Local News

Asymptomatic testing will start next week at 4 schools in the TVDSB. None of the first schools selected are in Oxford County, however more schools will be announced each week.

Heart FM shared some amazing stories of everyone's favourite Hockey Dad today. Feel free to share your Walter or Wally stories below.

Retired General Rick Hillier has set a new goal for the Province to get the first shot of vaccine into the arms of every single person in Ontario who wants one by the first day of summer.

The Province also announced today they are moving Haldimand Norfolk back into the Orange-Restrict level of the COVID-19 Framework. North Bay will move to Red, while Toronto and Peel will be in Grey.

The Health Unit has declared an outbreak at Bethany Care Home in Norwich after 1 resident tested positive for COVID-19.

Two people have been arrested after police say they found meth, fentanyl and a conducted energy weapon at a home in Tillsonburg.

The Province also confirmed another 155 variants of concern in the Province and 1,159 resolved cases today.

A non-taxable item drive is happening at the Woodstock Food Basics today and all the proceeds will be going to Operation Sharing programs.

The UTRCA is warning everyone to stay off the ice this weekend as the snow melt continues in our region.

Southwestern Public Health says those who want to get vaccinated for COVID-19 should have their shots by the end of September.

Southwestern Public Health is warning the public about a very toxic fentanyl currently circulating in the community following three recent overdose deaths in Woodstock.

Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, has passed away at the age of 82.

Police are looking for 77-year-old Lynn Ellis after she was reported missing in Simcoe last night.

A 38 year old from Woodstock has been charged with 7 counts of distributing child pornography and 12 counts of harassing communication and Police are still investigating.

Briefs include a G1 driver charged with stunt driving and a traffic stop leads to illegal tobacco charges for a Brantford man.

Huron Perth Public Health has reached capacity for COVID-19 vaccination bookings for adults 80 and older as well as Indigenous adults 55 and older. The online and phone systems are closed for today and will reopen tomorrow.

Woodstock Police continue to respond to a number of overdoses in the City and are sharing tips on how to recognize the signs, which can be the difference between life and death.

Two people, who live in the same house have tested positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern in the SW Public Health Region. It's believed they contacted the variant by travelling out of country.

The SW Public Health COVID-19 dashboard has been down since yesterday afternoon. We can confirm the Health Unit has recorded 14 new cases over the past two days and 13 resolved cases in that time.

The Province also confirmed 1,072 resolved cased today and 96 new cases of COVID-19 variants.

The province has announced another $500 million to help municipalities cover ongoing COVID-19 operational costs, and over $3.1 million of it will be staying here in Oxford County.

The West Region OPP are once again reminding vehicle owners to lock it or lose it following multiple vehicle entires in Ingersoll.

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The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority would like landowners to check their trees for Gypsy Moth caterpillar eggs.

Woodstock Police are on the lookout for two suspects following a tire slashing spree over the weekend.

Southwestern Public Health is about to open two mass vaccination clinics; one at Goff Hall in Woodstock and another at the Memorial Arena in St. Thomas.

Woodstock Police have released photo's of a black truck that may been involved in an arson on Sunday February 21st.

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones stated today the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine will be given to residents aged 60 to 64.

Plans are moving forward to convert the old Paris Grand Country Club golf course into a subdivision, that over time will have 747 housing units built on the old golf course.

The Ontario Ministry of Long Term Care recently did a complaint inspection at Caressant Care in Woodstock over concerns about sexual activity and the issue of consent amongst residents.

Prime Minister Trudeau also announced the 500,000 doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine have arrived, 100,000 doses of that vaccine will be coming to Ontario.

Serious side affects to the COVID-19 vaccine are very rare. The most common side affects are fatigue, injection site pain, headache, muscle or joint pain and chills or a fever. 

Ontario is under 1,000 daily cases again this morning and the numbers are starting to come down a bit the Province's hot spot regions with 249 new cases in Toronto, 164 in Peel and 92 in York Region. 

Police responded to nearly 20,000 reports of fraud last year, with Ontarians losing over $47 million.

