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(Nortumberland County, ON) The Cobourg Police Service is warning residents about a suspected landscaping fraud after several individuals across the area paid for property work that was never completed. In the incidents reported to police, residents entered into verbal agreements for landscaping or property-related services, paying money upfront with the expectation that the work would soon begin. Instead, no work was carried out, and communication with the individual or company ceased. Police say the combined losses from recent reports total more than $50,000 . Authorities are urging the public to take precautions when hiring contractors. They recommend insisting on a written contract outlining timelines, payment terms, and the scope of work; checking references and business licenses; and avoiding door-to-door offers or high-pressure sales tactics. Residents are also encouraged to avoid paying the full amount before work begins and to use traceable payment methods rather than cash. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this or a similar scam is encouraged to contact local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre  at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca . Fraud can have lasting financial and emotional impacts, and police emphasize that reporting suspicious activities and informing others helps keep us safer from these scams as they become more advanced. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us, please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

A large-scale fire has forced residents from their homes on Birch Island this afternoon as flames rapidly spread across the north end of the island. At approximately 2:29 p.m., South Frontenac Fire & Rescue (SFFR) responded to reports of a structure fire near Marina Lane, deploying multiple stations along with support from Central Frontenac Fire & Rescue (CFFR). As crews approached by boat, a thick column of smoke could be seen rising over the water. Once the first marine units reached the scene, they discovered severe fire damage, with one property already destroyed and nearly a quarter of the island engulfed. Only about ten homes are located on the island, making the event devastating for the small community. Conditions quickly worsened as propane tanks began to explode and power lines fell, forcing an immediate evacuation of the north side. Additional firefighters were called in for reinforcement as the fire continued to spread under challenging conditions. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and paramedics soon joined the response, helping ensure residents were safely removed from danger. Despite the difficult circumstances, fire crews were able to protect several properties from being consumed. As of 4:00 p.m., the fire remains uncontained, and emergency personnel are still working to bring it under control. The close-knit community of Birch Island is now facing heavy losses, but the dedication of first responders and the cooperation of residents have been evident throughout the ordeal. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change—and how communities come together when it matters most. Officials are urging everyone to avoid the Marina Lane area while firefighters continue their efforts into the evening. Our thoughts are with all of those affected and 100 percent of all donations received through this article will go towards helping the residents of Birch Island rebuild To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

Image Courtesy of Ontario Provincial Police - Central Region The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is asking for the public’s help after a daytime break and enter at a residence in Campbellford and community in Trent Hills, Ontario. On October 12, 2025, shortly after midday, officers responded to a call from a homeowner who returned to their Centre Street property to find an exterior door damaged and the interior disturbed. Investigators determined that the suspects were unsuccessful in obtaining any valuables during the break-in. The Victim was a Reverend at a local church, and he was giving a Sermon at the time the crime was committed. A Scenes of Crime Officer attended to assist with evidence collection. Further investigation revealed that several individuals entered the property at approximately 11:25 a.m. that day. Police have released images of the individuals and the vehicle believed to have been used to flee the scene. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could help identify those involved is urged to contact the Campbellford OPP Detachment at 705-653-3300 or the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122, quoting Occurrence E251390733. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca . Tipsters will not have to testify in court, and information provided may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000. Please share this notice and let's help the OPP find those responsible. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us, please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Belleville, ON) Drivers may have noticed a bit of an obstacle again this morning traveling along Dundas Street East/Highway 2, as traffic was delayed and rerouted due to repairs/upgrades that started earlier this week on the railroad crossing near Haig Road. Railroad crews were on site early this morning performing maintenance and upgrades to the rail line, causing lane closures and detours in the surrounding area. Eastbound and westbound traffic along Dundas Street East have been travelling along the Eastbound lanes on one side of the road, while some motorists chose to go through nearby residential routes to avoid congestion. Drivers in the area reported longer-than-usual delays, particularly during the morning commute. Officials are advising residents to allow extra travel time and to be mindful of workers directing traffic through the construction zone. When Small Town News asked railroad workers about the expected duration of the project to get an update in their timeframe, they said the work is anticipated to take roughly two more weeks to complete, depending on weather and site conditions. As always, motorists are reminded to slow down in construction areas and remain patient as crews complete the necessary infrastructure upgrades to improve long-term safety and reliability along the rail corridor. Please share this notice with others to help keep them informed of the ongoing railroad work. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

