Just before midnight last night RNC officers conducted a traffic stop in downtown St. John’s.

The 47-year-old female was charged with impaired driving and failing the breathalyzer.

The woman was released to appear in court at a later date.

The vehicle was seized and her driver’s licence was suspended.

Owners of a resilient city business have received resounding support for their latest venture.

Urban Market 1919 has seen its share of challenges since redeveloping the previous eyesore on Lemarchant Road.

It’s run the gamut from thefts and threats, to a dispute with the city over red tape that’s reached the courts.

Yesterday was a better day for the market, though, with their application for a drive-thru pickup window approved by council.

Not only that, they won’t need a noise study or barrier since there won’t be outdoor speakers.

Nonetheless, Councillor Ron Ellsworth wants to make sure they know the rules, should that change.

Ron Ellsworth St. John’s City Councillor

“We’ve had this conversation before to make sure that the business people who are doing development or development projects fully understand the restrictions and limitations of what they’re doing and what they’re getting themselves into,” he said.

“Clearly, with this agreement we’re going to be doing around the regulation piece, it’s written in there, but if we can make sure that we’re communicating that clearly to the proponents so we make sure they fully understand the challenges then, the options they would have to look at if they decided to move in a different direction.”

Thirty-five people weighed in on the drive-thru window idea, with only one opposed to it.

That person said drive-thrus discourage walking and cycling and create traffic congestion, adding there are better uses for space taken up by parking lots.

Hours of operations will be seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It can be a difficult decision for police to engage in a pursuit when a suspect flees. Often, the risks outweigh the benefits. Kensington police and P.E.I. RCMP walk us through the call officers have to make.

Charlottetown Police Services added some new constables to its police force during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday. 

Little trinkets are the latest trend in adults buying and collecting toys, generally marketed towards children. Collectors say it's a way for them to connect with their childhood interests.

The construction project on the bridge leading to the Mactaquac Dam has blown by its 2024 deadline, meaning continued delays for the thousands of commuters who use the crossing every day.

Swift Current residents can expect a couple more street closures for the next two days as crews commence environmental drilling. 

A portion of First Avenue North West, between Alexander Street and Grey Street West, will be closed today and tomorrow. 

In addition, the alleyway located behind Rexall's former location will also be closed. 

The closures should last from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and community members are asked to take a detour.

For more information, contact the City of Swift Current or visit them on social media. 

Restaurateurs in the Halifax area say the two-month GST holiday that began last month appears to be working, but some are worried about the public's reception when it comes to an end.

Over the past two years, Ottawa has clawed back more than $3 million from Nova Scotia because some patients are paying out of pocket for MRI and ultrasound. The clawbacks are likely to grow as private imaging clinics proliferate.

Some customers of Superior Propane have received notices of tank rental increases amounting to 50 per cent or higher in the last six months. The company says affected customers had “infrequent propane deliveries” and required a price hike to “ensure fairness and sustainability.”

Today, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions John Abbott and Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander John Haggie will be in Gander for an announcement.

The ministers will be joined by representatives from the Town of Gander and representatives from the Gander Housing and Homelessness Hub. 

The event will take place at the Gander Town Hall at 12:30 p.m.

A St. John’s physician has been found guilty of professional misconduct and incompetence in relation to complaints against him.

Dr. Eric Elli pleaded guilty to both charges against him, agreeing that he did not hold a current membership for Continuing Professional Development with the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and that a practice review showed that his patient care demonstrated a lack of skill or judgement to the extent that he was unfit to practice or that his practice be restricted.

A tribunal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons agreed that Dr. Elli’s medical licence be suspended for one month, and that he post signs in his clinic waiting room advising patients of the restrictions on his medical licence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zaira Azher was also found guilty of professional misconduct for amending a patient’s medical records and making misrepresentation to the College that she could not remember her treatment discussions with the patient. Instead she told the College’s investigator that she had to rely on her own documentation, which it was discovered, had been altered after the fact.

Premier Andrew Furey is in Ottawa today for a first minister’s meeting, with impending tariffs from the United States top-of-mind.

Also attending the meeting will be Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other federal counterparts.

