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| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Kingston Police have laid multiple fraud-related charges against a local contractor following an investigation that began in November 2025. Investigators with the Kingston Police Criminal Investigations Division opened the case after receiving complaints from several families who had hired a local construction company. Police determined that the accused, listed as the owner and operator of The Oakwood Group Inc., knowingly made false representations to multiple clients in order to obtain payments for materials, permits, and labour. The total amount obtained through these misrepresentations exceeds $586,000. Investigators allege that the accused misappropriated the funds, including using them for personal construction projects. Police also found that the accused allegedly double deposited bank drafts to fraudulently obtain credit before abandoning those bank accounts. In addition, the accused is accused of failing to pay subcontractors while keeping deposits for personal use without justification. At this time, none of the affected families have received reimbursement of their funds. On February 3, 2026, 31-year-old Adam Shulist of Kingston was arrested and charged with four counts of fraud over $5,000, four counts of theft over $5,000, four counts of obtaining money by false pretence over $5,000, and one count of obtaining credit by false pretence over $5,000. Kingston Police are asking any Kingston residents who believe they may have been defrauded by Shulist, The Oakwood Group Inc., or Titan Seals Inc. to contact Detective Stefan Walker at swalker@kingstonpolice.ca . If you have any information regarding this case or may have been affected yourself please get in touch with Kingston Police. 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 | Belleville Police Service arrested a local man Monday evening after responding to a call about an unwanted person at a North Front Street business. At approximately 7:25 p.m. on February 3 , officers were dispatched to the location following a report of a male causing concern on the premises. Upon arrival, police spoke with the individual and conducted a records check. Officers determined that the man identified as 44-year-old Belleville resident Christopher Derett which had multiple outstanding arrest warrants issued by the Belleville Police Service. The warrants were for operation while prohibited, operation while impaired, and failure to attend court . Derett was arrested without incident on the strength of the warrants. He was later released on an undertaking , with a scheduled court appearance set for March . Belleville Police have not reported any further charges related to the incident at the business. Anyone with information related to outstanding warrants or public safety concerns is encouraged to contact the Belleville Police Service or Crime Stoppers. 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 | Last updated: 3:00 p.m Update #4: The road has been reopened at 2:33p.m on February 3rd, 2026. Update #3: As of February 3rd, 6:55 a.m the road closure remains in effect Update #2: A total of four individuals were transported to the hospital, including a paramedic who sustained potentially life-altering injuries. The OPP is urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or possesses dashcam footage to contact the Central Hastings OPP at 1‑888‑310‑1122. The road closure remains in effect. Update #1: The paramedic has suffered serious injuries and was unconscious at the time the Ontario Provincial Police arrived. They have been transported to Belleville General Hospital by ambulance and are now awaiting transportation with ORNGE. A serious two-vehicle collision has closed the intersection of Highway 7 and Highway 62 in Madoc, prompting significant traffic disruptions and an ongoing police investigation. Hastings OPP say the crash involves an ambulance and a transport truck. The extent of injuries has not been confirmed, and emergency crews remain on scene with an air ambulance on the way. As a result of the collision, police have closed multiple sections of the roadway: Highway 7 is closed between Bonjour Boulevard and Cooper Road. Highway 62 is closed from Gladstone to Highway 7 in Madoc. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. OPP have indicated that the closure of Highway 7 is expected to continue throughout the evening as officers conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision. No further details have been released at this time. Updates will be provided at the top of this article as they become available. Please share this notice with friends, neighbors and family, so they know to avoid he 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’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 Ontario Provincial Police Update: The fugitive has been apprehended by Lennox & Addington OPP The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking for the public’s help in locating a 31-year-old man who is currently wanted. Tanner Sweet, age 31, is described as approximately 183 cm (6’0”) tall and weighing about 72 kg (160 lb). He has black hair, brown eyes, and multiple tattoos on his face, neck, and body, which may assist with identification. Police say Sweet is known to frequent the Belleville, Kingston, Tweed, Madoc, and Kaladar areas. