Brighton Citizen of the Year

Come rain or shine, or heat or cold, eighty-year-old Alice Richardson and her walker can be found strolling along the streets of Brighton cleaning up litter to help make her town a beautiful place to live.

She always has a smile and a nice word for everyone she meets along the way and even carries treats for her canine friends.

She is an inspiration to many and that’s why she was chosen as Brighton’s  ’Citizen of the Year’ during Saturday night’s Civic Awards Gala.

The Junior Citizen of the Year award went to ENSS student Curtis Germaine who has a lengthy list of accomplishments that make him a credit to both the school and his community.

Other awards went to: Trent Michaud – Outstanding Athletic Achievement, Jack and Alice Eagles – Good Samaritans, Stephanie Bird – Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, Mike and Lori Vanhaarlem – Outstanding Community Service, and Colleen Allchurch for Outstanding Business Achievement.

Big Party

Quite a house party last night on Hutton Drive. Police were called to a residence there and found 125 people standing in the road.

Upon arrival police found 3 people were assaulted and required medical attention.

One 18 year old Belleville man was arrested for public intoxication.

Assaults and Broken Windows

Some assaults took place and a baby’s bedroom window was smashed at an apartment on Haig Road last night.

Police arrived to find several people assaulted and instantly took the 8 month old baby away. The baby was put into and remains in foster care.

An arrest warrant was issued for the arrest of a 22 year old Belleville man in connection to the assaults and for breach of an undertaking.

Belleville crossing guard killed in accident

The investigation is continuing and Belleville Police still need some more information after a crossing guard was struck by a car and killed yesterday afternoon.

Emergency crews were called at about 12:25 yesterday when the crossing guard at Sidney St. and Leland Dr. was hit by a car.

Police have identified the victim as 71-year-old Norman Cole of Belleville, and say he’s a city employee, but no information has been released about the driver of the car.

The BPS Traffic Management Unit did a reconstruction of the crash and are also helping the Ministry of Labour to investigate.

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Fatal collision closes Sidney Street

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BPS investigate break-in and fights

A couple of minor incidents for Belleville Police overnight.

Early yesterday evening police investigated a break and enter on Thrasher road… although nothing appears to have been taken.

Then early this morning… police broke up separate fights at bars on North Front Street.

The crowd at the first fight dispersed when police arrived… while a man was arrested at the second fight… then taken to hospital.

Police say he was hit with a beer bottle.
Both investigations are continuing.

“Suspicious package” no problem: Police

It’s a case of better safe than sorry after police investigated a suspicious package in Belleville yesterday.

Police were told of a powdery substance on a package at the Federal Building on Station Street just before 10 A-M… and the buidling was evacuated with the help of fire crews.

The O-P-P Ubran Search and Rescue and Checmical Response team was deployed and determined the substance was non-toxic… and it’s origins were non-criminal.

Housing developers switch water sources

Quinte West and Prince Edward County are working together to make servicing a new sub division a lot easier.

Earlier this week, Quinte West’s Public Works Committee recommended that the developers planning a major housing project near Carrying Place be allowed to change the route for it’s water services.

If all conditions are met, the developers of Young Cove, will take their water from the Prince Edward County line at County Rd 64, instead of bringing it up from the Wooler road in Quinte West.

That will shorten the water line, and cut costs, considerably for the developers.

The homeowners will remain customers of the City of Quinte West.

Red Devils roll to gold

The Cornerstone Builders Peewee Quinte Red Devils are O-H-F Champions.

After edging out London 3-2 in overtime in the Semis… the Devils went on to knock off the Toronto Nationals 5-1 on their way to gold.

Jacob Brahaney led the Quinte attack with a goal and two assists… while Aidan McFarland and Mac Lowry each had a goal and a helper.

3 other Devils found the net… while Jett Alexander was solid in net to earn the win… and was selected as the player of the game.

Rebels lose, still lead series 3-2

The Campbellford Rebels quest for the O-H-A Junior C Finals will take at least one more game.

After barreling out to a 3-0 series lead over the Alliston Hornets… the Rebels dropped the last two games… including an 8-3 loss in Alliston last night.

Nick Orton was Campbellford’s leading scorer with a pair of goals.

Game 6 goes tomorrow in Campbellford at 7:30… Game 7 if needed will be played in Alliston on Tuesday night.

The winner of the series will face the Grimsby Peach Kings.

Fatal collision closes Sidney St.

Haz-Mat team at Belleville CRA

A Haz-Mat team is still investigating a suspicious package in Belleville.

Hazardous Materials investigators say they’re still unsure about the white powder that was found in a package delivered to Canada Revenue’s offices on Station St. this morning.