The provincial government says that in 2023, 37 per cent of the province’s exports went to the United States. That includes between 60 and 80 per cent of the seafood harvested in the province.

Exports to the US represent $4.5-billion to the provincial economy.

Furey’s focus going into the meetings will be a “unified and collaborative approach” to the trade partnership, and securing economic stability for the province.

The premiers say the meeting is an opportunity to develop “well-defined strategies that defend Canada’s interests as an independent, sovereign nation.”

The first puck drop is a long ways away yet, but the buzz is already building for the return of the QMJHL to St. John’s. Radio-Canada’s Kyle Mooney spoke with a few people who said how a hockey team is good for business, while a fan says it’s time to commit to making this team stick around.

Owen Sheppard, 22, has signed with the semi-pro outfit Corio SC in Geelong, Australia, a town of about 276,000 people southwest of Melbourne.

Top officials with N.L. Hydro believe a new deal for energy sales and development on the Churchill River will power a fresh surge in mining activity in Labrador, and generate significant jobs and revenue for the province.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Nigerian military has mistakenly killed hundreds of civilians in airstrikes targeting armed groups in the nation’s conflict-battered north over the years, many of them locals bombed in their villages.

The latest misfire was on Saturday when the Nigeria Air Force bombarded rebels in the conflict-battered northwestern Zamfara State but ended up erroneously killing civilians working with a community security outfit, the state government said. Residents told the Associated Press that at least 20 civilians were killed.

Since 2017, the military has killed about 400 civilians, according to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research firm that gathered reports and data from affected villages regarding the airstrikes.

Rights groups and citizens have expressed concern over the military’s actions in Africa’s most populous country, which has been battling violent security crises on multiple fronts for many years.

Nigeria’s Defense Chief Gen. Christopher Musa has said the military has been improving its human rights record and is holding its personnel to account.

The armed groups causing havoc in Nigeria

Besides the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group which launched an insurgency in 2009 to establish its radical interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, in the northeast, there have been dozens of armed groups.

They are mostly former herdsmen caught up in decadeslong conflict with farming communities over access to land and water. Once armed with sticks, the groups now carry out attacks with guns that have been smuggled into the country, resulting in roughly thousands of deaths yearly.

The armed groups carry out mass killings and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest and central regions. They also extort taxes from the communities they terrorize, using the funds to support their operations in addition to the money gotten from ransom payments, analysts said.

Why does the military use airstrikes?

These armed groups operate in vast forest enclaves, planning and launching attacks that sometimes last for days in villages with inadequate security presence. They rarely remain in one location for long, frequently relocating and blending in with local communities to evade detection.

As a result, the Nigerian military often relies on airstrikes to target the rebels as they move around and in their hideouts, especially in areas where ground assaults are difficult.

Why are there civilian causalities?

Authorities say it can be challenging to avoid civilian casualties in air raids because armed groups often use civilians as human shields.

“Bandits and terrorists, unlike professional soldiers, don’t respect the rules of engagement. They don’t care about killing their hostages if they come under attack,” Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari once said.

However, the frequent mistakes resulting in civilian deaths can be also attributed to loopholes in intelligence gathering as well as insufficient coordination between ground troops, air assets, and stakeholders, said Senator Iroegbu, an Abuja-based security analyst.

Promises of investigations

The Nigerian government and military often promise to investigate the accidental airstrikes to prevent a reoccurrence. Analysts, however, say the problem has persisted and such investigations often don’t lead to anything.

In 2024, the Nigerian military took a rare measure to prosecute two of its personnel over an accidental airstrike that killed over 80 civilians in Kaduna State. It also promised to release the report of its investigation into the incident but has not done so.

How can civilian casualties be curbed?

One key step is improved investment in pilot training and aircrew development as well as upgrading aircraft and targeting systems,” said Oluwole Ojewale with the Africa-focused Institute for Security Studies.

The military needs to also build trust and secure the support of local communities, whose intelligence on armed group movements is crucial to accurately target and defeat them, he said.

Dyepkazah Shibayan, The Associated Press

Halifax Regional Police are asking for help from the public in locating a missing teen.