The OPP would like to remind all drivers to inspect their vehicles before hitting the road following two wheel off collisions in our area.

You could now face a $50 fine if you're caught stopping in a school zone in Woodstock.

OPAL Chair Bryan Smith is not a fan of a recent motion from Zorra Township Council which supports only host municipalities having a say regarding local landfills.

The LCBO announced today they will start opening stores on Mondays once again and they are also ending the Air Miles reward program starting on March 31st.

The Woodstock Police have shared a video of WPS members taking the Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for the Special Olympics and local athletes.

Two people are facing drug trafficking charges and an off duty officer is being credited with saving a life after a single vehicle crash on the 403 in Brant County.

Briefs include a 44 year old woman facing 8 charges after a routine traffic stop in Woodstock and two men have been arrested after police recovered a stolen Nissan that was taken on Sunday.

We currently have 82 active cases in the Southwestern Public Health Region, with most of them in Aylmer after an outbreak at the Ontario Police College.

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Western Fair Agriplex this weekend for seniors 80 and over and Indigenous adults 55 and over is completely booked.

Ontario is back under 1,000 daily cases today with 966 new cases confirmed this morning and 979 resolved cases.

Members of the Woodstock Fire Department's Suppression Team can now book an appointment to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Representatives from Norfolk OPP and Woodstock Police will be participating in this year's Polar Bear Plunge.

Woodstock Police briefs include a car theft and several slashed tires in the Sydenham Street and Sloan Street area.

Health Coalitions across Southwestern Ontario will shine a light on how the pandemic has affected long-term care homes during a virtual protest tomorrow.

The Thames Valley District School Board is reporting another case of COVID-19 at Central Public School.

Starting tomorrow local seniors who were born in 1941 or before and Indigenous adults 55 and older can book an appointment to get vaccinated in London. They will start booking for the Woodstock clinic next week.

"This is a job that I love, it's actually my dream job, I still have pictures from when I was 4 or 5, when my Mom and Dad gave me my first uniform based on the TV show CHIPS."

A 23 year old man from Woodstock has been charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly pointing a firearm at a woman in the downtown core.

Environment Canada is warning that strong winds, mixed with fresh snowfall this afternoon and evening will create near zero visibility on roadways in Oxford County.

We currently have 85 active cases in the region, however 66 of them are from Aylmer and are related to an outbreak at the Ontario Police College.

Woodstock Police arrested a 74 year old man around 1:05 this morning after getting a report about a man damaging a home on Main Street around 7:00 pm Sunday evening.

The Province confirmed several new variant cases over the weekend as well brining the total to 566 in Ontario.

The #HunterStrong campaign was a huge success, raising over $70,000 for the family of four-year-old Hunter Weston of Ingersoll.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for Oxford County and Brant County,

Brant Mayor David Bailey received the Community Influencer of the Year award from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario last month.

We're now in the Orange-Restrict zone which means up to 10 people can gather indoors and up to 25 people can gather outdoors.

We now have 84 ongoing cases of COVID-19 within the entire Southwestern Public Health Unit after officials reported 31 new cases yesterday.

Hailey Benedict of Komoka has been missing since Thursday and was last spotted getting off a train in Woodstock.

Southwestern Public Health and Middlesex London Public Health are moving to orange on Monday. Haldimand Norfolk and Huron Perth are going to Yellow.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is asking everyone to cautious near the waterways this weekend.

The Province has identified people over 80 as eligible for Phase One of the COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy and SW Public Health is almost ready to welcome 80 year old citizens for vaccinations. 

Premier Doug Ford and retired General Rick Hillier provided a vaccine distribution update to Ontario Mayors today, calling the news about AstraZeneca a real game changer.

Goff Hall has been selected as the site to administer vaccines in Woodstock. City Council will be asked to approve this at their next council meeting Thursday night.

Woodstock Police will be opening their doors to the public starting on Monday March 1st with several COVID-19 restrictions in place.

SW Public Health is reporting 43 active cases right now with most of them in Aylmer and Woodstock. The Health Unit also confirmed 5 resolved cases today.

