STIRLING, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Central Hastings OPP say a man is facing multiple charges after officers discovered a firearm, drugs, and body armour during an arrest in Stirling on Monday. Around 2 p.m. on Monday, police were called about suspicious activity in the area. Officers located a man who was already wanted on an outstanding warrant from another part of Ontario. During the arrest, police say they found the man carrying a handgun, a quantity of cocaine, and wearing a bulletproof vest. A follow-up search warrant was later executed at an apartment on West Front Street in Stirling. As a result, Christopher Foster, 42, of Foxboro, has been charged with several offences, including: Carrying a concealed weapon Careless storage of a firearm Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon Possession of a Schedule 1 substance Driving while under suspension Using a plate not authorized for a vehicle Failing to comply with an undertaking Foster remains in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing. 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 Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

Northumberland County, ON  | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public after a local resident suffered a substantial financial loss  in a sophisticated scam involving suspects impersonating both financial institutions and police officers. On August 22, 2025 , a Northumberland resident was contacted by someone posing as a bank employee who claimed their account had been compromised. Shortly after, the victim received a second call. This time, it appeared to come from a legitimate Greater Toronto Area police service number . The caller identified themselves as an OPP officer  and directed the victim to withdraw cash and transfer it into an e-currency wallet “to secure the funds.” The victim was further told they would receive a new debit card in the mail. Tragically, the victim complied and lost a significant portion of their savings. The investigation is ongoing. ⚠️ OPP WARNING TO THE PUBLIC Scammers are using fear and authority to manipulate victims. These criminals can make their calls look like they’re coming from trusted numbers, including banks and police services. This could happen to your parents, grandparents, friends, or even you. The OPP stresses that: Police will never  ask you to withdraw cash, transfer money to cryptocurrency wallets, or send cash in the mail. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately  and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number. Talk to your loved ones, especially seniors, about these scams to prevent further victimization. Anyone who has been targeted or victimized is urged to report it to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122  or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre  at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca . Your awareness could save someone you love from becoming the next victim. Please share this article with them and help keep them informed. 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

TWEED, ON - STOCO LAKE | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Engines roared across Stoco Lake on Friday, Aug. 22, as the Ontario Watercross  Racing Association launched its Ski-Doo oval track races at Trudeau Park in Tweed. Trudeau Park has hosted the event for the past few years, leading up to the annual Tweed Stampede over the Labour Day weekend. Registration closed on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7:30p.m., with an entry fee of $25 per racer. Practice began at 1p.m. and ran until 5p.m on Friday, giving the riders time to prepare their equipment ahead of time for the races on Saturday, Aug. 23. “This is my first year racing,” said Lucas Greenwood, another Hastings County resident stated “This is my second race. My cousin races, and my family got me into it.” The Ontario Watercross Racing Association announced the race on Facebook and its site on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, with the registration opening on Monday, Aug. 11 2025. Sea-Doo races bring the community together, with both new and returning competitors taking part. Many racers said they were feeling hopeful about their chances and were looking forward to enjoying their time at Trudeau Park, whether they were staying in campers or in the lodge. “I went out to practice, and it went really well. We are going to see what happens, but I am pretty hopeful,” Greenwood said. The races were divided into seven classes: amateurs, women’s, semi-pro 600, pro 600, semi-pro 800, pro 800 and masters. The master’s class is the newest addition, introduced in the summer of 2023 as a fun “gentlemen’s race”. It allows anyone 45 years old and older to compete in a friendly race without racing against the younger entrants. With the season’s final races set for Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, the association is gearing up for one last burst of speed before the flag drops on the 2025 season. 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 are proudly independent, free from corporate or political influence, and dedicated to delivering truthful, fact-based reporting. Your donation helps sustain not only our independence but also the work of our writers who research, report, and bring these stories to life. By contributing, you’re directly supporting local journalism that matters, helping us cover important issues, engage with our communities, and continue providing insightful reporting you can trust. Every contribution makes a difference. https://square.link/u/3igJuspD

