| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Update #2: reports are indicating highway 2 has been reopened as of 4:21p.m Update #1: Traffic is moving slowly and being directed by OPP. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area of Highway 2 and Wallbridge Loyalist Road following a collision that has resulted in a road closure. Emergency crews responded to the scene, and Highway 2 remains closed at Wallbridge Loyalist Road while the situation is addressed. Details about the cause of the collision and whether there are any injuries have not been confirmed. Drivers are being asked to reroute and use alternate routes until the roadway can be safely reopened. This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | A 48-year-old Hastings man  has been arrested and charged following a Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation involving intimate images allegedly being shared with a youth. According to the OPP, police were contacted on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 , after a parent discovered their child was communicating with an adult and that the conversation was sexual in nature . The parent reported finding sexually explicit images and videos  being shared between the two after viewing the child’s phone. The Peterborough County OPP Major Crime Unit began an investigation, which resulted in an arrest on Thursday, January 8, 2026 . Police arrested Philip TEMOS, 48 , of Hastings, Ontario , who has been charged with: Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing  and is expected to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough . The OPP stated it remains committed to protecting communities and public safety. Anyone with information about suspected unlawful activity is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers  at stopcrimehere.ca  or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) . Together, we can make our community safer To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Is your winter spirit brave enough for a dip in the Trent River? The 34th Annual Polar Bear Plunge splashes into Lion’s Club Community Park on Saturday, January 24 at 12 noon. This beloved fundraiser for the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary invites hardy participants to leap into icy waters while friends and neighbours cheer them on. What makes this chilly tradition so warm-hearted? • Community & Charity – Every jump raises money for our hospital and showcases small-town generosity. • Hot Lunch Afterwards – Warm up at the Anglican Church with soup and snacks after your plunge. • Register or Pledge – Sign up online or pledge support for your favourite plunger. Whether you’re plunging, pledging or just taking pictures, dress warmly and bring your loudest cheers. The water may be freezing, but our hearts will be glowing. Share this event with brave friends — let’s make this the biggest plunge yet! To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | updated at 11:28a.m Update: As of 2:13p.m the collision has been cleared All westbound lanes of Highway 401 are currently closed at County Road 6 in Odessa  following a two-vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer , according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Police say the tractor-trailer is blocking all westbound lanes , prompting a full closure of the highway while emergency crews work at the scene. Heavy Rescue  has been requested to assist with clearing the collision and reopening the roadway. At this time, no injuries have been reported . Drivers are being advised to avoid the area and expect significant delays , as traffic remains stopped while crews assess the scene and remove the vehicles. U pdates will be provided as more information becomes available To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have issued a public service announcement after responding to more than 30 collisions  across eastern Ontario  since 5 a.m. today . Police say most of the incidents have resulted in no injuries or only minor injuries , but many crashes involved vehicles losing control and ending up in ditches . OPP are reminding motorists to adjust their driving to conditions , slow down, and give themselves extra space on area roads. Drivers are being urged to: Slow down Leave extra following distance Keep headlights on Stay alert and keep eyes on the road OPP also stress that drivers should stay behind working snowplows  and avoid passing them, noting the plows are working to improve road safety for everyone. Police are also advising residents to avoid travel unless necessary if possible. Anyone who must drive is encouraged to check road conditions at 511on.ca  and monitor local news updates. Please share this notice as a reminder to slow down, stay safe and if possible, stay home. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

