get the West Northumberland Independent? We've got you covered with a detailed rundown of locations.

Wondering where to get the West Northumberland Independent? We've got you covered with a detailed rundown of locations.

Over 200 people turned out on July 15 at Woodstock’s South Gate Centre to ask questions about the future Homelessness Support Centre (HSC) in Woodstock.

For Jason Clarke, his hometown was always the plan.

Wilmot Township council has passed its new official plan, which will come into effect in 2028 and will dictate growth and development in the township over the next 25 years.

The Kinsmen Club of St. Marys says it will not invite Magical Midways back for future Summerfest celebrations after a weekend that saw complaints about ride operations, wastewater disposal and the midway closing a day early.