Chemong Lodge Bringing Back Party Energy With Big Halloween Bash

By Scott Arnold

After bringing the party to life with its sold-out Après-Ski events, Chemong Lodge is getting ready to do it all over again with a Halloween bash.

Chemong Lodge will transform into a Halloween party with DJ Muddler back behind the decks and a best-dressed costume competition planned for the night.

The Haunted House on Hunter takes over the Lodge at 764 Hunter St. in Bridgenorth on Friday, October 30th, with DJ Muddler back behind the decks for a night of dancing, costumes and Halloween fun.

Muddler previously helped turn the Lodge into a packed dance floor during the Après-Ski parties, and he’ll be back for the Halloween event from 7pm to midnight.

The best-dressed competition is also returning, giving guests a chance to show off their Halloween costumes with prizes and bragging rights on the line.

There will also be Halloween-themed cocktail features, food and photo opportunities throughout the night.

Tickets are $20 and the event is for guests 19 and older. Costumes are highly encouraged, with limited tickets available at ChemongLodge.com.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Team Falls 12-11 in Double Overtime to Queen’s

By Scott Arnold

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team suffered a close loss on Thursday night, falling 12-11 to the Queen’s Gaels in double overtime at Justin Chiu Stadium.

long pole Trent stewart of the trent excalibur mens lacrosse team. the excalibur lost a heartbreaker to Queens on thursday, falling 12-11 in double overtime (photo courtesy of trent university, via david pickering)

Trent jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the opening quarter, with Mason Tardiff scoring twice along with goals from Connor Curtis and Dallyn Rai.

Queen’s responded with five goals in the second quarter while Trent scored once, sending the game into halftime with the Gaels leading 6-5.

The Excalibur battled back in the third quarter, with four goals to Queen’s three to make it a 9-9 game heading into the final 15 minutes. Tardiff scored twice in the frame, while Will White and Bronsen Muller also found the back of the net.

Queen’s and Trent traded goals in the fourth quarter, with Rai putting Trent ahead 11-10 with 9:07 remaining. The Gaels tied the game with 1:37 left, sending it to overtime.

Queen’s scored with 2:48 remaining in the second overtime period to complete the 12-11 win.

Tardiff led Trent with four goals and two assists, while Curtis recorded three goals. Rai finished with two goals and three assists, with White and Muller adding a goal apiece.

Trent finished the game with 24 shots, compared to 25 for Queen’s.

The loss moves the Excalibur’s record to 4-1-1-0 on the season.

Trent returns to action on October 16th when they travel to Kingston for rematch with Queen’s.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Five Counties Bringing Inclusive Trick-or-Treating Back to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

Halloween can be difficult for kids who face accessibility or sensory challenges, but Five Counties Children’s Centre is once again creating a trick-or-treating experience where everyone can take part.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is bringing All-o-ween back to Peterborough on October 27th, giving kids of all abilities a chance to enjoy an accessible and sensory-friendly Halloween experience. (photo courtesy of five counties

All-o-ween returns to Five Counties in Peterborough on Tuesday, October 27th from 4pm to 7pm at 872 Dutton Rd.

The indoor Halloween event is open to kids who currently receive services from Five Counties, those who have received services in the past or those currently on a wait list, along with their siblings and families.

Kids can dress up, wear Halloween colours or simply come as they are. They’ll be able to visit decorated doors throughout the Centre to collect treats and toys, with crafts and other family-friendly activities also available.

Families are given assigned arrival times when they register to help keep the event from becoming too busy or overwhelming.

“The best part of All-o-ween is seeing the absolute joy on the faces of kids and families, because they get to enjoy a relaxed and inclusive trick-or-treating experience,” says Hayley Hodges, Client and Family Experience Lead at Five Counties and the event’s organizer.

For Hodges, the event is personal.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, she remembers how difficult trick-or-treating could be when she was a child because many homes had stairs. She would have to rely on her siblings to collect candy for her.

“Halloween is one of those days or festivities that every child should be able to experience and enjoy,” Hodges says.

