Thanks to Duncan Bristow for this great share! For more of Duncan’s great music videos click here.
Historic, family run hardware store in the heart of Clarksburg.
Hindle’s Clarksburg Hardware is a longstanding establishment in Clarksburg, ON, offering a wide range of hardware and home improvement products.
With a focus on providing quality tools and supplies, this local hardware store caters to the needs of DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike.
The last 24 hours have been busy at Huronia West with general duties officers making three arrests for impaired driving.
(Wasaga Beach, ON) – On the 20th of December 2024 at 10:30 a.m., an officer with the Huronia West OPP was conducting routine patrols near Zoo Park and River Road West in the Town of Wasaga Beach. At that time, he had cause to stop a black 4-door sedan to confirm the drivers licence status. Immediately, the officer entered into an impaired driving investigation. The driver was arrested for impaired driving by a drug, and a demand was made that he submit to an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert.
Michael ZORMANN, a 34-year-old male from the Town of Wasaga Beach is charged with:
– Operation while impaired
– Fail or refuse to comply with demand
– Operation while prohibited
– Take motor vehicle without consent
(Springwater Twp., ON) – On the 20th of December 2024 at 12:37 p.m., an officer with the Huronia West OPP was mobile on Horseshoe Valley Rd. W. near Highway 26 in the Township of Springwater. At that time the officer observed the vehicle ahead swerving in its lane and erratically navigating a curve.
The officer conducted a traffic stop and a demand was made that the driver submit to roadside alcohol screening. The driver registered a “FAIL” and was arrested for impaired driving.
After subsequent testing at the detachment, the accused, Jane TOPP, a 64-year-old female from Bracebridge, ON was charged with:
– Operation while impaired – 80+
(Clearview, Twp., ON) – On the 21st of December 2024 at 9:24 a.m., officers with the Huronia West OPP were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle collision where a pick-up truck had overturned on the Sunnidale-Tosorontio Townline in the Township of Clearview. Some keen-eyed witnesses were able to identify the driver and suspected that he was impaired by alcohol.
When officers arrived on scene the driver had already fled. He was located at his residence a short distance away.
The investigating officer made a demand that the driver submit to roadside alcohol screening. The driver registered a “FAIL” and was arrested for impaired driving.
After subsequent testing at the detachment, the accused, Mitchell GOODFELLOW-RODGERS, a 22-year-old male from Adjala-Tosorontio Township, ON was charged with:
– Operation while impaired – 80+
– Fail to remain (HTA)
– Fail to report (HTA)
All accused parties named above have been released and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice at a later date. Until then they face 90-day drivers licence suspensions and 7-day vehicle impoundments.
The Huronia West OPP remains vigilant in their goal to take alcohol & drug-impaired drivers off our roads through strict enforcement and public education. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, please call 9-1-1 to report it.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public of additional information regarding the Campus of Care project.
The Campus of Care project was initially proposed to be a development that would have included 160 long-term care beds, retirement living, workforce housing, daycare and multi-family units. On November 8, 2024, it was announced that negotiations with SkyDev and peopleCare, the proposed developers of the project, had ceased and that the Campus of Care project would no longer be proceeding at 125 Peel Street. On November 25, 2024, Council put forward a motion to continue to work with peopleCare to review other properties in the Town for a potential long-term care facility.
The Town would like to recognize the commitment of all parties in the negotiations of the proposed Agreements of Purchase and Sale to realize a vision for the property that would be economical and provide significant community benefit.
“Eighteen different versions of the Agreements were prepared by the parties through the negotiation process. The decision to end negotiations was not arrived at lightly, and it came only after full consideration by Council and staff of what was in the best interest of the Town,” said Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “Unfortunately, we were unable to come to an agreement, but we look forward to continuing to work with peopleCare to identify additional sites in the Town that could support a long-term care facility.”
A staff report will be brought forward at the January 13, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting that will include additional information regarding the Campus of Care project. The report will be released as part of the agenda prior to the January 13 meeting.
Modern Pickleball. It’s a word that has been thrown around this past year to describe a more hard hitting, less dinking type of pickleball that is quickly changing the sport. Many will say, “gone are the days of the dink” and “every ball you hit is attachable.”
Though I still think the dink has a very important roll in modern pickleball, if you don’t build an enhanced ability to be able to attack and counter attack from any position, you will be left behind in 2025.
In this video I share 4 specific things that you can focus on in 2025 to become the best pickleball player possible.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents that beginning January 2025, parking passes will be issued only through the digital residential parking pass program, and physical hanging parking passes will no longer be issued or accepted.
Residents are required to register for parking passes annually and must re-register their vehicle for 2025. Vehicle registration can be completed through the Town’s website or in person at Town Hall during regular business hours. To register, residents must provide a copy of the vehicle ownership and proof of residency. All residential property owners and residential tenants in the Town can register vehicles for free. Multiple vehicles, subject to proof of ownership, can be registered per resident.
A grace period will be provided until February 3, 2025, for residents to register their vehicle licence plates. Also beginning January 2025, residents will now be able to register friends and family members for a digital temporary parking permit for $5 plus HST per day, for up to 14 days per calendar year.