A staff member alerted authorities around 10:00 and staff was evacuated, with the building shut down, as per regulations.

The front door has been locked since then with a sign on the door that says simply that the office is closed for the day.

Norampac still fighting

No one is making any statements to the media but word is that Norampac still has a fighting chance.

The Trenton mill’s closure was announced by its parent company yesterday.

Sources close to the case say the parties continue to communicate about a possible resolution that could see the plant stay open.

The plant makes corrugated cardboard products and employs about 130 people.

Brighton Fire Drills

If you’re coming along highway 2 between Trenton and Belleville tomorrow and you see a line of fire trucks there is no cause for concern.

The Brighton Fire Department will be running drills at around 8 am and until 10 am.

There will be trucks and hoses laid out on the side of the road.

The municipality of Brighton is asking that drivers be cautious when driving past these trucks as there will be fire fighters running drills along the roadside.

Suncor charged in relation to Belleville location

Recently Suncor Energy Products, owner of Sunoco and supplier to Pioneer, was fined $500,000 for communications involving gas prices in Belleville with Pioneer Petroleums Inc.

An investigation by the Competition Bureau found that conversations happened five different times between representatives for both companies in 2007 concerning their pricing in Belleville.

Suncor co-operated  fully with the bureau and agreed to pay a fine of $500,000 in order to put the matter behind it. The company has stated that no further communication concerning pricing has happened.

Lock It Or Lose It

Northumberland OPP have had their hands full the last month with 19 reported car thefts happening overnight.

The thefts have been reported between Trent Hills and Colborne, and usually involve items like cell phones, wallets, GPS units, radios, sunglasses and loose change.

Police are reminding vehicle owners to lock their vehicles at night and keep valuables in your home or out of sight, especially overnight.

If you have any information on these crimes please contact the Northumberland OPP.

Brighton Speedway returns with new website

Brighton speedway fans will be excited to find that the company has updated their website recently.

The new website provides easier accessibility for fans as well as the ability to track points and results and find out about favorite drivers, as well as watching for what is coming up next.

Brighton Speedway officially opens May 5th of this year.

Premier to stop in Millhaven

There’s word Premier Dalton McGuinty will be stopping in the region today.

He’s expected to make a stop at the Bombardier plant in Millhaven.

The Ontario Government is making numerous stops at a time when an election may be called.

The liberals need two votes from the opposition in order to garner support for their budget released last month.

MP lends a hand in Norampac closure

Rick Norlock says he’ll do whatever he can to help the Norampac plant in Trenton stay open.

The MP for Northumberland Quinte West says he’s been in contact with both the mayor and the MPP and promises to assist them in any way necessary.

Norampac’s parent company announced the mill’s closure yesterday.

130 workers are expected to lose their jobs sometime before June 1.

Officials are saying it’s not the end yet and they’re hoping for a renegotiation that will change the minds of those involved.

Suspicious package investigated at CRA

Belleville Police are still investigating a case of a suspicious package.

Police attended the scene at the Canada Revenue building on Station St. around 11:00 this morning.

Staff members were reportedly evacuated for safety purposes.

The investigation continues.

Sidney St. closed due to collision

3PM UPDATE: One person has died in the collision.

The public is advised the south end of Belleville’s Sidney St. will be closed for a while.

City police are on the scene of a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle, which also set off a nearby fire hydrant.

Public Works has cleared the scene on Dundas at Sidney, where flooding from the fire-hydrant was spilling into oncoming traffic.

Police are allowing no pedestrians near the scene and if drivers live nearby, they’re being asked to park their cars elsewhere.

Sidney St. will be closed between Dundas and Bridge Streets until further notice.

Grass fire north of Stirling

Fire crews near Springbrook have brought a grass fire under control.

Emergency crews were called to the scene north of Stirling just before 12:45. It took firefighters about half an hour to put the fire out.

The incident happened near the intersection of Rylstone and Springbrook Roads.

Trenton expropriation hearing wraps up

Some land could soon be taken from a Trenton farmer for use by the Canadian military.

An expropriation hearing was held yesterday at the Holiday Inn in Trenton.

A story in the Belleville Intelligencer states that Frank Meyers and his family made submissions in defence of keeping their land which has been in their family for five generations.

A government-appointed adjudicator has until next Friday to file her findings.

The Department of National Defence has been negotiating with Meyers and his neighbours for years but Meyers is the last to hold-out against the take-over.

The military needs the land to build an exclusive training centre for a Joint Task Force.

