The holidays are a good time to turn away from devices and help children develop much needed social skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving, experts say.

Seasonal affective disorder can make you feel tired, anti-social and hopeless. Here are the signs to look for and some ways to fight it.

New Brunswick hunters took 11,780 deer this fall, a 31 per cent increase since last year.

Woodstock fire chief and Regional Fire Marshal visit school to present backpack of special gifts

With a shy and bewildered smile, Townsview School kindergartener Hafizullah Ibn Jibnel Ona wore his plastic fireman’s helmet and held his stuffed Sparky the Fire Dog as he accepted his Fire Prevention Poster prize from some special guests to his classroom on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

Regional Fire Marshal Eric Guerette, Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan and the chief’s dog Ember visited teacher Shannon Despres’s kindergarten class to deliver a backpack and contents to the five-year-old winner, one of 27 across New Brunswick. 

Children throughout New Brunswick created posters during Fire Safety Week in October. 

The backpack included a stuffed Sparky toy and a plastic fireman helmet, as well as a household fire extinguisher, a smoke alarm, and an assortment of children’s items. 

Ember, the chief’s nine-year-old child-friendly Dalmatian, was “Haffy” and his classmates’ favourite visitor. Ember made several trips around the classroom to take in the young students’ head rubs. 

Guerette quizzed the children on fire safety. Many of them already knew the purpose of the fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, including that they needed a working battery. 

Guerette explained the annual Fire Safety Week and the Fire Prevention Poster Contest encourage schools and their young students to learn about the dangers of fire while sharing in the fun. 

The post Townsview kindergarten student earns Fire Safety Poster Contest prize first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A man who attacked a Saint John police officer with a knife last winter has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison.

Eastern Charlotte Mayor John Craig sits down with CHCO’s Nathalie Sturgeon to talk about the results of the Municipality’s recent financial audit, the status of the Magaguadavic River #2 Bridge in St. George and the water supply system in Blacks Harbour, and more on an all-new December 2024 edition of Your Town Matters.

By David Bizzo, Community Contribution

At the opening exhibition Deck the Walls – Reflection of Time, I spoke with several attendees who were adding to their collections of works by certain artists featured on the gallery walls. Local artists are decking out the gallery walls of Sunbury Shores in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, throughout the month of December.

The exhibition presents a diverse menagerie of artwork by both emerging and established artists. The range is remarkable, spanning assemblages, felt sculptures, quilting, South Asian fabrics, ceramics, photography, and prints. Etchings and linocuts sit alongside traditional watercolours, oils, and acrylics, while more unconventional mediums, such as wrought iron, jewellery in various styles, and even an AI-generated interactive short video by David Norris, showcase the breadth of creativity on display. For a small resort town, this level of artistic diversity is truly eye-opening.

With prices modestly set—most under the sought-after $500 limit—this is an accessible entry point for both seasoned art collectors and first-time buyers. Importantly, 35 per cent of each sale supports the operation of this first-class community art gallery and its workshops, meaning that purchases benefit not only the artists but also the facility itself.

Among the many works, a needle-felted whale mounted on driftwood by D. Lynne caught my attention, sparking a conversation with an older woman who felt compelled to touch the piece. I encouraged her to do so, believing that art is not just visual but also tactile.

Colour also played a strong role in this exhibition. Susan Greenbank’s trio of small acrylic paintings on board, entitled Winter Sunrise, radiate warmth, while Lyn Burge’s organic alcohol ink works on yupo paper evoke summer gardens bursting with reeds and vibrant explosions of colour.

Ted Michener, a classic visual expressionist and caricaturist, introduces a nautical theme through his miniature oil paintings. Meanwhile, my own abstract landscapes, inspired by the Van Horne Trail and Ministers Island, are showcased in the back gallery alongside Anthony Welch’s intricate etchings and haunting prints. One standout piece in this space is Helen Elizabeth’s linocut Night at Kerrs Lake, which exudes a foreboding yet magnetic allure.

Another highlight is Wayne Eddy’s hand-forged ironwork, exemplified by his Fireset—a practical and beautifully crafted set of fireplace tools.

Robyn Kern’s oil-on-panel depictions of farm animals are another standout. Her series of three small images demonstrates brilliant execution, particularly in the striking black-and-white portrait of a horse’s head.

Sherry Campeau adds a 3D element to the show with her painted oar, Water Dragon, while Sheri Larsen’s mixed-media piece Raven with Skull in the Spooky Forest makes a stark yet powerful statement of simplicity and ingenuity.

Overall, Deck the Walls – Reflection of Time serves as a fitting prelude to the gallery’s fresh vision for 2025. Whether you’re an art collector or simply an admirer, this exhibition is an invitation to support local artists and celebrate their work. Let’s make an effort to engage with our vibrant artistic community this holiday season—whether by purchasing, admiring, or spreading the word.

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A Burton man who didn’t appear in court earlier month as scheduled to answer to a sexual-assault charge was in court Friday, and he faces a new count related to his no-show.

A judge issued an arrest warrant Dec. 4 for Isaiah Joseph Ernest Bonnar, 23, of Irene Street in Burton, when he didn’t appear as he’d been directed to do by the RCMP.

He had been scheduled to make his first court appearance that day Aug. 22 charges of indictable sexual assault and breach of probation, alleged to have occurred in Upper Gagetown.

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A class action lawsuit alleging women were improperly given a labour-inducing drug by a nurse in Moncton has been certified by New Brunswick's top court.

It’s official, the Acadie-Bathurst Titan are relocating from their New Brunswick home to St. John’s.

New Brunswick Liberal MP Wayne Long, who has been outspoken in calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down, is confident the list of names calling for Trudeau's resignation will grow. 'This is unstoppable,' he said.

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In the wake of tense police responses at Fredericton High School, the force is now confirming that officers responded to a weapons-related incident and subsequent threat at Leo Hayes High School.

Three Fredericton Police Force cruisers were parked outside Leo Hayes High School (LHHS) on Monday morning as students arrived at school. No emergency lights or sirens were activated, and students and staff weren’t impeded from entering the facility.

In an email to parents and guardians of students that same morning, principal Kendra Frizzell said officers were on hand to deal with something that arose at the school over the weekend.

“You may have noticed at dropoff this morning that we have a police presence,” she wrote.

“This is a proactive measure in response to some concerns that happened in the community over the weekend. School is business as usual.”

The Fredericton Independent inquired with the police force about the incident this week, and in a news release issued Friday, the force revealed there was a weapons-related incident at the northside school as well as a subsequent threat to a specific student.

