• Obituary for Gary Ritchie - Kingstonist

    Obituary for Gary Ritchie  Kingstonist
  • Carney, Poilievre debate high-speed rail ahead of Wednesday's rally

    Carney, Poilievre debate high-speed rail ahead of Wednesday's rally
    OTTAWA — On the eve of Wednesday’s protest against the Alto high-speed rail proposal, the prime minister and leader of the opposition squared off in the House of Commons about the project.In Tuesday’s question period, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre traded insults across the aisle in the first two questions of the day.“The prime minister is asking Canadians to pay $90 billion for a high-speed train that will destroy farms in Quebec wit
  • Donation will bolster emergency care in southeastern Ontario, says hospital organization

    Donation will bolster emergency care in southeastern Ontario, says hospital organization
    KINGSTON — A $1.25-million donation is helping Kingston Health Sciences Centre acquire new, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and critical care technology for Kingston General Hospital’s emergency department and Hotel Dieu Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre.The donation from Kingston philanthropist Stephen Sorensen will help purchase two fixed digital radiography (X-ray) systems, one for each hospital site, a new mobile digital X-ray system in the emergency department at KGH, a v
  • Great Lakes Museum earns top honour as Ontario’s best small museum for 2026

    Great Lakes Museum earns top honour as Ontario’s best small museum for 2026
    The Great Lakes Museum has been named Ontario’s Top Small Museum (under 100,000 annual visitors) in Attractions Ontario’s 2026 Ontario’s Choice Awards , a prestigious recognition that celebrates excellence in visitor experiences across the province.The award reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing Canada’s rich maritime heritage while engaging visitors through innovative exhibits, educational programming, and community initiatives. Chosen
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  • Staff at Collins Bay Institution seize contraband, unauthorized items

    Staff at Collins Bay Institution seize contraband, unauthorized items
    Staff vigilance at Collins Bay Institution led to the seizure of multiple packages containing contraband and unauthorized items over a two-week period, according to federal correctional officials.The interceptions occurred between May 20 and June 5, at the multi-level security institution, preventing the prohibited items from entering the facility and underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and security of inmates, staff and the public.The items seized included tobacco, marijuana, &
  • Kingston infant death case moves closer to trial as preliminary inquiry concludes

    Kingston infant death case moves closer to trial as preliminary inquiry concludes
    A preliminary inquiry into the case of a woman charged with second-degree murder and child abandonment has concluded in Kingston, moving the matter one step closer to a possible trial in Superior Court.Justice Janet Robb presided at the Ontario Court of Justice at 279 Wellington St., where the inquiry concluded on June 5. A preliminary inquiry, also known as a preliminary hearing, is not a trial and does not determine whether an accused person is guilty or innocent. Instead, the judge must deci
  • Amherst Island Radio faces internal conflict after grant dispute leads to manager's exit

    Amherst Island Radio faces internal conflict after grant dispute leads to manager's exit
    Amherst Island Radio , a fully independent radio station that broadcasts from two locations — Stella and Bath — is facing shockwaves after losing its station manager and volunteer of more than 15 years.Eric Tremblay had been the station manager for almost a year. Just before his contract was up for renewal, he said decided not to take on the role again, citing a sequence of events that occurred back in April with the station’s board of directors.At the time, there were 11 volu
  • Kingston-area opponents to attend Ottawa Alto protest

    Kingston-area opponents to attend Ottawa Alto protest
    CENTREVILLE — Wednesday’s planned protest on Parliament Hill is an opportunity for opponents of the Alto high-speed rail proposal to bring their message directly to the country’s leaders, local activists said.On Wednesday, residents from the rural areas around Kingston are planning to join a gricultural producers from Mirabel, Argenteuil and Deux-Montagnes in Ottawa for a peaceful protest against the Alto project.Local groups, including Save South Frontenac, Save Stone Mills a
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  • ‘It felt really degrading’: Witness describes alleged humiliation, delayed disclosure in Haaima trial

    ‘It felt really degrading’: Witness describes alleged humiliation, delayed disclosure in Haaima trial
    Editor’s note: This article refers to alleged incidents of sexual assault and other offences, which readers may find disturbing. On June 4, a witness in the trial of Kingston tech entrepreneur Michael Haaima testified about a “degrading” incident, explained why she waited years to report allegations involving child pornography, and described Haaima’s continued efforts to contact her after his arrest.Haaima is on trial before Justice Robyn Ryan Bell in Superior Court in Ki
  • Local gardens take centre stage at Kingston’s Climate Summit tour

    Local gardens take centre stage at Kingston’s Climate Summit tour
    From seed saving to growing little forests, Kingston gardeners are planting resilience.On June 4, the second and final day of Kingston’s second annual Climate Summit hosted atSt. Lawrence College, the participants split into three tours, including an innovation tour of the college campus, a neighbourhood climate action tour, and a biodiversity, food, and resilience tour.On the biodiversity and food tour, around 20 participants travelled by chartered bus, led by two members from ICLEI Cana
  • ‘Destined to come together’: Verona dealership’s 90th anniversary underscores shared family roots