Rebels get another chance in Alliston

The Campbellford Rebels get another chance to advance to the OHA Junior-C finals when the play against the Hornets tonight in Alliston.  If a game seven is needed, it’ll happen Sunday in Campbellford.

Belleville Dundas Street ripped up

Motorists are finding it difficult to make their way along a major artery in Belleville: Dundas St. E.

City workers are digging up the street to replace a 112-year-old watermain and repave the road.

Deputy Director of engineering Ray Ford says the $2.9 million watermain replacement project will run right through  to  the end of August.

Ford says water to residents and businesses in the area may be shut off temporarily for up to four hours, and if it’s disconnected, temporary water service will be provided.

Albert College holds Day of Pink

Students and staff at Belleville's Albert College "Lead with Love" at their celebration for the International Day of Pink on Wednesday. Photo submitted by Albert College.

Wanted man picked up after QW traffic stop

O-P-P have arrested a wanted Belleville man on a routine traffic stop.

Police stopped a vehicle on Dundas Street East in Trenton just before 1AM.
The driver… 24-year old Adam Clapp had been wanted on a fail to appear and possession of stolen property.

Police also found him in possession of marijuana.

He was arrested and charged… and will appear in Belleville court today for a bail hearing.

QW OPP release early 2012 crash stats

It’s been a busy start to the year for O-P-P on the roads in Quinte West.

Provincial Police have investigated 297 collisions and charged 80 drivers with traffic related offences since the start of 2012.

Those numbers are mixed when compared to 2011… when there were 306 crashes… but only 63 charges laid.

Police are reminding motorists to slow down, be aware on the roads… and of course buckle up.

Trenton’s Norampac plant to close by June 1

The Norampac container board mill in Trenton is slated for closure by June 1, throwing 130-people out of work .

The parent company, Cascades Inc., announced that it’s shutting down its Trenton mill, Norampac.  The company says it made the decision after the union, representing the 130-employees, rejected its final offer of 2.5% in the first year and 2% in each of the next 3 years.

Norampac  President Marc-Andre Depin says the Trenton mill has suffered “significant losses” over the years. Depin says this, along  with what he called  ”unacceptable labour relations,”  left the company with no other choice.

Quinte West Mayor John Williams says he met with Depin earlier this week and it was “unfortunate” some type of agreement couldn’t be reached.

Norampac produces corrugated cardboard and has been a customer of local wood suppliers.

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CFB Commander named RFL Honourary Chair

The 2012 Belleville Relay for Life will take place June 22nd at Loyalist College… and the Relay committee has kicked off the campaign towards the event by naming it’s Honourary Chair.

C-F-B Trenton Commander Colonel Sean Friday was given the honour and says he hopes to see registration improve from 77 teams last year to 85 teams this year.

There are also events leading up to the Relay on June 22nd… including survivor tea, a community yard sale and an information night.

Man arrested on warrant in Belleville

Belleville Police have arrested a man who was wanted on a pair of charges.

Crews caught up with the 22-year old late last night on Station Street.

Liam Hustler is facing Breach of Probation and Robbery accusations and will have a Bail Hearing today.

New Hastings swing bridge

The Village of Hastings will be getting a new swing bridge.

At a meeting last night, M-P Rick Norlock announced the town would get a new structure instead of repairing the existing one.

Residents will have to wait until January 20-14 before the work will begin… something Norlock says can help commuters and shop owners to prepare for the adjustment the bridge closing will have.

Officials have confirmed off bridge construction will begin next summer, which will make for a shorter construction season.

A fully accessible walkway will be part of the new bridge construction.

Loyalist looks at new manufacturing programs

Loyalist College is awaiting the approval of two new programmes of study.

The Belleville campus hopes to offer a two-year programme for Construction Renovation Technician.. and a two-year course for Welding and Fabrication Technician… starting in the fall of 2013.

Last night the college’s board of governors approved the course proposals.

They’ll  now go to the provincial ministry for funding approval… which the college president expects to be ”reasonably swift”.

Integrity Commissioner not done in Brighton

There’ll be more coming on the actions of members of Brighton council from an Integrity Commissioner.

The same Commissioner that recently released a report calling Brighton council “dysfunctional” is now investigating 2 other complaints.

Those grievances were from a Brighton municipal employee regarding harassment and violence in the workplace.

A report on those issues has yet to be released.

Three Oaks crisis line busy

The Three Oaks women’s shelter in Belleville received more than 1500 calls on its 24-hour-crisis line during the past year.

Twenty percent of these involved women in “immediate crisis” and they received assistance.

