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SPORTS
Blackstock Truck and Tractor Pull Celebrates 50 Years of Tradition and Excitement
MARY MEYER Blackstock Agricultural Society SCUGOG: This year marks a major milestone, as the Blackstock Truck and Tractor Pull celebrates its 50th anniversary. What began as an idea, in 1976, has grown into one of Ontario's best pulling events, drawing competitors and spectators from across the province. The vision belonged to Harvey Graham, who attended a truck and tractor pull in Western Ontario and believed the Blackstock Fairgrounds would be the perfect place to host a si
Five Local Players Selected in OHL Priority Selection
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
Local golfer Justin Matthews set for third straight RBC Canadian Open appearance
DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard One of the area’s brightest golfing talents will once again tee it up on one of the biggest stages in Canadian golf. Little Britain native, Justin Matthews has earned an exemption into the 2026 RBC Canadian Open, taking place June 10th to 14th, at TPC Toronto, on Osprey Valley’s North Course in Caledon. Golf Canada and RBC recently announced the 13 players receiving exemptions into Canada’s national men’s championship, where Matthews earned his plac
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Make a Splash with Books and Adventure This Summer in Kawartha Lakes
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
The Artist Within: Going Viral Part I
by Lauren Walker So what do you do when your Instagram video takes off? I posted a video on my Instagram page, @theartistwithin86, and it blew up past my wildest expectations. By the time this article gets published, I'll have almost 3 million views. It is overwhelming, to say the least. Uncharted Territory This is uncharted territory for me. I believe these moments are rare and fleeting, so I feel like I'm riding a wave, until it settles back in to the vast social media ocea
Sunderland Town Hall to Host Free Community Movie Night
DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard BROCK: A family-friendly evening of entertainment and community spirit, is set to take place in Sunderland, this week, as residents are invited to a free Community Movie Night, at the Sunderland Town Hall Auditorium. The event, scheduled for Friday, June 19th, will feature a screening of the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie and is open to residents of all ages. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginni
SHORELINES
Zephyr & Sandford News
by Pat Asling “Summer time, and the living is easy,” says an old song. Well, for some, like a lot of kids, now school is out, that is true, but certainly not for most people, farmers especially. Haying in many versions is keeping them busy, trying to interpret the weather forecast, about which there are many complaints; they get it wrong. Well, rain was forecast, some got it, others didn’t, and we didn’t, and surprisingly, the ground is very dry. Wasn’t that a banger the othe
Lindsay, Uxbridge & Beaverton News
By Patricia Dawson For the week of July 5th, families in Lindsay can enjoy free outdoor concerts in the park series at the Frank Banks gazebo, in Victoria Park. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and catch light performances by local artists throughout the summer. Catch a performance by Ge's on Sunday, July 5th, from 2 to 4 p.m. Later in the week, the Brian Ride Trio plays on Wednesday, July 8th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring the family to a pet and paint event. Head to Silver Huron Farm
Epsom & Utica News
by Faye Ashton The June full moon (flower) on Tuesday the 29th will light up the evening sky, adding greater brightness to our Canada Day fireworks celebration on July 1st. This week is predicted to be quite warm, giving the corn an extra jump to be all knee-high by the first of July. As I think of Epsom Church celebrating 155 years, we know the public school also has 1876 as its birth year. So many young lives have been challenged to go out into the world, become excellent w
HEALTH, FITNESS, SENIOR LIVING COLUMNS
Pine Ridge Garden Club News - June 2026
by Helen Nicolaou June has had many windy, cool days which have made working in the garden, pleasant. It’s been an unusual time, having perennials bloom weeks later than anticipated. The upside of the cool weather is, it gives us time to enjoy a longer bloom time. Driving around, you will find many u-pick strawberry farms which are open to the public. What a true delight, picking and tasting locally grown, in-season strawberries. There seems to be endless possibilities, of ho
Blood Lab Returns to Fenelon Medical Centre
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
Emergency Services unite to launch Project Lifesaver in Kawartha Lakes
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
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
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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