The Goderich Signal-Star
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) hosted a volunteer appreciation lunch on Friday, Jan. 9, bringing together volunteers for an afternoon of connection and recognition. A press release said the lunch provided the chance to thank...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ON THE COURT
South Huron District high school hosted boys basketball action on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with the Goderich District collegiate institute Vikings battling South Huron’s Panthers at the junior and senior levels. Goderich was victorious in both games, with...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A nationwide problem
Radon levels are on the rise across Canada. The naturally occurring gas regularly travels through soil and into the air. But when it is contained in a building in elevated levels, that’s when it is a concern — and a potential cancer risk. But knowing...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Huron County shares $14M for infrastructure
Municipalities in Huron County are set to receive more than $14 million in funding to invest in infrastructure. The province announced Dec. 16 that about $14.5 million will go to the region’s municipalities through the 2026 Ontario Community...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Huron County staple set to close its doors
It may be time to say farewell to a community staple, but Teresa Van Raay said her decision to close The Whole Pig in Dashwood is far from retirement for her. Van Raay, co-owner of The Whole Pig, announced the closure of the Dashwood-based pork...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Local doctor pitches improvements
The Goderich branch of the Huron County Library could soon be getting a facelift, thanks to the efforts of a local doctor. Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, a surgeon at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, approached the library board last summer with a vision...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAGNETIC MOMENTS
BLYTH Supporters gathered at Cowbell Brewing in Blyth on Tuesday, Dec. 2, for what the chair of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation described as “an exciting day for all of us.” Laura Herman’s enthusiasm was about the kickoff...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Paramedics honoured for exemplary service
Three Huron County paramedics were recently honoured for exemplary service of 30 years and more. The paramedics received their Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal Bars on behalf of Governor General of Canada Mary Simon on Wednesday,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS
November 17 marked a special occasion in the Goderich council chambers as the municipality paid tribute to some of its noteworthy citizens who have had a positive impact on the community. “Tonight, in council chambers, we have the privilege of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LEST WE FORGET
Courthouse Square in Goderich was a place to reflect on Nov. 11 as the community gathered to mark Remembrance Day. Crowds lined the cenotaph to honour Canada’s veterans as Goderich Legion Branch 109 held its annual ceremony in the community.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MORNING GLORY
The Reuben R. Sallows Gallery recently received a special donation from the great-great nephew of the renowned photographer after whom the gallery is named. Kingston-based wildlife artist Christopher Sallows, who grew up in Goderich, visited the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A SPECIAL FIRST YEAR
Special Olympics Huron celebrated its first year of fostering inclusivity in the community through sport during an Oct. 28 celebration at Zurich’s Town and Country Bowling Lanes. From left are Grant Takacs, April Haggart, and Brandon Overholt who...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Conference focuses on regional economy
“Powering Ontario’s Economic Engine” was the theme of the 2025 Western Ontario Municipal Conference in London hosted by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus on Oct. 17. The sold-out event brought together municipal leaders, provincial representatives,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PHOTO GULLERY
This is a great time of year to hike the trails and take in the fall colours. The only insects to watch out for are yellowjacket wasps, which often make their homes in holes in the ground — and get angry if you step too close. After one volunteer...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
COFFEE DAY FOR ALZHEIMER’S
The ‘Team Reid’ group of McDonald’s restaurants held a coffee day fundraiser on Sept. 24, raising $2,366 for programs and services at Alzheimer Society Huron Perth. Erin Dale, the Alzheimer Society’s manager of fund development, communications and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Celebrating foodservice workers
Huron Health System is celebrating Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week, beginning Oct. 5, at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich and South Huron Hospital in Exeter. “Healing happens in many ways, and this week, Huron Health System is...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FIELD DAY
It’s a new season for varsity girls field hockey, and the St. Anne’s Catholic secondary school travelled to Exeter on Wednesday, Sept. 24, dropping a 5-0 decision to the four-time Huron-Perth champs from South Huron District high school. Above,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION
Central Huron paid tribute to its many volunteers with the official launch of the downtown Volunteer Celebration Fountain. A brief ceremony was held at the fountain at the intersection of highways 4 and 8 on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The project originated...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
More than $200K raised for MRI campaign
A few days after the final guests left and the lights dimmed on the Long Table Dinner, the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation team received news that made the evening even more special: the event had officially reached its $200,000...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BEST VOLUNTEERS, BAR NONE
The Huron County Museum celebrated another season of its Behind the Bars program at the Huron Historic Gaol with a special 1920s-themed gala for its volunteers. This celebration was a show of gratitude for these volunteer efforts in bringing the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Petition calls for government investment
The United Way Perth-Huron has launched a petition directed at the federal and provincial housing ministers that urges the two levels of governments to invest in new community housing in the region. “The reality is, there are many people in our region...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Nearly $40M for local projects
MPP Lisa Thompson announced nearly $40 million in funding for water infrastructure projects the province says will help build nearly 5,000 homes in five Huron-Bruce municipalities. The funding comes from the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Huron’s Canadian Idol
Kati Durst always loved performing. Ever since the age of seven when she sang backup with her sister Kelly for their singer-songwriter mother, Joanne Durst, Kati knew music would be a huge part of her life. In the summer of 2006, Kati’s passion for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MARCHING FOR A CAUSE
Two Huron County men are organizing an upcoming walk down Huron County’s coastline to raise money and awareness for veterans and first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans Chris Fedorko of Exeter and Mark Morse of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BLAZING THE TRAIL
This week, I will feature creatures you might see along our trails other than insects. The biggest animal you might see is a black bear. I have only seen a bear three times during 50 years of hiking. All of these bear sightings were in northern...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BEHIND BARS
Saved from the wrecking ball in the early 1970s, the Huron Historic Gaol is celebrating 50 years as a National Historic Site. The unique octagonal building operated as a jail from its opening with its first prisoner in 1841 until its closure in 1972,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
O CANADA!
