Woman Killed and Man Seriously Injured in Hit and Run Near Bobcaygeon

An 86-year-old man has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a collision on County Road 36 that left a 19-year-old woman dead and her boyfriend seriously injured.

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The collision occurred on 36 near Moon Line Road Wednesday afternoon at around 1 p.m.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene while the man was airlifted to a Toronto hospital.

Officers were able to locate the drive and charged Carl Lee, 86, of Bobcaygeon with failing to stop after an accident resulting in death and failing to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm.

He has a November court date.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched for the victims’ families by Kim Wilson.

The victims are identified as Alana Lowey, 19, and Aiden Vella, 19.

“On September 25, 2024, Alana Lowey and Aiden Vella were walking together down highway 36, just outside of Bobcaygeon,” the post states. “They were happy and carefree until they were struck by a car and their entire world changed. Alana unfortunately did not survive the accident and Aiden was airlifted to hospital where it is expected he will be ok.”

The GoFundMe page also states Alana came to Bobcaygeon two months ago from Saskatchewan.

“She thought life was just beginning for her. Now there will be expenses that will be difficult for her family to incur to have her returned to Saskatchewan. Aiden will also need help financially as he recovers.”

As of midday Friday, the campaign has raised more than $4,700 of its $15,000 target.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Weapons and Drug Trafficking

Peterborough Police say they seized drugs and a machete during the arrest of a 33-year-old man wanted for weapons offences late Wednesday afternoon.

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At about 4 p.m., officers with the Intelligence, Crime Analyst, Asset Forfeiture, and Drug Units spotted a man, in the downtown, that was wanted on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, and failure to comply with an undertaking.

The Emergency Response Team took the man into custody.

During the arrest, officers say they seized:

• 92.4 grams of cocaine

• 90 grams of fentanyl

• 18 hydromorphone pills

• machete

• cash

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and further 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 - Opioid (other than heroin) - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Opioid (other than heroin) - Dilaudid

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

He was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Peterborough Petes Dropped in Home Opener

The Petes were thumped 7-2 by the rival Kingston Frontenacs in-front of a sold out crowd at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

peterborough petes supplied photo

Five Petes players made their OHL debut at the PMC Thursday night, including Colin Fitzgerald, Blake Gown, Genc Ula, Adam Levac and Francis Parish.

Gowan picked up a point in the loss, assisting on Chase Lefebvre’s first goal of the season which broke the Fronts shutout in the second period.

The Petes would score a second time to cut the Kingston lead to 3-2 in the second period on a tally by Caden Taylor, but that was as close as they would come.

The Frontenacs put two more behind Zach Bowen before the end of the second period to go up 5-2.

Kingston would add two more goals in the third period to take the game 7-2.

The Petes are back in-action tonight, up north in North Bay to play the Battalion at 7 p.m.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Resigns

Following two years at the helm of the Chamber, Sarah Budd has tendered her resignation effective Oct. 18

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In a letter to Chamber members, chair Noah Crowley didn’t give a reason for Budd’s resignation.

“During her two years at the helm of our organization, Sarah led the Chamber team with dedication and enthusiasm,” Crowley wrote. “Sarah helped usher in a new era of lobbying, ensuring the concerns of our members were heard by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers, and by our mayor, MPP and MP.”

Gail Moorhouse will step in as Interim President & CEO.

Crowley stated she will support the staff as it prepares for the Business Excellence Awards next month, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and other fall events.

“Gail is an expert in executive leadership, with a depth of experience managing through change,” Crowley said. “On behalf of the board, I extend my sincere thanks to Sarah and I wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

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Peterborough Petes Make Trade Hours Before Home Opener

The Petes acquired a 13th round pick in the 2027 OHL Priority Selection from the Guelph Storm in-exchange for defenceman William Haley.

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Haley, a 2005-born defenceman, was a first round pick in the 2022 OHL U18 Priority Selection by Mississauga.

He played in 21 games for the Steelheads in parts of two season before being traded to the Petes at last year’s trade deadline.

