MAC CLARKE Media Relations Coordinator CNE KAWARTHA LAKES: As the newly minted winner of the 2026 CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) Ambassador of the Fairs, Olivia will receive a cash prize of $3,500 and participate in a series of official duties at Canada’s largest fair over the next two weeks, including special appearances, while also representing her local agricultural community. The exclusive year-long role of Ambassador of the Fairs will take her across Ontario as a rep

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: For nearly 160 years, the Blackstock Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local talent, and the traditions which make rural life such an important part of Scugog’s identity. That tradition continues, on Saturday, August 29th, when the 159th annual Blackstock Fair welcomes families, farmers, exhibitors and visitors to the Blackstock Fairgrounds, for a full day of competitio

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: After a long wait, construction of Beaverton’s new Mill Gate Dog Park is set to get underway this week. Brock Township recently announced the construction was set to begin on Monday, August 24th, as crews install fencing and posts, at the long-anticipated community dog park. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August, weather and site conditions permitting. The new facility will provide

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: As summer winds down, six young entrepreneurs, in the region, are wrapping up a season of turning their ideas into businesses, through the 2026 Summer Company Program. The annual program, offered through the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (KLSBC) in partnership with the Province of Ontario, provides students with an opportunity to launch and operate their own businesses, while gaining ha

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents can celebrate Kawartha Lakes’ 25th anniversary by displaying the municipality’s official flag, at their homes, cottages, businesses and community spaces. A new supply of City flags are now available for purchase, at Municipal Service Centres, in Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Lindsay and Omemee. The 36-by-72-inch flags cost $45, plus HST, and are made in Barrie, Ontario. Kawartha Lakes adopted its official flag in 2007, following a

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: The agricultural community is mourning the loss of one of its longtime supporters, following the passing of Keith Frederick Phoenix, who died peacefully at his home, on Tuesday, August 4th, at the age of 79. For decades, Mr. Phoenix was a familiar face throughout Scugog's farming community, dedicating his life to agriculture and the dairy industry. Farming was more than a career, it was a lifelong passion for him which reflected his unwaveri

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: The race for Brock Township council is officially set, as voters face contested races for mayor, regional councillor, and every ward councillor position in the October municipal election. Nomination Day passed, on Friday, August 21st, bringing the candidate field into focus, ahead of the October 26th vote. The Township's municipal races feature 18 candidates seeking seven elected positions, while four

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The field of candidates is now set for the 2026 municipal election in Scugog Township, with 24 people officially entering the race for mayor, regional councillor and five ward councillor positions. Nomination day passed, on Friday, August 21st, giving residents a clear picture of the choices they will face when they head to the polls in October. The mayor’s race features the largest field, with six ca

by Helen Nicolaou The harvested wheat fields and local farm stands are a true sign of summer winding down into quieter autumn days. The rain this summer has many vegetable gardens looking they’re best. Tomato plants are producing an abundance of tasty fruit; beans and cucumbers continue to be productive as well. Pickling cucumbers were scarce last season, compared to this one, as now there will be extra pickles to enjoy through the winter. If you have any boxwood shrubs, you

William McGinn, Communications & Marketing Assistant BGC KAWARTHA LAKES: On Thursday, August 6th, BGC Kawarthas Foundation (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes Foundation) hosted the 32nd Annual Jeff Beukeboom Charity Classic Golf Tournament, at Pontypool’s Black Diamond Golf Club, with a sold out tournament. The tournament is named after, former NHL player, Jeff Beukeboom, and is one of the longest running and most successful fundraisers for the Foundation. The fir

by Lauren Walker Complacency is the enemy of creativity. It's no different in my profession as a personal trainer. When I worked in a gym, I used to watch people do the same routine over and over and never get anywhere. They became comfortable, but the problem is they never got any stronger. If you are locked in a predictable routine, then how will you get any stronger as an artist? Shake it Up Many years before becoming an artist, I was locked into a pattern I didn't like. I

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new commemorative $2 circulation coin honouring a century of service, remembrance and support for Canada’s veterans and military community. The Royal Canadian Mint has released the 2026 commemorative coin in recognition of the Legion’s official centennial, which marks 100 years since a special Act of Parliament incorporated the organization on July 17, 1926. The Legion traces its

by Shawn Lackie Every time I driver by the unfinished mess known as Kings Landing, it evokes memories of a certain movie that references Real Estate. That, in turn, led me to think about other films that have something to do with buying and selling properties. First things first. Glengarry Glen Ross features a soliloquy by Alec Baldwin which is really one for the ages. The film features an All-Star cast, but Baldwin steals the show. I will spare the details, but it's pretty h

By Patricia Dawson The Lindsay Farmers Market will take place on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is wheelchair accessible and features fresh local products you can purchase, like plants, local honey, fresh baking and bagels, meats, cheese, lunch vendors, and specialty drinks. The location is Wilson Fields, St Joseph Road and Colborne Street, Lindsay. Pets are welcome, and parking is free. Are the kids feeling a little nervous about starting scho

by Faye Ashton The rain this weekend was welcome for the dry earth and the rain barrels that needed filling back up. Hope you have enjoyed the cooler mornings for a walk. Congratulations to all members of the Durham West 4-H Go for the gold! Earlier this week, five members from Durham West travelled to Peterborough County for an evening of challenging questions and fun. After a hard-fought game against the Kawartha Lakes Halliburton team, Durham West came out on top and will

by Pat Asling It’s been a rainy day, but I am not complaining since we always seem to need more moisture for our gardens and field crops! Of course, some of my friends may have had second or third cuttings of hay, but they dry quickly. Vegetable and flower gardens can usually do with a soaking every few days, and rain is better than watering with a hose! It is hard to believe we are close to the end of August; the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) has started, and some schoo

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: There is still plenty of time for local residents to make the most of the summer, at Scugog Public Library, with reading programs, a new collection of puzzles, community displays, and a chance to win gift cards to some of Port Perry’s local businesses. The library’s Summer Reading Club continues through to August 31st, and more than 500 people have already signed up for the summer program. It is not

SCUGOG: This year The Port Perry Fair will be hosting a ticketed concert, at 7p.m., on the Friday night of the fair. Headlining the concert is the James Barker Band. James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Connor Stephen (drums), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), their big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts Music Festival, where t

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Hockey fans in Lindsay will have plenty to cheer about when the Jr. A Muskies officially open their 2026-27 regular season, on Friday, September 11th, in a night which puts hockey and community pride at centre ice. The Muskies will welcome the Trenton Golden Hawks to the Muskies Home Arena, for a 7 p.m. opening faceoff. The organization has planned this special First Responder Night to recogn