In Courthouse Square on Canada Day were Audrey Dureux, left, and Alessandro Zanini with their Husky Milo. Dureux and Alessandro moved to Canada from Europe three years ago and said they like to celebrate Canada Day every year.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Police rescue boy in Lake Huron
A six-year-old boy was rescued from Lake Huron after drifting away from shore on what Ontario Provincial Police described as an “inflatable ring.” The child, who police said was wearing a “personal floatation device,” drifted from shore near Black’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Options present on arena revamp
Goderich council has been presented with a concept to repurpose the town’s closed Memorial Arena and will consult with local service clubs before making a decision. As previously reported, council passed a motion during a special Jan. 3 meeting to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Program ends with fun run
Students from St. Mary’s Catholic school in Goderich participated in a June 5 fun run to mark the end of an eightweek youth fitness and mental health program. The two-kilometre run wrapped up the program where the Maitland Valley Family Health Team...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ON THE RUN
It was a day to thank those who have helped Huron Perth Flag Football flourish on May 31 as the league held a community day. Though the weather was chilly, the league’s community day included face painting, a food truck, a raffle, a food drive and flag...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rally Fore the Cure
Building on last year’s successful golf tournament and fundraisingthatresultedina$10,500 donation to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation for the hospital’s mammography program, Rally Fore the Cure Huron is busy raising funds in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRAINING DAY
Fire trucks, police cruisers and ambulances lined Kinburn Line between Clinton and Seaforth May 15 as local emergency crews participated in a detailed training exercise that simulated a train derailment. Huron County OPP and Huron County Emergency...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New novel inspired by Huron County
A mystery series inspired by Huron County and some of its lakeshore communities continues with the release of Cold Query, a novel of murder, secrets and intrigue. Cold Query is the third in the five-book Blue Water Mystery series by Moorefield author...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SHORELINE TOUR
Goderich District collegiate institute students had the recent chance to use Lake Huron as their classroom during a shoreline tour with local environmental experts. Guides shared the impacts of historical bluff erosion, discussed sustainable...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CLEANING UP
Unseasonably cold and windy weather didn’t prevent some brave environmentally-conscious individuals from taking part in a beach cleanup Saturday, April 26 at St. Christopher’s Beach in Goderich, presented by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre. Executive...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Public input sought
The Huron Health System, a partnership of South Huron Hospital in Exeter and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, is seeking public input into its master planning process. A community engagement session will be held Wednesday, June 11, at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SPRINGS IN THEIR STEPS
The warm sunny morning of April 14 brought out some more spring flowers. I saw several sharp-lobed hepatica in full bloom, some bloodroot close to full bloom, periwinkle in bloom, blue cohosh and trout lilies coming up, and most of our daffodils and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
COPA FLIGHT
When a committee of the United Nations makes recommendations regarding human rights in Canada, we should take notice. In a March 21 report, the UN Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities called on Canada to repeal its Medical Assistance In...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A recordsetting campaign
The United Way Perth Huron is celebrating another successful -and a record-setting -- fundraising campaign. "Our donors and volunteers really are what makes our organization tick,” said Ryan Erb, the agency’s executive director, in a release...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
END-TO-END
The first part of the Maitland Trail End-to-End hikes was scheduled for March 15, but due to some lightning on that day, it was postponed until March 22. When gathering at Jenkins, the weather was not promising, there was a strong cold northwesterly...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
REALIZING A DREAM
It all started with a dream. The Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, which began in the mud room of Gerry and Mary Ellen Zielman’s Dashwood farm in 2008, has helped feed countless families and individuals since its modest beginnings. Now...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
The importance of supporting local
It’s no secret that Canada faces uncertainty as U.S. President Donald Trump wields tariffs against America’s closest allies, but many of Huron County’s business leaders are already taking action to ensure the region’s economic drivers are equipped to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A COMMUNITY WIN
One of the motivations for April Haggart when establishing a Special Olympics chapter in Huron County last year was simply community. Given the sheer size of the county, and its relative distance from major urban centres, it was often difficult for...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THOMPSON WINS
Longtime PC Party MPP and cabinet minister Lisa Thompson will represent Huron-Bruce in the Ontario legislature for a fifth consecutive term. Not long after polls closed at 9 p.m., Thompson had opened up a sizable lead on her challengers in the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rents to rise on affordable units
Rent prices in more of Huron County’s affordable housing units are set to rise despite recommendations from county staff against the move. Rents for affordable units at Strang Court Apartments in Goderich will go up to $1,000 per month after a request...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FORMER COLLEGE BURNS
