Will Johnson
As seen in:
Medium,
MSN,
MSN Ireland,
The New York Times,
The New York Times en Español,
Yahoo Life,
Forbes,
The Washington Post,
TIME,
USA Today
and
Software Developer. Sports fan. #WarEagle
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Will Johnson
WCS rebrands its holiday giving campaign, which is now underway
The Elmira Legion held its Remembrance Day ceremony last Sunday to honour the men and women who served in the armed forces. A parade made its way from the Legion’s First Street building to the Elmira cenotaph, where a wreath-laying ceremony took place. [Andrea Eymann]
Province appoints Scott Davey as new regional chair
Scott Davey, regional chair
St. Jacobs Lions Club gets stuff in stockings
Last year they stuffed 3,500 stockings. This year they want to do more. For the past 15 years, the St. Jacobs Lions Club has run an annual Christmas charity fundraiser called Stuffin Stockings. They create and then distribute stockings that are crammed with warm socks, toiletries, small snacks and personal care items for those in need – that means children, teens, adults living with disabilities, the unhoused and those struggling with mental health issues.
Flu shots and vaccines now available
Pharmacist Aleena Aslam is offering flu shots. [Will Johnson] Now you can get flu shots and the Covid vaccine at the same time. The Province of Ontario is inviting the general public to swing by their local pharmacy or doctor’s office, where shots can keep you immunized and healthy throughout flu season. And you can get them for free, at the same time, protecting you from both respiratory viruses and COVID-19. This post is for subscribers only Subscribe now Already have an account?
WCS marks Family Violence Prevention Month
If you notice that the staff members of Woolwich Community Services are wearing any shade of purple this November, it’s because they’re marking Family Violence Prevention Month. It’s one way they can raise awareness about people in the community who may be unsafe in their own home. According to Virgina Logan, coordinator of the family violence prevention program, it really takes a team effort to reach those in need.
Bad bosses can lead to bad health, study finds
Wilfrid Laurier researcher explores health impact of a negative workplace environment WLU researcher Lindie Liang has studied how leadership can affect employees through much of her career. Next Article
Toys are always on the wish list
Tina Reed of Woolwich Community Services shows off the toys they are gathering for Christmas donations. It looks just like Santa’s workshop. If you go downstairs at Woolwich Community Services, behind a locked door you’ll find the spot where they accumulate toys year-round for their various campaigns and programs. And it’s never more packed than at Christmastime, when they’re distributed to excited children via the holiday hampers.
Bears, Lady Bears hoops squads sweep New Bloomfield
NEW BLOOMFIELD — Winning the first two games of last Tuesday’s season-ending middle school basketball tripleheader, Bland’s ‘A’ Bears looked to complete the sweep against the host New Bloomfield Wildcats. Racing out to an 18-4 lead after one quarter, Bland took a 33-8 lead into halftime before posting a 50-25 victory completing the tripleheader sweep and ending their season on a winning note. Owen Dobson led the Bears scoring 21 of his game-high 30 points in the first half.
Jackson Prater caps freshman cross country season with All-State nod
COLUMBIA — With postseason honors and the conference and district levels already to his credit, Belle High School (BHS) freshman cross country runner Jackson Prater looked to end his first season of high school cross country with a top-30 finish and All-State accolades during the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Cross Country Championships at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course last Friday morning in Columbia.
Township has some new angels to the rescue
New program emerges following Woolwich council’s cancellation of Elmira snow-clearing contract Woolwich bylaw enforcement supervisor Vanessa Albanese, Community Care Concepts executive director Cathy Harrington, manager of community programs Karla Rabidoux and community support worker Sherri Gilchrist are all throwing their weight behind the Snow Angels program, which will help those who can’t shovel themselves this winter. [Will Johnson] Previous Article
Enova embraces provincial future-proofing efforts
The future is coming fast, and utility companies need to keep up – that’s why the provincial government is responding to tariff pressure and focusing on improving aging infrastructure. It’s working to expand capacity so that Ontario utilities can compete on a global scale, and meet exponentially growing need. According to Enova Power spokesperson Kelly McMath, they’re ready to get into lockstep with the province.
