Kinsmen Minor Football League Ready To Kick Off Largest Season in League History

The Kinsmen Minor Football League kicked off its 44th season on Saturday, as expected, the largest season since its inception in 1980.

KMFL President Bryan Junkin addressing a record number of players during the Senior Evaluation Night. Photo courtesy of KMFL.

“We have 260 athletes ready to hit the Gridiron this season," said Bryan Junkin, KMFL president. “To be able to set a new league record only two seasons after recovering from the impact Covid took on us, it's just incredible. It's a testament to the passion and commitment of our volunteers.”

The previous record of 220 athletes was set in the late 1990s or early 2000s according to a press release.

The Senior Division (11-13) has 160 athletes across four teams playing 12-man football. The Junior Division (8-10) has 100 athletes with four teams playing nine-man football. 

“We had such a rush of registrations, that the Board had to decide to cap the team rosters in July.” said Junkin. “This type of growth caught us off guard, but with help from the Kinsmen Club and a fantastic response from the community to our 2024 Sponsorship drive, we were able to purchase the additional player and field equipment needed to take on these additional numbers.”

The League will partner with Electric City Special Needs Hockey to provide food and refreshments on game days. They will also hold their annual Friday Night Lights games on Sept. 27th and Oct. 18th. 

“We have some halftime events planned for those nights and will also be accepting food donations for the local foodbank.” said Junkin.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Statement House, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, Dream Light Gala and PTBO Chamber

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…

Statement House is introducing a collection of upcycled fashion.

The collection is in collaboration with Cahills, creating fashion accessories and clothing through the repurposing of denim, vintage fabric, and much more. You can buy them pre-made, choose textiles from their collection, or bring your own garments. Statement House offers reasonably priced, carefully curated vintage, retro and modern clothing and accessories. Drop by 378 Water St. in downtown Peterborough to find your next fashionable outfit or accessory.

Lakefield Animal Welfare Society's Doggie Dash is coming up on Sept. 15 at Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield.

It’s a BYOD (Bring your Own Dog) fundraising event where people can choose between 1.5 and 2.5 km to walk a dog in the company of other dog lovers. The event will feature live music, food vendors, local artisans, and small businesses selling handmade goods. Funds go to supporting furry friends in need. LAWS works every day to accept adoptable cats and dogs as shelter transfers, owner surrenders, and rescued animals with the goal of connecting each animal to a loving home. Visit lakefieldanimalwelfare.org to register.

Join the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough for a night where music meets magic at their Dream Light Gala at the Venue on Oct. 18.

Enjoy some delicious beverages during the cocktail hour at 5:30pm with dinner starting at 6:30 pm. There will be live music from James Higgins and the night will close with a silent auction. Funds raised assist the work of the Association with programing and support for people with Down Syndrome and their families. Visit downsyndromepeterborough.ca to order your tickets.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has a big announcement coming up.

Join them at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses on Wednesday Sept. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. The evening event will feature a female-led panel discussion featuring local businesses. There will be delicious appetizers and a cash bar. Register for this free announcement event at pkchamber.ca.

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Peterborough Humane Society Officially Opens Off-Leash Dog Park

Canines can rejoice as the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated the official opening of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) Off-Leash Dog Park on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“We are thrilled to bring this exciting amenity to our community. The opportunity to provide pets and people with an open space where they can enjoy some healthy exercise and promote overall enrichment is a great way to keep pets and people together,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.” It is a wonderful addition to our Peterborough Animal Care Centre, and thanks to Ted and the staff at Pet Supply Warehouse, this space is now open for enjoyment.”

Pet Supply Warehouse, a locally owned and operated pet retailer, sponsored the park and the Kitty Cam Room at PACC.

“Pet Supply Warehouse is proud to be a supporter of Peterborough Humane Society and the amazing work they do,” said Ted LaBranche, Pet Supply Warehouse owner. “We are so honoured to be a part of this exciting venture. This is a great space for our canine friends to get exercise, enrichment and socialization.”

The Off-Leash Dog Park is open during daylight hours for public use. Park regulations are posted at the park and online. There is no fee to use the park, but donations to the shelter are always appreciated.

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Peterborough Petes Sign Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes has signed forward Francis Parish to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement ahead of Friday’s preseason game in Guelph.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Francis put in a lot of work in the offseason and really showed us that he deserves this opportunity,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We’re excited to be able to add him to our group.”

The Richmond Hill native was originally selected by the Petes in the 11th round, 213th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2007-born forward played 26 games for the Barrie Jr. Colts U18’s, scoring 15 goals and adding 24 assists for 39 points. He also played in eight playoff games for the Colts, picking up nine points. Parish’s play earned him a call-up to the Leamington Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League where he played in one game according to a press release.

“I’m excited to be a Pete,” said Parish. “The journey continues and I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Forward Ben Sherwin has been reassigned ahead of Friday’s game.

The Petes are back in action on Sunday when they host the Sudbury Wolves at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre in Norwood. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Ticket details can be found online. The game will also be streamed live on the Petes official YouTube page.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Attempted Murder From Hit-and-Run Incident Wednesday

A 29-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a hit-and-run incident from Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Investigative Services Unit officers located a suspect in the George Street and Townsend Street area and took him into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Attempt to commit murder

• Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm

• Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm

• Operation while prohibited

• Fail to Comply with Probation

During the investigation it was learned that the accused was a prohibited driver and bound by a probation order with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

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

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Petes Seeking U18 Program Billet Families For the 2024-25 Season

The Peterborough Petes is recruiting Billet families for draft picks who have moved to town to play for the primary affiliate team, the Peterborough Petes U18 AAA hockey club, for the 2024-25 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Our partnership with the PMHC and U18 Petes has created a development model for our prospects to work out and practice with our OHL team,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “It’s an opportunity for them to be around the players and learn what it takes to be in the OHL. In the past week we’ve signed Masen Johnston and Thanasi Marentette, both of whom credited their time with the U18’s as a major stepping stone towards becoming a Pete.”

