Two Peterborough men are facing multiple charges for stabbing a man during an attempt to steal his e-bike early Saturday morning (May 25).

At around 2:40 a.m., Peterborough police were called to the Lake Street and George Street area in downtown Peterborough by emergency medical services, who were treating a 52-year-old man who had been stabbed. After arriving at the scene, officers learned two men had attempted to steal the victim’s e-bike.

Officers began tracking the two suspects using a police service dog when police received a second call about two men matching the description given to police who were seen in the George Street and Sherbrooke Street area. Officers arrived in the area, located the two suspects on Charlotte Street, and took them into custody without incident. During a search of the suspects after their arrest, officers seized two knives.

The 52-year-old man who had been stabbed was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre and then to a Toronto hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the police investigation, the two suspects — a 22-year-old Peterborough man and an 18-year-old Peterborough man — were each charged with aggravated assault, robbery and wounding, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

The accused men are being held in police custody for a Saturday court appearance.

With peanut butter, canned tuna, and other items dwindling on the shelves at Kawartha Food Share, Peterborough’s “Porch Pirates for Good” will be combing porches across the city on Saturday, June 1.

The “Porch Pirates for Good” team of volunteers is collecting food and other essential items for the food bank’s city-wide spring food drive.

Ashlee Aitken, general manager of Kawartha Food Share, said the need is currently high for a number of reasons.

“A food drive (at) this time of year is extremely helpful for us to ensure food bank shelves remain stocked during the summer months,” Aitken told kawarthaNOW.

“Typically the majority of our donations come during the holiday season, but unfortunately the need is still present all year long. Throughout the summer months, close to 80 per cent of the food we distribute is purchased product, so this food drive will help us stretch those dollars a little further.”

In addition to donations only trickling in during the warmer months, current food prices are also a big factor contributing to the need for inventory at the Peterborough food bank.

“We know times are tough and food costs are extremely high, so we’re really grateful for any and all donations we receive,” Aitken said.

On a broader scale, the number of people using food banks across Canada has reached an all-time high. Kawartha Food Share said that, in addition to food costs, supply chain shortages have affected Kawartha Food Share clients, donors, and the organization’s own purchasing power.

During previous Porch Pirates for Good food drives, volunteers have collected more than 80,000 pounds of donations on event days.

“We’re thankful for every last donation and, no matter how much food is collected, it’s still more than we had,” Aitken said.

On collection day, community members who wish to take part are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch. Beginning at 9 a.m., the porch pirates will drive around the city and collect the items and deliver them to the Kawartha Food Share warehouse.

“In the last four years, our pirates have brought in over 140,000 pounds of food and over $13,000 in monetary donations,” Aitken noted in a media release.

The origin of the Porch Pirates for Good food drives go back to the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. Local filmmaker and performer Megan Murphy organized a porch food drive for Kawartha Food Share called “Spare A Square,” so named beccause toilet paper was in short supply at the time and one of the needed items. In October 2020, she organized another food drive called “Spare A Square #2.”

In March 2021, more volunteers became involved, and they began calling the food drive “Porch Pirates for Good.” Some volunteers got into the spirit and dressed up as pirates on collection day. Kawartha Food Share later took over organizing the spring and fall food drives.

Flyers for the food drive will be distributed the week prior to June 1, and Kawartha Food Share asks donors to include the flyer with their donation so it’s easy for the pirates to spot on porches.

Items needed include peanut butter, canned tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruit, individually wrapped school snacks, pasta and pasta sauce, Heinz Alphagetti, Kraft Dinner, Chef Boyardee, breakfast cereal, gluten-free items (e.g., pasta, cookies, oats), canned soup and stew, feminine hygiene products, and diapers.

People can also give monetary donations to Kawartha Food Share. For every $1 donated, the organization can purchase up to $3 worth of food. Volunteers will be able to collect cheques made out to Kawartha Food Share during their pick-ups on June 1, or donations can be made online at kawarthafoodshare.com/donations.

The organization is still looking for a few more people to help with collection efforts on June 1. For more information or to volunteer, email admin@kawarthafoodshare.com.

The Town of Cobourg will have a part-time mayor this summer.

Mayor Lucas Cleveland announced on Friday (May 25) that he will be returning to work part-time at his downtown fresh produce store The Market & Smør.

