The Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police Crime Unit is investigating a series of 18 suspicious fires in the area over the past four months.

The OPP issued an appeal for public assistance December 13, one day after a suspicious fire at a vacant building in South Glengarry. This was the second fire at this location in the past two weeks.

The OPP is working with the local fire departments and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office in an attempt to determine possible relationships between the fires.

The fires, in and around Glengarry and Stormont areas of SD&G, started this summer. Most have involved vacant buildings, primarily in Glengarry.

Investigators are urging the public to report any suspicious vehicles or people in their community and are offering the following tips for owners of vacant buildings:

Secure unlocked structures.

Consider motion sensing cameras.

Ask neighbours to watch the property and make regular visits to view the property.

Anyone with information regarding the fires can contact Detective Constable Lise Durocher or Detective Constable Kirk Cullen of the SD&G OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Also in The News of December 14, displaced study, arson charges, severe flu, and Dear Santa letters.

A fire at a Dominion Street Alexandria house December 4 was the work of an arsonist, according to investigators.

Nobody was injured in the blaze that broke out at 112 Dominion Sunday evening.

The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office and the Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police forensic unit are investigating.

Anyone who noticed anything suspicious on that evening or who has information in connection with the fire is asked to call 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Also in The News of December 7, Santa's busy weekend, Music and Mayhem, a "turning point"

A mechanical problem seems to have caused an airplane crash on Highway 401 near Bainsville Monday evening. Two occupants in the Cessna 150 were injured when the plane crashed in the median of 401 near the Fourth Line Road in front of the Bainsville ONRoute station just before 8:15 p.m. One occupant was airlifted to hospital by Ornge with life-threatening injuries and the second occupant was transported to hospital by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. Initial investigation indicates the airplane may have experienced a mechanical problem after departing from the Valleyfield  airport. The airplane struck hydro wires prior to landing in the centre median on Highway 401, says the Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry Ontario Provincial Police detachment. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is assisting with the investigation. A section of the highway had been closed for several hours.

Also in The News of November 30, remembering a war veteran, pre-Christmas festivities, Light Up North Glengarry contestants.

Vera Page, from Vankleek Hill, is the winner of the November 1 $60 million Lotto Max lottery.

As one of the eldest of 11 children, she helped raise her younger siblings, and when her sister needed a kidney transplant, Vera selflessly offered her own. Now, as Ontario's newest multimillionaire, Vera plans to continue the spirit of giving by sharing her incredible windfall with her family.

The 83-year-old mother, grandmother and great grandmother was overjoyed when she collected her prize.

Vera has been a regular lottery player for about 40 years, and almost missed out on buying this ticket when her weekly outing to the grocery store was cancelled. "When the staff at my retirement home rescheduled our weekly trip, I got on my motorized scooter and went to the store myself. As I was checking out, I remembered to buy my Lotto Max and Lotto 6-49 tickets, both with Encore.  When I got home, I tucked the tickets under my computer until the draw."

Despite this incredible $60 million win, Vera admits that she will keep buying lottery tickets! 

Vera's winning ticket was purchased at Foodland on Highway 34 in Vankleek Hill.

Also in The News of November 23, Bill 23 blowback.

Also, in The News of November 16, Remembrance Day ceremonies, desperately seeking medication, veteran reflects

Also in The News of November 9, Light Up North Glengarry, 'get your shots,' big response to fundraiser.

Also in The News, relief may be in sight at the hospital, people are advised to be prudent, plus we have a full listing of Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Also in The News of October 26, a "miracle" in Dalkeith, Alexandria tops list, graduation rates rise

Also, fire damages Maxville Manor, decision time, active seniors

Also in The News this week, cross-country, towers attacked, arena revamped

Also in The News of October 5, Terry Fox Runs, COVID update

Also this week: A Spotlight on South Glengarry Awards Ceremony, SDG Warden's Banquet, Underwater Hockey, and Franco-Ontarians Celebrate!