JA Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame Celebrates 2025 Kawartha Lakes Inductees

JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated its five local business owners at its third annual JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony for Kawartha Lakes at Mackey Celebrations on Thursday.

Gordon A. Ferguson (top left), The Poole Family (top right), Sherry Peel (bottom right) and Tim Wisener (bottom right). The Torrey Family (not pictured). Photo courtesy of Geoff Coleman, Lindsay Advocate and JA-Neo.

“The Business Hall of Fame & Induction Ceremony will recognize the City of Kawartha Lakes exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the local economy and their community through their extraordinary accomplishments,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President amd CEO. “I want to personally congratulate each of tonight’s honorees. They truly are exemplary individuals, widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions, and they are inspiration to us all.”

This year’s honourees include:

• Gordon A. Ferguson - Northern Casket

• The Poole Family - Buckeye Marine

• Sherry Peel - Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing  

• Tim Wisener - The Grove Theatre

• The Torrey Family - Torrey-Dale Farms

“The JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame not only focuses on celebrating outstanding local business leaders from across our community, it also plays an essential role in helping to prepare and inspire the next generation,” explained McNutt. “All of the proceeds raised from tonight’s event will help JA meet the growing demand for our financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship educational programs for students.”

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City to Perform Fire Hydrant Flow Testing From May 12 to 31

As part of routine maintenance, fire hydrant flow testing of the water distribution system will take place from May 12 to 31.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sean Skelly Contracting conducts the work on behalf of the City of Peterborough.. During this period, work will be completed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Testing is scheduled for the northwest quadrant of the City:

• West of Aylmer Street and Chemong Road to the north and west city limits

• North of Sherbrooke Street to the north and west city limits

Water may become coloured or cloudy for a brief period. If this occurs, residents should run the cold water tap closest to the source until the water is clear. 

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Peterborough Teen Charged With Impaired Driving Leading to a Collision

A 19-year-old Peterborough man is facing an impaired driving charge that led to a collision on Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 p.m., a collision at Armour Hill occurred between two vehicles and one fleeing the scene.

While police searched for the second vehicle, they received a call that the driver was at the police station. Officers noticed signs of impairment after speaking with the driver. The vehicle was later located in a parking lot near Armour Road and Hunter Street East. No one was injured in the collision.

The man was arrested and charged with:

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

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued a 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.

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 of Peterborough Seeking Public Input Sought for Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project

The City of Peterborough invites residents to provide feedback and share ideas on the Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project during an open house at the Holiday Inn Waterfront, 150 George St. N., on May 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project area is along Crescent Street between Haggart Street and the entrance to Del Crary Park.

The project is currently in the conceptual planning stage. At 5:30 p.m., a brief presentation will provide a background overview.

Enhancements could include options such as:

• New active transportation facilities in alignment with the Transportation Master Plan

• Shoreline erosion protection

• Shoreline naturalization

• Improvements to aquatic habitat and native replanting

• Better recreational access to Little Lake for water-based activities

• Traffic calming measures to improve safety

• Creation of enhanced public gathering spaces

The City seeks community input to inform design development and ensure the project reflects community needs and values.

Residents are encouraged to share input on:

• Current use of the area

• Identify challenges and opportunities within the corridor

• Offer ideas for potential improvements

• Help shape priorities for circulation, safety and public space

Feedback gathered at the open house will help guide the development of concept options and inform future phases of the project.

This project is the first phase of the broader Little Lake Loop, a key objective of both the Central Area Master Plan and the Little Lake Master Plan. The City has retained CIMA+ through a competitive RFP process to lead the engineering and design work.

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36 Students Recognized With Catholic Student Leadership Awards

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

The ceremony occured In celebration of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to 9). Photo courtesy of PVNC.

The event honoured one student from PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and community.

Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. PNVC says each award winner has demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, a strong commitment to family values, active participation in school life, meaningful community involvement, and remarkable dedication in facing challenges.

“As we celebrate our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we’re reminded of the vital role faith plays not only in education, but in shaping compassionate, committed individuals,” said Kevin MacKenzie, PVNC board chairperson. “These students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Their actions reflect the strength of our Catholic values, service, community, and faith and the meaningful impact those values can have in the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and excited to see the difference they will continue to make, both within their schools and far beyond.”

