Officers apprehend man and young offender during early-morning downtown patrols

A man and young offender will soon face charges concerning drug and weapons charges after their arrest in downtown Woodstock early Monday morning, Jan. 29.

The Woodstock Police Force reported the arrest in a press release on Jan. 31.

“In the early morning hours of January 29th, 2024, at approximately 4:30 a.m., uniformed members of the Woodstock Police Force, while on patrol in the downtown area, observed two males prowling in dark clothing,” the police said in the statement.

Police said the officer’s investigation into an adult male and a young offender resulted in their apprehension for drug and weapons offences.

Police explained a subsequent inquiry by the Woodstock Police Force Street Crime Section revealed that one of the arrested individuals was also linked to a series of property-related crimes and graffiti incidents throughout Woodstock.

“Safeguarding the well-being of the citizens of Woodstock is our top priority,” said Sergeant Seth Cahill. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a safe community for everyone.”

Deputy Chief Mark Bennett said charges will be laid in court soon.

He said the adult was known to police prior to his latest arrest.

Bennett said officers are trained to be aware of suspicious activities as they patrol the community.

The post Woodstock Police Force arrests individuals on weapons and drugs charges first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Fredericton man who was reported as missing in the fall of 2022 has been found dead, reports the city police force, noting it doesn’t appear he was a victim of foul play.

The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Oct. 20, 2022, advising that city resident Shannon Ray Jones, 34, had been reported as missing the day before.

In a followup issued through social media Wednesday, the police force advised Jones had been found and was dead, though it didn’t mention his name in the update.

“The 34-year-old man from Fredericton, N.B., who was reported missing to police on Oct. 19, 2022, has been located deceased,” it said.

“Police do not believe criminality to be a factor in his death.”

In the original release in late 2022, the force said it was seeking assistance in locating Jones, reporting he’d last been seen leaving his home at about 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 2022.

He was described as being 5’8” tall, weighing about 182 pounds, with short, brown hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

“Jones was believed to be last seen wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans, white shoes and a ball cap or cowboy-style hat,” the 2022 release stated.

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

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Residents escape, but pets perish, as blaze levels two-unit structure

An early-evening fire on Tuesday, Jan. 30, destroyed an apartment building at 123 Charlotte Street on Woodstock’s southside.

The fire department responded to the reported fire at approximately 8:30 p.m. to battle the stubborn blaze in frigid temperatures with a windchill dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Fire Chief Harold McLellan said residents of the two apartments escaped the burning building before the fire department arrived, but he believed one or more pets perished in the fire.

He said the first 9-1-1 call occurred at 8:29 p.m., reporting a structure fire “with someone trapped.”

McLellan said the fire crews were on the road by 8:33 p.m. and arrived at the fire within five minutes.

He said Woodstock Police Force members were already on the scene and confirmed everyone safely escaped the burning structure.

Firefighters fought the fire with an external and internal attack but could not gain control as the fire spread through the older two-and-a-half-storey wooden structure.

McLellan said he decided to call in an excavator to bring down the structure.

“It got to a point where it was unsafe to be in the building,” the chief said.

He said the second-level floor was already “spongy,” making an internal attack no longer safe.

“The only logical decision was to call in the excavator,” McLellan said.

He said fire crews wanted to ensure the fire didn’t spread to nearby structures, including a small residence within an estimated nine feet of the burning building.

The neighbouring couple, Noah Walton and Lilli Mazerolle, stood in the cold, watching the firefighters battle the fire in the structure towering over their home.

Walton said he called 9-1-1 at 8:33 p.m. when they discovered the fire next door, but someone had already reported it.

Mazerolle said she believed at least a couple of cats didn’t make it out of the house.

McLellan said he was told pets were trapped inside, but he couldn’t confirm what or how many.

The chief said it is difficult and dangerous for people escaping a burning building to locate pets, especially cats. He explained that scared animals often hide, making locating them through the smoke and flames almost impossible.

McLellan said that in addition to the police force, Ambulance New Brunswick and an N.B. Power crew attended the fire scene. He said power crews shut off electricity to the building.

Mazerolle and Walton said they were also without power.

Mazerolle said they became aware of the fire when they noticed flames coming from the back corner of the house adjacent to their backyard.

McLellan confirmed that is where firefighters first focused upon arrival, calling it the “Bravo-Charlie corner,”

He explained firefighters label each of the four sides of a building with letters, starting with the front as A, then going B, C, and D clockwise.

McLellan said the type of wooden structure, which he described as balloon construction, is challenging for firefighters. He said flames quickly climb up the walls from bottom to top.

He said the older structure, turned into apartments, probably underwent several renovations over the years.

McLellan said that, at this point, they consider the fire as “accidental.”

He said the Woodstock Police attended the fire scene, and he kept the Fire Marshal’s Office informed about the situation.

With what remains of the structure, McLellan explained it would be difficult to determine an exact cause of the fire.

The post UPDATE: Fire destroys Woodstock two-unit building first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A former Fredericton resident accused of exposing himself in public early last year recently saw that allegation withdrawn in court. 

Benedict Chibuzo Maduike, 40, formerly of Patience Lane in Fredericton, pleaded not guilty through defence counsel last summer to an indecent-act charge, which alleged he exposed his genitals with “intent to insult or offend any person” in Fredericton on Feb. 27.

But the case was back in Fredericton provincial court Jan. 19 - not for trial, but for a different conclusion to the case.