“This week, my business partner at The Market & Smør announced that she will be moving on to new work opportunities,” Cleveland says in a statement. “I will therefore be returning to the Market part-time for the next few months to manage the transition until a new team structure is up and running.”

Cleveland’s partner is Montana DesJardins, who announced on social media that her last day at The Market & Smør will be May 31.

Cleveland and DesJardins launched their “zero food waste” green grocer business at 39 King Street East after the couple moved in 2016 to Cobourg from Alberta, where Cleveland had spent more than 10 years in the oil and gas industry. The business saw exponential growth, hiring more than 30 staff within three years.

“Over the coming months, you will see a sharing of duties and mayoral tasks amongst council as I split my time between the role as mayor and local business owner,” Cleveland says. “While I am committed to keeping my open office hours on Tuesdays, the deputy mayor and members of council will be taking meetings in the mayor’s office the rest of the week.”

Cleveland, who was elected mayor in October 2022 with no previous political experience, says the business community has “achieved great progress” in the 19 months since he was elected.

“In 2023 we celebrated 22 grand openings in Downtown Cobourg,” he says. “We are seeing stronger occupancy rates downtown than we have in the last five and 10 years.”

Cleveland adds he has “set a goal this summer to work on securing recreational funding to address our aging Centennial Pool and growing request for additional pickleball facilities.”

“I look forward to spending the next several months serving both my community as mayor and as a local businessperson,” he says.

The pandemic has reshaped emergency medical services, leading to several key changes and advancements in the profession, says Peterborough’s top paramedic.

In light of Paramedic Services Week in Canada, which runs from May 19 through 25, the chief of Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) took some time with kawarthaNOW to reflect on how the role of paramedics has changed and evolved as a result of COVID-19.

“I am proud to highlight the significant evolution of the paramedic profession since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Trisha Bromfield said. “The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges, and our paramedics have demonstrated exceptional adaptability, resilience, and commitment to providing high-quality care to our communities.”

The reshaping of emergency medical services has resulted in several key changes and advancements for paramedics, including an expanded scope of practice, that was necessary to support the response to COVID.

“Paramedics had taken on new skills and responsibilities, including administering COVID-19 vaccinations, conducting community testing, and managing complex respiratory cases in the field,” the chief noted.

Paramedics are now also more involved in preventive care, chronic disease management, and health promotion, aimed at reducing hospital visits and supporting vulnerable populations directly in their homes.

Another long-term impact of the pandemic is enhanced infection control protocols.

“The pandemic necessitated stringent infection control protocols to protect patients and paramedics,” Bromfield noted. “These measures have become standard practice, ensuring a safer environment for all.”

Recognizing the increased stress and mental health challenges faced by paramedics, there is now a stronger emphasis on mental health and wellness support, promoting psychological well-being as a core component of paramedic services.

There is also now a heightened degree of collaboration and training.

“The pandemic has fostered greater collaboration between paramedics and other health care providers,” Bromfield said. “Continuous training and professional development equip paramedics with the latest knowledge and skills to handle emerging health threats.”

“The evolution of the paramedic role during the pandemic underscores their critical importance in the health care system. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and provide compassionate care under challenging circumstances has been inspiring. These advancements will continue to shape the profession, ensuring paramedics remain at the forefront of emergency and community health care.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to all paramedics for their unwavering dedication and exceptional service,” said Bromfield. “Their contributions have been vital in navigating the pandemic and will continue to be essential as we move forward.”

Paramedic Services Week focuses on raising public awareness about the role paramedics play in the health care system and taking time out to celebrate paramedics and their contributions to better care.

This year’s theme for Paramedic Services Week is “Help Us, Help You.” The national theme underscores the partnership between paramedics and the public in ensuring the delivery of timely and effective emergency medical services. The theme was selected in light of the current challenges within the health care system, according to the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada.

A Lindsay man is facing multiple charges including kidnapping and sexual assault.

On Thursday (May 23), Kawartha Lakes police received a complaint of a sexual assault, and the Criminal Investigations Branch were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police then executed a search warrant at a Lindsay residence, where the Forensic Identification Unit gathered physical evidence.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested a 33-year-old Lindsay man and charged him with kidnapping, sexual interference, sexual assault, assault, assault cause bodily harm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and invitation to sexual touching.

Police believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no further threat to public safety.

The accused man is being held in custody and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on Friday.

Police are not naming the accused man so as to protect the identity of the victim.

