InQuinte.ca

UPDATE: SEPH website back online after completion of software updates

Brock Ormond — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:15:11 +0000

UPDATE:

Southeast Public Health say its website is back online after the completion of critical software updates.

The site was taken offline Thursday afternoon as a precaution so that the updates could be completed.

SEPH thanks the public for their patience.

ORIGINAL STORY

People looking to contact the Southeast Public Health Unit through internet channels in the next little while are being advised to go a different avenue.

The Southeast Public Health website will be temporarily offline while critical software updates are being made.

These updates will address any vulnerabilities in the site’s software, which have been identified.

This is a precautionary measure, and Southeast Public Health is assuring the public that there has been no unauthorized access to the website.

For updates, follow the SEPH Unit on Facebook and Instagram.

For public health inquiries, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties

Telephone: 613-966-5500
Toll-free: 1-800-267-2803
Fax: 613-966-9418

Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington

Telephone: 613-549-1232
Toll-free: 1-800-267-7875
Fax: 613-549-7896

New board of governors chair, five new board members at Loyalist

Brock Ormond — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:43:57 +0000

Loyalist College has a changing of the guard around its Board of Governors table.

At its meeting Thursday, the college officially announced the appointment of Jennifer Moore as Chair of the board and to welcome five new board members who bring a range of experience and perspectives to inform the college’s governance and strategic direction.

Moore officially began her term as Chair on Sept. 1, succeeding Julie Lange.

A member of the Loyalist College Board of Governors since 2021, Loyalist stated Moore brings extensive experience in municipal leadership, finance and community service to the role.

Moore says she looks forward to working alongside her fellow governors and Loyalist’s leadership team to build on the college’s strengths and make decisions that support its long-term sustainability.

“It’s an honour to continue serving on the board in this new capacity,” she stated.

Also at the board’s Oct. 22 meeting, President Mark Kirkpatrick welcomed new board members Vanessa Brooker, Bex Foreman, Sarah Letersky, Laurel Wilcox and Jennifer Yascheshyn.

Bios on the new members can be seen below.

Vanessa Brooker is Interim Dean of the School of Health, Human and Justice Studies at Loyalist College and serves as the Administrative Staff representative on the board. With more than 20 years of experience spanning frontline health care, post-secondary education and academic leadership, Ms. Brooker brings firsthand insight into the needs of students, educators and health care professionals. Before joining academic leadership, she served as a Primary Care Paramedic. Ms. Brooker holds a Bachelor of Adult Education from Brock University and a Paramedic diploma from Algonquin College and is currently completing a Master of Education at Queen’s University.

Bex Foreman is a Career Advisor at Loyalist College and serves as the Support Staff representative on the board. A Loyalist College graduate and longtime employee, Ms. Foreman has held several student-focused roles at the college, including Awards Officer. Her experience has given her a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges students encounter throughout their post-secondary journey. She serves as Co-Chair of Loyalist’s Accessibility Steering Committee, helping guide the development of the college’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. She is also a Union Steward and Local Executive Committee member with OPSEU Local 421.

Sarah Letersky is a Partner and National Health Practice Lead at Rubicon Strategy, a leading government relations firm advising organizations across health care, life sciences, energy and other highly regulated sectors. She brings more than a decade of experience in public policy, communications and government relations. Prior to joining Rubicon in 2020, Ms. Letersky held senior roles in the Government of Ontario, including working with former Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith. Born and raised in Belleville and now residing in Prince Edward County, Ms. Letersky has deep roots in the Bay of Quinte region and a longstanding commitment to public and community service. She serves as an appointed lay bencher of the Law Society of Ontario and as a member of the Prince Edward County OPP Detachment Board.

Laurel Wilcox is a Practical Nursing student at Loyalist College and serves as the Student Governor on the College’s Board of Governors. A returning Loyalist student, Ms. Wilcox previously graduated from the Child and Youth Work program and brings a strong background in leadership, communication and community engagement to her role. She is passionate about student advocacy and ensuring students have a meaningful voice in decisions that shape their educational experience. As she prepares for a career in nursing, Ms. Wilcox is committed to contributing a student-centred perspective and supporting an inclusive, engaging and positive environment across the Loyalist community.

