Peterborough Man Hits Jackpot Catching Top-Prize Fish "Walter" At 36th Annual Fishing Derby

Peterborough’s D.J. Rheams walking away with $1,000 after catching top-prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters 36th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Tuesday afternoon.

D.J. Rheams with top-prize fish Walter. The catch is a four-pound rainbow trout. Walter had originally jumped over a netting barricade and was caught downriver by unregistered participants. They got to keep the fish but a '“New” Walter was thrown into the canal on Saturday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 34-year-old caught the four-pound rainbow trout just before 3 p.m. Rheams originally was not planning to attend the Derby until his sister convinced him to participate. The Lindsay-born angler had fished on Monday without catching anything. He almost gave up before he discovered that he hooked and eventually caught Walter.

“Honestly, when I finally stopped trying, I just was daydreaming,” explained Rheams. “Suddenly my line just starting running.”

A volunteer pointed out that Rheams had hooked the prized fish but he did not believe it at first. He sought out help in catching and reeling the fish in and it paid off.

“I was in disbelief and she helped me land it,” he said. I paid the admission for the extra help. It was unbelievable.”

Rheams had always participated in the Derby when he was young and had always dreamed about landing Walter.

“Just as a kid, you always think about catching Walter and how it's a big deal,” he explained. “One of first people I'd call were my cousins and I'd always do this Derby with them as a kid.”

Rheams already has plans to use the $1,000 he has won.

“We actually have a kid coming June 2nd so I definitely want to be buying baby stuff. That's quite exciting,” he said.

Last year, no one caught Walter and claimed the top prize.

The derby continues until Sunday, with $3,000 worth of prizes still available at the time of this article's publication. This includes “Rosie” worth $250 and a free OFAH Day Camp.

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Peterborough and Some Parts of the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Peterborough, Lakefield and Southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch after favourable conditions have developed for dangerous thunderstorms, according to Environment Canada.

Lightning in Bobcaygeon. Photo by Jay Callaghan.

The thunderstorms could appear early this afternoon into the early evening. It may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, large hail up to four cm and a risk of a tornado.

Environment Canada suggests a cold front moving through the area is expected to trigger severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Advise caution as large hail can damage property and cause injury. Powerful wind gusts can damage buildings, down trees and blow large vehicles off the road.

In case of severe weather, take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. Environment Canada urges people to stay indoors when a thunderstorm strikes, as there is no safe place outside.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Brandishing Knife At Peterborough Regional Health Centre Security

A 28-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after causing a disturbance and drawing a knife towards security at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:45 a.m., a disturbance occurred at the PRHC’s Emergency Department. Officers learned that security had asked a man to leave the premises. The suspect became aggressive with security and brandished a knife before fleeing.

A man matching the description given to police was located walking away from the hospital. Due to the suspect reported to have a weapon, officers drew their Conducted Energy Weapons and initiated an arrest. The man complied with the officer's demands and was taken into custody. Security officers located a knife and turned it over to police.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Congratulates Liberal MP-Elect Emma Harrison On Election Victory

After the results of last night’s federal election, Mayor Jeff Leal has congratulated Liberal candidate and MP-Elect Emma Harrison for winning the Peterborough seat from Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Leal was briefly in attendance at Harrison’s election party at the Canadian Canoe Museum when the latter made her entrance, moments after she was declared the winner of her respective riding.

Leal also served as MPP for the former Peterborough-Kawartha riding (now Peterborough) for four terms from 2003 to 2018 under the Liberal Party.

The following is a statement released by Leal:

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I offer my sincere congratulations to Emma Harrison on being elected as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough.

I also want to thank Michelle Ferreri for her service as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Peterborough – Kawartha.

Our community faces important challenges and opportunities, including the need for more housing, investments in critical infrastructure, support for local economic growth, and partnerships that strengthen services for our residents.

We look forward to working with MP Harrison to ensure that federal policies and programs support the needs of communities like Peterborough.

We wish her every success as she begins this important work on behalf of our community.

