Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

Film festival hosted by farmers in Campbellford takes on issues and challenges facing agriculture

Aaron Theatre

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Farmers and film festivals are not always something you would think go together. Yet, the local chapter of the National Farmers Union of Ontario is screening several documentary films at the Aaron Theatre in Campbellford next Saturday afternoon. These are interviews with farmers across Canada dealing with serious issues like climate change, sustainable farming practices, loss of agricultural lands, and the family farm’s future. These are not just films for farmers. They are films for everyone. Continue Reading →

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New show provides insight into Indigenous community in Northumberland County and beyond

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In November, a new show launched on Northumberland 89.7 FM called Conversations Towards Reconciliation with Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous community in Northumberland and elsewhere every month. So far, the show included topics like Indigenous portrayal in movies, games, and TV. There was a chat about the 10th anniversary of the solar farm in Alderville and boil water advisories. Each episode also includes a long list of events and announcements about what is happening in Alderville. Continue Reading →

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Additional officers, additional auxiliary will raise profile of Port Hope police, says chief

Port Hope Police

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Port Hope police recently released its two-year strategic plan. While the title sounds pretty lofty, there are many nuts and bolts in it. In this interview, Chief Tim Farquharson will address critical issues facing the community. He will discuss the hiring of three new officers and the expansion of the auxiliary force in the hopes of increasing police presence. But that is not all. Continue Reading →

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YMCA Northumberland CEO worries about future of daycare in Northumberland

YMCA daycare

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

As one of the largest daycare providers in Northumberland County, the YMCA offers a unique perspective on the pressures operators face. As we heard last week, the transition to providing $10/day spaces has left many providers wondering if they can stay open. Eunice Kirkpatrick, CEO of the YMCA Northumberland, gives a candid assessment of the situation from the frontlines. Operating 22 programs in the county, it is the largest non-profit supplier of daycare and before- and after-school programs for kids. If you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you will want to hear what she says in this interview. Continue Reading →

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Report emphasizes challenges facing rural hospitals like Campbellford, says CEO

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Ontario’s healthcare crisis disproportionately impacts rural hospitals. That is a key message the Rural Ontario Municipal Association delivered in a recently released report. In this interview, Campbellford Memorial Hospital CEO Jeff Hohenkerk can tell you first-hand how difficult it is to run a rural hospital. Keeping the emergency room open, recruiting doctors, addressing the concerns of nurses and mental health services, and an annual budget shortfall, the picture is not pretty. Still, not everything is doom and gloom. Continue Reading →

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County spending $1.5 million to support local daycare as operators struggle to stay open

Northumberland daycare

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Northumberland County spends nearly $1.5 million supporting local daycare. This is on top of fees paid by parents. Despite the county’s contribution, daycare operators are struggling to stay open. In this interview, Lesley Patterson, manager of Early Year service programs for Northumberland County, will talk about the funding crisis in daycare. Recently, operators across Ontario expressed concerns about possible closures of daycares due to a lack of funding from the province. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope resident Angela Grogan shares passion for significance of local Black History

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Port Hope resident Angela Grogan recently discovered former municipal councillor and journalist Larry Hall. Hall died in 2014. Hall grew up in Garden Hill and explored his personal history during his lifetime. His great-grandparents were fugitive slaves who fled the United States for Canada along the Underground Railroad. Hall was regularly seen at the Port Hope Public Library each year, giving presentations on the history of black people in Northumberland County. Continue Reading →

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A deep dive into the new Transition House at 310 Division Street: meet the new ED and public meetings

The show (Part 1):

The show (Part 2):

The full interview:

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses. These interviews are a deep dive into the new facility. Continue Reading →

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Record participation in survey and still time to give input into Cobourg 2024 budget, says deputy mayor

Life guard station at Cobourg Beacy

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A record number of people participated in a recent survey about the 2024 Cobourg draft budget. Two hundred and eighty residents went online and filled out a survey. It was four times greater than last year. Inflation, high interest rates, grocery prices, and the cost of gas are hammering everyone’s wallet. Last fall, Cobourg councillors told staff to aim for a five percent increase. Continue Reading →

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Chief explains hiring of new officers; plus he critiques provincial changes to address repeat offenders

Sgt. Janice MacDonald and Constable Janet Bertrand are on their walking rounds in Cobourg’s downtown.

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a recent Cobourg council meeting, a debate ignited over hiring additional police officers. This led to a tense discussion about public safety and the 2024 budget. With community safety a hot topic in the council chambers and on the street, it is creating a lot of strong emotions in and outside Victoria Hall. In this interview, you will hear from Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. Since he arrived in 2014, the number of officers has not changed. Continue Reading →

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