INDIGENOUS SERIES
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OHL DRAFT PICKS
STRATFORD VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 44
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12 FREE
JUNE 19, 2026
A Passion for People
Your hearing affects brain health, balance and daily connection. Call us today. Lucas Dasilva Hearing Instrument Specialist, Reg’d AHIP Clinic Co-Owner
SHERRIE ROULSTON
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Stakeholders react to Pride flag vandalism LEE GRIFFI
Times Reporter
Provincial police in Perth County are asking for the public’s help after four flagpoles in the county were cut down over the weekend. All four were flying the Pride flag. In Perth East, poles were cut at Central Perth Elementary, Mornington Central and North Easthope public schools. Elma Township public school in North Perth was also hit. “These incidents occurred between June 13 and 14 in the areas of Perth Line 72, Perth Road 131, Perth Line 43, and Perth Road 135. Police are seeking to identify two persons of interest who are both described as male, wearing all black clothing and face coverings, and were in possession of a saw,” said a Perth OPP news release. “The persons of interest were observed in the area of these mischiefs operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV),” it added. “Over the weekend, several school communities were victims of targeted acts of property damage,” the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) stated in a release on June 15. “Multiple flagpoles, which were flying both the Canadian flag and the Pride flag, were deliberately cut down. Let us be clear: this was not a simple act of mischief. This was a targeted, costly, and hateful act of vandalism.” The statement added the school board continues to support 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and families. “We stand with you. This act does not change our commitment to you, nor does it diminish your right CONTINUED TO PAGE 4
(CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO)
Walkers lead the charge, banner and all, at the ONE CARE Steps for Seniors event on June 13. As of press time, $22,431 has been raised for the regional organization. For more on the walk, see our story on page 3.
From homelessness to hope
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
Just six months ago, Tobi Lawrance was living in a tent in London, unsure of what the future might hold. Today, he has a full-time job, his G2 driver's licence, financing for his first vehicle and a renewed sense of purpose thanks to the support of an old friend, the Multicultural Association of Perth-Huron and a willingness to embrace change. Lawrance, 46, recently shared his story alongside Mul-
ticultural Association of Perth-Huron founder and executive director Geza Wordofa and board member Kelly McGarrell. The transformation began late last year when McGarrell, a former high school classmate, came across a Facebook post Lawrance made around his birthday. "I thought I'd have more than this at 46," Lawrance recalled posting alongside a photo of the tent where he was living. McGarrell reached out. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2