OPP are reminding snowmobilers, ice fishing enthusiasts and skaters that no ice is safe ice ahead of the weekend.

Ontario confirmed 1,258 new cases of the virus this morning and 1,007 resolved cases. Testing numbers continue to be up with over 64,000 tests completed yesterday.

The #HunterStrong online auction will close at 5:00 p.m. tonight and all of the proceeds will be going towards an expensive cancer treatment for four-year-old Hunter Weston.

Health Canada has approved the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for national use.

United Way Oxford is going to hold drive thru donation events at local Shoppers Drug Mart locations for this year's Tampon Tuesday fundraiser.

The Woodstock Public Library reopened it's doors this week with strict COVID-19 protocols.

Ontario could have close to 500 new cases per day by the end of March if we get a handle on the COVID-19 variants.

The Southwestern Public Health Unit has administered over 2,500 COVID-19 vaccines since January.

Woodstock Police had a heavy Police Presence on Mill Street for almost 12 hours starting at 11:30 last night. Three people have been arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm.

The Dairy Farmers of Canada Association is asking producers to stop using palm oil additives in cattle feed as Canadians complain about hard butter.

St. Peter Elementary in Brantford is closed after 7 COVID-19 cases were reported in 7 different cohorts, including a bus and an after school program.

Some of the proposed changes include increasing advance polling days from 5 to 10 and doubling the amount people can donate to a candidate or party and extending third party advertising limits.

Police say a loader worth an estimated $45,000 has been stolen from a business in Blandford-Blenheim Township.

Remarkable nobody was injured after two wheel off collisions on the 401 yesterday in Oxford and Middlesex. In both cases the transport trucks that lost the wheels were not located.

The outbreak was first declared on January 21st. Over the past month a total of 54 residents and 23 staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

The Health Unit is reporting 40 active cases after just 3 recoveries yesterday. 11 of the 15 new cases confirmed today are from Aylmer.

The Province also confirmed 45 new cases of COVID-19 variants and 1,094 resolved cases. Testing numbers are up for the second straight day with 66,351 tests completed yesterday.

The Woodstock Police Service is conducting a weapons investigation on Mill Street and two people have been taken into custody.

South-West Oxford officials would like to know more about the current child care situation in the Township.

Jeff King of Zorra Township is looking to start a charity garden for local families in need.

You could learn more about the Oxford County Cycling Master Plan and provide your input during a virtual open house tonight at 7:00 p.m.

The Thames Valley District School Board has launched a major attendance review for all Woodstock public schools.

Minister Hardeman announced 16 local projects that will qualify for the $800,000 Rural Economic Development Program. 

A 31 year old man from Woodstock was arrested after police say they caught him stealing from a vehicle.

The Province announced funding today that would cover tuition and allow future PSW's to graduate in 6 months for up to 6,000 new students.

A 32 year old man from Southwold and a 21 year old woman from Woodstock have been arrested after police found a stolen vehicle and weapons in Woodstock.

Woodstock Firefighters are at the scene of a reported gas leak on Henry Street. 

The Health Unit also confirmed 7 resolved cases, meaning we are down to just 28 active cases in the region, with just over half of them in Woodstock.

It could be until June before some seniors in Ontario get vaccinated as retired General Rick Hillier offered a vaccine distribution update this morning.

In 3 days with Project Derby, police found 36 people who were willing to engage in sexual conversations with minors. During the pandemic complaints about online sexual exploitation of children are up 88%.

The positivity rate today is 1.9% after the Province confirmed 1,054 new cases after completing 54,852 tests yesterday.

The Oxford County Library will host a Facebook Live presentation on Black History tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Alan Dale and Brian Petrie will serve as the new Chair and Vice Chair of the UTRCA Board of Directors.

The Southwestern Public Health Unit is currently averaging about 4,000 COVID-19 tests per week.

Three people were taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries after a house fire in Stratford this morning on Borden Street.

The best place to place your garbage and recycling for collection is in an area that has been cleared of snow.

UPDATE: Sophia has been located safe and sound. SCPS would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter.