The Thee Oaks statistics show that 144 women and 46 children were housed during the year. Executive Director Pam Havery  says they stayed for an average of 2 weeks.

Havery says if the shelter is full attempts are made to place women in nearby shelters.

Tax rebates could come to County residents

At least one Prince Edward County councillor wants to discuss a rebate to local ratepayers.

The issue came up yesterday, when council’s committee of the whole heard that the County ended 2011 with a one million dollar surplus in it’s operating surplus.

Councillor Alec Lunn said people have told him that taxpayers should get some money back, instead of having it spent by council.

The surplus discussion will be part of Monday’s ongoing budget discussions.

QW marina progress being made

Although it’s not obvious, progress is being made toward building a beautiful new marina at the mouth of the Trent River in Quinte West.

Earlier this week, Mayor John Williams said the Ministry of Environment had signed off on certain steps the city would have to go through to build a marina.

Those include 2 more public meetings on the issue.

Mayor Williams says one meeting will be scheduled next month, with the second to come in June.

The Mayor says water and soil testing is complete, and so far there have been no problems with any agency. He is optimistic there’ll be a new marina, but can’t say exactly when.

Norampac Trenton mill to close

Madoc Chamber in trouble

The part time manager of the Madoc and District Chamber of Commerce continues to work without pay, and the Chamber’s office could close because of a shortage of cash.

In the past, Centre Hastings council always provided money to the Chamber before it passed its budget, and there were no problems paying the internet and utility bills.

However, this year, council didn’t offer any bridge financing and just sent the request for money into upcoming budget discussions.

Council has asked for a staff report on exactly how the Madoc Chamber of Commerce was funded in past years.

Belleville MMA card announced

With just over 2 weeks before their inaugural event at the Yardmen Arena, Discipline Mixed Martial Arts has announced a packed card for it’s April 27 show.

The main card will feature several names familiar to Ontario MMA fans, including Joel Powell and Misha Cirkumov.  They will close out the show.

There will be 6 fights on the main card.  Four on the undercard and two others  pending.

$5 from each ticket sold will go “The Repatriation Memorial Highway of Heroes Fund”.

Tickets available at the Yardmen Arena and through www.bellevillebulls.com.

Man wanted for alleged truck theft

A suspect is wanted for robbery of a truck for an 18-wheeler in Belleville.

On Saturday morning, a security guard noticed a man hooking onto a trailer at the Black Diamond Cheese Factory.

When asked for his papers, the suspect fled on foot.

It was later discovered the truck tractor had been stolen from an area business.

Forensic Identification is still investigating.

Teen boys arrested in Belleville

Two teenage boys face theft and drug charges after police ran two suspects down early this morning near the waterfront in Belleville.

City police responded to complaints of people rummaging through vehicles on St. Paul St. around 2:30 this morning.

There was a brief foot chase, and a 15 year old and a 16 year old boy were arrested.

Anyone finding items missing from the their vehicles in the St. Paul St. area should call Belleville Police.

Tweed farm house fire out

Crews are still investigating after a fire last night near Tweed.

Crews were called just west of Highway 37 to Countrymen Rd. to a farm house fire around 6pm.

Officials responded from Centre Hastings, Tweed and Stirling and were on scene for a number of hours.

It’s believed the cause is electrical.

Centre Hastings Deputy Chief Bill Pollock says the home was heavily damaged by smoke but is structurally sound.

There were no injuries.

No sweep for Campbellford Rebels

The Alliston Hornets jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead and coasted past the Rebels 6-1 to stay alive in ther OHA Junior “C” Semi Final.

Steven Clarke had the lone goal for Campbellford, which still leads the series 3-1.

Game 5 is back in Alliston tomorrow night.

Blessington Road closed due to crash

Grass fire at Trudeau Park

Charges are pending after a grass fire at Trudeau Park.

Crews responded to the scene around 2:30 this afternoon.

Deputy fire chief, Mike Brook, says crews brought the fire under control after about half an hour but the blaze had spread over about two acres.

There is a municipal by-law prohibiting open-air burning in Tweed during daytime hours. Burning is only allowed at night, 7:00pm – 7:00am.

OPP reminding parents about curfew

The OPP in Killaloe are again reminding the public about a provincial curfew for minors.

Constable Darcy Nicol says with the summer approaching, police are reminding the public that the curfew is in effect and officers can enforce it.

Excerpts from legislation on “the Child and Family” as well as “Parental Liability” state that no parent of a child less than 16 years of age shall permit them to go out between the hours of midnight and 6:00am.

Norampac Trenton status in limbo

The public will remain in the dark for now regarding the situation at Norampac’s Trenton site.