More than 200 children and youth took part in All-o-ween events at Five Counties locations last year.

Similar events will also be held in Cobourg on Wednesday, October 28th and Lindsay on Thursday, October 29th.

Registration is required. Families can book a spot at fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or by calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 215.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Minor Hockey Product Vince Dunn Becomes Just the 7th Defenceman in NHL History to Score in Three Straight Season Openers

By Scott Arnold

Former Minor Petes player Vince Dunn, who grew up in nearby Lindsay, has joined some pretty impressive company after scoring in an NHL season opener for the third straight year.

Peterborough native Vince Dunn has now scored in three straight NHL season openers, joining some elite company while becoming just the seventh defenceman in history to do so. He finished the game with a goal and two assists. (photo via instagram @seattlekraken)

Dunn found the back of the net in an NHL season opener for the third straight year, giving him a goal in each of the team’s last three season openers.

Dunn is just the seventh defenceman in NHL history to accomplish the feat, joining some elite company.

Here’s the full list:

• Al MacInnis: 5 straight years, 1987-88 to 1991-92

• Rasmus Andersson: 3 straight years, 2022-23 to 2024-25

• Vince Dunn: 3 straight years, 2024-25 to 2026-27

• Garry Galley: 3 straight years, 1995-96 to 1997-98

• Sandis Ozolins: 3 straight years, 1993-94 to 1995-96

• Ray Bourque: 3 straight years, 1989-90 to 1991-92

• Larry Robinson: 3 straight years, 1978-79 to 1980-81

Dunn’s goal was Seattle’s second of the night. He also picked up two assists, finishing the game with three points in the Kraken’s 6-1 win.

DUNN DUNN DUNN ‼️ https://t.co/vUZzG9SJlT

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 2, 2026

For Dunn, who turns 30 on October 29th, it’s another notable entry in what has become an impressive NHL career for the Minor Petes alum, which already includes a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Hometown Boy Masen Johnston Picks Up First OHL Shutout As Petes Blank Erie 4-0

By Scott Arnold

Masen Johnston recorded his first OHL win at home and first career shutout, while Lucas Karmiris returned to the OHL scoresheet and Adam Novotný scored one of the nicest goals you'll see at the Memorial Centre as the Peterborough Petes shut out the Erie Otters 4-0 Thursday night.

Masen Johnston made 32 saves for the petes on route to his first win at home and first career shutout as the petes defeated the otters 4-0 (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via kenneth Andersen)

The Petes improved to 2-4 on the season with the win, while Johnston stopped all 32 shots he faced in front of the hometown crowd.

Peterborough opened the scoring on the power play when Novotný won a puck battle along the boards, worked his way toward the net and brought the puck through his legs before ripping a shot into the top corner.

It was a goal that drew plenty of attention inside the Memorial Centre and gave the Petes a 1-0 lead.

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Karmiris then doubled the lead with just 37 seconds left in the opening period, scoring his first goal as a Pete with assists from Aiden Young and Braydon McCallum.

It was Karmiris' first OHL game since March 28th, 2025. The Peterborough native was acquired by the Petes from the Mississauga Steelheads before last season but suffered a training camp injury and missed the entire 2025-26 season after undergoing double knee surgery.

LUCAS KARMIRIS Right out of a movie 🫡 https://t.co/o3jummfEru

— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) October 1, 2026

The Petes led 2-0 after the first period.

Yanis Lutz added to the lead early in the second period, scoring on the power play with assists from Matthew Perreault and McCallum.

Peterborough carried a 3-0 lead into the third period before Leon Kolarik scored the game's final goal at 10:47, with assists from Landon Roulston and Ben Radley.

Johnston took care of the rest, stopping all 32 Erie shots to earn his first OHL win at home and his first career shutout.

peterborough native masen johnston holds up the game puck from his first career ohl shutout after the petes blanked the erie otter 4-0 on thursday night. (photo via x, formerly twitter, @petesohlhockey)

The Petes went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Erie went 0-for-4.