Jennifer Yascheshyn is a Professor and Academic Program Coordinator at Loyalist College and serves as the Academic Staff representative on the Board of Governors. A full-time faculty member for 15 years, Ms. Yascheshyn currently coordinates the Business Sales and Marketing program and has contributed to curriculum development, program quality and faculty professional development across the college. Before joining Loyalist, she spent more than a decade in the radio broadcasting industry in marketing, promotions, programming and leadership roles. Ms. Yascheshyn holds a Master of Education from Ontario Tech University, an In-Service Teaching Certificate in Adult Education from St. Clair College and a Business Marketing diploma from Fanshawe College.

Inmate death reported at Collins Bay

Brock Ormond — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:16:54 +0000

Another inmate death has been reported at a Kingston-area prison.

Thursday, Eric Young, an inmate from Collins Bay Institution, died while in custody of apparent natural causes.

At the time of death, the inmate was 85 years old and had been serving an indeterminate sentence since February 16, 1977.

The inmate’s next of kin have been notified.

As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances.

Call is out for artistic kids to show their work on annual PEC Mayor’s Holiday Card

Brock Ormond — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:08:58 +0000

Creativity of local children will be on display again on the Prince Edward County Mayor’s annual holiday card.

The County is putting out the call to young artists 14 years of age or younger who reside in PEC to submit their holiday-themed artwork for consideration.

The artist whose piece is selected will receive a $100 gift card, generously donated by the Picton BIA, that can be used at a business on Main Street in Picton.

The winning artist’s name will also be printed on the back of the holiday card.

Artists must send a digital file of their work to Joy McLeod, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, via email at jmcleod@pecounty.on.ca by 5 pm, Friday, November 20.

Please note, physical submissions will not be accepted. Artists are encouraged to use a blank background to create their holiday artwork as lined paper may distract from the artwork.

Vehicle reported stolen in QW, Quebec resident charged

Brock Ormond — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:19:37 +0000

One person has been charged after a stolen vehicle was recovered on Highway 401 on Friday in the Quinte West area.

Just before 5:00 a.m., members of the Quinte West OPP fielded reports of a suspicious vehicle indicating the vehicle may have been stolen.

Officers located the vehicle travelling eastbound on Highway 401 and conducted a traffic stop near Beechwood Road overpass with assistance from the Lennox & Addington County OPP Detachment. The vehicle was safely recovered, and one individual was taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Benoit Gaudreault, 54 years old of Quebec, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing in Belleville Court.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police are seeking information regarding a second vehicle believed to have been associated with this incident.

Police would like to thank the member of the public who reported the suspicious activity. Prompt reporting of suspicious vehicles and behaviour plays an important role in preventing crime and assisting police investigations.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any other investigation is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Kingston Police issue statement following report of Crime Stoppers data breach

Paul Martin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:31:03 +0000

Kingston Police have issued a public statement following reports of a massive data breach at Crime Stoppers.

A CBC report from earlier this week found that more than 1.5 million tips to Canadian Crime Stoppers covering a 25-year period were exposed in a major data breach and subsequently leaked.

Their complete statement is included below.

Kingston Police is aware of the reported cybersecurity incident involving the third-party P3 tip management platform used by Crime Stoppers organizations across Canada. We recognize the seriousness of this incident and the importance of protecting the confidentiality and safety of individuals who provide information to support public safety and criminal investigations.

While Crime Stoppers and police services share a common goal of enhancing community safety, Crime Stoppers operates independently from police organizations. Information provided to Crime Stoppers may be shared with police for investigative follow-up; however, the reported breach involves a third-party Crime Stoppers platform and not Kingston Police systems, networks, or databases. The Navigate360 platform is not integrated with or connected to Kingston Police information technology systems or infrastructure.

Kingston Police recognizes the concerns arising from reports regarding the scope and nature of this incident. We understand the importance of public trust, confidentiality, and tipster safety, particularly for those who have chosen to provide information through Crime Stoppers programs.