“Our 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ invites us to reflect on what it means to journey together in faith. Our student leaders are showing us the way. They are living witnesses to hope — honouring human dignity, caring for creation, serving in solidarity, and building peace in their communities,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, PVNC director of education. “These young people remind us that leadership is not just about excellence — it’s about empathy. It’s about lifting others up. And it’s about living out our Catholic values with integrity and purpose.”

The following is a full list of all recipients:

• Elena Jacob - Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

• Julianna Taylor - Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

• Paige Sexton - St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

• Addison Burge - St. Francis of Assisi, Newcastle

• Keira Humeniuk - St. Elizabeth CES, Bowmanville

• Koi Alcindor-Ojara - St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

• Marc Najera - Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

• Georgia James - Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

• Hana Lee - Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

• Jola Adeniji - St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

• Laura Wicks - St. Anne CES, Peterborough

• Claire Sehn - St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

• Charlotte Coulter - St. John CES, Peterborough

• Mackenzie Edge - St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

• Ruby Hale - St. Paul CES, Peterborough

• Aaren Gomes - St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

• Faith Hickey - St. Joseph CES, Douro

• Cleodora McDonald - St. Martin CES, Ennismore

• Charlie Stone - St. Paul CES, Lakefield

• Kaitlyn Doherty - St. Paul CES, Norwood

• Finley Sedgwick - St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

• Nicholas Riccio - Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

• Elizabeth Maurice - St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

• Mary Katherine Marsden - St. Michael CES, Cobourg

• Gordie Gilders - St. Mary CES, Campbellford

• Abigail Chute - St. Mary CES, Grafton

• Caine Lucas-Mark - St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

• Peyton O’Leary - St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

• Nora Woychesko - St. Mary CES, Lindsay

• Eli Kerr - St. Luke CES, Downeyville

• Henry Arteaga - Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

• Talia Pudlik - St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

• Holly Heuchert - Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

• Madison Nolan - St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

• Ava Liao-McDonell - St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

• Rachel Goodhand - St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

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Fleming College Takes Home Five Gold Medal At Skills Ontario 2025

Fleming College showcased itself at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition, bringing home five gold medals and two bronze medals, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This annual competition challenges post-secondary students to compete in various hands-on challenges.

The following are the medal winners in their respective categories:

Gold medal winners: 

• Shane Loranger – Welding 

• Paul Grosse – Restaurant Service 

• Aeden Ball – Cybersecurity 

• Liam Deneve – Arborist

• Dylan Waddell – Carpentry 

Bronze medal winners: 

• Gavin O’Rourke – Carpentry 

• Cory Hughes – Heating Systems Technician 

Loranger and Waddell qualified to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition later this spring.

Fleming College received the Best Large Booth award at the Skills Ontario Competition.

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Two Trent Professors Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

Trent University professors Dr. Stephen Hill and Dr. Naomi Nichols have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a national honour recognizing their leadership in climate policy and social justice, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right) Dr. Naomi Nichols, Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Stephen Hill. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The medals were presented at Trent’s annual Heart of Trent celebration. They acknowledge their work in environmental action, housing advocacy and community engagement.

“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is an important and meaningful honour, and it’s no surprise that two members of the Trent community have been selected,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichols are changemakers. Their work on climate policy, housing, and social innovation reflects the very best of what Trent stands for: scholarship that is grounded in collaboration and driven by real-world impact.”

Awarded by the Government of Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service, leadership or actions have contributed meaningfully to building a better Canada through long-standing volunteerism, professional excellence, or impactful community engagement.

Hill is the director of the Trent School of the Environment. As one of the University’s leading experts in climate and energy policy and community-based sustainability, his research bridges climate change mitigation, environmental science, policy and Indigenous perspectives, all through a local-first lens according to Trent. Hill also has roles on Trent’s Nature Areas Committee and with organizations like Sustainable Peterborough.

Nichols is an associate professor and graduate director in the Sociology Department at Trent University. She is also an award-winning researcher and director of the Research for Social Change Lab. She collaborates closely with community organizations and marginalized populations to champion issues like youth homelessness and systemic inequality.

While the Coronation Medals marked a national spotlight on Trent’s academic leadership, the Heart of Trent celebration also recognized dozens of faculty and staff whose everyday contributions continue to shape the University’s culture, community, and success.

A full list of award winners at Heart of Trent follows:

Eminent Service Award: Dr. Rita Bode and Professor David Newhouse
Presented to individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role, awarded at the culmination of their careers at Trent.  