Police say Kayla Westcott, 14, was last seen yesterday around 7:45 pm on Summer St. in Halifax.

Westcott is described as white, about 5’7″ tall, with a medium build and reddish blonde hair with green and blue streaks. She was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, black zip-up hoodie, black pants, and a black ballcap.

No information suggests that Kayla has been involved in foul play, but police are concerned for her well-being. 

Police are asking anyone with information on Hendrick’s whereabouts to call 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board(UARB) used the interrupter clause Wednesday morning to raise the price of diesel fuel across the province.

The regulator moved the diesel price up by 5.8 cents to a new minimum price of 192.9.

The UARB says it uses its interrupter mechanism to make changes in price due to significant shifts in the market prices

gasoline prices were unaffected by the changes, remaining at 162.9

The UARB will adjust prices next Friday morning.

BERLIN (AP) — The German economy, Europe’s biggest, shrank for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to preliminary official figures released Wednesday weeks before an election in which the economy is the top issue.

The Federal Statistical Office said that gross domestic product contracted by 0.2% last year following a decline in 2023. The head of the office, Ruth Brand, said that it’s believed to have shrunk by 0.1% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous three-month period, but that is a rough initial estimate as hard economic data for December haven’t been released yet.

The German economy has been battered by external shocks and homegrown problems, including red tape and a shortage of skilled labor, and politicians have been at odds over how to fix it.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition government collapsed in November when Scholz fired his finance minister in a dispute over how to revitalize the economy. That paved the way for an early election on Feb. 23.

Contenders to lead the next government have made contrasting proposals on how to inject new vigor into the economy.

The Associated Press

Assault charges for couple caught at the U.S. border

Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock, formerly of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer three charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Woodstock Police charged Christian with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident following an incident outside the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock on Nov. 14, 2024, around 8:55 p.m. Police were called to the scene, and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Christian and a co-accused, Hannah McGuire, 18, were arrested on a warrant on Dec. 20, 2024, while attempting to cross the Woodstock-Houlton border. They were held in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 23, 2024, and released with conditions. McGuire returns to court for plea on Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Lakeville man held for bail hearing

Brycen Trae Stewart, 28, of Lakeville, was arrested on warrants and appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14. He was remanded into custody to await a bail hearing on Jan. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Woodstock Police charged Stewart with dangerous driving, fleeing police, and breaching his curfew on Dec. 16, 2024, in Woodstock. He was also charged with breaching a no-contact order on Jan. 13.

A warrant was issued for Stewart’s arrest after he failed to appear in court to answer charges on Dec. 10, 2024. He also failed to appear in court on Oct. 30, 2024, and an arrest warrant was issued at that time.

He was charged with two counts of breaching his release order (curfew) concerning incidents on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, 2024, in Woodstock. He appeared in court in custody via teleconference on Oct. 22, 2024, and was released with conditions.

He was also charged with breaking into a dwelling house on May 25, 2024, in Killoween and possessing a stolen vehicle on Aug. 4, 2023, in Lakeville. He is still awaiting plea on those charges as well.

In custody awaiting trial

Hilton Romeo Fredericks, 26, of Kirkland, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 and told the court he intended to change his plea to guilty on charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him to consult legal counsel.

Fredericks has been in jail in Saint John for the past several months following remand for aggravated assault on a minor in Fredericton. His trial is set for March.

Woodstock Police charged Fredericks with breaching a release order stemming from an incident between Feb. 16 and March 16, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew that charge on Jan. 13.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 7, 2024, and was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was later arrested in Fredericton.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 15, 2024, to answer another charge of breaching his release order. On April 13, 2024, Woodstock Police charged him with being at large on a release order. He was wearing an ankle bracelet at the time. He waived his bail on April 18, 2024, and was remanded.

He appeared in provincial court in custody on April 11, 2024, for a bail hearing on a charge of breaching his release order. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Woodstock Police charged him with breaching his release order by being at large at a Woodstock residence and by violating a no-contact order on April 6, 2024.

Fredericks appeared in court in custody on April 4, 2024, and was charged with assaulting another man concerning an incident on April 2, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released with conditions but returned to custody.