A parking pass allows residents of The Blue Mountains to park for free at any paid parking locations owned by the Town, including beaches, parks and trails. Please note that there is no paid parking in the downtown area, except for the Arthur Street lot across from the Post Office. Non-residents from neighbouring municipalities, including Meaford, Grey Highlands, Clearview, and Collingwood, can register for an annual parking pass for $100.00 plus HST.
To learn more about parking in the Town of The Blue Mountains and to register your vehicle, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/parking.
Covering climate change is a challenging assignment, not least because it often involves delivering terrible news like this past fall’s devastating flooding in Valencia, Spain.
But as climate solutions journalists, we know that catastrophe is only one part of the climate story. As the broader Spanish public showed when it rallied to help Valencia, the climate story is also about courage, kindness, and community building. And that’s the part of the story thatThe Energy Mix comes back to each week, alongside whatever else we have to tell you about climate science and impacts. That balance has always been at the centre of our work, but never more than in this difficult moment – as disinformation flourishes, mistrust of traditional media grows, and our politics and public dialogue get more polarized.
Every week, the small but mighty team at The Energy Mix brings you the best of stories about solutions that are being built from the ground up, by real people in diverse communities who are showing how those solutions work, and learning how they can scale up. We also know how important it is to shine a light on stories that address climate change alongside an unfolding cost-of-living crisis that is top of mind for so many Canadians right now.
Over the summer, I was shearing sheep for someone who – after hearing that I write about climate issues – said they weren’t entirely sold on whether climate change was real. We talked about it, though I don’t think I convinced them. But the conversation went on, and they eventually mentioned their kids to tell me: “You know, it’s really scary for them. It’s their future.”
This is why I write for The Energy Mix. Maintream media and politics show two sides pitted against each other about climate issues. But that division is less real than it seems, and we need climate news that doesn’t drive us farther apart.
Chris Bonasia, Senior Reporter, Heat & Power Digest I am regularly inspired by the generosity, kindness, and resilience of people living in all kinds of communities all across the country that I meet over the course of writing a story. I believe our reporting empowers readers by sharing information and insight into how to solve climate-related problems within their own communities. That’s a powerful antidote to common feelings of helplessness and climate despair.
Gaye Taylor, Senior Reporter, Cities & Communities Digest. At The Energy Mix, we often hear from readers like you how much you rely on our news coverage for climate solutions you can use. In the new year, you can count on us to keep on digging deep to bring those stories to light.
Every donation, large or small, fuels our mission to boost the impact of independent climate journalism. If you’re able, please consider donating generously to support our work.
Thank you for your support. P.S. If this has reached you at a time when donating is not possible, we understand. Please consider supporting us by recommending The Energy Mix to a friend or colleague. Thank you!
(MIDLAND,ON) – A shoplifting complaint reported to the OPP Communication Centre at 8:48 p.m. December 6, 2024, by security at the Midland Sport Chek store resulted in officers from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment attending the Mountainview Mall retail store to investigate.
The investigating officer is asking for assistance identifying the female in the supplied security photograph who unlawfully removed from the store a quantity of Sport Chek clothing valued at over $800.
Anyone having knowledge of this or other property related investigations is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, [email protected] or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
We are thrilled to present Johannes Linstead: From Spain to Cuba, a VERY EXCITING concert at New Life Church on Saturday, January 11th at 3 pm.
Johannes Linstead is considered one of the greatest Spanish guitar players ever! We will feature him and his amazing band in this one-show-only event. Tickets would make a great Christmas present or just a wonderful way to warm your heart in January! Tickets will sell fast so please go online or call the office at 705-445-2200 to purchase your tickets today.
Johannes’ music follows the journey of the guitar, from the exotic sounds of the Mediterranean to the colourful rhythms of the Caribbean. Accompanied by spicy Latin percussion, grooving bass, and soulful accordion, Johannes will set the stage aglow with his Spanish guitar magic! He was named Canada’s “Guitarist of the Year,” has won eight “Best Album” awards, seven top-ten US Billboard charting albums, and was inducted into the L.A.-based Akademia “Hall of Fame”. Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of the bestselling guitarists in the Instrumental, Latin Jazz and World Music genres. We are so lucky to have him coming to Collingwood!
Chances are even if you don’t know the name you’ve heard his music. Johannes’ songs have been used in some of the most popular TV shows, such as Miami Housewives, Californication, The Following with Kevin Bacon, Burn Notice, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Pawn Stars, Person of Interest, and many others. World champion figure skater Stephane Lambiel used Johannes’ song “Zabuca” as part of his choreography during the Winter Olympics, and several of Johannes’ songs were featured in the hugely popular video games Tropical 4 and 5. In December 2019, Johannes’ holiday song, Tropical Christmas, became a verified hit on US radio, charting at #1 for two weeks as the “Most Added” song on the Top 40 New Music Weekly chart, and #1 “Most Increased” song.
