GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER – Sunday, January 4 – Saturday, January 10, 2026
99.3 County FM is dedicated to keeping you informed about our programming.
To this end, we are sharing with you highlights of the next week on Sunday’s The County Writes…The County Reads and Monday to Friday Grapevine (noon hour & repeat 6:00 p.m.) plus any other unique programming specials.
This newsletter is sent once per week. If you prefer not to know what’s happening on Grapevine, please inform us by emailing reception@993countyfm.ca.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
THE COUNTY WRITES….THE COUNTY READS
HAPPY NEW YEAR! A program worth repeating. A prospector who had been swept up in the Klondike Gold Rush, Hubert Darrell later made his name as a wanderer who ventured where few others dared. In 1910, the legendary explorer vanished in the uncharted wilderness of the Northwest Territories. In Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell, Adam Shoalts chronicles his own incredible journey as he retraced Darrell`s routes in his quest to solve this long forgotten cold case.
Rick Zimmerman recites the iconic Robert Service poem, “The Spell of the Yukon”.
Monday, January 5, 2026
TOPICAL ISSUES & CURRENT EVENTS
THE FLU AND YOU: Quinte Health is experiencing a surge in visits to the Emergency Departments of area hospitals due to respiratory illnesses. Lina Rinaldi, QH’s Vice-President and Chief Nursing Executive, discusses when to go to the ED, preparing for longer wait times, and options for non-urgent care.
TAKING THE PLUNGE: Although New Year’s Day polar plunges were called off in the County this year, Jennifer Cobb of Wellington Wild Water Swimmers explains why she says that cold-water swimming has transformed her.
HOST A STUDENT: Worth repeating. Andy Janikowski, Rotary Club of Picton, describes the program and the rewards of being a host family for the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Cameron Butler discusses his experience as an exchange student in Finland and PECI student Callie Craig looks forward to studying in another country in 2026.
Tuesday,January 6, 2026
CONSUMER INFORMATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS
We kick off the new year with a conversation that invites curiosity, courage, and connection. In this interview, we explore the world of improv—not as performance, but as a powerful way of meeting life. In a discussion with the creator of Comedy Country, Paul Snepsts, we will
talk about how improv can expand our minds, shift our perspectives, and transform the way we relate to ourselves and others.
CONSUMERISM
We sit down with Duarte Da Silva, the CEO of the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce for a timely conversation about the future of business in The County. From workforce challenges in tourism, economic diversification, and new collaborative initiatives taking shape, we explore what local businesses are facing now and what opportunities lie ahead as we move into 2026.
SERVICES
This is the first in a series focusing on the County’s Safety & Well-being Plan and its impact on our community. According to The County Foundation’s Vital Signs Report in October 2023, approximately 10–14% of the County’s population lives on a low income, and the County ranks highest in Ontario for the percentage of low-income seniors and second-highest for food insecurity. Therefore, we begin by highlighting the Poverty Reduction Action Plan. Hilary Fennell, Community Initiatives Coordinator and project lead, will join us to discuss why reducing poverty in our community is essential to safety and well-being, and how the community as a whole plays a role in building a more resilient place to live.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
COUNTY COOKS
Chris Byrne shares favourite recipes and tips for creating tasty, nutritious plant-based food for your family and friends.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
Pearl Hucul speaks with Cole Matthews, owner of Matthews Lawn Care and Snow Removal. With 7 years of experience in landscaping, Cole shares the joys and challenges of his first year running his own lawn care and snow removal business in the county.
THE COUNTY NATURALLY
Wildlife overpass near Banff, photo: Wikipedant
Wildlife overpasses and underpasses have reduced wildlife mortality on the highways around Banff by as much as 75% – 80%. And they’ve minimized injuries to humans and damage to vehicles, as well. If Dr. Ryan Danby has his way, these structures will be included in plans for expanding Highway 401to 8 lanes through the Frontenac Arch area. He’ll be talking to Pamela Stagg about how this could be done and what it would mean for animals, humans and even insurance claims.
Thursday, January 8, 2026
COUNTY GROWS
Jane Thompson features speaks with local experts about all things agricultural.
COUNTY PROFILE
Gage Broderick interviews 99.3 volunteer Doug Ward whose resume at the station includes the most recent host of “Classic Country” on Saturday mornings (6am-10am) and as the Monday Midday host (10am-2pm). Doug and Gage will discuss Doug’s career, his time living in Toronto, his previous radio experience, and how he came to live and volunteer in the county.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Liz Zylstra discusses some tips and tricks to make library use even easier in 2026.
Friday, January 9, 2026
ARTSCENE
Co-host Catelyn Thornton will be talking to County artist, Katrina Tompkins, who is the County Arts Lead of the Youth Craft Academy which is going into its third year. They discuss the various craft programs which have been offered to County youth and the incredibly positive impact on the young participants.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame showcases memorable athletes and events.
PET REPORT
Dave Wheatley reports on lost and found cats as well as profiling the ones looking for a forever home.
I KNOW THAT VOICE
In the first episode of “I Know That Voice” for 2026, we spotlight a voice actor whose resume is a bit less varied than others we’ve covered, but whose voice has carried a respect and legacy that few can match. I Know That Voice covers the man who brought the voice of Optimus Prime (Transformers) to life, the legendary Peter Cullen. .
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wellington Dukes Play by Play
Catch all of the action with your play by play host Craig Foster & producer Gage Broderick. Lots of games this week…. Sat Jan 3rd 7pm Wellington Dukes vs Aurora Tigers, Fri Jan 9th 7:30pm Wellington Dukes vs Trenton Golden Hawks, Sun Jan 11th 1:30pm Wellington Dukes vs Markham Royals.
Holiday 50/50 Raffle Winner Drawn Jan 1, 2026
Congratulations to John Lyons, the pot grew to $2,900.00. John is taking home $1,450.00. Thank you to those who participated, a bit of fun to play along and your contribution helped support CountyFM and the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association. We look forward to giving you more chances to win throughout the year. License number RAF1519149
2026 Annual General Meeting Prince Edward County Radio Corporation
The upcoming AGM for 99.3 County FM is Wednesday January 28th, 2026 at 7:00 pm. The meeting is held online. Anyone who is a member in good standing at the time of the meeting may attend with full voting rights. We have sent out notices to current members via email.
Memberships are $10 each and can be purchased or renewed at the studios at 38 Cold Storage Rd during business hours, or via e-transfer to ar@993countyfm.ca (if you are e-transfering please include the names of the members)
The AGM is held for the following purposes:
- To confirm and ratify notice of the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the membership of the Corporation.
- To receive the Financial Statement and Annual Report of the Corporation for the period ending August 31, 2025
- To elect Directors of the Corporation.
- To appoint the public accountant of the Corporation for the ensuing year.
- To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Learn more @ 993Countyfm.ca
Newsletter Sign Up
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Volunteer Opportunities
Grant Writer – work with our fun team and take on exciting projects to serve our community.
Newscasters – openings – a few hours a week.
IndigiVibes – Indigenous host – Wednesday 7p-8p
C’est Bon – French host – Wednesday 8p-9p
Call the station at 613-476-2229 to learn more or email volunteer@993countyfm.ca
