LOCAL HEADLINES

For many Stratfordians, this holiday season was a mixed-bag. Whether it was the rising cost of living, the strain the whole world is facing, or other personal reasons, there were many hurdles to be faced this December.

The Stratford Fire Department is one of the recipients of the Ontario government’s newly launched Fire Protection Grant.

Stratford proved its generosity again by surpassing last year’s donations to the Christmas Kettle in the Athens Greek Souvlaki restaurant.

Glow in the dark curling became a hit during Lights on Stratford.

The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB)’s recently released EQAO results left something to be desired, however leadership says it has a plan to address the shortfall.

Stratford’s very own Little Leaf Cannabis Co. Inc. celebrated its fourth anniversary in December 2024.

After questions of affordability and potential green initiatives went unanswered, a decision on a proposed 68-townhouse subdivision has been deferred by Stratford city council.

Messages of condolences from Stratford-area residents continue to pour in following the death of author Andrew Pyper.

A local hemp producer and manufacturer of CBD topicals officially launched its flagship hemp-stick product on the recreational cannabis market during a special event at Little Leaf Cannabis Co. in Stratford last month.

The Optimist Club of Stratford is a dedicated group of volunteers seeking to assist in food insecurity as a priority this year.

On Monday, December 23, 2024, the Stratford Police Service received a report of a missing 23-year-old female, Danica.

North Perth deputy mayor Todd Kellum has been acclaimed as Perth County warden, taking over from outgoing warden

The 2025 draft budget, with the approved expansions and removals council has made

The Stratford District Secondary School (SDSS) wrestling team enjoyed a positive overall result at their first tournament on Nov. 29 hosted at St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Cambridge.

Since 1991, the red ribbon has been an international symbol for AIDS awareness. Since 2012, local Stratford knitters have done their part to spread that very same symbol across the Festival City each year.

To help put the resources and financing in place to support a made-in-Stratford film and television industry, and stimulate the development of new film projects, local production company Ballinran Entertainment is looking to establish a dedicated film fund.

The Stratford Bentley’s Fighting Irish enjoyed a high-octane start to the final month of 2024 when they picked up an 8-2 win over the Strathroy Jets on Dec. 7.

After a phenomenal shutout victory on home ice against one of their fellow first-place contenders, the Stratford Hunter Steel Ltd. Warriors stubbed their toe at the GOJHL Showcase tournament in Caledonia Dec. 6-8.

As a result of the high cost per rider and the end of a funding agreement with the province, as well as to keep the 2025 proposed budget impact on county landowners down, Perth County council has voted to discontinue the PC Connect rural-route service as of March 31, 2025.

An annual tradition in the heart of Stratford kicked off the unofficial start to the winter holiday season.