DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Port Perry hockey product, Jake Bricknell, continues to make a major impact overseas after another standout professional season in England. Playing his first season with the Bristol Pitbulls, in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) National Division, Bricknell surpassed the 50-goal mark for the second straight year, while establishing himself as one of the league’s top offensive threats. The former

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

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 Faye Ashton My wish is that all Mothers had an extra special Mother's Day this past weekend. Time brings our families to all places around the world, and what a treasure to talk to children, grandchildren and nieces who don’t just live next door but bring them to us by email, messenger and phone. So special. Our thoughts are with a former neighbour, Marie Wilson, who fell recently and broke her hip and is now in Uxbridge Cottage Hospital for rehab and to Dorothy Munro, who

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard SCUGOG: There’s something refreshing happening at the Port Perry Dairy Queen, and it goes far beyond a cone or a Blizzard. Since taking ownership, in November 2025, this hardworking husband-and-wife team of Mahir and Meeda Patel, has brought new energy, warmth, and creativity to a location they had admired for years. Their journey to ownership wasn’t overnight. Both came to Canada with big ambitions and a willingness to work. From early days, at pla

BRIAN J. EVANS Special to The Standard UXBRIDGE: The Uxbridge Prayer Breakfast has expanded to become the North Durham Prayer Breakfast, with the 2026 edition uniting Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock townships. Taking place on Wednesday, May 20th, from 7 to 9 a.m., at Mill Run Golf Club, in Uxbridge, the popular breakfast will feature keynote speaker Dr. Steven Russell. In 2016, Dr. Russell became the first chair of the Board of Oak Ridges Hospice, a palliative care facility, locat

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Fresh ideas, as well as some lingering concerns, are expected to surface as the Township of Scugog prepares to host a new round of community workshops, focused on the future of the Port Perry Fairgrounds. Set for Wednesday, May 13th, at the Township Municipal Office, the sessions mark the next phase of the “Your Voice, Your Fairgrounds” community visioning exercise. Residents will get their first look

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: A deteriorating rural crossing, west of Old Simcoe Road, is set for a major upgrade, after council endorsed a modular bridge solution, aimed at improving safety while saving both time and money. At its meeting, on April 27th, council approved a plan to replace a failing concrete box culvert, on Scugog Line 2, with a prefabricated modular bridge system, awarding a single-source contract, valued at roug

by Faye Ashton I hope you didn’t miss the full moon (flower) these last few evenings, but if you did, May 31st, a blue moon will be back to shine even brighter. With this full moon, we had to endure minus temperatures and even snowflakes so large on Saturday morning it took us back a few months. There's always a blessing with these cooler temperatures as we watch the spring flowers last so much longer. The daffodils with their bright yellow colours are an array of lasting bea

DARRYL KNIGHT, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Potholes, ruts, and washboard surfaces have become a daily frustration for drivers across Scugog Township this spring, as lingering frost and wet weather delay much-needed grading on the area’s gravel roads. Following a harsh and unpredictable winter, many rural roads are in rough shape, prompting residents to ask when repairs will begin. Timing is critical for grading operations. As frost leaves the

SCUGOG: The township of Port Perry is set to become an international hotspot for equestrian sport this spring, as Restoration Ranch welcomes riders, from across North America, for a four-day Working Equitation event, from May 28th to May 31st. The show will serve as a critical qualifying event, for the World Equitation Games, scheduled to take place in Spain this September. Hosted by Working Equitation Canada (WECAN), the event will feature riders, from Ontario, Vermont, Nort