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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

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has seized more than $3.8 million worth of illicit cannabis  and arrested eight individuals following a multi-unit investigation in the Municipality of Port Hope. The investigation began in December 2025 when emergency services responded to a structure fire on 5th Line  in Port Hope. While managing the incident, the Municipality of Port Hope Fire Department alerted police to the presence of a large-scale cannabis grow operation on the property. On January 8, 2026 , members of the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Cannabis Enforcement Team (PJFCET) , along with the Peterborough/Northumberland Community Street Crime Unit , executed a search warrant at the location. Police seized more than 7,600 illicit cannabis plants  and 100 pounds of dried cannabis bud , with an estimated street value exceeding $3.8 million . As a result, eight individuals  were arrested and each charged under the Cannabis Act  with: Unlawfully cultivate, propagate, or harvest a cannabis plant  (s.12-4a) Possession for the purpose of distribution  (s.9-2) All accused were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cobourg on February 26, 2026 . The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as 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 | A joint investigation involving multiple police units has resulted in charges against a Quinte West man, raising serious concerns within the community about online safety and the growing prevalence of child exploitation cases. On January 8th, the Belleville Police Service, working alongside the Ontario Provincial Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit, the Criminal Investigations Division, the Emergency Response Unit, and the Technological Crimes Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Quinte West. The coordinated effort highlights what authorities describe as an ongoing priority to identify individuals involved in the possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material. During the search, police arrested 64-year-old Douglas Barry of Quinte West. He has been charged with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material. Following his arrest, Barry was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in March.

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | A serious two vehicle collision just outside Kingston has claimed the life of one person and sent two others to hospital. Ontario Provincial Police say the crash occurred late Wednesday morning along Taylor Kidd Boulevard near Coronation Boulevard. Emergency crews from OPP, Loyalist Township Fire, and Frontenac Paramedics rushed to the scene shortly after 11:30 a.m. Police confirmed a passenger inside one of the vehicles was pronounced deceased at the location. The drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital one suffering critical injuries while the other was transported as a precaution. Authorities have not released the identities of those involved.

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Some condominium owners in Belleville say they were surprised this week after receiving an email from Larlyn Property Management Ltd. advising that their unit door locks will be re-keyed later this month. The email, sent on January 6, 2026, says the re-keying is being done to ensure all unit doors are compatible with the building’s master-key system. It states that a locksmith will attend the property during the week of January 26 and that “the cost of re-keying will be charged back to each individual unit.” Original Email The message references a condominium by-law that says residents are not permitted to change their door locks without approval and that management must be able to access all units using a master key for safety and emergency purposes. How condo rules usually work Condominium rules typically allow buildings to require master-key access so management and emergency services can enter units when necessary. By-laws also often allow a condo to charge back the cost of correcting a lock change when a resident makes an unauthorized modification. At the same time, Ontario condominium law generally ties chargebacks to the specific unit that caused a cost. When costs are spread across all owners, that is usually done through a formal decision of the condo board, such as a budget item or special assessment. The January 6 email does not state whether the building’s board of directors formally approved the re-keying program for each unit or if there is a plan to bill every unit. Larlyn’s role Larlyn Property Management is the company hired by the condominium to manage day-to-day operations, including maintenance, notices, and coordination with contractors. While it sends communications and carries out work, financial decisions such as chargebacks and building-wide expenses are typically made by the condo’s elected board. Because the notice came directly from Larlyn, some owners say they are now hoping to receive more details about how the decision was made and how the costs will be handled. What owners can do Owners who have questions about the re-keying or the charge can ask for more information, including: Whether their own unit was found to be out of compliance Whether the condo board approved the re-keying and billing How the cost will be calculated and applied Owners can also review their condominium’s declaration and by-laws, or seek guidance from the Condominium Authority of Ontario if they need help understanding their rights and obligations. Residents are now waiting to see how the situation unfolds and whether further clarification will be provided by management or the condo board. What are your thoughts? Let Us Know in The Comments! 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 would like to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Update: All lanes have reopened as of 9:11p.m Update: At 8:32p.m we received reports of another accident near Trenton, slow down, drive safe and stay clear of the westbound 401 tonight folks Update: As of 8:09p.m the road closure is still in full effect and a 2nd accident has occured, forcing a closure of the ON-RAMP at Palace Rd. Westbound traffic on Highway 401 near Napanee has come to a complete standstill after another transport truck has become stuck/jack-knifed across the entire highway just after the Palace exit. The crash is blocking all westbound lanes, leaving no way for vehicles to pass through the area. Drivers already in the backup are unable to move, with traffic fully stopped and no immediate way around the obstruction. Motorists heading west are being urged to exit at Palace or earlier to avoid becoming trapped in the congestion. Anyone who continues past that point will be unable to get through due to the transport blocking the roadway. The length of the closure and whether there are any injuries involved has not been confirmed. Crews will need to remove the transport before westbound traffic can resume. Drivers are also reminded to exercise extreme caution when driving today, particularly in areas experiencing ice buildup from the freezing rain and/or snow. Kindly share this notice to inform others about the current road conditions and the accident-related closure occurring in the area. We will continue to provide updates 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 Business Spotlight Spring is right around the corner! If you would like to advertise with us, please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