KINGSTON / QUINTE WEST / BELLEVILLE / NAPANEE | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Tri-Board Student Transportation Services cancelled school bus operations across major parts of Eastern Ontario on Thursday morning, impacting families in Kingston, Quinte West, Belleville, Greater Napanee , and surrounding communities as a powerful winter system brought heavy, blowing snow, and poor road visibility to our region. Multiple local reports confirmed Tri-Board cancellations affecting the Hastings, Prince Edward, Lennox & Addington, and Kingston regions , with transportation suspended as conditions worsened overnight and into the morning commute. Where to get Tri-Board cancellation and delay updates Tri-Board advises families to monitor transportation alerts through official Tri-Board platforms , including: Tri-Board’s My Bus Planner website the BusPlanner Delays app subscriber email notifications Parents can access the My Bus Planner portal here: https://triboard.mybusplanner.ca/ Tri-Board notes that cancellations and delays (including delays of 15 minutes or more) are posted through these channels, helping families track route-level changes and region-wide cancellations. School closures: check the school board and school websites Because each school board makes school closure decisions and sometimes can vary by location, families are advised to check official school communications. ✅ For the most accurate closure updates, parents should check: their school board website their child’s individual school website school messaging systems (email / social posts / alerts) Why Tri-Board cancels service during severe storms Tri-Board manages student transportation across a large geographic region, including rural roads where conditions can change quickly during major snowfall. During intense winter events, risk increases due to: heavy accumulation on secondary roads drifting snow across open corridors reduced visibility during blowing snow inconsistent road clearing outside urban areas Travel is expected to remain difficult Officials continue to urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel as snowfall persists throughout the day, particularly in open rural areas where drifting snow and brief whiteouts can form quickly. Let's look out for one another, slow down, stay safe and if you can stay home To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | A recall has been issued for no name brand Beef Burgers  due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7 . Residents are being urged to check their freezers immediately  and avoid consuming the affected product, even if it looks or smells normal. Affected Product The recall applies to the following item distributed nationally : Brand:  no name Product:  Beef Burgers Size:  1.36 kg UPC:  0 60383 37333 7 Codes:  BEST BEFORE 2026 MA 05 / B13 BMP EST 112 Why the Product is Being Recalled The product may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 , a bacteria that can cause serious illness. Even if food does not appear spoiled, it can still carry contamination and cause health complications if consumed. What You Should Do Consumers should: Check your freezer  for the recalled product Do not consume, sell, serve, or distribute  it Throw it out or return it  to the store where it was purchased If you believe you became ill after consuming the product, seek medical attention Symptoms of E. coli Infection Symptoms may include: nausea vomiting mild to severe abdominal cramps watery to bloody diarrhea In more serious cases, infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including kidney failure. No Illnesses Reported Yet At the time of this recall, no illnesses have been reported  in connection with this product. Investigation Ongoing The food safety investigation remains ongoing and may lead to additional recalled products  if more are identified. Spread the Word Frozen products can sit in homes for weeks or months, and recalls are easy to miss. Please consider sharing this to help keep others informed and safe. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Issued at 1:47 p.m. EST, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for much of southern Ontario, with significant snowfall and deteriorating travel conditions expected to begin tonight and continue through to Thursday evening. Forecasters say a developing low-pressure system will bring between 15 to 25 centimetres of snow to the region. At times, snowfall is expected to be heavy, with reduced visibility caused by blowing snow, creating dangerous driving conditions on highways and local roads. The storm has been given a high impact level, meaning it could lead to widespread travel disruptions, hazardous road conditions, and delays. Although forecast confidence is moderate, officials say conditions could change quickly as the system moves through. A sharp drop in temperature is expected by Thursday morning, while snowfall is still ongoing. This will result in cold wind chills, further increasing risks for motorists, transit users, and anyone who must be outdoors. Environment Canada warns that Thursday’s rush hour could be significantly impacted, as snow-covered roads, reduced visibility, and icy conditions combine to slow traffic and increase the risk of collisions. Residents are being urged to: prepare for rapidly changing and deteriorating travel conditions, to allow extra time for any necessary trips, and to consider postponing travel once the snow begins, if possible. Officials also stress the importance of continuing to monitor weather alerts and updated forecasts as the storm develops. You can report the weather in your area as it develops by sending any photos or videos to smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com Please share this alert to help others stay informed and safe during the storm To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

