LOCAL HEADLINES

The Stratford chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) held its annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel on March 7, a day before the annual international event celebrating women and their accomplishments.

The Stratford U18 AA Warriors’ season ended after a Game 5 defeat to the London Jr. Knights White in the ALLIANCE U18 AA-A Bristol Playdowns semifinals on March 8.

The Ontario Student Nutrition Program (OSNP), run by the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), invited community members to learn about the program and how it impacts local children across southwestern Ontario.

Liesa Hartman’s newest venture, Hartman’s Coffee and Tea, comes from her life-long goal.

The music business as it exists today is a free-for-all with rapidly changing models and processes leading to bewilderment and uncertainty for those trying to navigate their way through to success.

The Stratford Humphrey Fleet Service U18 AA Aces enjoyed an excellent week, advancing to the semifinals of the OWHA Southern Tier-II Championships and earning a spot in the OWHA Provincials.

An annual girl’s hockey event is returning to Stratford and will now include an opportunity for girls to learn more about being a goalie.

When Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen heads to the moon next month aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission, he will carry with him not only the hopes of a country, but also deep family roots in Perth South.

March Break is just around the corner, and the Stratford Public Library has prepared a full week of free, fun activities for children, teens and families. From March 16 to 20, the library invites the community to “escape” into creativity, play, and imagination with daily dropin programs. No registration is required and everyone is welcome.

A celebration of local food, community connection and charitable giving is returning to Stratford this spring. The Stratford Makers Market will host its second annual Food Fest on Saturday, March 21 at the Stratford Rotary Complex, offering residents and visitors a chance to shop, sample and savour an impressive range of Ontario-made food products – all while supporting a local cause.

Patricia O’Malley, the most recent Stratforder to become an Order of Canada member, pointed out that for a moderately-sized city, it has certainly left its mark on the nation.

Now that they know their first-round playoff opponent, the only remaining question for the Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors is who will hold home ice advantage at the start of the playoffs, as the regular season nears its end.

Perth South council has unanimously declared intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in the township following a presentation by local advocates highlighting the scope and impact of gender-based violence across Perth County.

Perth County council received the results of the spring 2026 intake for the Perth County Stewardship Program on March 5, with demand for the grant program once again exceeding available funding even as some councillors continued to question whether the county’s annual contribution could be better spent elsewhere.

Stratford 3rd Age Learning (S33AL) is now open for April-start courses for adult learners.

Since 1996, Claire Sherwin can count on one hand how many consecutive weeks off he's had.

For five years, Little Leaf has been aiding and educating the community about the health benefits of cannabis. As one of the first dispensaries in town, they have grown with their customers and evolved into a shop known for its dependability, consistency and knowledge in product and service.

In Ontario there are 47 municipalities charged with administering child-care services for their regions. Since 2022, the City of Stratford is one of three where licenced home child care is not available – though that is set to change in 2026.

Following a first-round sweep of the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks, the Huron-Perth U16 AAA Lakers started their ALLIANCE U16 AAA semifinal series versus the Brantford 99ers.

Stratford’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk once again surpassed its fundraising goal.