Fire crews from six stations battled a fire at the former Centralia College on Airport Line in Huron Park during the morning of Sunday, Feb. 9. There were no injuries, but the Ontario Provincial Police has deemed the fire suspicious. Emergency...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
More candidates announced
More candidates have been officially announced in the Huron-Bruce riding for the Feb. 27 election, which was announced by Premier Doug Ford in late January. While the election had been set for June 2026, Ford has said he needed a strong mandate to deal...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
External pressures blamed for closures
Peavey Industries LP announced earlier this week it is closing its Peavey Mart stores nationwide. The company’s sudden announcement begs the question: What is happening in the farm retail sector across the country? Here are some things to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Board transitions employment services
Employment services in Huron County will have a new provider starting Feb. 1. The Avon Maitland District school board (AMDSB) decided last spring to not renew its employment services contract with Employment Ontario beyond March 31. As a result, the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NET FRONT
Patrick Holloway (19) of the Mitchell Hawks passes the puck out front of the Goderich goal where Flyers’ defenceman Nathan Arnold (44) and goalie Tomas Brintnell are located during second-period action of their PJHL North Pollock division contest in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Building closed due to safety concerns
Citing “significant safety and accessibility concerns,” Goderich has closed Memorial Arena until further notice. Councillors passed a motion to close the arena at a special meeting Friday, Jan. 3, during which they met in closed session for an hour and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A SAFER LOCATION
Huron County OPP are reminding motorists and pedestrians using crosswalks to pay attention and be safe. Goderich residents have likely seen the new overhead lighting system on Bayfield Road at the intersection of Bennett Street East. “This busy...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New Huron County warden acclaimed
Huron County’s new warden, Jamie Heffer, picked up the gavel for the first time Nov. 27, officially beginning his two-year term. Heffer, the mayor of Morris-Turnberry, was appointed after former warden Glen McNeil wrapped up his second term in the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HISTORIC COLLAPSE
The Albion Hotel, one of Bayfield’s most iconic landmarks, crumbled under heavy snow that collapsed its roof Sunday, Dec. 8. But Albion owners Jeff Graham and Leigh Bradley Graham said in a Facebook video update to the community that they hope to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Accessibility committee announces award winners
Awards recognizing those who have made exemplary contributions to enhancing accessibility in Huron County were recently announced. The Huron County accessibility advisory committee announced the winners of the 2024 HCAAC Awards on the International...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PAYING TRIBUTE
Rain and heavy winds on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 23, didn’t stop the community from paying tribute to its late mayor, John Grace. Family, members of the community and Goderich council gathered to unveil a plaque for the John C. Grace Boardwalk...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Santa Claus was in town for Goderich’s annual Festival of Lights on Nov. 16, where the community gathered to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. The evening featured a free concert and the reveal of Goderich’s downtown light displays,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MILESTONE CELEBRATION
With a century of compassionate service, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Since the hospital’s incorporation in 1924, it has been the heartbeat of health and wellness for generations of residents....
Read Full Story (Page 1)
New stamp honours Ontario’s Farmerettes
The tale of the Ontario Farmerettes is one many had never heard, but now their story is being shared with Canadians from coast to coast. Canada Post announced Oct. 29 that this year’s annual Remembrance Day stamp issue would honour the Farmerettes,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WORK CREW
There has been a lot of work done on the Sifto loop. First was the removal of common buckthorn, though, inevitably, a few were missed so there has been some followup. Native shrubs and trees have also been planted. The last planting was on from Oct. 27...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Councillors reject ‘intolerance in all forms’
Goderich council at its Oct. 21 meeting spoke strongly in favour of equity, diversion and inclusion in the community. Councillors passed a motion read by Deputy Mayor Leah Noel rejecting “racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Residents invited to cultural summit
Huron County residents are invited to enjoy a day of creativity and inspiration at this year’s Huron County Cultural Summit at the Bayfield Town Hall on Saturday, Nov. 2. This year’s theme is Crafting Unforgettable Experiences: Elevating Arts,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SAFE LANDING
Police say a Central Huron pilot was injured during an airplane crash in Huron East on Saturday, Oct. 5, just after 11:20 a.m. Emergency crews responded after receiving a 911 call from the 68-year-old pilot after a plane crash landed in a farm field...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Shedding light on homelessness
The fourth and final awareness campaign of the year has been launched by Huron County’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan oversight committee, bringing attention to the issue of housing stability and homelessness throughout the region. The latest...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GODERICH’S NEWEST PARK
The newest park in Goderich has opened in the community’s COAST subdivision. The new park, which is located at the end of Woodridge Drive on the south end of Goderich, features unique play structures, walking trails and a picnic area. According to a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Eight-year mystery solved
His name was Garnet Michael Nelson. His long way home is finally over. It’s taken eight years to confirm the homeless drifter’s identity and to end a nagging mystery about the body found on the beach at Port Albert, north of Goderich in October...
Read Full Story (Page 1)