AND NOW…..IT’S TIME TO ANNOUNCE OUR 2025 THEATRE COLLINGWOOD PLAYBILL! I am so excited to announce our 2025 playbill, a great mixture of music performances, comedy, theatre and music with storytelling. As for our theme….it is a celebration of the “change makers” in our world. Those who bring their stories and songs to us and make our world a better and more empathetic place to live. We are living in some difficult times now and I truly feel, more than ever, that theatre and the arts help us to find joy! Enjoy!
THEATRE COLLINGWOOD 2025 PLAYBILL January 11 – Johannes Linstead Live: From Spain to Cuba Location: New Life Church, CollingwoodExperience the vibrant sounds of Spanish guitar with internationally acclaimed musician Johannes Linstead. Journey through the Mediterranean to the Caribbean with upbeat rumbas, emotional ballads, and a fusion of Latin percussion, accordion, and soulful melodies. February 10 – The Love Cabaret Location: New Life Church, Collingwood. Celebrate the month of love with a delightful cabaret featuring top musical talents from Theatre Collingwood and beyond. Enjoy classic and contemporary love songs under the musical direction of Renee Cingolani. Perfect for a Valentine’s date! March 7 & 8 – Girls Nite Out Location: The Normandy Room at the Collingwood Legion. Laughter reigns supreme with Elvira Kurt and the Girls Nite Out comedians! Celebrate International Women’s Day with a mix of stand-up comedy, improvised games, and a NEW hilarious game show, Pop the Question. Pick your favourite game show and dress up with your gal pals, decorate your table, and have an unforgettable evening! April 23–25 – Newfoundland Songbook Location: John Saunders Centre, Collingwood. Delve into Newfoundland’s rich history with this NEW musical revue by Shipyard Kitchen Party. Through story, song, and visuals, you’ll experience the soul of Canada’s 10th province in this heartwarming and entertaining production. May 15 & 16 – A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken Location: New Life Church, Collingwood. Do you love Disney music? Rediscover the enchanting music of Alan Menken, the genius behind Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and more. With Broadway-caliber talent and unforgettable hits, this magical performance is perfect for the whole family. June 24–27 – On A First Name Basis Location: Marsh Street Centre, Clarksburg, Norm Foster comedic gem delivers joy and fun. Witness a novelist and his long-time maid unravel their lives in a witty and heartwarming conversation filled with surprising revelations. July 1–24 – PORCHSIDE Festival The beloved PORCHSIDE Festival returns! Enjoy an array of performances on historic porches and in unique settings, blending the charm of outdoor theatre with community connection. A highlight of the summer arts scene. August 2025 – The ChangeMakers ProjectCelebrate change through this festival highlighting the work of emerging playwrights. Featuring stories of impactful individuals, the event fosters diversity, inclusion, and creative exploration in the Collingwood community & beyond. October 2 – Twin Flames Location: New Life Church, CollingwoodAward-winning duo Twin Flames brings their captivating music, blending Indigenous and Arctic traditions with modern folk sounds. A powerful performance celebrating resilience, identity, and cultural storytelling. November 20 & 21 – Spycraft Location: Marsh Street Centre, ClarksburgDiscover the intriguing tale of a WWII spy whose secret codes were hidden in her knitting. Spycraft interweaves history, espionage, and personal discovery in this unique theatrical production. December 2025 – Special Holiday Shows to be Announced! Theatre Collingwood brings the community together with a cherished tradition—festive live productions that delight audiences of all ages. This annual celebration is a highlight of the year and a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit in Collingwood.
OPP disrupts global cryptocurrency scams, identifies thousands of victims worldwide
(OTTAWA, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Cyber-Enabled Fraud Team (CEFT) and its partners, through Project Atlas, have prevented more than $70 million in cryptocurrency from being stolen by cybercriminals and frozen over $24 million in fraudulent losses. Working with law enforcement partners around the globe, investigators have identified over 2,000 cryptocurrency wallet addresses linked to fraud victims across 14 countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Project Atlas was a victim-centred initiative focused on disrupting organized cryptocurrency fraud schemes and raising public awareness about cryptocurrency investment scams. The OPP thanks its partners for their critical support, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (NC3), United States Secret Service (USSS), Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) and private-sector collaborators such as Chainalysis, Ndax, Shakepay and Coinbase.
QUOTES:
“Cryptocurrency investment frauds continue to devastate victims in Ontario and around the world, with these crimes becoming more sophisticated each year. Those engaged in fraudulent activities use manipulative social media ads, professional-looking websites, social engineering and increasingly complex technology to deceive their targets. I am proud of Project Atlas as an OPP-led, proactive, victim-centred approach to fighting cybercrime. I urge everyone to learn about cryptocurrency investment frauds and share this knowledge with loved ones to help protect them. Together, we can reduce the impact of these crimes on our communities.”
Mike Bickerton, Detective Superintendent, Director of Financial Crime Services, Anti-Rackets Branch, Cyber-Enabled Fraud Team (CEFT) & Serious Fraud Office, Ontario Provincial Police
Members of the public are encouraged to visit opp.ca/Atlas to learn more about cryptocurrency investment frauds and how to prevent becoming a victim.
Remember: If you have been a victim of fraud or suspect fraudulent activity, immediately report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, or online via the Fraud Reporting System.