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or the Provincial ROPE Squad Main Office at 1-866-870-7673. If Sweet is seen, members of the public are advised not to approach him and to call 9-1-1 immediately. Please share this notice and if you see or hear anything related to this individual, please contact authorities. Together, we can help keep 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 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: She has been found and the owner is on his way to recover her. A local resident is asking the public to keep an eye out for a missing dog that has been unaccounted for in the West Street area of Trenton this morning around 9am The dog, which belongs to Dan Foote , has been missing for a few hours, and efforts to locate her so far have been unsuccessful. The dog is described as: Medium in size Long, shaggy golden/blonde  coat Dog breed: Doodle Fluffy tail with slightly wavy fur Was last seen wearing a collar Residents in the West Street area — and surrounding neighborhoods — are asked to remain vigilant and check yards, sheds, or nearby properties. Anyone who sees the dog or has information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Dan Foote directly via Facebook Messenger  or call 613-885-3652. Even a sighting could assist in bringing her 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

DISCLAIMER Small Town News and Small Town Productions are reporting on publicly released statements. We do not allege, suggest, or imply any wrongdoing by any individual or organization mentioned in this article. | Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Last Updated: 1:08pm Things became noticeably heated this week after a statement issued by Northumberland County leadership prompted a formal and strongly worded response from Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, bringing a public disagreement between municipal and county officials into the spotlight. The exchange follows a county-issued release that referenced remarks attributed to the mayor, leading Cleveland to publicly dispute how his comments were characterized. The original statement released by Bob Crate, Warden of Northumberland County, and Acting CAO Glenn Dees Mayor Disputes Claims Attributed to Him In his response, Mayor Cleveland stated that he has never said nor implied the sentiments attributed to him in the county’s release, describing the characterization as inaccurate. Mayor's Response “I have never directly said or inferred ever the sentiments attributed to me,” Cleveland wrote. adding that his public remarks have focused on criminal activity as defined under federal and provincial law, rather than on social service workers or individuals accessing social supports. The mayor specifically rejected any suggestion that he referred to social service workers as “criminal enablers” or implied that people accessing social services are criminals. Disagreement Over Language and Interpretation Cleveland also denied calling for “widespread investigations,” a phrase included in the county’s statement, and challenged county communications staff to provide evidence that he made such remarks. He requested that no further statements be issued attributing those views to him, stating that he believes the wording used in the county’s release misrepresented his position. Broader Context of Ongoing Public Debate In his statement, the mayor acknowledged that the disagreement comes amid ongoing and often highly visible public discussions surrounding encampments, drug-related crime, and past operations at 310 Division Street in Cobourg. Cleveland stated that his previous comments were intended to address public safety concerns and should not be interpreted as commentary on social services or the individuals who rely on them. County Response As of publication, Northumberland County has not released an additional statement responding directly to the mayor’s rebuttal beyond its original release. The situation highlights differing interpretations of public remarks and reflects the challenges faced by municipalities and counties when navigating complex social and public safety issues in a highly public forum. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER This article is intended to inform readers by summarizing and contextualizing publicly available statements issued by elected officials and government representatives. Small Town News and Small Town Productions make no determinations regarding the accuracy, intent, or implications of those statements and encourage readers to review the original source materials directly. What Are Your Thoughts? 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 on Donations: At this time Northumberland County has asked all donations for the fire relief fund be paused until any further needs are identified as all immediate needs have been met by the county and members of this outstanding community. We will update when donations are reopened once further assessments are made. An early morning fire erupted earlier today causing extensive damage to a community housing apartment building in Colborne, forcing the evacuation of residents and displacing at least 23 people. Firefighters from multiple departments across Northumberland County responded to the blaze at a Northumberland County Housing Corporation property, where smoke and flames spread through the building. Crews worked for several hours to contain the fire and search the structure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Nearby roads were temporarily closed as emergency crews worked at the scene. The building was left uninhabitable, leaving residents suddenly without homes. Many were forced to evacuate quickly, leaving behind personal belongings, medications, and other essentials. Housing Loss Raises Local Concern The affected building was part of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation’s community housing portfolio, providing rent-geared-to-income housing for low-income seniors. In a small community like Colborne, the loss of affordable housing units has immediate consequences. With limited rental availability, displaced residents may face significant uncertainty about where they will live next. 