An official stated today that a media release will go out “sometime in the next few days”, but nothing more will be revealed until then.

There was a union vote yesterday in Trenton and the mill’s employees rejected Norampac’s final offer.

Officials say they continue to operate as usual.

The plant employs well over 100 people.

Zwicks canteen to be resurrected

There could be a rejuvenation of an old and tired building in West Zwicks Park soon.

Our news department has learned that the City of Belleville and the owner of Earl and Angelo’s restaurant are close to reaching an agreement on the redevelopment of the  canteen in Zwicks Park.

Earl and Angelo’s owner, Johnny Alexiou, says city council has yet to finalize the package, but he’s hoping to begin renovations and additions to the canteen very soon, and hopes to open the open air restaurant in early June.

Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis says council has been in discussions with Alexiou and the matter could be finalized at council’s next meeting. It’s not known what the rent for the public property will be.

The Mayor believes the restaurant idea could work, noting the success of the The Pier on Myers Pier.

Johnny Alexiou plans on spending his own money to renovate the canteen into a kitchen and build a bar and covered patio outside of it to hold 90 customers.

The menu will feature wood fired pizza and gourmet burgers among other items, including ice cream made right on the premises.

It’s expected 25 new summer jobs will be created.

Campbellford Rebels look to Game 4

It will be a nervy night for the Campbellford Rebels.

They are one win away from advancing to the OHA Jr. “C” Chammpionship round.

The Rebels take a 3-0 lead to Alliston tonight.

Napanee was the last local team to advance to the provincial final and that was in 1996.

Ford tractor stolen in Belleville

Somebody stole a big farm tractor yesterday in Belleville.

The keys had been left in the tractor in the Airport Parkway/Elmwood area so someone could pick it up.

Unfortunately, the wrong person made away with the hulking machine.

The missing tractor is a blue Ford 7710.

If you have information, call Belleville Police or Crimestoppers.

Truck found, suspects sought

There’s some good news following a break in at a house on Pine St. in Belleville earlier this week.

A red Dodge Ram pickup had been stolen.  However, Belleville police noticed the truck parked yesterday at Herchimer and Bridge Streets. It was not damaged.

Police are still looking for suspects.

Day of Pink comes to Quinte

You might notice people wearing a lot of pink today, especially at Trenton High School.

Today is the International Day of Pink.

The day came into being after a male high school student in Nova Scotia was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.

The Day of Pink has now spread worldwide.

Locally, Trenton High School is distributing Day of Pink t-shirts, and staff with Hastings Shores Children’s Aid will also be wearing pink.

Belleville speed limits reviewed

Belleville council had a look at speed limit change recommendations last night, and turned them down.

A traffic committee had recommended 2 different speed limits on the newly upgraded N. Palmer Rd., and different speed limits on W. Moira St., in the area around N. Palmer Rd. Council disagreed.

Instead, council decided to have all of N. Palmer Rd. at 50 km/h, up from 40 km/h.  And, there will be no changes made to speed limits on W. Moira St..

Wallbridge Loyalist Road to change

Quinte West’s public works committee has agreed with the City of Belleville, and has recommended a speed limit change on Wallbridge Loyalist Rd.

The change would see the speed limit set at 60 km/h from the 401 south to old highway 2.

Meanwhile, work continues on traffic lights and warning signals at the intersection of W. Moira St. and Wallbridge Loyalist Rd.

ATV riders injured near Bancroft

Bancroft OPP and paramedics had to deal with two accidents involving all terrain vehicles on the weekend.

Last Friday, a man from Toronto crashed his ATV on the South Rd. in Wollaston Township.  He had to be taken to hospital with serious injuries.  He was charged with careless driving.

On Saturday, an Oshawa woman had to be taken to hospital after crashing her ATV on a snowmobile trail in Hastings Highlands.  She was not charged.

Both riders were wearing helmets.

East Lake cottages get approval

Prince Edward County council has approved the site plan for a five cottage development on East Lake.

The final go-ahead was more than an hour in the making at Shire Hall last night.

Mayor Peter Mertens says he’s hopeful the developer and his neighbours can resolve their differences.

Prince Edward County native, Don Ritter, principle in Shore Club Holdings Ltd., says he’s tried for the past seven years to find ways of making his plans appealing to his neighbours.

His neighbours say they’ll continue fight against the existing plans.

Prince Edward council to be reviewed

Staff for the County of Prince Edward will bring forward a report reviewing council’s procedures.

The report was requested by council at last night’s meeting following a lengthy debate.

Mayor Peter Mertens says in a time when the municipality is reviewing all of its operations to try to save money, it only makes sense to review the proceedings of council.