Last Updated: 12:02 am | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Update: As of 5:15 a.m, the Special Weather Statement areas have now also been upgraded to a Yellow Freezing Rain Warning. While this may seem scary, all the details below, aside from the name of the alert remain the same. Ontario is expected to experience several hours of freezing rain today, mainly during the noon and afternoon hours , with 1 to 5 millimetres of ice accumulation possible , according to Environment Canada. The freezing rain could make travel and daily routines more difficult across much of the province. The areas with weather warnings could expect to see more freezing rain at times than forecast in other regions. We generally use bullet points, but with so many areas affected we had to group them together in a paragraph Special Weather Statement Areas Toronto, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, Peterborough, Oshawa, Vaughan, St. Catharines, Barrie, Apsley, Woodview, Northern Peterborough County, Barrie, Collingwood, Hillsdale, Dryden, Vermilion Bay, Dunnville, Caledonia, Fenelon Falls, Balsam Lake Park, Northern Kawartha Lakes, Napanee, Consecon, Newmarket, Georgina, Northern York Region, Niagara Falls, Welland, Southern Niagara Region, Orillia, Lagoon City, Washago, Peterborough City, Lakefield, Southern Peterborough County, Pickering, Oshawa, Southern Durham Region, Port Carling, Port Severn, Rodney, Shedden, Western Elgin County, Sarnia, Petrolia, Western Lambton County, Simcoe, Delhi, Norfolk, St. Catharines, Grimsby, Northern Niagara Region, St. Thomas, Aylmer, Eastern Elgin County, Stirling, Tweed, Madoc, Tamworth, Sydenham, South Frontenac, Uxbridge, Beaverton, Northern Durham Region, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Watford, Pinery Park, Windsor, Leamington, Essex County . A Special Weather Statement  is issued when conditions are not expected to be severe enough to trigger a warning , but could still cause difficult or unusual weather conditions . People in these areas should remain alert, plan ahead, and exercise caution. Yellow Freezing Rain Warning Areas Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Woodstock, Owen Sound, Blue Mountains, Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Orangeville, Grand Valley, Halton Hills, Milton, London, Parkhill, Mount Forest, Arthur, Northern Wellington County, Caledon, Brantford, County of Brant, Goderich, Bluewater, Southern Huron County, Listowel, Milverton, Northern Perth County, Midland, Coldwater, Orr Lake, Hanover, Dundalk, Southern Grey County, Shelburne, Mansfield, Northern Dufferin County, Stratford, Mitchell, Southern Perth County, Wingham, Blyth, Northern Huron County . A Yellow Warning  is more serious. It means hazardous conditions are likely in this case, significant freezing rain that could make roads, sidewalks, and walkways dangerously slippery . Ice accumulation could also lead to power outages  and other disruptions. Residents should take immediate precautions . What to Expect The freezing rain may be mixed with snow or ice pellets  at times. Areas along the Lake Ontario shoreline  may see the precipitation briefly change to rain if temperatures rise above freezing. Safety Tips Drive slowly and allow extra time for travel. Be careful walking on potentially icy sidewalks and pathways. Keep an eye on forecasts and alerts as conditions change throughout the afternoon. For the latest road conditions, check Ontario’s 511 service  at ontario.ca/511 Stay Connected Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, especially older adults or anyone who may need help navigating icy conditions. Sharing this article with your community can help others stay safe and prepared  during today’s freezing rain. What’s Your Weather Like? We want to hear from you! If you’re seeing icy conditions this afternoon, email us your weather updates, photos, or videos  at smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com . Your reports help keep our community informed and prepared. Stay informed, stay careful, and make sure those around you are safe from the ice. 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: As of 10:00pm the right lane and right shoulder remain closed, while the left lane has reopened. There is another closure in the area of Belleville along Highway 401. This time, the westbound lanes have been shut down after a tractor-trailer caught fire just moments ago, creating a dangerous and rapidly developing situation for drivers in the area. Emergency crews are currently responding near the Wallbridge Loyalist Road interchange and County Road 1, where the vehicle is reported to be on fire on the highway. All westbound lanes have been closed as firefighters work to contain the blaze and police secure the scene. Heavy smoke is rising from the vehicle, reducing visibility and making travel through the area unsafe. Traffic is backing up as drivers are being forced to stop or divert away from the highway. At this time, it is not yet known if anyone has been injured or what caused the fire. Authorities are still assessing the situation as it unfolds. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternate routes while crews work to bring the situation under control. Please share this notice with others so they may know to avoid the westbound lanes of Highway 401 in the Belleville area. We will provide updates as they become available from first responders. 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