He also appeared in provincial court in custody on March 18, 2024, on a charge of breaching his release order laid by Woodstock Police. He was released with conditions at that time but was re-arrested.

Fredericks appeared in provincial court on March 12, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to two other charges laid by Woodstock Police. Woodstock Police charged him with assault involving a female victim and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Jan. 23, 2024, in Woodstock. He was brought into custody on Jan. 26, 2024, and spent the weekend in jail.

Decision pending in sexual assault

Maurice Joseph Rossignol, 68, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. for a verdict following his trial for sexual assault.

Rossignol appeared for trial in provincial court on Oct. 23, 2024, after pleading not guilty to sexual assault. Woodstock Police charged him in connection with an incident on Aug. 30, 2023, in Woodstock.

During the trial, the court heard Rossignol allegedly grabbed a woman by the breast and genitals when he came to her apartment to request repayment of a $45 loan. Rossignol denied the allegations and testified he left immediately after she refused to pay him. The woman told the court she screamed when he grabbed her and then kicked him out.

Sentencing set on two charges

Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared for sentencing in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 for sentencing after pleading guilty to two charges. The matter was adjourned until Jan. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of the crown.

Hayes pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation, shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on May 24, 2023, and breach of probation on March 14, 2023, in Grand Falls.

He also appeared in custody by video on Oct. 3, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by the RCMP. His trial dates were set for Jan. 17, Jan. 30, and Feb. 6, all at 9:30 a.m.

Hayes was denied bail. He was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville.

Sentenced to 12.5 months in jail

John Long, 35, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 for sentencing on several charges. He was handed 12.5 months in jail, minus time served and 12 months of probation.

Long was also ordered to undergo mental health counselling and register with the federal DNA database. The court also imposed a firearms prohibition.

Long appeared in court on Jan. 12, 2024, for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He was charged with two counts of breaching a release order and breach of probation concerning a Jan. 5, 2024, incident in Woodstock.

He changed his plea to guilty to one charge of breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet), and the crown withdrew the other two charges.

On Jan. 13, Long also pleaded guilty to assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest and uttering threats at the Madawaska jail on Jan. 6, 2024, and guilty to mischief causing property damage to the jail sprinkler system on Dec. 10, 2023.

The court heard he finished serving another sentence on other separate charges in October 2024 and, therefore, had three months of remand time to be applied to his new sentence. Long has a lengthy prior criminal record.

Released with conditions

Joshua Desroches, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 13 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions and returns to court for plea on April 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Woodstock Police charged Desroches with assault in connection with an incident on July 10, 2024, in Woodstock.

He also appeared in provincial court on April 16, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to two other charges. His trial date was set for April 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Desroches with breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order stemming from an incident on Sept. 25, 2023, near Woodstock. He was arrested and later released from custody with conditions with an order to attend court and have no contact with the complainant. The court heard he also has other charges in Fredericton.

Desroches appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on March 21, 2024, and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant and charged with failing to appear in court on Feb. 13, 2024.

Pair jointly charged with offence

Avory Saige Vatali, 22, and Alexander Timothy Gordon Jansen, 22, both of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer a charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Vatali and Jansen were jointly charged with failing to provide the necessities of life to another person in connection with a recent incident in Woodstock. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. Before their next court appearance, Vatali was ordered to undergo a mental health assessment.

Guilty plea for privacy invasion

Dale Boyle, 70, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded guilty to one charge laid by RCMP.  His sentencing date was set for April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Boyle pleaded guilty to making a visual recording of another person without their consent when there was a reasonable expectation for privacy for an incident between Feb. 1 and Aug. 10, 2024, at Plaster Rock. The court heard the charges involved two victims. The crown ordered a pre-sentence report and victim impact statements.

Woodstock woman to stand trial

Lisa Barrett, 49, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Barrett was charged with uttering threats and obstructing the course of justice for an incident on Aug. 24, 2024, at Wicklow. She was released on an undertaking until her next court appearance.

Limestone woman gets trial date

Brandi Cowper, 46, of Limestone, will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to one charge laid by RCMP.

