LOCAL HEADLINES

To reduce liability and winter-maintenance expectations at dog parks in the township, Wellesley council has approved a service-level change that will see local dog parks left largely unmaintained during winter months.

Stop Violence Against Women (Stop VAW) is hosting a series of community information sessions across Perth County from January through May.

Hillcrest Mennonite Church west of New Hamburg was the setting Saturday for a milestone celebration marking the 90th birthday of Mary Ellen Zehr.

The Tavistock Ministerial Association hosted its monthly High Noon luncheon last week at Grace United Church, drawing a strong turnout for a meal, fellowship and an eye-opening presentation on global health issues.

December brought a welcome surprise for Jeffrey Honey of Kitchener, the latest winner in the Wilmot Heritage Fire Brigade’s monthly 50/50 draw, based in Baden.

Tavistock Braves forward Yann Raskin stole the show at the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) South Division All-Star Game on Sunday afternoon.

The U11 B New Hamburg Huskies team is doing some important work off the ice to support a Canadian organization helping other kids play the game.

The Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (W-ODSS) junior boys picked up a strong 51-28 win over Elmira District Secondary (EDSS) on Jan. 6.

Beginning this month as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth is providing several opportunities for locals to learn virtually about Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, memory and aging, and more.

A mixed bag of severe winter weather hit Oxford County and Wilmot Township over the last few weeks, creating hazardous driving conditions and keeping public work crews busy clearing snow and applying salt and sand to area roadways.

“Region of Waterloo budget delivers affordability and service investments.”

Cases of influenza continue to rise across the Southwestern Public Health Unit area as hospitals report an influx of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.

Claire Koch, the Wellesley Fall Fair ambassador for 2025-2026, is using her platform as a representative of the Wellesley North Easthope Agriculture Society to help spread farm and rural safety messaging to elementary students through her new Barnyard Buddies program.

Ella Jones of the Wellesley area has once again claimed the Laura Masters Hansuld Award, presented annually to the top point earner in the Junior Division at the Tavistock Fall Fair.

Wellesley residents will see the township portion of their property tax bill increase by just under 3.5 per cent, which includes a 0.5 per-cent greening levy, after township council tentatively approved the township’s 2026 draft budget just before the holiday break.

Bob Berg, the New Hamburg Legion’s military service recognition book (MSRB) coordinator, has his work cut out for him in the first few months of the new year as he continues his search for family members of local veterans, focusing his efforts this time on locals who served in the First World War.

The Optimist Club of Petersburg hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 13, bringing holiday cheer to local families.

Christmas celebrations may be winding down, but Milverton residents are still enjoying memories from a colourful and successful holiday parade. The event brought crowds to the streets and filled the Perth East Recreation Complex with families eager to take part in seasonal activities.

The name David Carson has been familiar to livestock farmers across Perth County and beyond for decades. Whether it involved cattle, horses, farm machinery or charity events, if an auctioneer was needed, Carson was the one people called.

The Waterloo County 4-H Dairy Classic Team returned from the 103rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto with strong results and memories they say will last a lifetime.