The Vine Scaling Back Operations Due to Health Issues; GoFundMe Created to Aid In Recovery

A GoFundMe has been created for pescetarian restaurant The Vine, which has had to cut back its operating hours and service after its co-owner, Tyrone Flowers, posted an emotional message on Instagram on Thursday morning about his unknown health issues.

Tyrone Flowers, The Vine Co-Owner opened the pescatrian restaurant in late May of 2023. File Photo.

“We don't know what the ****’s going on with me,” explained Flowers. “Doctors don't seem to seem to know, there’s lots of tests that still need to be done.”

On April 9, The Vine first went on reduced hours after a trip to the ER according to their Instagram post. Since then, the restaurant has operated on some days with reduced hours and cancelled events. The Vine could not be open consistently due to Flowers’s health issues, which could possibly be a stroke.

“We really haven’t been able to open much since the beginning of April due to debilitating migraines, fainting spells, confusion during service and many more symptoms,” said Lauren Mortlock, Flowers’s spouse and co-owner.

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A post shared by The Vine (@thevine_ptbo)

She started a GoFundMe on Wednesday with a $10,000 goal to help the couple during this period while Flowers recovers.

“We still have specialist appointments, CT scans, MRIs and more ahead of us before we get any answers and with no income coming in it’s hard to keep going,” explained Mortlock. “We are looking for financial support to get us through a month or two while he recovers from what we have been told could be a stroke.”

Flowers reluctantly agreed to the GoFundMe only as a last resort.

“Lauren set up a GoFundMe which was really hard for me to say okay to because if you know me, you know that I hate asking for help but that’s where we are,” he explained.

Flowers and Mortlock are known for giving back, providing free community meals, running animal-fundraising initiatives, giveaways and more.

The GoFundMe has nearly reached $3,000 at the time of this article’s publication. Flowers said he will update the public as often as he can.

Donations to the GoFundMe page can be made by clicking here.

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Peterborough County Declares May As Museum Month

Peterborough County has proclaimed May as Museum Month to celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage and the vital role museums play in communities, as announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth King and Lang Pioneer Village.

This year, Museum Month also includes International Museum Day on May 18, a global celebration that recognizes museums as centers of education, innovation, and cultural connection, according to Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden.

“During Museum Month, we invite everyone to explore the charm, heritage, and stories that make Peterborough County and The Kawarthas so special,” she said. From scenic rural landscapes to immersive historic experiences, the region offers meaningful opportunities to connect with the past. A standout destination is Lang Pioneer Village Museum, where a recreated 19th-century village brings early rural life to life through heritage buildings, traditional skills, and hands-on experiences. It offers visitors an authentic taste of the history, landscapes, and traditions that define The Kawarthas.” 

Peterborough County highlighted Lang Pioneer Village, noting that they do more than preserve history — they foster learning, inspire curiosity and contribute to our local economy and shared identity.

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PRHC Foundation Launches Business Cares Program to Allow Local Businesses to Strengthen Community Connections; Hanoi House Named First Ambassador

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has partnered with Hanoi House to launch Business Cares, a program for local businesses to support patient care while strengthening community connections, announced on Tuesday morning.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO (left) and Susan Tung, Hanoi House owner, enjoying Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese spring roll) with peanut sauce in celebration of their new partnership. The PRHC serves more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding area and relies on community support to fund the state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide exceptional care. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The launch gives businesses an opportunity to easily play an active role in fundraising for the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign. Partners also gain exposure through the Foundation’s communications channels and become part of a trusted network of businesses, according to Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation.

“Business Cares is about creating a strong connection between community-minded businesses and the future of healthcare in our region,” She said. “We know that the area’s businesses care deeply about the communities they serve. This program offers a simple, flexible way to turn that care into impact. They’ll help PRHC Foundation fund lifesaving equipment and technology, and strengthen relationships with their teams and customers.”

Businesses can help by creating a fundraiser, running a point-of-purchase promotion, becoming a sponsor or making a direct contribution.

Prior to the program launch, Hanoi House has supported PRHC through its own initiatives over several years. This included a dumpling drive and pop-up buffet that raised more than $3,000 for patient care. The Vietnamese restaurant was named one of the program's first ambassadors.

“Being part of PRHC Foundation’s Business Cares program is a meaningful way for Hanoi House to give back to the area we love and call home, while strengthening our business,” said Susan Tung, Hanoi House owner. “Supporting our regional hospital is an investment in the health of the community we serve every day, including our customers, our team, and their families. That involvement has created a real sense of pride among our staff and patrons.

PRHC Foundation invites all businesses to join its community through Business Cares.

