News

In local news, Air quality conditions improved early this morning. However smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario will return later today or this evening resulting in very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Poor air quality may persist into the weekend. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. You should limit time outdoors or consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

SURVEY

Still on the local scene, Prince Edward County is seeking input from residents and the business community on how future dollars from the Municipal Accommodation Tax should be used. In 2025, county council directed staff to consult with the community to understand the priorities for spending the municipal portion of MAT revenue.
In a release, the county says that survey results will inform a new framework for future MAT allocations. The deadline to fill out the survey is Friday, August 14. A link to the 3-5 minute survey can be found the county website – www.thecounty.ca

HEAT

The hot weather is causing damage in other areas beyond the massive destructive wildfires. In Manitoba, a bypass highway near Winnipeg buckled due to extreme heat. Drivers had to swerve to miss chunks of concrete and gaping holes in the road. The province has been experiencing record temperatures in the mid-30’s C for over a week

Meanwhile in Repentigny, Quebec extreme heat may have contributed to a trail derailment. Investigators with the Transportation Safety Board believe the high temperatures and humidity may have caused the steel rails and fittings to expand and loosen

STRIKE

About 120 members of OPSEU Local 448 have been off the job for nearly nine weeks. The workers are with Community Living Prince Edward, a non-profit that supports those with intellectual disabilities. The local have been without a contract since April 2024. Working conditions, retroactive pay and wage increases are the main issues between the Union and Community Living Prince Edward.

BRITISH PM

Andy Burnham was officially declared leader of Britain’s governing Labour Party on Friday, clearing his final hurdle to taking office as prime minister next week. The centre-left party announced the result of a leadership contest to replace departing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in which Burnham was the only contender. Burnham secured nominations from 379 of the 403 Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons. Starmer will remain prime minister until Monday, when he formally tenders his resignation to King Charles. The king will then ask Burnham to form a government.

And finally, if you were worried hungry bears when visiting the Muskoka Region, a solution is in the works. Ninety-six hungry bears in Sprucedale, Ont., just received a very special delivery.

Bear With Us, a rehabilitation centre for black bears, welcomed 12 pallets of high-quality kibble yesterday, giving a growing group of orphaned black bears plenty to eat as they continue their journey back to the wild.

The donation, delivered by Ontario Wildlife Rescue, the Hamilton Burlington SPCA and Manitoulin Transport, will help make sure each bear receives the nutrition it needs to grow strong and healthy.

That does not mean you should try to feed bears in our local area.

Sports

DUKES

Following the announcement of new local owner Andrew Gunning, the Wellington Dukes are gearing up for the upcoming season with some roster updates. Head Coach and GM Jacob Panetta has locked in forwards Sammy Longo, Zach Mascard and Evan Irwin for another year. Cooper Warren is also making a return.

The club is also keeping things local by signing Tweed native Maclean Chisholm, who starred for the Quinte Red Devils U18 program last season.

Wellington drops the puck for their first pre-season matchup on August 23rd against the Cobourg Cougars.

GOLF

While much of the world will be focused on New Jersey for the finals of the World Cup, Europe is the scene for major sporting events this weekend.

In golf the second round of the 154th edition of the Open is underway at the Royal Birkdale course along the Irish Sea north of Liverpool.

There are two Canadians in the field. Nick Taylor finished the first round tied for 13th at 2 under par and teed off at 10:26 this morning. Corey Connors was plus one after the first round but shot 3 under today to finish tied for 22nd after two rounds.

The clubhouse leader is Australian Lucas Hubert who shot 8 under today after starting at even par.

F1

F1 racing is back this weekend. This time it is the Belgian Grand Prix. Two practice sessions were held this morning. The final practice and qualifying session run tomorrow morning. The race starts at 9:00 am Sunday. The race has a long history of rain, but this year it looks like it will be dry and cool.