    ‘Destined to come together’: Verona dealership’s 90th anniversary underscores shared family roots
    VERONA — For two families whose roots run deep in rural eastern Ontario, a milestone anniversary this month is about more than marking time — it’s about the bonds that tie generations together through community, culture and shared history.Revell Ford, a family-run dealership that first opened its doors in 1936, is celebrating 90 years in Verona with a community event June 13.Country music duo The Abrams will perform as part of the June 13 celebration in the parking lot across
  • ‘Once a nurse, always a nurse:' KGH alumni celebrate 130 years

    ‘Once a nurse, always a nurse:' KGH alumni celebrate 130 years
    More than a century after their training began, graduates of the Kingston General Hospital School of Nursing gathered this weekend to celebrate a milestone few alumni groups in Canada can still claim.Nearly 120 former nurses attended a luncheon marking the 130th anniversary of the KGH Nurses’ Alumnae Association, reconnecting over shared memories of long shifts, strict discipline and lasting friendships.“It’s a connection to a big part of my life,” said Winn (Keyes) McKn
  • Pickup truck crashes into west-end Kingston animal hospital

    Pickup truck crashes into west-end Kingston animal hospital
    Kingston Police and Kingston Fire and Rescue responded to a vehicle accident at a 24-hour animal hospital in the city’s west end Friday night.Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 9:51 p.m. to the Kingston Regional Pet Hospital at 1381 Midland Ave., where a late-model white Ford pickup truck had smashed into the building’s storefront.First responders found extensive damage both inside and outside the facility. A washroom was closed off with caution tape and declared out o
  • From bees to burials, Earth Fest Kingston highlights local climate efforts

    From bees to burials, Earth Fest Kingston highlights local climate efforts
    A rainy morning gave way to sunshine and steady crowds at Confederation Park for Earth Fest Kingston on Saturday.The family-focused celebration included live music, hands-on activities and environmental education marking the end of Canadian Environment Week. Organizers aimed to inspire appreciation for nature while highlighting climate challenges and solutions.Established in 1971, Canadian Environment Week encourages Canadians to protect the environment and recognize the country’s natural
  • Roller disco event helps kick off Pride celebrations in Kingston

    Roller disco event helps kick off Pride celebrations in Kingston
    A roller disco celebrating queer joy and community connection brought dozens of skaters to the Kingston Memorial Centre over the weekend, helping to kick off a busy stretch of Pride-related events in the city.The Rainbow Pride Roller Disco, held Saturday evening, marked the second annual event organized by local skating group Quad Squad . The two-hour gathering blended music, skating and fundraising for Kingston Roller Derby.Organizers said the event was intentionally timed to coincide with the
  • Police issue alert over jewelry swap thefts in Kingston

    Police issue alert over jewelry swap thefts in Kingston
    Kingston Police have urged residents to be cautious when approached by three people in a white vehicle who have been involved in jewelry swap thefts.According to a news release, one victim reported being approached on June 4 just before 1 p.m. in the area of Renda Street and Henderson Boulevard.A resident was gardening in their front yard when a white vehicle parked unannounced at the end of their driveway.The vehicle occupants, two males and one female, all were described as having a darker co
  • Concerns prompt Kingston council to revise arena change room policy

    Concerns prompt Kingston council to revise arena change room policy
    Kingston city council has directed staff to revise its ice allocation policy after concerns were raised about equitable access to arena change rooms.Deputy Mayor Wendy Stephen first became aware of the issue when she heard that girls on a local co-ed hockey team did not have access to appropriate change room space.“This is 2026, this should not be happening,” said Stephen in an interview with YGK News.Upon further review, Stephen found that the City of Kingston ice allocation policy
  • Cookbook a first for Napanee food blogger

    Cookbook a first for Napanee food blogger
    Back when chef Andrea Mut and her family last lived in Toronto, their home was located in an area nicknamed “The Pocket” because it was inaccessible from three of its four sides.“And in that house, I had a tiny, tiny little kitchen. It’s probably a quarter of the size of this kitchen,” Mut said as she looked around her current one in Napanee.“I thought it was kind of appropriate: ‘The Pocket’ neighbourhood and the little ‘Pocket Kitchen&rsqu
  • Kingston Police investigate boat and trailer theft

    Kingston Police investigate boat and trailer theft
    The Kingston Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a vehicle involved in the theft of a boat.According to police, it happened on May 4 , around 1:20 a.m. The suspect attended a business in the area of Highway 2 and Joyceville Road. While there, the suspect stole a white 14-foot Crestliner fishing boat and trailer.The suspect was last seen leaving the area in a silver Chevrolet pickup truck.Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Det
  • Kingston's renovated Isabel Turner library re-opens

    Kingston's renovated Isabel Turner library re-opens
    KINGSTON — The city’s biggest west-end library returns to its home after a 19-month renovation to the building.The Isabel Turner branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library is to officially re-open Saturday.Renovations to the 29-year-old building included relocation of the main desk and multipurpose room and the creation of two new study rooms and a reflection and prayer room.“Library service has obviously changed a lot in the past almost 30 years,” explained chief l
  • Groundbreaking Kingston research shows exercise not only improves cancer outcomes, but costs health system less

