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🏪 Local Spotlight – Most People Avoid This Job… This Teen Turned It Into a Business

🔍 Find The Guide - A Brief Story About The Tri Town Guide

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At some point this spring, almost everyone with a dog has the same thought.

You look out at the yard after the snow melts… and realize exactly what’s been waiting there all winter.

It’s not a fun job. Most people put it off longer than they should.

That’s where Romeo saw an opportunity.

At 14 years old, Romeo has been running his own small business around the Tri-Towns doing something most people would rather avoid altogether. What started as a way to earn money for a pair of shoes has quietly turned into something much bigger.

“This is his third year now,” his mom Sarah shared. “At first he thought I was joking when I suggested it.”

She wasn’t

A couple years ago, Romeo wanted an expensive pair of shoes. Instead of buying them, Sarah gave him a simple challenge: figure out a way to earn the money yourself. After tossing around a few ideas, she suggested dog cleanup in the spring.

It Stuck.

The first year came with a learning curve. There was some hesitation, a bit of gagging, and the kind of moments you’d expect from a 12-year-old trying something completely outside his comfort zone.

But he kept going.

And that’s really the thread that runs through this story.

What Romeo’s Poop Scooping Service offers is straightforward. He goes yard to yard, cleaning up after dogs once the snow melts. He brings his own tools, takes care of the job thoroughly, and leaves the space clean so homeowners don’t have to deal with it themselves.

It’s simple work. But it’s not easy work.

It usually takes a couple of hours per yard, depending on the size and how much has built up over the winter.

“You really only have about one to three weeks,” Sarah explained. “So there’s a lot of interest, but only so much time.”

That makes Romeo’s approach even more interesting.

He doesn’t set a fixed price.

Instead, he lets customers decide what they feel is fair.

So far, that’s worked out well.

“I’m always happy with what they give me,” Romeo said.

That trust goes both ways. It reflects the kind of small-town dynamic where people look out for each other and respect the effort being put in.

What starts as a simple cleanup job often turns into something more.

In a few cases, Romeo has gone back to help with other yard work. Cleaning up branches, helping with gardens, even tackling bigger messes when needed. One job led to another, not because it was advertised, but because people saw how he worked.

He shows up, asks what needs to be done, and gets to it.

That mindset has been one of the biggest changes for him.

“Talking to people was a huge thing,” Sarah said. “He was very, very shy before this.”

Now, he’s knocking on doors, introducing himself, explaining what he does, and following through on the work.

“I learned how to talk to people more,” Romeo said.

Watching that shift has been one of the most rewarding parts for his mom.

“I watched him do his first job of the year and he’s come full circle,” she said. “I was really proud.”

Outside of work, Romeo is still very much a typical teenager.

He spends a lot of time playing basketball, especially during the summer, and being outside with friends. Long days, late nights, and a lot of time at the court as well as running around playing man hunt. But he’s also learning how to balance that with responsibility.

Work comes first when he’s committed to a job.

And he’s starting to see the value in earning his own money.

“It opened his eyes,” Sarah said. “He’s more careful with how he spends it now. He understands what things actually cost.”

That lesson is part of what makes this story stand out.

This isn’t just about a kid making a bit of money on the side. It’s about learning how to take initiative, follow through, and do work that others rely on.

There are a few things Romeo and his mom want people in the community to know.

First, this isn’t just a one-time spring cleanup. While that’s the busiest season, Romeo is open to doing ongoing weekly scooping through out the summer if people are interested. Or other odd jobs.

Second, patience matters.

He’s still in school, and there are only so many hours in a day. With a short spring window and high demand, it’s not always possible to get to everyone right away. Jobs are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and weather can also play a role in timing.

And finally, fairness.

Because there’s no set rate, they ask that people be mindful of the time and effort involved. Most jobs take a couple of hours, and for a young person putting in that kind of work, it goes a long way when people recognize that.

More than anything, this experience has taught Romeo a few simple but important things.

How to talk to people.
How to push through something uncomfortable.
How to show up and do the work.

When asked what he’d say to other kids thinking about starting something of their own, his answer was simple:

“Just do it… don’t worry about what people think.”

For anyone in the Tri-Towns who’s been putting off that spring cleanup, there’s a good chance Romeo can help.

And for anyone else reading this, it’s a pretty good reminder of what a little initiative can turn into.

What to expect:
Romeo brings his own tools and bags, walks the full yard, and cleans up all visible pet waste. His mom, Sarah, stays on site during the work, and all bagged waste is left at the property for the homeowner to dispose of.

If you’d like Romeo’s Poop Scooping Service to take care of your dog waste cleanup this spring, he services Cobalt and the Tri-Towns. To schedule a cleanup connect with his mom, Sarah by texting or calling 705-622-9061 or comment on her Facebook post. Just keep in mind he’s balancing school and a busy schedule, so a little patience goes a long way.

We’re always looking to highlight local young people (ages 10–18) who are taking initiative—whether that’s starting a business, developing a skill, or doing something a little out of the ordinary.