The county’s CAO told councillors he’ll submit the report to them by the end of September at the latest.

Slots revenue wanted in Belleville

Belleville has thrown its support behind the horse racing industry.

Last night City Council supported two resolutions calling for the provincial government to maintain its support of the racing industry. It supported a resolution from Fort Erie that says that municipalities get “subtantial revenue from horse racing.”

The second resolution from the municipality of Clarington that calls on the province to reinstate and improve the slots at tracks “with its revenue-sharing agreement.”

Councillor Jody Jenkins said he was “not convinced our community wants slots” and didn’t support that resolution.

Belleville waives fee for charity

The annual Dancing with the Stars charity event will get a free ride at Belleville’s Yardmen arena next month.

Last night Ccity Council decided to waive fees related to rental of the facility a decision that had been postponed at the last council meeting when some members expressed concern.

Mayor Neil Ellis says the bylaw allows non-profit organizatons to apply for relief from the fees. A staff report indicates the fee will be just under $2,000.

Dancing with the Stars on May 25 is a fundraiser for Volunteer and Information Quinte and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Out of the Darkness launched in Belleville

A major campaign to bring the subject of mental illness more out-in-the-open has been launched in Belleville.

Last night, city council was told that the stigma attached to mental illness is dangerous in that it often delays treatment. Spokesperson for  Family Support Network of the Hastings and Prince Edward Mental Health Services,  Lorraine Pyle, says the campaign “Out of the Darkness” is an anti-stigma campaign.

Pyle says the idea is to get people talking about mental illness.

Wrist bands will be available throughout the month and a “celebration ” will be held May 8 at Market Square.

$14,900 for Colborne walking trail

A beloved teacher killed in a car crash will have a walking trail in her honour in Cramahe Township.

Officials announced yesterday they’ve received a $14,900 dollar grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to complete the Suzy Kernaghan Trail, started in 2009.

The township took the lead in applying for the grant and had the support of a trail committee as well as countless volunteers, including the Rotary Club of Colborne.

The trail runs from the Rotary Centennial Park to the Keeler recreational Centre in Colborne.

Home & Leisure Show comes to Trenton

A sure sign of spring: the Quinte West Home and Leisure Show opens late Friday afternoon.

Quinte West Chamber of Commerce manager, Suzanne Andrews, says 100 vendors will fill two arenas with  products and services for home renovation and leisure projects.

Andrews says that, for the second year, the Quinte Women’s Show will be located on the second floor with more than 20 vendors.  It will feature a special draw for an “extreme makeover” worth more than $2,000.

$7,500 for Picton hospital equipment

Prince Edward Memorial Hospital will have a new piece of equipment thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary Charities Foundation.

The two agencies provided $7,500 to the hospital, towards the purchase of a colonoscope for the operating room.

The province does not provide funding to buy medical equipment; it must be raised locally.

Is it crisis time at Trenton’s Norampac plant?

Fatal motorcycle crash near Bancroft

Hillier challenges rules in Legislature

A pair of motions by Randy Hillier are expected to change the way politicians do business at Queen’s Park.

The Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox-and-Addington MPP says his motions aim to correct a clerical error from 50 years ago.

The motions are to “remedy a legislative failing”, allowing members of provincial parliament to debate regulations within the Legislature – something that’s not currently allowed.

Hillier says a committee unanimously passed both his motions last week and he looks forward to the next phase of the approval process.

Art show begins at Loyalist

A week-long art show gets underway at Loyalist College this evening.

The 3rd annual “Art and Design” exhibit, “The Written Word,” features the artwork of students in their final semester of the Art and Design Foundation program.

The works were inspired by short stories, poems and articles provided by the Quinte Arts Council.

They are being shown at three different locations on campus.

Small drug bust in Napanee

OPP have made a small drug bust in Napanee.

Officers with Project Round Up arrested 21-year-old Robert Hogan of Deseronto in the incident last Thursday.

Officers say they seized five grams of marijuana with a street value of $50.

Hogan is charged with possession of marijuana and was given a May court date.

OPP investigate Napanee stabbing

OPP are investigating a stabbing incident in Napanee.

Police say one man stabbed another during a fight at a Napanee home last Friday.

Facing multiple charges is 29-year-old Michael Lawson of Central Frontenac Township.

The victim is recovering from stab wounds to his arm.

Building busier in Quinte West

So far this year, construction activity in Quinte West is well ahead of last years’ total.

For the first 3 months of this year, 90 building permits for 10.7 million dollars of construction have been issued.