    Groundbreaking Kingston research shows exercise not only improves cancer outcomes, but costs health system less
    KINGSTON — Researchers from Queen’s University have now demonstrated not only that cancer outcomes improve with prescribed exercise, but that helping post-treatment patients gain access to exercise programs leads to health-care system cost savings.Dr. Christopher Booth and researchers with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group at Queen’s University undertook a 17-year-long study to examine whether exercise could improve outcomes for colon cancer patients . Related'We were astounded
  • Weekend Spotlight June 5 to 7: Things to do in Kingston area this weekend

    Weekend Spotlight June 5 to 7: Things to do in Kingston area this weekend
    1. Lobsterfest Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Portugese Cultural Centre, 959 Division St. : All you can eat fresh New Brunswick lobster. Tickets are $150 and there are a limited number of the 200 seats left. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the dinner starting at 7 p.m. There will be entertainment, live music and silent auction. Lobsterfest has been running for 31 years supporting charities. This year the event is supporting Youth Diversion and the Partners In Mission Foodbank. For more information, chec
  • Kingston Police seize illicit fentanyl following street crime unit warrant

    Kingston Police seize illicit fentanyl following street crime unit warrant
    Two individuals have been arrested and charged by Kingston Police following an investigation into drug trafficking at a home along Montreal Street.According to police, the investigation began in the spring of 2026. Members of the Kingston Police street crime unit initiated an investigation into individuals that were believed to be involved in the trafficking of fentanyl within the city.A search warrant was obtained under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for a residence located on
  • Churchills' legacy lives on through boys and girls club

    Churchills' legacy lives on through boys and girls club
    Edward and Anna Churchill are not well-known names in Kingston. If one Googles their names, one would find a long list of people thanking them, but not much else.Not that they would have cared. They are the type of people who just want to help others, and to help others quietly, without much fanfare, thank you very much.The world needs more people like Anna and Edward.I knew of them decades ago, shortly after my arrival in Kingston. I have been thinking about them since my recent chat with Tom
  • Local students continue to benefit from Beyond Classrooms Kingston

    Local students continue to benefit from Beyond Classrooms Kingston
    Following the success of previous years, BGC South East has plans to continue its experiential learning with Beyond Classrooms Kingston,a unique initiative that allows students to continue learning beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.Offered through BGC South East, Beyond the Classrooms transforms Kingston’s museums, galleries, heritage sites and community spaces into living classrooms where students spend an immersive week exploring curriculum through hands-on learning, inquiry a
  • Witness's description of manipulation and deception comes before yet another interruption in Haaima trial

    Witness's description of manipulation and deception comes before yet another interruption in Haaima trial
    A complainant whose testimony was delayed after Michael Haaima refused to attend court on Monday finally took the stand this week. In the midst of the woman’s testimony about a relationship she says was marked by deception, self-doubt, and manipulation, court proceedings were interrupted yet again on Wednesday by an injury to defence counsel.The witness, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, testified Tuesday and Wednesday in Haaima’s long-running judge-only trial before
  • Hsu echoes auditor's concerns over classroom violence, staffing shortages in school system

    Hsu echoes auditor's concerns over classroom violence, staffing shortages in school system
    Kingston’s member of provincial parliament is sounding the alarm after Ontario’s auditor general raised concerns about increasing violence and instability in classrooms, pointing to staffing shortages — particularly among educational assistants — as a key factor affecting student safety and learning. In a special report on special education needs released May 12, the watchdog found that schools are struggling to keep pace with increasingly complex student needs, especial
  • More than 100 jobs cut at Invista's Kingston facility

    More than 100 jobs cut at Invista's Kingston facility
    More than 100 workers at the Invista plant in Kingston have been given notice that their jobs will no longer be needed.Over a period of 48 hours, conversations were had with those impacted, which led to a series of four in-person staff meetings, the first of which happened Thursday morning.According to officials, layoffs will start as soon as June 21 and wrap up by Aug. 2, depending on the job.The meeting, which the Whig-Standard obtained a recording of, explained the reasoning behind the cuts
  • Close to 70 jobs cut at Invista's Kingston facility

    Close to 70 jobs cut at Invista's Kingston facility
    This article has been updated on June 9 to reflect new information.68 workers at the Invista plant in Kingston have been given notice that their jobs will no longer be needed, according to Greg Lemon, director of corporate affairs and media relations at Koch. Not 100 as previously reported.Over a period of 48 hours, conversations were had with those impacted, which led to a series of four in-person staff meetings, the first of which happened Thursday morning.According to officials, layoffs will
  • Health unit reports continued surge in stomach illness cases in Kingston

    Health unit reports continued surge in stomach illness cases in Kingston
    Southeast Public Health (SEPH) is continuing to investigate cases of cryptosporidiosis in the Kingston area and is reminding residents of the steps they can take to prevent the spread of the gastrointestinal illness. People become sick with cryptosporidiosis when they eat food or drink water contaminated with the parasite Cryptosporidium. The illness is also spread through contact with infected feces from people or animals.The health unit says most people with cryptosporidiosis recover without

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