The Town of Tillsonburg will be meeting with the Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney this week at the virtual Ontario Good Roads Association Conference.

Acting Sargent Ed Sanchuk offers some snowmobile safety tips after a close call in a pond yesterday in Blandford-Blenheim Township.

If you were planning on doing laundry or running the dishwasher today, you might want to hold off until 7:00 pm as the 24-7 off peak rate is officially over.

SW Public Health also confirmed 11 resolved cases, meaning we are down to 35 active cases total for the region, with nearly half of them from Woodstock.

Ontario is back under 1,000 daily new cases with 975 confirmed this morning and 1,002 resolved cases.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not available for the general public yet, but Southwestern Public Health is hoping to have more information about the next round of eligibility sometime soon.

A 35-year-old woman from Woodstock is facing a list of charges including possession of break in instruments and three counts of failing to comply with probation.

It's the final week of Black History Month and the Oxford County Library has posted a video all about Ingersoll's connection to the underground railroad.

Applications are now being accepted for the PSW FAST Program at Woodingford Lodge.

Tourism Oxford has launched a new partnership program for local businesses serving tourists.

Woodstock City Council will discuss a proposed Revenue Budget this week and it currently includes a 2.51% residential tax rate increase.

Minister Dunlop joined Heart FM to talk about Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the $307 million dollar investment from the Province to combat human trafficking and how this issue is much more prevalent than many realize.

Police are searching for two suspects who tried to steal an ATM from the TD bank in Waterford early Sunday morning.

221 people took to the streets of Woodstock on Saturday for the first annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for Oxford's only homeless shelter, The Inn, run by Operation Sharing.

Residents and businesses in the area of Norwich Ave and Juliana Drive and south of the 401 are dealing with low water pressure right now as crews try to repair a watermain break.

The Southwestern Public Health Unit also confirmed 3 resolved cases, meaning we are down to just 40 active cases in our region.

Woodstock Police are investigating a suspicious fire that completely destroyed an International 40S truck worth an estimated $70,000.

The Province also confirmed 1,083 resolved cases this morning and 5 new cases of COVID-19 variants over the weekend.

A 26-year-old man from Woodstock is lucky to be alive after his snowmobile broke through some ice in Blandford-Blenheim.

The patient waitlist for the Norwich Medical Centre is down to just over 100 people.

The buses have been cancelled for students in the TVDSB, LCDSB, Conseil scolaire catholique Providence and Woodstock Christian School this morning.

You can now bid in an online auction for four-year-old Hunter Weston. All of the proceeds will help pay for an expensive cancer treatment.

The TVDSB has reported a positive case of COVID-19 at Central Public School in Woodstock.

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for Oxford County and Brant County.

Southwestern Public Health reported only two new cases of COVID-19 yesterday bringing the total number of ongoing cases to 43.

A 72 year old woman was charged with fail to yield after a crash just outside of St.Marys

The Norwich Optimist Truck and Tractor Pull features lots of horsepower and fun for all ages

The committee for the new Ingersoll Rec Centre is considering more land options to host the centre.

Oxford County Council is considering ways to help Woodstock pay for security at the courthouse.

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Check out the latest edition of Web Chat With the Mayor

Oxford OPP have confirmed that the deceased in a suspicious death is a 31 year old mom from Drumbo.

Union Gas is donating cash to help the local Fire Department spread their fire prevention messages.

Cruise nights are happening every Thursday this August at Southside park.

City Hall in Woodstock was the site of a protest aimed to raise awareness about an ugly situation happening in China.

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The Friendly City will be well represented at an invitational skating event happening in Japan.

Parents are being reminded about the provincial curfew in effect for young people.

The Woodstock Fire Department reminds everyone to keep their 72 Hour Emergency Kit up to date all year long.

Post-mortem results in a sudden death investigation now has police treating the death as 'suspicious'

Police are livid after a deadly weekend on our roads claimed eight lives.

The Oxford Lions Club has made a big donation to support some local causes including Sakura House.

Police are reminding the public to lock your doors and roll up your windows after a rash of vehicle entries in Woodstock.

