Latest news with #Ward3
CTV News
22-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Windsor councillor asks for patience amid University Avenue construction
A Windsor city councillor is asking residents and businesses owners to be patient as major construction continues on University Avenue. Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino says he understands it's frustrating as the work continues, but it is work that needs to be done. University Avenue West is under construction between McEwan Avenue and Salter Avenue — the project started in mid-March. The work includes road reconstruction, streetscaping, boulevards, wider sidewalks, more canopy coverage, bike lanes and underground sewer work. Due to the construction, on-street parking and bicycle lanes are not available - something that is causing frustration among businesses. While majority of the construction lies within Ward 2, Agostino says part of it is within his ward as well. He says the finished product will be worth it. 'It's one of those things just like doing a project at home in your backyard, it sucks to wake up every morning and see the job unfinished, but once it does finish you're satisfied. It's going to take time, and we're going to try our best to mitigate the issues that come with the construction, but, you want nice roads, they've got to get done properly.' He acknowledges that some businesses are hurting. 'We try and do whatever we can to accommodate them, and open up some street parking, and move some giant piles of rocks and dirt to be able to have access to their parking lots. So we're trying to do this as best we can. We've got great people on the job out there, and it's just going to take some time and some patience.' Agostino goes on to say he understands gets the work is frustrating. 'Just like driving down Howard [Avenue], you get all upset, you go like 'who chose to do this at this time of year, what's going on here?', but listen, this is what it takes, this is part of growth, this is part of having a nice city, and it's just going to take some time. Believe me, you don't have to be somewhere that fast, so sometimes it's nice to slow down and enjoy the view around you.' This work will be ongoing until December 2025. Some additional work is expected to continue in 2026. Once completed, the street will be Windsor's first complete street and will offer the best mode of transportation for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. — Meagan Delaurier/AM800 News, Rob Hindi/AM800 News
Global News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Global News
Community fundraiser supporting families, businesses after fire in Rockwood
The Stronger Than Flames fundraiser is aiming to support two families and local businesses impacted by a devastating fire last month. The June 3 blaze on Main Street caused the Lemongrass Day Spa, the Eramosa River Cafe to shut down and burned down two apartments, reportedly causing more than $200,000 in damages. The incident resulted in no deaths or serious injuries. The fundraiser is taking place on July 17 in Rockwood. Steven Liebeg, volunteer and Ward 3 councillor for Guelph-Eramosa Township, said the community is ready to support a great cause. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Every event we have in Rockwood, whether it be Party in the Park or any kind of functions, it's always received well,' Liebeg said. He said it's humbling to help the community, and particularly those people impacted by the fire. Story continues below advertisement The event, running from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lions Waterside Park on Main Street, will feature live music, food trucks, face painting, an auction and more. Cash donations only will be accepted. Liebeg said it's a collaboration between the township, the Lions Club and the Rockwood community. The Rockwood Business Association approached council about the idea, and Liebeg said it was 'a no-brainer' to help out. 'When we heard about it, we definitely wanted to jump in and help out in any capacity. He said the families impacted are looking forward to the initiative as well. 'They're very, very excited and very humbled to have this event for them,' he said. Liebeg said the families are currently living with friends and other family members, while the businesses are eager to get restored.
The Advertiser
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'She spoke up, she spoke out': Sinead Francis-Coan remembered as tireless advocate for family and city
Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Candidates selected for November election during Petoskey City Convention Wednesday
PETOSKEY — Different delegates and representatives from Petoskey's four wards met to discuss what names will be on the ballot this November, as well as what concerns they see facing the city during the annual City Convention Wednesday night. The City Convention kicked off at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 at Petoskey City Hall. More than 40 people were in the room representing the different wards. The main purpose of the convention is to introduce the candidates for open city council seats and to give representatives the opportunity to share concerns related to their wards and the city as a whole. The November, three seats on Petoskey City council will be up for grabs, serving wards 2-4. Charlie Willmott and Dan Smith were selected by delegates to serve as the candidates for Ward 2, filling the seat Derek Shiels currently fills. The open seat is for a three-year term, serving 2026-2028. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Current Ward 3 representative Joseph T. Nachtrab will be running unopposed to complete a partial term. Nachtrab was appointed to city council in January after Brian Wagner resigned. The term runs through Dec. 31, 2026. Lindsey Walker, the current Ward 4 representative, is running unopposed to continue serving for another 3-year term. Walker has held the position since 2018. More: Jimmy John's closes in downtown Petoskey after notice to vacate Another election will be held in November 2026 for a three-year terms to fill the Ward 1 and Ward 3 seats. Tina DeMoore is the current Ward 1 representative on council. In addition to naming the candidates for city council, the different ward representatives spoke about concerns facing the city, including vacancies in downtown buildings, some of which are falling into disrepair. Mayor John Murphy and City Manager Shane Horn spoke about different processes the city is going through to try to help address the concerns, including a new ordinance that could find property owners that don't take care of the property. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @KarlyGrahamJrn. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Council candidates announced during 2025 Petoskey City Convention
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Candidates file for municipal races in Flathead County
Jun. 13—With the deadline to file closed as of Wednesday, a slew of candidates is in the running for municipal offices in Columbia Falls, Kalispell and Whitefish. Municipal elections will be held Nov. 4. In Kalispell, eight candidates filed to run for City Council with only four spots open. Councilor Sandy Carlson is being challenged by Wes Walker in Ward 1. Carlson first took office in January 2014 before being reelected in 2018 and again in 2022. Walker unsuccessfully ran against the other Ward 1 representative, Councilor Kari Gabriel, last year. Lisa Blank is running unopposed for the Ward 2 seat held by Councilor Chad Graham. Graham announced earlier this year that he was not running for reelection. Three candidates are making a run for the Ward 3 seat held by Jessica Dahlman. Dahlman did not file for reelection, according to the Flathead County Election Department. Former Councilor Kyle Waterman is making a run for the seat, which he held from 2018 to 2021. He made two unsuccessful bids for the Montana Senate in recent years, both times running as a Democrat. He ran for Senate District 2 during the 2020 election cycle and for Senate District 4 during the 2022 cycle. Wes Gardner and Kyle Voigtlander are also running for the Ward 3 seat. In Ward 4, incumbent Councilor Jed Fisher is being challenged by Bruce Guthrie. Municipal Judge Alison Howard is running to retain her seat on the bench in Kalispell. She was appointed interim judge in January 2023 following the departure of the previous judge and put on the ballot in November 2023. She is running for a full four-year term in the upcoming election. Mayor Mark Johnson is not seeking reelection and Kalispell Business Improvement District Chair Kisa Davison along with Councilors Sid Daoud and Ryan Hunter have all filed to run for the position. IN COLUMBIA Falls, incumbent Mayor Don Barnhart filed for reelection. He has served in the position since 2010. Councilors Jenny Lovering, Paula Robinson and Mike Shepard all have expiring terms this year. Robinson is the only incumbent to file for reelection. Newcomers Marjike Stob, Christopher Semok, Beth McBride and Hannah Pennington also filed for a spot on Council. IN WHITEFISH, Councilors Andy Feury, Ben Davis and Giuseppe Caltabiano are running to retain their seats. Challenger Nathan Dugan also filed for candidacy. Dugan previously ran for a spot on Council in 2023. Mayor John Muhlfeld's seat is not up for grabs, as his term ends in 2027. Reporter Jack Underhill may be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@