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Liberal Candidate Emma Harrison Named MP-Elect For Peterborough In Federal Election

There’s a new sheriff in town as Liberal Party candidate Emma Harrison has been elected the Member of Parliament of the Peterborough riding, as she celebrated her victory at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Monday night.

Andy Mitchell, campaign manager (left), celebrates Emma Harrison's (right) victory for the Liberal Party, unseating incumbent Michelle Ferreri. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Harrison defeated incumbent and Conservative candidate Michelle Ferrari with 36,772 votes (52.6 per cent) to the latter’s 29,865 votes (42.7 per cent).

The MP-elect was named the Liberal Party candidate on March 22 and had 37 days to campaign before the election. In addition to crediting her campaign staff, Harrison noted that she put in the work to hear the concerns of her constituents, which ultimately led to her election.

“Working tirelessly, listening, showing up and asking questions on what the people are concerned about,” she explained.

Harrison’s win was not the only vital win for the Liberals, as Mark Carney was elected as Prime Minister with a minority government.

“It's what we need right now. We need a Mark Carney-led government, absolutely,” explained Harrison. “He is the perfect person for this time, we've said it over and over again, it is a critical election and we are so lucky to have him.”

A Selwyn resident, Harrison is a third-generation farmer and small business owner, operating her family farm alongside her husband, Peterborough paramedic Connor, and their children. While she has no prior political experience, Harrison said that fact will ‘absolutely not’ deter her from getting the job done.

“I have a tremendous amount of life experience that's going to lend itself beautifully to this role, like it did in the campaign,” she explained.

The following were the results of the Peterborough Riding:

• Emma Harrison (Liberal) - 37,802 votes (52.5 per cent)

• Michelle Ferreri (Conservative) - 30,734 votes (42.7 per cent)

• Heather Ray (NDP) - 2,187 votes (3 per cent)

• Jazmine Raine (Green Party) - 602 votes (0.8 per cent)

• Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC) - 258 votes (0.4 per cent)

• Chad Jewell (Ind) - 210 votes (0.3 per cent)

• Matthew Grove (CHP) 155 votes (0.2 per cent)

The following were the results of the federal election:

• Liberals - 163 seats (minority government)

• Conservative - 149 seats

• Bloc Québécois - 23 seats

• New Democrats - seven seats

• Green Party - one seat

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Breaks Fundraising Record of $57,748 From 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has a new fundraising record, accumulating $57,748 at the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim fundraiser, announced at the Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre on Monday afternoon.

Since its inception, the Swimathon has raised over $1.4 million for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This is the first swim without Carl Oake, as the family announced his passing in early January. He started this event 39 years ago.

“The community really came out,” said Ken Seim, Rotary president. “It's a bittersweet thing that people came out and with Carl's passing but we're pledged to keep it going and with great enthusiasm.”

Approximately 15 teams and organizations signed up for the Swimathon and other activities. Groups and individuals signed up to participate in swim lanes, catwalk, and cannonball challenges to raise money for the event.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was easily shattered.

One aspect Seim recognized this year was that there were a lot more participants from younger generations who helped fundraise for the cause and contribute to Oake’s legacy.

“What I'm really happy about is that we're getting more and more young people coming out,” he explained. “We've had two hockey teams, we had the Lakers out this year, the U13/U18 Petes as well as the Special Olympics so it's good to see the younger people coming out.” 

The Rotary Club presented cheques for $13,000 to Easter Seals and $3,000 to the YMCA for their Strong Kids campaign during the announcement.

The Carl Oake Rotary Swim Committee have named next year (as the 40th Anniversary) to be ‘like totally 80s’ themed. It reflects the year 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture during that time.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Harassing Multiple Women at a Walmart From Early March

A 23-year-old Peterborough man is facing a criminal harassment charge following an incident on March 8.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 6 p.m. at the Chemong location Walmart, multiple female victims reported a man following them extremely closely through the store while possibly recording them or taking photos. The victims felt unsafe as a result. Peterborough Police, through an investigation, identified a suspect. 

An off-duty officer spotted the suspect in the same store parking lot and took him into custody with the assistance of Investigative Services on Monday. The suspect was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on June 3.