The family of a missing woman from Drumbo who is presumed dead are still searching for answers.

Oxford's own Upper Thames Brewing Company is looking forward to giving people a taste of what's to come.

Millennials may be easy targets for scammers due to snap decisions and a feeling of invincibility.

A woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after hitting her head while swimming.

The public is encouraged to keep their eyes out for a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant.

Try to find ways to stay cool this week as Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the region.

The dream is still alive for a home cook from Woodstock with aspirations to be the next MasterChef Canada.

Crowds were full all week long and they got to see some really entertaining ball with teams from across the Country.

Two women from East Zorra-Tavistock suffered minor injuries after a crash in Perth County.

Woodstock is getting ready for three days of fun, food, entertainment, and - of course - cows!

Teams from Innerkip and Tavistock will be making Oxford proud at the Canadian Fast Pitch Championships. 

Environment Canada reminds everyone to heed special weather alerts as we remember the 1979 tornadoes.

Police are investigating after finding a deceased woman in a parked car on Canning Road.

The Move With Grace Dance Studio will be helping bus tables at Kelsey's in Woodstock to raise money for a trip to Spain.

The event is sponsored by the Tavistock Agricultural Society and will be taking place on Monday August 15th.

There are 11 awards up for grabs including the trades person of the year award and the community involvement award.

Woodstock Mayor, Trevor Birtch was invited to a San Francisco presentation to share what our community is doing to reach their goals. 

They are hosting the tournament and having a silent auction on Saturday to help fund a trip to Nationals.

A hot car is no place for your pet, leave them at home!

Brant County OPP released the results from their Move Over Campaign.

The Under 21 Men's Fast Pitch Championship is heading into playoffs over the weekend.

Flavius Miron will appear in court next week via video call in hopes to schedule a bail hearing.

People of all ages are welcome to enjoy a viewing of the new Jungle Book movie tonight on an inflatable screen.

The Woodstock Rotary Club is getting ready for their 19th annual Dragon Boat Festival.

A 24 year old man from Woodstock charged with manslaughter will have another bail hearing this morning.

The changes to the Woodstock Transit system started on Tuesday.

The Perth County OPP have released their traffic statistics from the Civic long weekend.

A home cook from Woodstock is heading to Toronto in hopes of becoming the next MasterChef Canada.

A good portion of downtown Woodstock will be closed off to traffic this weekend as the City celebrates Streetfest 2016.

Players have committed and the roster is almost set for the Tillsonburg Hurricanes.

Canadian Blood Services is hoping for a better turnout today for their blood donor clinic in Woodstock.

Golf carts and batteries have been stolen from the Happy Hills Resort in Zorra Township.

A heat warning has been issued for the region with day time highs tomorrow expected to feel like 38 degrees.

A woman is facing serious injuries after a collision with a transport truck at a local grocery store.

Oxford OPP are investigating after a number of break and enters in the Village of Thamesford over the Long Weekend.

Police were tipped off about a possible drunk driver heading Eastbound on the 401.

The price of gas nationwide dropped about 0.7 cents a litre last week, to an average of about 99.5 cents a litre.

Club 33 has been a popular after school basketball program in Norwich for 17 years.

A meteorologist with Environment Canada is offering safety tips for anyone in a thunderstorm after a Tillsonburg man was killed by lightning earlier this week.

A 1972 Evinrude boat has been stolen from a driveway in Paris.

Local Roots in the Park was the victim of a break and Enter at Southside Park.

Police are looking for a man who did a gas and dash at the Husky in Dorchester.

A woman from Norwich was at the cottage when she realized she had won $50,000.

The quartet Rosie and the Riveters will hit the stage at Rose Hill Farm on August 5th.

The Oxford County Injury Prevention Team will be hosting summer day camps for kids.

The opening ceremonies for the 2016 U21 Men's Canadian Fastball Championship will take place on Tuesday August 2nd at 6pm in Tavistock.

Woodstock Spiderman will have a birthday party in Southside Park on August 6th.

Bullwinkles Eatery is going on a three week break and will reopen on August 23rd.

