Peterborough Brothers Take Home Titles At Humminbird Bassmaster Elite Championship

Peterborough’s Chris and Cory Johnston went hook, line and sinker to win some prestigious titles at the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y. on Sunday.

Cory (left) becomes the third Canadian to have three Bassmaster Championships. Chris (right) is the first Canadian to win a Bassmaster Elite Series Event. Photo courtesy of Andy Crawford, Seigo Saito and Bassmaster.

Chris won the 2024 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title while brother Cory claimed first place in the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite tournament.

Chris placed 31st place after day one of the tournament on Friday. While the placement was disappointing, it was still a win in the bigger picture that clinched the Angler of the Year title.

“I might have one trick up my sleeve still,” said Chris. “I haven’t practiced it. I’m just going to wing it. I have nothing to lose now. I can fish with no pressure. I know there’s big ones that live there. I hope the wind makes them bite a little better.”

His ‘strategy’ paid off as he weighed his lot of 29 lbs., 5 ozs – the biggest five-bass limit of the tournament so far – that clinched the title.

“You have no idea how much stress I was under the last couple of days,” said Chris. “Everything that could have gone wrong did. A couple of nights, I didn’t get to sleep until like one in the morning.

Cory was the first Canadian to win the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite with his haul of fish totaling 102 lbs., beating out Robert Gee, who had 100 lbs. and 7 oz.

“It was a lot of hard work; I put a lot of time into this,” said Cory. “I’ve said it 100 times, this is my favourite place to come, this is my favourite crowd with all my family and friends, all the Canadian support — and it’s a short drive home.”

Cory cycled throughout the standings during the four-day event. He placed fourth on Day One with 25 pounds, and on Day Two, he added 27 lbs. 7 oz. to tie Gee for second. On Semifinal Saturday, Johnston weighed 24 lbs. 14 oz. and slipped back to second, 13 ounces behind Gee.

On Championship Sunday, Johnson came through, delivering 24 lbs. 11 oz. for the win. The victory earned Cory his second entry into the Bassmaster Century Club, recognizing an angler for catching 100 pounds or more with four days of five-bass limits.

“I screwed up here last year and spent too much time in the river the first day and blew my chances at winning,” said Cory. “I said, ‘I’ll never make a cast in this river again. I don’t care if there are 12-footers in the lake.’”

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Matthew Jenken From Flint Firebirds For Three Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes make their first trade ahead of the 2024-25 season, acquiring defenceman Matthew Jenken from the Flint Firebirds for a sixth-round pick in 2026, a third-round pick in 2028 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2027 (Windsor), announced on Monday.

Jenken is the second player from Ilderton on the Petes roster, joining second year defenceman Liam Ladds. Photo courtesy of Natalie Shaver and the PEterborough Petes.

The 6’4” 2005-born defender was initially selected by the Firebirds in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2022 U18 Priority Selection. In two seasons with Flint, the Ilderton, Ont. native played 108 games with three goals and 20 assists for 23 points. A right-handed shot, Jenken appeared in the playoffs in both OHL seasons, playing 10 games.

“Matthew is a big, puck-moving defenceman who is solid in his own end,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “He had a breakout season last year with 18 points, showing that he can help out offensively while still being a responsible defenceman. He’s a great addition to our group as we gear up for training camp and the 2024-25 season.”

The trade is the Petes' first before their preseason, which begins on Sept. 1 at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope.

Peterborough’s full 2024 preseason schedule is as follows:

• Sept. 1 - Niagara @ Peterborough - 2:05 p.m. (Jack Burger Sports Complex - Port Hope)

• Sept. 6 - Peterborough @ Guelph - 7:07 p.m.

• Sept. 8 - Sudbury @ Peterborough - 3:05 p.m. (Asphodel Norwood Community Centre - Norwood)

• Sept. 20 - Peterborough @ Kingston - 7:00 p.m.

