LOCAL HEADLINES

Perth County council has concluded the bulk of its 2026 budget deliberations and has now approved the full draft budget in principle after county council reviewed its draft operating budget on Jan. 22., resulting in a proposed levy increase, inclusive of growth, of 8.75 per cent over the county’s 2025 levy.

The library’s upcoming Make and Take event will provide locals with an opportunity to take home a craft made from the heart.

Meet our two newest members, Peggy O’Brien and Vivian Reid.

On Valentine’s Day of all days, Stratford Walking Tours will guide locals through the downtown core to learn about the life of a former St. Marys mayor who was accused of murder.

Coyote Nature School, an outdoor educational alternative for kids, is preparing to open its summer-camp registration and recently unveiled new programs for 2026 and 2027.

Although the St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) has two distinct productions lined up for 2026, both productions explore the desire for a sense of belonging.

Perth County Warden Dean Trentowsky, county councillors and staff joined more than 1,900 municipal and provincial representatives from across Ontario at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto Jan. 18-20.

After a successful Christmas campaign, staff at The Salvation Army Stratford-St. Marys Regional Community Ministries reflected on what drives their commitment to help others.

The upcoming Chili Cookoff hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion – Perth Regiment Branch 236 will warm up St. Marys and area residents during a cold winter.

The St. Marys Friendship Centre is hoping a community request will inspire residents to sort through their belongings and donate scrapbooking and other crafting supplies.

Steve Cousins, the most recent chair of Stratford’s police service board, has been removed as a member of the board by the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

A busy start to the new year for the Stratford police services board included welcomes and affirmations for new appointees, followed by the election of a new chair and vice chair for 2026.

Stratford police saw a slight decrease in overall calls for service in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to a year-end report presented to the Stratford Police Service Board on Jan. 21.

On the morning of Feb. 14, 2026, Sydney Touzel will lace up her running shoes and begin a 21-kilometre run from Little Falls Elementary School in St. Marys to Optimism Place in Stratford.

I was very honoured to watch as the St. James-Tecumseh Masonic Lodge No. 73 honoured my father, Harold Douglas, with a certificate of achievement for outstanding contributions to the community and making a positive impact through interactions with people of many diverse backgrounds.

It’s one thing to look good in your return to action after missing three weeks with an injury.

The U13 LL Boys Blue St. Marys Rock took the silver medals at the Stonetown Classic tournament held in St. Marys Jan. 15-18.

The St. Marys GMC U18 LL Boys St. Marys Rock earned the silver medal at the Jan. 15-18 Stonetown Classic tournament in St. Marys.

A hearty morning meal of scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, hashbrown potatoes and fruit cups along with coffee, tea, orange juice and sparkling apple juice was the perfect draw for the approximately 300 people who attended.

Occasionally, locals may require assistance but are uncertain about where to seek support or who to consult. An unexpected accident, illness, or surgery can disrupt one’s routine and quality of life, often necessitating additional help at home throughout the recovery period.