BLOOMFIELD, ON – July 14, 2025 (16:15) Fire crews from Prince Edward County are responding to a confirmed vegetation fire involving a combine harvester at 2373 County Road 1, just outside Bloomfield. Stations 1, 2, and 7 have been dispatched to the scene, where a working combine in a field reportedly caught fire. There is concern that the blaze may have spread to nearby farmland, although the full extent of the damage remains unclear at this time. Firefighters are actively assessing the scene to determine containment strategies, and multiple tanker trucks have been requested to support water shuttle operations. This approach is critical to maintaining a steady water supply in rural areas lacking hydrants. Residents are asked to avoid the area while emergency crews work to contain the fire. Updates will follow 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 are solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Disclaimer: We do not issue the warnings for Air Quality but choose to report on them once issued by Environment Canada for the vulnerable sector; seniors, pet's, children and those with pre-existing health conditions. UPDATE: The Air Quality Statement has been extended until July 15th, 4:09 am Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for multiple regions across southern and central Ontario as smoke from distant wildfires continues to impact local air quality. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with wildfire smoke is the main concern, with concentrations reaching levels that could pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals. The smoke may cause symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath, especially among children, seniors, and people with pre-existing health conditions like asthma or heart disease. Residents are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities, stay indoors when possible, and use air purifiers or air conditioners with clean filters. Those who must go outside are encouraged to wear properly fitted masks used for reducing inhalation of fine particular matter. 📍 Regions Currently Affected by the Special Air Quality Statement: City of Toronto Mississauga – Brampton Vaughan – Richmond Hill – Markham Pickering – Oshawa – Southern Durham Uxbridge – Beaverton – Northern Durham Newmarket – Georgina – Northern York Region Caledon Halton Hills – Milton Burlington – Oakville Hamilton Niagara Region St. Catharines – Grimsby – Northern Niagara London – Parkhill – Eastern Middlesex County Strathroy – Komoka – Western Middlesex County Waterloo – Wellington Guelph – Erin – Southern Wellington County Barrie – Collingwood – Hillsdale Orillia – Lagoon City – Washago Grey – Bruce Parry Sound – Muskoka Haliburton Dufferin – Innisfil Peterborough – Kawartha Lakes Belleville – Quinte – Northumberland 🔎 What to Watch For: Hazy skies or burning smells in the air Throat or lung irritation Increased breathing difficulty, especially for at-risk populations ✅ How to Stay Safe: Keep windows and doors closed. Run air conditioning in recirculation mode. Avoid outdoor physical exertion. Check in on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbours. Monitor air quality forecasts regularly at airqualityontario.com . Environment Canada says conditions are expected to gradually improve over the next 24–48 hours depending on local wind patterns and wildfire activity. 📢 Please share this article to help others in your community stay safe and informed especially seniors, families with children, and those with health conditions. Let’s take care of each other. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Kingston, Ontario — July 14, 2025 UPDATE: The Individual has been located and arrested. The Kingston Police service thanks everyone for working together and helping them in their investigation. A concerning series of events in Kingston has prompted a public safety alert, following multiple reports of a woman in psychological distress attempting to abduct children from private properties along Montreal Street. According to anonymous reports shared within the community, the woman, described as having dark hair, has approached several families in separate incidents, each time claiming that blonde-haired children were her own. In one alarming case, the woman reportedly attempted to physically take a child from their yard during the day, then returned to the same residence around 1 a.m., peering through windows. In another incident that occurred more recently, she entered a different family's yard, claiming a little girl was actually her son dressed in girls’ clothing. She then threatened to return for the child. Shortly after police were notified of this second encounter, a more aggressive altercation occurred where the woman allegedly returned to the same location, spitting and yelling at parents, accusing them of holding her child captive. She even went so far as to claim a full-grown blonde-haired man was her son and tried to lure him away. Description of the Woman: Dark hair White striped tank top Black sweatpants Possibly wearing a black zip-up jacket Kingston Police are actively searching for the individual. She is considered a potential risk to both herself and others. If you see someone matching this description or witness any suspicious behaviour, call 911 immediately. Community members, especially those living in the Montreal Street area, are urged to remain vigilant. Check on your neighbours, especially families with young children, and stay alert to unusual activity. 🔁 Please share this alert with others in the Kingston area. By spreading awareness, we can help protect vulnerable members of our community and ensure everyone stays informed and safe. This article was prepared by Small Town News | a Division of Small Town Productions. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