Prosecutor Geoffrey Hutchin told court at that time the Crown had decided to withdraw the charge.

Judge Mélanie Poirier LeBlanc granted the Crown’s motion.

Defence lawyer Alex Pate was on hand to represent Maduike, and he noted he’d let his client know of the outcome.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers says city staff are considering changes to Fredericton's planning advisory committee, holding discussions that include possibly removing the public hearing process for proposals.

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A capital-region man busted with stolen property and for repeatedly violations of court orders saw a few more months tacked onto the time he’s already spent behind bars since last year.

Coltin Alexander Livingston, 32, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in person and in custody Tuesday afternoon for a sentencing hearing.

He’d pr…

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Indo-Canadian painter Indu Varma of Sackville finds inspiration in New Brunswick's natural beauty, and she's been sharing her art with people in her native India.

Program provides free clinics, tax help for those with moderate incomes and simple returns

Woodstock and Hartland area residents with low or moderate incomes can access in-person tax clinics and drop-off locations as volunteers with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to work for the 2024 tax season.

Jocelyn Keirstead, one of five volunteers offering their tax knowledge to the program, said eligible clients could access the free program to file taxes and potentially access government rebates and grants.

She explained that CVITP dates back to 1971 as a long-standing partnership between the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and community organizations.

Keirstead said clients can access the service of volunteers through free in-person clinics, by phone or by leaving their tax information at drop-off locations in Woodstock and Hartland.

Eligibility criteria include adults 65 years and older, housing-insecure individuals, Indigenous Peoples, modest-income individuals, newcomers, persons with disabilities and students.

Modest-income families include individuals earning $35,000 annually, two earning a combined $45,000, three with $47,500 household income, four earning $50,000 annually or five or more earning $52,500, with an additional $2,500 annually for each additional person above five.

The CVITP defines simple income as anyone who generates income from employment, pensions, RRSPs, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, grants or interest under $1,000.

Keirstead said clients can access volunteers at in-person clinics at two locations in Woodstock. The volunteers will host clinics on March 14, 25 and April 11 at St. James United Church and St. Gertrude’s Church Hall on March 7, 21 and April 18.

She added clients can drop tax information at the L. P. Fisher Public Library for volunteers to complete and return.

Keirstead added that volunteers can complete returns by phone if clients call Jocelyn at 506-323-1343, Cathy at 902-514-7407, Terrance at 506-328-5162, Dorothy at 506-276-4604, or Diane at 506-328-7379.

She added that the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library in Hartland will also host in-person clinics and serve as a drop-off location.

The post Community Volunteer Income Tax Program returns to Woodstock, Hartland areas first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A private French school set to open its doors in Saint John's Market Square in September is no longer going ahead. Lycee International announced it is abandoning the project which would have been part of the Don Bosco network of schools due to total construction costs surpassing initial estimates by 50 per cent.

The Higgs government is asking the New Brunswick Court of Appeal to rule on the legality of dozens of child custody orders issued during a 43-day “gap” in the law.

Last year's health-care recruitment trip to the Philippines is paying dividends, says New Brunswick Health Minister Bruce Fitch. He said about 500 interviews were conducted during the four-day mission, which resulted in roughly 180 job offers made. 

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A Fredericton woman set to be sentenced Monday for several assaults with a knife saw that proceeding delayed because probation services didn’t prepare an Indigenous-heritage report as ordered.

Amber Koale Davis, 31, of Beaverbrook Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in custody and in person Monday.

She was scheduled to go through a sentencing hearing for four Oct. 25  counts of assaults with a knife on Gurashish Singh, Arindam Gupta, Nancy Thumar and Drishti Parswani, as well as a related charge of probation violation.

Davis was also due to be sentenced for stealing merchandise from NB Liquor on Trinity Avenue and breaching her probation Oct. 21.

But defence lawyer Michael Mallory said there was a problem with Davis’ pre-sentence report.

He noted that since Davis is of Indigenous heritage, the court had ordered that a Gladue report be included as part of the pre-sentence report.

Gladue reports are legally mandated reports that focus on unique issues to be considered when sentencing Indigenous offenders. 

Among the details they contain are information on family and cultural background factors - including historical and systemic traumas inflicted on Indigenous populations - that have influenced an offender and rehabilitative plans.

Mallory said his client tells him that when a probation officer asked her during the pre-sentence report process if she wanted a Gladue component prepared, she said it didn’t matter to her.

But Judge Natalie LeBlanc said it matters to the court. She agreed with Mallory that the Gladue component was something the court needed during the sentencing process.

The judge pointed out the Gladue report was part of a court order and should’ve been done regardless. 

She was dismayed that Davis’ sentencing would have to be postponed, especially since she’s in custody awaiting that proceeding.

“That part of the report is not optional for me as a judge,” she explained to the defendant.

LeBlanc wanted to ensure as quick a turnaround as possible, so she had her stenographer inquire with probation services how soon someone could prepare the Gladue report in Davis’ case.

The judge said her office was told it would take about six weeks.

Given that Davis had already waited two months for her pre-sentence report, LeBlanc said, that was unacceptable to the court.

“We pushed back and came to a compromise,” the judge said.

She rescheduled Davis’ sentencing hearing for Feb. 15, noting the offender will accumulate additional remand credit in the meantime.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A new committee has a big challenge ahead of them. It will have 100 days to come up with ideas and solutions to the labour shortage in the New Brunswick construction sector.

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A woman accused of two counts of parental abduction saw her election of mode of trial put on hold Tuesday after she opted for a jury trial, contrary to what duty counsel had expected.