• Sept. 21 - Guelph @ Peterborough - 7:05 p.m. (Cavan Monaghan Community Centre - Millbrook)

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City of Peterborough to Meet With Provincial Government to Discuss Priority Issues

Peterborough City Council members will meet with provincial government representatives during the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa until Wednesday to discuss priority issues for Peterborough.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The City of Peterborough requested five delegations with ministry representatives, and all five were accepted. Mayor Jeff Leal and portfolio co-chairs from Council will meet with the Attorney General, the Minister of Sport, the Associate Minister of Housing and Parliamentary Assistants from the Ministries of Finance and Infrastructure in five separate meetings.

“The City of Peterborough is thankful for the strong, collaborative relationships we have with the provincial and federal governments,” said Leal. “The AMO conference is an opportunity to connect directly, face-to-face with our provincial counterparts to both thank them for their critical support for our community and ask for additional opportunities to partner. We appreciate the efforts from Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and his office in assisting us in our advocacy efforts.”

As the Chair of the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC), Leal will also participate in delegations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to call for supportive housing and treatment for citizens requiring mental health and addictions support that is OHIP accessible and closer to home for the citizens of Eastern Ontario.

Municipal representatives from across the province gather each year at the AMO conference to discuss municipal issues and 2,500 are expected to attend this year. The conference is also an important opportunity for municipalities to meet directly with their provincial counterparts outside of the broader AMO conference activities.

The City has requested delegations with provincial representatives to discuss topics including:

• Modernizing the municipal fiscal framework to reduce the burden on property taxpayers

• Continued support of homelessness and supportive housing programs

• Housing-enabling infrastructure

• The new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund

• A strategy for the allocation of judicial resources for the Provincial Offences Courts

Council members also plan to personally thank the provincial government for supporting the Canadian Canoe Museum and for its assistance through the Homelessness Prevention Program.

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Peterborough Teenager Facing Impaired Driving Charges While Hitting a Parked Vehicle

A 17-year-old Peterborough male is facing several vehicular charges after an incident early Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 a.m., officers were called to the area of Penrose Avenue and Sherbrooke Street after a report of a hit-and-run to a parked vehicle. Officers located two vehicles with extensive damage and a license plate that did not belong to either vehicle. Officers attended the residence attached to the plate and located a vehicle with front-end damage. They learned that the vehicle had been taken without permission and that the driver was not licensed. While officers were speaking to the driver, they also noticed signs of impairment.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent

• Failure to comply with undertaking

• Drive motor vehicle - no licence (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to remain (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking with the following conditions: to remain in their residence between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 25.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Wildflower Bakery, Sidewalk Sale, Business Excellence Awards and Habitat for Humanity ReStore

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

Are you interested in owning a local bakery?

Wildflower Bakery in Havelock is up for sale. This is an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur to buy their very own well-appointed bakery and café business with a great reputation. The owners are hoping to find someone to carry on what they’ve built. In the meantime, it’s business as usual as they continue baking amazing treats. Wildflower Bakery features hand-crafted organic bread and European-style pastries. Drop by 4 Oak St. in Havelock to try some delicious baked goods.

A correction to last week’s Business Beat – the downtown Peterborough end of summer sidewalk sale and block party is August 31.

Head downtown on the last Saturday in August to get some deals and find something unique. George Street will be closed between Simcoe and Hunter streets to make for a pedestrian-friendly area with some live music, giving it that block party feel. Get more info at theboro.ca.

The finalists are in for the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

The annual awards publicly acknowledge and honour local businesses and business leaders in our community who go above and beyond. While the shortlist of finalists is out, recipients will be announced live at the awards ceremony on Oct. 29. The evening starts with a pre-show party at The Venue at 5:45 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. at Showplace. Get your tickets at pkexcellence.ca.

The new Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lakefield is officially open! The new Lakefield location provides Selwyn and the surrounding area with a spot to shop for great deals and donate previously enjoyed furniture and building products. Proceeds from the ReStore play a crucial role for Habitat for Humanity by covering the organization’s operating costs, ensuring all donations go straight to local housing projects. Habitat have been busy building, including recent developments at Leahy’s Lane Phase 1 and 2, providing 53 local families and individuals the opportunity to become homeowners. Help fund local affordable homebuilding projects by dropping by the ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Road.