In 26 games with the Maroon and White, he tallied 3 assists.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Will for his commitment and for being a great teammate over the past season,” Petes GM Mike Oke said. “We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career in Guelph.”

The Petes play their 2024-25 home opener on Thursday night against the rival Kingston Frontenacs.

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United Way Peterborough & District Names Recipient of 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction

Paul Armstrong, a long-time housing advocate, is the recipient of the award.

united way peterborough & district photo of paul armstrong

The Scholfield Award of Community Distinction is handed out to annually to a individual or organization who, ‘through their excellent leadership or outstanding contribution has demonstrated the ability to mobilize positive change within our community.’

The award sub-committee selected Armstrong based on his work, research and advocacy over the last several decades.

Nancy Fischer, chair of the Community Impact Committee, reflected on her long history working alongside Armstrong during her career with the City of Peterborough.

They first met in 2002 on a housing committee.

“Paul has tirelessly and tenaciously promoted information about the housing market to make sure it gets out into the community,” Fischer said. “For me, it isn’t important to recognize what a person does, but who they are. Paul is tenacious and respectful, showing us how advocates can work together with government for a better Peterborough.”

The first edition of ‘Housing is Fundamental’ was published in 2005 with the 19th edition of the report set to be released by the United Way this fall, written by Armstrong.

“The United Way is near and dear to my heart,” Armstrong said. “Volunteers gain a sense of fulfillment from their work, but it isn’t possible to do this type of work without an avenue for it. United Way has provided me with this avenue and the opportunity to continue to do this work.”

“I have known Paul for 13 years. First and foremost, Paul is a strong advocate and champion for housing within Peterborough,” added United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell.

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Hometown PTBO: Erica Evans As a Lacrosse Ambassador and World Lacrosse Box Championships Experience

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Erica Evans of Team Canada about her journey and performance at the Women's World Lacrosse Championships, being a lacrosse ambassador for the next generation and the origin story of getting into the sport.

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Peterborough Police Seek Suspects in Shooting

Peterborough Police say it is looking for two, possibly three, suspects after a shooting Wednesday evening that’s being investigated as an attempted murder.

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The shooting took place in the area of George Street North and Parkhill Road just before 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Police say witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.

With the help of the K-9 Unit, police searched the area but were unable to find the suspects.

A Scarborough male, 17, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

He was then taken to a Toronto-area hospital and is now listed in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Police add the connection between the suspects and victim is not fully clear, however it is believed to be related to the drug subculture.

"At this time, we are actively following up on investigative leads and searching for the suspects. We are asking anyone with information to come forward, and if not comfortable speaking directly to the police, then to do so anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” said Chief Stuart Betts.

“These events are absolutely concerning and strike at the feelings of safety for everyone in our community. Although little comfort, we have information to believe that this was another targeted incident, and once again, we believe the illicit drug trade is at the heart of it. I have said many times, where there are illicit drugs, violence is likely to follow.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 extension 555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.

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Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has awarded Petes GM and vice-president of Operations Mike Oke with the 2024 Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award.

Photo supplied by peterborough petes

The annual award recognizes an individual who has championed, critical challenges, pioneered initiatives and achieved lasting impacts in support for those who live with mental health issues.

CMHA HKPR’s Jack Veitch nominated Oke for the award, citing his dedication to the work on the OHL’s Talk Today Program as well as his commitment to the mental health of his players and staff.

The award was presented at Wednesday's CMHA HKPR Annual General Meeting.

“Mike Oke transformed the Peterborough Petes' approach to mental health and wellness,” said Veitch. “In 2013, he and the Petes partnered with the CMHA to pilot the 'Talk Today' program, which became a national movement in Canadian junior hockey.”

“We piloted the Talk Today program in 2013 after the initiative was brought to us by Dave and Heather Pogue,” Oke added. “We were the first team to implement the program with our players and staff here in Peterborough, it then became mandatory in the entire CHL, growing to involve other junior hockey leagues in Canada.”

Oke noted they know of at least one situation where the work of the team’s support staff has had direct life saving impact in the community.

“These individuals work very closely with our players and staff daily to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Oke said.

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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

• Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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