CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 With Vicki Hogarth and Lukas Kohler: May 20, 2025

Pennfield fire claims one life

A woman was found deceased following a fire in Pennfield.

The Eastern Charlotte Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick were first on the scene Wednesday evening and received assistance from fire crews in Musquash, St. Andrews, and St. Stephen.

According to Staff Sergeant Geoffrey Peters of the St. Stephen RCMP, St. George RCMP responded to the blaze at an apartment building on Brian's Road shortly after 6:20 p.m. on May 14th.

Sadly, a 73-year-old woman was discovered deceased inside the residence.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. While the investigation into the fire's cause is still ongoing, police say foul play is not suspected. The Canadian Red Cross is now working alongside the fire department to provide support to those affected. The Multicultural Association of Charlotte County is also asking for community assistance in providing for a newcomer family displaced by the fire.CHCO will continue to follow this story.

Paddlefest kicks off the unofficial start to summer in St. Andrews 

St. Andrews came alive over the weekend with the return of the annual Paddlefest Music and Nature Festival.

A staple of the town’s cultural calendar for nearly three decades, Paddlefest draws visitors from near and far to celebrate music, art, and the great outdoors.

This year’s lineup featured more than 50 artists over four days, with a mix of headliners and local talent taking the stage.

For nature lovers, the festival also offered a range of outdoor activities—from the Wharf to Wharf run to kayaking expeditions. On Sunday, a "Funeral for the Bay" was held on the wharf to acknowledge eco-grief for the species no longer living in the Bay of Fundy. 

"As someone who's worked in conservation for 10 years or so, I faced a lot of feelings of loss and sadness when thinking about animals that we no longer see or places that have changed due to climate change," said Paddlefest Recreation Director Dani Deonarine. "I think that's the big part of community and organizing is bringing all those people together so they can show up for each other, but also build relationships and work together to get to that restoration that we all hope to see."

The funeral was also a call to action for participants to advocate to protect the environment. Lukas Kohler, NewsBreak26, St. Andrews.

Remembering Councillor Earle Eastman

Councillor Earle Eastman has sadly passed away. Elected in 2023, Eastman served as the representative for Ward 3 in the Municipal District of St. Stephen—a rural area he was proud to call home. 

A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, he brought a no-nonsense presence to the council table and was never afraid to ask the tough questions. He will be remembered for his unwavering service, his distinctive voice, and his deep commitment to both community and country.