LOCAL HEADLINES

International Women’s Day recently offered an opportunity to recognize the important contributions women continue to make in agriculture, including two local dairy farmers from South Easthope Township who are helping lead a modern, family-run operation in Perth County.

Historic photographs displayed on the walls of Quehl’s Restaurant in Tavistock offer a glimpse into the community’s past, highlighting both its agricultural heritage and a notable piece of harness-racing history.

The Braves have moved one step closer to reaching the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) final four after defeating Woodstock in an exciting Doherty Division Game 7 finale.

The next Region of Waterloo municipal government will likely have a different look at the top following the Oct. 26 provincial elections.

Despite the chilly, wet weather, spirits remained high as families from Shakespeare and the surrounding area gathered at the Shakespeare Pavilion for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Shakespeare Opti-Mrs. Club.

Wilmot Township Coun. Harvir Sidhu said after nearly four years on council, one thing is clear – the work isn’t done.

“Half a century later, Ontario’s seatbelt law still saves lives. If you aren’t buckling up, what’s holding you back?”

“I’m planning on running for mayor of Wilmot in the upcoming municipal election.” Those were the first words on Wilmot Coun. Kris Wilkinson’s recently launched election-campaign website.

The Canadian Dairy XPO was held in Stratford from April 1-3, drawing a record 18,000 attendees.

The Canadian Dairy XPO’s annual Calves for a Cause auction raised more than $484,000 during this year’s live sale April 1 in the Cow Coliseum at the Stratford Agriplex.

Despite a chilly, wet morning on Saturday, April 4, Brocksden Country School Museum was warm and welcoming as children explored what classroom life was like more than 100 years ago.

Perth County council has awarded a contract worth just over $760,000 for the replacement of a culvert on Perth Road 107 south of Shakespeare, a project that will require a full 19-day road closure later this year but is expected to come in well under budget.

The Wagler family welcomed visitors to their Sand Hills Maple Products Farm west of Wellesley this spring as part of their annual open house in the sugar bush, offering guests the chance to enjoy pancakes, sausages, fruit, coffee and plenty of fresh maple syrup.

More than 860 sauerkraut and rib enthusiasts gathered in Shakespeare last week for the Shakespeare Optimist Club’s annual Easter dinner, filling the Optimist Hall to capacity for one of the organization’s most popular fundraising events.

Rainy weather didn’t dampen spirits at the Tavistock Agricultural Society’s annual Easter egg hunt, as dozens of children and their families gathered at Queen’s Park to take part in the popular spring tradition.

For the second year in a row, the Tavistock Agricultural Society has partnered with a Niagara-region winery to offer a bottled-wine fundraiser in support of local agricultural initiatives and community events.

A well-known Shakespeare-area farming couple with deep ties to both agriculture and community service will be among those honoured this year with induction to the Stratford-Perth Museum’s Agriculture Wall of Fame.

Theatre Wellesley will present its spring production, The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, in April and May.

Perth County council has directed staff to revise several key components of a proposed update to its forest conservation bylaw following months of public consultation and ongoing feedback from the agricultural community and other stakeholders.

Grace United Church in Tavistock joined many churches across the area in celebrating Easter Sunday with a special service marking one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.