QUINTE, ONTARIO Beginning next week, crews will begin applying a slurry seal to several residential roads in Belleville, Ontario and its surrounding communities, including Foxboro and the Plainfield area. This preventative pavement treatment helps extend the life of roadways by sealing cracks, restoring surface texture, and improving safety over time. The work is expected to wrap up by July 31, weather permitting. 🛣️ Roads Scheduled for Slurry Seal Treatment Ashley Street (from Highway 62 through Foxboro toward Frankford Road — a key route bordering the Plainfield area) Sarah Court Ava Court Parkwood Gardens Thistlewood Court Simcoe Drive (Farnham Road to Chestnut Drive) Dorset Court Chelsea Crescent Bristol Place Avondale Road (north of Harder Drive) Hilton Place Hayden Place Kirsten Place Hunter Place Amber Place Meagher Place Lavender Place 📍These roads span key neighbourhoods throughout Belleville, particularly in the northern sections near Foxboro, and some serve as important access points toward the Plainfield corridor. ⚠️ Safety Notice: Fresh Slurry Seal Can Be Hazardous Motorists and cyclists are urged to use caution. Driving on freshly applied slurry seal can: Cause damage to your vehicle, including tar splatter on paint and wheels. Lead to loss of traction, especially for motorcycles and bicycles. Track material onto driveways and other roadways, potentially spreading the mess. Be dangerous for pets and pedestrians, particularly young children 🚗 Avoid parking on the road during the day, and obey all posted signs and detours. 📣 Help Keep the Community Informed If you live in or travel through Belleville, Foxboro, or Plainfield, please share this notice, especially with seniors, bicyclists or people who use a motorcycle, pet owners (damage to paws of pets), and other members of the community. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and prepared. Stay tuned to Small Town News, powered by Small Town Productions, for real, local updates that matter. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Trent Hills, ON The Northumberland Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred late Friday night in Trent Hills. At approximately 11:20 p.m. on July 11, 2025, emergency responders were called to the area of County Road 25 and County Road 35 following reports of a crash. Upon arrival, officers located a lone male occupant in the vehicle and began CPR. Paramedics took over care shortly after and transported the man to Campbellford Memorial Hospital, where the 54-year-old Trent Hills resident was pronounced deceased. As of 6:45 a.m. Saturday, officers with the OPP’s Technical Collision Investigation (TCI) Unit were on their way to assist with the investigation. County Road 25 remains closed between Concession Road 8 and Concession Road 11, and is expected to remain shut down throughout the morning while police complete their investigation. The incident remains under active investigation, and anyone with information that may assist is urged to contact Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca. 🕊 From the Small Town News Team We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss. Please drive with care and be mindful of emergency crews in the area. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

⚠️ Content Warning: This article discusses graphic violence involving animal cruelty and the assault of a woman. The videos may be disturbing to some readers. At Small Town Productions, we felt it necessary to issue this article due to the repeated nature of the incidents captured on video and the potential ongoing threat to public safety. The following details are shared with the intent to inform, protect, and encourage transparency in our communities.

