News
In local news, Prince Edward County officials have invited the public to gather for a Winter Family Fun Day and New Year’s Levee on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The celebration will take place from 1 pm to 3:30 pm at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street).
There will be indoor and outdoor activities (dress warmly), treats and hot beverages, free public skating, children’s activities and much more. Mayor Steve Ferguson will give his New Year’s Levee Speech to kick off the event at 1:15 PM
FLU
Like many emergency departments across the country these days, Quinte Health is experiencing very high patient volumes, in part due to flu and respiratory activity. Recent data shows that nearly 14% of visits to emergency departments over the previous seven days were respiratory related. As this is a little higher than the 11.32 per cent provincial average, it does mean that patients may experience longer than usual wait times, particularly for non-urgent concerns.
For less urgent issues, there are care options other than the emergency department such as family doctors or nurse practitioners, Health Connect Ontario or virtual care options. Pharmacists can also help with your flu symptoms including prescribing some antiviral or respiratory medications.
Residents are reminded that Quinte Health now requires staff, patients, and visitors to wear masks hospitals areas and community-based programs, including emergency departments, clinics, waiting rooms and patient rooms.
MURDER
Kingston Police have charged a 51-year-old man in connection with a homicide.
34-year-old Jayme Syring died in hospital December 30 as the result of an assault that took place at a residence on Princess Street. The Major Crime Unit began a murder investigation, and yesterday morning Kingston police with assistance from the Street Crime and Drug Enforcement Units, arrested another 51-year-old Kingston man and executed a search warrant at a residence on Sutherland Drive.
The accused is to appear for a bail hearing Friday. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no risk to public safety. Police say the investigation is ongoing and ask anyone with information to contact them.
GROCERIES
New for 2026 is a voluntary grocery code of conduct for grocers, suppliers, wholesalers and primary producers in Canada. The grocery code is intended to promote fair dealings between grocers and their suppliers.
The industry committee tasked with creating the code was established in response to contentious fees being charged by large grocery retailers to their suppliers. It was set up in an effort to bring more transparency, fairness and predictability to the industry.
Years of high food inflation following the pandemic stoked public frustration with the grocery industry. Although the code’s purpose wasn’t to lower costs, its adoption nonetheless became a political issue.
The code is governed by the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct who will start collecting annual membership dues and releasing annual reports highlighting industry trends, systemic challenges and proposed improvements.
While the code is a first for Canada, other countries, notably the U.K. and Australia, have their own grocery codes.
And finally, with winter upon us, or any time during the year, it is important to keep your vehicle in good working order. This week a 20-year-old motorist is facing numerous Traffic Act offences after police stopped a defective vehicle on Highway 2 in Quinte West.
OPP say there were missing lug nuts on every tire, had damaged fender and several other deficiencies.
Seven charges were laid against the G2 driver from Belleville whose licence plates were seized and the vehicle’s status was updated to unfit for the road.
So stay safe when travelling the roads in the County.
Sports
LOCAL JUNIOR HOCKEY
Junior hockey returns for the County teams this weekend after a two week holiday hiatus. In the Provincial Junior C Hockey League, the Picton Pirates hit the ice at the Picton Community Centre tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm as the Napanee Raiders come to town.
In the Ontario Junior A Hockey League, the Wellington Dukes start 2026 o the road in Aurora as they face the Tigers. That game gets underway at 7:00 pm and can be heard here live on 99.3 County FM with announcer Craig Foster.
WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY
Still on the ice, the Quarter Finals of the IIHF World Junior Championship resumes this afternoon in Minneapolis, Minnesota. First up at 12:30 county time is the relegation game between the bottom two teams, Germany and Denmark. At 2:00 pm Group A winner Sweden will take on Group B 4th place Latvia, At 4:30 and 6:00 pm, it is the 2-3 cross matches. Chechia hits the ice against Switzerland and the United States opponent is Finland.
Finally at 8:30, the Group B winner, Canada, will be looking to advance to Sunday’s semi-finals as they battle Group A fourth place Slovakia. While Canada went undefeated in the Preliminary Round, Slovakia’s only win was against Germany
NHL
And wrapping things on the ice, there is only one Canadian team in action to night in the NHL. The Seattle Kraken will head north of the border to face the Vancouver Canucks. All seven Canadian teams, including Vancouver have games on Saturday. Hopefully 2026 fairs better for our teams as only Montreal and Edmonton would make the playoffs right now
