She called in rich + 5 stories you shouldn't miss

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Together With

Gooood morning Bay of Quinte!

Ever dream of making that "sorry, can't come in" call with a twist? One Niagara Falls retail worker just upgraded from calling in sick to "calling in rich" after a lucky Plinko drop landed her a cool $300,000. Between watching her chip bounce through the pegs and planning her dream kitchen, Lorna Wilson is living proof that sometimes the best sick note is a lottery ticket. I guess her dad was right - you really can't win if you don't play, though HR probably won't accept that as a long-term career strategy.

Let’s get into the midweek update.

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News Notes

📚 Loyalist College Faces Major Faculty Cuts
Loyalist College has announced the elimination of 36 full-time faculty positions amid growing financial uncertainty. The situation has left many in the Belleville community concerned about the institution's future. The college's financial statements suggest it could face serious funding challenges by March 2026. (The Intelligencer) Read More →

💰 Belleville Sets 2026 Budget Guidelines
City Council has approved a maximum 5% property tax increase for the 2026 operating budget, despite some councillors pushing for a lower 3.75% cap. The decision follows input from 705 residents in a public survey, with the draft budget set for release on January 29, 2026. (Quinte News) Read More →

👨‍⚕️ Three New Family Doctors Sign On for Belleville
The local physician shortage just got a welcome boost with three new doctors joining Belleville's recruitment program. Talk about perfect timing for wait-listed patients! Dr. Ilora and Dr. Uzondu arrive this fall from the UK, while Dr. Hunt joins from California in 2026. (City of Belleville) Read More →

🌱 Indigenous Communities Get $10M Energy Boost
The province is powering up Indigenous energy with a whopping $10 million investment in sustainable projects. A bright future ahead indeed, as the funding will help communities like Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte develop solar-powered micro-grids and transition from diesel power. (InQuinte) Read More →

🥧 Beloved Firefighter's Apple Pie Legacy Lives On at Picton Fair
The Picton Fair Bake Off is adding a heartwarming tribute to its September competition. A special apple pie category will honour the late Jim Young, the contest's first-ever winner and beloved deputy fire chief. The event has raised $48,000 for the local hospital foundation since 2007. (The Intelligencer) Read More →

🍎 Local Food Program Urgently Seeks Caring Volunteers
The Food for Learning program needs helping hands after serving a staggering 1.5 million meals to local students last year. Here's a chance to make a real difference in just two hours per week. Volunteers are needed across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to prepare meals and support student nutrition programs. (Quinte News) Read More →

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Events

🎵 Marianas Trench Live | August 30 | 7:30pm | Base 31, PEC
Triple-platinum Canadian rockers Marianas Trench bring their explosive Force of Nature Tour to town, featuring hits like "Stutter" and "Who Do You Love."

🎪 Belleville Quinte Exhibition | Aug 28-31, 2025 | All Day | 240 Bridge St W, Belleville
Grab your advance ride wristbands for $36 (they jump to $45 at the gate) and relive your youth at this classic small-town fair that'll have you spinning, winning, and grinning like it's 1975 all over again.

🎪 Tweed Stampede & Jamboree | Aug 30-Sep 1 | All Day | Tweed, ON
Saddle up for a boot-stompin' good time as Tim Hicks headlines this country music extravaganza, with the Steve Waters Band kicking things off in true Canadian style.

🎬 Mining at the Movies | August 30 | 5:30 PM | Wooler Ball Diamond
Kick off your shoes for a free evening of corn roasting, outdoor games, and "Minecraft" under the stars on a jumbo inflatable screen.

🧘 Feel Good at Base31 | September 6 | 9:30AM-9:00PM | Base31, Picton, ON
From yoga to pickleball to sound healing, this free wellness festival serves up a delightful buffet of good vibes for mind, body and spirit at a gorgeous 70-acre historic site.

_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

Home of the Week

🏠 Historic 1875 Masterpiece Meets Modern Luxury in Prince Edward County 

This stunning 5-bedroom heritage estate spans 30+ acres of private land, featuring vaulted ceilings with reclaimed barn beams, handcrafted Spanish tiles, and has been showcased in The Globe and Mail & ELLE Canada Decoration.

• 🏰 2000-2500 sq ft of fully furnished elegance with Italian Scavolini cabinetry and premium Gaggenau/Bertazzoni appliances
• 🎨 Masterfully reimagined by V+R Interior Designs, blending European sophistication with historic charm
• 🌳 Complete privacy on 30+ acres with landscaped grounds and wooded areas

(Mark Franks / Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited) Read More →

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: 🌧️ High 23°C / Low 12°C - light rain

Thursday: ☁️ High 23°C / Low 12°C - broken clouds

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

That’s a wrap on this week’s rollercoaster. From jackpot joyrides to budget bumps and buttery apple pie, life’s never dull around here, and neither are your inboxes.

Send this to someone who’s overdue for a win — or just needs a slice of local life. 🥧💸

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