A 42-year-old woman from Florenceville-Bristol appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday by telephone from the New Brunswick Women’s Correctional Centre in Miramichi.

She was scheduled to elect mode of trial on two criminal counts of violating a custody order.

The charges allege that while having the lawful care of two kids under the age of 14, she took those two children with the intent of depriving another woman of her guardianship of those minors.

The counts allege Jan. 4 events in Beardsley, about two kilometres south of Woodstock.

Crown prosecutor Geoffrey Hutchin asked the court to impose a publication ban on information that would tend to identify the children, and Judge Mary Jane Richards granted the motion.

As such, the Fredericton Independent isn’t naming the defendant or the other woman referred to as a guardian of the children in the charges so as to comply with the court order.

Court heard the defendant, who’s been in custody since her arrest earlier this month, still needed a lawyer.

“She has been approved for legal aid,” said lawyer Edward Derrah.

He noted he’d just been assigned her file, but realized he had a conflict upon reviewing it, so another lawyer would be appointed to represent the accused in short order.

Despite that glitch in the legal-aid process, Derrah said, the defendant was prepared to elect mode of trial, noting she planned to opt for a provincial court trial and to plead not guilty.

But when Judge Mary Jane Richards put the formal election to the accused, she answered, “Judge and jury,” referring to a jury trial in the Court of King’s Bench, a higher level of court.

“That’s not what we discussed, your honour,” Derrah said.

He asked for an adjournment so the defendant can consult with new defence counsel on the issue of mode of trial.

Richards set the case over to Feb. 6 for election of mode of trial once again, and she remanded the accused until that time.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A new COVID-19 subvariant has arrived in New Brunswick and appears to be on its way to taking over as the dominant strain.

Western Valley’s Urban-Rural Rides program seeking volunteers to help unlock access to healthcare

The following is a submission from Urban/Rural Rides, which operates the community transportation service in the Western Valley. The item focuses on the benefits of being a volunteer driver, helping residents secure a ride to vital medical appointments. 

The Western Valley Regional Service Commission urges residents to read this submission and volunteer to support the program. 

Access to medical care is a fundamental human right, yet for many individuals, it remains an elusive goal due to transportation barriers. Lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed medical appointments, delayed treatments, and worsened health outcomes. 

Volunteer drivers for medical appointments play a vital role in bridging this gap, offering a lifeline to those who struggle with transportation access. In this article, we delve into the reasons why individuals should consider becoming volunteer drivers and the myriad of benefits that stem from this selfless role.

Why Volunteer as a Driver for Medical Appointments?

1. Make a Tangible Difference: The primary motivation for individuals to become volunteer drivers is the opportunity to make a tangible, immediate impact on someone’s life. By offering a ride to a medical appointment, you enable individuals to access healthcare services that are essential for their well-being.
2. Address Healthcare Disparities: Volunteer drivers contribute to addressing healthcare disparities that stem from transportation challenges. By providing equal access to medical appointments, you contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.
3. Empower Individuals: For those who struggle with transportation, the inability to attend medical appointments can lead to a sense of powerlessness. As a volunteer driver, you empower individuals to take control of their health by ensuring they can attend appointments on time.
4. Support Vulnerable Populations: Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals, are disproportionately affected by transportation barriers. By volunteering, you directly support these populations in accessing vital healthcare services.
5. Forge Meaningful Connections: Becoming a volunteer driver opens the door to building meaningful connections with the individuals you assist. You’ll hear their stories, share their triumphs, and be a source of support during their healthcare journey.

Benefits of Being a Volunteer Driver

1. Sense of Fulfillment: The sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life is unparalleled. The gratitude and appreciation you receive from those you help can be profoundly rewarding.
2. Social Engagement: Volunteering as a driver introduces you to a diverse array of people. You’ll interact with fellow volunteers, passengers, and healthcare professionals, expanding your social network and fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Alleviating Isolation: Transportation barriers often lead to social isolation, particularly among the elderly. By offering rides, you’re not just providing transportation; you’re combating loneliness and contributing to mental well-being.
4. Skill Development: Volunteering enhances a range of skills, from communication and problem-solving to time management and interpersonal relations. These skills are transferable and can boost your personal and professional growth.
5. Positive Health Outcomes: Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to improved mental and physical health. The act of giving back and the resulting sense of purpose can reduce stress and boost overall well-being.
6. Fulfillment of Civic Responsibility: Volunteering aligns with the concept of civic responsibility. As a volunteer driver, you actively contribute to your community’s health and welfare, embodying the essence of good citizenship.

The role of volunteer drivers for medical appointments cannot be overstated. These dedicated individuals serve as a lifeline, ensuring that those who face transportation challenges can access essential healthcare services. 

By becoming a volunteer driver, you become an agent of change, addressing healthcare disparities and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

The impact of your actions extends beyond the immediate ride; it influences the well-being and future of those you assist. 

The benefits of being a volunteer driver are multifaceted, from personal fulfillment and skill development to enhanced social connections and positive health outcomes.

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to contribute to your community and make a lasting difference in the lives of others, consider signing up as a volunteer driver.

For information on how to get involved with the community transportation service in Western N.B., contact Urban/Rural Rides at 506-503-3004 in the Woodstock area and 506-707-3014 in the Perth-Andover area or online at http://urbanruralrides.ca. 

The post The impact of volunteer drivers for medical appointments first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of a violent crime.