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12-Year Old Boy Lands Grand Prize Fish 'Walter' At 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

It only took roughly 30 minutes for 12-year-old Jonny Patterson to land the grand prize of $1,000 by catching ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Saturday.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register. Photo courtesy of OFAH.

Walter was caught just before noon on Saturday during the youth derby for those aged 15 and under.

According to an OFAH’s Facebook post, three of the top five prizes have already been claimed as of Sunday. ‘Gordon’ and ‘Opie’ are the two remaining grand prize fish, worth $500 and a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service, respectively.

The all-ages event began on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and continues until May 3.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

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Beloved Peterborough Coach Passes Away Suddenly At Age 64

The Peterborough sports community has mourned the loss of coach John Welsh, who passed away suddenly at age 64 on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of KMFL Peterborough.

Welsh was active in the sports world for several decades. He coached in the Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) for 45 years, was the founding president of the Peterborough Hockey Association for 25 years and coached the St. Peter’s Secondary School Saints Senior football team.

The KMFL released this statement regarding Welsh’s passing:

“John had a heart of gold. He cared deeply, and he showed it in the way he treated everyone—especially his players, who he loved like family. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a quiet check-in, or simply being there when someone needed support, John was someone you could always count on. And if you ever watched John on the sidelines, you saw the joy in his face watching his players play. There was pride in every moment, in every rep, in every success they achieved. Their growth and happiness meant everything to him.”

Brian Junkin of the Peterborough Wolverines, who worked with Welsh, also released a statement on behalf of the organization:

“Football is Family. Unfortunately, we lost a prominent member of our family last night. It saddens me to inform you that longtime Wolverines and KMFL Coach John Welsh has passed away. John devoted over 45 years of his life to coaching youth in multiple sports, but especially football. This is a generational loss to the Peterborough Football Community. Some of our coaching staff were actually coached by John as children and have now had their own kids coached by John. He spent thousands of hours coaching thousands of kids in high school, house league and rep ball.

On a personal note, it was John Welsh that gave me my first opportunity to coach football some 23 years ago and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to coach under him for 16 years in the KMFL. He will be greatly missed.”

Welsh leaves behind his wife Vicki; his children Sarah and Jonathon and his grandchildren Lila-Jane, William and Margaret. He is a brother to Jim and Bill; brother-in-law to Nancy and an uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Highland Park Funeral Centre on May 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the funeral service to start immediately after. Words of remembrance will be shared at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the KMFL John Welsh Financial Grant, which can be made by emailing fundraising@kmfl.ca.

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Lift Lock Canal Stocked Up For 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby This Saturday

The Peterborough Lift Lock’s canal has been stocked with over 3,000 trout to kickstart the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby starting this Saturday.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, showcases Walter before releasing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 26th year releasing Walter into the water. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The youth derby is for those aged 15 and under and kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the all-ages event starting Sunday at 9:00 a.m. until May 3.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register, helping maintain a long-standing tradition that is important to Peterborough, according to David Ryrie, OFAH director of communications.

“It is a community staple and we hear every year how happy people that we're still putting this on,, he said. “The OFAH is really proud to continue this tradition.”

There is more than $35,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year features five grand prizes, including the return of rainbow trout ‘Walter,’ and a $1,000 cash prize for the person who catches him. New this year is a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service.

“(This is) a little bit something for those new anglers that want to get outside of the regular shore fishing,” said Ryrie.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

@ptbo_canada Walter has been cast into the canal to help kick off the 37th Under the Lock Fishing Derby from April 25 to May 3! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ Gone Fishing - BDR Music

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Lakers and Lansdowne Place Partner Up In Celebration of 40-Year Anniversary of Peterborough Maulers Sponsorship

The Peterborough Lakers and Lansdowne Place have partnered ahead of the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season to mark the 40th anniversary of the Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team, as announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the 1986 Peterborough Maulers, Sponsors and Lakers staff join at one of three chairs at Centre Court in lansdowne Place. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Lansdowne Place sponsored the 1986 Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team 40 years ago.

In honour of the milestone, Lansdowne Place is sponsoring a special Retro Game Night on July 23 against the Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m. The night features retro Maulers jerseys, a soundtrack of iconic 80s and 90s tunes and more to be announced.

“We are excited about bringing a small piece of Peterborough lacrosse history alive,” said Jessica Khouri, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “Lansdowne Place is thrilled about this new partnership with the Lakers and we look forward to cheering them on this season.”