If you know someone who’d be open to a short interview and deserves to be featured, let us know here:
👉 Tri Town Today Youth Spotlight

The U15 Temiskaming Thunder boys are on the road this weekend, heading to Timmins for a two-game slate on Saturday.

The Thunder will tip off Game 1 at 11:30 AM, followed by Game 2 at 2:30 PM as they take on Timmins Selects in tournament play.

Fans who can’t make the trip can still catch the action, with both games set to be live-streamed on the team’s Facebook page.

A full day of basketball ahead as the Thunder look to bring the energy on the road.

If you are a coach of a team that would like to have their team scores and highlight shared with the community please reach out to [email protected] and lets connect.

Organizations across the Temiskaming region are being invited to apply for funding through the Zack’s Crib Homeless Prevention Fund.

The Temiskaming Foundation has announced that grant applications are now open for projects aimed at preventing homelessness, with funding available for initiatives up to $15,000. The program is designed to support local efforts that address housing challenges and provide meaningful support to individuals and families at risk.

This type of funding can make a real difference behind the scenes. For organizations working in housing, outreach, or support services, it offers an opportunity to step in early and create meaningful impact before situations become more serious.

Groups interested in applying can find full guidelines and application forms through the Foundation’s website. The deadline to submit applications is May 31.

The fund continues to support community driven solutions, helping local organizations turn ideas into action where it is needed most.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Building Ties event, which will bring together leaders and community members from across the Temiskaming region to discuss youth retention.

This year’s event will take place on May 21 at the Nédélec Community Centre in Quebec, continuing the tradition of rotating host locations between Ontario, Quebec, and Timiskaming First Nation.

The evening will begin with networking, followed by a cultural opening ceremony and a seated dinner. Attendees will then hear from speakers representing industry and community leadership across the region, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities tied to keeping young people in the area. An interactive question and answer session will close out the event.

The topic is one that resonates across the region. Every business, family, and community feels the impact when young people leave, and many are looking for real, practical solutions that can make a difference.

Organizers say the goal is to share local perspectives and spark meaningful conversations around an issue that affects communities on both sides of the provincial border.

Tickets are available online, with registration open until May 15. Complimentary translation services will be provided during the event.

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Full municipal street sweeping operations are set to begin May 4 across the city. Crews have already started sidewalk sweeping, and residents are encouraged to help by pushing sand and debris into the gutter ahead of sweepers.

Please use caution around equipment and avoid on street parking when crews are in your area to help improve efficiency and safety. Sweeping will take place city wide over the coming weeks.

The Township of Armstrong has released tender documents for two projects: Gravel Supply, Haul and Placement (2026-03) and Ditching Services (2026-04). Interested contractors are invited to review the details and submit bids by May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Full information is available on the Township’s website.

he Municipality of Temagami is inviting quotations for the construction, fabrication, and installation of floating and fixed docking facilities at the Cassels Lake Access Point. RFQ documents are available at temagami.ca under Bids and Tenders.

Submissions must be clearly marked “RFQ #2026-02 - Floating and Fixed Docking” and are due by May 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM. For inquiries, contact Barry Turcotte, Public Works Superintendent, at [email protected]
or 705 569 3421 ext. 205.

TDSS's TLC Class 117 is selling freshly made gourmet caramel popcorn — $8 per bag. Order by emailing [email protected]. Payment by debit or cash at the TDSS front desk at pickup.

Sunday & Tuesdays at 7:30 and Sunday Matinee @ 2:00 pm | Cinema 1 - Devil Wears Prada | Cinema 2 - Animal Farm | (705) 647-5363

Residents are reminded that a burning permit is required before any open burning. Permits are required year round, and daytime burning is not allowed from April 1 to October 31. Burning is only permitted between 6:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

Annual permits are $20 for renewals or $30 if an inspection is required for new or altered sites. Permits can be obtained Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at City Hall locations in Haileybury or Dymond, or online at temiskamingshores.ca. For more information, contact the Temiskaming Shores Fire Department at 705 672 3363.

You’re going to start seeing this guy around.

We call him the Tri Town Guide.

We’re going to be launching a simple game on Facebook called Find the Guide. On certain days we’ll post a photo somewhere around the Tri Town. The Guide will be in that photo. Your job will be to figure out where it is.

You’ll drop your guess in the comment, and every correct answer will count as an entry. We’ll draw a winner each week and feature them in the newsletter. Local businesses will be part of it too, so prizes will come from right here in the community.

It’s meant to be simple. Something quick, something fun, something that makes you look at the tri town area a little differently.

We’re not launching it just yet. We want to build this up properly first. But it’s coming soon.

So for now, just keep an eye out.

Because once the Guide starts showing up, you’ll know it’s time to play.

We help connect our readers with local businesses, services, and opportunities in the community.

If you’re looking to stay top of mind with people in Temiskaming Shores and surrounding areas, a sponsorship is a simple and consistent way to do that.

Opportunities may include:

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of the residents of Temiskaming Shores and surrounding areas in an upcoming issue of Tri Town Today? APPLY HERE Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]