A convicted killer accused of perjuring himself at his spouse’s murder trial a year ago has yet to secure defence counsel, court heard Tuesday.

Zachery David Murphy, 23, formerly of Kings College Road in Fredericton, was back on the provincial court docket Tuesday on a charge of perjury.

He appeared in Fredericton by video-conference from federal prison, where he’s serving a life sentence for second-degree murder. He was clad in a blue T-shirt and was sporting a dark goatee.

He was scheduled to elect mode of trial and enter a plea Tuesday to a Jan. 11, 2023, charge of perjury, stemming from his sworn testimony at the first-degree murder trial of his spouse, Angela April Walsh, 25, AKA Ali Morningstar, also formerly of Kings College Road, .

The case was set over in December to Tuesday to give Murphy time to apply for legal aid for representation on the perjury charge.

However, court heard Tuesday that hasn’t happened yet.

Duty counsel Edward Derrah said officials haven’t been able to find a record of his application, so Murphy was requesting an additional adjournment so he can apply.

Judge Mary Jane Richards set the matter over again - this time for five weeks, to March 5 - to give Murphy plenty of time to go through the legal-aid process. 

Walsh and Murphy were both charged with first-degree murder in the death of Clark Ernest  Hunter Greene, 31, of Fredericton, who was found by a passerby stabbed fatally at the gazebo in Wilmot Park in downtown Fredericton the morning of April 15, 2020.

Murphy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and co-operated with authorities, providing police with a full statement indicating that Walsh had hatched a plan to rob Greene.

He said Walsh lured Greene to the gazebo, and he hid in nearby greenery and then approached the victim from behind and struck him in the head with a metal pipe.

With Greene incapacitated, Walsh retrieved a knife from Greene’s pocket and stabbed him repeatedly in the chest and face, even gouging out his eyes.

Murphy testified to that effect at Walsh’s preliminary inquiry as well.

But when it came time for him to testify at Walsh’s jury trial, he changed his tune, claiming he’d stabbed and killed the victim, and that Walsh had nothing to do with it.

That halted the trial, and after a lengthy recess, the prosecution and defence offered a joint resolution to the case.

Walsh pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, earning her a mandatory life sentence in prison.

She admitted to planning the robbery and to being the one who inflicted the knife blows that killed Greene.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Kathryn Gregory ruled Walsh can’t even apply for any kind of parole until she’s served 13 years of her sentence.

Murphy previously saw his parole eligibility set at 11 years.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Fredericton-area sawmill that was fined a year ago for trying to hide a workplace injury from the provincial occupational health and safety agency hasn’t paid a dime of it yet, a court noted Tuesday.

Jeff Hanson with Hanson`s Sawmill & Affordable Cedar Log Homes Inc., located on Killarney Road, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday for a default hearing.

The business was fined $5,000 in January 2023 for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act, namely for neglecting to notify WorkSafeNB, the province’s workplace-safety watchdog, that an employee was injured on the job, requiring hospitalization.

Concrete forms fell on the worker in question June 7, 2021, WorkSafeNB reports on its website, while doing work for the business at a private home.

“Two employees removed the forms overtop the employee, who was then placed in the back seat of a pickup truck and driven to hospital,” the agency states on its website. 

“Once at the hospital, [the employee] was placed in a wheelchair and left in the emergency room lobby.”

The worker sustained multiple fractures that required surgery, and he was in hospital for more than a month, WorkSafeNB said.

“Hanson’s did not report the incident to WorkSafeNB and denied even having knowledge of it,” the report on the agency’s website stated.

“However, WorkSafeNB investigators were able to corroborate enough facts to verify that the accident did happen and that the company was aware of it.”

Duty counsel Edward Derrah told court Tuesday the business has had a difficult time as of late, noting it’s been having trouble getting the wood it needs to continue with projects.

“So nothing’s been paid on the fine,” Judge Mary Jane Richards said when reviewing the court file.

“I was hoping [to have it paid] by the end of August,” Jeff Hanson told the court.

Derrah said Hanson believes he can pay $500 a month until the fine is paid, including an initial such payment Tuesday.

Richards extended the time for payment to Jan. 29, 2025.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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One of the growing pains that comes with opening a new hub for the homeless in Fredericton is that people don't know exactly what the hub does, says Lindsay Norcott, the homelessness services manager at the John Howard Society.

Primary care providers ask for help from council to lobby government for ‘new and sustainable model’

As of Febr. 2, 2024, thanks to impending retirements and practice closures, the District of Carleton North will only have two primary care providers left to care for its 10,000 residents.

At the Jan. 23 District of Carleton North council meeting, Dr. Stuart Lockhart addressed the council, seeking their support in lobbying the government for assistance in helping to develop a “new and sustainable model of comprehensive primary care that is future-driven, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the local population.”

Lockhart explained that while the increasing age of doctors contributes to the healthcare crisis across Canada, the more significant issue is the decreasing number of graduates choosing to practice family medicine due to the costs of operating a primary care practice.

“Family physicians are required to operate their own business,” said Lockhart, who explained that it is up to the doctors to set up their practice – from finding their own space and setting it up to hiring and paying their staff, paying for their supplies, and more.

He said this is a disincentive for the many graduates leaving school with a significant amount of debt. Instead, an increasing number of graduates choose to work in hospital settings where they have no expense or headache associated with running their own business and receive a higher pay rate.

While Dr. Lockhart explained he understands the appeal of this, he stressed that the entire purpose of family medicine is to keep people out of the hospitals and ERs.

He explained family physicians help reduce the burden on our ERs and hospitals to avoid the type of crisis hospitals such as Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital has been experiencing.

“We really think primary care is important,” Lockhart said. “The whole purpose is to keep people healthy and to organize things when they’re early in their course of investigations and referrals. We need to focus on improving and bolstering primary care so that our health care system remains functional.”

Lockhart noted that while the province has developed virtual care models such as eHealth, they are not sufficient or capable of replacing family care.

“They don’t provide longitudinal care – where someone knows you, your history, and that is really important when it comes to high quality care,” he said. “When you have patches of care delivered here and there, it’s not coordinated, it’s not smooth or comprehensive. The best care is delivered by a family physician.”

Lockhart expressed concern that rural areas are often poorly positioned to attract primary care physicians.

“[They are] easily overlooked — they’re not as large and they don’t make enough noise to attract healthcare professionals to their community,” he said.

Lockhart suggested that one solution to this is to pursue a modern team-based primary care model called the Patient Medical Home approach.

In this model, which is recommended by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach.

The patient may not always see a physician but another healthcare practitioner, such as a diabetes educator, a respiratory educator, or a dietician.

Lockhart said the goal is to deliver coordinated and team-based primary care.

“The model is not new,” said Lockhart, “but it has become a necessity because of the crisis that we’re in.”

He advised that other clinics in the province model themselves using this approach but that it has never been fully endorsed and supported at a provincial level with funding – which is what he is seeking. He hopes that the District will help him with this.

Lockhart acknowledged that the District of Carleton North has been very forward-thinking regarding recognizing that the area needs a different approach to healthcare.

“This facility is an important part of that. We’re lucky to have been a part of this,” said Lockhart. “I’m really hopeful that we can engage with others to make this a success so that we have comprehensive and accessible primary care that is sustainable and future driven – ready for the future of a collaborative care model that is going to be attractive for the physicians of the future and beneficial for patients in the area.”

Following Dr. Lockhart’s presentation, Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove presented the council with a resolution recommending that “the Department of Health fully support and work in partnership with the District of Carleton North and the Carleton North Medical Clinic with the creation of a Provincial Primary Care Collaborative Clinic ‘Pilot Project’ that will recruit and retain more health care professionals to the Carleton North area.”

As part of the resolution, the District suggests adopting the Patient Medical Home model with the allocation of additional professionals from Horizon Health to the CNMC, that the CNMC be given primary responsibility in the physician recruitment process, with Horizon Health prioritizing that new doctors be allocated to the District of Carleton North, that the Department of Health provide funding to hire a nurse practitioner for the CNMC, and that the Department of Health provide a four-year recruitment and retention annual financial assistance program which will help health care professionals reduce their overhead costs.

The District will forward the resolution to Health Minister Bruce Fitch, Minister of Health. 

 Mayor Andrew Harvey stressed the importance of the resolution.

“We have a crisis – we have 10,000 people and a shortage of doctors,” he said. “We have a model that will work, we just need the province to step forward and fill in the gap. We’re not asking for the moon. We’re asking for help and support.”

The post Carleton North Medical Clinic seeks government assistance first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Acute care beds at the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital will temporarily be converted to palliative and long-term care beds, due to a shortage of medical resources, Vitalité Health Network has announced.

The mayor of a troubled rural municipality in western New Brunswick has quit over what she says is chronic infighting and division between her and several municipal councillors.

A North Atlantic right whale calf was found dead Monday off the coast of Massachusetts. The cause of death is unknown.

Solo Chicken Productions in partnership with the Charlotte Street Arts Centre presents an evening of loud, proud, queer joy as a form of resistance. Solo Chicken Productions in partnership with…

The post The Big Gay Cabaret appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

To see your region’s guide in detail, visit their website:

https://www.rsc12.ca/2022-curbside-recycling-schedules-zones-click-to-view/

The post Western Valley Recycling Calendars first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Fredericton man accused of theft and knife-possession charges will be back in court next month to enter pleas after asking for an adjournment Monday to seek legal counsel.

Brett Edward Francis, 43, of Regent Street, appeared in person in Fredericton provincial court in custody Monday to answer to four charges alleging offences last month.

He’s accused of stealing merchandise from Bootlegger, possessing a weapon (a knife) for the purpose of committing an offence, obstructing Fredericton police Const. Kristen Main in the execution of her duties and breaching his probation, all in Fredericton on Dec. 9.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc said the court file indicated Francis wasn’t in custody on those charges, and the defendant confirmed he’s been detained on other counts out of the Saint John area.

Duty counsel Michael Mallory said Francis was seeking time to retain defence counsel before pleading to the charges.

LeBlanc set the case over to Feb. 20 for pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The following items of business were discussed at the Jan. 16, 2024, meeting of the Hartland council:

CAO gives policing update

Hartland CAO Rob Webber advised the council that the Police Review Committee of Carleton North and Hartland still needs to hear from Public Safety Minister Kris Austin regarding its proposal for a municipal police force.  

“We hoped to hear by the end of the year,” Webber said. “That didn’t happen.”

The committee, with representatives from both Carleton North and Hartland, presented Minister Austin with a detailed plan to replace the RCMP with a regional police service. 

Webber said some are speculating the municipalities may hear back by the end of the first quarter.

“We’re in a holding pattern; the ball is in the province’s court,” said Webber. 

He said the Police Review Committee has suspended further meetings until it receives a response from Minister Austin.