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 | On January 28 at approximately 12:57 p.m., Belleville Police Service  responded to a report of a male uttering threats in the city’s west end. Police say the male allegedly threatened to attend a female’s residence and stab her. Following an investigation, officers located the suspect at approximately 4:20 p.m. He was arrested and charged with uttering threats . The accused is a 41-year-old man from Belleville. Police further report that while in custody, the male spat on an officer. As a result, he was additionally charged with assaulting a peace officer . The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing. The name of the accused has not been released to protect the victim's identity 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 If you would like to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Residents across Southern Ontario felt unexpected shaking as a rare earthquake  was detected east of Orillia at approximately 11 p.m on January 27th, 2026. Preliminary data indicates the quake measured around magnitude 4.1 , though officials note that early estimates may be revised as additional seismic data is reviewed. Shaking was reported in multiple communities throughout the region, surprising many residents who are unaccustomed to feeling earthquakes in Ontario. While smaller tremors do occur from time to time, earthquakes of this strength are uncommon in Southern Ontario , making the event notable. At this time, no injuries or significant damage have been reported , though assessments may still be ongoing. What to Do After Feeling an Earthquake Even when damage is not immediately visible, experts recommend taking basic precautions after any seismic event: Check your surroundings  for fallen objects, cracks in walls, or shifted furniture Inspect utilities  such as gas, water, and electrical lines for leaks or damage Avoid damaged structures  and report any concerns to local authorities Keep emergency supplies accessible , including flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits Stay informed  through official alerts in case aftershocks occur Earthquakes are rare in this region, but tonight’s shaking is a reminder that preparedness matters — even in places where we least expect it. Don't forget to check in on your neighbours 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 | Last Updated: 3:14 p.m. Updates - Original Article Below Update #6: Both Westbound & Eastbound lanes have reopened. The OPP thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation Update #5: As of 12:12 p.m driveable vehicles are now being directed off of Highway 401 Westbound Update #4: We received information at 11:00 a.m that Westbound traffic is closed at Shannonville road and Eastbound is closed at Glen Miller near Trenton Update #3: At 10:10 a.m the Emergency Detour Route was activated and the Trenton Arena located at 8 Couch Cres. has been utilized as a warming center for stranded motorists Update #2: As of 9:41 a.m, it appears three collisions have occurred along the corridor, one at Shannonville Rd, one at Wallbridge Loyalist Rd, and one at Hilaire Road. OPP are working on closing the highway. Update #1: As of 9:34 a.m, officials are stating there could be up to 50 cars involved along the corridor from Shannonville to Trenton. Please avoid the 401 Updates - End

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | One person has been arrested and a handgun has been seized following an overnight police incident that led to a shelter-in-place order in the Sharbot Lake area. Members of the Frontenac OPP  responded to a residence in Sharbot Lake  shortly before midnight on Monday, January 26. Police say a male fled the scene before officers arrived. It was later learned that the individual was armed with a handgun, prompting police to issue a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area as a safety precaution. After several hours, the male was located at another residence and was arrested after the shelter-in-place order was put into effect . He was safely taken into custody, and a handgun was seized. A 35-year-old man has been charged with: Pointing a firearm Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm Carrying a concealed weapon Using a firearm while committing an offence Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order Tampering with the serial number of a firearm Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing later today. Police have not released the name of the accused in order to protect the identity of the victim. 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 | Last Updated: 6:00 am January 26th, 2026 Update #2: Most schools under the limestone district school board are also closed with the exception of; NAEC, GREC, Land O Lakes and Clarendon Central Update #1: The Hastings Prince Edward District School Board has closed all schools in Belleville, Quinte West, and Prince Edward County, while the Algonquin & Lake District School Board has closed all schools within its district All schools under the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland & Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), will be closed to students and staff due to hazardous weather conditions on Monday, January 26th, 2026. | Updates on closures will be posted to the top of the article once available | What’s Closed All schools, buildings, and worksites are closed, including: Education Centres Before and After School programs Full-day child care centres The closures apply for the full day on Monday. Snowfall Totals and Conditions