“At approximately 12 p.m. [Friday, Dec. 13], four youth armed with knives in a stolen vehicle attempted to access LHHS. The suspects were unable to enter due to secured doors and fled prior to police arrival,” the release said.

“Police arrived within minutes and secured the school perimeter. Investigation revealed the youth were targeting one specific individual.”

The force reported that three suspects were identified, with one left outstanding.

And on Monday, the release said, there was another incident involving online threats.

“At approximately 7:40 a.m. [Monday], a LHHS student received threatening messages via social media targeting them and the school community,” it said.

“Investigation revealed the message's author was involved in the Dec. 13 incident.”

Officers carried out “a targeted operation” and arrested three 17-year-old boys, who have since been charged with multiple alleged offences.

All three suspects are facing counts of possession of a weapon, attempted assault with a weapon and possession of stolen property.

The first teen is also accused of uttering threats and breaching a probation order.

The second faces additional counts of breaching a police undertaking and breaching a judicial release order.

Two of the suspects were remanded after brief court appearances this week, the release said, while the other was released on conditions with a promise to appear in court at a later date.

The identities of all underage defendants is protected by the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The pair who was remanded had bail hearings scheduled in Fredericton youth court Thursday. The first was denied release following his bail hearing, while the other asked for his hearing to be postponed to Monday.

Spate of incidents at high schools

The Leo Hayes police responses come on the heels of three incidents of concern at Fredericton High School on the city’s south side in recent weeks.

Police responded to FHS on Nov. 28 after receiving a report of a student with a weapon.

Officers arrested a 14-year-old male student, from whom they seized a BB gun. That boy was released on conditions and is slated to appear in court at a later date. It’s expected he’ll face charges of possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and carrying a concealed weapon.

Police made a similarly quick response to FHS the afternoon of Dec. 6 after a student received a text message from an unknown number claiming a potential shooter was in the school.

Again, a lockdown was imposed, but the threat proved to be unfounded.

“Upon investigation, the text message was determined to be of foreign origin and not directed specifically to FHS,” Friday’s news release said.

Six days later, the police force was back at FHS for what proved to be another unfounded weapons threat.

“An FHS student overheard a conversation between students indicating one was in possession of a firearm at school,” the release said.

“The student informed FHS administration, prompting a police response. Upon investigation, no threat was found to be present.”

The police force and Anglophone School District West officials acknowledged this recent series of events at the capital’s two largest schools have prompted concerns in the community.

Deputy police chief Brian Ford said the force has a responsibility to take such incidents seriously, but it also wants to provide a safe community where people can live their lives without fear.

"Ensuring the safety of students and school staff is our highest priority," he said in the release.

"As a law-enforcement entity, it is our duty to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our schools from any threat, in partnership with educators, parents, and the community, to create an environment where students can learn and grow without fear."

District Supt. David McTimoney said schools see student safety as a duty it performs in partnership with police.

"Maintaining a safe and secure learning environment is a shared responsibility, and our partnership with the Fredericton Police Force is absolutely critical in achieving that goal,” he said in the release.

“Together, we work to proactively address potential threats, respond to emergencies swiftly, and provide a sense of security for both students and staff."

McTimoney acknowledged such security incidents can have detrimental effects on students, teachers and other school staff members as well.

“[New Brunswick Teacher Association] teacher counsellors and the Employee Assistance Program are available to support staff who may be impacted by these recent incidents, while school counsellors remain available to assist students,” he said.

The police force and the district urged students, staff and others in the community to report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to school administration or law enforcement.

“The message remains clear: see something, say something -- always,” the release said.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Two capital-region residents landed in court recently, facing charges after authorities alleged they illegally tried to get into the pot-selling business.

Floyd Donald MacIntosh, 46, of Mazerolle Settlement Road in Mazerolle Settlement, and Julie Dawn Hellmeister, 41, of Barton Crescent in Fredericton, were both scheduled to make their first appearances in Fredericton provincial court Thursday on charges under the Cannabis Act.

Neither was present Thursday, but Fredericton defence lawyer Ron Morris appeared on both defendants’ behalf.

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A Wirral man facing an indictable sexual-assault charge saw his case set over this week so he can seek legal counsel and get information about the allegations against him.

Luke Cote, 42, of Sandbrook Road in Wirral, about 60 kilometres southeast of Fredericton, made his initial appearance in Fredericton provincial court to answer to a serious charge.

The RCMP previously laid an information against him, alleging he committed a sexual assault in Durham Bridge on July 29.

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A Bloomfield man accused of possessing cannabis and magic mushrooms for trafficking purposes will stand trial on those allegations next summer.

Benjamin Troy Dana Mundell, 27, of Bloomfield Ridge Road, about 30 kilometres southwest of Sussex, appeared in Fredericton provincial court earlier this month to answer to drug charges.

He elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to counts of possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling it and distributing it, contrary to the Cannabis Act, possessing psilocybin (magic mushrooms) for the purpose of trafficking; and breaching a probation order.

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Growing up biracial rural New Brunswick, Felicity Brayley says she witnessed racial discrimination against her Black mother, which motivated her dedication to teaching Black history.

Province approves the rural community’s 2025 budget, which increases spending while holding the line of property tax rates

A 10.4 per cent growth in its tax base helped the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community meet its growing expenses without raising property owners’ tax rates. 

“Between new construction and increased property assessments by the provincial government, our tax base grew over the past year from almost $336 million to almost $371 million,” explained Mayor Tim Fox. 

He said the tax rates would remain unchanged in all wards for 2025. 

At a special meeting on Dec. 10, the Nackawic-Millville Council passed the balanced $3.84 million operating budget and $441,000 utility budget. 

During the regular council session on Dec. 16, CAO Kathryn Clark told the council the budget received provincial approval earlier that day. 

The increased base contributed to a $247,769 jump in revenues, including a combined increase of eight per cent in the municipal warrant and unconditional grant, 

The budget also reflected a nine per cent increase in Department of Parks and Recreation revenue, primarily due to increased area usage and a successful arena advertising campaign. 

The increased revenue helped allay rising expenses in several departments, including a 3.5 per cent jump in policing costs as mandated by the N.B. Department of Public Safety. 

Fire costs will rise by 15 per cent over the rural community’s three fire stations. 

Public works spending will jump by six per cent, with eight per cent more going to recreation and cultural services. 

Staff and council found savings in some departments, including a two per cent decrease in general government operations. 

It will also see a two per cent net reduction in environmental health services, including adding a municipality-owned garbage truck to collect garbage in all wards outside Ward 3, the former town of Nackawic. 

