SPORTS

Hockey roots run deep as LumberJacks reconnect with alumni through gameday feature

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard SCUGOG: For fans flipping through the Port Perry LumberJacks gameday program this season, one section has quickly become a favourite. The “Where Are They Now?” feature has struck a chord by doing more than revisiting old stats or familiar names, it has highlighted the deep, lasting bond between the team, its alumni and the wider Scugog community. Each week, the feature profiles a former player and explores where life has taken them since their junio

Local rivalries heat up after action-packed PJHL weekend

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard Rivalries, special teams, and strong goaltending were all on display over the weekend as the three local Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) clubs packed plenty of drama into a schedule that was ultimately cut short by winter weather. The action began Friday night in Uxbridge, where the Bruins delivered a statement performance at the Bear Den, shutting out the Clarington Eagles 4–0. Uxbridge controlled the pace early and leaned heavily on its pow

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

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Scugog invites families to celebrate Family Day with games, illusions and photos

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard SCUGOG: On a chilly February morning, the halls of the Scugog Community Recreation Centre will soon be filled with laughter, bright colours, and the excited chatter of children because Family Day Fun is back. Scheduled for Monday, February 16th, the event promises a full day of free activities, where families can craft, play, skate, and make memories together. From crafts and games, to inflatables, balloon m

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

SHORELINES

Kawartha Lakes News

By Patricia Dawson Winter fun is coming to Kawartha Lakes! The inaugural Kawartha Lakes Winter Festival takes place Sunday, February 1st, at Eganridge Golf Course, starting at 10 a.m. This inclusive, family-friendly event invites people of all ages and abilities to enjoy outdoor activity, fresh air, and community spirit. The morning features endurance runs on snow-covered trails, while the afternoon, 1:30 to 4 p.m., is packed with family fun activities. Highlights include sno

Zephyr & Sandford News

by Pat Asling For many folk, the news of the week was the weather, which affected much of North America! Of course, along with other things Canada got the blame for, that came out of the Arctic, a location much in the news lately for other political reasons. Thankfully, we are more used to this cold than many of the parts of the US to our south. The only thing hot there is the politics, which leaves me colder! I must apologize for no news last week due to a computer glitch. I

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

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