Mementos remain of wartime service
Family has keepsakes and a few stories of Eddie Meyer’s experience as a soldier overseas in the Second World War Elmira resident Rudy O’Hara wishes she had more conversations with her late father about his wartime service. [Will Johnson]
Veteran’s banner stolen in St. Clements
His name was Roman Voisin, and until a few years ago he owned a garage in Maryhill. Most people probably had no idea that he served in the Second World War, but when he passed away, his family decided to honour his memory with a veteran flag in the Township of Wellesley – but now that banner has vanished. His niece, Deb Roeder, can’t believe anyone would do something like that. She called it disrespectful and hurtful to her family.
WRDSB offering grants in support of parents’ ideas
Paula Bender of the Waterloo Region District School Board is hoping families will come forward with good ideas for the Parents Reaching Out grants, which have launched successful programming in the past. [WIll Johnson] Next Article
One of St. Jacobs’ namesakes was killed in a train calamity
Jacob Snider Jr. was a passenger on the Great Western Railway when his train derailed and crashed into a bridge in 1857 Historical artists captured the Desjardins Canal train crash, one of the worst railway disasters in Canadian history. [Submitted]
Kings post two more losses
The Elmira Sugar Kings dropped to ninth place in the GOHL’s Western Conference after a pair of losses last weekend. The team’s record now stands at 6-10-1. The Kings followed a 6-1 loss to St. Marys on October 30 with a 5-3 loss to St. Thomas on Sunday night.
Expect some big noise in a little venue
Popular musical RENT coming to Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, with run starting Nov. 20 at Waterloo venue Sunny Ticknor-Malton, Jacqueline Strang, Christian Chitiyo, Eric Jackson-Sarkany, Daisy Nguyen, Sophia Soares, Brando Boone, and Hannah Davidson make up the main cast of RENT. [Liisa Steinwedel]
Bipolar disorder leads to a literal climb
Carrie Rody plans to ascend the CN Tower to promote mental health awareness Carrie Rody aims to raise awareness for mental health issues with her upcoming climb the 1,176 stairs inside the CN Tower. [Will Johnson]
Prater qualifies for state cross country meet
OWENSVILLE — Coming off solid finishes at the Gasconade Valley Conference (GVC) Cross Country meet in Steelville nearly two weeks ago, Samantha Ridenhour’s Belle Lady Tiger and Tiger cross country teams were looking for top-30 individual finishes or top-four team placements during the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 2, District 3 Cross Country meet hosted by Owensville High School throughout the Gasconade County R-2 campus.
Martin unseats incumbent mayor in Wellesley
After twelve years at the helm, Joe Nowak’s time on council ends this term Chris Martin is the new mayor of Wellesley, having defeated incumbent Joe Nowak. [Will Johnson]
The community leaders who envisioned Woolwich in 1850
Pioneer John Meyer served as the first reeve, along with four councillors in the early days of the township This map was commissioned by the first Woolwich council and was published in 1852. [Submitted]
Legion contest calls for student artistry
Shana Mitchell is a past winner of the poster contest. [Will Johnson] You can tell much from a silhouette. In Shana Mitchell’s winning illustration for the Elmira Legion’s annual poetry, essay and poster competition back in 2022, she created an evocative image of seven sombre soldiers marching across the landscape. They’re hunched over with heavy backpacks, two of them carrying a stretcher. Above them is a vivid red poppy cradled in two hands.
Lady Tiger volleyball falls to Licking in district semifinals
Making the short trek to Steelville last week, Whitney Sooter’s Belle Lady Tiger volleyball team opened the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 2, District 7 Volleyball Tournament. Opening-round action last Tuesday night pitted Belle against fellow Gasconade Valley Conference (GVC) foe Bourbon.
Prater, Lady Tigers claim GVC Cross Country titles
Posted 10/28/26 Last Monday at Hood Park in Cuba, Samantha Ridenhour’s Belle High School cross country squads looked to add more hardware to the trophy case during the annual Gasconade Valley Conference (GVC) … This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Members If you're a member and have a print subscription, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Not yet a member? Click here to see your options for becoming a member.
