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

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 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

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

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

By Patricia Dawson Bring the kids to Carissa Settlers Village, where they will be showing movies on July 5th and July 22nd. Join us every Wednesday at 7 p.m., beginning July 8th, for a fun evening under the beams of the barn. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, or anything else you need to create the perfect cozy movie spot. Admission is by donation, and our Snack Shack will be open with your favourite movie-theatre treats: popcorn, candy, and drinks. We can't wait to see y

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A renewed partnership between the City of Kawartha Lakes and BGC Kawarthas will help ensure youth, families, and children continue to have access to important programs and services across the municipality, for years to come. At a recent meeting, on Tuesday, June 23rd, councillors approved a refreshed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BGC Kawarthas, replacing the original agreement signed

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents who have ever wondered, what it takes to serve their community from the council table, will have a chance to find out next month. The City of Kawartha Lakes is hosting a Candidates' Information Session, on Tuesday, July 14th, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering prospective candidates and interested residents an opportunity to learn about the 2026 municipal election process and the responsibil

BRANDON CLARK The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Residents and visitors in Lindsay are invited to take part in a full day of Canada Day celebrations featuring family-friendly activities, entertainment, and an evening fireworks display at Wilson Fields. The festivities run from 1 to 10 p.m., offering an afternoon and evening packed with activities for all ages. Throughout the day, families can enjoy kids’ activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained, alongside opportunit

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard Summer has arrived, and with it comes one of Ontario's most beloved seasonal traditions—strawberry picking. Across Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region, local farms are welcoming visitors to their fields, offering families a chance to enjoy fresh air, beautiful countryside, and baskets full of ripe, juicy strawberries. Pick-your-own strawberry farms provide a fun and affordable family outing. Children enjoy searching for the biggest berries, while adult

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Young readers across Kawartha Lakes are invited to make a splash this summer, as Kawartha Lakes Public Library launches its 2026 Summer Reading Club, a season-long program, designed to inspire a love of reading, while keeping children and families engaged through fun activities and community events. This year's theme, “Dive In,” draws inspiration from the lakes, rivers, and waterways which hel

MIKE PERRY Executive Director, City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team FENELON FALLS: Residents of Fenelon Falls and the surrounding area can once again access laboratory services in their community. The blood law is reopening its Fenelon Falls location at the Fenelon Medical Centre, 205 Francis Street East, offering walk-in service Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., while administrative systems are being finalized. Online and telephone appointments will be coming soon. Th

By Patricia Dawson Free board game day in Bobcaygeon invites you to have fun and challenge your brain. Come to the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, 123 East Street South, Bobcaygeon, for free board gaming and a chance to meet new people and make friends. This will take place Saturday, June 27th, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This family-friendly drop-in is geared towards adults. Bring your own games, or learn from others. Now that the kids are out of school, why not enroll them

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: A handful of young hockey players, from North Durham and Kawartha Lakes, took a major step toward their junior hockey dreams, over the weekend, as the Ontario Hockey League held its 2026 Priority Selection, in Kingston. While no local players were selected, during Friday night's opening round, several area standouts heard their names called, throughout rounds two through 15. This highlighted the strength of local hockey

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A new partnership, among local emergency services and community organizations, is set to provide peace of mind for families caring for loved ones living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive conditions. This summer, Project Lifesaver will be introduced in Kawartha Lakes, bringing with it a proven search-and-rescue program, designed to help quickly locate individuals who may w