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Trent University Released Eight Names For 2024 Alumni Awards

Trent has announced eight recipients of its 2024 Alumni Association Awards for their achievements during and after their time at the University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The recipients are recognized for leadership in climate, politics, archaeology, science, social justice and governance according to Naomi Handley, alumni engagement & services director.

“Congratulations to all of the award recipients whose work is creating meaningful change in their communities, professions, and within the University,” she said. “We are honoured to recognize their vision and remarkable achievements, which, in true Trent fashion, are making transformational change across the globe.”

A full list of the 2024 recipients are as follows:

Distinguished Alumni Award

John Horgan ’79, a former B.C. premier, leader of the B.C. NDP, and champion for public healthcare.

Dr. Henry Lickers ’68, a renowned biologist and environmental leader who has been instrumental in bringing Indigenous perspective to local, national, and international environmental initiatives.

Dr. Heather McKillop ’72, a leading authority in the field of Maya archaeology and one of the most important archaeologists of the past century to have enhanced the world’s understanding of the coastal Maya of Belize, particularly the underwater sites with preserved ancient wooden buildings.

Spirit of Trent Award

Dr. Deryck R. Persaud ’89, an innovative researcher, scientist, academic, mentor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research on dietary fatty acids has helped alleviate symptoms for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, and dementia.

Young Leader Award

Jaleesa Allen ’18, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who is passionate about advancing social justice for children and adolescents, while addressing the unique challenges faced by people from marginalized communities and vulnerable backgrounds.

David Glassco Prize (student leadership)

Kelsey Scott ’19, a recent graduate recognized for having been an outstanding student leader who led her peers through various initiatives, demonstrated excellence in paid and volunteer roles, and engaged in a vast array of extracurricular activities.

Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)

Aimée-Marie Anctil ’20, a recent graduate recognized for having been a remarkable student leader who used her governance roles in the Trent Central Students’ Association to successfully pursue socioeconomic justice for students including efforts in anti-racism, housing, mental health, access to free legal advice, transportation rights, and food security.

Emma Kaszecki ’16, a Trent graduate and third-year Ph.D. candidate who has made substantial gains for Trent graduate students in a variety of governance roles including Student Services, the Trent Graduate Student Association, research, and the Trent University Board of Governors. 

The annual awards will be presented this fall.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges Involving 15-Year-Old Teen Girl

A 41-year-old Peterborough man is facing sexual assault charges involving a 15-year-old female.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers were reported the incident in late July and opened an investigation. The Investigative Services Sex Crime Unit arrested the suspect at the Peterborough Police Station on Thursday.

The man was charged with:

• Sexual Interference

• Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 years of age

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Lakers Score Late to Propel Peterborough Over Six Nations For 2-0 Series Lead

Three goals in one minute gave the Peterborough Lakers an 8-5 win over the Six Nations Chiefs for a 2-0 series lead at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Similar to Game One, Six Nations opened the scoring with two straight goals from former Laker Eli McLaughlin and Randy Staats. Dylan Hutchinson responded for the Lakers to cut the lead in half for a 2-1 game after the first.

Steve Priolo restored Six Nations’s two-goal lead just under four minutes in. Refusing to fall behind, Peterborough had a three-goal run thanks to Taite Cattoni, Owen Hiltz and Turner Evans to get the first lead of the game, 4-3. Dhane Smith evened things up for Six Nations under one minute later and both teams were even after two periods, 4-4.

Halfway through the period, only one goal came from both sides as Rob Hellyer and Justin Martin scored for Peterborough and Six Nations respectively to make it a 5-5 game.

With 3:07 left in the game, Matt Gilray pickpocketed Cody Jamieson at centre floor and passed it to Colton Armstrong for a breakaway. The former Cobourg Kodiak did not disappoint as he beat 2019 President’s Cup MVP Warren Hill up top for the 6-5 lead.