Mayor Fox said the town’s public works staff will operate the truck to collect regular garbage in the five outside wards, starting in January. He said the change from contracting the service could save the municipality up to $200,000 annually. 

He explained Ward 3 would remain under its current contract with FERO until it expires.

The budget saw fiscal services costs jump by 140 per cent, primarily because of budget reallocations and debt repayments owed on new assets and infrastructure.

The Nackawic-Millville utility budget calls for an average $45 per year increase in the flat rate fee for water and sewer services, which should deliver an approximately eight per cent increase in revenue. Council approved a six per cent increase in utility expenses, which included reserve allocations for future repair and replacement of its aging utility assets. 

Fox explained strategic spending on infrastructure upgrades helps reduce operation costs over time. He cited the purchase of the garbage truck as an example. 

“Our investment in garbage collection has prevented projected increases in garbage collection contract costs that could have represented an approximate five cent increase in municipal tax rates,” he said. 

Fox said Nackawic-Millville’s continuing growth will help the municipality to upgrade services without increasing the tax rate. He said the council is committed to sustainable economic and population growth. 

He added the town staff and council would share their future vision with residents when they unveil Nackawic-Millville’s municipal strategic plan early in 2025. 

The post Tax rate remains unchanged as Nackawic-Millville’s tax base grows substantially first appeared on River Valley Sun.

New facility for prison inmates in southeastern New Brunswick is expected to cost millions more than previously expected.

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The City of Fredericton will pay for a new community engagement unit with cash it saved through vacancies on its police force, and the retired officers hired will technically be private-sector employees.

The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) announced this week that a new community engagement unit (CEU) will be established by hiring retired members of the force to handle non-emergency policing functions.

The aim is to reduce the administrative demands on sworn, active-duty officers, it said.

“The CEU will consist of former FPF members who will handle non-critical tasks, such as taking statements for minor crimes, handling lost property and providing general public assistance,” the force said in a news release Tuesday.

But the initial announcement was silent on what the initiative would cost the city, how it would pay for it, how many employees will work in the unit and whether it would alter the total number of full policing positions on the force.

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A shellfish disposal facility in eastern New Brunswick that's been the subject of complaints and legal action over odour and noise has declared bankruptcy.

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The new Liberal government has fulfilled a key campaign promise two months after taking office, not only restoring a progressive policy on student gender identity but taking it further.

The province announced Thursday afternoon that Policy 713 - which focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity of students - has once again been revised to respect students’ preferred pronouns and names as part of discovering their gender identities.

Former premier Blaine Higgs and his Education minister, Bill Hogan, had changed Policy 713 during their time in power requiring parent consent for name changes and alternate pronouns for any student under the age of 16.

It proved to be a controversial and divisive move that played prominently in this fall’s provincial election campaign that saw Susan Holt and her Liberals win by a landslide.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson announced that the Liberal government was doing away with the changes made by Higgs’ Progressive Conservative government, fulfilling a Liberal campaign promise.

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Parental consent is encouraged but no longer required when a student of any age wants their chosen names and pronouns used informally at school, says the document, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

A crowd gathered at Moncton's Victoria Park on Thursday to remember the more than 50 people who died in 2024 while experiencing homelessness and drug addiction.

Controversial changes in 2023

Teachers’ union responds

The Municipal District of St. Stephen has passed both its capital and utility budget. 

Council debated, over several committees of the whole meetings, the various priorities for the municipality, including road work, fleet vehicle replacement, and lift station replacement. 

Jeff Renaud, the chief administrative officer, presented the final budgets to the council on Dec. 19. The municipal tax base assessment base rose by 8.91 per cent, totalling about $62.45 million. 

He highlighted several key achievements this year, including a reduction in tax rates for both St. Stephen’s urban and rural areas, maintaining the 2024 stipends for the mayor and council, and restructuring administrative staff, which resulted in savings of $198,334.

It maintained its community grants at $50,000, which are expected to be given out in the new year. 

Funds were allocated for an independent community safety survey, the implementation of a new budget software, and a municipal re-branding survey. 

Another $65,281 was transferred to the General Capital reserves for future capital needs and $150,000 was allocated to support economic development. 

Roads and streets 

Several municipal roads are slated to get some much-needed repair work in 2025.

Fifteen municipal roads are on the list for rehabilitation or construction, totalling about $1 million. These streets were part of a study done by Dillon Consulting – which showed the town was facing a $17 million backlog of road construction projects. 

Renaud said the roads chosen for this year are based on PCI, which is a scientific-based system for determining the conditions of roads. 

“There is a scientific rationale behind why we chose the ones we did,” Renaud told the council at a previous committee of the whole meeting. 

The PCI score is set by observing the distress in the road,  such as cracking, scaling, rutting, and spalling. It rates from zero, the worst on the scale, to 100, which is the best. 

Both Belliveau Ave and McIntee Lane received a 10 on the PCI scale, with the highest being Thompson Ave – from Garden Street to Prince William Street – received a PCI of 69. 

Tax rate reduction

Renaud told the council it is reducing both tax rates by four per cent for the upcoming year. 

The council set the residential rate for citizens in St. Stephen at 1.5610 per $100 of assessment and rural St. Stephen at 0.5597 per $100 of assessment. 

A four per cent reduction for St. Stephen’s urban area is about seven cents, while the rural area saw about a two-cent decrease.

It held its non-residential multiplier at 1.6. 

Coun. Joyce Wright did voice concern about lowering the tax rate, fearing future volatility for ratepayers. 

“I think there is value in holding the rate steady, but that’s just my comment,” she said. “I know it’s a great budget and … I’m sure our citizens will be thrilled to get a reduction … but I’m skeptical it’s too good to be true for future years.”

There was also no change to the rates for water and sewer, but the municipality is looking at the rate structure to improve the economic viability.

Other major projects

The council did approve several other major projects this year. Renaud said three of those projects will be funded through long-term debt, another will be funded through general capital reserves.  

The municipality will also consider replacing several fleet vehicles and a backhoe. 

Renaud said there are five capital projects on the list for city facilities and parks next on the list for this year, but staff are only recommending four of them. 

The tennis court rehabilitation, the Milltown pool liner replacement, security camera upgrades, and Rotary Park upgrades.

The lift station will cost about $1.2 million but has been facing significant issues for the better part of the last decade. 

A lift station is like a pump that moves wastewater up from low-lying areas to keep the flow moving. 

Sean Morton, the deputy chief administrative officer, and the fire chief said there has been a significant amount of work done to ensure the lift station operates properly and doesn’t “spill its contents” out into the streets. 