As a precautionary measure, Kingston Police is not using Crime Stoppers as a reporting channel while additional information regarding this incident becomes available. We continue to monitor developments and assess any potential impacts on police operations.

The safety and security of individuals who may have interacted with Crime Stoppers remains our primary concern. Public safety continues to be our top priority.

Members of the public wishing to report a crime or public safety concern are encouraged to contact Kingston Police directly through established reporting channels. You can provide tips by calling the Kingston Police general number 613-549-4660 ext. 0.

Kingston Police will continue to review information as it becomes available. Questions regarding the cybersecurity incident, including the scope of the breach and any affected information, should be directed to the appropriate Crime Stoppers organizations.

Firearm seized and multiple charges laid in Quinte West

Paul Martin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:23:03 +0000

A Quinte West resident is facing multiple weapons-related charges following an investigation involving a prohibited firearm.

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, just after 9:00 p.m., members of the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report involving a firearm at a residence in Quinte West. During the investigation, officers located and seized a prohibited firearm.

As a result of the investigation, Bradley CORMIER, 62 years old, from Quinte West was charged with:

Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm
Possession of a prohibited firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Careless storage of a firearm
Contravention of storage regulations
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Belleville on Thursday, January 14, 2026.

The OPP takes all reports involving firearms seriously. Firearms owners are responsible for ensuring their firearms are lawfully possessed, transported, and stored in accordance with Canadian law. Safe firearms practices are essential to protecting the public and preventing incidents that could place individuals or communities at risk.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other investigation is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Belleville man arrested in hate crime investigation

Paul Martin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:19:31 +0000

As part of an ongoing hate crime investigation, on October 15, 2026, members of the Belleville Police Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Emergency Response Unit, Forensic Identification Unit and Tech Crime Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in the city’s west end.

As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old Belleville man was arrested and charged with:

· Uttering threats motivated by hatred

He was held for a bail hearing and has remained in custody since that time.

As the investigation progressed, on October 21 (Wednesday), he was charged additionally with:

· Public Incitement of Hatred

He remains in custody. No name was released.

Belleville man charged with mischief

Paul Martin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:18:09 +0000

Belleville Police have laid a mischief charge following an incident on Thursday afternoon.

On October 22, 2026, at 2:12 p.m., Belleville Police responded to a call for service regarding a report of mischief.

It was reported that an unknown male was observed causing damage in the area. Upon arrival, officers located a barrel containing a small fire and subsequently identified and located the suspect nearby.

As a result of the investigation, a 38-year-old Belleville man was arrested and charged with:

· Mischief – Destroys or damages property

· Mischief – Renders property dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective

· Fail to comply with a probation order

He was held for a bail hearing.

Beyond the Headlines – Poppy Campaign Launch in Belleville

Paul Martin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:14:01 +0000

A campaign that always hits close to home has renewed importance as it begins today in Belleville.

City workers were busy freshly repainting the Lest We Forget crosswalk that leads to the Veterans Monument and Veterans Memorial Bridge earlier this week.

Today, Mayor Neil Ellis and Legion President Mike Bensen will be in council chambers to present the first poppy for this year’s Poppy campaign.

The ultimate symbol of sacrifice and support for our veterans, they will be seen with increasing frequency as we approach Remembrance Day on November 11th.

Having been to countless ceremonies at local cenotaphs, I will be thinking of some Canadian soldiers from Alberta this year as I also pause to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Canada.

The risks when you put on the uniform aren’t limited to battles on foreign shores. As we learned last weekend at CFB Wainwright, it can flare up suddenly and with savage swiftness even when you think you are relatively safe.

Danger is sewn into the very fabric of the uniform. Every soldier knows that instinctively, yet still proudly wears it in defence of our nation, Canadians at home and abroad and our very way of life.

For those who died, and those who still serve today, I shall wear my poppy this year and every year. We remember your service. We honour your sacrifice and hopefully we also acknowledge the dangers you face every day.

I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.