LOCAL HEADLINES

Oxford County Council approved the 2026 Business Plan and Budget last week, authorizing a total budget of $406.1 million that includes a $278.2 million operating budget and $127.9 million in capital projects.

Oxford County is advising the public that personal and private information collected by some programs and services was compromised as part of the County’s cyber incident discovered in September 2025.

A Woodstock man has been arrested in connection with a suspicious fire at a multi-unit residence in the city.

Impaired driving charge laid following R.I.D.E. check

Pair of OPP officers injured after vehicles hit cruisers on snowy highway

Woodstock City Councillor Bernia Martin has been elected buy her peers as Oxford County’s new Deputy Warden, replacing Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie.

The 2026 capital budget with a value of just over $38 million has been approved.

A community group representing county residents delegated to Oxford County Council during last week’s budget meeting, asking for a zero per cent property tax hike. Along with a presentation outlining the reasons why, Stand4Oxford presented council with a petition signed by 1300 people.

The Echo reached out to each member of council following the spirited debate last week to get their thoughts when they had some time to reflect on the final budget. Only five of ten elected officials responded and here are their replies.

On Friday, Dec. 12, two beloved displays from Ingersoll’s annual Lighting of the Lights were discovered missing, just weeks after the festive event started on Nov. 22.

Downtown Woodstock wrapped up a joyful season of holiday programming as Christmas in the Square brought hundreds of residents and visitors to Museum Square on Dec. 12, 13, 19, and 20. Hosted in the heart of the city, the event delivered four days of festive fun, family activities, and community engagement.

"Santa's Workshop" One of the festive displays from Beachville's Light up the Museum Event.

The Church of the Epiphany at 560 Dundas Street in Woodstock hosted its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 6, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On the morning of Dec. 6, the Optimist Club once again brought holiday joy to Woodstock by hosting Santa’s Breakfast at St. David’s United Church, 190 Springbank Ave. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., families gathered for a morning filled with celebration, good food, and meaningful community support.

Homes throughout Woodstock are coming alive with colorful lights, meaningful symbols, and festive displays that celebrate both the beauty and the purpose of the holiday.

The Woodstock CI Red Devils girls’ hockey fans on buyout knew when to cheer, were appropriately dressed in red-and-white and packing a witty assortment of supportive signage.

It wasn’t clear if Woodstock St. Mary’s scorekeeper Jada Laird offered inspiration. Or just the right amount of competitive challenge.

The roadmap to Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships is a familiar one for the Woodstock CI Red Devils senior girls’ volleyball team.

Tennessee may seem like a long way to go just to play some hockey, but the team made it more than worth its while to cross the border and bring home a championship.

The local Sikh community hosted a well-attended ceremony at College Ave School on Saturday, Nov. 29, in Woodstock, bringing together over 20o people to reflect on history and teachings.