DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK/KAWARTHA LAKES: Baseball season is getting underway for the Victoria Brock Baseball Association (VBBA), bringing together players, coaches, and volunteers from communities across the western portion of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Brock Township, for another year of inter-community competition and development. VBBA President, Christine Clayton said, the association’s focus remains firmly on creating

RYAN YOUNG RMH KAWARTHA LAKES: Ross Memorial Hospital is looking forward to welcoming back Jennifer Burns-West as the hospital’s new Vice President Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive when she returns on April 13th, 2026. Jennifer has longstanding roots within Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH), having started at the hospital as a Registered Nurse in the early 1990s. Over the course of 30 years, she went on to serve as a Critical Care and Medical Program Educator, Emergency Depart

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Passenger rail advocates in Brock Township are feeling optimistic after what Mayor Mike Jubb described as a “very positive” meeting with senior officials from Ontario Northland regarding a proposed Northlander stop in Beaverton. In an update shared with residents, Mayor Jubb said a meeting was recently held with the Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Northland following discussions with Laurie Scott a

KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: Communities across Canada came together on Wednesday, May 6th, as McDonald's Canada celebrated its 32nd annual McHappy Day, raising funds to support families with sick and injured children through Ronald McDonald House Charities. Throughout the day, a portion of proceeds from every food and beverage purchase at participating McDonald’s locations was donated to Ronald McDonald House helping children and families in need. Customers could support the

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: The sounds of spring returning to the countryside are some of the things seven-year-old Eva Giancoulos loves most about the outdoors. From spotting frogs and toads to watching baby animals emerge each spring, the Prince Albert Public School student has developed a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife at a young age, something which has now helped her advance to the quarterfinals of the North American Jr. Ranger competition. Eva recently

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The spirit of community service was front and centre, at the Beaverton Legion, on Thursday, April 30th, as local volunteers were recognized for their years of dedication to boards, committees and community organizations which help shape life across Brock. Hosted by council, the Township of Brock’s Volunteer Appreciation Night celebrated residents who have spent the past four years, and in many cases fa

by Barb Pratt UXBRIDGE: Every summer for the past 30 years, selected Uxbridge and area residents have opened their gardens to visitors during the Annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour. This year’s Tour will take place on June 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the 30th anniversary, there are some very special additions to the day’s outing. Molly Shannon, of Canadian Succulents, will be on hand to host two workshops at The Historic Leaskdale Church, at 9 a.m. and at 4 p.m. Molly will

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: Residents in Scugog should prepare for upcoming lane restrictions on Island Road as Durham Region begins a road rehabilitation project later this month. Lane restrictions will be in place on Island Road (Regional Road 7) from Fralicks Beach Road to Hood Drive beginning May 19th and continuing through June 2026. The work is being carried out to safely rehabilitate the roadway. Durham Region noted that unfavourable weather conditions could aff

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Growing healthcare demands, across Durham Region; emergency department pressures; and major investments in mental health and hospital redevelopment were front and centre during a presentation to council members in Scugog, earlier this week. During the Township of Scugog’s General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on Monday, May 4th, Cynthia Davis, president and CEO of Lakeridge Health, and

by Jonathan van Bilsen Visions of orange jumpsuits and rusty shackles ran through my head, as I confronted the policeman writing my parking ticket. I was innocent. I had parked in a perfectly legal spot and told him so, triumphantly pointing at the post clearly marked ‘Parking.’ He agreed and I was about to ask why he was ticketing me. I froze when he silently gestured toward a fire hydrant, tucked neatly behind someone’s hedge. Mouth open, I stared at the yellow cylinder, mo

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Growing demand for skilled trades workers was front and centre at a City of Kawartha Lakes Committee of the Whole meeting, on Tuesday, May 5th, as councillors received a memorandum, calling for stronger municipal support of trade programming at Fleming College’s Frost Campus. The memorandum, brought forward by Ward 5 Councillor Mark Doble, asked the municipality to advocate for the advancement

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes will have an opportunity to learn more about local wellness programs, community supports, and senior services during the upcoming Victoria Manor Wellness Fair on Wednesday, May 20th. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Victoria Manor and is open to seniors, caregivers, families, and community members interested in healthy aging and wellness resources. Organizers say the fair is de

by Geoffrey Carpentier Without any exaggeration, our birds and many other wild things are under siege and face a battle they really can’t win, without help. Sounds gloomy? Well, it actually is! Canada’s wild landscapes, from the Arctic tundra to the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, to our own Great Lakes and the vibrant rocky eastern coast, serve as a critical nursery for billions of birds. Over 450 species of birds call Canada home, for at least part of the year, a

UXBRIDGE: Residents in the Township of Uxbridge are being invited to review and provide feedback on a proposed new roundabout planned for the intersection of Brock Road and Goodwood Road. The Regional Municipality of Durham is proposing the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Brock Road (Regional Road 1) and Goodwood Road (Regional Road 21), along with the addition of an eastbound truck climbing lane. Regional officials say the proposed improvement

by Shawn Lackie Time to take a trip back in time. You know the saying, “What goes around comes around?” Well how about a return to old time advertising and the benefits which come with it? Since 1996 we have been taken over by, what was then referred to as, this new thing called, the Internet. Many said it was just a trend and wouldn’t last. Really? Here we are 30 years later looking at the newest trend called AI. Many are saying that won’t last either. I guess what I am tryi

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: More frequent wastewater bypasses, in Fenelon Falls, are prompting renewed calls for action at the municipal level, with councillors asking staff to investigate additional ways to reduce overflows, before major upgrades are scheduled later this decade. During a Committee of the Whole meeting, on May 5th, members received a memorandum from Mike Perry, requesting staff examine options for reduci

by Pat Asling We are still waiting for it- Spring, that is! Yes, we have had some beautiful-looking days, but not the warmth we are craving. Our farmer friends and relatives are moving ahead with planting and dodging raindrops as they do. Since most tractors now sport fancy cabs, I guess they don’t have to worry much about getting wet unless they have to get out and adjust the machinery. Crops seeded a couple of weeks ago seem to be coming up as normal. Talk about rain. The o