Kawartha Lakes city council passed a resolution at its meeting on Tuesday (May 21) to encourage the provincial and federal governments to support academic programming at Fleming College’s Frost campus, in response to a deputation by two Fleming College students at an earlier council meeting.

Frost campus students Emily Wakeham and Suzanne Mooser had appeared before council at its May 7th committee of the whole meeting, where they asked that council consider and pass a resolution calling for the college’s reversal of its decision to cancel 29 of its programs, 16 of which were offered at the Frost campus.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council heard a deputation from Kawartha Lakes resident Jamie Malloy, owner and president of Fraserville-based Iron Equipment, one of southern Ontario’s largest heavy equipment repair and service providers.

Malloy — who himself graduated from Fleming College’s heavy equipment maintenance course in 1999 — expressed his concern about the college’s decision to discontinue its Heavy Equipment Techniques and Generator Service Technician programs.

He provided a list of areas where generator and heavy equipment maintenance is needed, including backup power generation for hospitals, assisted living homes, emergency operations such as police, fire, and paramedics, and all buildings with elevators, aggregate quarry operations, construction, concrete building materials, farming operations, and city services including wastewater.

“These key technicians keep all of this equipment running for all of us,” Malloy said. “I see firsthand the increasing demand for skilled technicians in this industry and the shortage of qualified professionals.”

Malloy said that, while he understands the programs may not have been “a high revenue generator for the college,” he believes the board of governors at Fleming College did not consider the return on investment in the community when making the decision to cancel the programs and was not provided with information showing that return on investment.

“As a community, we should be working with our government to provide college boards with the appropriate figures regarding the return to the community, so in the future they can make a better-informed decision,” Malloy said, asking council to provide support by encouraging Fleming College to reinstate the Heavy Equipment Techniques and Generator Service Technician programs.

In response to a question from councillor Dan Joyce, who referred to a May 13 letter council received from Fleming College president Maureen Adamson that stated some of the discontinued programs “are no longer financially sustainable with enrolment levels that do not cover the cost of delivery,” Malloy admitted “it is not a cheap course to run” and “probably does not make the same money that some other courses would make,” but that there is a wider economic impact on the community from providing the programs.

Malloy noted that industry has donated equipment for the program in the past, but he is not aware of Fleming College approaching industry to ask for help in sustaining the programs. He also said that the closest similar programs are at Centennial College in Toronto and in Timmins.

Council also received for information the aforementioned letter from Adamson, in which she mentioned kawarthaNOW’s coverage of the council’s committee of the whole meeting on May 7 and proceeded to “dispel some misinformation and concerns that were noted in the coverage of the meeting,” including a statement that “Frost campus is NOT closing” — even though this was not raised during the council meeting nor in kawarthaNOW’s coverage of the meeting.

Later in the meeting, deputy mayor Charlie McDonald introduced a motion for a council resolution on the Fleming College situation..

“There’s no doubt that this affects this community in a big way,” McDonald said. “And it’s a trickle effect in many ways, from people that rent houses to people who work in restaurants, and so on. This is bigger than us … but we need to support the students and everyone going forward.”

McDonald’s motion reads:

“That the City of Kawartha Lakes encourages both federal and provincial governments to invest in and provide support and legislation that promotes colleges, and specifically Fleming College Frost Campus, with the suitability and resources to support, to maintain, and expand on local academic programming and community workforce development, and that this resolution be forwarded to … the provincial ministry of colleges and universities, provincial ministry of economic development, job creation and trade, provincial ministry of labour, immigration, training and skills development, provincial ministry of the environment, conservation and parks, provincial ministry of natural resources and forestry, and provincial ministry of agriculture, food and rural affairs, the federal minister of immigration, MP Jamie Schmale, and MPP Lori Scott.”

McDonald’s motion was approved by council.

Community-oriented podcast Jonesy’s Corner is launching a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.

Beginning Friday (May 24), all purchases of select merchandise courtesy of Imprinted Apparel made until the end of June will include a donation to the national non-profit organization that promotes resources, programs, and advocacy for mental health.

Included in the fundraiser are a hoodie and men’s and women’s T-shirts, all reading “it’s okay not to be okay” with the CMHA logo on the front and the podcast logo on the sleeve. All come in a range of sizes and are available in navy or black. For every $10 sold of the merchandise, Imprinted Apparel will donate $10 to CMHA.