New schools envisioned as part of Breslau growth plan
In the official plan released by the Township of Woolwich, planners earmarked potential places for new schools within the growing community of Breslau – leading to speculation and concern from the school boards. In a letter dated September 26, a land use planning firm called GSP Group that represents both the Waterloo Region District School Board and its Catholic counterpart expressed their dissatisfaction with the currently articulated plans.
MP showcases fed’s new heat pump program
Most people don’t think much about how their home is heated until something breaks, but Ottawa wants you to give it some thought. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $2-billion National Heat Pump Rebate program with the goal of convincing 820,000 households to switch to environmentally-friendly electric heat pumps. People in low-income households stand to receive up to $10,000, while others could get $2,000.
Speeding concerns raised in response to closure of West Montrose covered bridge
Tony Dowling would like to see action from the Region of Waterloo to address dangerous driving over the Line 86 bridge near the Kissing Bridge. [Will Johnson]
Four Belle harriers claim medals from Owensville
Making the short trek to Owensville last Tuesday afternoon, Samantha Ridenhour’s Belle High School (BHS) and Bland Middle School (BMS) cross country runners competed in the Owensville Invitational Cross Country meet. For Ridenhour’s BHS runners, it was also a preview of the site of the upcoming Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 2, District 3 Cross Country Meet scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31 along with the MSHSAA Class 3, District 3 meet.
How America's AI Trust Issues Could Impact the Midterms Original
Twice a week · Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution. Something went wrong. Try again. Thank you for signing up! Narrated by TIME AI. From social media to sports betting, Americans have become remarkably willing to adopt new technologies without necessarily believing they're good for us or our health, our society, or our planet. Artificial intelligence may be the clearest example yet.
Where are Elmira’s founders buried?
Investigating the final resting place of the town's pioneers Not all of Elmira’s founders have surviving records of where they were buried. [Will Johnson] Next Article
WMC searching for pro shop partner
Deputy director of recreation and community services Thomas van der Hoff is hoping there will be good applicants to start a skate-sharpening service at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. [Will Johnson] The Woolwich Memorial Centre is exploring options on how to offer skate-sharpening services, and began soliciting expressions of interest at the beginning of the month. They’ve already heard back from interested parties.
Region ratifies collective agreements with CUPE 1883
CUPE Local 1883 representatives at a rally. [Submitted] Next Article
Woolwich’s plan for downtown housing on hold
Agency pulls out of project, leaving township to find new partner The former Elmira Home Hardware site on Church St. will be demolished as part of a proposed housing project. [Will Johnson]
AMI Attachments marks 25 years in the industry
From a two-person operation, the company has grown rapidly, expanding its footprint again with a new location in Elmira Steve Frey started the company that would ultimately become AMI Attachments in 2001, and has seen it grow exponentially since. [Will Johnson]
Characters meet their Waterloo in this play
The new work by Zivy Hardy explores female friendship, hitting the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre stage Oct. 16-18 Bee Lee and Rutuja Topkhanewale play the main duo in Waterloo, written by Zivy Hardy. [Will Johnson] Next Article
Lady Tiger volleyball falls in third-place match to Steelville
Splitting their pool matches with Bourbon and North Callaway, Whitney Sooter’s Belle Lady Tiger volleyball team advance to the third-place match of the Belle Volleyball Tournament Saturday afternoon. Losing to Steelville in five sets during senior night back on Friday, Oct. 2, Sooter’s Lady Tigers got another shot at the Lady Cardinals. Splitting the first two sets Saturday, Belle dropped the third set and the match by scores of 25-9, 23-25 and 25-19.
Bland, Belle harriers run at Hermann Invitational
HERMANN — Samantha Ridenhour’s Bland Middle School and Belle High School cross country runners opened the October portion of their season back on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Loutre Shore Country Club and the Hermann Invitational Cross Country meet. Belle’s Lady Tigers saw two of their runners post top-20 finishes good for medals helping them place sixth as a team with 129 points behind Washington (32), St. Francis Borgia (84), Fulton (86), Sullivan (103) and Hermann (110).
