Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces Class of 2026 Inductees Into The Business Hall of Fame

The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled this year’s local business leaders being inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame class of 2026, announced at the Venture North Building Wednesday morning.

The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Felicia Massey.

This year’s nominees will be formally inducted at the 11th annual JA Business Hall of Fame event on May 28 at The Venue.

“The Hall of Fame has never just been about recognition; it has always been about possibility,” said John McNutt, President and CEO of JA-NEO. “Our Laureates show young people that big futures can begin in small places, and that entrepreneurship is more than business success, it is a form of community building.”

@ptbo_canada The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled the local business leaders in the class of 2026 for the JA Business Hall of Fame! #ptbocanada #JANEO ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio

The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Brenda Ibey, Avant Garden Shop

• Chuck White, Rapid Lift Inc.

• Dave Bucholtz & Jim Bailey, Cambium Inc.

• Jason & Niki Pulchinski, At the Lake Distributing Inc.

• Martha Sullivan, Sullivan Law PTBO

• Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance

• Vance Robbins, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre

Director of Operations Cody McIntyre and Chancellor for Peterborough’s JA Business Hall of Fame Nicole Truman. All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

“I think [the new inductees] will bring inspiration, and a lot of different paths to business ownership and business success,” said Nicole Truman, Chancellor for Peterborough’s JA Business Hall of Fame. “They show that there is not just one way to go about being a business owner, and giving back to your community as well.”

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New Micro-Credential at Trent University Teaches Realities of Public Leadership

Trent University is launching a new micro-credential through the Leadership and Democracy Lab, designed to help future leaders in government, non-profit and public service organizations strengthen their capacity and accountability.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential was developed through Trent’s Leadership and Democracy Lab in the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, and informed by Professor de Clercy’s research expertise on democratic governance, political trust, leadership in the public sector and policy engagement.

The suite of modules offers flexible, skills-based training tailored specifically to leaders in government, non-profit and public sector environments, areas where dedicated leadership education remains limited in Canada.

“People are often promoted into leadership roles in government or the public sector without receiving formal leadership training,” says Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership and professor of Political Studies at Trent University. “This micro-credential gives learners access to practical, targeted skills they can apply immediately, helping them become more effective, ethical, and confident public service leaders.”

Designed for individuals working in or preparing for leadership roles in government, non-profit and public service organizations, the micro-credential includes a suite of short, skills-based courses that may be taken individually or stacked toward a broader Public Sector Leadership credential. Courses such as Plain Language for the Public Sector and Facilitating Public Dialogue in Policymaking focus on core public leadership competencies, including ethical decision-making, inclusive governance, intercultural communication and clear communication in public-facing roles.

“When civil servant leaders are deeply informed about some of the key communication and ethical responsibilities they carry as public servants, they become leaders who are more responsive to citizen and stakeholder needs, more transparent and accountable, and better equipped to navigate complexity and do their jobs well,” continued Dr. Cristine de Clercy.

The Foundations of Public Leadership micro-credential is supported in part by funding from the RBC Foundation through the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

For more information on this new micro-credential, visit the website.

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Fleming College Opens Winter 2026 Registration for Two Life-Saving and Workplace Safety Certifications

Registration is now open for Fleming College’s Winter 2026 First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses, announced Tuesday.

file photo.

The First Aid/CPR and Mask-Fit Testing certification courses are geared towards healthcare, trades, manufacturing, environmental and education sectors, and those interested in personal preparedness and community safety.

The first training dates available for both courses start as early as Jan. 19.

Standard First Aid with CPR Level C (Course Code: HLTH104)

• This certification course covers life-saving techniques for all age groups in emergency situations. Training combines self-paced, online learning with an interactive in-class session led by a Red Cross Certified Instructor.

Mask-Fit Testing (Course Code: HLTH292)

• This in-person course ensures participants can properly select, wear, and maintain respirators to protect themselves against airborne hazards and meet workplace safety compliance standards. Participants will undergo a Mask Fit test to determine personal equipment needs.

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Canadian Council of the Blind Receives $1,250 Donation From AON Inc.

AON Inc. has donated over $1,200 to the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter at a cheque presentation Monday.

photo courtesy of The Canadian council of the blind.

The donation will go towards the continued support of the local blind community; providing visual aids for those with vision-loss.

“On behalf of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough chapter, thank you to AON Corporation and The Gardens for your generous donation and continued support. Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired people in our community,” said Christel Galachiuk, Chair of the Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough. “Because of partners like you, we are able to provide connection, advocacy and meaningful programs that help people live more independent and fulfilling lives. We are truly grateful for your generosity and belief in our mission.”

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City of Peterborough Significant Weather Event Declaration Lifted

The City of Peterborough has lifted its Significant Weather Event declaration on Tuesday at 5 p.m. 

file photo.

The City declared a Significant Weather Event on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

Over the last two weeks, a series of storms resulted in a significant amount of snowfall accumulation and ice across the region. Public Works crews were deployed over the period to remove snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, bike lanes and bus stops while addressing ongoing winter weather conditions. 

Winter parking restrictions remain in place. From Dec. 1 to Apr. 1, parking is prohibited on all City streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The penalty is $35.

For more information on snow clearing and winter parking restrictions, visit the website.

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Initiative Shows Thousands of Dollars Spent Locally

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the prize winners of its 2025/2026 Holiday Shopping Passport draw and the Holiday Window Contest, celebrating a season of community connection, local spending and support for downtown Peterborough businesses.

Grand prize winner Katy Shufelt. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program encourages residents to keep their holiday spending local. Shoppers earn a stamp for every $10 spent at participating businesses and can enter completed passports for a chance to win one of three $500 early bird prizes or the $1,500 grand prize in Boro Gift Cards; “downtown dollars” accepted at over 100 locations throughout downtown Peterborough. 