Petes Scoring: Adam Novotný (1G), Lucas Karmiris (1G), Yanis Lutz (1G), Leon Kolarik (1G), Braydon McCallum (2A), Adam Levac (1A), Cooper Dennis (1A), Aiden Young (1A), Matthew Perreault (1A), Landon Roulston (1A), Ben Radley (1A)

The Petes also announced a goaltending move before the game, acquiring 2007-born Matthew Koprowski from the Owen Sound Attack for a conditional 15th-round pick in 2028. The trade came just days after Owen Nelson left the team to pursue an NCAA opportunity.

The Petes return to action Friday night when they visit Kingston to face the Frontenacs.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Head of the Trent 2026 Features New Riverside Experience While Faryon Bridge Undergoes Revitalization

One of Trent University’s signature weekends, Head of the Trent (HOTT), runs Friday to Sunday and features a new riverside experience for this year’s homecoming while the Faryon Bridge undergoes revitalization.

Trent faculty, staff and athletes join the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough DBIA to help launch the 2026 HOTT. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event brings athletes, alumni, families and community members to enjoy rowing races, varsity games and family-friendly programming. 

“Head of the Trent is a weekend people look forward to year after year, reconnecting them with Trent and the Peterborough region,” said Julie Davis, Trent vice president of external relations, marketing and communications. “This year’s new riverside viewing experience offers visitors a fresh way to be part of this longstanding tradition, whether they are discovering Head of the Trent for the first time or returning year after year.” 

The Faryon Bridge under constuction and revitalization to preserve its structural integrity, support safe daily use and protect its defining architectural features. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The HOTT Regatta is the heart of the event, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club. Over 1,400 rowers from across Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and the northern United States will compete in one of North America’s premier head races on the Otonabee River running through Trent’s Symons Campus.

Because of the Faryon Bridge revitalization, spectators can watch the regatta along the Otonabee, including Trent’s Founders Walk on the West Bank of Symons Campus. The Student Centre riverside is a primary hub of activity, including the Kids’ Zone. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy free activities including inflatables, lawn games, face painting and visits with animals. Kids can also meet Bluey and Bingo from the hit Australian-based TV show ‘Bluey’ from 11 a.m. to noon and Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Kids enjoying HoTT with Bluey and Bingo in a past event. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Beyond rowing, Trent Excalibur athletes are competing this weekend, with women’s and men’s rugby, soccer, and volleyball in action. 

Food and drink options include a free pancake breakfast, along with health and wellness educational opportunities on the Upper Bata Podium on Saturday. Food trucks are stationed near Bata Library and the campus pub, the Ceilie, is open during the festivities.

Alumni celebrations kick off Friday evening with the Trent Alumni Rowing & Rugby Social at Justin Chiu Stadium. Alumni from two of Trent’s longest-standing varsity programs will cheer on the Excalibur women’s rugby team alongside students and community members. Former Excalibur soccer players return to the field Saturday morning for the alumni soccer game.

Champlain College marks its 60th anniversary during Head of the Trent, with an anniversary brunch, guided college tours and a special Great Hall display featuring photographs, artifacts and stories spanning six decades of college life.

Increased Peterborough Police Service presence will be throughout HOTT and the City. This includes specialized units, such as the Police’s crowd management team, on hand during the festivities.

They will be assisting at any capacity or any location where they're required,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reesor of the Peterborough Police Service. “We also have an additional (close to) 50 paid-duty officers that are in various points throughout the weekend to also increase our presence and our ability to respond to various locations and various situations that should arrive.”

Reesor assures the public that the additional focus on HOTT will not take away from the station’s regular police duties.

“We're doing this strategically without pulling officers away from their regular shift,” he explains. “The officers scheduled to be on shift aren't being depleted by having these additional officers available.”

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PHOTOS: United Way's Fundraising Campaign Starts With Trent University's Kick-Off BBQ

To help kickstart United Way of Peterborough & District's 2026 fundraising campaign goal of $1.585 million, Trent University filled some bellies by launching its Kick-Off BBQ on Thursday morning.