Taxpayer group grills election hopefuls, makes endorsement
Hardy Willms has grilled all the mayoral and council candidates about their stance on taxes. [Will Johnson]
Stamp honours Legion’s 100th anniversary
That’s the Latin phrase emblazoned on the Royal Canadian Legion crest, which is featured on a new commemorative stamp being rolled out to honour the 100th anniversary of its founding. Initially adopted following the First World War, the phrase articulates the organization’s commitment to honour fallen war veterans. This post is for subscribers only Subscribe now Already have an account? Sign in
Municipal tax arrears climb into the millions
Woolwich and Wellesley property owners are at risk of losing their homes and businesses, thanks to skyrocketing taxes. According to Woolwich director of finance Colm Lynn, there hasn’t been a tax sale in the township for more than ten years. But that could now change if the number of people in arrears, many of them multiple years behind, continues to climb.
Collaborative mural unveiled on Arthur Street in Elmira
Artist Miho Nagayama unveiled her collaborative community mural at Elmira’s Local Renaissance Café on Saturday morning. It was painted during the recent multicultural festival. [WIll Johnson]
Lady Tiger volleyball splits pair of GVC home matches
Hosting Viburnum’s Lady Blue Jays and Steelville’s Lady Cardinals last week, Whitney Sooter’s Belle Lady Tiger volleyball team looked to snap a three-match losing streak. Last Tuesday, Belle’s junior-varsity Lady Tigers swept the Lady Blue Jays in two sets by scores of 25-3 and 25-15 before their varsity counterparts also swept Viburnum in three sets by scores of 25-12, 25-22 and 25-22.
Prater breaks BHS Cross Country record at St. James
Looking to close September on a high note, Samantha Ridenhour’s Belle High Schooland Bland Middle School cross country teams competed during the St. James Invitational held last Tuesday at Maramec Spring Park in St. James.
Christmas tree collection put in the shredder
Region ends curbside collection of trees in favour of FACS fundraising effort Family and Children Services’ executive director Jaya James will be spearheading the region’s new Christmas tree collection program. [Will Johnson]
Wellesley renames recreation department
Wellesley's Braydon Skipper, community services and youth coordinator, Wanda Schaefer, interim manager of recreation, and recreation supervisor Dan Mikel will likely see their titles change now that the recreation department has been renamed. [Will Johnson] They needed a bigger umbrella. As the Township of Wellesley continues to grow, so do the services offered by any particular department.
Beyond Housing reflects on 25 years
Beyond Housing executive director Dan Driedger runs things from his office at 7 Memorial Ave. in Elmira. The building, called The Foundry, is one of the organization’s housing developments. [Will Johnson] The word crisis gets thrown around a great deal when you’re talking about housing in Ontario. And it’s true that the issue is a multi-headed hydra that defies easy fixes, one that has been escalating over the years.
Alternative school program has flourished for 25 years
ELAWS – Elmira Life and Work Skills – program helps segment of students stay the course at Elmira District Secondary School Brett Martin, Jerome Brubacher, Damaris Bauman and Tanessa Horst have class in the machine shop of Elmira District Secondary School as part of the ELAWS program. [Will Johnson]
Elmira memoirist channels her mother’s voice through experience of war, hardship
Elmira writer Stephanie Donkers tells the story of her mother Annie Klunder (in picture frame) in the memoir Echoes Across the Atlantic. [Will Johnson] Next Article
Belle, Bland harriers claim eight medals on home course
Posted Wednesday, September 30, 2026 11:07 am With the weather finally feeling like fall, Belle City Park played host last Tuesday afternoon to the Belle Cross Country Invitational with Bland Middle School (BMS) and Belle High School (BHS) looking to keep as many medals and team plaques in town as possible. Bland’s Lady Bears placed sixth as a team with 137 points finishing behind Vienna (63), Union (66), Steelville (80), Rolla (91) and Bourbon (106).
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Will
Contact Will, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack