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In Their Words: Alnwick-Haldimand council debates decision to cancel 2024-2025 hockey season

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

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

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

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

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

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

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

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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Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

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 →

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County residents encouraged to support food banks and reduce food waste

Fare Share Food Bank

Northumberland County council wants residents to make a special effort to help those who cannot afford food during September. It wants people to participate in various ways over the 30 days to support local food banks and food security programs and reduce food waste. Council approved the initiative at its meeting earlier this month when it proclaimed Hunger Action Month. The suggestion came from Jennifer Glover, the Ontario Works manager for the county, at the Social Services Committee in July. She told committee members the project was supported in the past, involving several events that groups and individuals can participate in over the month. Continue Reading →

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Farmer’s mental health a priority for Northumberland Federation of Agriculture

farmer fatigue

The show:

Amid the pandemic in 2021, a group of farmers realized the toll it was taking on mental health. Besides the usual pressures of Mother Nature and fluctuating commodity prices, farmers faced increased isolation and a host of other challenges. Paul Burnham, Bruce Buttars, and the late Sid Atkinson came on this show to talk about the situation. As part of the conversation, it turned to mental health. Out of this concern, the local federation initiated support for farmers. Continue Reading →

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