Cowper was charged with obstructing the course of justice concerning an incident on Aug. 10, 2024, in Jackson Falls. She was scheduled to attend court on Jan. 14 for plea and did not appear but was represented by defence counsel via teleconference.

Released on an undertaking

Derek Oliver, 34, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to one charge laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m.

Oliver was charged with breaking and entering into a garage in Hartland on Aug. 9, 2024. He was released on an undertaking and ordered to have no contact with the complainant.

Glassville man has two charges

Adam Luc Joseph Thibodeau of Glassville appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 for monitoring about his trial after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial date was set for July 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Thibodeau was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle and possession of a stolen licence plate in connection with an incident on April 9, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking until his trial.

Plaster Rock man charged with assault

Philip Campbell, 34, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to two charges. His trial date was set for Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Campbell was charged by RCMP with breach of an undertaking and assault involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Oct. 6, 2024, at Perth-Andover. A monitoring date for his trial was set for March 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Not-guilty plea for Neqotkuk man

Thomas Perley of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 for monitoring about his trial after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for May 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Perley was charged with refusing a breathalyzer and leaving the scene of an accident stemming from an incident on March 29, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He confirmed he has legal counsel to proceed to trial.

Plea adjourned to new date

Brittany Priscilla King, 27, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer one charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

King appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 10. She was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing and was released with conditions on Dec. 20.

Woodstock Police charged King with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring between Dec. 7 and Dec. 9, 2024, in Woodstock. She is also awaiting trial on other separate matters.

King was charged by Woodstock Police with assault with a weapon (a knife), assault causing bodily harm to a male victim, theft, and unlawful entry at a dwelling house, concerning an incident on Nov. 5, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial dates were rescheduled for April 14 and April 24 at 9:30 a.m.

She was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle, dangerous driving, committing mischief causing property damage and assault using a vehicle following an incident on Sept. 17, 2023, in Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial was adjourned until May 8.

King was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle on Nov. 22, 2022, and failing to attend court on Feb. 21, 2023. She pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for April 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Awaiting plea on several charges

Logan Estey, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer multiple charges. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Estey was charged by RCMP with assault, assault with a weapon (a car), and dangerous driving following an incident on July 24, 2024, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).

Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of breaching a no-contact order concerning an incident on Aug. 3, 2024, in Woodstock. He was ordered to have no further contact with the complainant. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 8, 2024, and was released with conditions.

He was also charged with mischief causing property damage to a window and possession of a firearm to commit an offence in connection with an incident on Jan. 1, 2024, in Upper Woodstock. The court heard Estey is also facing more charges in Fredericton.

Charged with drug trafficking

Charles Giberson, 46, of Rothesay, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer a charge of drug trafficking laid by Woodstock Police.

Giberson was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, stemming from an incident on July 24, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking and returns to court for plea on Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Arrest warrant issued

An arrest warrant was issued for Christopher Thomas O’Keefe, 27, of Fredericton, formerly of Fielding, after he failed to appear in court on Jan. 14 to answer a sex charge.

O’Keefe was charged by RCMP with sexual assault in connection with an incident on Feb. 26, 2023, at Upper Brighton.

Trial date set

Gary Ross, 45, of Richmond Settlement, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to set a date for his trial on an assault charge.

RCMP charged Ross with assaulting another man following an incident on Feb. 22, 2024, at Perth-Andover. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

He told the court the charge was bogus, and the alleged complainant was no longer in the area. A monitoring date was set for March 18 at 9:30 a.m.

Facing weapons charges

London Murchison, 19, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 for plea on two charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.

Murchison was charged with assault with a weapon (a knife) and possession of a prohibited weapon (a butterfly knife) concerning an incident on Sept. 2, 2024, at Plaster Rock. He was released on an undertaking until his next court date.

Neqotkuk man awaiting trial

Shawn Carmichael, 63, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Carmichael was charged with assault involving a female victim and assault with a weapon in relation to an incident on Oct. 4, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He was released on an undertaking until his next court date.

Awaiting plea on assault charge

Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 for plea on an assault charge. The matter was adjourned until Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Woodstock Police charged Calhoun with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30, 2024, in Woodstock. He was released on an undertaking until his next court appearance.

