by Geoffrey Carpentier The idea of animals being spies in our midst is not a new phenomenon. Historically, we used animals for varying purposes, mostly functional, such as beasts of burden, but over time we realized they could be used for other purposes. For example, during WWII, carrier pigeons were used to deliver messages to and from the front lines, to help the Allies. During the Cold War, the CIA developed small cameras which were strapped to homing pigeons. As the birds

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Community history and heritage preservation were front and centre, at Brock Township Council’s meeting, on Monday, January 12th, as the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society presented plans for its upcoming 50th anniversary. Society president, Paula Warder delivered the delegation, outlining the organization’s roots, milestones, and the vision for the future they see for the Beaver River Museum wh

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities took a formal step forward, on Tuesday, January 13th, as council reviewed the proposed Terms of Reference for a new Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy Task Force. The volunteer group will help guide the development of the City of Kawartha Lakes’ upcoming Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. The report, presented by Emily Turner, Econ

by Shawn Lackie Over 20 years ago, I finally decided I wanted to make Real Estate (RE) my life. I had worked in television, in a multitude of capacities, and then transitioned to a VP job with the Canadian Football League. At the time, I considered it to be my dream job. Yet, in the back of my mind, for many of the previous 10 years, I had always wondered what the world of RE held. I would call a friend, every spring, and ask how the market was and what process I would follow

BRANDON CLARK  The Standard News BROCK: Community and Non-Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding from Brock Township's Charity Golf Tournament fund for senior- and/or youth-oriented projects. The annual golf tournament, hosted by Brock Township, is held at Cedarhurst Golf Club in Beaverton, to raise funds for local charitable organizations. Brock Township requires local non-profit or charitable organizations applying for a specific project to provide detailed

By Patricia Dawson This is a reminder to get your tickets for a fun night at the Robbie Burns dinner on January 31st. featuring music, dancing, and a traditional meal. Doors will open at 5 pm. Dinner is at 6 pm. To be held at the Beaverton Legion Branch 135, 517 Mara Road, Beaverton. Tickets are $50; cash purchases can be made at Jack's place for kids or by calling Jennifer at 705-426-7960. Beaverton Story time for ages one to Junior Kindergarten (JK) will take place on Frida

by Janet Van Camp On Wednesday, January 28th, the Blackstock Lions Club is hosting a fun and free Cornhole evening with light refreshments at the Blackstock Recreation Centre, 7-9:30 p.m. The Lions Club is hoping to form a league, so this could be a weekly/monthly outing where people come out and have some fun while meeting others in the community. Sounds like a fun evening! The Blackstock Agricultural Society's AGM was postponed due to the weather last Thursday. They are hop

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Local junior hockey talent took centre ice, Sunday, January 11th, as players from Uxbridge, Port Perry, and Little Britain showcased their skills at the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) annual All-Star Game. This season, the PJHL hosted four all-star games: East, West, North, and South Conferences, each offering home-ice advantage in the provincial quarterfinals. In Trent Hills, the Orr Division faced off against the Tod Division, with the T

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A celebration of local athletic achievement and community pride will take centre stage this spring, as the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF) prepares to welcome its newest class of inductees. The Hall of Fame’s 18th annual induction ceremony will be held, on Thursday, April 23rd, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, bringing together athletes, coaches, families and fans, to honour those who ha

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES : On a chilly January morning, in Lindsay, Simone Watts stepped outside to find her usual blue box pickup hadn’t happened. A few empty beer bottles sat awkwardly beside the bin, reminders of a new rule she hadn’t quite wrapped her head around. “I thought these went in the blue box, like before,” she said, picking them up. “Turns out, they have to go to a separate program now. It’s a bit confus

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Early results from Brock Township’s Downtown Community Improvement Plan (CIP) suggest the program is already making a visible impact on local main streets, helping to encourage reinvestment and refresh the look of downtown areas. The update was outlined in a recent staff report, presented by, Director of Development Services, Robin Prentice, detailing activity since the updated Downtown CIP was appro

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Volunteers, Township staff, and conservation partners came together, this past autumn, to plant 100 native trees and shrubs along the banks of the Beaver River, at MacLeod Park. A testament to the growing partnership between the Cannington Horticultural Society (CHS) and Brock Township. An October 18th, 2025 planting event, aided by the Township with mulch, and by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation A

by Lauren Walker Would you believe I had my very first experience with vertigo when I was thirty and again five years ago. No, this isn’t just an age related problem but it can be scary, if you’ve never experienced it before. I worked with a client today and, she is currently having to manage symptoms for the first time. At 75, it was obvious she was feeling uneasy. Exercise is an important help to manage symptoms but where do you start? Take a Moment There are varying levels

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley We all carry so much in this busy world, and there are so many changes expected for seniors in 2026. Are you ready? I often wonder what we are chasing. It’s easy to be swayed by what we see on social media. I hope you understand what you often see is not reality! Struggles are a common experience in this life, whether you are 35 or 85, so the experiences of older people can be very relatable. Consequently, it may be mutually beneficial to check on

By Shawn Lackie This one might be a little out there but work with me, please. Quick question. How many local businesses are you aware of? And no, I don’t mean eateries like Jesters or Marwans. Even Haugens, who has been here for a looooong time. I have witnessed their menu firsthand since 1970. Still great. Yummy, but I digress. No, I am talking about those manufacturing places, Industrial or not. We often hear there isn't enough manufacturing and such to offset taxes and cr

By Pat Asling Now that 2026 is underway, things seem to have slowed down a little, but this is likely just a brief pause. After the holiday rush and a bit of overindulgence, people are catching their breath. Before long, lunches, meetings, and events will be back in full swing, and life will feel busy once again. I hope everyone is carrying good memories from the 2025 Christmas season and the start of the new year. Sadly, the world has entered 2026 in a time of great turmoil.

by Faye Ashton I hope everyone is keeping well and managing to avoid the flu bug that seems to be making its way around in many different forms this season. A little bird shared some happy news: Jeannie Ranken will be celebrating 75 years young on Tuesday. Warm birthday wishes to Jeannie from her many friends throughout the community. Best wishes as well to anyone marking a January birthday or anniversary. May your celebrations create special memories to cherish all year long

By Patricia Dawson Residents are invited to step out and enjoy some lively country line dancing in Cannington at the Cannington Legion Community Health Center. Instructor-led sessions are held at the Legion, located at 72 Peace Street, on Monday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. These classes are open to both new and experienced dancers and feature a fun mix of country favourites and Top 40 hits. For those looking to try something different, Drumming for Health will take place