A strike has been averted at Unilever / Good Humor-Breyers in Simcoe. After several days of talks, the company and union were able to finalize a settlement this afternoon, just hours before a planned strike at 6pm. UFCW Local 175 Director of Central West Region, Luc Lacelle says there will be no strike tonight and the settlement is fully supported by the union. He says it will be brought to members for a vote tomorrow.

The printing press at Annex Publishing of Simcoe is about to get a lot busier. The trade magazine publisher has purchased 26 new titles from a company in Aurora. President and CEO, Michael Fredericks, says the staff at the Aurora operation will remain there, but the printing will move to Simcoe. He says at this point it's too early to say what that will mean in terms of employment opportunities at the Simcoe location, but he could see the need for more support staff down the road.

While the Norfolk Golf and Country Club continues with renovations to its clubhouse, the committee is looking to add another major project to the plate. The Club held an information meeting for their members last night, to let them know about a proposal for 25 to 30 new bungalow-style townhouses on undeveloped property next to the course just outside the downtown Simcoe core. Mark Sinden, Manager of Site Planning for Activa Group - the company that's put a real estate agreement in place for the development - says the idea was simply mentioned over a game of golf, and it took off from there. But the land would still need to go before Norfolk County for rezoning and site plan approval, so Sinden says at this point it's still in the preliminary stages, and wouldn't be complete for another two or three years.

The nightmare has finally ended for a Simcoe man stranded in Cuba. 19-year-old Cody LeCompte arrived home to a full flock of media after his story of being detained in the foreign country for a car crash grabbed national attention. LeCompte tells us it's great to be back on Canadian soil, but it hasn't quite sunk in yet. He says after all that he's been through, there's not a single thing he enjoyed about the foreign country and will only return for court dates, not pleasure. A welcoming party of around 75 people met him at his home and LeCompte was happy to see everyone saying he missed them all so much.

Simcoe Author David Beasley is releasing two new books. The first, "Violets Flight" is about the escape from Burma over the Himalayas to India during the Japanese invasion in 1942. The second, "The Role of Memory in the Poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson" discusses how Tennyson used memory for creative inspiration. The books will be released on September 16th at the Norfolk Arts Centre. This is a free event for the community to attend.

Much needed fresh blood is having a hard time find it's way into the local horticultural society and is a contribution factor to the cancellation of this year's flower show. President of the Simcoe and District Horticultural Society, Dave Zeldon says getting new recruits to Horticultural societies is an ongoing predicament throughout the province. Zeldon says a fee of just $6 a year will get you a membership to the society. He says those who were looking forward to the flower show could always attend their monthly meetings where they have flower competitions which are open to the public. To see when the next Horticultural Society meeting is check out the 'What's Happening' section of our website.

A representative from Metro has confirmed the Simcoe grocery store will be closing it's doors. Senior Director of Marketing Jillian Kerr says the over 60 employees were told July 29 about the closure - mostly due to the poor economy. Kerr says employees will have several options including severance packages and opportunities at other locations. She says the store is expected to close mid to late September.

It's the last day to check out the 43rd Annual Simcoe Rotary Friendship Festival! The day starts off with pancakes in the park from 7am till 1 and a soap box derby at 8:30. Vendors will be open until 4pm to get your last minute purchases of unique arts and crafts. The memorial open house to Petty Officer Craig Blake at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79 will be open until 7pm.

The Simcoe and District Humane Society is struggling to help abandoned animals, and are asking for your help. Over 90 cats, dogs, horses and small pets are relying on volunteers and donations to help keep them healthy, vaccinated and fed. Local kennels are currently full, while donations are down and finances are quickly becoming depleted. Without help, the society cannot continue to help these animals, including those waiting for adoption. To donate items or to volunteer you can contact the Simcoe and District Humane Society directly.

Locals heading to Friendship Fest today will have over 200 vendors to choose from. The days events also feature memorials to fallen soldier, Petty Officer Craig Blake, beer gardens from noon till nine and music in the park. Finish the day off with a streak BBQ at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79 at 5pm.