Johnston, Marentette, Michael Simpson, Sam McCue, Quinton Pagé, Dylan Woulds, Brody Partridge, Easton Rye, Josh Kavanagh, and Cole Patey are all players who spent time playing with the Petes U18 hockey club before making the jump to the OHL Petes.

Families participating in the Billet Family Program receive two lower bowl season tickets, a room and board stipend ($115 per week, per player), invitations to exclusive team events, flex tickets and other team perks and benefits. For more information or to apply, contact Walter Di Clemente at (705) 743-3681 or email info@gopetesgo.com.

The Petes are back in action on Sunday when they host the Sudbury Wolves at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre in Norwood. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Ticket details can be found online. The game will also be streamed live on the Petes official YouTube page.

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Peterborough County Launches Healthcare Needs Assessment Form to Help Bring Physicians to Area

Peterborough County has launched its new Healthcare Needs Assessment form to gather crucial insights directly from the residents to gather insight regarding the strategic plan for the future of healthcare in the region.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The form provides feedback on all health and human services and facilitates the development of comprehensive healthcare solutions closer to home. It also allows residents to register their need for a primary care provider and will act as the official list for residents without a family practitioner according to the County.

“We recognize the challenges faced by many in our community, including the difficulty in accessing primary care and the burden of long-distance travel for healthcare services. Through this initiative, we aim to streamline the process, eliminating the frustration of wait lists and offering a Peterborough County centralized database for physicians seeking new patients or considering relocation to our vibrant region. This will eliminate the need for residents to contact already overwhelmed practices or by having to deroster from their current physician to be considered. This list will be the only place residents need to register,” according to a statement issued by the County.

The Healthcare Needs Assessment form available online or call 705-930-4765. Together, we can create a healthcare landscape that meets the needs of today and tomorrow, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all residents of Peterborough County.

"We are taking action to assist residents who need access to healthcare. To begin the essential work of recruiting and planning for the future of primary healthcare delivery in our communities, the Healthcare Needs Assessment form will provide a convenient and consolidated overview of where resources are needed across our county,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Our goal is for healthcare to be more accessible for everyone; rural or urban, young or elderly. I encourage every resident in Peterborough County to complete the Healthcare Needs Assessment Form.”

“I am deeply honoured to serve in this capacity, dedicated to the fundamental mission of ensuring equitable access to primary care for every resident of Peterborough County,” said Lori Richey, Healthcare Advancement Coordinator. “Our commitment extends beyond immediate solutions; it entails the meticulous implementation of a comprehensive, long-term strategy, shaped by the invaluable insights of our community members. Together, we are fostering a healthier future for the vibrant community of Peterborough County.”

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Help Needed For Two World Record Attempts For Dogs At Viamede Resort On Sept. 21

Golden Rescue is seeking the public’s help breaking two Guinness World Records for the Largest Cake For Dogs and the Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony which will be held at Viamede Resort off Stoney Lake on Sept. 21.

Photo courtesy of Golden Rescue.

The Barrie-based non-profit organization is asking the public for 358 dogs dressed in wedding attire to set the largest ceremony record. All friendly dogs are welcome, regardless of breed and single dogs can be paired. The previous record was 178 pairs of dogs (356 dogs) in Littleton, Col., on May 19, 2007.

A 350-lb cake is being made to break the current record of 311 lbs. held by Dino Zoo in Riga, Latvia, on April 28, 2018. At the end of the event, each dog will receive a slice to be taken home.

The picnic runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the wedding procession at 2 p.m., officiated by Lloyd Robertson. The cost for the event is $15 a person or $30 for a family. A best-dressed bride and groom contest is held at 4 p.m. for the dogs.

If successful, a donor will give $20,000 to the non-profit organization according to their press release.

Attendees can RSVP to the event by emailing picnic@goldenrescue.ca. The ceremony requires volunteers and can email volunteer@goldenrescue.ca and include ‘Picnic’ in the subject to sign up.

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Trent Excalibur Men's Lacrosse Start Home Opener With 11-6 Victory Over Queen's

The Trent Excalibur men's field lacrosse team 2024 home opener was a success as they defeated the Queen’s Gaels 11-6 at a packed Justin Chiu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent University.

Queen's drew first blood but Mason Tardiff, Dylan James and Dallyn Rai gave Peterborough a three-goal run. The Gaels got a late goal to end the first quarter for a 3-2 score.

Queen struck again early on to tie the game at three. Jack Mcalpine got the team’s first powerplay goal. Dallyn Rai followed up for the Excalibur to restore the two-goal lead. Kingston got another two goals to tie it at five at halftime.

The third quarter was a low-scoring affair but in favour of Trent. After letting in the first goal of the quarter, Trent scored on the man advantage thanks to Adam Hawrelak. Howden James followed up for the Excalibur for a 7-6 lead into the final quarter.

Trent clamped down defensively, disallowed anything past their net and struck four times, thanks to Jordan Dool twice, Holden Lowes and Rai’s second score, for the 11-6 win.

The men’s team continue their homestand against the Carleton Ravens this Saturday at 8 p.m.

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