Update #2 : As of 7:42p.m all lanes have reopened. Thank you for your patience. Update: As of 7:01 pm, traffic remains backed up while one lane has reopened going eastbound on Highway 401 As of 6:47 p.m, all eastbound lanes of Highway 401 near Mitchell Road in the Belleville area are closed due to a serious crash involving a jack-knifed transport truck and several other vehicles. Ontario Provincial Police say the transport truck was blocking access on the highway, triggering a series of secondary collisions that forced a full shutdown of the eastbound lanes in the area. Emergency crews responded and secured the scene while traffic was brought to a stop. Police have confirmed that no injuries have been reported at this time. The closure caused major traffic disruptions for drivers travelling through Belleville, with vehicles being diverted away from the highway while crews worked to manage the scene and begin clearing the roadway. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes until the highway can be safely reopened. OPP have not yet provided an estimate for when eastbound lanes will resume normal traffic. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert for updates and follow directions from police and traffic officials as the situation continues to unfold. Readers are encouraged to share this notice so that others know to avoid the area as first responders tend to those involved. We will continue to provide updates as they become 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

All student transportation services operated by Tri-Board Student Transportation have been cancelled across the entire Tri-Board network on Monday, January 5, 2026 due to inclement weather. The Tri-Board confirmed that all buses within its service area are not operating for the day, meaning no student transportation is being provided anywhere in the network. Schools will still be open throughout the day. Areas affected Tri-Board provides school bus service across a large portion of eastern Ontario. The cancellation applies to all communities within its coverage area, including: North Hastings Centre Hastings Belleville and Quinte West Prince Edward County North Lennox and Addington Central Lennox and Addington South Lennox and Addington North and Central Frontenac South Frontenac Kingston area Families in all of these regions will need to make alternate arrangements for student transportation today. 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

Toronto police are investigating after a male passenger was killed in a shooting aboard a GO Transit bus at the Yorkdale GO bus terminal on Sunday, just before 7 p.m. Authorities have arrested a suspect and recovered a firearm believed to be connected to the incident. Emergency responders arrived to find the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police secured the area and temporarily disrupted transit services while conducting their investigation. TheToronto Police Service Homicide Unit is leading the inquiry, but investigators have not released the identities of the victim or the suspect, nor have they provided details about a possible motive. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward to assist with the 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