by Jay Thibert NDN SCUGOG: All around us, creatures are conducting their lives, many largely unseen. Who has observed amorous salamanders, piscine stonemasons, or crooning tree crickets? We are more aware of birds and the larger mammals, but there are a host of animals which are active underwater or after dark and are seldom noticed. Others use camouflage to conceal their presence. Everyone is welcome to North Durham Nature’s March talk, to hear Don Scallen share stories

Natasha O’Dell, Digital Brand Manager LSRCA DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is warning residents, across the Lake Simcoe watershed, to exercise extreme caution near rivers, lakes, and streams, as warming temperatures and melting ice create increasingly hazardous spring conditions. After a winter, marked by heavy snowfall and significant ice buildup, a rapid warmup is now accelerating the seasonal thaw. Weather forecasts indicate t

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playoffs shifted into the divisional semifinal round over the weekend, and one of the most anticipated matchups is the Battle of North Durham between the Uxbridge Bruins and the Port Perry Lumberjacks. Through the first two games of the best-of-seven Orr Division semifinal, the Bruins have seized early control of the series. Nearly 800 boisterous fans packed the Bear Den in Uxbridge on Friday night (March 6

by Faye Ashton First I must apologize. I don’t know whose calendar I was checking, but the proper date for the Breakfast in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank Project at Epsom Church, Good Friday, is April 3rd at 9:30 a.m. Please keep this date on your calendar and plan to attend. We have been made aware of the desperate need for aid in areas around the world. Sending all March birthdays and anniversaries warm congratulations for a year full of blessings and lasting memo

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Agriculture remains a driving force in Durham Region’s rural communities, and members of the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) brought that message to council, during their annual update, on Monday, February 23rd. Matt Somerville and Nicole Swain outlined the committee’s ongoing work and the major issues currently facing the agricultural sector, emphasizing DAAC’s role as a key advisory

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Tourism growth and stronger coordination across sectors were front and centre, at Scugog council’s Monday, February 23rd meeting, where members endorsed a new four-year Visitor Growth Plan, aimed at building on the community’s rising visitation numbers and economic momentum. The plan was presented through a staff report, authored by Lori Bowers, Director of Communications and Strategic Projects. Chu

by Helen Nicolaou Spring cannot come too soon, as the grey days of the longest winter will finally be coming to an end. The Pine Ridge Garden Club will welcome members and guests to its first meeting, on Tuesday, March 10th, at 7:30 p.m., in the Nestleton Community Centre. Our first speaker is Michael Burns, speaking on Beautiful Dahlias. Mr. Burns is the president of the Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, who has dedicated his time to cultivating show quality and garden varie

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard A North Durham rivalry will take centre stage this weekend, as the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL)’s Orr Division semifinals open, with a familiar and heated matchup. The first-place Uxbridge Bruins will square off against the fourth-place Port Perry LumberJacks, in what promises to be another intense chapter in the Battle of North Durham. Uxbridge enters the series as the clear favourite, having dominated the regular season rivalry. The Bru

by Faye Ashton The bright sunshine on the first day of meteorological Spring (March 1st) helped defray the -11 daytime temperature, and it sank to -21 in the evening. I don't seem to recall the temperature with such wide swings as we’ve seen this year. We have not seen the height of the snowbanks along our road in many years, quite something. Watch on Facebook, Otter Greenhouse is rolling out their new baby plants to hang from the rafters. What a delight. The Ontario County H

by Janet Van Camp At a recent gathering of the Blackstock Agricultural Society, several people were recognized for their contributions. Congratulations to Craig Larmer, Barry Van Camp and Ann-Julia Bajema on receiving awards of merit for long-standing service to our Fair. All have worked diligently for many years to help make our events a success. Also recognized was Helen Coates for her past association as a Director and Homecraft President, and her ongoing work with the Veg

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: Long-anticipated repairs at the Blackstock Recreation Complex are moving a step closer to reality, with council approving a design assignment which could lay the groundwork for major roof and structural upgrades at the community facility. At a recent meeting, council received a report from Grant Taylor, Director of Public Works & Recreation, recommending the Township retain Sense Engineering (GTA) I

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Opening weekend of the Provincial Junior Hockey League playoffs delivered exactly what local fans have come to expect, dominant performances at the top and high drama in one of the league’s fiercest rivalries. The first-place Uxbridge Bruins wasted no time showing why they were among the elite teams in the entire PJHL this season. Uxbridge set a new club record with 35 wins and finished with 71 points, second overall in the league, trailing only th

On the first Friday of March each year, a powerful wave of prayer circles the globe as more than 1.5 million Christians in over 150 countries unite in spirit for the World Day of Prayer. Speaking more than 90 different languages, participants gather to pray for issues affecting women and children, continuing a movement active for nearly 100 years. The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement bringing Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of

by Shawn Lackie Got my property tax bill in the mail the other day for 2026. I know, I know, let’s not go there. But, as always, I feel I must say something. You should be listening to the excellent Beatles tune, Taxman written by George Harrison, while you read this. So here goes. The latest half-year interim bill is equal to what we paid for the whole year when we first moved back to Port Perry, 19 years ago. And while I am more than aware things go up (like the price of g

by Faye Ashton Did you extend your winter vocation just to have a bit more warmth? We are really experiencing a “real old fashioned”winter. With this weeks continuing snowfall and very cold over night weather, looks like the last week of February will gives us more of the same. It’s hard to believe that on March 3 rd it’s full moon (Worm) time again". With the passing of Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday last week we know it will soon be Easter (April 1) and possibly warmer

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: As winter winds down and the promise of longer days beckons, families across Scugog and the surrounding area are starting to dream of sun-soaked afternoons and busy summer schedules. From splash-filled days at the pool to action-packed day camps, the Township of Scugog is gearing up to welcome residents with a full lineup of recreational programs, designed to keep kids active, spark creativity, and b

By Lisa Salapatek SCUGOG: Folk music fans have something to look forward to on Saturday, March 28th, when singer-songwriter and wilderness guide Kate Weekes takes the stage at Greenbank Centennial Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m., with showtime at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Presented by the Greenbank Folk Music Society, the concert promises an intimate experience connecting audiences with some of Canada’s most talented musicians and storytellers. Weekes will be joined by James Ste