The replacement, they said, is necessary to ensure the longevity of the lift station. The money is set to come from the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly known as the federal gas tax fund.

Some debate over the surplus

Part of the funding for the roads and streets this year came from a surplus in the previous year. By legislation, municipalities are required to have balanced budgets, so that was carried over into the next year. 

Coun. Wade Greenlaw took issue with the fact that the money was originally slated for shared services. 

“The surplus that was transferred from the operation, the roughly $900,000 – the 842-thousand dollars – I just want people to be aware that a lot of that or some of that came from shared services,” Greenlaw said. “For transparency, I think, we’re taking money from shared services and we’re not using it for what it was intended for, we’re using it for something else.” 

He asked for there to be more transparency about that but also to use that money for what it was intended for. 

Renaud said there were plenty of line items that would be considered shared services, including park upgrades and the pool liner. 

“Just because it is going to capital, doesn’t mean it is going to non-shared services,” he said, agreeing to be more clear about how things are split up. “I took offense to the original wording of the comment, as opposed to the spirit, councillor.”

The new shelter in St. Stephen has officially opened, according to its operator Neighbourhood Works Inc.

It’s named the Lighthouse Lodge and can help up to 20 regular beds, with 10 overflow beds. The full capacity is 30 people.

Jim Stuart, the executive director, said each year has been challenging to get set up, but the new permanency of this shelter on Union Street will be a big step.

“All our local contractors such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and the like have been fantastic,” he said in an email to The Courier. “Could not do this without them. Getting things up to code and inspected is the most time-consuming.”

St. Stephen has been grappling with an increasing number of people experiencing homelessness. In December 2023, the municipality declared a state of emergency to try and force movement on securing a permanent shelter in the area.

The previous PC government did try to put one on Happy Valley Road but was unable to after significant pushback from the community. However, it did put funding toward NWI to fund a temporary out-of-the-cold shelter.

Stuart said he tries not to listen to the negative noise around the shelter, with people often expressing concerns about the shelter, its possible residents, and the location.

The new shelter has about 20 regular beds and 10 overflow beds. (Neighbourhood Works Inc.)

“NWI has put out our FAQs, we dropped them off at all our neighbours on Main, St. Croix, and George streets,” he said in the email. “It is difficult to correct false information like “bussing people in” as it perpetuates faster than the truth, people want to believe it. It is easier to accept than to accept that in a small community, we have this level of disparity. NWI will continue to advocate for these and other vulnerable people and do good work. Success is the key to change.”

Neighbourhood Works Inc. has done a lot of work to help those experiencing homelessness, but also addiction and mental health issues.

Stuart said there is always room for people to help.

“During this time of year, we are always in need of gloves, hats, men’s and ladies’ underwear, long johns, or lounge pants,” he said. “We will be reaching out to see if there may be some individuals that would like to come in and cook some meals.”

Everyone who wants to work or volunteer would need to be subject to a background check.

Stuart said when he hears stories about how Neighbourhood Works has helped them, he thinks of how his family and people have helped him.

“​​NWI is trying to pay it forward in our own little way,” he said.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listened carefully when some Liberal MPs directly expressed to him that he should resign and said he would reflect carefully on what he heard from them. LeBlanc mentioned Serge Cormier, René Arseneault and Jenica Atwin included in those who expressed their concerns with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Higgs government signed new contract, CUPE says the deal not being applied as promised, angering workers.

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A Fredericton man accused of choking a woman, assaulting her with a knife and endangering her life has yet to seek counsel to represent him on the serious charges, court heard Thursday.

Martin Robert Tyc (pronounced “teach”), 36, of Union Street, charged last month and initially held in custody on numerous charges.

He faces Oct. 27 counts of assaulting Sandra Andrade by choking, assaulting her with a knife, assaulting her and causing her bodily harm, assaulting her with a vodka bottle, possessing a knife for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; and driving while prohibited by a court order.

Tyc also also charged with committing an aggravated assault on Andrade by wounding or endangering her life, and unlawfully confining her, both on Nov. 12; as well as possessing a weapon (bear spray) for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, obstructing a peace officer and possessing cocaine Nov. 17.

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A Fredericton woman will be back in court in the new year to answer to an allegation that she stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from a jewelry store while working there so she could resell it.

Jennifer Marie Sharpe, 44, of Burpee Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Thursday, accompanied by her defence counsel, Edward Derrah.

She’s accused of stealing jewelry valued in excess of $5,000 from Spicer Cole Fine Jewelry on Woodstock Road, and possessing stolen jewelry for the purpose of selling it, both between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 1.

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Fredericton city staff have proposed a new requirement for every taxi company in the city to have at least one wheelchair-accessible vehicle in their fleets.

Oakley Gray and Mel Beaulieu talk about the impact beading has had on their lives after their artwork was added to the Radical Stitch exhibit, which showcases Indigenous beading from across Canada and the U.S., when it opened at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery last month.

Residents can pick up paper copies of bills at the Centreville office at the Western Valley Multi-Plex

The recent postal strike prevented the mailout of Centreville sewer bills, so the District of Carleton North advised residents to pick up copies at the Western Valley Multi-Plex.

At the Dec. 10 District of Carleton North Council meeting, Mayor Harvey advised the council and the community about the coming December municipal sewer bills for Centreville residents.

“Due to the interruption in mail delivery, billing statements for Centreville have not been mailed out as planned. To ensure residents can access their statements in a timely manner, paper copies will be available for pick up from the Centreville office located at the Western Valley Multi-Plex, 698 Central Street, starting on December 12, 2024.”

Mayor Harvey thanked residents for their “patience and understanding” as they navigated the Canada Post “situation.”

Payments can be made at any town office or via e-transfer to [email protected]

The post Postal strike disrupts Centreville sewer billing first appeared on River Valley Sun.

By Julie Stone

Volunteer for the Month

Karen Gillespie has been selected as the Nackawic & Area Volunteer for December. Over the years, she has worn many hats: She operates a successful home business, is a Team Manager for Minor Hockey, has supported and organized the Miss Nackawic Pageant multiple times, is a committee member for the Festival on the Bend, and volunteers for the Big Axe Beer Festival each summer. Karen is an enthusiastic race car fan.

Thank you, Karen, for giving your time and service to our community.

Lunch Bucket

The next Lunch Bucket for Seniors deliveries will take place on Dec. 19.  Volunteers go to the homes of vulnerable seniors twice a month with a freshly made lunch, a smile and a bit of time for a quick chat. Seniors say they look forward to the visit as it decreases loneliness and long days. Thanks to the Nackawic Area Wellness Group and the Lions Club for their dedication to the seniors in our communities.

