by Jonathan van Bilsen I never planned to spend a night in jail, but then again, few seventeen-year-olds do. Most people never see the inside of a cell, unless it is on television, and that is probably a good thing. It is certainly not the Marriott. Still, I can honestly say, I have done time in ‘the Big House’. It all started with a heartbreak. My first, in fact. She was the prettiest girl in my class, and for two glorious weeks, I thought we were destined for greatness. The

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: Local history lovers and longtime residents have a new way to help celebrate the spirit of Kawartha Lakes, by sharing their own photographs which tell the story of life across the municipality. Two new photo displays are being prepared for City Hall, and organizers are asking community members, local museums, archives, and heritage groups to help bring the area’s history to life. The exhibits

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: The Scugog Environmental & Climate Change Advisory Committee (SECCAC) is encouraging residents to grab their cameras and celebrate the natural beauty of their surroundings, through the second annual Scugog Nature Photo Contest. Open to residents of all ages and skill levels, the contest highlights the plants, animals, and scenic landscapes which make Scugog such a remarkable place to call home. Twelve

by Jonathan van Bilsen The very first time I went to Beijing was in the late eighties. The tallest building was no more than three stories high, and individuals were not allowed to own cars. It was a city of unadvertised adventure, and I fell right into the middle of it. It was my last day in the capital city, en route to Singapore. I had contacted the airport to confirm my flight, only to be told it was overbooked and I would not be able to leave on schedule. I have never be

The 171st Bobcaygeon Fall Fair was well attended due to a combination of great weather and great events throughout the weekend of...

Jesse Gillis, Lake Scugog Historical Society SCUGOG: Scugog Recreational Community Centre will once again transform into a treasure...

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: A family paddling along the Trent-Severn Waterway, a...

UXBRIDGE: How silent were silent films? The silents of the roaring twenties may not have had speech, but they had sound. And that sound...

NORTH DURHAM: Dave Ellis will showcase the wildlife of Kawartha Lakes, through his photography, at the September meeting of North Durham...

by Jonathan van Bilsen I had only been to Whistler once before, many years earlier, so when my friend Jim suggested we head into the...

by Lauren Walker I wrote an article for the “Art, Artists, Artwork” website, called “The Right Art-itude” for success. I cover all the...

The Port Perry Tennis Club hosted the 2025 Uxport interclub tournament Saturday 12 July 2025 between the Port Perry Tennis Club and the...

By Jonathan van Bilsen One thing travel has taught me over the years, is that mishaps are often the highlights. I have seen wonders, met...

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard CANNINGTON: Brock Township Council has given the green light to...

SCUGOG: Victory in Europe (VE) Day, remains a defining moment in history. Celebrated on May 8th, 1945, it signifies the unconditional...

by Jonathan van Bilsen Thank you all for taking the time to read the first instalment of my new column,  ‘Not Part of the Plan’ . Over...

by Jonathan van Bilsen I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who reached out to say they missed my "You’ve Got to be...

JAY THIBERT, NDN NORTH DURHAM: North Durham Nature (NDN) is hosting Rob Willson at their Tuesday, May 27th, starting at 7 p.m. Mr....

DOUGLAS ELLIS Executive Assistant Office of Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham NORTH DURHAM: The Hon. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham, met with...

by Jonathan van Bilsen Fifty-one years have passed since I took my first professional photograph. I remember the sleepless nights, the...