Julie Davis, Trent VP of external relations, marketing and communications about to catch a fresh burger patty off the grill from Jason Seguya, United Way CEO. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students, staff and the public were invited to grab a hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger with chips and pop in support of the Trent University 2026 United Way Campaign.

The campaign raises money towards United Way’s annual fundraiser. Since 1965, Trent University has raised over $2.9 million for United Way through its annual campaigns and support from faculty, staff and retirees. Last year, Trent raised $124,847, surpassing its $100,000 goal.

@ptbo_canada To help kickstart United Way of Peterborough & District's 2026 fundraising campaign goal of $1.585 million, Trent University filled some bellies by launching its Kick-Off BBQ. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #unitedway ♬ Fog Halo Groove - Wendy Harp

United Way unveiled its fundraising goal on Sept. 17, with Tiffany Arcari as this year’s campaign chair and Jason Seguya in his first year as CEO, succeeding Jim Russell. The latter retired after a 15-year tenure.

New this fundraising year is United Way’s launch of its Certified Neighbour clothing collection.

The collection shows your community spirit while helping spread the message that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger Peterborough and District.

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A Ticket Could Help Give an Animal a Second Chance: Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Is Back

By Scott Arnold

The jackpot is exciting, but every ticket purchased is also helping provide food, medicine, care and a second chance to animals who need the Peterborough Humane Society most.

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for about 130 animals at any given time, each with their own story and needs. (photo by Scott arnold)

The Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 Lottery is back, and after the community helped push the jackpot to a record $137,510 last spring, there’s plenty of reason to get excited about this fall’s draw.

But while one lucky person could walk away with a life-changing amount of money, there’s another side of the lottery that matters just as much.

Every ticket helps the Peterborough Humane Society continue caring for animals in need and supporting pets and people throughout the community.

The sixth PHS 50/50 Lottery officially launched Thursday, October 1st and runs until Friday, November 6th.

From shelter and medical care to finding forever homes, there are plenty of costs that come with giving animals a second chance. (photo by scott arnold)

A Big Jackpot Could Be Coming

Of course, there is still the fun part.

Last spring's PHS 50/50 grew to a record $137,510, with the lucky winner taking home $68,755.

“It’s a fun phone call to call someone and tell them they’ve won almost $69,000,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Director of Fund Development at PHS.

That record has now set the bar for the fall lottery.

And there are multiple chances to win along the way.

Miskin Law is back as the sponsor of the two Early Bird Draws, with $1,500 up for grabs on Friday, October 9th and $2,000 up for grabs on Friday, October 23rd.

Every ticket purchased before an Early Bird deadline is also entered into the main 50/50 draw.

The lottery also includes the return of the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, giving one lucky winner a $5,000 travel voucher. Tickets for the Ruffle start at $10.

The grand prize and Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle draws will take place Friday, November 6th after 1pm.

The community’s support helps make sure animals at the Peterborough Humane Society continue to receive the care they deserve. (photo by scott arnold)

There's Also a New Way to Never Miss a Draw

Since the PHS 50/50 happens multiple times a year, the Humane Society has introduced a new membership option this fall.

When purchasing tickets, supporters can choose to become a Member and have the same ticket package automatically purchased for future PHS 50/50 Lotteries.

Members will receive a reminder before each new lottery begins and can cancel at any time.

It’s designed to make supporting the Humane Society a little easier for people who don't want to realize after the fact that they've forgotten to buy their tickets.

Every animal at the Peterborough Humane Society deserves the chance to find a loving forever home, with community support helping make that possible. (photo by scott arnold)

The Community Is What Keeps PHS Going

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about the lottery is where that money comes from and why it matters.

The Peterborough Humane Society does not receive government funding to keep its doors open.

“The community is why we are here,” MacKenzie said. “There is no government funding involved with keeping the lights on here at PHS. So we are only here because of the generosity of the community.”

That generosity helps support the animals currently in the Humane Society's care, but it also allows PHS to provide programs and services throughout Peterborough and area.