That compares with 54 permits and 6.3 million for the first quarter of 2011.

Meanwhile, last month there were 38 permits approved for 3.3 million dollars in construction.

That figure includes the value of 8 new houses.

That is about the same total as in March of last year.

A little dip in the welfare numbers

There’s not much change in the number of people receiving welfare in Hastings County.

Last month, 3,372 people in the County, including Belleville and Quinte West, received income support.

There was just over 100 more people on welfare in March of last year.

Meanwhile, Hastings County’s Employment Connection Program placed 182 Ontario Works recipients into jobs last month, at an average wage of $11.69 an hour.

Murder trial adjourned

The Myles Hughes murder trial has been put on hold.

A family member of one of the jurors has passed away, and the trial has been suspended temporarily.

The trial will re-start on Monday.

Belleville man Myles Hughes faces second degree and attempted murder charges after a shooting incident in March of 2010 in east end Belleville.

Bucholtz retires

The longtime park superintendant at the Sandbanks has retired.

Don Bucholtz will officially retire on April 27th. Don Bucholtz has served in the provincial parks system for 33 years, and started as an assistant superintendant at the Sandbanks 27 years ago.

He has received the Peter Thomson award from Ontario Parks for his many accomplishments in his time at Sandbanks.

The new Sandbanks superintendant is Robin Reilly, who last worked at Quetico park.

Fire Marshall investigates Brighton fire

The cause of a fire that destroyed a house in Brighton last Thursday night is now considered suspicious.

Both the Ontario Fire Marshall and the Northumberland OPP Crime Unit are investigating.

The fire gutted a 135 year old house at 35 Division Street, near downtown Brighton.

No one was injured.

Anyone with information on that fire is asked to call Northumberland OPP or Crimestoppers.

Serious crash near Marmora

Two people had to be cut out of a car after a crash near Marmora.

The incident happened on Cordova road north of town, after the driver hit a hydro pole early yesterday morning.

4 teenagers were sent to Campbellford hospital .  Two had serious but non life threatening injuries, and two suffered minor injuries.

OPP say alcohol was involved in the crash, but that the driver didn’t show signs of intoxication.

Single vehicle rollover

Charges have been laid after a crash last night in Foxboro.

The incident happened on Highway 62 north of Ashley street around seven p-m.

OPP say the woman driver was not injured and refused treatment.

38 year old Tracy Parks of Stirling was charged with careless driving and having liquor readily available in a vehicle.

Dirty soil on Mohawk Territory

Soil that was dumped on a Tyendinaga Territory property in preparation for a building has been found to be contaminated.

The soil was brought in by controversial businessman Clifford Miracle to build a coffee shop.

The Mohawk Band council asked for the ministry of environment to test the soil.

An Intelligencer report shows the ministry found amounts of lead and other chemicals that were above acceptable limits.

Miracle had the soil removed a few days after it was brought in.

The soil came from a soil recycling company in Pickering.

It’s not known if any of the contaminated soil was left behind on the property.

Thefts in Belleville

Jewellry, electronics, and a pick up truck were stolen from a residence on Pine Street in Belleville yesterday.

Entry was gained through a rear window.

The truck was a red Dodge Ram pickup.

In another incident yesterday, a Chevrolet Trailblazer was stolen on John Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Belleville Police or Crimestoppers.

Roblin Road fire update

The damage estimate has been upped considerably after yesterday’s fire that burned down a storage barn and an old house on the Roblin Road.

Quinte West Fire Chief John Whalen says that the damage will total well over $600,000.

A family of 6 was left homeless after the fire, and Victims Services and the Red Cross are helping them.

Chief Whalen praised the work of over 50 firefighters from Quinte West and Belleville fire departments who worked together to get the blaze under control under dangerous, windy, conditions.

The fire started in an outdoor furnace near the barn.

Free trees for Hastings

A local group is asking the public to “plant the right tree in the right place”.

The Hastings Stewardship Council says “trees are the lungs of the Earth”.

The council is this month offering free seedlings of native species of trees to residents throughout Hastings county.

Residents of Melrose, Roslin, Tweed, Madoc, Stirling, Marmora Deseronto and Belleville are invited to get their free trees by contacting their municipal offices.

Fire causes $500,000 damage

Fire completed destroyed a Roblin Road home in Quinte West on Monday. Photo submitted by Richard Williams.

Damage is estimated at close to a half-million dollars following a fire at a Quinte West property.

A two-story century home was burnt to the ground in a fire that started mid-morning and quickly spread.

Belleville crews helped put out the blaze, which did only minor damage to nearby buildings and grass.