Katy Shufelt has been named the grand prize winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport draw. Three early bird winners were also drawn throughout the season: Wayne Jackson, Gail Edlinger and Kim McWilliams.

The grand prize draw took place on Wednesday at GRVTY Studio in East City, where Shufelt’s completed passport was selected. She has won a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards.

“I absolutely love shopping downtown, there are so many great stores,” she said. “My kids laugh at me because every year I say I’m going to win, and after 20 years, I finally did.”

In the spirit of giving back, Shufelt has chosen to donate a portion of her prize to Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project, a community-driven initiative that supports local organizations working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, social justice and equity in Peterborough.

“The program continues to foster community spirit, increase foot traffic and local spending and strengthen relationships between local businesses and their customers during the busy holiday season,” said the Peterborough DBIA in a press release. “With participation from over 200 downtown businesses, the Holiday Shopping Passport program continues to be one of the DBIA’s most widely supported seasonal initiatives.”

Beyond shopping, the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest transformed downtown into a festive, walkable winter experience. This year’s theme “Snowglobe Come to Life” inspired businesses to showcase their creativity through elaborate window displays.

First place winner Lavender Moon with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

First place winner Kingan Home Hardware with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Second place winner Brants Basics with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The contest was judged by members of Peterborough’s arts community, including a representative from the Art Gallery of Peterborough: Briar Sutherland, Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) and Ashley Hall.

The 2025/2026 Holiday Window Contest Winners included a tie for first between Lavender Moon and Kingan Home Hardware, and second place going to Brants Basics.

Winners received Boro Gift Cards, continuing the cycle of local support.

“We know people are being more intentional about where and how they spend, especially during the holidays,” said Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Choosing to shop local is a meaningful decision, and the Holiday Shopping Passport makes it even easier. Every local purchase has a ripple effect by supporting jobs, small business owners, and a downtown that continues to serve as a gathering place for our City.”

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Three Peterborough Men Facing Assault and Robbery Charges After Downtown Incident

Three Peterborough men are facing assault and robbery charges in connection with an incident downtown Peterborough Wednesday night.

file photo.

At approximately 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were made aware of a man who had been assaulted outside in the Reid Street and Simcoe Street area during an altercation. The victim suffered minor injuries to their face and their backpack was stolen.

They were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment after being assessed by paramedics at the scene.

As a result of the investigation three people have now been arrested and charged. 

On Friday a 29-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant for his involvement with the incident was located and charged with:

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm

• Robbery with Weapon

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.

Also on Friday, a 42-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant for his involvement with the incident was located and charged with:

• Assault cause bodily harm

• Fail to comply with probation order

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.

A third man was located in the early morning hours on Monday, while officers responded to a separate call service.

As a result, a 26-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant for his involvement with the incident was located and charged with:

• Assault Causing Bodily Harm

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is being held in custody and appeared in court on Monday.

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Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark Elected As Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus Chair

Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark will serve as the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) Chair, announced Friday at its Annual General Meeting.

photo courtesy of the eowc.

The Annual General Meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made throughout eastern Ontario and to look ahead with renewed focus. Bringing together federal, provincial and municipal leaders, the meeting highlighted shared commitment to strengthening the economic vitality, municipal infrastructure, rural health care and overall quality of life for businesses and people in eastern Ontario.

Along with Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County as Chair (acclaimed), the EOWC also announced Nathan Townend, Warden of Lennox and Addington County as Vice-Chair for 2026.

“I am honoured to continue to serve as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus,” said Clark. “Over the past year, we made meaningful progress, and I look forward to building on that momentum in 2026. By working together with our municipal, provincial and federal partners, we will keep advocating for priorities that matter most to eastern Ontario's rural and small-urban communities.”

EOWC represents the region’s 103 municipalities. Over the past year, the EOWC has continued to advance its strategic priorities, including economic resilience, municipal infrastructure, housing and health care.

In 2026, “the EOWC remains ready to work, and ready to grow with our partners to further these priorities,” the EOWC said in a press release. “Together, we are building a region that is prosperous, connected and prepared for the future.”

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City of Kawartha Lakes Police Seeking Missing Local Woman Madison Card

The City of Kawartha Lakes OPP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 24-year-old woman Madison Card.

*** UPDATE: She has been located safe.

She was last seen in the area of Frank Hill Road in Peterborough on Friday.

Madison is described as:

• 5’6”

• 125 lbs.

• Shoulder length brown/blonde hair

• Might not be wearing a coat or shoes

Anyone with information is asked to call Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

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PVNC Catholic School Board Raises Over $50,000 During Annual Board Wide United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has raised $50,768.13 as part of its annual 2025 United Way campaign.

file photo.

The campaign brought together staff and students from across PVNC Catholic through payroll donations and an array of school-based fundraising initiatives. From pumpkin carving contests and soup sales to dress-down and pajama days, spirit weeks and more, school communities shared in the commitment to helping others.

“This campaign is something PVNC Catholic can be incredibly proud of,” said Mark Giunta, Communications Manager and PVNC Catholic United Way campaign co-chair. “Our staff and students see the needs in their communities every day, and they respond with compassion, energy, and generosity. Raising more than $50,000 is a powerful reflection of what we can achieve when we come together.”

Funds raised through the campaign will support United Way Peterborough and District, Northumberland United Way, United Way Durham Region, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes as they provide programs and services that help communities, individuals and families thrive.

“The success of this year’s United Way campaign is a wonderful example of faith in action,” said Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities consistently answer the call to care for others. I am deeply grateful to our staff and students whose generosity and joyful spirit continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.”

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