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Crime, council drama and local development stories dominated reader interest this week across Hometown News, with an Almonte fraud case pulling in more than one-third of all page views on the site.
Here’s a look at the five most-read local stories from the past week, excluding landing pages and celebrity-style content.
Hometown News top 5 stories May 11-17:
- Almonte ODSP fraud investigation leads weekly traffic surge
The week’s runaway top story focused on an Ontario Disability Support Program fraud investigation connected to an Almonte-area conviction. The article drew more than 3,600 views on its own, accounting for over 35 per cent of all site traffic tracked during the reporting period. Readers clearly gravitated toward accountability stories involving public funds and criminal investigations. - Perth approves zoning amendment for proposed six-unit building
A proposed six-unit residential development in Perth generated strong interest as council approved a zoning amendment tied to the project. The story sparked discussion around intensification, housing growth and neighbourhood fit, all issues that continue to draw attention across Lanark County communities. - Rideau Lakes council votes to bring back facilitator
Council dynamics in Rideau Lakes Township continued to keep readers engaged after councillors voted to bring back a meeting facilitator amid ongoing tensions around governance and decorum. Municipal politics stories remain among the site’s most consistently read content. - New bylaw enforcement officer hired in Smiths Falls
A staffing change at the Town of Smiths Falls drew solid readership as residents looked to learn more about the municipality’s new bylaw enforcement officer and what the appointment could mean for enforcement priorities moving forward. - Smiths Falls police chief announces retirement plans
One of the week’s most-read stories focused on the upcoming retirement of Smiths Falls Police Chief Jodi Empey, who announced plans to step away from policing at the end of 2026. The news prompted strong community interest as readers reflected on her leadership and long career with the Smiths Falls Police Service.
Other stories drawing steady traffic included coverage of a false insurance claim charge in Smiths Falls and community support efforts for martial arts competitor Mario Giannuzzi as he prepares for world championship competition.
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