The cause is suspected to be an outdoor wood-burning furnace.

Crews remain on the scene to make sure no hot spots flare up again.

SP Data may be closer than it seems

An online listing is adding to speculation about a new call centre for Quinte West.

A listing on the SP Data Web site notes a Trenton location at 400 Sidney Street as one of many of its call centres in North America.

The Web site also boasts of the company’s “ability to invest, build and launch new call centers in 90 days or less.”

The property is the former location of TeleTech and Bata Shoes.

Officials have been reluctant to confirm that SP Data is opening a Trenton location, which is expected to generate 250 jobs.

Belleville courthouse to change city

Once construction of the new regional courthouse in Belleville is finished officials expect the whole area will change.

P-C-L Constructors’ project manager, Rob McGrath, says the site’s contaminated soil has been remediated and the opening of the courthouse is going to revitalize the whole neighbourhood.

McGrath says in the next couple of weeks they’ll be starting the basement jail cells, among other things. He says the cells will be the first in Ontario to be fronted with glass rather than bars, with detention-grade glass that an individual cannot break.

McGrath says the project is on schedule for completion in spring of next year.

Massive fire near Belleville

2PM UPDATE: The fire is now under control. Seven tankers are supplying the fire department’s aerial truck with water to continue dousing hot spots. Neighbours will soon be allowed to return home. The subject house was completely destroyed.

Over 50 firefighters and equipment from Quinte West and Belleville are dealing with a big fire just north of the 401.

The wind has blown flames from a big barn fire at 160 Roblin Rd, onto the house next door, and blowing embers are starting grass fires in the neighborhood.

Quinte West Fire Chief John Whalen says the barn and house next to it are were fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

It’s not known if there is livestock in the barn, or whether anyone is in the house.

Quinte West has personnel and equipment from 4 stations at the fire, along with Trenton’s aerial ladder truck.

Belleville has personnel and equipment from a Thurlow station fighting the fire.

Emergency vehicles were hampered from arriving by onlookers vehicles parked near the scene.

Fire calls started around 10:30 this morning.

Related posts

Fire causes $500,000 damage

Roblin Road fire update

Poll: PEC monies needed

Mayor Peter Mertens has said his municipality needs to generate more revenue. How much of its budget should Prince Edward County council spend on economic development?

(Please leave your comment below.)

95th anniversary of Vimy Ridge

There’s still time to get to downtown Trenton for a special commemorative ceremony for the battle of Vimy Ridge at the cenotaph.

Branch 110 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Trenton holding a ceremony marking the 95th anniversary of the famous battle this morning at 11 o clock at the cenotaph in downtown Trenton.

Vimy Ridge was a key battle where Canadian troops took high ground from the Germans in the First World War.

Firebugs strike west side again

Junk fires continue to occur in the west end of Belleville.

Early last night, 5 large recycle bins at the back of a high rise apartment building at 179 Palmer Road were set on fire.

Belleville firefighters quickly had flames under control and the damage was limited. No one was injured.

Belleville fire officials consider the cause suspicious.

There have been several junk fires set in that part of Belleville in the recent past.

Belleville garage fire

Fast work by the Belleville fire department yesterday afternoon kept a small garage fire from becoming a big problem in the city’s east end.

Fire officials say hot coals had been placed into a compost bin at the back of a garage at 465 Victoria, and with the dry, windy conditions, the materials caught fire.

Belleville firefighters managed to get the fire under control quickly and damage was contained to just the back of the garage.

There was no damage to the house just 10 feet away.

The incident occurred just after 2 yesterday afternoon.

Prepare for mosquitos

It’s just about time to be concerned about mosquitos.

The Prince Edward Hastings Health Unit wants the public to be aware that some mosquitos cause a disease known as West Nile Virus.

People should wear long sleeves and pants , or else use good insect repellent when outside.

It’s also important that water not be left standing around in low spots, or flower pots, because that’s where mosquitos breed.

For more information on West Nile Virus, go to the Prince Edward Hastings Health Unit’s website.

Drink, disagree, discuss with police

It was closin’ time, and fightin’ time last night in Belleville.

Several police officers had to break up an unruly group outside of a North Front Street establishment early this morning.

At the end of the scuffle, police arrested 5 men and one woman.

No one was injured.

The incident occurred around 1:30 this morning.

Keep it in a can!

If you’re planning on burning some yard waste in Prince Edward County, it had better be in a fire barrel, or some other safe container.

While outdoor burning is allowed with a permit in the County, the windy conditions have forced the fire department to only allow fires that are inside of a container.

Permits are required for any outdoor burn activities in Prince Edward County.