“At any given point about 130 animals that are here being loved, nurtured, cared for, food, medicine,” MacKenzie said.

Those animals need food, medicine, shelter and plenty of love and care while the staff work to get them ready for their forever homes.

And the work of the Humane Society extends far beyond the animals living inside its facility.

Programs like the PHS Pet Pantry provide food and pet supplies to people in the community who may need some extra help caring for their animals.

“A few times a year we set up around town and we give out food and pet accessories to people that might need a little extra help at that time,” MacKenzie said.

That means buying a 50/50 ticket isn't simply a chance to win. It's one of the ways people can help make sure the Humane Society can continue doing all of that work.

“There’s a number of different ways that you are supporting PHS and supporting the community by getting your PHS lottery tickets,” MacKenzie said.

So yes, there is a jackpot.

There are Early Bird prizes.

There is a $5,000 travel prize.

But underneath all of that is something much bigger: a community coming together to help animals who have nowhere else to turn.

And if you happen to win big along the way, that's pretty great too.

The Fall 2026 PHS 50/50 Lottery is open to players across Ontario, with tickets available online at PHS5050.ca or with cash in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Police Service Mourns Loss Of Beloved Service Dog Gryphon

The Peterborough Police Service station is flying its flags at half-mast to honour the passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon on Wednesday after unexpected medical issues.

K9 Gryphon helps Constable Dillon Wentworth during a demonstration at an OFAH fishing event for PTBO Bigs and OFAH Camp Kids. photo by David Tuan Bui.

Gryphon joined the service in December 2021 and was sworn in on March 2, 2022. 

He and Police Constable Dillon Wentworth assisted on many calls for service, whether it was tracking (suspects or missing people), clearing a building, assisting the Emergency Response Team or firearms detection

“We have the utmost respect for our Police Service Dogs and the valuable skills they bring to a police service,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.  They keep our officers safe and members of the public with unwavering commitment.  It is a sad time as we reflect on the positive impact Gryphon made on the safety of our community. Gryphon was an invaluable member, and his service will not be forgotten.”

Highlights of Griffin’s accomplishments include tracking a driver who fled the scene of a collision for more than a kilometre, locating three break-and-enter suspects several blocks from the crime scene and helping officers take them into custody. He led officers to a wanted suspect hiding beneath a mattress and tracked another suspect who fled from police, resulting in an arrest and the recovery of a replica handgun and three knives.

Most recently, Gryphon assisted in the arrest of a man wanted on multiple warrants and helped clear a building by encouraging several unwanted individuals to leave.

PSD Gryphon gave back to the community, often demonstrating his skills during presentations to groups of all ages, summer camps and at Peterborough Police Service’s community open houses.

In 2023, the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, including Gryphon and Wentworth, participated in the Canadian Police Dog Championship Trials, placing fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. 

Wentworth was a second-generation police dog handler; his father is a retired officer and handler with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service. The father/son duo were certified by the Niagara Police Service K9 Unit, which helped train the Peterborough Police Service K9 unit.

A book of condolence will be available in the front lobby of the police station.

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Three People Arrested On Drug Possession Charges; Driver of Vehicle Nearly Struck Police Cruiser

Three people are in custody and facing drug trafficking charges after an arrest by the Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11 am, officers were called to Adeline Street about a suspicious vehicle parked at the dead end. As officers approached, the suspect vehicle attempted to back up and nearly struck the police cruiser. Officers activated the emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking to the driver, Police discovered they were a prohibited driver and spotted drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

During a further search of the suspects and vehicle, officers seized:

• 22 grams of Methamphetamine

• 14.5 grams of Fentanyl

• Five knives

• Drug paraphernalia (scales, cell phones, pipes, bags)

• Over $650 in Canadian currency

Police also impounded the vehicle for 45 days because the driver was prohibited.

As a result of the investigation:

A 46-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

• Failure to comply with a Probation Order

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

A 40-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

A 33-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Operation while Prohibited

All three accused were held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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