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Cobourg police board chair and chief provide context to upcoming debate on future of force

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Cobourg drug bust

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At an upcoming Cobourg council meeting, politicians will debate whether it will start negotiations towards a possible merger of the Cobourg and Port Hope Police. Council is also considering contacting Hamilton Township, which the OPP currently serves. In this interview, you will hear what the Cobourg Police Services Board chair, Ron Kerr, thinks about all of this. Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf joins him. Cobourg already works with multiple police forces. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Cobourg Police, Community, Politics

Seeking solutions for people without doctors, Ontario Health Team weighs in

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Port Hope Walk-in clinic

The show Part 1:

The show Part 2:

The full interview (Podcast):

Your toddler has a fever that does not seem to break. You are a senior who needs a prescription renewal to treat a chronic condition. Your cold is getting worse, not better. For some in Northumberland, it is a call to your physician or, in the lingo of the healthcare sector, primary caregiver. But for those without a doctor, it is a real problem. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Healthcare, Northumberland County, Ontario Health Team, Politics

In Their Words: Alnwick-Halidmand council debates cancelling 2024-2025 hockey season

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Grafton Minor Hockey League

The show:

On September 30, the Alnwick-Haldimand Township council met to discuss the state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton. The ice rink’s pipes were failing, and the situation was grim. The council debated what to do. The choice was stark: either pay $50,000 for repairs on the system that may or may not fix the problem or cancel the hockey season. Children were already registering. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Sports

Alnwick-Halidmand John Logel on the state of Memorial Arena and its future

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The show:

The state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton has been an issue for a long time. Over decades, many councils have dealt with the more than 75-year-old building and its infrastructure. The current Alnwick-Haldimand council inherited this legacy. In January, Mayor John Logel appeared on the show to discuss a survey to determine the arena’s future. Since then, multiple reports have been written or are underway. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Sports

In Their Words: Northumberland County councillors debate the future of the encampment in Cobourg

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Northumberland County Council debate

The full debate:

This is an experiment. Most people listening to this show live busy lives. So much goes on that it is difficult to stay on top of what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. In this podcast, you will hear the actual debate from the September 18 county council meeting. It is straight out of the public meeting. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, In Their Words, Northumberland County, Politics

Retired head of Green Wood Coalition reflects on more than 30 years of community building

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David Sheffield

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

More than 30 years ago, David Sheffield attended a potluck dinner at Green Wood Towers in Port Hope. The meal changed his life. He went on to create the Green Wood Coalition, a non-profit aimed at helping those who lived on the margins in the community. Slowly, it would gain attention. There would be challenges but also successes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Tragic death leads to debate about opioids within Alderville community, says chief

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Opioids

The show (full interview):

International Overdose Awareness Day was last week. A tragic death caused by a drug overdose took place in Alderville recently. It was a reminder that no community is immune. First Nations people are seven times more likely to die of a drug overdose as compared to non-First Nations people, according to a recent study done by the Chiefs of Ontario. It is an organization representing 133 First Nations in the province. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Opioids, Politics, Social Justice

Walk-in clinic re-opens following year of challenges to serve patients who don’t have a doctor

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Port Hope Walk In Clinic

The show:

The full interview:

After a year of hard work and numerous challenges, the walk-in clinic in Port Hope re-opened with a soft launch earlier this month. As everyone slowly finds their sea legs, the clinic hopes to serve a growing population in Northumberland without doctors. In this early stage, the hours are irregular. People need to check the county’s website or call to find the days and times it is open. In this interview, county officials will explain what is going on and why. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Northumberland County, Politics, Port Hope

Alderville member and new Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke shares roles, responsibilities, and life

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MARSHA SMOKE

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Marsha Smoke is a quiet, humble individual who lives in Alderville. When you meet her, she is soft-spoken, listens intently, and chooses her words with great care. Marsha Smoke is also the new Southeast Regional Chief for the Anishinabek Nation. Northumberland is part of the area she serves. Smoke is a longtime advocate of Indigenous rights dating back decades. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alderville, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

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Homeless veteran

Veterans who are unsheltered and coming into contact with Cobourg police officers could get some unexpected help after the launch of a new program recently. The Military Veteran Wellness Program announced on Aug. 20 will train frontline officers to identify those who are unsheltered or facing a mental health crisis. Officers will have the necessary awareness to better recognize those veterans in trouble. Then, it gives the officers the skills to build rapport with the person and a formal path to helping the veteran access essential social services delivered through existing agencies. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Cobourg Police, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice