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| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | A 45-year-old Belleville man was arrested on October 3rd after police located him in the Sidney Street area in connection with an investigation into a stolen credit card that had allegedly been used to make fraudulent purchases. Belleville Police say the investigation was launched on September 14th, 2026, after officers received a report of a stolen credit card that had subsequently been used to make fraudulent purchases. As a result of the investigation, police identified a suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest. Michael Mercer, age 45, of Belleville but with no fixed address, was charged with: Theft of a credit card Use of a credit card Break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence Fail to comply with a release order Mercer was held in custody for a bail hearing. If you think you may have witnessed a crime, please report it to Belleville Police. Together We Make A Difference To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | A 60-year-old Quinte West man has been charged with impaired driving following an early-morning traffic stop in Belleville. Belleville Police responded to North Front Street at approximately 1:19 a.m. on October 2nd after receiving a report of a suspected impaired driver. Police say a man had reportedly been seen entering his vehicle after consuming alcohol. Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, police say officers observed signs of impairment. As a result of the investigation, Timothy Jones, age 60, of Quinte West, was arrested and charged with: Operation while impaired - alcohol Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration over 80 mg Jones was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in November. Reporting Suspected Impaired Drivers Can Save Lives Impaired driving is not simply a traffic offence. A person choosing to drive while impaired puts passengers, pedestrians, other motorists and first responders at risk within seconds of entering the roadway. This incident also highlights why reporting suspected impaired drivers matters. If someone appears impaired and is preparing to drive, or if a vehicle is being operated in a way that suggests the driver may be impaired, residents should not hesitate to contact police. A timely call can give officers an opportunity to intervene before a collision happens. When there is an immediate threat to public safety, call 911 and provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle description, licence plate if safely available, location and direction of travel. Community safety depends on people speaking up when they believe someone is about to put others in danger. When it comes to suspected impaired driving, making the call can prevent a tragedy. Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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

Belleville Police are investigating after antisemitic flyers were reportedly distributed in the east end of the city. Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed toward Jewish people because they are Jewish. Belleville Police say they are aware of flyers containing antisemitic messaging and are actively investigating the incident. Police are asking anyone who may have information, surveillance footage, doorbell camera video or other evidence connected to the distribution of the flyers to contact aboulay@bellevilleps.ca There is no room for hate in Belleville. Incidents targeting people because of their religion, ethnicity or identity can create fear well beyond those directly targeted and can affect the sense of safety of an entire community. Belleville Police say they remain in contact with community leaders and are taking proactive steps to support the safety and well-being of residents. Increased patrols will continue throughout Belleville, including around places of worship and other community gathering spaces. Residents are being encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious activity rather than assume someone else will make the call. If you witness or experience an incident motivated by hate, please reach out to the Belleville Police Service non-emergency line at 613-966-0882 or call 911 in an emergency. There Is No Room for Hatred in Belleville To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | Ten people are facing drug-related charges following the execution of two search warrants at separate apartments in Belleville's west end. Belleville Police say officers carried out the warrants on Monday at two different apartment units. During the searches, police reportedly seized cocaine, approximately $3,200 in cash and 14 cell phones. A total of ten people were arrested during the two raids, including eight Belleville residents and two people from Toronto. Accused Names & Charges Below Nicholas Geness, age 32, of Toronto, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Geness was held for a bail hearing. Joshua Wyllie, age 26, of Toronto, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Wyllie was held for a bail hearing. Terry Denison, age 63, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Arrested on outstanding OPP QW warrants Denison was held for a bail hearing. Jami Latham, 41, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Fail to comply with Undertaking x2 Latham was held for a bail hearing. Jennifer Wilson, age 56, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Wilson was released on an Undertaking. Che Copplestone, age 50, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Copplestone was released on an Undertaking. Natasha Ferguson, age 35, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Ferguson was released on an Undertaking. Jamie Stokes, age 49, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Proceeds of Crime Under $5000 Stokes was released on an Undertaking. Justin Howard, age 43, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Fail to comply with probation order Outstanding warrant executed Howard was held for a bail hearing. Stephen Pringle, age 64, of Belleville, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine Pringle was released on an Undertaking. Five of the accused were held for bail hearings, while the remaining five were released on Undertakings. If you suspect criminal activity, please report it to local authorities. Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | A 33-year-old Belleville man has been arrested in a human trafficking investigation, with Hamilton Police appealing for additional victims to come forward. Police identified the accused as Ebunoluwa Tomiwa, of Belleville, and say he turned himself in on the morning of Thursday, September 24th. Tomiwa faces the following charges: Trafficking of Persons Procuring for Sexual Services Material Benefit - Trafficking of Persons Withholding Documents In their September 24th announcement, police said Tomiwa was scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing. Investigators believe there may be other victims who have not yet spoken with police. They are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized, or who has information about the investigation, to contact the Hamilton Police Human Trafficking Unit. Anyone in Belleville or elsewhere with information that could assist investigators can call 905-546-3831. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through crimestoppershamilton.com Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | Mason Jenkins remains at large four days after he was reported unaccounted for from the minimum-security unit at Collins Bay Institution in Kingston. As of Monday, September 28th, Kingston Police continue to list the 49-year-old as wanted, with no public announcement indicating that he has been located or returned to custody. Jenkins’ current whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have not publicly indicated whether he is still in the Kingston area. Residents in Kingston and surrounding communities should therefore remain aware of the ongoing search. Jenkins and his family were previously featured in the 2010 documentary Life with Murder, directed by John Kastner and produced in part by the National Film Board of Canada. The film follows the Jenkins family in the years following the death of Jenkins’ sister, Jennifer, and examines how the family dealt with his arrest, conviction and imprisonment. Jenkins is serving a life sentence for the first-degree murder of his sister, along with a sentence related to possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Correctional Service Canada says staff discovered Jenkins was missing during the 11:15 a.m. count on Thursday, September 24th. Kingston Police were contacted and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is described as a white male, approximately 5'9" tall and weighing about 255 pounds. Jenkins has a fair complexion, brown eyes and brown hair, although his head is currently shaved bald. At the time of his disappearance, Jenkins was reportedly wearing a light green jacket, blue jeans, and rubber boots He has most likely changed clothes since. Police are urging members of the public not to approach Jenkins if he is spotted. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0. Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | Four people, including a 14-year-old youth, are facing charges following an investigation that led OPP to a scrap yard in Quinte West, where three stolen vehicles and various vehicle parts were recovered. According to OPP, the investigation began on Monday, September 21st, 2026, just before 1:00 a.m., when Quinte West OPP received information about a stolen vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 401. The vehicle was being remotely tracked by York Regional Police. Members of Northumberland OPP attempted to stop the vehicle, but police say it failed to stop and continued eastbound. The vehicle was later located at a scrap yard on Downs Road in the City of Quinte West. Police say three individuals were located and arrested at the scene while leaving the property in a separate vehicle. Members of Quinte West OPP and the Quinte West OPP Crime Unit subsequently executed a search warrant at the Downs Road property. During the search, officers located and seized three vehicles that had previously been reported stolen from the Greater Toronto Area, along with various vehicle parts. The accused individuals also had what appeared to be a bag full of 20 to 30 Key FOBs and a programmer. Please Find The Accused & The Charges They Face Below

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions | Kingston Police are actively searching for a 49-year-old inmate who was reported unaccounted for at Collins Bay Institution on Thursday, September 24th. Police say Mason Jenkins was discovered missing during the 11:15 a.m. inmate count at the institution’s minimum-security unit. Jenkins is described as a white male, approximately 5'9" tall and weighing about 255 pounds. He has a fair complexion, brown eyes and brown hair, although his head is currently shaved bald. He was last seen wearing a light green jacket, blue jeans and rubber boots. According to the alert, Jenkins is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Kingston Police are asking anyone with information regarding Jenkins’ whereabouts to contact police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0. Members of the public are being warned not to approach Jenkins if he is spotted. Anyone who sees him should contact 9-1-1 immediately. Police are also reminding residents not to call 9-1-1 for general information or updates regarding the search. Anyone who may have information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Kingston Police. Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | New details have emerged following Sunday night's shooting at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville's east end from Belleville Police and Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Belleville Police Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks has identified the 29-year-old suspect as Sean Ward, of Quinte West. Belleville Police Constable, Jeff Smith, who was stationed outside the synagogue, was seriously wounded during the exchange of gunfire between himself and the suspect. Smith remains in ICU in critical condition but is stable. Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says Ward was armed with a rifle when an exchange of gunfire with police occurred. Ward also suffered gunshot wounds and remains in life-threatening condition. The shooting occurred in front of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue, at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Bleecker Avenue, while members of Belleville's Jewish community were gathering to observe Yom Kippur. SIU Investigation Underway The SIU has assigned four investigators and two forensic investigators to the case. Anyone with information, photographs or video is asked to contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529 or through its online witness portal. Synagogue President Describes Shooting as Hate-Motivated Attack The synagogue's president has publicly described the shooting as a hate-motivated attack and said he believes the Jewish congregation was deliberately targeted. He has also said the armed man was in front of the synagogue, rather than simply near it. Authorities have confirmed what are now 24 apparent bullet holes in a stained-glass window. Former Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams also raised concerns Sunday night that the synagogue and its congregation had been targeted. Williams shared a photograph of the apparent window damage, which he said had been sent to him by a