Police Arrest Two People In One of Largest Busts in Peterborough; Seize Over $1 Million Of Illicit Drugs

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The Peterborough Police Drug Unit arrested a man and a woman after seizing over $1 million worth of illicit drugs, considered one of the city’s biggest busts in history announced at a press conference on Monday.

Detective Staff Sergeant Jackson and Chief Betts with the seized drugs. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Drug Unit, Emergency Response Team and Durham Regional Police Service executed search warrants at several locations in Peterborough and at a Durham Region residence on Wednesday.

“This seizure of illicit drugs is one of the largest in Peterborough Police Service history,” said Chief Stuart Betts of Peterborough Police Service. “This is an example of the proliferation of illicit and harmful substances that have infiltrated our community. While we are not unique in this regard, it is very concerning for me and I commend the work of our Drug Unit for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Officers located and seized the following:

  • Seven kg (15.4 lbs) – Crystal Meth

  • Five kg (11 lbs) – Cocaine

  • ½ kg (1.1 lbs) – Crack Cocaine

  • 600 g (1.3 lbs) – Fentanyl

  • Three kg (6.6 lbs) – Xanax pills

  • 52 – Percocet pills

  • 34 – Hydro morph pills

  • $3,000 cash combined Canadian and US currency

  • Three vehicles

A man and a woman were arrested during the search. 

Both 54-year-old Jack Goneau and 37-year-old Regan Morrison of Peterborough was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Crystal Meth

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Hydromorphone

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Percocet

  • Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Xanax

  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both suspects were held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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Former Petes Lead Hamilton Bulldogs in Comeback Win Over Peterborough, 7-4

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Former Petes Sahil Panwar and Nick Lardis got the upper hand against Peterborough, combining for six points in a 7-4 comeback win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Sunday.

This was the first meeting between Hamilton and Peterborough after their blockbuster trade. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes had a great start, ringing off the game’s first two goals. Samuel Mayer threw a shot at the net from the point that somehow found its way past Bulldogs goalie Matteo Drobac. Avery Hayes got a powerplay goal against his former team with a tip-in goal off a Tucker Robertson pass for a 2-0 lead.

The second period looked good for the Petes as Robertson stashed in a rebound on the powerplay for a 3-0 lead. Panwar started to take over the game, scoring with a man advantage to cut into the lead, 3-1. Cole Brown scored for Hamilton under a minute later to make it a one-goal deficit. Hayes scored on his former squad again, thirty seconds later with a one-timer from a Robertson pass. Peterborough’s lead was not safe as Artem Grushnikov and former Pete, Nick Lardis, both scored to tie the game at four into the third.

Hamilton took over the game as they rung off three straight goals from Panwar, Brown and Lawson Sherk. Peterborough failed to score in the third and left five unanswered goals on the board for the 7-4 loss.

Panwar had two goals and three assists in his return to the PMC with Lardis getting one goal.

The Petes are at the PMC against the Niagara IceDogs this Thursday.

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James Strath Students Raise Over $4,500 for Habitat for Humanity

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James Strath Public School’s student-run character council raised $4,520.65 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region through their basket raffle fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

James Strath’s character council is made up of 46 students Grades 6 to 8 whose goal is to better their school community with fundraising and goal-setting initiatives.

These students chose Habitat for Humanity as a charity partner, then planned and executed fundraiser.

“I actually didn’t know about the fundraiser until about a week before they announced it,” says Habitat for Humanity communications and donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “We’re appreciative of any support, but I was blown away by how much they were able to raise.”

The students more than doubled their $2,000 fundraising goal, raising just over $4,500 through themed basket raffles.

James Strath teacher Mr. Wade gets his head shaved by henry’s barber shop in front of the school to celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal. Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

MacDonald says the funds raised will go towards Habitat build projects, such as the 12-unit affordable condo building at Leahy’s Lane.

“We’re really happy to say that any financial donations that come to (Habitat) go 100 per cent to the construction of our affordable housing. I’m excited to follow up with the kids and show them through the build process what their support has done for the community,” MacDonald says.

Character council has organized a number of different fundraising efforts throughout the school year, including a food drive for Kawartha Food Share and making blankets through Cuddles For Cancer for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“We thought since we raised money for food, which is a need in our community, and made blankets which provided community members with warmth, that the next need would be shelter,” said James Strath teacher Krista McNamara. “Habitat is one of those organizations that always puts the community first and as schools are the hub of our community, we really need to blend together and support each other.”

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hearts 4 Joy, Royal LePage, Confident 2 Be Counselling and Fleming College

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PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Hearts 4 Joy is a Peterborough-based Not-For-Profit organization made up of young adult Artists with Down Syndrome and they are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of their new Artisan Shoppe in Charlotte Mews on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Just over a year ago, eight young adults with Intellectual Exceptionalities came together to form this unique, creative and innovative Non-Profit organization called Hearts 4 Joy. The organization has now grown to 14 new artists! Join the celebration on Feb. 11.