Kingston, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Two people are facing charges after a Kingston Police officer recovered a stolen vehicle early Monday morning. At about 2:15 a.m., while patrolling near the 1600 block of Bath Road, an officer noticed a car that had been reported stolen the day before. The vehicle was pulled over a short distance later, and all four occupants were detained. The 41-year-old driver, a Kingston resident, was arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 . They were later released with a court date. A 38-year-old passenger, also from Kingston, was arrested for allegedly breaching release conditions, including an overnight curfew. They were additionally charged with breach of probation  and held in custody for a bail hearing. The remaining two passengers were released without charges. Police say the keene eye and observation of the patrolling officer led directly to the arrests and recovery of the stolen car, and they thank him for his dedication and outstanding policing efforts. 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

BELLEVILLE, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Drivers and residents are being advised of a full road closure  on Harmony Road between Ashley Street and River Road  scheduled for tomorrow, August 26, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The closure is required to complete a culvert replacement project . During this time, the stretch of road will be completely impassable  to through traffic. Authorities stress that only local traffic  will be allowed, ensuring residents can still access their homes. All other motorists are urged to plan alternate routes to avoid delays. This project is expected to improve roadway safety and drainage , but officials warn that disruptions will be significant throughout the day. Please consider sharing this article to help others also be informed about tomorrow's road closre. 🚧 Plan and adjust travel schedules to avoid Harmony Road during the closure window. 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

Belleville, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Just before sunrise today, Sunday, August 24, 2025, near the corner of Coleman Street and Dundas Street West in Belleville, a pedestrian was struck by a CP freight train. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and one person was taken from the scene by ambulance. Their condition has not yet been released, and the incident remains under investigation. A City Paused Dawn in Belleville often arrives gently. But this morning, time seemed to pause, neighbors awakened not to the calls of birds, but to the sound of sirens and the rumble of a halted train. Rail crossings from Avonlough Road to Foster Avenue were also closed for several hours as a precaution while the initial stages of the investigation continued. Compassion Across the Community Our hearts go out first and foremost to the individual struck and their loved ones, who now face an anxious wait for updates. We also hold space for the train crew, who found themselves in an unimaginable position, and for the first responders who moved swiftly and bravely in the early hours of the morning, coming across such a tragedy. These moments ripple through the community, touching not just one family, but many. A Growing Concern This tragedy follows other rail-related incidents in the region in recent months, raising concern among residents about a troubling trend. Each occurrence leaves behind questions of safety, prevention, and community care. While investigations continue, the people of Belleville are left to reflect on how best to look out for one another in the face of such repeated heartbreak. Hopes for Healing As Belleville grapples with today’s event, the message that rings clear is one of compassion and resilience. We collectively offer our best wishes for a speedy recovery and for strength to all those who were impacted. 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

LOYALIST TOWNSHIP / GREATER NAPANEE / TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | A westbound train passing through Loyalist Township, Greater Napanee, and the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory set off a chain of fires along the railway tracks Friday. The blazes stretched across several locations and required a combined response from multiple fire departments across the region. Withers Road – Loyalist Township The first report came in just after 11:35 a.m., when Loyalist Township Emergency Services (LTES) were called to a fire along the tracks near Withers Road. Crews worked for nearly two hours before declaring the fire extinguished and the scene cleared around 1:20 p.m. Big Creek Road – Greater Napanee Almost at the same time, calls began coming into the Greater Napanee Fire Department (GNFD) regarding a fire on Big Creek Road. Responding units were joined by the Stone Mills Fire Department (SMFD). Together, crews managed to bring the fire under control, with the scene cleared by approximately 2:35 p.m. Oliver Side Road/Woodcock Street – Greater Napanee Another cluster of fires was discovered near Oliver Side Road and Woodcock Street, prompting a much larger response. Firefighters from GNFD, Tyendinaga Township Fire Department (TTFD), Mohawk Fire Department (MFD), and SMFD all attended the scene. With multiple fires spread across the area, crews spent several hours containing the flames. TTFD was briefly called away to another emergency in their own jurisdiction before returning. All units cleared this scene by 3:20 p.m. Mowbray Road – Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory Later in the afternoon, another significant fire broke out along the tracks on Mowbray Road. This blaze posed an added threat, as flames advanced dangerously close to nearby structures. Crews from TTFD, MFD, and Belleville Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) worked quickly to protect the buildings and bring the fire under control. The incident has since been cleared. Regional Effort Thanks to the coordinated efforts of LTES, GNFD, SMFD, TTFD, MFD, and BFES, all of Friday’s railway fires were successfully extinguished. Officials from the railway were also on scene to assist and monitor the situation. Authorities confirmed the fires were sparked by the passing train, and the matter remains under investigation. 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 Source: Lindsay McEvoy CAMPBELLFORD, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | UPDATE: AUGUST 22ND, 2025: Duke has been found safe and healthy. Thank you everyone for sharing and searching. It means the world to his family to have him back home A local family is seeking the community’s help to reunite them with their beloved dog, Duke, who has gone missing after venturing out on an unplanned adventure. Duke was last seen near Hoards Station, a small community just off County Road 8, located just outside Campbellford on the way to Stirling. He has been missing for several hours, and his family is growing increasingly concerned. “We can’t seem to find him and are asking anyone who sees him to please reach out,” the family shared. Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for Duke and contact Lindsay McEvoy directly via her Facebook profile by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.relf?mibextid=JRoKGi with any sightings or information they may have. The family thanks everyone for their support and asks that this notice be shared widely to help bring Duke home safely. 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

