DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A defining landmark, on Port Perry’s waterfront, is poised for a new chapter, following a major federal funding announcement. The Township of Scugog, through the efforts of the volunteer-led charity PPGE Renovation & Revitalization Inc. (PPGE), has been successful in securing $500,000 from the Government of Canada’s Legacy Fund, to support the restoration and revitalization of the Port Perry Grain E

BRANDON CLARK & DARRYL KNIGHT  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/BROCK: Ontario has experienced brutal winter weather since last November, and with it have come repercussions for road and sidewalk maintenance. The City of Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region are two municipalities among many across the province that have experienced harsh seasonal conditions. Kawartha Lakes typically sees an average of 50 winter weather events that require snowp

by Shawn Lackie SCUGOG: The 100 Men of Scugog kicked off the 2026 campaign in fine fashion, on a blustery Wednesday night. Hey, more snow. What a novel concept. The group met at the Port Perry Legion, on January 21st. The Legion, with a huge help from Doug Babcock, has been an amazing partner in facilitating these meetings, and the group is more than grateful for their ongoing help. Presentations were made by Big Brothers/Big Sisters North Durham, Safe Hope Home and Community

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Work on the Sunderland Arena expansion and renovation project is continuing to move forward, despite slight delays caused by utility connections. Officials report substantial progress has already been made, with demolition nearly complete and construction now underway on both the exterior and interior of the facility. Mayor Mike Jubb called the project “a historic project in the Township of Brock,” no

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A push for change on the federal firearms buyback program came from city council, on Tuesday, January 27th, when Councillor Ron Ashmore presented a memorandum raising concerns about its impact on law-abiding gun owners. Council members unanimously supported the motion and agreed to forward a copy of the resolution to MP Jamie Schmale, Public Safety Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, and, the Rt.

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Residents of Beaverton may soon see improvements to local pickleball facilities, after a recent request brought the issue before Brock Township Council. At a council meeting, on Monday, January 26th, Andrew Wingrove, a longtime Beaverton resident and community supporter, submitted a letter raising concerns about the newly created pickleball court at Lodwick Park. Mr. Wingrove noted, the court does not

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers today, yet, too many people in Ontario are not being screened regularly. Dr. Rebecca Wray, a local physician and primary care lead, with the Central East Regional Cancer Program, stresses understanding the new cervical screening program and taking action is vital, for first-time testers, long-time patients, and anyone with a cervix. Ontario’s cervical cancer screening program underwent a ma

This past week was Groundhog Day, a day to look forward with expectancy and hope. By the way, Wiarton Willie has predicted only two more weeks of winter.  It is also a day to gather warm memories and anticipate many more to come. Sunshine... on my shoulders makes me happy. Sunshine... in my eyes can make me cry. Sunshine... on the water looks so lovely. Sunshine... almost always makes me high. Many of our readers will remember these words, sung by John Denver, in the song apt

by Lauren Walker Valentines Day is fast approaching which makes me think of how to keep our hearts healthy. Health is always number one in my book and being well means more time for who you love. Your heart is a muscle Why is it so imperative to look after your heart? It only supplies blood and oxygen to your entire body! Keeping the traffic flowing means finding ways to make your heart more efficient. This means, yes, you guessed it: exercise is vital to keep it strong. What

by Shawn Lackie Every week we continue to be inundated with stories about housing and whether or not areas have under-bidding or over-bidding. We wait in breathless anticipation, to find out where the deals are being had, much like the annual Black Friday or Boxing Day sales. This is a recent phenomena, one which was never really a big part of the action back in the day. Since the buying world partly lost its mind in 2016 and then fully lost its collective mind in 2019-21, it

Ian McMillan Community Care Durham DURHAM: David Brazeau knows firsthand the meaningful impact a committed board of directors can have on a not-for-profit organization. With more than a decade of board leadership experience, including two six-year terms as board chair, David brought his passion for governance and community service to Community Care Durham (CCD) in 2023, joining the organization’s board of directors. An accomplished communications professional with experienc

Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley As my husband and I faced health issues, leading into January 2026, I found myself prayerfully asking the Lord to fix me when I am the problem, and to protect me when I am not. The challenges brought anxiety, upset, and conflict with loved ones. However, I’ve learned, listening is one of the quietest and most powerful ways to show love. I know God is near, listening with love, every time we turn our hearts toward Him. My life is far from perfect, but

by Janet Van Camp I hope some of you tried out the cornhole night on January 28th at the Recreation Centre, hosted by the Lions Club. If there is enough interest, perhaps another evening will be offered, or even a league started. If you would like to become a member of the Blackstock Lions Club, or would simply like more information about the club, please contact Lion Lynne Gallant at lynnegallant711@gmail.com . They are always open to new ideas to support our community. The

by Faye Ashton The brightness of this February 1st full moon, named the Snowy moon or Hungry moon by the native people, illuminates the very white, snow-covered earth. This makes Groundhog Day on the 2nd very hard for Mr. Groundhog to avoid seeing his shadow if he were up in the early hours of the morning. Of course, that means six more weeks of winter weather, but we’ve managed so far. Just a piece of cake. I do think of the many road-weary travellers as I watch the traffic

By Patricia Dawson Come out and beat the winter blahs with the “Mood Boosting, Pot Decorating, and Planning — Beat the Winter Blahs” Workshop pm February 4th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 18 Brock Street West, U xbridge. Gathering with friends are proven method to increase serotonin, a happy hormone, and don't we need as much as possible in February! Let's kick the winter blues by joining Bounty from the boonies shop owner Carly McDougall for a mental health boosting Works

by Pat Asling It seems a lot has happened over the week, but nothing earth-shattering. Oh, but there was an earthquake which shook and cracked and was heard and felt over a great deal of southern Ontario. Apparently, I slept through it while others were truly frightened. I think they said it occurred 5 miles underground, so I wonder how it would feel if you were in a mine or some other deeply dug space? There have also been some spectacular photos on Facebook of what are comm