Central Carleton Community Complex update

Webber provided the council with an update on the construction of the Central Carleton Community Complex. 

He advised that the building is now closed in with windows and some doors, the heating system has been installed, and more materials are on order. 

“The estimated opening is August or September before hockey season, Webber said. “We would really like to start the [hockey] season in the new building.” 

The new community complex will include a hockey rink, a community room, an exercise room, a conference room, a canteen, a large lobby, and a walking track around the arena. 

Webber shared that there are plans to use the arena for other activities outside of hockey season, such as basketball, pickleball, and other sports. 

“We plan to make it a year-round, multi-use facility.” 

CAO offers an update on Belleterre Development

Development Specialist Michelle Derrah is working with Blair Martin of Belleterre Properties to develop a 20-unit apartment building to provide affordable housing. 

The building will be located close to the new Central Carleton Community Complex.

“We’re currently working with the Regional Service Commission, engineers and developers to work on sewer and street orientation,” explained CAO Webber. 

He advised that the town has applied for multiple funding programs and is currently waiting for responses. 

Webber said the town of Hartland has a high number of jobs in the area, given the population. 

“There’s a tremendous number of people that work in this area,” said Webber, crediting the number of local industries. 

He said the town believes that this and other planned developments will help increase growth opportunities for the area. 

“Build it, and they will come,” quipped Webber.

Town recruiting additional staff

Webber said Hartland is attempting to fill two staff positions — a Recreation Manager and a Water Operations Specialist. 

He advised that it is hard to get a water specialist as they require extensive training. However, it is a requirement that every town and municipality have at least one. 

While the town of Hartland already has one Water Specialist, they would like to have a second hired to ensure that in case someone is away, moves or unavailable for some reason, there would be no gap in service. 

He said the jobs have been posted on www.indeed.com.

The town needs recreation adjustment

The existing Hartland Arena is scheduled for demolition beginning in April. 

Since the process is expected to take two to three months, the town will need to make temporary adjustments to how and where specific spring and summer programming, such as Fun Park, is delivered. 

CAO Rob Webber explained announcements regarding any changes will be made before the end of the first quarter.

CAO proposes committee-of-council meetings

Webber advised that per the recommendation of Brenda Knight, the town will be moving to a “Committee as a Whole” format for the second Council meeting each month. 

He said this model is practiced by many other municipalities in the province, including Moncton and Fredericton. 

Webber said this method reduces the numerous meetings otherwise necessary for individual committees. 

“This format enables you to funnel all issues the individual committees address into one meeting, with councillors present for discussion,” said Webber. The meetings will be open to the public as usual. However, motions will not be presented.

The post Hartland Council News: Policing update, municipality recruiting staff first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Modern new facility next to civic centre features room for gymnastics, community events, sports, and state-of-the-art rock-climbing wall

The highly anticipated Northern Carleton Recreation Centre finally opened its doors for a “soft opening” on Dec. 11, 2023.

Ground broke in 2020 for the state-of-the-art recreation centre. However, the pandemic caused numerous construction delays, pushing back completion and the planned opening.

The centre opened in stages, with the gymnastics club opening first and then the remainder of the building.

District of Carleton North Recreation Manager Jill Whitehouse said the community will hold a grand opening celebration later in the spring.

The new centre houses a new facility for the River Valley Gymnastics program, a community gym, a community room with a kitchen, and a rock-climbing wall.

A large viewing area upstairs with seating and bar-style eating areas overlooks both the gymnasium and the gymnastics club, offering comfort and convenience for those attending sports tournaments.

The facility is entirely wheelchair accessible.

So far, said Whitehouse, the first few weeks of the centre have been a big success.

“We’ve had a great reception so far,” she said. “The walking track has been very steady and the rock wall is a huge hit.”

The recreation centre features the only rock-climbing wall between Fredericton and Edmundston.

“We have people coming from all over, even out of district, to use the wall,” said Whitehouse.

She explained that during construction, the District consulted with Free Range Climbing in Saint John, who helped design and set up the initial courses. There are rock courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced levels.

The main wall is 28’ tall at the peak. There is also a smaller “freefall” wall for learning to climb and fall safely. Whitehouse shared that it is a hit with little children, and they have had children as young as two using it.

The centre hopes to offer rock-climbing programs for youth and adults alike in the future.

The gym offers a variety of activities for the community. Currently, they offer pickleball, basketball, soccer, badminton, and volleyball.

The activities are provided on a rotating basis, and the schedule and pricing are available on the District of Carleton North website.

“We’re seeing what the community can tell us, what they feel works, and what they want,” said Whitehouse. “We’re looking at a lot of different things for the future.”

She said they hope to eventually offer toddler and preschool programs similar to those at the Ayr Motor Centre in Woodstock.

In the meantime, other community programs are already being offered, such as Zoomers on the Go, a free fall prevention program for seniors which meets regularly in the gymnasium.

The community room has a full kitchen and will be fully licensed in the future. The brightly lit space can hold 50 people, and Whitehouse noted that there are plans to hold arts, culture, and fitness classes.

The space can also be rented out for other events.

Whitehouse said that they are excited about what the future holds for the facility.

“We have a great team and staff, and a lot of exciting new things coming up!”

The post Northern Carleton Recreation Centre open for fun first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The New Brunswick government will give $1 million to an organization that supplies food banks and soup kitchens around the province.

The New Brunswick government is introducing an agriculture insurance program for maple syrup producers. The announcement comes after a record low production year since 2018.

