News

Sean Ward, the 29 year old man accused of initiating a gun battle and shooting Belleville Police Constable Jeff Smith outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville on Sunday night, has died. The Ontario Special Investigations Unit confirmed this afternoon that Ward died of his injuries sometime last night. Ward, a former Canadian Armed Forces member from Quinte West, approached the Synagogue as Yom Kippur services were starting. Ward allegedly fired on Smith who was in an unmarked car outside the Synagogue. Smith along with a second officer returned fire. Smith and Ward were both seriously injured in the gun battle that followed. Constable Smith is reported to be in critical but stable condition in hospital. The SIU is continuing to investigate the incident.

And Belleville Sikhs have added their voice to those who have condemned the violence in Belleville Sunday night. The Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Belleville and the Ontario Sikhs and Gurudwara Council issued a joint statement on behalf of the members of the Sikh community this afternoon condemning the shooting and saying no Canadian should feel fear, intimidation, or the threat of violence while gathering to pray. They also expressed their gratitude and respect for Constable Jeff Smith.

Outgoing County Mayor Steve Ferguson has decided not to use his strong mayor powers to overturn a council decision rejecting the water and wastewater financial strategy. Ferguson previously informed council that he was considering using those powers to reverse an 8 to 6 council vote that rejected a $255 million financial strategy for water and wastewater. The rejection by council brings major infrastructure projects to a halt but avoids increases to water bills and developer charges. Mayor Ferguson issued a statement this afternoon saying that after consultation and careful consideration he has decided not to overturn the decision and will instead leave it to the next council to work out a solution. Ferguson added that when strong mayor powers were first announced by the province he made it known that he felt council members needed to play a meaningful role in council decisions and that he would be reluctant to use his powers to overrule a vote.

A note to County drivers, the intersection of Finnegan Drive and County Road 49 has been closed as part of the third phase of the Picton Main St. reconstruction project. The closure is expected to last a couple of weeks and will allow the contractor to connect new sanitary and storm sewers. Access to the Wellings and community mailboxes will be via the entrance to H. J. McFarland Memorial Home during the closure.

And, Tara McGrath and Jessica Walker have been award the Jean Lynch Memorial Scholarship for this year. The Jean Lynch scholarship provides awards of $1,000 to H. J. McFarland Memorial Home employees or their children or grandchildren who are pursuing post secondary education. Ms. McGrath will use her award to continue her studies in recreation therapy while Ms. Walker is studying is working towards a Registered Practical Nursing designation.

And we’ve all heard of a Convenience Store but what about an Inconvenience Store. Well, one opened in Seattle this weekend. It features things like pre-tangled USB cords, shoulder bags made from old Cheetos bags and a Landline iphone that when answered only plays “Vertigo” by U2. Turns out it’s actuall and art installation but artists Lilia Deering and Mary Anne Carter. Deering and Carter previously made the news for a spoof of IKEA stores in 2024 called “STÖR.”

Sports

In PECI Panthers Secondary School action this week, the Girls Rugby team did well in preseason play. Ezri Cordes and Mylee Graham scored two tries each while Emerson Bedore added one and Junior standout Hartley Wallach touched down three times. On the golf course, Colin Lunn shot a team-best 78, followed by Caleb Krentz at 82 and Everett Vader at 83. Aylie Heffernan led the girls with a 115 as they prepare for the Bay of Quinte championship.

In Elementary action the Panthers laced up for cross-country today at Sandbanks.

Regular seasons for Rugby, Soccer and Basketball start this week and next so tune in to hear all the PECI Sports news every Tuesday at 4 and 6 pm..

Lots of professional sports action tonight.

The Blue Jay’s season is all but done as they face Baltimore for the second game of a three game series with the Orioles. It’s still mathematically possible for them to make the wildcard but increasingly unlikely. First pitch for tonight’s game goes out at 6:35 in Baltimore.

In WNBA play, the Toronto Tempo tip off with the Chicago Sky at 8 in the Windy City. The Tempo are also out of the playoff picture this year.

And, in NHL preseason play, Edmonton is in Winnipeg for an 8 pm start against the Jets and Vancouver is in Calgary. The Canucks and the Flames drop the puck at 9.