KPRDSB Director of Education Rita Russo Set To Retire This Summer

Rita Russo has announced her retirement after over five years as Director of Education with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB).

photo courtesy of rita russo, linkedin.

Her career spanned over three decades, serving schools in Toronto, York Region and the Kawarthas.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to serve public education in KPRDSB and to have shared this journey with such a wonderful community of students, staff, families and partners,” said Russo in an Update for Families.

She highlighted that the “KPR spirit” both humbled and inspired her during her tenure as Director.

“Throughout years of challenge and change, I have remained in awe of our students,” Russo reflected in her final Annual Report. “Their passion, brilliance and energy are the heartbeat of our board; they are the reason we do this work and they continue to be my greatest source of inspiration.”

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Peterborough Petes Leave Weekend Road Trip With Two Points

The Peterborough Petes left Ottawa and Kingston with two points after a pair of road games over the weekend.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 27-19-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Robert John Boucher and the Kingston Frontenacs.

On Friday, the Peterborough Petes were in our nation’s capital for a matchup with the first-place Ottawa 67’s. The 67’s won the game by a score of 4-1.

Braydon McCallum scored the lone goal for the Petes, giving him seven points in his last four games. Aiden Young and Kieron Walton both picked up an assist on the goal. Masen Johnston made 38 saves in the loss.

The Petes bounced back in a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Kingston Frontenacs. Peterborough won the game 5-3.

Adam Novontý and Aiden Young led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist each, while Matthew Perreault had two assists. Braydon McCallum, Brennan Faulkner and Matthew Soto scored, with Kieron Walton, Calum Hartnell, Ben Radley, Kaden McGregor and Yanis Lutz each picking up an assist. Easton Rye made 28 saves in the game, picking up his 26th win of the season which leads the league (tied with MasonVaccari of the Flint Firebirds).

The Petes return home to host the Owen Sound Attack for Country Night at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

City of Peterborough's Curbside Christmas Tree Collection To Continue Into February In Some Regions

The City of Peterborough’s curbside collection of natural Christmas trees continues through February.

file photo.

Collection has seen delays in some areas due to recent snowfall and winter maintenance operations. 

Trees have already been collected in the north end, the east city and the central areas. Collections in the west end and south end remain a work in progress.

Snow removal activities and compacted snowbanks can make it difficult for crews to locate and retrieve trees according to the City. Residents are reminded to ensure trees placed for collection are not buried, remain visible and are accessible at the curb. 

To prepare your tree for composting: 

• Remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and plastic bags 

• Place the tree at the curb in a clearly visible and accessible location 

• Keep trees out of snowbanks and away from sidewalks and roadways 

Collection does not follow regular curbside schedules and residents do not need to call to request pick-up.  

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Celebrate Black History Month In The City of Peterborough

Mayor Jeff Leal has proclaimed February as Black History Month, with various community-led events and programs to honour the history, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

“Black History Month provides an opportunity to remember, recognize and celebrate the contributions that Black Canadians have made to the City of Peterborough and all of Canada, creating an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion every month,” Leal’s Proclamation states.  

Read the full Proclamation online.

The Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough is hosting a Black History Month Showcase and Proclamation Event Feb. 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N.) 

The Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E.) is offering colouring pages to visitors of all ages which encourage conversations around kindness, inclusion and standing up against racism. Visitors can also explore the Black History Month section in the children’s book nook to learn about the people, stories and moments that have shaped history.  

The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St.) in partnership with the Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough, is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are welcome to come for an afternoon of Nigerian dance, Jamaican and African foods and an African-themed craft. Visitors can also drop by the library’s main branch or the branch at the Miskin Law Community Centre (271 Lansdowne St. W.) for “Who Am I? Mystery Portraits.” This month-long program invites visitors to explore portraits and profiles highlighting the accomplishments of Black Canadians.

An Afrocentric Story Time takes place Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m. for children between the ages of six and 10.   

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Temporary Overnight Shelter On Carnegie Avenue To Remain Open

The temporary overnight emergency shelter located at 161 Carnegie Ave. will remain open through the night Friday. 

file photo.

Located in a former fire services building, the temporary emergency shelter was opened as an overflow shelter and warming space on Jan. 24. This temporarily adds 40 new overnight emergency shelter beds to the City of Peterborough’s 127-bed emergency shelter system.

The temporary shelter will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.  

Approximately 25 people have stayed at the temporary emergency shelter each night since it opened on the 24th.

Those seeking emergency shelter will continue to first contact the regular emergency shelters and will be referred to the temporary shelter on Carnegie if a space is not available in the regular emergency shelters. Transportation will be provided from the regular emergency shelters to the temporary shelter if needed. 

The regular shelter network includes the following shelters and services:   

• Brock Mission Men’s Shelter, 217 Murray St., 705-748-4766 ext. 1

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 196 Brock St., 705-748-3851

• Cameron House, 738 Chemong Rd., 705-748-4766 ext. 2

Those who need help accessing shelter can contact Social Services by visiting the Social Services office (178 Charlotte St.) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the number. 

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Registration For City of Peterborough Summer Day Camps Opens February 2

Registration for summer day camp programs with the City of Peterborough opens Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.  

file photo.

Registration for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members opens at 7 a.m.

