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Local musical historian releases documentary about WWII swing band touring frontline

Streamliners

The show:

Local music historian Andy Sparling released an audio documentary about the Streamliners. They were a swing band taken from the ranks of aircraft maintenance trainees to become a touring band that traveled throughout the European front from 1944 to 1945. The band would be known as one of the best bands of the time. It is a privilege to share this documentary with you on today’s show. Its historical and musical significance cannot be underestimated. Continue Reading →

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Transitioning back into the Northumberland community after leaving an abusive relationship

Women sexual assault

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Please be aware that the first segment of today’s show may cause distress to some people as it deals with sexual assault and violence against women. Thank you. About one in three women and one in 10 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. That is according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Locally, no specific statistics are given to residents of Northumberland. Continue Reading →

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Walton Street construction underway as councillor explains what it means to Port Hope

Ground breaking Walton Street construction

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It was not your usual official kickoff ceremony. The mayor, councillors, business leaders, residents, and others gathered on Walton Street earlier this week. Behind them, construction equipment and workers in hard hats were tearing up the road behind them. It is part of a major upgrade of water and sewer that is more than 100 years old. There is never a good time to undertake such a massive project. Continue Reading →

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Executive director of Horizons of Friendship update after a year under new leadership

DESMI

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A lot has changed at Horizons of Friendship in the past year. The non-government organization that serves Mexico and Central America experienced a major transition as a new executive director took over. Certainly, familiar programs supporting migrant workers are ongoing. So is the health promotion project in Guatemala. But as the world’s eyes focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, Central America falls into the shadows. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg council must decide on future of police station, says board chair

Cobourg police station

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Cobourg council recently received a report from the Police Service Board outlining the current conditions of the station on King Street. Complete with numerous images of the deficiencies, it calls into question the viability of the historic Armoury Building as a suitable space. In this interview, Cobourg Police Services chair Ron Kerr and Chief Paul VandeGraaf discuss the submission. While there are several options, it is clear that they are pushing for a new facility with a cost ranging from $30 to $35 million. However, the final decision will be up to the council. Continue Reading →

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Police review underway as politicians and residents grapple left to grapple with future

OPP cruiser

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

You will want to listen to today’s show if you care about your municipal taxes. The cost of policing is one of the largest expenses for municipalities in Northumberland County. It is one of the main drivers, but not the only one, behind a review underway at the county council. Meanwhile, the Cobourg council is facing a tough decision regarding a police station. Port Hope budgets are under strain, plus it has a mixed service for Ward 1 and 2. Continue Reading →

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Internationally renowned Canadian journalist shares stories of women and children facing war and oppression.

Sally Armstrong

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Canadian Federation of University Women in Belleville is hosting a community event with Sally Armstrong on Saturday, April 27. She is an internationally renowned Canadian journalist, author, documentary filmmaker, and human rights activist. She is often called the war correspondent for the world’s women. Armstrong has reported for CBC, CTV, Globe and Mail, and the New York Times from Bosnia, Somalia, Rwanda, Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, Jordan, and Israel. In this interview, she is outspoken, insightful, and sometimes shocking. Continue Reading →

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Transition House officials respond to impact of Cobourg’s emergency shelter bylaw

Transition House

The full interview:

Plans for 310 Division Street continue to move forward. Senior staff at Northumberland County and Cobourg are hammering away at a deal to operate an emergency shelter. Meanwhile, the town’s bylaws are now in place to regulate operations at local shelters, including Transition House and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. County Warden Brian Ostrander and Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland appeared on last week’s show to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the provincial government provided $2.5 million to renovate the former senior’s residence, with the caveat that the work must begin within the next four months. Continue Reading →

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Canadian Fire Fighters Museum signs lease and makes plans for a new home in old arena

Canadian Fire Fighters Museum Chair Michelle Hainey-Kileeg and Treasurer Dickson Wood

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2018, the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Port Hope closed its doors. It was a fixture in the town for 34 years. Its collection was one of the most extensive in the country, with a long list of items that captured glimpses of the history of firefighting. Besides several trucks, the museum features a range of items and documents that continue to grow. Sadly, the collection has been in storage for the past five years. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

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