Charged with breaching curfew

Ronald Terry Bowmaster, 37, of Bairdsville, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer a charge of breaching his curfew. The matter was adjourned for plea until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Bowmaster was charged by RCMP with breaching his release order (curfew) for an incident on March 17, 2024, at Bairdsville.

Returning for plea

Joshua Sisson, 37, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 for plea on two charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Sisson was charged with attempted break and enter and mischief causing property damage to a shed on Sept. 24, 2024, at Neqotkuk.

Beechwood man waives bail

Clay Hargrove, 30, of Beechwood, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on charges laid by RCMP.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Dec. 17, 2024, and waived his bail.

Hargrove was charged by RCMP with possession of stolen vehicle, flight from police, driving while prohibited and driving while suspended following an incident on Dec. 8, 2024, at Tobique Narrows.

He was also charged with breaking into a cabin, theft, and mischief causing property damage to a door in relation to a separate incident. 

More charges of aggravated assault involving a male victim, and possession of a stolen motorcycle were also laid for an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Upper Kent.

Plea delayed on several charges

Mitchell LaFrance, 26, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 to answer charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

LaFrance appeared in court in custody by video on Dec. 16, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him in connection with an alleged breach of his house arrest on Dec. 7, 2024.

RCMP also charged LaFrance with breaching a no-contact order for an incident on Sept. 21, 2024, at Florenceville-Bristol. He also faces a charge of assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim stemming from an incident on July 19, 2024, at Carlingford.

LaFrance also appeared for trial in provincial court on Oct. 10, 2024, and changed his plea to guilty on two other charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for sentencing on Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

LaFrance pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by failing to comply with a no-contact order on Oct. 2, 2023, at East Brighton.

He also pleaded guilty to criminal harassment for incidents between Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, 2023, in Lower Brighton, involving the same female complainant. The court heard he tried to contact the same female victim hundreds of times by phone, text message, and on Facebook. The crown withdrew a threat charge.

Awaiting plea in knife incident

Chelsea Sacobie, 31, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an assault charge.

Sacobie was charged by RCMP with assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a male victim following an incident on Oct. 10, 2024, at Perth-Andover. She appeared in court on Jan. 14 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Senior facing two charges

Ursel Wagner Estabrooks, 71, of Wilmot, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 14 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. Her trial date was set for Nov. 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Estabrooks was charged with impaired driving and dangerous driving stemming from an incident on Aug. 18, 2024, at St. Thomas.

Awaiting new trial date

Trevor Lee Crain, 49, of Killoween, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 11 at 9:30 a.m. to set new dates for his trial after pleading not guilty to multiple charges laid by RCMP.

Crain was scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14. Defence Counsel Tim Dube appeared on his behalf and requested the matters be adjourned to Feb. 11.

The RCMP charged Crain with possessing a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), resisting arrest, and breach of a release order in connection with an incident on July 1, 2024, at Killoween. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing in August and was released with conditions.

He was also charged with breaking into a residence and committing sexual assault for another incident between May 1 and May 23, 2023, at Moose Mountain. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for July 25. Dube agreed with that date.

He also faces a charge of possessing stolen property for a separate incident on May 5, 2024. He pleaded not guilty and a trial date will be set at his next court appearance.

RCMP charged Crain with breaking and entering at a dwelling house and breaching an undertaking on June 15, 2023, at Moose Mountain, and committing an assault involving a female victim on June 11, 2023, at Killoween.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 14, 2023, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was ordered to follow a curfew and report to the police weekly as part of his release order but was brought back into custody.

Warrant on file

Kyle Laurie Williams, 35, of Clearview, was scheduled to appear in provincial court on Jan. 14 for monitoring about his trial. He did not appear, and a warrant was held on file.

The court heard the trial will proceed with court-appointed counsel for cross-examination. Williams’ trial was rescheduled Feb. 26 at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged him with transmitting intimate images without consent concerning an incident on June 4, 2023, at Centreville. Williams entered his not-guilty plea during a court appearance on Jan. 9, 2024.