Dr. Rita Bode
Dr. Rita Bode has made lasting contributions to Trent University, particularly at the Durham campus where she began her tenure as an assistant professor of English Literature in 2003. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the first associate dean at Trent Durham, playing a pivotal role in relocating the campus to its current Thornton Road South location. Renowned as a mentor and leader, Professor Bode’s impressive career spans award-winning research, distinguished teaching, and tireless service to the profession, including a leadership role as chair with the Northeast Modern Language Association. A respected scholar of North American and Transatlantic literatures, she is the editor of Wharton’s Novellas and currently serves as editor of the prestigious Edith Wharton Review. Her co-edited collection L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s) won the 2018 Gabrielle Roy Prize for the year’s best work in Canadian literary criticism.

Prof. David Newhouse 
Professor David Newhouse has been a transformative educator and researcher at Trent University since joining in 1992. As chair of the Indigenous Studies program and inaugural director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, he has been instrumental in expanding Indigenous academic programming and strengthening cross-University collaboration. A visionary leader, Dr. Newhouse played a key role in establishing the First Peoples House of Learning and has led efforts to Indigenize Trent’s policies, research ethics, and academic structures – ensuring Indigenous Knowledge, guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, is respected and embedded across the institution. His contributions have shaped not only Trent, but the broader academic landscape in Canada, advancing the University’s mission while empowering future generations of students and scholars.

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Leslie Spooner, Assistant Director Customer Engagement & Operations, Trent University Athletics & Recreation
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.

Team Innovation Award: Library Services Team
Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.   

Trent Community Leadership Award: Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor, and Prof. Sarah Jamieson, Assistant Professor, Biology
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.    

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Thomas Hossie, Assistant Professor, Biology
Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.

Emeritus Awards: A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Rita Bode, Victoria de Zwaan, Cyndi Gilmer, Brendan Hickie, David Newhouse, Erica Nol
The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University.

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Trish Pearce, Academic Administrative Assistant Coordinator
Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Alba Agostino, Associate Professor and Chair, Child & Youth Studies
Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large.

2025 Long Service Awards:  

• 40 Years: Stephen Brown, Marisa Scigliano

• 35 Years: Charmaine Eddy, Joel Markle, Alan O’Connor, Andreas Pickel, Jacquie Slater, Elaine Stavro

• 30 Years: Sherry Booth, Fiona Harris-Stoertz, Sharon Hepburn, Brendan Hickie 

• 25 Years: Robert Ballarin, Robert Dack, Sean Daniels, Raymond Dart, Lynne Davis, Neil Emery, Wenying Feng, Tara Harrington, Lori Johnston, Holly Kuin, Lisa Ropertz, Laura Summerfeldt  

“At the Heart of Trent are the people who make this university more than a place to study or work,” said Bruce. “Through national honours, years of dedicated service, or quiet acts of leadership, the individuals recognized at this year’s celebration embody our shared commitment to meaningful change, grounded in academic excellence and community engagement.”

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City of Peterborough Makes Subsidies Available For Its Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible children, families and adults to help cover the costs of recreation programs offered at City of Peterborough facilities.

File Photo.

These subsidies can be applied to a wide range of programs, including summer day camps, sports camps, and dance programs. Subsidies are also available for adult leisure activities at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Applications for a subsidy can be made within 30 days of registering for a program, with proof of receipt. It is recommended that applicants apply for the subsidy early if registration costs affect their ability to register.

Anyone who requires assistance with a subsidy application can email rec@peterborough.ca or call 705-742-0050 ext. 2215 to schedule an appointment with a Recreation Program Assistant. 

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The Queensway Temporarily Closed For Watermain Repair

The Queensway between Erskine Avenue and Crown Drive is temporarily closed due to a water main break that needs repair, announced by the City of Peterborough on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The road is currently closed and expected to be completed later this afternoon or evening.

During this time, the surrounding streets are open for detouring.

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YMCA Pickleball Tournament Raises $15,391 For Its Strong Kids Campaign

The YMCA of Central East Ontario hosted the second annual Pickleball Tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign, raised $15,391 that ran on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Team Pearce was the top fundraising team with $7,947, with Team Hamblin raising $5,894. Lindsay Seabrooke was the top fundraising individual with $2,450 and Team Pearce won the Golden Pickle as the tournament winners.

Following the tournament, the 2025 Strong Kids Campaign was launched to ensure kids and families with financial needs can access YMCA programs and services in our community. Kinsmen Club of Peterborough kicked it off with a $5,000.

Donations to support the campaign can be made online or in person at the YMCA any time during the year.

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