The Northumberland OPP has launched an investigation after a break and enter occurred during the early morning hours of January 12, 2026 , in the Municipality of Port Hope, Ontario. Police report that the suspect gained access to the property and made off with a substantial amount of cash, along with several high-value items. Among the stolen property were a Louis Vuitton purse , a designer watch , and two vintage Canadian $100 bills , each considered unique and potentially identifiable. Investigators believe these items may appear in local resale markets, pawn shops, or online platforms, and they are urging members of the public to remain alert. Images related to the incident have been released by the OPP in hopes that someone may recognize the individual involved or the distinctive items taken. Officers continue to examine evidence, follow up on leads, and emphasize that community assistance can be crucial in solving cases of this nature. Original Photo by OPP Anyone who can identify the person or property stolen, is urged to contact the Northumberland OPP  at 1-888-310-1122  and reference Occurrence E260049994 . For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be submitted through Peterborough & Northumberland Crime Stoppers (“Stop Crime Here”)  by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)  or by submitting a confidential tip on their website at www.stopcrimehere.ca . Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers are secure and anonymous, and may be eligible for a cash reward if they lead to an arrest or recovery of stolen property. Together, we can make our community safer To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Disclaimer:  This article discusses domestic violence and may be upsetting. Reader discretion is advised. Belleville Police responded to a domestic dispute in the city’s east end on January 10th at approximately 1:10 p.m. Reports indicate that a disagreement between a couple escalated, resulting in a male allegedly grabbing a female by the arm and pushing her into a wall. Such incidents are painful and can leave lasting emotional and physical scars, reminding us that domestic violence is a serious issue that touches many lives. Investigators also noted a previous incident on December 31st, when the same man allegedly slapped the woman in the face. A 42-year-old Belleville man was arrested and charged with two counts of assault. He was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in February. Police have not released the name of the accused at this time. Domestic violence affects people in every community, and its impacts can be isolating and overwhelming. No one should face abuse alone. It is essential for communities to come together, to listen, support, and stand united against violence in all its forms. If you or someone you care about is experiencing intimate partner violence, please know you are not alone . There are people and organizations ready to help, including the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 , which offers confidential support and guidance. Every person deserves safety, respect, and the hope of healing, and reaching out is a courageous first step. Together, we can stand against abuse, support one another, and remind every survivor that they are never alone To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email, please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Image Courtesy of Dwayne Lowery | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Prince Edward County drivers are being urged to use caution after large, potentially vehicle-damaging potholes were reported along Highway 49 this weekend. Multiple deep holes, broken concrete slabs, and loose debris have been observed along sections of the roadway, creating an uneven driving surface and increasing the risk of tire damage, bent rims, and loss of vehicle control, particularly for smaller vehicles and motorcycles. The deterioration is consistent with winter weather and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can rapidly weaken pavement when moisture enters cracks and expands as it freezes. Motorists traveling on Highway 49 are advised to slow down, maintain extra following distance, and remain alert for sudden dips, loose gravel, and shifting pavement. Reduced visibility during early morning and evening hours may make the hazards harder to spot. County Road 49, the designation used for the stretch of Highway 49 within Prince Edward County, is maintained by the Municipality of Prince Edward County. Drivers who are concerned about road conditions or encounter dangerous sections can contact the municipality’s roads department to request inspection or repairs. Please share this notice to help other drivers know about the needed repairs on Highway 49. Together, we can help keep each other's vehicles a little safer To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Update: Highway 7 haw reopened as of 2:29a.m. Thank you for your patience. The Ontario Provincial Police have closed Highway 7 between Taylors Road and Elm Tree Road, including the area near Opmar Road, at 10:31p.m, following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian. Police say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in the Opmar Road area earlier this evening. An OPP officer was already on scene as paramedics were responding. Initial police updates indicated the victim was in a vital signs-absent condition. Our thoughts are with the pedestrian’s family and everyone impacted by this tragic loss. The highway is expected to remain closed throughout the night while OPP conduct their investigation into what led up to the collision. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes, as traffic is unable to get through the closure zone. Police have not yet released further details about the vehicle involved or whether charges will be laid. Please share this notice with others. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6