Library closer to construction
By Chris Simon
      Cookstown residents are one step closer to getting their new library and community centre. An Innisfil capital budget committee recommended about $1.5 million in new funding for the complex, which is scheduled to be built on the current Cookstown Fairgrounds site near Highway 89, during a meeting...
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Fundraiser for the dogs
      The Barrie SPCA will host its annual I Can't Wear It Anywear Else gala Nov. 3. A three course sit down meal will be provided, while residents are invited to shake their fashion faux pas to 80s and 90s music all night. There's a great selection of items available for auction this year including w...
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County sends ambulance up north
By Richard Blanchard
      The efforts of an South Simcoe police officer have ensured that an ambulance from South Simcoe will heading to a First Nations community north of Thunder Bay.
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The time of year to go red for remembrance
By Chris Simon
      Those familiar red flowers are already out in bloom. The Royal Canadian Legion branch 547's annual poppy campaign is underway across Innisfil and southern Barrie. Throughout the next two weeks, donation boxes piled with the little red remembrance symbols will be at local stores and schools.
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Development meeting planned
      Innisfil council will host a public meeting, regarding a recently completed Development Charge background study, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will include discussion on the update of the town's water, wastewater and roads related development charge rates and policies.
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Getting MADD about Halloween safety
      Don't let your Halloween celebrations come to a shrieking halt! Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) wants all Halloween revellers to ask themselves before heading out to their social this week; who do I want to drive me home tonight?
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County starts budget talk
      Simcoe county councillors will beginning working on their budget for 2008 this week. Councillors will meet at a special council meeting Wednesday morning to review preliminary estimates for next year's expenditures. The early budget sessions will county council to achieve cost and time savings wi...
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A trip to see one of the world's most famous authors
THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller
      A week or so ago I had wandered down to the library to return some items and came home with an exciting opportunity. I had won tickets to take three children to meet J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. Essa Public Library had entered both branches in a contest sponsored by the Ontario...
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Farm taxes under county review
By Richard Blanchard
      A proposal to end the practice of subsidizing taxes on agricultural land and treating all assessed property the same has been deferred by Simcoe county council. The proposal made by Essa township mayor Dave Guergis would end the automatic practice which sees agricultural taxes pay only one-quarte...
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MPPs snub county meeting
      An invite to the four newly elected members of provincial parliament to meet with Simcoe County council and staff last week produced a poor turnout. Only Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop showed up at the county council meeting last Tuesday. Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll, Simcoe Grey MPP Jim Wilson an...
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Playground toys approved by town council
      They're not playing around. Innisfil council approved the purchase and refurbishment of nearly $72,000 in playground equipment at three sites throughout the town, during a meeting last week. Innisfil Beach Park will receive about $37,600 for refurbished and new playground equipment. Ashwood and A...
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A showcase of environmental achievements
      Streams are a lot healthier in the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority watershed, thanks to the volunteer efforts of concerned citizens. The NVCA recognized those volunteers at its Watershed Stewardship Awards Night on Tuesday.
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