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Friday, December 5, 2025
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Patrick Raftis

Editor

Chance encounter inspires memories of life off-line

Patrick Raftis May 23, 2024Columns, Listowel Banner, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

I recently found myself chatting with a stranger at a party. As we traded pleasantries, the topic of occupation came up and he explained he was a farmer, while I confessed to being a journalist (an admission that can induce some diverse reactions these days).

Allen Cup Hockey eyes Listowel entry

Patrick Raftis May 23, 2024Listowel Banner, Sports

LISTOWEL – The operators of the Allan Cup Hockey league (ACH) are planning to expand the size of the four-team circuit and have targeted Listowel among the sites for potential new franchises.

Stop 23 Auto Sales continues committment to the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation’s Starlight Gala

Patrick Raftis May 16, 2024Listowel Banner, Local News, News

Stop 23 Auto Sales made another $20,000 installment on the Listowel car dealership’s multi-year committment to contribute $100,000 to the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation’s Starlight Gala, which raises funds for hospital equipment.

Ignoring a crisis won’t make it go away

Patrick Raftis May 16, 2024Columns, Editorials, Listowel Banner, Opinion, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

Ontarians will no doubt be thrilled to learn there is no shortage of physicians in the province.

Gutter politics

Patrick Raftis May 9, 2024Columns, Listowel Banner, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre created quite a stir in the past couple of weeks with his pledge to use the notwithstanding clause to override any laws that don’t suit his worldview in a bizarre op-ed piece in which he trashed every form of business association going.

Well testing no place to cut

Patrick Raftis May 2, 2024Columns, Listowel Banner, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

Among the axioms we live by in the world of journalism is that stories, editorials and columns we expect to cause a stir, often don’t, while reports we deem innocuous can end up setting off a firestorm.

The Paper Bag Premier

Patrick Raftis April 25, 2024Columns, Listowel Banner, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

Just when you thought our provincial government couldn’t possibly have any more flops to flip, Premier Doug Ford and Co. have managed to announce a reversal of yet another major policy initiative.

Editor post latest stop on journalistic journey

Patrick Raftis April 18, 2024Columns, Listowel Banner

“So who is this guy?” you may be asking as you reach the opinion section of this week’s issue of your local newspaper?

Performing arts symposium to be held in Minto, May 23-26

Patrick Raftis March 28, 2024Listowel Banner, News

Registration is now open for a province-wide performing arts symposium to be held in the Town of Minto in May. 

Proposal to end free water testing for private wells raises alarm bells

Patrick Raftis March 28, 2024Listowel Banner, News, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

A regional source water protection committee is sounding the alarm about a proposal to end free water testing for private wells in Ontario.

Site plan agreement paves way for Royal Terrace addition

Patrick Raftis August 16, 2023Independent Plus, Listowel Banner, Local News, News

Town of Minto council has approved a site plan control agreement for a 99-bed addition to long-term care (LTC) facilities at the Royal Terrace in Palmerston.

Drayton Kinsmen Farm show returns, April 12-13

Patrick Raftis March 9, 2023Independent Plus, Listowel Banner, Rural

Rural Ontario’s agribusiness showcase is back. The Drayton Kinsmen Farm show will return for its 39th edition this spring after three years of pandemic-related cancellations.

Howick CBO recovering after ‘freak accident’

Patrick Raftis March 1, 2023Independent Plus, Listowel Banner, Local News, News, Wingham Advance Times

A local man has a new hero, his granddaughter, who got him safely to the hospital after a softball-sized rock slammed through the windshield of his vehicle and shattered his face as he was driving on the 8th Line near his rural home on Feb. 13.

Lobb holds onto critic post; Nater replaced in shadow cabinet

Patrick Raftis October 13, 2022Listowel Banner, News, Walkerton Herald-Times, Wingham Advance Times

One of the region’s two Members of Parliament has retained his position in Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s new shadow cabinet, while the other has been replaced.

Minto council supports severance proposal to split residential, agricultural land parcel

Patrick Raftis August 24, 2022Independent Plus, Listowel Banner, Local News, News

Council here is recommending approval of a severance that would divide a parcel of land that straddles the border of Wellington and Perth counties at the south end of Palmerston.

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Select Your Region

Listowel Celtics competitive basketball tryouts

LISTOWEL – Basketball tryout for the Celtics 2026 travel teams are underway. A second round of…

Listowel locals flood downtown for Santa Claus parade 2025

LISTOWEL - Community members crowded the streets of Listowel on Saturday, Nov. 29 for the annual Santa Claus parade.

See all Listowel area articles.

Bruce and Grey beef farmers donate funds to address food security in area

BRUCE-GREY - The Bruce County Beef Farmers and the Grey County Beef Farmers Association made a joint donation of almost $4,000 to Grey Bruce Food Share this holiday season.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …

The halls are decked out, candy canes are everywhere, and the Elmwood kids had the opportunity to tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what they want for Christmas, and enjoy treats and hot chocolate, at the annual Tree Lighting Nov. 30.

See all Walkerton area articles.

Preparing for winter

Fall (the season not ‘falling down’) is now over and winter will shortly be on us. My doctors tell me to work on my exercise program as well as increasing my muscle mass by exercising the quad muscles.

St. Pauls-Trinity Church holds annual Deck the Halls luncheon

St. Pauls-Trinity Church held its annual Deck the Halls luncheon, bake sale and gently used…

See all Wingham area articles.

Editorial

World Diabetes Day: Myths, facts, why it matters

Every year on Nov. 14, people around the world recognize World Diabetes Day (WDD) – a day that honours Canadian scientist Sir Frederick Banting (on his birthday), who co-discovered insulin alongside Charles Best in 1922.

The meaning behind Diabetes Awareness Month

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a disease that affects millions of people worldwide – including right here in North Perth.

Coalition explores Bill 5 concerns through series

Bill 5 (Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act) continues to raise concerns around issues of…

Columnists

Preparing for winter

By Bob Murray

Fall (the season not ‘falling down’) is now over and winter will shortly be on us. My doctors tell me to work on my exercise program as well as increasing my muscle mass by exercising the quad muscles.

St. Pauls-Trinity Church holds annual Deck the Halls luncheon

By Cory Bilyea

St. Pauls-Trinity Church held its annual Deck the Halls luncheon, bake sale and gently used…

Dog issues persist in Morris-Turnberry

By Denny Scott

Dogs continue to be an issue for bylaw enforcement in Morris-Turnberry as Chief Building Official Kirk Livingston (who handles bylaw enforcement as well) reported two new complaints. 

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