LOCAL HEADLINES

The Ford government passed legislation that abruptly ended speed-camera programs across Ontario, but affected municipalities are being offered a pot of money to implement other traffic-calming measures.

Work is well underway in New Hamburg on a new Nithview long-term-care home, and going hand-in-hand with it is an outdoor development along the Nith River flats.

Preparations are complete for this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Tavistock, and organizers say the 2025 edition is set to be one of the most exciting parades the community has seen.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes’ (TCMH) second annual fundraising dinner was a big success last Saturday, with the event furthering the organization’s mission of building a new Nithview long-term care home in New Hamburg.

New Hamburg author Nancy Silcox has just released a biography detailing the storied career and life of former Ontario Deputy Minister of Culture, and her late brother-in-law, David Silcox – the result of three years of research into a man who worked his whole life to have Canadian art recognized internationally and at home.

Following several months of public consultation and background study, the development of a new official plan for the Township of Wilmot is moving into its next phase.

The Bickle family, south of Tavistock, recently said goodbye to Morty, their loyal bulldog and beloved mascot of Bickle’s Orchard Park Farm.

As many young graduates search for meaningful work, two local farm-raised labourers have found their stride doing what they enjoy most – working outdoors.

Wilmot Township’s senior residents have long heard the saying that history repeats itself. After the First World War, they hoped it wouldn’t – but only two decades later, global conflict returned.

The Tavistock Men’s Club once again served up a sold-out crowd at its annual Sauerkraut Supper, drawing hundreds of eager visitors for one of the community’s most anticipated fall meals.

A well-known shop just northeast of Shakespeare continues to stay busy as demand for millwrights and skilled repair work remains high across southern Perth County.

Grace United Church’s monthly High Noon gathering welcomed an unusual and engaging guest last week: the Worm Wrangler.

Wilmot Township council has selected nine people to sit on a community steering committee to guide the next phase of the Prime Ministers Path project.

The cost of housing and a lack of affordable options for residents of Perth-Huron across the income spectrum are primary drivers for the recently announced increase to the area’s living wage, which rose from $23.05 per hour in 2024 to $24.60 this year.

Wellesley, Woodstock, Tavistock and New Hamburg are creating some room between themselves and the bottom four teams in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Doherty Division.

Tavistock dropped into a three-way tie for third place in the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s (OEHL) South Division following a 6-4 home-ice loss to Elora on Saturday night.

Nine Perth County 4-H dairy members enjoyed an exciting and successful week at the 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, competing in one of the country’s most prestigious youth livestock events – the TD 4-H Dairy Classic.

Construction continues on the new water-treatment system beside the Shakespeare Variety, marking a major step forward for the village’s long-term drinking water quality.

After direction was brought forward by Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen earlier this year to have staff bring forward a policy outlining the process for a regular review of council pay, staff recently presented that policy to township council for feedback before it is officially approved.

Members of Oxford County council had their first look at next year’s document, which comes with an operating budget of $227.8 million and a capital budget of $127.9 million.