worshipper. The photograph shared by Williams and his statement can be seen below. Witness accounts included in our initial coverage described what was believed to be an attempt by the armed man to gain entry to the synagogue. His motive remains under investigation. Officer Praised as a Hero Constable Jeff Smith has received widespread recognition for his actions during the shooting. We join those recognizing Constable Smith as a hero for his actions Sunday night and the courage shown during an extraordinarily dangerous situation. Belleville Police previously confirmed there was no further threat to public safety. The SIU investigation remains active. Our thoughts remain with Constable Smith, his family, and everyone affected by Sunday night's violence. We wish him strength and a speedy recovery Our thoughts also remain with Belleville's Jewish community during this difficult time. To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | A Belleville Police officer and another individual were taken to the hospital Sunday evening following a serious shooting incident in the city's east end that prompted a significant emergency response and notification of Ontario's Special Investigations Unit. According to information released by the Belleville Police Service, the incident occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 20th, in the area of Victoria Avenue and Bleecker Avenue at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue. This evening, former MP for the Bay of Quinte region, Ryan Williams, shared an update showing what seem to be bullet holes in the window of the synagogue. He described the attempted attack as disgraceful, suggesting it may have been more targeted at the synagogue directly, with several shots fired and an apparent attempt to break in, according to his latest statement on social media. We wholeheartedly agree with his message from the above post on X THAT OFFICER IS A HERO Police confirmed that an officer encountered an individual in the area and that both the officer and the suspect sustained injuries. Both individuals were transported to the hospital. Belleville Police have not released the nature or severity of their injuries. Several accounts from people in the surrounding neighbourhood described what sounded like a brief exchange of gunfire, with some estimating that roughly 20 shots were heard. Other accounts provided through social media and local reporting similarly described numerous shots being fired. The exact number of shots have not been confirmed by police. A significant police and emergency services response followed, with officers converging on the area around Victoria Avenue and Bleecker Avenue. Information released by Belleville Police refers to an officer encountering one individual. Police have not publicly announced that a second suspect or shooter was involved at this time. Despite the significant police presence and reports of gunfire, Belleville Police have confirmed there is no further threat to public safety. The Belleville Police Service has notified Ontario's Special Investigations Unit of the incident. The SIU is Ontario's independent civilian agency responsible for investigating certain incidents involving police, including cases involving serious injury, death or the discharge of a firearm at a person. Because the SIU has been notified, Belleville Police indicated they are unable to release further information about the incident at this time. Information in this article comes primarily from the Belleville Police Service, with firsthand accounts from other residents in the area and former MP Ryan Williams. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation for any new developments and information. We Wish The Officer A Speedy Recovery, and Thank You From All Of Us Today You Made The Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | The identity of the accused cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Northumberland OPP have charged a 17-year-old from Quebec following the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Trent Hills on Wednesday. At approximately 2:15 p.m. on September 16th, an officer travelling on County Road 35 received an alert from the Automated Licence Plate Recognition system identifying a vehicle that had been reported stolen from the Niagara Region. Police say the same vehicle had earlier failed to stop for officers near Highway 401 in Cobourg. Officers later attempted to stop the vehicle at a commercial property in Hastings, but police allege the driver fled again. The vehicle was subsequently located abandoned on Lakeshore Drive, prompting an increased police presence while officers searched the surrounding area. The OPP Canine Unit assisted with the search, and officers later located one person in a nearby field and took them into custody. Police remained in the area until approximately 5:30 p.m. As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old from Quebec was charged with: Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Dangerous operation x2 Flight from a peace officer x2 Several Highway Traffic Act offences The search has since concluded, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Great Job Officers! To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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 | Reports of someone going through parked vehicles led police to a woman they say was also connected to an earlier credit card fraud investigation. The first investigation began on September 13th, 2026, when Belleville Police responded to a business on North Front Street regarding a reported fraud. Police were told that a wallet had been stolen from a vehicle overnight and that a credit card belonging to the victim was later used at the North Front Street business. Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the business and identified a female suspect. Three days later, on September 16th at approximately 4:11 a.m., Belleville Police responded to the city’s east end after receiving reports of an individual going through parked vehicles and stealing items. Officers located and identified a suspect during the investigation. Police determined the woman was the same individual identified in connection with the earlier fraud investigation. As a result of the investigations, Stephanie McKenna, a 35-year-old Belleville woman of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with: Use of credit card Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Trespassing at night Theft under $5,000 Fail to comply with probation order McKenna was released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in December. If you see a crime in progress please report it to police immediately. Together We Make Our Community Safer To keep updated with our latest news, check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with 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