52 year old David Johnson is dead after he was struck by lightning Sunday afternoon.

The Annual Report for 2015 contains details about the city of Woodstock's crime rate.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has taken Dr. Judi Marcin's medical certificate away.

The Chippewas of the Thames First Nation will be using the big canoe for community development and to teach youth the importance of working together.

OPP say jumping into bodies of water can be dangerous if you don't know how deep the water is.

The Norwich Otterville Lions Club disbanded on June 30th due to a lack of new members.

Woodstock Police officers say a food booth in Southside Park was broken into early Saturday morning.

19 year old Dustin Helmer-Taylor of Tillsonburg is facing numerous charges after OPP officers received reports of vehicle break and enters in his hometown.

OPP officers will be patrolling the waters this long weekend, looking for impaired drivers and making sure boats have the proper equipment on board.

The Woodstock Museum is currently displaying an exhibit featuring the 20 year history of the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame.

The Otterville Library will be offering different activities for all ages over the next couple of weeks.

Woodstock Police say 19 year old David Andrew Lichty was safely located in London.

19 year old David Andrew Lichty has been missing since Tuesday.

17 people were charged with distracted driving in Ingersoll this week.

A bail hearing for a Woodstock man charged with manslaughter has been delayed for the third week in a row.

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The OPP reports drivers have been getting slack when it comes to moving over for emergency vehicles.

The Salvation Army is asking people to donate to the food bank as their stocks begin to dwindle in the summer months.

A 24 year old man charged with manslaughter will be back in court for a bail hearing this morning.

One man has died and two other people were taken to hospital after a collision on Highway 24.

Environment Canada has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Oxford and Brant Counties.

The Woodstock Police will be targeting impaired and distracted drivers over the long weekend.

Mosquitoes in Perth County have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

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Officer Striker visited the Heart FM Studios and this three minute video shows him in action.

Police are investigating after an overnight theft at a Stone Supply Company in Brunner.

The Woodstock Fire Department is getting ready to welcome a new Jr Fire Chief and Jr Deputy Fire Chief

A non profit organization providing shelter and support to pregnant and parenting women is looking for some help.

Oxford County Public Health is encouraging everyone to get tested for free as part of World Hepatitis Day.

Two people suffered major injuries during a crash at an intersection in Perth County.

Floral Occasions in Ingersoll are trying to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association of Oxford County.

Pittock is already booked for the Long Weekend and only a few campsites remain at other local Conservation areas.

A traffic analysis study has identified Zorra and East Zorra-Tavistock as a problem area for collisions in Oxford County.

This year's free Smoke Free Movie Night will feature the new live action Jungle Book.

The Beachville Museum invites everyone to come out over the summer and learn about our local history.

The East Oxford-Oxford Centre Optimist Club has a lot to look back on and be proud of as they say goodbye.

Woodstock Police were busy with break and enters, multiple pets left in cars, and are now investigating a suspicious person.

Oxford County and other rural areas in Southwestern Ontario will have better access to the internet in the near future.

Oxford County still has a burn ban in place.

Briefs include Grande Prairie speeder and a man who was woken up to the sound of his truck being stolen.

The grand opening of the Woodstock Sports Hall of Fame exhibit at the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site will take place on Thursday from 5pm until 7pm.

Oxford Junior Farmers will be hosting the 11th annual Embro Truck and Tractor Pull on July 29th and 30th this year.

Oxford OPP officers want parents and guardians to sit down with their kids and teens, to talk about potential dangers in their community.

Three women from Oxford County are in the mix to become the CNE ambassador to the fairs.

Jack de Keyser, and The Spoons will be among 30 different acts performing during Streetfest in Woodstock this year.

The 5th annual Memorial Ride for Tori Stafford drew plenty of bikers and community support on Saturday.

A quick response from firefighters helped save the Northdale Public School from burning down.

Police are investigating a death at Memorial Park in Ingersoll, at this time they do not think the death was suspicious.

Canadian Mental Health Association of Oxford has almost reached their $150,000 fundraising goal for 2016.