LOCAL HEADLINES

To find out how to curb drug use among local youth, Grand Erie Public Health went right to the source. Grade 10 students in Haldimand and Norfolk were invited to complete in-class surveys in December to give the health unit a baseline on which to build a strategy to address substance abuse.

Locals came together at the Talbot Gardens in Simcoe and celebrated the New Year with food, chocolate beverages and games.  “Norfolk County Recreation has been hosting this family-friendly New Year’s Eve event for more than 10 years,” said Katelyn Bowen, Recreation Services Supervisor. “The original inspiration was to provide a low-cost, welcoming option for families to celebrate close to home. “The event was designed to offer something for everyone, whether families wanted

The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce announced its Outstanding Business Award winners at their Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala on Nov. 13 at the Delhi German Home, and its Citizen of the Year.

Simcoe Curling Club has been slowly building up its membership again after the pandemic. “We’ve seen a lot come back and we’ve had some new members,” said Jayden Russell, SCC board member.

Children had a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus Saturday morning at the Langton Community Centre after the annual Langton Lions Santa Claus parade. Patiently and eagerly waiting in line, there were smiles all around.

Motorists traveling along Angling Road should keep an eye on their speed, as Norfolk County council is reducing the limit. A staff review of the speed limits on the road led to a recommendation to reduce the posted limit from 80 km/h to 70 km/h “from Concession 6 Townsend to approximately 670m south of Norfolk County Road 19,” a report said.

An environmental assessment presented four ways to deal with an aging but historically important dam in northwest Norfolk, but based on the calls councillors received, there was really only one choice.

Do you live in Norfolk County and not have plans on Christmas Day? There is a seat for you at the free community meal hosted by local charity Church Out Serving at Riversyde 83 in Simcoe.

Ontario country artist Olivia Mae Graham celebrated a major milestone with the launch of her full-length debut album, ‘Nobody’ at the Hungarian Hall in Delhi on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Norfolk County is home to some very dedicated people who contribute so much to Norfolk County. They don’t do it to gain recognition or accolades, but rather because of their commitment to the community. It is because of them that the Dogwood Awards were established in 2007, named after Norfolk County’s official flower, to give credit where credit is due.

The good residents of Waterford step forward when there is a need to be met and quite often one might find local business woman Kerry Bockenholt at the helm. Recently she opened the doors of her business, Kerry’s St. James Street Eatery, to a sold-out crowd intent on enjoying some great country music and Waterford’s own edition of ‘Hee Haw’ while supporting a great cause.

After spending her spring and summer fighting wildfires in Alberta, Bailey Pinkney would have been forgiven for putting her feet up once she got back home to Norfolk County. Instead, the 22-year-old laced up her running shoes and prepared to run the New York City Marathon in early November in support of her local hospital.

Pickleball may have gotten an unusual start, but that hasn’t stopped it from gaining adherents worldwide. And if the activity level on the pickleball courts during the Simcoe Seniors Centre’s assigned times are any indication, Norfolk County has its share of pickleball fans.

Some of the best Curling Ontario men’s teams hit the ice at the Simcoe Curling Club on the weekend for a three-day provincial qualifier. The top four teams qualified for the 2026 Farm and Food Care Ontario Men’s Curling Championships, Jan. 4-11 in Elmira, where the winning team will advance to the 2026 Brier, Canada’s national men’s curling championship.

Norfolk is dipping into a pool of money it saved for upgrades to Norfolk General Hospital. Councillors approved a staff recommendation to release $3 million from its Legacy Fund to help pay for a project to improve the minimally invasive surgery unit at the hospital. The county has a total of $5 million set aside in the fund to be used for hospital upgrades.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made their grand entrance ‘flying’ to the Simcoe Christmas Panorama light-up ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 29. “I have a tracker right here and I’ve been texting with Santa,” said Panorama MC Robynn Beazley at Wellington Park. “The firefighters are going to bring him over on the Bickle… but not quite yet. First, we need to hear from some special, important guests.”

When you are headed to the Simcoe Christmas Panorama this year, don’t forget to visit the Tumaini: Hot Apple Cider and Apple Cinnamon Donuts booth. Fill your stomachs and benefit a worthy cause at the panorama this year by buying some warm treats. This year the Simcoe Christmas Panorama is on daily 6-10 p.m. until Jan. 1 in Wellington and Clifton Parks.

The Norfolk Musical Arts Festival is gearing up for its March 2-6, 2026 festival. Registration for participants opened on the festival website (nmaf.ca) in November and it will stay open until the Monday, Jan. 12 deadline.

The Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre is showcasing Norfolk’s Golden Era of Bike Racing with a year-long exhibit exploring the history of the county’s cycling connection. The exhibit, which opened Nov. 8, will stay as a semi-permanent feature at the museum as artifacts will slowly be returned to the original donors over the course of the showing.  “There was a golden era that started in the 1930s, and later that decade, Belgian immigrants wanted to bring their passio

Santa Claus and his elves will be bringing storytime and crafts to the Norfolk County Public Library to celebrate the Christmas spirit.  Norfolk County Public Library is providing a variety of programs at its five branches. Storytimes with Santa and holiday crafts have become the focus of bringing people together. All programs are by registration only.