“Matt Gilray made the big strip on Cody Jamieson and I saw a clear path to the net,” explained Armstrong. “He threw the ball up to me and I had some time. Usually I go really fast but I took my time and put the ball in the net. Got some air off the end boards there, I didn’t know when I was going to come down but it was a really cool experience and this arena blew right up. I wanted to give the guys a spark and right there we had a three-goal run. I don’t think these fans sat down for any of those.”

The goal excited the crowd and Armstong was equally as pumped up, dedicating the score to a special someone in his life.

“My wife is having a baby soon so that one was for her,” he said. “I tried to jump into the stands to give her a hug.”

It only took 17 seconds for Peterborough to strike again as Thomas Hoggarth shot against the grain on Hill’s opposite shoulder up top to beat him for a two-goal lead with 2:50 left to play. The Lakers were not done yet as Joe Resetarits snuck a low shot past Hill 43 seconds later. Peterborough had scored three goals in one minute during that span.

The Lakers held strong for the next 2:07 of regulation and took Game Two of the best-of-seven for a 2-0 series lead.

Game Three is back at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena where Six Nations will look to win their first game this series.

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Teen Multiple Times With Baseball Bat In Road Rage Incident

A 46-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after a road rage incident Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:30 p.m., officers were reported an incident that occurred before 8 p.m. at The Parkway and Hwy 115 exit.  An aggressively driven vehicle rear-ended another.

When the parties stopped to exchange information, the 17-year-old driver of the vehicle that was rear-ended was struck several times with a bat by the other driver. The suspect and the victim then left the area, following each other for a bit before the victim stopped to call the police. 

The 46-year-old was charged with:

• Assault with A Weapon

• Careless Driving (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to Report an Accident (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 1.

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City of Peterborough Opens Registration For Fall Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for its fall recreation programs such as instructional sports, youth programs and fitness and health programs.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Most programs start during the third week of September and can vary in length between four and 12 weeks.

Explore the activities that are available and register online.

Registration for the fall swimming lesson sessions opens later, with public registration opening at 7 a.m. on Aug. 28 and early registration for Sport and Wellness Centre members opening at 7 a.m. on Aug. 27.

The fastest way to register for fall recreation programs is online. In-person registration is available at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or by phone at 705-742-0050.

Back this fall

Learn to Skate programs, Adult Recreational Hockey, Line Dancing, Children’s Dance, Land Fitness classes, Aqua Fitness, Ninja Kids and Judo will all be offered. Also back this fall is the popular Babysitting course, Pickleball, Adult Beginner Swimmer, Birthday Party packages and personal training programs.

McDonnel Street Community Centre

The City continues to grow its program offerings at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. Community members can visit the McDonnel Street Community and participate in programs including darts, shuffleboard, tabletop games, cards, and group fitness classes. The McDonnel Street Community Centre is a hub for adults to socialize, take in workshops and learn new skills.

Fitness and drop-in sport schedules

Updated schedules for drop-in sports, swimming, group fitness, aqua fitness and drop-in ice-skating programs such as Shinny hockey and public skating are available at peterborough.ca/RecPrograms. Hard copies of the schedules are available at the Sport and Wellness Centre.

Downtown Youth Space

Back this fall is the popular free drop-in sports program for youth ages 10 to 16 on Friday nights at the Sport and Wellness Centre. Downtown Youth Space is a free, inclusive drop-in centre offered by the City of Peterborough Recreation and Parks Services Division welcoming youth ages 12 to 18. It is a supervised recreational program, offering a variety of activities including air hockey, billiards, ping-pong, video games, board games and open gym.

Stop N’ Play

Stop N’ Play can be used for fitness classes, workouts, or lane swims at the Sport and Wellness Centre. With Stop N’ Play, Sport and Wellness Centre facility users can get in their time at the recreation facility and for 90 minutes their child (ages six weeks to 11 years old) will be supervised by the Centre's Program Staff team. Stop N’ Play takes place in the Centre's Youth Room, located across from the facility reception desk. Stop N’ Play is open to both members and non-members. Registration is required for Stop N’ Play and is non-refundable. Visit peterborough.ca/StopNPlay for information on the scheduled hours, rates, and rules.

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