Released on an undertaking

Paul Allingham, 48, of Enterprise in Victoria County, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 4 at 9:30 a.m. to answer an assault charge.

Allingham was charged with assaulting another man in connection with an incident on Sept. 17, 2024, near Plaster Rock. He appeared in court on Jan. 14 when the matter was adjourned for plea to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. He was released on an undertaking until that time.

In custody awaiting sentence

Brandon Jay Smith, 26, of Centreville, will appear in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to charges laid by RCMP.

Smith appeared in court on April 4, 2024, for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. The RCMP charged him with breaking into a dwelling and stealing firearms on July 3, 2023, in Summerfield.

He was also charged with break, enter and theft at a dwelling house, breaking into a garage, and theft of a trailer related to an incident on March 18, 2024, on the Back Greenfield Road. One of the charges was withdrawn by the crown.

Sentencing adjourned

Gavin Schloemer, 33, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court for sentencing on Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. on several charges laid by RCMP.

Schloemer was scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on Jan. 14, but his defence counsel requested that the matter be adjourned to a new date. The court heard that Schloemer was in the hospital and could not attend.

Schloemer appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Sept. 27, 2024, and was released with conditions. He was charged with breaching a release order (house arrest) in connection with an incident on Sept. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2024.

He also appeared in provincial court on June 17, 2024, and pleaded guilty to three other charges laid by RCMP. 

Schloemer pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and assaulting police on June 21, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and assaulting police on June 21, 2024, at Williamstown. The crown withdrew another charge of failing to appear in court.

Decision pending on two charges

Gabriel John Tomah, 21, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court on Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for a decision following his trial on two charges laid by RCMP.

Tomah was charged with assault involving a female victim and uttering threats in connection with an incident on Oct. 1, 2023, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded not guilty. Testimony at the trial continued throughout the day on Dec. 18, 2024.

Plea scheduled for Ontario man

Ryan James Dunford, 43, of London, Ontario, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Dunford was charged with mischief causing property damage to a vehicle on June 21, 2024, in Woodstock.  He was released on an undertaking and entered a rehab facility in Ontario.

Glassville man to stand trial

Christopher Demerchant, 44, of Glassville, will appear for trial in provincial court on May 28 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

Demerchant was charged with uttering threats involving a female victim and forcible entry concerning an incident on March 10, 2024, at Mount Pleasant. He was also charged with prowling at night at a dwelling house in Mount Pleasant on March 5, 2024.

He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on June 11, 2024. Defence Counsel James Crocco appeared in court on Jan. 14 and confirmed Demerchant will be ready to proceed to trial.

Neqotkuk woman pleads not guilty

Maurene Anne Nicholas, 48, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to an assault charge.

RCMP charged Nicholas with assaulting another woman near Perth-Andover on Oct. 28, 2022. On Jan. 14, the court heard Nicholas was still awaiting legal counsel to proceed to trial.

11 months in jail or time served

Jordan Perley, 36, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 24 for sentencing on charges laid by RCMP.

He was sentenced to 11 months in jail or time served and released. Perley was also placed on two years of probation. The court also imposed a lifetime prohibition on firearms.

Perley was denied bail in June. He pleaded guilty to breaking into a dwelling house with intent to commit an assault with a weapon (a stick), mischief causing property damage, and uttering threats concerning an incident on May 17, 2024, at Neqotkuk. The crown withdrew five other charges.

Perley also pleaded guilty to mischief causing property damage to a door and window on Jan. 1, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and guilty to mischief and possession of a prohibited weapon (a butterfly knife), on March 18, 2024, at Neqotkuk.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court on April 9, 2024. The crown withdrew four other charges. Perley has a prior criminal record.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard Perley went on a drug-fuelled rampage that involved a cluster of incidents over a period of months.

Crown Prosecutor Charles Couturier explained Perley was causing trouble for his neighbours, and his actions eventually ended in a home invasion and violent assault on a woman at an apartment building on May 17, 2024.

The crown also suggested Perley seek counselling for mental health and substance abuse. The butterfly knife seized by police is to be forfeited to the crown.