Food Bank

The Western Valley Food Bank stops in Nackawic once a month. Volunteer drivers meet the truck and deliver food to those who have registered for the service in the Nackawic Millville Rural Community. To register, call 506-328-4417, or to volunteer as a delivery person, call Nancy Coy at 506-461-0803.

If you have non-perishable goods, gently used clothing or household goods you would like to donate to the Food Bank, you can leave those items at The Gathering Place. A special, clearly marked basket is located under the card table on the left, and the items are taken to the food truck when it makes its deliveries each month. So far, the basket has been full. Thank you to all for your generosity.

Ukulele Lessons in Millville

It is not only Tiny Tim (Tiptoe Through the Tulips) who can play the ukulele!  If you are interested, Peter Sawatzky will teach you how to strum some favourite tunes on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in Millville. The cost of the lessons is $3 per session. Five people are needed to make the lessons viable, and you can pre-register by putting your name, phone number and the first $3 in an envelope and dropping it off at The Gathering Place (TGP). A drop box is located just outside the meeting room, and the TGP is open from 8 – 5 p.m. daily. E-mail [email protected] if you are interested or have questions about this musical venture.

The post COLUMN: In and Around Nackawic-Millville Rural Community first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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People looking to contact the Mounties on Wednesday evening through direct detachment phone numbers won’t be able to get through, the RCMP advises.

“Due to technical difficulties, local RCMP detachment phone lines in N.B. are currently down,” the New Brunswick RCMP posted on social media Wednesday night.

No explanation was given for the disruption to the force’s direct lines at various detachments.

“If you have a non-emergency call for service, please dial 888-506-RCMP (7267),” the advisory stated. “In the event of an emergency, always call 911.”

The RCMP said it will update the public on the situation when it’s able.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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A former Gagetown soldier who's seeking an independent public inquiry into the use of Agent Orange and other chemical defoliants at the New Brunswick military base decades ago has renewed hope, thanks to a series of meetings being held by the standing committee on national defence.

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A teenage boy admitted Wednesday he wounded another youth and endangered his life last month, and the prosecution is seeking to have the offender sentenced as an adult.

The 17-year-old capital-region boy - whose identity is protected by the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act - appeared in Fredericton youth court Wednesday by telephone from the Miramichi Youth Campus, the province’s youth jail, to answer to two serious charges.

The defendant was charged with committing an aggravated assault on a youth victim by wounding him and/or endangering his life, and with possessing a knife for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, both on Nov. 7 in Fredericton.

Defence lawyer Ben Reentovich said his client was electing to be tried in youth court and pleading guilty to both counts.

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Two New Brunswickers will be representing Canada on the world stage in hockey over the holiday season.

The two men most recently convicted of murdering Justin Breau in Saint John in 2022 were each sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years.

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An Oromocto man told a court Wednesday he has yet to retain defence counsel, but he had received Crown disclosure and was ready to deny a sexual-assault allegation against him.

Tylor Ian Robert MacDougall, 28, of Miramichi Road, was back in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on to a charge of sexual assault laid against him last month.

The charge alleges a summary offence in Oromocto on June 25 against a female complainant.

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More than 40 years after being told she was a threat to Canada because of her sexuality, Diane Pitre is being given one of the country's top honours.

Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign getting a boost with matching donations Thursday and Saturday

Woodstock’s mayor and its Rotary Club hope to boost donations to the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign this week by overseeing the kettles on two separate days and matching contributions. 

On Thursday, Dec. 19, Mayor Trina Jones will volunteer at the Sobeys kettle and match the contributions.

Jones noted her plans to support the kettle campaign during opening remarks at the Dec. 17 council meeting. She explained she would match donations on the day up to $1,750, meaning donors can double their contributions on Thursday.

Jones said staff at Best Western Woodstock, as they did last year, will support her at the Sobeys kettle during the day. 

“I’m not doing that alone, but with the awesome staff at the Best Western, plus probably a few other fillers. They will be on the kettle with me, switching in and out. I will be there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.” 

Donors can again double their contributions on Saturday, Dec. 21, when the Woodstock Rotary Club will volunteer and match donations at the Sobeys kettle. 

The post Woodstock mayor, Rotary Club helping fill Red Kettles first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Fredericton man will return to court early in the new year to enter a plea to a charge that his dangerous operation of a dump truck caused the death of a Miramichi man more than a year ago.

Cameron McFee, 66, of Walter Close, made his first appearance in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday to answer to an indictable charge alleging he caused another man’s death.

He’s accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Daniel Frenette in Douglas on July 12, 2023.

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A Saint John mother is angry with her son's school for bolting his locker shut, with his winter clothes and homework inside. The 11-year-old went home without a coat or boots, in freezing drizzle.

The Town of Salisbury's inaugural turkey drive brought in more than twice as many donations than organizers were aiming for, so they're sharing the extra bounty with local food banks in Sussex and Shediac.

Butler awaiting hefty prison sentence

Rodney Butler, 50, of Bulls Creek, is expected to receive a hefty federal prison sentence on Jan. 13 after being found guilty on all eight charges related to the kidnapping and violent assault of a Scotts Siding man in 2021.

Butler appeared for sentencing before Chief Judge Brian C. McLean on Dec. 16. The crown submitted a written recommendation for Butler to serve 10 to 14 years in federal prison.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate told the court he was not ready to proceed and needed more time to respond to the crown’s recommendation for Butler. His sentencing was adjourned until Jan. 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Butler with intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless as to the life and safety of another person, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek.  

Judge McLean found him guilty on all counts after a five-day trial.

No charges have been laid in relation to the killing of Christine Pelletier-Thibodeau, Butler’s former partner, who died from a gunshot wound to the neck during a shootout outside Butler’s residence on the night of the kidnapping. Police tape was erected around the property, which was surrounded by a vehicle salvage yard.

Lengthy jail sentence expected for vicious domestic abuse

A Plymouth Road man who admitted to beating and abusing his former partner for weeks is expected to receive a lengthy jail term on Jan. 31.

Andrew Pelkey, 43, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Dec. 17 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. Judge Karen Lee reserved her decision on sentence until Jan. 31, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Crown Prosecutor Charles Couturier told the court Pelkey deserved 12 to 18 months in jail, while Defence Counsel Wanda Severns asked for house arrest.

Judge Lee said she would have “a real hard time to consider house arrest” because of the serious level of domestic violence involved in Pelkey’s crimes.