“We are looking forward to working with Lansdowne Place to create memorable experiences for our fans while celebrating the history of the game in our community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “This partnership is a great fit and we’re excited to kick it off.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax and Lansdowne Place have partnered to bring a large chair at the mall and bringing Retro Night to the Lakers game on July 23. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

With the partnership’s launch, a large Lakers-branded Kawartha Chair will be at Lansdowne Place for a month, leading up to the Lakers’s home opener on May 21 against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs. The community is encouraged to take photos on/with the display and share them on social media.

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City Dignitaries and Organizations Mourn Loss of Community Leader John McNutt

Several city dignitaries and organizations have sent their condolences after learning of the passing of community leader John McNutt on Sunday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO announcing the launch of the ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign at the Venture North Building in Novemeber of 2024. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

McNutt served as CEO and president of Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and executive director for the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD).

Several politicians have expressed their feelings on his passing, including Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. He said McNutt was a valued friend and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

“Throughout his life, John demonstrated a genuine commitment to the people around him,” he said. “Whether through his work, his friendships, or his involvement in the community, he exemplified the very best of what it means to serve others with integrity and compassion.”

Mayor Jeff Leal also had words for McNutt after learning of his passing.

“John inspired students to think outside of the box and reach for the stars in the business world,” he said. “His work for Junior Achievement, coupled with his advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, will have a lasting impact on our community.”

Several notables also sent condolences on McNutt’s recent passing. Michael Skinner, former Innovation Cluster CEO, said he considered him to be both a friend and a mentor.

“He had a way of bringing clarity to multifaceted situations with long histories and always made time to support and recognize those building something new,” he explained. “His influence reached far beyond what most people saw, and many of us benefited from his guidance, insight, and steady support.”

Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough-Kawartha MP, also had positive words for McNutt.

“John truly made Peterborough a better place,” she said. “He had a gift for bringing people together, shining a light on those who were building something meaningful and constantly creating opportunities for others to grow. He believed in this community, and he worked tirelessly to make it stronger.

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City of Peterborough Running Drop-In Session For Community Input on Proposed Improvements to Kawartha Heights Park

Residents are invited to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session on April 30.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

Located at 2229 Kawartha Heights Blvd., Kawartha Heights Park currently features a playground, soccer field and basketball court.  

The City is looking to upgrade some existing features and add new amenities in the neighbourhood park. Residents are invited to provide feedback on what park amenities are best suited to meet the needs of the community.  

The drop-in session will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

The Kawartha Heights Park project is expected to happen over two phases. Phase 1 is planned for 2027 and includes upgrades to the ball diamond or the rectangular field to a Level B and formalize parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splashpad, pet exercise area and a multi-use sport court. 

“Kawartha Heights Park is a valued neighbourhood space where residents come together to play and enjoy the outdoors. These proposed improvements represent an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation, enhancing the park as a vibrant, welcoming community hub with something for everyone. From new amenities to upgraded spaces, this project will help create more opportunities for people of all ages to be active, gather and make lasting memories in their neighbourhood,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. 

The opportunity to improve Kawartha Heights Park was identified as part of the City’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study. 

“The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study is an important tool that helps us understand where there are opportunities to enhance parks and better meet the needs of residents across Peterborough,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Kawartha Heights Park is one of the locations identified through this work, and this engagement process will help ensure future improvements reflect what the community values most.” 

During the April 30 drop-in session City staff will be available to answer questions about the project. 

All proposed upgrades are subject to budget approval.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Further information about the project, including updates, a site plan and a summary of the public survey findings, will be posted online. 

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.

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City of Peterborough Invites Public Input on Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements

Community members are invited to share input on upcoming improvements to a stormwater channel near Parkhill Road within Jackson Park.  

file photo.

The channel carries stormwater from the north side of Parkhill Road and east of the Jackson Park entrance at Parkhill Road and Monaghan Road, down a steep slope into Jackson Creek. The area is experiencing erosion due to the steep slope and sandy soil. The site currently shows signs of damaged banks, exposed tree roots and debris build-up. The culvert beneath the nearby pedestrian trail has also deteriorated and requires rehabilitation. 

To address these issues, the City has retained Water’s Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. to develop a design that will improve stormwater flow, reduce erosion and enhance the surrounding environment. 

The proposed work will focus on creating a more stable stormwater outfall that safely conveys water from Parkhill Road to Jackson Creek. The project also aims to improve the overall function, habitat value, and appearance of the channel area. 

As the project is still in its early stages, the City is inviting residents and community groups to learn more about the proposed work and share their general feedback.  

Community feedback will help the City better understand public perspectives on the stormwater channel to inform the design process. Residents are encouraged to visit the project page for more information and to provide their input. The closing date for comments is April 30. 

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