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I’ve worked as a journalist for most of my adult life, more than half my time on the planet, and I can honestly say that the past year - operating independently, choosing which stories to tell and how to tell them - has been the most rewarding one of my career.

I’ve endeavoured to be a prolific writer. I recently published 20 articles of varying length in the span of five days. I’ve also strived to achieve a proper balance between my professional life and personal one, and I think I’ve managed to do so - though a nine-to-five workday structure is a thing of the past in my life (sometimes to my benefit, and sometimes not).

I want to continue with this new professional path.  I was in a position to undertake my work independently last year without deriving any income from it, but that time is at an end.

As I noted in an introductory post a year ago, the plan has always been to shift this site to a paid-subscription model. And over the course of that year, I’ve been encouraged by the number of readers who’ve inquired when that will happen because they expressed a desire to support the publication not only in spirit, but financially as well.

My hope is that sentiment is shared by many those who read the Independent, whether they’ve been with me since the start or if they found the site/newsletter more recently. 

I’m aware not everyone who has been reading my stories over the past year will want to pay for the content or be in a position to be able to do so. However, they should know there’s still a benefit to be had in being an unpaid subscriber. I’ll continue to offer some content - such as missing-person alerts and weather advisories - free to all.

I’ve set the subscription rates at $9 per month and $90 for an annual subscription, and that’s in Canadian currency. Obviously, the annual rate is the better value.

Substack also offers a subscription category that’s ideal for readers who want to show additional support for my work that can make the publication a more viable and sustainable one (and a reliable means of income for yours truly). There’s an option to become a “founding member,” through which annual subscribers can choose to increase their annual rate over and above $90 by however much more they wish.

It’s completely optional, and I don’t want anyone to feel they need or should increase their contributions. However, in an effort to build something lasting, I felt I ought to avail myself of the various means that were open to me.

Now, up until now, the Fredericton Independent has focused mostly, but not exclusively, on news out of the courts, both criminal and civil. As I’ve noted before, that’s the field in which I have the most experience and knowledge, contacts and credibility. It’s also an area other local media don’t cover extensively, so the Independent fills a gap in the capital-region’s news scene.

While my intent with the move to paid subscriptions is to ensure the court coverage continues and to secure an income, expanding the purview of the Independent is a possibility. If support for this online news outlet proves robust enough and goes beyond what’s needed to support a single journalist’s work, I’ll definitely look at adding more voices, to bring those in the capital region even more news on a daily basis.

Ultimately, it’ll be up to the community to decide if it wants the content, if it wants and needs the information conveyed in these independent reports. And for that to continue, financial support is necessary, but there are other means to support this work. 

If you believe in the importance of journalism on a local level, help to spread the word. Share links to Fredericton Independent stories. Refer others for potential subscription. Make people aware of this journalism.

As you read this, subscription options are now activated on this Substack site. I’ll continue to offer all content to all subscribers - not just paid ones - for the next couple of days to allow for an adjustment period.

I hope you’ll join me as I venture down this different though not unexpected path. My passion for local journalism - especially Fredericton’s court beat - is as robust as ever. 

I want to share it with as many people as possible while also striving to build something different and new in a shrinking media landscape.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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New Brunswick's rent bank program helps struggling tenants pay for arrears, utilities or security deposits.

A key protection for New Brunswick tenants in 2023 required rent increases above the inflation rate to be spread over multiple years — with "no exceptions" — if a tenant asked, but that won't happen this year, according to a new approach quietly adopted by the province.

The story of a homeless man in Fredericton, whose life of struggle continues after fire destroyed his cabin, a small structure made of discarded wood, metal and plastic.

The broken windows were fixed and the healing had begun by the time people started to gather for a vigil outside the Sgoolai Israel Synagogue in downtown Fredericton on Sunday afternoon. People gathered to show their support for the community.

Kim Wetmore is urging people to go to the hospital or get get a test if you’ve got symptoms of strep A. She doesn’t want people to have to go through the same pain she is going through now. Her husband, Dan Wetmore, died of strep A on Jan. 19, at the age of 49, after being sick for over a week. 

The recent announcement that athletes will be financially rewarded for podium finishes at the Paralympic Games came as a relief for Moncton swimmer Danielle Dorris.

The Irving Oil Refinery explosion, a massive fire at American Iron and Metal, the burning of the old Lyric Theatre on Charlotte Street — Saint John Chief Kevin Clifford has seen it all over his 44-year career in firefighting.

Another collection of your beautiful photos from around New Brunswick.

Ann's Eye: Chief Ron Tremblay and his family — Kahkakuhs uwakutom, or the crow clan — decided to combine their knowledge of the Wolastoqey language and launch an online dictionary, complete with audio recordings of how the words are pronounced.

Universities, colleges are assessing the impact of a 35 per cent cut in permits for international students in Canada.

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The RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador issued an alert about a missing Stephenville, N.L., man Saturday, and their counterparts in New Brunswick noted he may be in this province.

“Bay St. George RCMP is searching for a missing man, 32-year-old Matthew Cormier of Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador,” the Newfoundland RCMP said in a news release late Saturday afternoon. 

“Cormier is confirmed to have boarded the Marine Atlantic Ferry in Port aux Basques, N.L., on Jan. 25, 2024. His current location and destination are unknown. Police are concerned for his safety and well-being.

But a couple of hours later on social media, the RCMP in New Brunswick shared the N.L. alert, with an addendum.