“This is not a spat or somebody who had a bad day,” said Judge Lee. “This is violence at an extreme level that is completely unacceptable with long lasting effects on the victim both physical and emotional.”

The crown also requested that Pelkey be placed on 24 months of probation after his release from jail and that he register with the federal DNA database.

A 20-year prohibition on weapons was also recommended for the accused, along with an order for Pelkey to attend counselling for mental health and alcohol abuse. All firearms seized by police during the investigation are to be forfeited to the crown.

“The facts are quite serious and Mr. Pelkey should be punished,” Couturier stated.

Pelkey was facing eight charges and pleaded guilty to five of them on summary conviction. He pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a belt, bottle and stick), assaulting a woman by choking her, uttering threats, pointing a firearm at another person, and careless use of a firearm. He had a limited prior criminal record.

Three other charges of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (BB guns and a pellet gun), assault, and willfully causing pain to a dog by shooting it with a pellet gun will be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing. The woman told police two dogs were shot and killed by the accused, but Pelkey refused to admit it.

The court heard the charges involved a series of violent domestic assaults between Feb. 1, 2023, and March 21, 2023, at Richmond Corner. The woman suffered head and facial injuries, bruises to her arms and back, and a cut on her leg.

She was kicked, beaten with a belt and belt buckle, and hit over the head with a stick of wood and a plastic liquor bottle. Pelkey also pulled her hair, choked her on the living room floor, put a knife to her throat, and tore her clothes.

During one incident, he shot the victim with a BB gun. One other morning, she woke up to a beating when he smashed her in the teeth. She finally went to the police and told them his violent attacks were escalating, and she feared for her life.

Police arrested Pelkey when an emergency intervention order was issued to remove him from the home. Five firearms (BB guns and a pellet gun) were found in the residence and were seized by police.

The woman told the crown it took a month for all of her injuries to heal, and she still suffers from headaches. She has no further contact with the accused and attended court with family members who were seated with her in the gallery.

Pelkey also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court on Dec. 19, 2023, and breaching his release order by violating curfew on Sept. 30, 2023.

The defence argued Pelkey was remorseful for his actions and noted he had no previous convictions involving violence.  He is employed and has moved on to a new relationship.

East Brighton man to stand trial

Ozzie Jr. Trecartin, 30, of East Brighton, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 16 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Oct. 29-30 at 9:30 a.m.

He was charged with impaired driving and two counts of driving while suspended on July 21 in Peel.

Trecartin also appeared in provincial court on Oct. 29 for plea on several other charges related to an alleged attempted murder in East Brighton. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial dates were set for Oct. 16-17, 2025, and Oct. 20, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Trecartin appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on July 30 and was released from custody with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was ordered to have no firearms in his possession. He must also have no contact with the alleged victim.

RCMP charged Trecartin with attempted murder, reckless discharge of a firearm at a place at the same time a person was inside, two counts of indictable assault against another man, uttering threats, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm without a licence, and storage of multiple firearms in a careless manner following an incident on July 21 at East Brighton.

Neqotkuk man fined $650

Todd Allison Sappier, 63, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 16 and changed his plea to guilty on one charge laid by RCMP.

Sappier pleaded guilty to failing to stop at the scene of an accident on Jan. 8 at Neqotkuk. He was fined $650. The crown withdrew another charge of dangerous driving.

Beechwood man waives bail

Clay Hargrove, 30, of Beechwood, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Dec. 17. He waived his bail until later and returns to court in custody for plea on Jan. 9, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

The RCMP charged Hargrove with possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing police, driving while prohibited, and driving while suspended following an incident on Dec. 8 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 at Upper Kent.

Released with conditions

Mitchell LaFrance, 26, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 16 for a bail hearing after being arrested for breaching his release order. He was released with conditions and returns to court for plea on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged LaFrance in connection with an alleged breach of his house arrest on Dec. 7.

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

LaFrance also appeared for trial in provincial court on Oct. 10 and changed his plea to guilty on two other charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for sentencing on Jan. 21, 2025, 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.

Warrant issued for Wotstak man

The court issued an arrest warrant for Mitchell McKenzie, 38, of Wostak (Woodstock First Nation), after he failed to appear in court for plea on Dec. 17.

McKenzie appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 25 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions until his next court appearance.

RCMP charged McKenzie with assaulting another man with a weapon (a wooden pole) following an incident on July 24 at Wotstak.

Agreed to peace bond

Riley Cowper, 20, of Limestone, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 16 for his trial on an assault charge. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond and the trial did not proceed.

Cowper was charged with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) involving another man on March 23, 2022. The peace bond will result in the charge being withdrawn.

Cowper remains in custody to await his three-day trial next March in connection with an alleged violent attack on another local man.

RCMP charged Cowper with attempted murder by using a hammer and a wrench to assault Rodney Butler, mischief causing property damage to a car window, uttering threats, and robbery of a vehicle in connection with an incident on Aug. 10 at Jackson Falls.

He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance by video on Nov. 27. Trial dates were set for March 3, March 10 and March 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

He was arrested on Aug. 13 and ordered to have no contact with Butler, who police said was treated at hospital for injuries and later released.  On Oct. 18, Cowper waived his bail until later.

Bail hearing adjourned

Brittany Priscilla King, 27, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 17 for a bail hearing. Judge Karen Lee adjourned her bail hearing until Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of her defence counsel.

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

Woodstock Police charged King 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, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

She was also charged with possession of 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, 2025.

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, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Alleged invasion of privacy

Dale Boyle, 70, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to answer one charge laid by RCMP.

Boyle was charged with 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 at Plaster Rock. He appeared in court on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

Trafficking charge laid

Timothy Thibodeau, 42, of Glassville, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 24 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by RCMP. He was scheduled for plea on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Thibodeau was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, uttering threats on Sept. 4, 2023, at Hartland, and failing to appear in court on Oct. 24.  He appeared in court in custody on Nov. 4. He was released with conditions of an order to report to the police weekly.

Three trial dates set

Regis Bowmaster, 31, of Bairdsville, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 and pleaded not guilty to three charges. His trial date was set for Nov. 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Bowmaster appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Nov. 4 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

RCMP charged him with two counts of breaching a release order and possession of methamphetamine concerning an incident on Oct. 23 at Pembroke.

He also appeared in provincial court on July 16 and pleaded not guilty to several other charges laid by RCMP. His trial dates were set for June 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. and June 12-13, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Bowmaster was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest concerning an incident on Jan. 4 at Bairdsville. He was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (a sawed-off shotgun), improper storage of a firearm, possession of a stolen ATV, and being an occupant of a vehicle, knowing it carried a firearm for another incident on May 27 at Perth-Andover.

