QUADRO SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE
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PAGE U9 Independent ROCKIES WIN GOLD IN EMBROThursday, St. Marys July 23, 2026
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St. Marys Independent 36 Water St. S., St. Marys ON | 519.284.0041 | info@stmarysindependent.com | www.granthaven.com
Issue #1323
Thursday, July 23, 2026
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Wildfire smoke forces cancellations, quarry closure in St. Marys GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
heritage experiences to the heart of the community. The festival will run from 8 a.m. until late, culminating with an exciting evening of live music and entertainment at Kinsmen Summerfest. This year, the festival is offering more
Thick wildfire smoke drifting into southern Ontario from forest fires in northwestern Ontario disrupted municipal programs, closed the St. Marys Quarry and prompted the town to take extra precautions to protect staff and residents last week. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an air-quality warning for Huron and Perth counties on July 15 as smoke blanketed the region, creating hazardous conditions that lasted through July 17. Huron Perth Public Health warned the smoke could pose health risks for everyone, particularly older adults, children, pregnant people, those with existing heart or lung conditions, people experiencing housing insecurity and anyone working outdoors. Town director of culture, tourism and engagement Amy Cubberley said municipal staff relied on guidance from Environment Canada and Huron Perth Public Health throughout the smoky conditions and shared public-health messaging through the town’s social-media channels. “In situations like this, the town’s practice is to follow guidance from organizations with subject matter expertise such as Environment Canada and the Huron Perth health unit and use our social media channels to amplify their messaging to bring awareness to residents,” Cubberley said. The poor air quality led to the cancellation of several municipal programs, including EarlyON activities, St. Marys Public Library children’s programming and the library’s Movie in the Park event in Cadzow Park on Friday evening. The smoke also affected community sporting events. The Ontario Baseball Association cancelled a tournament scheduled to be hosted at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, while decisions on local practices and games were left to
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(Lasagna Dinner) Live music with Jamie Shrier
Swings & Wings Every Thursday Night! MONDAY FUN DAY Join us every Monday night at 5:15pm. Shogun start with dinner to follow! CALL US FOR INQUIRIES AT
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Summer
A SMOKY VISTA IN DOWNTOWN ST. MARYS
(GORD BARNETT PHOTO)
Looking west to the downtown core on July 15 through the wildfire smoke. The dangerous air quality prompted some closures and warnings stating that the smoky air carries some serious health risks.
Strong Stonetown Heritage Festival almost here: Free T-Shirt
A full day of community celebration awaits
Kids Fun for everyone July 25 Karate ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
(7 years & Up)
Karate builds more than skills. IT BUILDS STRONG KIDS
Staff Contribution
The countdown is on! The 2026 Stonetown Heritage Festival returns to downtown St. Marys on Saturday, July 25, bringing a full day of free family-friendly entertainment, local culture, delicious food, shopping and
Only $99
Heidi James
Start Your Childs Summer the Right Way
Sales Representative for Coldwell Banker Homefield Legacy Realty, Brokerage
St.Marys & Thorndale
www.stonetownkarate.ca
COLDWELL BANKER HOMEFIELD LEGACY REALTY, BROKERAGE
150 Queen Street East, St. Marys, ON Cell: 519-274-2234 | Email: hjames71@live.com *Each office is an independently owned & operated member broker of Coldwell Banker Affiliates of Canada