Trent Hills, ON Emergency crews are on the scene of a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck near the intersection of County Road 50 and 13th Line East. The 30-year-old motorcyclist was ejected from the bike as a result of the high-impact crash and has sustained significant injuries. The driver of the pickup truck is reported to be in shock and is receiving care from paramedics. This marks the second motorcycle crash reported in the region in just a short span of time, with another incident occurring earlier today near Fenelon Falls. Police have begun closing roads in the area, and traffic is being rerouted as officers conduct an on-scene investigation. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and allow emergency crews the space they need to work safely and efficiently. ⚠️ Help Spread the Word Sharing this alert may help protect others and give first responders the room they need. Please consider passing it along to friends, family, and neighbours, especially those commuting in the area. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Trenton, ON One of Trenton’s most anticipated summer celebrations is back! The Festival on the Bay, hosted by the Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), is making waves July 17, 18, and 19 with a weekend full of family-friendly fun and community spirit. Attendees can look forward to a jam-packed schedule of activities, including: 🥞 Pancake Breakfast – Start your day off right! 🎨 Artist Alley – Explore the talents of local creators and artisans. 🚣🏽 Dragon Boat Races – Feel the excitement on the water. 🛍 Sidewalk Sale – Snag deals from your favourite downtown businesses. 🎆 Fireworks and a Drone Show – Watch the sky light up over the bay. …and plenty more surprises in store for the whole family! 👉 To learn more about the full lineup of events, visit: https://downtowntrenton.ca/festival-on-the-bay-2025/ 🚧 Road Closure Notice To accommodate this large-scale event, Dundas Street West between Division Street and Front Street will be closed from 6 a.m. on July 17 to 6 p.m. on July 19. Please plan alternate routes and allow extra time for travel during this period. We encourages everyone to attend and support this vibrant celebration of community, art, and local businesses. Whether you’re catching the races, shopping downtown, or just enjoying the summer sun, there’s something for everyone at Festival on the Bay! 📣 Spread the Word! Know someone who’d love a weekend of fun, food, and festivities? Help make Festival on the Bay even better by sharing this article with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbours. The more the merrier, let’s bring the whole community together in Trenton next weekend! See you there! 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

By Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions A prolonged stretch of hot and humid weather is settling in across southern Ontario starting today, with temperatures nearing heat warning levels and expected to last through at least Thursday next week. The forecast calls for oppressive heat and little nighttime relief, conditions that pose a serious risk to vulnerable members of our communities. What to Expect Daytime highs of 29 to 32°C, with humidex values reaching 35 to 40°C. Overnight lows of 19 to 23°C, making it difficult for the body to cool down. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day, but the sustained heat leading up to it will build stress on the body, especially for seniors, infants, pets, and people with pre-existing health conditions. A change in the weather pattern is expected Thursday, but until then, extreme caution is advised. A Serious Risk for the Most Vulnerable Extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable, it can be deadly. Those most at risk include: Older adults Children and babies Pets People who live alone Those with chronic health issues or limited mobility Anyone without access to air conditioning or other means of lowering their body temperature Please take this alert seriously and consider how it may affect those around you. Know the Signs of Heat Illness Heat Exhaustion: Headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, fatigue. Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency): Red, hot skin, confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Call 9-1-1 immediately and begin cooling the person. Stay Cool, Stay Safe Drink water often and keep your home cool. Wear light, breathable clothing and avoid peak sun hours. Use cooling centres and never leave a child or pet in a vehicle. Share to Protect Each Other Share this article and check in on neighbours, friends, and family, especially seniors, children, and pet owners. A quick message/heads up or visit could help prevent an unexpected tragedy during this dangerous heat. Stay Safe, Stay Calm and Stay Cool

Last weekend, the Stirling community was saddened to learn that The Scoop, a cherished local ice cream stand, was broken into. The entire cash register and all the funds inside were stolen. What makes this especially heartbreaking is who runs The Scoop: Taya, a young local entrepreneur, and a team of kids and teens who help handle everything from inventory and staffing to advertising and customer service. It’s a small business powered by big dreams, a lot of hard work, and bright young minds For many in Stirling, The Scoop is more than just a treat stop. It’s where memories are made. It’s the place we bring our kids on hot summer days, swing by after dinner, or pop in during a busy work shift for a well-earned cone. Now, the community is coming together to give back. We’re inviting everyone to come out, grab something sweet, and show Taya and her team just how much they mean to Stirling. Let’s help them recover what was stolen, and remind them that their efforts don’t go unnoticed. This is our chance to turn a tough moment into a powerful reminder of what community really means. 🗓️ Support The Scoop Day – Stirling 📍 Where: The Scoop, 30 West Front Street, Stirling, Ontario 📅 When: Saturday, July 12 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM We hope to see you there. 💙 🍦 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

