By James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter It’s been difficult for many families to make ends meet in this hard-scratch economy. As with so many people, community organizations, and even town councils, money has become…
Thinking hearts and flowers
From Shaman’s Rock By Jim Poling Sr. It’s been an unsettling week. My two oldest children were born on Valentine’s Day, two years apart. So, I had to consider whether to cancel their birthday celebrations.…
Old news
By Emily Stonehouse The process of aging is guaranteed. It’s the only constant in life. Yet this society we live in does everything in its power to reverse that. Anti-aging creams. Wrinkle removers. Boxed dyes…
Bye Bye American Pie
From Shaman’s Rock By Jim Poling Sr. It’s February, and as the singer-songwriter Don McLean wrote in his 1971 smash hit American Pie: February makes you shiver. It isn’t February cold that makes McLean shiver.…
Aging together – a community conversation
By Emily Stonehouse There is only one constant in life, and that is aging. No matter what, it’s there, and it always will be. Aging can be a blessing; an opportunity to learn longer, to…
Can we do it alone?
By Emily Stonehouse Nearly half a million dollars for a concession stand. A hot topic in the community these days. I’ve had a series of emails, people stopping me on the street, calling my cell…
Minden council unhappy with arena snack bar construction…
By James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Almost half a million dollars for an arena concession stand. You read that correctly. You’d be reasonable to expect to nosh gourmet hot dogs with some snazzy mustard…
No greater love…
From Shaman’s Rock By Jim Poling Sr. There are times when we might want to despair over living in a world of selfishness. This week isn’t one of them. That’s because the first week of…
Chaulk full of local pride
By Emily Stonehouse When something is done with pride, it makes a world of difference. And that is what Trevor Chaulk, founding president of Chaulk, has. Pride in the company. Pride in the product. Pride…
A refresh in the theatrical world
By Emily Stonehouse Make way for young adults in the community - they’re about to take centre stage. Ctrl-ART-Del is a new theatre company that’s sprung up in the Haliburton Highlands, with individuals between the…
Naloxone training key to ending the stigma
By Emily Stonehouse The concept of overdoses - particularly in a rural community - is often something that is pushed under the rug. Yet, while it may seem foreign to some, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine…
To the dreamers
By Emily Stonehouse To dream the impossible dream. That was the theme of the newspaper this week. From celebrating the memories of Canoe FM founding father Don Cameron, to an aquatic rehabilitation facility opening up…
The age of the grandparent
From Shaman’s Rock By Jim Poling Sr. There’s been little to do during this winter’s days of chilly grey overcast. So I’ve taken to thumbing through stacks of photo prints that have been gathering dust…
The impossible dream; memories of Don Cameron
By Emily Stonehouse To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear with unbearable sorrow And to run where the brave dare not go These were the opening words for one of…
No decision by Minden Hills council on Bob…
By James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The Bob Lake Association wants to enter into a lease agreement with Minden Hills that would lead to a boat launch for members. The public boat launch was…
Focusing on the Finn details
By Emily Stonehouse Perhaps 2023 is the year to finally dabble in the art world, and cross that off your bucket list. Nationally-acclaimed artist Carole Finn has returned to the Haliburton Highlands for the winter…
Minden staff to probe rodenticide use
By James Matthews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Minden Hills will take a close look at how rodenticides are used on municipal property. The issue was brought to the fore during the council's Jan. 12 public…
Seen, heard, and together
By Emily Stonehouse I sleep with a notebook beside my bed. Usually, my favourite ideas slither into my groggy mind at approximately 3 a.m. I had a few ideas for this week’s editorial. Conversations around…
What’s with our winters?
From Shaman’s Rock By Jim Poling Sr. Canada is winter country and we Canadians are winter people. So, I’m concerned about what is happening to our winters. Is the current one of above average temperatures,…
Razzamataz kicks off 2023 with dance
By Emily Stonehouse Razzamataz Kids’ Shows is kickstarting the new year with colour, culture, and dance. On Saturday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 15, Razz will present two special events featuring the Indigenous dance group,…
Native plant sale plants seeds for spring
By Emily Stonehouse During these long, gray days of winter, it’s welcoming to think about getting your hands dirty in the garden in just a few short months. The Friends of Ecological and Environment Learning…