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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City Asking Residents to Bring Ice Storm Brush and Debris to the Curb

The City of Peterborough is urging residents to bring all brush and debris related to the March 28 to March 30 ice storm to the curb by Monday to ensure pickup by the City.

Photo by Aaron Elliott.

This service is for storm-related debris, branches and tree limbs that cannot be collected through the City’s regular curbside collection for yard waste.

Brush collection is expected to last another six to seven weeks. The collection is not scheduled for a particular street at a specific time. Residents are asked to ensure that all debris is at the curb, ready for pickup when the crews arrive.

Crews are currently working in neighbourhoods between Parkhill Road and Lansdowne Street. Another collection will occur in neighbourhoods completed before Monday within the next few weeks.

To help ensure efficient and prompt pickup, residents are encouraged to dispose of small sticks, branches and lightweight brush through the regular yard waste program. Brush can be tied in bundles with light rope or twine and should not weigh more than 13 kg (30 pounds). It should have a length of up to one metre (three feet) and a diameter of up to 30 cm (12 inches).

For curbside yard waste collection, residents can place unlimited quantities of yard waste in reusable containers, labelled bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags.

Residents are asked not to place whole trees or large tree stumps at the curb for removal.

Residents are also asked to avoid parking in front of curbside debris piles to help crews access debris quickly and easily.

Street sweeping of City streets is now underway in the north section of the city, and will be completed in the west, south and east sections of the city over the coming weeks. Street sweeping is expected to be completed by mid-June.

When placing storm debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please avoid putting debris too close to the curb so that it may wash into the street during a rainstorm.

Residents are also asked to be mindful of sightlines to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic and to prevent debris from obstructing the sidewalk.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Reopened From March Ice Storm

The Riverview Park and Zoo and its playground have reopened following the March 28 to 30 ice storm.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & zoo.

All other park areas, including the disc golf area, riverside trails, train station, shoreline, picnic shelters and gazebo areas, remain closed due to potentially unsafe conditions related to trees, hanging branches and debris from the severe ice storm.

The Zoo is urging visitors to follow closure signage and barricades while visiting the zoo and playground and stay out of areas that are closed.

“I am incredibly proud of our team here and so grateful for the help we received from Peterborough Utilities, Public Works crews, arborists and hydro workers,” said Cathy Mitchell, Zoo CEO manager and curator. “We have all worked extremely hard to get to this point after the worst storm damage in recent history.”

“We are very happy to be able to welcome you back. We’ve missed seeing everyone enjoying the playground and zoo,” said Dawn Pond, Zoo service program manager. “While our gates have been closed, we have received so many lovely messages of encouragement and offers of support from the community and we are so grateful for our incredible visitors.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, River of Yarn, Business Summit and Quickmill

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…

One of the best ways to get involved in your community and meet some great people is to volunteer.

If you would like to know more about what opportunities are available, head to Peterborough Square on May 7 for the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair hosted by Volunteer Peterborough. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover meaningful ways to give back. Not-for-profit organizations are invited to set up booths in a tradeshow format in the lower level of Peterborough Square while the public are invited to browse and find a volunteer roles that are the perfect match. There will also be busloads of students looking for their volunteer hours.

Congratulations to Tracy Minnema, owner of River of Yarn, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

There are still a few days left to catch their anniversary sales for the month of April. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They carry a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp and acrylics. You can find River of Yarn at 353 Kents Bay Rd. in Keene.

There are still a few tickets left for the Business Summit, hosted by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and Acorn30 on April 30 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre.

This is a half-day conference filled with inspiring speakers and informative workshops. You’ll hear directly from business leaders on what they’ve learned and what worked on topics like growing your business, building partnerships, and handling uncertain times. This year’s keynote is from Matt Holmes of Holmes Reisely.

This week we’re highlighting more made in Peterborough products with Quickmill.

I recently had the privilege of touring their facility at 760 Rye St. Quickmill has been in the computer-controlled machining business, known as CNC, since 1984. They ship turn-key machines around the world for industries that include heavy equipment, aerospace, and oil and gas. They continue to grow and innovate, finding custom solutions for their clients with world-class machines built right here in Peterborough.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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