LOCAL HEADLINES

This year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)’s theme was “one big family, driven by hope.” As Holly Smith, director of clinical programs at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Huron Perth, told a crowd that gathered on the front steps of Stratford City Hall on Aug. 29, that highlights the huge impact overdose has on individuals and on families and communities.

Mayor Martin Ritsma joined local families outside Stratford City Hall on Sept. 2 to raise the Childhood Cancer Awareness flag and proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the city.

Significant disruptions in mail delivery services have been caused by the ongoing dispute between Canada Post and Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) while the two parties attempt negotiations for a new contract.

In the London and Area Women’s Soccer League (LAWSL) action, Goderich Tempest captured the First Division Cup with a 4-3 victory over St. Thomas at the North London Soccer Complex.

Oxford Tourism is attempting to make planning a trip to Oxford County easier with the newly revamped Tour Oxford website.

The Oxford Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is investigating the discovery of human remains in South-West Oxford Township.

Charlotte Bolton will be seeking shot put and discus personal bests at the end of the month in New Delhi, India.

He could have been a grape grower, or he could have been a winemaker. Instead, Greg Yemen chose option three: Both.

St. Marys council has put its stamp of approval on a master plan that will see the town spend an estimated $4.06 million to renovate the former Mercury Theatre building at 14 Church St. N into what staff are calling a multi-generational community hub.

The St. Marys singer-songwriter duo, York Street Thought Process, recently had the chance to have their live-music sessions filmed at a local landmark.

August 31st is the annual International Overdose Awareness Day. Mayor Al Strathdee and outreach worker Jade Orquin were on hand as a moment of silence was observed and a flag was raised to remember those that we have lost to overdose.

After two decades serving the local hobby community, Paris Junction Hobbies will close its doors this fall. Owners Bill and Joan Henwood, along with their son David, announced last week that the business at 300 Grand River Street North will permanently close on October 31, 2025. The couple is retiring, while David is moving on to other commitments.

Marcus Ryan led the Oxford County contingent at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s annual conference.

The New Hamburg Fall Fair is set for Sept. 11-14, and one of the signature events is the ambassador competition. Five young Wilmot Township residents have put their names forward in hopes of winning the prestigious title. 

Stratford’s first official cricket pitch opened Monday, Aug. 25, and while the day began with light rain, by the time the first ball was bowled, the sun was shining on spectators.

Over the next few days, Stratford residents will notice a sharp increase in Lake Victoria’s water-levels – just in time for the city’s 28th Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 13.

The Norfolk County Fair is gearing up for another fantastic season, and they are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join the team. From event support roles to part-time contract positions, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in one of Norfolk’s most beloved events, now in its 185th year.

Members of Wilmot Township council received a staff report at Monday night’s council meeting highlighting an estimated cost of $78,000 to install nine statues on township grounds in Baden.

New Glendale principal was a graduate of the school

Exciting things are happening on Water Street with the opening of a refillery by two well-known local business owners, Angela and Jay MacPherson, owners of Angela Dawn Aesthetics and Medispa.