Royal LePage recently announced that Ken Barrick, owner of Royal LePage Parkway Realty in Peterborough has merged operations with Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty.

Owner Mark Rashotte says the brokerage will now trade under the Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty name, joining a network of 25 other offices from Brockville to Port Hope, Kingston, Quinte, Ottawa to Cornwall. Ken Barrick and his daughter Laura will continue with the brokerage. Congratulations Ken and Mark and the rest of the team.

Ann-Marie Sullivan recently launched Confident 2 Be Counselling, working with teens and youth with low self-esteem or confidence.

An elementary school teacher for 22 years, Ann-Marie brings degrees in Psychology/Sociology, Social Sciences/Humanity and the Emotional Health Practitioner course through the Canadian Family Health Counselling Center. Ann-Marie uses a series of Neural Network Therapy exercises that are intended to develop new and improved pathways in place of old unwanted ones. The 50-minute sessions are online or in-person, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Handing over day-to-day operations can be tough for any business owner.

Diane Richard of Diatom Consulting understands that and has recently designed a new one-day Succession Planning course for Fleming College Continuing Education. The new course will show you the path to moving into an oversight position, whether your goal is business expansion, semi-retirement or more time for yourself, without compromising your operations, your brand or your assets. You'll learn the tools for a governance role that ensures your interests are well managed, as well as a customized action plan from Diane. There are several dates to choose from, and you may be eligible for funding. Go online to register for this course

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Minor AAA Petes Fundraising For Breast Cancer Research Through Hockey Battles Cancer

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The AAA minor Petes’ teams will be supporting the U12 team’s fundraiser honouring Melissa Hinze; hitting the ice in their pink jerseys to raise awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer from Jan. 27 to 29.

Photo courtesy of AAA Minor Petes.

The cause is near and dear to the hearts of many in the local hockey community, who believe specialized research into metastatic cancer is so needed.  

This fundraiser is in memory of Melissa Hinze, who lost her battle of stage four Metastatic Breast Cancer in the spring of 2022.

It was Melissa who began this fundraiser through the AAA minor Petes’ last year in hopes that more funds would be raised for cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. Her son’s U11 team raised just over $3,000 in this first fundraising event.

While in palliative care she mentioned one of her wishes was for this event to continue. Her husband Chris Hinze, along with their son Blake (11) and daughter Jasmine (13) were determined to see it through for another year.

Melissa passed away on May 11, 2022 after her six-year battle with cancer.

“It was very sudden, she went in for a day procedure and never came back out,” recalls Chris. “She had a great six years when she was battling it, she was an absolute trooper.”

Chris reached out to head coach of the U12 team Wayne Clark, and they began the efforts to celebrate Melissa’s life and raise money for cancer research through the second annual event.

He says 100 per cent of the money raised from this fundraiser, including toque sales and silent auction donations, will go towards cancer research.

“Our goal is to raise awareness. If women are feeling a sensation, or feeling a lump, don’t wait. Go in and get things looked after sooner rather than later,” says Chris, who hopes these earlier cancer measures and precautionary steps can ensure women don’t reach the stage four phase.

The U12 AAA Petes are being joined by the U10, U13, U14 and U15 teams repping their bright pink jerseys at their upcoming games. Chris says this is the first year having this many teams on board.

Schedule for the upcoming Hockey Battles Cancer Minor Petes Games.

The main event, taking place Sunday at 4:15 p.m. will have the U12 Petes facing Kingston at the Healthy Planet Arena. The event is free admission and is set to feature speeches and a ceremonial puck drop with Neave Alderson.

Alderson, a 15-year-old Ewing sarcoma survivor, handed the boys their pink fundraiser jerseys at the Kinsmen Civic Centre on Wednesday.

“My son handed her the jersey and she handed the hockey players their jerseys,” says Chris. “We tried to make it a really special thing, we want to make sure these boys know the importance of what it is they’re doing.”

At the time of this article, the fundraiser currently sits at $2,785 raised of their $4,000 goal.

“We really want to get the research out there, and to help doctors and scientists to figure out how to deal (passed) stage 1, and what happens when these women are at stage four,” says Chris. “Stage four should not be a death sentence. My wife lived six years via cancer (clinical) trials, research dedicated to just stage four cancer. You can’t put a price on that.”

To donate to Hockey Battles Cancer and support Metastatic Breast Cancer research, visit the link.

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Local Leafs Fan Mike Davy, 65, Passes Away From Cardiac Arrest After Returning From First Live Toronto NHL Game

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Peterborough’s Mike Davy passed away overnight from cardiac arrest at 65, after coming back from his first live Toronto Leafs Game on Wednesday night.

Davy at his first Leafs game with Toronto winning 3-2 in overtime. Photo courtesy of Craig Meridith.

Davy was diagnosed with ‘global development delay’ that significantly hinders his physical and cognitive development. He also had several heart complications throughout his life, undergoing several surgeries including his heart valves. He was supposed to get x-rays of his heart the following morning.