Update: As of 4pm on Tuesday October 14th, 2025 all lanes have reopened . Emergency crews are currently on scene at a vehicle fire on Highway 401 westbound at Deseronto Road (Interchange 570) and County Road 10 near Napanee. All westbound lanes are fully closed as firefighters work to extinguish the blaze and ensure the scene is safe. Traffic is being diverted off the highway, and motorists are advised to avoid the area or expect significant delays. There’s no word yet on injuries or when the highway will reopen. Drivers should monitor Ontario 511 or local updates for the latest road information. Updates will be posted as they become available Please share this notice to help keep others informed as well To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Havelock, ON) Update: As of 7:33pm both lanes, east and west have reopened. Update: As of 5:21pm traffic is moving slowly in the Eastbound lanes while Westbound lanes remain closed. Emergency crews are on scene at a serious multi-vehicle collision on Highway 7 near Weller Road, east of Havelock. The highway has been shut down in both directions as debris is scattered across the roadway. According to early reports, one female patient is lying on the road, though the extent of her injuries remains unknown at this time. Traffic in the area is becoming heavily congested, and motorists should expect significant delays while emergency services work to clear the scene and assist those involved. Drivers are urged to use caution if travelling tonight, as there have been several serious collisions reported across the region within the past few hours. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please share this notice with others to help keep them informed To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Trent Hills, ON) Emergency crews are on scene at a serious three-vehicle collision in the area of County Road 42 and Belmont Township 11th Line. According to early reports, one of the vehicles has rolled over, and some occupants are believed to be trapped. The extent of injuries remains unknown at this time. The Ontario Provincial Police have closed County Road 42 while emergency personnel assess the situation and determine the severity of the injuries. Motorists are asked to avoid the area and take alternate routes until the road has been reopened. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Please share this notice to help keep others informed To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Wellington, ON) Update: As of 2:30pm Loyalist Parkway has been reopened. The OPP thanks everyone for the continued patience and cooperation. Loyalist Parkway has been closed in both directions between Conley Road and Belleville Street due to a single-vehicle collision in Wellington, Prince Edward County. The Ontario Provincial Police are investigating the incident and have asked motorists to avoid the area until further notice. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes and expect delays in the surrounding area. Updates will be provided once the roadway has reopened. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

The Government of Canada has confirmed that six Canadian citizens have been detained by Israeli authorities after seizing the boat known as a "Flotilla". Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that Global Affairs Canada is aware of the situation, is in contact with Israeli officials, and is providing consular services to those affected and their families. In a public statement, Minister Anand urged Israel to “ensure the safety of Canadian citizens and to facilitate their swift release.” According to some reports, the detained Canadians have been transferred to Ketziot Prison in the Negev desert, located in southern Israel, for processing and tribunal hearings. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has publicly stated that all detainees are “safe” and will be deported following review. Israel maintains a naval blockade of Gaza, which it describes as a necessary security measure to prevent unauthorized entry and weapons smuggling. The Israeli government considers vessels attempting to breach the blockade, even in international waters under some interpretations, to be in violation of Israeli law and subject to interception. In previous instances, flotillas attempting to enter the restricted zone have been detained under similar circumstances. The names of the six Canadians reportedly detained are: Mskwaasin Agnew Devoney Ellis Nimâ Machouf Sadie Mees Khurram Musti Khan Nikita Stapleton While details remain limited, concerned citizens in Canada have begun sharing information and encouraging others to contact government officials, such as; your elected MPPs or MPS, to advocate for their release. This situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided 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 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us, please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

Update: As of 5:41pm the accidents have been cleared and traffic should return to normal Drivers are being advised to avoid Highway 401 near County Road 4 in the Lennox & Addington County area after a pair of collisions brought traffic to a halt in both directions earlier this afternoon. According to early reports, an initial motor vehicle collision occurred in the eastbound lanes, leaving only one lane open to traffic. Shortly after, a secondary crash took place in the westbound lanes, believed to be caused by drivers slowing down to look at the first scene. The result has been major congestion and a complete stop of traffic in both directions. Emergency crews are currently on scene working to clear the roadway and assist those involved. There’s no official word yet on injuries or when the highway will fully reopen. Motorists are urged to avoid the area, plan alternate routes, and use caution when traveling near the scene. Please share this notice to help keep others informed and give them a heads up if they're traveling 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’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Trenton, ON) Update: as of 8:03pm the roads have been reopened. Queen Street from Wilkins Street to Creswell Drive has been closed to traffic until further notice following a structure fire in the area. Emergency crews remain on scene working to contain the situation and ensure public safety. Residents and motorists are being asked to avoid the area to allow first responders to operate safely and efficiently. An official notice will be issued once the road has reopened. If you have photos, videos, or updates from the scene, please share them with us at Small Town News to help keep the community informed of the situation as it evolves To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com

(Cobourg, ON) The Cobourg Police Service is investigating a reported break and enter that occurred early Tuesday morning, October 8, 2025, at approximately 1:10 a.m. Officers responded to a building in the area of Third Street, where they discovered insecure doors and a window that appeared to have been forced open. Police are currently working alongside the property owner to determine whether any items were taken during the incident. Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around that time to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cobourg Police Service at 905-372-6821 or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting stopcrimehere.ca. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share this post or provide information. Your help truly makes a difference in keeping our community safe. To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup  or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news Link for Donations We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.   https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6 Small Business Spotlight If you wish to advertise with us please email smalltownproductionscanada@gmail.com