“During the past couple months on the podcast, I’ve mentioned mental health and it’s been something very up and down this whole pandemic, so I’m very passionate about what they do,” says podcast founder Ken John “Jonesy” Jones, who notes he has also lost a friend to mental health struggles. “I thought we may as well team up with Imprinted Apparel and raise money for CMHA at the same time.”

Born and raised in Peterborough, Jones uses his podcast to interview community members who speak on a range of different topics including their personal journeys, their place of work or organization, or about upcoming events in the region.

He launched Jonesy’s Corner during the pandemic at a time when he was volunteering with not-for-profit organization Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough. Since he was not allowed inside the building and had to connect with his community online, he was inspired him to find connection in other ways.

“People told me that I’m good at engaging in conversation, so I got this idea to get to know the Peterborough community better by interviewing them because everyone was at home and couldn’t get to see each other,” he says. “So, (I) might as well try to brighten everyone’s day or week with inspiring stories from members of our community.”

Having celebrated its two-year anniversary just last month, Jonesy’s Corner has become well-known in the community, and Jones can often be found supporting local musicians and attending community festivals.

He has invited more than 150 guests to share their news and stories on his podcast — many of which have come back to be interviewed more than once.

“It felt like a way to give back,” says Jones. “When you’re proud to call a community home, it’s about trying to get to know each other better. If it weren’t for the podcast, I wouldn’t have gotten to meet so many members of non-profit organizations, musicians, business owners, (and) entrepreneurs. And it’s not just me — it’s for them to share their stories and raise awareness about their events.”

By hosting his podcast on Instagram, Jones has even been able to reach audiences outside the community and hopefully help his guests find more supporters and listeners.

“The best part about being on Instagram is it can be seen by people in Toronto or families in Ottawa and beyond,” he says. “They may not always know about this person before, but they know about the event by doing these interviews.”

In February of 2023, Jones hosted a similar fundraiser in partnership with the podcast sponsor Imprinted Apparel, and ultimately raised $1,200 for Kawartha Food Share.

“In my mind, the community all comes together for a great cause, and the generosity our community is known for organizations like Kawartha Food Share, especially that time of year,” he says.

When asked if has a goal in mind for the CMHA fundraiser, Jones says he does not need one.

“I know in my heart that the community will always come together for a big cause like mental health,” he says.

Throughout the time the fundraiser is being held, there will be a lot more to look forward to on Jonesy’s Corner including speakers from the 2024 Dragon Boat Festival, Five Counties Children Centre, and more.

As Jones says, “There’s always more stories to tell.”

You can listen to the Jonesy’s Corner podcast on Instagram @jonesys_corner_podcast_, and browse the collection for the fundraiser at imprintedapparelstore.com/jonesy/.

Two men from Stirling in Hastings County have been arrested and 16 stolen vehicles have been recovered, including several classic cars, following a province-wide investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

In late 2023, the Lambton County OPP’s crime unit received a complaint regarding stolen vehicles with a combined value of approximately $3 million.

As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was executed last Tuesday (May 14) at a property in Stirling in collaboration with the OPP Fleet, Supply and Weapons Services Bureau and the Central Hastings OPP Crime Unit and Emergency Response Team, with assistance from the OPP-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing (PATT) Team and the OPP-led Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit (PAFU).

The investigative team located several of the stolen vehicles, including some classic cars. Police also seized 16 vehicles as proceeds of crime.

Police arrested 54-year-old Robert Bradshaw and 55-year-old Gary LeBlanc, both of Stirling, and charged both men with theft of motor vehicles over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, using forged documents, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. In addition, LeBlanc was charged with uttering threats.

“Collaboration across our organization and with our partner agencies is imperative to combat the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud within Ontario,” says OPP Detective Superintendent Paula Milne of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau in a media release.

“The OPP-led Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team and the Provincial Asset Forfeiture Team are well-equipped to assist frontline members and other agencies with auto theft investigations and investigations related to financial crimes,” Milne added. “This investigation is another testament to the surge we have seen in auto theft and financial crimes over the last few years and the need for subject matter expert involvement in these investigations.”

Both accused men have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on a later date.

“I’m pleased that our crime unit members’ exemplary efforts played an important role in bringing this multi-unit investigation to a conclusion,” says Lambton County detachment commander Chris Avery. “Crime does not respect borders. That’s why it’s essential that members of law enforcement work together to bring criminals to justice.”