He spent ten years under social worker Craig Meridith through Fleming College’s Blue Box program. He passed away peacefully overnight on Meridith’s couch after returning home from the Leafs game. Meridith said there weren’t any telltale signs of his death when he stayed overnight.

“He had a cough, like a hack. You didn't really think anything of it because he's had heart surgeries over the year,” explained Meridith.

Davy often would accompany Meridith and his partner to their trailer. Photo courtesy of Craig Meridith.

Davy attended his first Maple Leafs game in Toronto on Wednesday against the New York Rangers. Forward Mitch Marner scored the walk-off game-winning goal in overtime for a Maple Leafs 3-2 win.

It was the perfect first and last game for Davy to watch before his passing said Meridith.

“When they announced Mitch's name, his arms went up in the air and he almost jumped out of the wheelchair” he explained. “I had to pin him down so he didn't fall over out of sheer joy.”

Davy had done volunteer work with Trent University with their Blue Box program, Bata Library and bussing tables. He was a Special Olympics athlete in bowling.

“He's funny and outgoing but he also knew how to push your buttons at the same time when he was seeking attention,” said Meridith. “At the end of the day, he was a great guy.” 

Davy was also an avid fan of the Peterborough Petes and Toronto Blue Jays.

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Photos: Peterborough Lakers Present Retirement Jersey to The Pizza Factory Owner Peter Bouzinelos

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The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers presented the Pizza Factory owner Peter Bouzinelos with his own jersey and Lakers season tickets in celebration of 43 years of business. Bouzinelos has been a team sponsor for several years. He is closing down The Pizza Factory for retirement with the last day on Jan. 29.

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'Blankets for People' Initiative Launched For Anyone Needing It For the Cold Weather; Blanket Donations Can Be Made to Windsor's Drycleaning

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The Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), Fourcast, Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough and Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre have launched the first-ever ‘Blankets for People’ initiative to provide blankets and/or sleeping bags to anyone who needs them announced on Friday.

(from left to right) Kerri Kightley, Fourcast; Craig Jones, Peterborough County City Paramedics commander of operations and Bruce Thompson, Windsor’s Drycleanign Centre co-owner wrapped in a blanket to kick off the inaugural ‘Blankets for People’ initiative. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough City/County residents are encouraged to donate new or used blankets and sleeping bags at Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre to be cleaned and packaged for redistribution. There are already some blankets donated towards the cause prior to the announcement of the initiative.

The cleaned items are shipped to Fourcast’s CTS site at 220 Simcoe St. (beside the Downtown Bus Terminal) to be picked up. Clean blankets or sleeping bags will be given with no questions asked. There are no criteria for anyone to receive a blanket according to Craig Jones, Peterborough County City Paramedics commander of operations.

“There's a no-barrier environment,” said Jones. “If you need a blanket, we will get you one.”

‘Blankets for People’ will run until the cold weather season has finished.

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Hearts 4 Joy Opens Artisan Shoppe in Charlotte Mews

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Hearts 4 Joy is celebrating the grand opening of their new Artisan Shoppe in Charlotte Mews on Feb. 11. 

Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Program membership has since extended from 8 artists to 13 artists with intellectual exceptionalities as they have found a space to create and sell. 

Hearts 4 Joy is a non-profit organization serving those over 21 who live with intellectual exceptionalities.

Those who wish to visit the shop can do so from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Blank London Knights 3-0; Head Trainer Brian Miller Works 2,000th Hockey Game

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The Peterborough Petes celebrated their head trainer Brian ‘Bman’ Miller’s 2,000th career game in fashion, with a 3-0 shutout win over the London Knights at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday night.

The Knights dropped four of their last six games while the Petes three of their last four prior to this game. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Miller was honoured prior to the puck drop at centre ice and was presented with a framed collage of his career highlights.

“It’s surreal,” exclaimed Miller in a Tuesday interview. “I've been doing this for 30 years and 2,000 games but it is real and it's kind of neat because I'm told that a lot of trainers hold in this long and do this many games so it's a special game.”

After Thursday night, Miller has worked 1520 Ontario Hockey League and 480 American Hockey League games. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Only one goal was scored in the first period, occurring almost in the 16th minute by Petes’s Brennan Othmann on a breakaway. He deked past Knights goalie Brett Brochu for a backhand goal for a Petes’ 1-0 lead after one.

The second period saw the score remain unchanged as both teams totalled 20 shots apiece. Avery Hayes had a shorthanded breakaway chance but was denied by Brochu.

Hayes got redemption and took over the game in the third, sniping a shot from the faceoff circle past Brochu for a 2-0 lead. London pulled their goaltender and had a powerplay late in the game but Hayes scored the shorthanded empty-netter goal from his defensive zone to seal up the Petes’ 3-0 win.

The Petes host the OHL defending champion Hamilton Bulldogs at the PMC for Billet Appreciation Day.

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