Returning for plea

Braden Morgan, 27, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Morgan was charged with assault involving a female victim and uttering threats in connection with an incident on Oct. 30 in Woodstock. He was scheduled for plea on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

Charges laid following accident

Rylan McLeod, 21, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on seven charges laid by RCMP.

McLeod was charged with three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and obstructing police in relation to an accident on Jan. 5 at Bulls Creek. He appeared in court on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

Senior facing two charges

Ursel Wagner Estabrooks, 71, of Wilmot, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by RCMP.

Estabrooks was charged with impaired driving and dangerous driving stemming from an incident on Aug. 18 at St. Thomas. She appeared in court on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.

Resolved by peace bond

Logan Cote, 24, of Wicklow, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 for plea on one charge laid by RCMP. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond and the charge did not proceed.

Cote was charged with assault causing bodily harm involving a female victim following an incident on March 20 at Wicklow. The peace bond will result in the charge being withdrawn.

Sentencing reset for Turner

Marshall Turner, 24, of Beaconsfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Dec. 17 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP.  His sentencing was rescheduled for Jan. 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. to allow for the submission of victim impact statements.

RCMP charged Turner with possession of stolen vehicle, flight from police, breach of probation and possession of a stolen fuel pump in connection with a police chase across Carleton North on April 23 that ended in Johnville.

He pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen vehicle and breach of probation, and the crown withdrew the remaining two charges.

On April 13, he was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle in Greenfield, but the crown withdrew that charge.

Turner also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen vehicle, breach of probation, dangerous driving and driving without insurance on April 18 in Perth-Andover.

The court heard Turner was charged following an accident on Route 130 near Bairdsville when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a transport truck.

Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 18 and waived his bail until later. He has a prior criminal record and has been in custody since his arrest in April.

On Dec. 17, he also pleaded guilty to breach of probation and assaulting a correctional officer for an incident at the Madawaska jail on July 5.

Moved to alternative measures

Stephen Bowmaster, 24, of Sisson Ridge, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 for plea on three charges laid by RCMP. The matter was moved to the alternative measures program with the consent of the crown.

Bowmaster was charged with fraud, uttering a forged document (a $1,700 cheque), and possession of stolen property (cheques) concerning an incident on Oct. 10, 2023, near Perth-Andover. He has until March 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., to complete the requirements of the program in order to have the charges withdrawn.

Charged with sexual assault

Christopher Thomas O’Keefe, 27, of Fredericton, formerly of Fielding, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 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. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Newburg man pleads not guilty

Jeffrey Richard Bull, 45, of Newburg, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. He returns to court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to set a trial date. A monitoring date was also set for Dec. 24 at 9:30 a.m. to confirm his legal counsel.

Bull appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 9 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged with aggravated assault and breach of probation concerning an incident on Sept. 8 at 2 a.m. when a man suffered a broken elbow after being struck by a bat on St. James Street in Woodstock. The alleged victim was a newcomer to the town for only three days.

Awaiting plea on assault charge

Tristan Alexander Calhoun, 38, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 for plea on an assault charge. The matter was adjourned until Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Calhoun was charged by Woodstock Police with assaulting a woman, stemming from an incident between March 31 and Oct. 30 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 Dec. 17 to answer a charge of breaching his curfew.

RCMP charged Bowmaster with breaching his release order (curfew) for an incident on March 17 at Bairdsville. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Sentencing set on several charges

Joshua Sisson, 37, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 17 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges. His sentencing date was set for Dec. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Sisson appeared in court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Nov. 14 and was remanded to jail. RCMP charged him with two counts of uttering threats for an incident on Nov. 11 at Neqotkuk. He was also charged with flight from police on Sept. 24.

He changed his plea to guilty on one threat charge and the flight charge on Dec. 17 and told the court he was planning to enter a rehab facility.

Sisson also pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a bottle) involving a female victim, assault, and one count of uttering threats in connection with an incident on April 8 at Neqotkuk.  He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.

He is awaiting plea on Dec. 23 at 9:30 a.m. on two new charges of attempted break and enter and mischief causing property damage to a shed on Sept. 24 at Neqotkuk.

Carlingford woman to be sentenced

Kortney Boyer, 32, of Carlingford, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 and pleaded guilty to an assault charge. Her sentencing date was set for March 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Boyer with assaulting a female victim stemming from an incident on March 18 at Bairdsville. She was released on an undertaking until her next court appearance.

Nabbed with counterfeit money

Chandler Spittle, 22, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 to answer two charges related to counterfeit money. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Spittle with possessing counterfeit money (a $100 US bill) and using counterfeit money concerning an incident on Dec. 24, 2023, at Johnson Settlement.

Facing fraud charge

Anita Albert, 51, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 to set a trial date after pleading not guilty to a fraud charge. Her trial date was set for Nov. 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Albert with defrauding the Timbertown Lounge during an incident on Sept. 11, 2022, in Plaster Rock.

Hartland man awaiting trial

Braeden Paul Thornton, 28, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Oct. 30, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Thornton was arrested by RCMP on Thanksgiving weekend on charges of breaching a peace bond, uttering threats, assault, assault by choking, theft, and breaching an undertaking. A monitoring date was set for Feb. 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to confirm he will be ready to proceed to trial.

Thornton appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 16 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Accused of curfew breach

Catherine Polchies, 46, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear in provincial court on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to answer a charge of breaching her curfew. She was scheduled for plea on Dec. 17 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of her defence counsel.

RCMP charged Polchies in connection with an incident on March 7 at Wotstak. She also appeared in provincial court in February and pleaded not guilty to other multiple charges. Trial dates were set for Jan. 24, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. and Feb. 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Polchies appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Feb. 7 and was released with conditions after spending a few days in jail. She was arrested on warrant after she failed to appear in court for plea on Jan. 2. She also faces charges of breaching a release order and possession of stolen property on Feb. 1 and several firearm offences for an incident on Nov. 11, 2023, in Woodstock.

Polchies was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with discharging a firearm too close to a dwelling house and not wearing hunter orange following an incident on Sept. 27, 2022, at Lower Woodstock. She pleaded not guilty at her court appearance on Feb. 27.

Charged in police stand-off

Travis Terrance McDougall, 32, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of uttering threats and obstructing police in connection with a stand-off on Nov. 2 when an individual barricaded himself inside a residence in Woodstock.

