CJRO News: October 28 to November 3, 2024

Hello bonjour and welcome to CJRO News on CJRO Radio. I'm Candice Vetter reporting from Embrun.

The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit is seeking the public’s help in identifying who is responsible for the fatal stabbing of Dale Lusk, of Ira Morgan Way in Metcalfe. On September 23, at approximately 11 a.m., Lusk left his home in his pickup truck. A short distance from his home, he pulled over and interacted with a light grey or silver sedan car. It was during this interaction that the front passenger of the sedan entered Mr. Lusk’s vehicle and stabbed him before leaving in the same car. A neighbour discovered Lusk in critical condition but he died in hospital on October 5. On October 28 the case’s lead investigator, Sergeant Chris O’Brien, released video footage and still images of the vehicle. Police believe there were at least two people in the vehicle during the attack – the offender and the driver – and said they are confident that others in the community may have information. Anyone with specific knowledge about the vehicle or the incident is urged to contact police at the dedicated tip line at 613-236-1222, extension 5477. Or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

Photos courtesy OPS.

In another horrifying murder, the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit has charged 36-year-old Fsha TEKHLE of Montreal with First Degree Murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Brkti Berhe on Uplands Drive. Witnesses were able to support Ms. Berhe as she lay dying, quickly took her two small children to safety, and got the make and license number of the car the suspect escaped in. Fsha Tekhle was caught on Highway 417, near the Casselman exit and is in custody. Ottawa Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers. Deputy police chief Trish Ferguson said the actions of witnesses and bystanders at the park had been “tremendously heroic” for comforting Berhe’s children and providing needed information. Ferguson said, “Because of this, we were able to arrest him so quickly.”

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (the “UCPR”) has announced the new Prescott and Russell Residence is in the final stages of construction, which began in the winter of 2021. Once the work is completed, the final quality control inspections will be conducted, including those from the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care. A moving date will be set after receiving satisfactory results. Normand Riopel, Warden of the UCPR, said, “Building a new long-term care home is not just a question of materials and equipment. There is an essential human aspect to consider. Our teams are fully mobilized to ensure that the new Residence is ready to welcome residents, their families, and the employees in an optimal environment.” The new residence will cover 193,000 square feet and will have 224 beds; which is 109,000 square feet and 78 beds more than the current facilities, which far exceeds the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Photo courtesy UCPR.

Russell Township has proposed a 10.63% increase in property taxes in an early draft of its 2025 budget. The Township said the hike in taxes, which were set at 4% in 2024, is necessary due to reduced funding from other sources, building the new recreation centre in Embrun, increased infrastructure and human resources costs, increased policing costs, and other factors.

The City of Ottawa has initiated a Functional Design Study for safety improvements at the intersection of Russell Road and Leitrim Road. Both T-intersection and roundabout options are being considered. The intersection is an unsignalized rural skewed and was recommended for geometric modification to improve safety based on the 2020 Safety Study of Ottawa Rural Skewed Intersections. The time period for the public to state which options they prefer ends October 30. The online survey is Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

The OPP has announced flyers have been distributed in Russell County offering to help get up to $50,000 from the federal government. Police said, “Just because a company uses the name of the province (even in its website) and the Canadian flag doesn't mean it has any real affiliation with the government. If you need assistance with programs from any level of government, reach out to them directly.”

The Ontario Planetarium will be coming to the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre on Saturday, November 23 to offer a presentation in their portable dome. After the presentation, kids can look at the constellations through a telescope set up on site. To register email cluboptimistecarlsbad@gmail.com.

The Russell branch of the Russell Public Library is hosting Donna Hester who will share an Indigenous Perspective as a descendant survivor of Residential Schools and its impact on Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m. The event is free but registration is required on the library website. CJRO reporter Rose Grzela interviewed Hester on Priorite Locale and that can be heard at cjroradio.com.

And at both the Russell and Embrun branches of the library the annual fundraiser, Adopt-A-Book is ongoing until November 23rd. To participate choose the book from those available at the library, purchase it and sign your name on the sticker in the book. Donors can be the first to borrow the books that they have adopted. Last year’s event raised over $5,200.

The Homestead Pub in Embrun is featuring Funky Monks, a Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute band on November 1 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Cover charge is $10.

CJRO wants to report on the local news that matters, so send news ideas, issues and comments to newscjro@gmail.com by Monday mornings. Listen to the news and Local First on cjroradio.com anytime or on the Tune In or Radio Player Canada apps, or at FrequencyNews.ca. I'm Candice Vetter for CJRO News and the Local Journalism Initiative. CJRO, 107.7 FM, last on the dial and first for local news.