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SPORTS


Minden ice racing marks 50 years of winter speed and community spirit
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard HALIBURTON/SCUGOG: One of Ontario’s most distinctive winter motorsports traditions is preparing to celebrate a major milestone. Ice racing in Minden will mark its 50th anniversary, during the 2026 season, celebrating five decades of competition, camaraderie, and cold-weather thrills. The roots of Minden ice racing stretch back to the mid-1970s, when races were first held on frozen swampland. By the late 1970s, the event found a permanent home at th


Brock invites Community and Non-Profit Organizations to apply for 2026 Charity Golf Tournament funding
BRANDON CLARK The Standard News BROCK: Community and Non-Profit Organizations are invited to apply for funding from Brock Township's Charity Golf Tournament fund for senior- and/or youth-oriented projects. The annual golf tournament, hosted by Brock Township, is held at Cedarhurst Golf Club in Beaverton, to raise funds for local charitable organizations. Brock Township requires local non-profit or charitable organizations applying for a specific project to provide detailed


Local stars shine at PJHL All-Star Game in Campbellford
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Local junior hockey talent took centre ice, Sunday, January 11th, as players from Uxbridge, Port Perry, and Little Britain showcased their skills at the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) annual All-Star Game. This season, the PJHL hosted four all-star games: East, West, North, and South Conferences, each offering home-ice advantage in the provincial quarterfinals. In Trent Hills, the Orr Division faced off against the Tod Division, with the T
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT


Beaver River Museum marks 50 Years of preserving local history
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: Community history and heritage preservation were front and centre, at Brock Township Council’s meeting, on Monday, January 12th, as the Beaverton Thorah Eldon Historical Society presented plans for its upcoming 50th anniversary. Society president, Paula Warder delivered the delegation, outlining the organization’s roots, milestones, and the vision for the future they see for the Beaver River Museum wh


A sparkling holiday tradition shines again at Ken Reid Conservation Area
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The wonder of the holiday season will light up Ken Reid Conservation Area, near Lindsay, once again, as The Illuminated Forest returns for its fourth year. From Friday, December 12th to Sunday, December 28th, visitors can wander through trails adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland for the whole family. Since it first opened in 2022, The Illuminated Forest has


A Rock Concert in Port Perry Featuring The Bomb Retro ‘80s Live Experience!
Rob Van Der Vleuten The Standard SCUGOG: On Saturday, December 13th, The Bomb and their touring ‘Retro ‘80s Live Experience’ are continuing their tradition of blowing up everyone’s winter blues & wrapping up a full year of touring with some exciting pre-holiday musical cheer at Port Perry’s 1873 Town Hall Theatre! For fans of ‘80s hits (and the decade of new wave) who have not had the opportunity to enjoy a rocking night with The Bomb before; just imagine one band recorded a
SHORELINES


Beaverton News
By Patricia Dawson This is a reminder to get your tickets for a fun night at the Robbie Burns dinner on January 31st. featuring music, dancing, and a traditional meal. Doors will open at 5 pm. Dinner is at 6 pm. To be held at the Beaverton Legion Branch 135, 517 Mara Road, Beaverton. Tickets are $50; cash purchases can be made at Jack's place for kids or by calling Jennifer at 705-426-7960. Beaverton Story time for ages one to Junior Kindergarten (JK) will take place on Frida


Blackstock News
by Janet Van Camp On Wednesday, January 28th, the Blackstock Lions Club is hosting a fun and free Cornhole evening with light refreshments at the Blackstock Recreation Centre, 7-9:30 p.m. The Lions Club is hoping to form a league, so this could be a weekly/monthly outing where people come out and have some fun while meeting others in the community. Sounds like a fun evening! The Blackstock Agricultural Society's AGM was postponed due to the weather last Thursday. They are hop


Zephyr & Sandford News
By Pat Asling Now that 2026 is underway, things seem to have slowed down a little, but this is likely just a brief pause. After the holiday rush and a bit of overindulgence, people are catching their breath. Before long, lunches, meetings, and events will be back in full swing, and life will feel busy once again. I hope everyone is carrying good memories from the 2025 Christmas season and the start of the new year. Sadly, the world has entered 2026 in a time of great turmoil.
HEALTH, FITNESS, SENIOR LIVING COLUMNS


Movement for Life - Vertigo
by Lauren Walker Would you believe I had my very first experience with vertigo when I was thirty and again five years ago. No, this isn’t just an age related problem but it can be scary, if you’ve never experienced it before. I worked with a client today and, she is currently having to manage symptoms for the first time. At 75, it was obvious she was feeling uneasy. Exercise is an important help to manage symptoms but where do you start? Take a Moment There are varying levels


We all need an advocate
by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley We all carry so much in this busy world, and there are so many changes expected for seniors in 2026. Are you ready? I often wonder what we are chasing. It’s easy to be swayed by what we see on social media. I hope you understand what you often see is not reality! Struggles are a common experience in this life, whether you are 35 or 85, so the experiences of older people can be very relatable. Consequently, it may be mutually beneficial to check on


RMH Welcomes New Year’s Baby on January 1st
RYAN YOUNG RMH KAWARTHA LAKES: Ross Memorial Hospital’s Dr. Gargi Bhatia Family Birthing Centre delivered its first baby of 2026 at 8:47 p.m. on January 1st. Little baby Theo was born to parents Jessie and Mathew, weighing 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches long. The timing of Theo’s arrival came as a surprise to the new parents. “We were not anticipating this as his due date wasn’t for a few more weeks,” explained Jessie. “We had friends over the night before and wok
COVID 19 NEWS


DDSB Governance Committee to recommend rescinding COVID-19 tracking procedures
DAN CEARNS The Standard DURHAM: The Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) Governance Committee recommends rescinding their COVID-19...


DDSB to continue current COVID-19 communication practices
DAN CEARNS The Standard DURHAM: The Durham District School Board is not yet ready to rescind its COVID-19 communication practices....


COVID-19 no longer an international emergency
DAN CEARNS, The Standard KAWARTHA LAKES: The World Health Organization announced, earlier this month, COVID-19 is no longer a Public...
Meet our Columnists

DAN CEARNS - THE CAPED CEARNSADER
Dan Cearns is a reporter for The Standard Newspaper, so if you see him, feel free to say hello.

GEOFF CARPENTIER - WALK SOFTLY
Geoff Carpentier is a published author, ecotour guide and environmental consultant.

JONATHAN van BILSEN - YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?
Join Jonathan van Bilsen begins a series of feature articles on prominent residents of North Durham in his new column, The Story Behind The Person.
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