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul said Perley was remorseful for his crimes, noting he did not intend to hurt anyone during his rampage through the community. She contended Perley was on drugs and out of control when the incidents occurred. He was sober for the last several months while in custody.

Couple facing trafficking charges

A Neqotkuk couple appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 14 for plea on multiple charges laid by RCMP.

Nicholas Paul, 47, and his wife, Jennifer Louise Paul, 45, were arrested at Tobique First Nation.  They return to court in custody on Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for monitoring and plea on trafficking charges.

Jennifer Paul was denied bail in December. She was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property (cash), possession of a prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried it a firearm for an incident on Sept. 25, 2024, at Neqotkuk.

Nicholas Paul was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property (cash) for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He will appear in court in custody by video on Jan. 23 at 9:30 a.m. for a bail hearing.

At the time of their arrest, they were each charged by RCMP with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking for an incident on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. 

Jennifer Paul was also charged with breach of a release order (no weapons), possession of a stolen licence plate, and possession of a prohibited weapon (a collapsible baton) without a licence on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk. She pleaded not guilty and has trial dates in April.

Nicholas Paul was also charged with breach of a release order and driving while prohibited on Sept. 22-24, 2024, at Neqotkuk, and breach of a release order (no drugs), possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a stolen licence plate on Oct. 23, 2024, at Neqotkuk.

Charges transferred to Ontario

Two Polish immigrants were scheduled to appear in provincial court in Woodstock by video on Jan. 14 for monitoring after pleading guilty to charges laid by RCMP. They were represented in court by legal counsel via teleconference.

Jan Kaminski, 53, and Monika Kwiatkowska, 44, of Etobicoke, Ontario, were jointly charged by RCMP with four counts of theft. They were released from custody on July 25, 2024, on a $1,000 bail bond and ordered to immediately return to their Ontario residence under house arrest.

On Nov. 26, 2024, their legal counsel requested the charges be transferred to Ontario. The court heard the transfer was still being processed so another monitoring date was set for March 25 at 9:30 a.m. to ensure the transfer occurs.

The theft charges were laid following a series of shoplifting incidents at Best Home Hardware stores in Florenceville-Bristol and Hartland on March 5, at Best Home Hardware in Florenceville-Bristol on July 3, 2024, and at Brennan Home Hardware in Florenceville-Bristol on July 20, 2024.

During their court appearance on Sept. 19, 2024, a new charge of breaching a release order was laid against each of them for failing to report to the police.

Kaminski and Kwiatkowska were arrested in connection with numerous thefts in New Brunswick and across Canada including Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

They allegedly advertised items for sale online via Facebook Marketplace and on Amazon. Once an interested buyer was identified, the two accused made a list of items and proceeded to steal them from different businesses. They would then immediately ship the items to the buyer. Police were actively working to determine if there were other victims.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Two facing charges after assault near Woodstock Legion first appeared on River Valley Sun.

DENVER — A wildlife team from the United States has begun an operation to capture grey wolves in British Columbia for release in Colorado.

The operation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife comes after an agreement with the B.C. government to “translocate” up to 15 wolves a year over the next three to five years.

Colorado Parks says in a statement that the capture operation follows work to adopt measures that will minimize conflict between wolves and livestock.

It says the operation is expected to last up to two weeks, with the goal to “recover and maintain a viable, self-sustaining wolf population in Colorado.”

The state says the B.C. wolves will be tested and treated for disease before they are relocated, and collars will be placed on the animals to monitor their behaviours.

Colorado voters approved a ballot initiative in 2020 to reintroduce the animals as a way of restoring ecological balance.

The state began the process by bringing five wolves from Oregon in late 2023.

Eric Odell, Colorado’s wolf program manager, says in a news release issued Saturday that they were “excited to be working with B.C. to bring together our combined experience and expertise while ensuring the safety of animals and staff.”

“This new source population of grey wolves will provide additional genetic diversity to Colorado’s wolf population,” he says.

The state says the B.C. wolves will come from areas where no livestock is present, “so there are no concerns about reintroducing wolves that are from packs that are involved in situations of repeated livestock depredations.”

The B.C. government says grey wolves are not an endangered or threatened species in the province, with an estimated population of 8,500.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press