Canada is experiencing one of the most intense wildfire seasons in its history. As of early July, over 100 significant wildfires are burning across the country, with more than half remaining out of control. Nearly 4.3 million hectares have already been scorched, forcing thousands of people from their homes and placing immense pressure on emergency services nationwide. 🌲 Ontario on High Alert Ontario has been hit especially hard, with the northern regions under severe threat: Northwestern Ontario 47 active fires were reported as of July 7, with 9 out of control, The Red Lake 12 fire has become one of the largest and most dangerous, burning close to 196,000 hectares near Deer Lake, Communities such as Sandy Lake First Nation remain evacuated, and the fire hazard remains extreme in many areas including Red Lake and Sioux Lookout. Northeastern Ontario Multiple new fires emerged in early July in the Cochrane District, with one growing beyond 100 hectares, Fire danger levels in the northern parts of the region are moderate to high, while southern areas remain relatively safe, for now. 🏞️ Across Canada Other provinces are also struggling to contain relentless blazes: Manitoba is battling a massive fire near Bissett, now over 226,000 hectares, prompting evacuations and state of emergency measures, Alberta and British Columbia are seeing rapid fire growth, with multiple large complexes burning in remote areas, Saskatchewan and the Territories remain at extreme risk due to dry conditions and lightning-related starts, Smoke from the fires continues to travel across provinces and even internationally, severely affecting air quality in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Interactive Wildfire Map https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/interactive-map 🇨🇦 National Response The country remains at Preparedness Level 5, meaning all national wildfire resources are fully deployed, Support is coming from both domestic and international teams, including fire crews and aircraft from allied nations, Emergency measures now include financial support, free document replacement, and housing assistance for evacuees and affected residents, especially in Indigenous and rural communities. 🧡 How We’re Contributing We are committed to helping Canadians through this wildfire crisis. Starting immediately, 50% of all donations we receive from this article will be allocated directly to wildfire relief efforts. This includes: Assisting evacuees with shelter, food, and basic necessities, Supporting rebuilding efforts in destroyed or damaged communities, Helping supply fire crews and emergency responders with the resources they need, Contributing to long-term fire prevention and recovery programs. Your support doesn’t just help fund news, it helps rebuild lives and protect communities across the country. We’ll continue to provide updates as donations are distributed and relief efforts progress. 🙏 What You Can Do 1. Donate – Your contributions now carry extra weight with 50% going directly to fire relief, 2. Stay Informed – Keep up to date with local fire alerts, air quality warnings, and evacuation orders, 3. Be Prepared – Follow FireSmart guidelines to protect your property and loved ones, 4. Support Others – If you know someone affected, reach out. Every bit of help counts. 📢 Spread the Word, Amplify the Impact In moments like these, awareness is just as important as action. By sharing this story, you’re helping shine a light on the severity of the wildfire crisis and the urgent need for support across Ontario and the rest of Canada. Share this article with friends, family, and your community Post on social media to keep wildfire relief in the public eye Encourage local groups and businesses to get involved or donate Talk about it – at work, at school, or with your neighbors The more people who know, the more people who can help. Let’s use our collective voice to rally support and stand behind those facing this disaster. Every share counts. Together, we can stand strong in the face of this national emergency. Thank you for being part of the effort to protect and rebuild our communities. 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6

We're proud to announce that Small Town Productions has officially surpassed 50,000 readers, and to say thank you we’re continuing our Timmy Tuesdays free coffee giveaway! Analytics From the Last 30 days 🙌 What’s Timmy Tuesdays? Each Tuesday, we randomly select one of our readers to receive a free Tim Hortons coffee, just for being part of our growing community. This is our small gesture to say thanks for reading, engaging, and helping us build something truly special. ☕ How to Enter There are three easy ways to enter, and only one entry per person: 1. Sign up for our newsletter at www.smalltownproductions.org/signup 2. Register as a member on our website by clicking “Login” then “Sign Up” 3. Comment on any article — your email will automatically be entered Winners are drawn every Tuesday. 📰 Why It Matters This milestone reminds us that independent journalism still has a place and a purpose. With no corporate or political funding, your support is what keeps us going. Even something as small as a $2 donation helps us continue producing meaningful, community-driven news. 🚀 Let’s Keep It Going! We’re just getting started, and we’re so thankful you’re with us! Whether you read, comment, share, or donate, you’re helping strengthen local, honest media in a time we need it most. Thanks for helping us hit our first 50k. Here’s hoping for 100k in the future and another coffee or two. 😉 – The Small Town News Team 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 solely independent with our news, and our main source of funding is the amazing donations provided by readers like yourself to the link below. If you value non-biased and truthful news based on facts, please know that anything helps us keep you informed and in the know   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6