Forty-three-year-old Franz Drosch was found dead in the community in August of 2023. RCMP Major Crimes has now charged 30-year-old David Faucher in connection with the homicide.

Faucher, who is originally from Sherbrooke, Quebec is also linked to Montreal, Trois-Rivieres and Mexico.

He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs approximately 190 pounds and has brown eyes.

Faucher is believed to be driving a grey, 2026 Chevy Silverado, with Quebec licence plate FTV 8960.

RCMP warn that Faucher should not be approached and anyone who knows his current location is urged to call 911. Anyone with additional information related to Faucher’s movements is asked to contact the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit in St. John’s at 709-772-5433.

The Energy NL conference wrapped up in St. John’s yesterday, with many touting the benefits and opportunities that exist.

Scott Tessier, who is at the helm of the energy board, says the future is bright.

He thinks there is a “genuine renewed interest” and that companies are “taking a fresh look” at the province. He says they will see what that looks like when their call for bids closes in November.

The town calls the property an “important part” of the history and heritage of Bide Arm.

It appears as though someone kicked in the doors, causing significant damage to the door frame, and leaving their footprints behind.

The town took to facebook to question why anyone would choose to damage a building that numerous volunteers, residents and supporters have worked so hard to preserve.

It’s asking anyone with information to contact the RCMP.

Government pulled the plug on the two projects this week, but says it remains committed to the work.

Minister Petten says given ongoing issues and cost overruns, it was the right thing to do.

“With the many issues…I started coming to the conclusion that we had a lot of concerns, cost overruns, and wondered if it was the best site. We were having issues with jobs as well, as Labrador creates a whole unique environment.”

Minister Petten makes it clear, “it had nothing to do with this contractor…I can to the conclusion there was no way forward.”

The Martin Gallant Building in Stephenville Crossing in 2023 (VOCM News)

JMJ Holdings was informed this week that the contracts were being cancelled.

The company says both projects “presented significant challenges,” including “issues that would have required costly remediation.” In the case of the Martin Gallant Building in Stephenville Crossing, the project was “only partially designed at the time of tender, and that partial design contained inaccuracies regarding the existing structure, and its capacity to support the proposed renovation.”

JMJ says it hopes to work constructively with government to “quickly negotiate a fair financial settlement.”

How much that will cost remains to be seen according to the minister.

“We haven’t estimated that yet,” says Minister Petten. “We don’t expect it to be exorbitant.” He says whatever the cost, it will be less than if the projects were able to continue as is.

“The two projects probably totaled close to $100 million.”

In the meantime, Petten say they remain committed to the projects and will have another look at ways to move forward.

The current Henry Gordon Academy (NLESD)

The Town of Cartwright says residents “deserve clear answers” regarding the decision that affects students, families, staff and the future of the community.

The town says students “deserve modern educational facilities” and the “community deserves transparency.”

Minister Petten says the cost of the work in Cartwight was starting to snowball for a variety of reasons, and they’ll be looking at other options, including a modular approach.

“You can make them as big or small as you want, and as time goes on…we’re at less than 50 children right now out there…I mean you can repurpose them for community centres or what have you.”

Mark Carney says government’s new strategy is designed to develop trust that AI will be governed in ways that reflect Canadian values “to trust that they will share in its benefits, and for AI to benefit Canadians, it needs to create new opportunities for us, and needs to be anchored in infrastructure that Canadians can control.”

The PM says Ottawa is introducing new legislation, standards and regulation “to protect your data, your privacy, (and) your children.”

Government is also launching a national AI literacy initiative with “free, and trustworthy AI learning kits, including courses and modules” to allow Canadians to better understand the technology, and “put it to work in their own lives.”

The provincial government is considering making changes to class start and dismissal times at several schools across the province in time for the 2027 school year.

A survey has been launched asking for feedback from parents about the changes.

While the time difference for some would be minimal, others could change by up to an hour.

For example, the current start time at Holy Family Elementary in Paradise is listed as 9 a.m. The new start time, as proposed by government, would be 8:05 a.m.

In a statement to VOCM News, government says the goal of any change would be to improve efficiency and reduce the total number of buses required for the entire school system, as well as to ease congestion in parking lots during drop-off and dismissal.

It says the changes would “translate into a reduction in the number of buses, while maintaining the same level of service.”

Parents, staff, and students are being encouraged to complete the survey.

Earlier this year, Ottawa announced a one-time GST/HST top-up in efforts to help offset the high cost of everyday essentials.

The payment is worth 50 per cent of one’s annual credit and does not take provincial funds into account.

Starting next month, the GST/HST credit will be replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and will continue to be issued on a quarterly basis.

Premier Tony Wakeham and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston are scheduled to speak with reporters this afternoon at 3:00 in the International Lounge at Gander Airport.

VOCM News will have the latest when it becomes available.

The man who was arrested was believed to be threatening to harm others around 10:30 Wednesday morning.

Police were told that the man in question was in a vehicle with a firearm. Officers located the vehicle on River Road in Buchans Junction but the person who was inside was unresponsive.

Police took Reginald White into custody without incident and seized a firearm from the vehicle.

White is now facing charges of uttering threats and a number of firearms-related charges:

– Uttering threats against a person,
– Careless use of a firearm,
– Possession of weapon contrary to order,
– Possession of a firearm when knowing the possession is unauthorized, and
– Failure to comply with a probation order – four counts.

Diesel jumps 6 and a half cents across the island and in Lab West.

Furnace and stove oil increases by about 5 and a half cents.

The price of gas and propane is down by a cent and a half.