By Colleen Green, The Standard SCUGOG: The future of the Port Perry Fairgrounds remains uncertain after the Township of Scugog Council voted to defer consideration of the Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise Final Report until the first quarter of 2027, leaving long-term plans for the site in limbo. Council chambers were filled to capacity during the July 13th meeting, with residents turning out in large numbers to voice concerns over the future of the fairgrounds and th

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The waters of Lake Simcoe, once again, proved why they are regarded among Canada's premier smallmouth bass fisheries, as anglers from across Ontario converged on Beaverton for the 2026 Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) Bronzeback Cup, on July 4th and 5th. After two days of competitive fishing, Cory and Chris Johnston claimed the championship title, with an impressive combined two-day weight of 56

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Travellers, on Brock Township's rural roads, should continue to see improvements throughout the summer and autumn, as municipal crews press ahead with an expanded maintenance program, funded through council's emergency rural roads initiative. At a meeting, on Monday, June 29th, Brock Township Council received an update on the municipality's previously approved Rural Roads Emergency Funding program, in

DARRYL KNIGHT The Local Journalism Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A former executive director of Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) is facing multiple criminal charges, after police allege more than $50,000 was improperly spent using the organization's credit card, during her time leading the local food security agency. According to court documents, Kathy Ridout was charged, by the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, in April of 2026, with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and crimin

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Residents will have a chance to help decide where municipal dollars should be spent next year, as public consultation gets underway, for the Township of Scugog's 2027 budget. Municipal officials are encouraging residents and property owners to share their priorities, through a new online engagement platform, complete a community survey, and participate in one of three public town hall meetings, next w

BRANDON CLARK The Standard SCUGOG: The Fore Scugog Youth Initiatives Grant Program is now accepting submissions, to receive funds from last year's Annual Fore Scugog Charity Golf Tournament. The following criteria have been established for the distribution of the funds: Submitters must be a recognized Youth organization in the Township of Scugog. Past organizations which received this grant include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham ($2000), Port Perry High School Lead

KIM COULTER RMH Foundation KAWARTHA LAKES: When members of the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) hit the trails, they count kilometres, litres in the tank, and the number of amazing moments they’re collecting. Today, they can add a few more numbers to the tally: in 10 years of Poker Runs, KATVA has raised $100,000 to support critical patient care needs at Ross Memorial Hospital. The number of lives they’ve touched through their giving: too many to count. On June 6th, KATVA set

by Jonathan van Bilsen Summer gardens are glorious; vibrant flowers, freshly mowed grass, and everything lush and green. There is absolutely nothing negative about the season... except the weeding. Don't misunderstand me; I genuinely enjoy cutting the grass and general maintenance, but weeding? That's simply not my thing. It's tedious, back-breaking work which seems never-ending. For that reason, I'm always searching for new and improved ways to complete this chore as quickly

by Shawn Lackie Real Estate is a funny business. Funny ha ha and funny not so ha ha. Just ask anyone who has been at it for any length of time. As a full-time business, not some side hustle, all too prevalent these days. When things die off, like they have the last few years, it’s interesting watching all the wanabees scramble out of the madness. Speaking of madness, a lot of a sales persons reputation depends on their innate ability to satisfy a buyer (or seller’s) expectati

LILY PETTIT Community Services - Events SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is thrilled to announce the return of Movie Nights in the park! Join us at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22nd, at Palmer Park, Port Perry, for a movie night under the stars. This year, we will be screening the live-action How to Train Your Dragon movie! This PG-rated, action-packed adventure follows the story of young Viking Hiccup, who forms an unlikely friendship with a feared dragon named Toothless. Toge

by Patricia Dawson The annual beloved Kite Day returns to Uxbridge Historical Center this July 18th! Bring your own kite, purchase or make one at this exciting event on Quaker Hill while enjoying the best view of Uxbridge. Saturday, July 18th, from noon to 4 p.m., at 7239 Concession 6, in Uxbridge. This is a free event. For more information, call 905-852-5854. Concerts in the park in Bobcaygeon are back. Catch open-air live music at the locks on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 6 t

by Faye Ashton Summer has lived up to its name, hot and even hotter this week, as predicted. We will take it in stride because before long, the cold and snow will change our complaints. Our family had a lovely visit with our brother Jerry’s daughter, Jill Asling and Danny Monk from Lethbridge on Thursday. Although they have many relatives in this area, Danny has a good job to go back to there. Our community is excited to wish a very special Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmot

by Larry Doble The Sunderland and District Historical Society has updated its web site as sunmus.ca. It has many new, easy-to-use features such as a walking Tour of Sunderland, the story of our veterans on the Cenotaph and biographies honouring many Community Heroes. Family tree help is also available from our 62,000-name database, along with property maps for Brock Township. A new feature is the AV history of our railway system, available via a QR code on the display board o

by Pat Asling Well, it is already the middle of July and, as the old song says”the corn is as high as an elephant's eye, or in another case, as high as the waist of the farmer in his field. Other crops are doing well, it seems, and most farmers are bringing in second-cutting hay crops. Rain has been sporadic among the number of very hot days we are experiencing, and I guess it is all good, but when I go out a day later, thinking my pots will not need watering, I find they and

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES/DURHAM: A powerful line of severe thunderstorms swept across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region on Canada Day, bringing damaging winds, torrential rain and intense lightning, disrupting celebrations, toppling trees and hydro lines, and leaving thousands of residents without electricity. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued severe thunderstorm warnings, as the fast-moving system crossed ce

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The sights and sounds of horns, sirens, and heavy equipment will once again fill the Port Perry Fairgrounds, as the popular Port Perry Touch-a-Truck returns, on Friday, July 10th, promising an evening of hands-on family fun, supporting a worthy local cause. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. The 3rd Annual Port Perry Touch-a-Truck, presented by Brass Inc., invites children and adults, alike, to climb

NANCY NEWTON Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes KAWARTHA LAKES: Four young women graduating from our local high schools were recognized, in June, for their peer leadership, with the Soroptimist Positive Influence Award, from Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes. Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes joins with the schools in their annual recognition activities, by presenting the award to a female graduating student, from each of the city’s four secondary

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The future of one of Scugog's most recognizable community gathering places will take centre stage, later this month, as local councillors convene for a special meeting, to consider the final recommendations from the Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise. Council will meet, on Monday, July 13th, at 5:30 p.m., to receive the Port Perry Fairgrounds Visioning Exercise Final Report, along with a staff

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents are being asked to help determine the future of recreation facilities across the City of Kawartha Lakes, as the municipality begins work on a long-term plan to guide investments in community centres, arenas, swimming pools, and other recreational spaces. The City has launched its Recreation Facility Master Plan, a project which builds on the 2025 Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan a