The Heart FM Newsroom has compiled a Top 10 List of the stories that hit Oxford in 2016
2016 was a busy year for Woodstock and Oxford County as the area made national headlines, and not always for the best reasons.
A number of stories cast a very dark shadow over Oxford County, but within all that darkness there are also moments to celebrate.
The Heart FM News Team has chosen the Top 10 News Stories of the Year:
1.The Youth Suicide Crisis and the Community Reaction
Woodstock made headlines when high school students staged a walkout and met at Museum Square to protest the school board’s reaction to five youth suicides in 2016.
The walkout led to serious conversations about youth mental health, captured the attention of Michael Landsberg who came to Oxford for SickNotWeak-stock, and encouraged more people to donate to the local CMHA to help those struggling access life saving services.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
2. Elizabeth Tracy Mae Wettlaufer
Residents of Woodstock and Oxford County were stunned when police announced they were charging a local woman with eight counts of first degree murder. This case is still ongoing, but if convicted Wettlaufer will be the first convicted health care serial killer in Canada.
Although this story has garnered national and international headlines, the newsroom felt the youth suicide crisis and the community’s reaction impacted more people within our community.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
3. Bullwinkle’s Eatery Opens for Business
Bullwinkle’s is an innovative idea allowing people from all walks of life to come together and enjoy a meal for as little as 50 cents. The eatery has become a hot spot for business professionals and community members. Volunteers prepare the food while gaining real world work experience in the kitchen – helping to prepare them for future careers.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
4. Jessica Rowe
The mysterious death of Jessica Rowe from Drumbo shocked the community and left many wondering what really happened. Police have concluded an investigation into the death, and they say no foul play is suspected.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
5. Tavistock Hosts U21 Men’s Canadian Fastball Championship
Some of the best fastball players in Canada came to Tavistock for a week long tournament. Spectators got to take in some top notch ball and the tournament provided a great opportunity to show off Oxford County and EZT
You can read more about this story from our archives here
6. Justice for Jed
Woodstock’s first murder case of 2016 happened over the summer. 24 year old Flavius Miron is accused of killing 48 year old Jerry Klassen after Klassen was found unresponsive in his home on July 13th. This case is still ongoing.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
7. Maple Leaf Turkey Processing Plant Plans to Close Up Shop
Maple Leaf Foods had been in the community for over 80 years when they announced plans to close the Thamesford plant, leaving some 4,400 people without a job.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
8. Future Oxford 2050 Goal
Oxford County made national headlines after announcing plans to be 100 percent reliant on renewable energy by 2050. Oxford County is one of only two municipalities in the country who are striving for this lofty goal – the other is Vancouver.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
9. Fighting The Dump
Walker Environmental Group is forging ahead with plans to build a landfill just outside of Oxford County despite ongoing protests from local groups like the OPAL Alliance.
You can read more about this story from our archives here
10. Woodstock Navy Vets Celebrate 50th Season With A Trip To Playoffs
The Woodstock Navy Vets celebrated 50 years in the community with many special nights over the course of the season as they continue to uphold their aim to be ‘pillars of the community.’
Battle of the Badges this Sunday
Two Charged in Woodstock Drug Bust
UPDATE: LPS Constable Faces Three Charges
Premier Fumes Over Gas Price Increase
Dairy Capital Run Returns to Discovery Farm Woodstock
Golf Carts Stolen and Damaged in Ingersoll
Rural Engagement Survey Closing Soon
Tickets Available for Woodstock Mayor's Breakfast
Oxford MP Responds to Federal Budget
Norfolk OPP Briefs - April 17th
Gas Hike on the Horizon for Ontario
Crime Stoppers Launches Virtual Jail & Bail Fundrasier
Impaired Driver Busted in Ingersoll
Local Realtor Wins National Realtors Care Award
Budget 2024 Tabled in Ottawa
Local U18 Girls Hockey Teams Wins Gold
OPP Investigate Mischief in SWOX
WPS Searching for Stolen Truck
UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Delhi
OCL to Celebrate Oxford Local History Day
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