STIRLING, ONTARIO | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Residents and visitors are advised that Mill Street in Stirling will be closed tomorrow, Saturday, August 23, 2025, for road maintenance. Official signs have been posted to alert drivers to the closure. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and exercise caution while travelling near the area. Local businesses on Mill Street will remain open, and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the day. The Municipality thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation as this work is completed. 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

Northumberland County, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions UPDATE : Road has been reopened as of 10:00am Northumberland OPP is advising the public that County Road 30 near Old Wooler Road, between Brighton and Campbellford, is currently closed following a single vehicle collision. Police report that no injuries have been sustained. A trailer involved in the incident rolled over, spilling its contents onto the roadway. Cleanup crews are on scene working to clear the area before the road can safely reopen. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes until cleanup is complete. 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

Belleville - Stirling, ON | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions UPDATE: August 22nd: 10:10a.m: Rita was spotted near Loyalist and Montrose Rd, according to a possible tip to her owner Betty Barr this morning. Attention Belleville residents: please keep an eye out for Rita , a border collie mix who went missing on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 . She slipped away after a gate was left open at a Doggy DayCare in Belleville. Despite extensive searches, Rita has not yet been found. Her family is asking for your help. 🚨 What to Do if You See Rita Do NOT chase or try to grab her  – she’s friendly but very scared and may run Note the time, location, and direction  she was heading. Report sightings immediately  so her family and search teams can respond quickly. 📞 Call her owner, Betty Barr:  416-876-1373📞 Or call: 613-968-4004 📍 You can also report sightings to Quinte West Lost Paws:    🌐 QuinteWestLostPaws.ca    📞 613-902-7697 📧 quintewestlostpaws@gmail.com 🐶 About Rita Border collie mix Wearing a collar with her name and phone number Licensed with Belleville Animal Services Microchipped Up to date on all shots and blood work 💛 Every Sight Counts Your help could be the key to bringing Rita home. Please share this message widely and stay alert. Thank you for being part of a caring community. 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 Source: Dustin Caldwell Marmora/Madoc, ON Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions Residents in Marmora, Madoc, and surrounding rural areas are dealing with a string of mailbox thefts and vandalism that have occurred over the past several nights. Several mailboxes have gone missing or been destroyed, with some later found discarded along rural roadside near the intersection of Goat Hill Road and Centerline Road, as seen in the photo above. The Marmora Postmaster has requested that anyone affected by the incidents visit the post office to collect their mail. Residents are asked to bring government-issued identification when doing so. The Postmaster also advised against repairing or replacing mailboxes at this time, as thefts and vandalism have been reported on three consecutive nights. Similar incidents have been reported in Madoc, where multiple mailboxes have been taken overnight. Authorities have not yet released a statement, but residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to the OPP Central Hastings Detachment at 1-888-310-1122, as well as check any cameras they have that face the roadside. Please share this article with your friends, family and neighbours so they know where to get their mail next time they need it. 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