McDougall appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Trial coming up in January

Rachel Sockabasin, 40, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Dec. 17 for monitoring about her upcoming trial in January.

Sockabasin was charged by RCMP with breach of an undertaking, breach of probation and three counts of theft concerning incidents on Feb. 12, Aug. 11, 2023, and Dec. 22, 2023, at the Ultramar in Carlingford. She pleaded not guilty, and her trial was scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Another monitoring date was set for Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to confirm she will have legal counsel to proceed to trial.

Released with ankle bracelet

Brian Keith Reynolds, 45, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 16 for a bail hearing after being arrested on a charge of breaching his release order. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

RCMP charged Reynolds with breaching his release order (curfew) concerning an incident on Dec. 10 at Benton. He returns to court for plea on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

He also appeared in provincial court on Dec. 5 to answer several other charges laid by RCMP. Those matters were adjourned until Jan. 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. to allow him time to secure new legal counsel.

RCMP charged him with uttering threats against a female victim, breach of probation, and driving while suspended, stemming from an incident on Oct. 8, 2023, in Bloomfield. He pleaded not guilty and returns to court on Jan. 7 to set a trial date.

Reynolds was also charged with two counts of resisting arrest on Nov. 1, 2023, and Nov. 27, 2023, at Wotstak. On Sept. 17, he faced two new charges of assault and assault with a weapon concerning another incident on Aug. 4 at Wotstak. He returns for plea on those charges on Jan. 7.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Crown asks for hefty prison sentence for Rodney Butler first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A profile of Woodstock Rotary Club President Ashley Farrell

Each year, the Woodstock Rotary Club elects a new president.  The Rotary year spans from July 1 to June 30; the 2024/25 club president this year is Ashley Farrell.  The governing body for all Rotary clubs is Rotary International (RI), which chooses a new theme to guide clubs worldwide in their projects and activities.  Ashley is excited to see how this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary,” can influence and guide our club with our current and upcoming initiatives.

Ashley was born in Woodstock and grew up in McKenzie Corner. She graduated from Woodstock High School and attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce degree. After graduating from post-secondary education, she worked through the Enterprise Rent a Car Leadership Program in Halifax, N.S.

Ashley moved back to Woodstock and started working for McCain in 2013. and has worked at McCain for 11 years in various supply chain roles. Currently, she manages Inventory and Network Distribution for North America.

In her spare time, she likes to be active and engaged. Working out and physical activity are essential to her, as she enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, biking, dancing, and golf. She also enjoys reading, doing creative projects, and volunteering. Her nine-year-old daughter Payton is also very active, so their time is balanced between juggling their extracurricular and social schedules.

Ashley joined Rotary in the Spring of 2021 because she was looking for a group of like-minded individuals with shared interests and goals while giving back to their community. Ashley respects and admires the Service above Self Rotary Moto and Rotary’s core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

“The four-way test resonates with me and aligns with my own core values,” says Ashley.

Since joining Rotary, Ashley has served on the Rotary Dance and Draw Committee, Halloween Committee, and Membership Committee and joined the Board as Secretary in 2022. As president this year, Ashley says her goal is “to create an engaging environment for our membership and to encourage more community involvement by learning about and working with local service groups and organizations and identifying future projects that will provide a positive, sustainable impact.”

Ashley has appointed and will oversee various Rotary Committees that are centred around the Pillars of Rotary focus, which include promoting and supporting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, Supporting Education and Literacy, Protecting the Environment and Growing Local Economies.  Each committee dedicates itself to positively impacting the community through its objectives and the projects and requests it supports.

Ashley feels the Rotary International (RI) theme “The Magic of Rotary” emphasizes the transformative power that can be achieved through like-minded individuals working towards a common goal to make their world and surrounding communities better for all.  Likewise, the RI website proclaims that the magic of Rotary is celebrated by its members, who create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

“Rotarians are people of action, and the magic of Rotary lives within each Rotarian who puts service above self and works to accomplish the overreaching and impossible projects and initiatives that they take on,” says Ashley. “Over the years, I have seen a number of magical moments when an idea, became a plan and then that plan became a reality executed with excellence. It is very humbling and magical experience to witness a group of dedicated Rotarians who gather together every week to broadcast Bingo for the community, organize an Annual Rotary Dance and Draw and that take on small and large projects when a need arises, all in the name of creating a better community for everyone. Rotarians are truly magical people.”

Save the Date

In keeping with the Magic of Rotary theme, be sure to like and follow the Woodstock Rotary Club Dance and Draw Facebook page for upcoming announcements about our annual fundraiser. This year, the event will occur on Saturday, April 12, at the AYR Motor Centre. We will be having a “Rotary Magical Masquerade” event.  Dress up with your masquerade masks while enjoying locally distilled spirits, craft beer, and wine while listening to “The Other Guys.” Dance the night away with “The Big Bad Party Band.”  Draw prizes totalling almost $20,000 will be up for grabs.  Don’t miss this great time out while supporting Rotary.

The post ‘The Magic of Rotary’ first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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The Fredericton Police Force (FPF) is expanding its ranks with a new unit aimed at taking over non-emergency and administrative work from officers, but it’s not saying how much it will cost.

The police force announced the creation of a new community engagement unit (CEU), which, it said in a news release, will “enhance community relations and improve service efficiency.”

The purpose of the new unit is to mitigate the heavier workload on police officers by handling non-emergency policing tasks, it said.

“The CEU will consist of former FPF members who will handle non-critical tasks, such as taking statements for minor crimes, handling lost property and providing general public assistance,” the release said.

“This will allow officers to focus on urgent and high-priority calls. Importantly, CEU members will not engage in patrol responses involving risk.”

The unit will be run as a pilot program for six months and be evaluated at the end of that period.

The release said the initiative is being funded as part of the City of Fredericton’s effort to bolster community safety, but it didn’t indicate how much the new unit would cost or from where it’s deriving the funding.

The Fredericton Independent inquired Tuesday with the police force and city hall about the costs, how much the members of the unit would be paid, how many people would be hired to serve as part of the unit and when it would begin operations.

No response was provided.

“It is important for maintaining community trust, ensuring efficient use of police resources and will allow for more proactive community policing,” Insp. David Cooper, a member of the force’s management team, said in the news release.

The police union has signed off on the new unit as well, the release said, but it noted the initiative is meant to be a temporary one.

“The union executive was consulted throughout the process of adopting the community engagement unit,” police union president Chris Furlotte said in the release.

“We fully support FPF management’s decision to engage this temporary solution and will monitor the impact as it relates to our members.”

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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