The City offers a variety of day camp options at various facilities throughout the summer months.  

Campers can enhance their creative talents, learn new artistic skills or dance the summer away at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Dig for dinosaurs, explore the far reaches of outer space or become a young historian at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Campers can hone their skateboarding skills at Bonnerworth Park with instruction from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition. Tennis, soccer, rugby, basketball and lacrosse sport camps are taking place in City parks and facilities. The City’s Leadership and aquatic programs are also returning this summer.  

New this year at the Riverview Park and Zoo is a Junior Zookeepers day camp throughout July and August. This week-long day camp will give campers a hands-on, educational experience focused on animals, conservation, and nature. 

“With a wide range of programs offered across the city, campers can explore new interests, build confidence and make new friends while creating memorable experiences that help kids make the most of their summer months,” said Community Services co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

A full list of day camp programs is available online.

Residents can register for day camp programming online or by calling (ext. 2201). Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

To learn more about payment plans and options visit the website.

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55-Year-Old Man Facing Drug Possession Charges After Search Warrant Executed At Local Residence

A 55-year-old Peterborough man is facing several drug possession charges after a search warrant was executed at a residence in Peterborough.  

file photo.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, officers with the Drug Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a search warrant at a residence in the Sherbrooke Street and Medical Drive. 

Officers seized:

• 4 grams of Fentanyl

• 12.7 grams of Crack Cocaine

• 85 Dilaudid pills

• Small amount of Canadian Currency

As a result of the search, a 55-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Dilaudid

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

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

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Peterborough Petes Secure Victory Over Sudbury Wolves 4-1

The Peterborough Petes hosted the Sudbury Wolves for Jr Petes night Thursday, taking the win by a score of 4-1.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

Adam Novotný brought a goal for the Petes late in the first, while Kieron Walton and Brennan Faulkner scored in the second. The Wolves’ Jean-Cristoph Lemieux put Sudbury on the board with a goal second period.

In the third period, Braydon McCallum brought the score to 4-1, securing the win over Sudbury.

Easton Rye led the way for the Petes, stopping 33/34 and tying the lead league with his 25th win of the season.

The Petes are back in action on Friday, when they travel to Ottawa to take on the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at TD Place.

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Peterborough Man Faces Manslaughter Charge In 2024 Drug Overdose Death

70-year-old Donald Wayne Golloher of Peterborough is facing several charges in connection with an overdose death from March 2024.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Mar. 10, 2024, the Peterborough Police Service attended a residence in the Talwood Drive and Goodfellow Road area in response to a 53-year-old Peterborough man found without vital signs.

The death was determined to be the result of a drug overdose.

On Jan. 28, 2026, detectives with Investigative Services located, arrested and charged 70-year-old Donald Wayne Golloher of Peterborough with:

• Manslaughter

• Traffick in Schedule I Substance – Fentanyl

• Traffick in Schedule I Substance - Cocaine x3

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Hydromorphone

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

During a search of the accused after arrest, officers seized:

• Hydromorphone pills

• Canadian Currency

“These are important investigations undertaken by the Peterborough Police Service. Every overdose death that occurs in our community is investigated by our Officers to assess whether there is any evidence of criminality,” said Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts. “When sufficient grounds exist to believe an individual is culpable in an overdose death, our Investigators will seek justice for the victim and their families by brining those we believe responsible before the courts.”

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

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Draft Policy For Commemorative Flag Raisings and Light Displays Available For Public Review

A draft policy to establish criteria to consider requests for commemorative flag raisings and lighting displays at City of Peterborough facilities is posted for public review and comments until Feb. 12.

photo courtesy of connect peterborough.

Comments on the draft policy will be reviewed and considered to inform the version of the draft policy that is presented during a City Council meeting for Council’s consideration.

The policy will establish a consistent protocol for the raising and displaying of commemorative flags and illumination displays at City facilities to bring public awareness to occasions and events.

Flag raisings and illumination displays will:

• Reflect the cultural diversity of the community, promote inclusion and foster a sense of belonging for all

• Recognize the importance of significant dates and occasions, and acknowledge the contributions of local non-profit or charitable organizations or initiatives

• Support public awareness campaigns that promote health, safety and wellbeing and encourage community participation and civic pride

The draft criteria reflects the City’s current practice for considering flag raising and illumination requests. The Policy would be a Council-approved direction that would formalize the current practice. A list of all criteria can be found on the City’s website.

Official celebrations and observances are recognized by the City of Peterborough through a variety of acknowledgements, including:

• Official proclamations or awareness statements by the Mayor

• Hosting flag raising ceremonies or events at City Hall

• Featuring community events on the City’s online calendar or in its news posts on the City website

• Promoting awareness and linking to resources on the City’s social media channels

• Commemorative lighting displays at City Hall and seasonally at the Centennial Fountain in Little Lake

• Various City facilities and services, including the Museum and Archives, Peterborough Public Library and the Art Gallery of Peterborough build programming and education around official celebrations and observances

Residents can review the draft policy and submit comments through the link. To arrange to pick up a printed copy, email or call (ext. 1785)

Community groups and organizations are invited to request flag raisings, proclamations and commemorative lighting displays. The request forms for flag raisings and commemorative illumination displays are available on the website.

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