The Record Ep. 69

The Clean Energy Transition held a public information session at the Louisdale Lion’s Den on Sept. 15. During the consultation, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with Sarah Balloch of NetZero Atlantic, Sheila Paterson from the Department of Energy, and Energy Minister and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau.

A Richmond County man has been charged following what RCMP describe as a road rage incident.

RCMP Northeast Traffic Services and Richmond County District RCMP charged 50-year-old Scott Wells of Framboise after an incident near East Bay.

On Sept. 4, around 5:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of erratic driving on Highway 4. Investigators say a man driving a black Mitsubishi repeatedly swerved in an apparent attempt to cause a collision with another vehicle, and allegedly brandished a knife at the other driver. Police noted the drivers were not known to one another.

Officers later identified the Mitsubishi’s driver and located the vehicle at a residence.

Wells faces several charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. He made his first court appearance on Sept. 8 in Sydney Provincial Court.

According to Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Services, Wells returned to court on Sept. 11 and was released on bail. He is scheduled to return Sept. 22 for a release order variation, and again on Oct. 9 for election and plea.

RCMP remind the public to call 911 if they witness erratic or unsafe driving, and to provide as many details as possible about the vehicle, location, and behaviour observed.

The RCMP said a vehicle and a garage in Inverness County were damaged by gunfire.

On Aug. 27, around 2 p.m., an officer responded to a report of mischief at a residence on Northside River Denys Road. At the scene, police found a damaged Chevrolet Impala and believe a firearm struck the vehicle. A nearby garage was also hit.

Investigators believe the shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Aug. 27. A pickup truck was reportedly seen in the area around that time.

Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact Inverness County District RCMP at 902-625-2220 or call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers.

The Seniors Take Action Coalition of Richmond County held its annual general meeting in Louisdale on Sept. 15. After the meeting, Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot spoke with guest speaker Dr. Alison Grittner and Community Outreach Coordinator Celeste Gotell.

Infants under eight months and adults 75 years and older will now have access to free protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the provincial government announced.

Eligible Nova Scotians can book RSV protection through pharmacies and public health, with primary care providers offering the vaccine beginning in November.

Adults 75 and older will be offered Arexvy or Abrysvo. Only one lifetime dose is required.

For infants, the program will run annually during the RSV season, typically from late fall to spring. This year, the program runs from Oct. 15 to April 30. Newborns will be offered Beyfortus—a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides season-long protection—before hospital discharge. Eligible infants born before Oct. 15, or those who missed their hospital dose, can receive Beyfortus from their primary care provider or through public health.

Most infants will require only one dose during their first RSV season, though some may need a second dose the following year.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious complications, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants and older adults.

These new measures expand on existing RSV programs for adults in long-term care and children under two with certain health conditions.

The province said it will invest $6.9 million in 2025–26 to expand RSV protection.