“Sharing on behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador as there is a possibility that this individual may be in New Brunswick,” it said.

The Mounties’ alert included a photo of Cormier, but in it, he’s sporting a full head of hair, and police noted the missing man currently has a shaved head.

Cormier is described as being about six feet tall, weighing about 165 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue toque, carrying a black backpack, the advisory said.

Anyone with information about Cormier’s whereabouts is urged to contact Bay St. George RCMP at 709-643-2118.

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

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Tanya Cloutier says deep divisions remain within the suspended council, and ‘personal agendas’ overshadow her vision

In an early morning social media post on Jan. 27, Lakeland Ridges Mayor Tanya Cloutier announced her resignation from the newly amalgamated municipality. 

“Today marks a significant change as I officially step down from my role as Mayor of Lakeland Ridges,” Cloutier announced in her post. “This decision wasn’t an easy one, but it’s driven by my unwavering commitment to serving you — the individuals who entrusted me with this position.”

Lakeland Ridges, which comprises the former municipalities of Canterbury and Meductic and the local service districts of North Lake, Debec, Canterbury and Benton, has been under provincial supervision since July. 

With the mayor and council suspended, Supervisor Greg Lutes oversees the community’s day-to-day operations as the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government completes a review of its elected officials. 

Stark differences rose between council members soon after they took office on Jan. 1. By April, council dysfunction created an inability to hold public council sessions, as they failed to agree on an agenda. 

In July, the province suspended the mayor and council and appointed Michael Blaney as supervisor. Lutes replaced him on Sept. 17. 

Although Lutes submitted a report to Charbel Awad, Commissioner of Municipal Affairs, on Nov. 11, residents remain in the dark about the problems which led to the council’s suspension or when they will return to office. 

The River Valley Sun attempted to interview Lutes, but he said all questions must go through the Department of Environment and Local Government.

In response to questions from the River Valley Sun on Jan. 22, including when it will make the supervisor’s report public, department officials offered little information about the ongoing situation in Lakeland Ridges. 

“The Department of Environment and Local Government continues to support the ongoing work of the supervisor during the implementation of the transition plan,” said department spokesperson Clarissa Andersen in an email response. “The department is still conducting a review to determine if any of the supervisor’s report may be made publicly available.” 

Cloutier, who served as the Village of Canterbury mayor before winning election in Lakeland Ridges, said she resigned when it became apparent that the supervisor’s role in bringing the council together was failing. 

“During my time as mayor, I’ve learned and grown from both successes and mistakes,” Cloutier said in her resignation announcement. “My oath and the Code of Conduct served as my guiding principles, shaping my actions each day.”

She said that what she envisioned as “a collaborative effort for the greater good unfortunately took a different turn.” 

Cloutier expressed disappointment in the process of bringing the council together.

“The lack of support, accountability and clear path forward became apparent, making it increasingly challenging to fulfill my goals I shared with (voters) during my candidacy,” she said. 

With no official statement offering details of the council’s dysfunction, Lakeland Ridges’ residents are left primarily with the rumour mill and social media to gather information. As a result, the mayor and several council members feel unfairly targeted with rumour and innuendo. 

In her resignation statement, Cloutier said, despite training sessions, the deep divisions and accusations remain. 

“Unfortunately, the good in many situations does not prevail,” she said. “Being slandered by a few, being accused of being ‘the biggest problem in council, the outbursts and no accountability by some to their mistakes has been ongoing and no apparent change even through the training sessions we have received.”

Citing concern about social media comments, four councillors ignored the supervisor’s recommendations to avoid public comment and held a public forum at the North Lake Community Centre on Nov. 4. 

Perry Bull, representing North Lake’s Ward 1, Linda Porter from Debec’s Ward 2, and Chris Yerxa and Randy Stairs from Meductic’s Ward 3, addressed residents and fielded questions. 

Ward 2 Coun. Patricia Budd supported their actions, but was unable to attend. 

Cloutier, Canterbury’s Ward 4 councillors Mike Furrow and Mark Grant and Ward 1’s Deputy Mayor Ross Stairs did not participate in the public forum.

Like the mayor, the council members at the North Lake meeting feel they were unfairly attacked. 

“We’ve been slandered on social media,” said Stairs. 

The Nov. 4 public meeting focused on the council’s efforts to replace top administrative staff, including CAO Susie Patterson, and ongoing communication problems with the mayor and staff. 

They also highlighted issues surrounding choosing the former Canterbury town hall as Lakeland Ridges’ municipal office. 

Speaking to the River Valley Sun before the mayor’s resignation, Canterbury businesswoman Laura Russell said most Lakeland Ridges residents are in the dark about the council’s situation, but they each have their own opinions. 

“We don’t know,” she said. 

She sees residents regularly as the owner of Russell’s Store in Canterbury, but few offer strong opinions. 

In her view, Russell said she and most others blame it on “fighting within themselves.” 

She said some on council and many residents didn’t want the divergent communities amalgamated into the massive municipality. 

Russell believes that the councillors are fighting for their own interests instead of working together. 

Although CAO Patterson and the Local Government say the supervisor provides written updates to residents through the Municipality of Lakeland Ridges Facebook page, almost all posts deal with municipal issues such as garbage pickup or emergency issues. 

Local Government said Lutes is available to answer questions from council members or residents. 

As she steps down as mayor, Cloutier said she will continue working on behalf of the community’s residents. 

“My vision as mayor was clear — to bring opportunities for all ages to our community,” she wrote. “Regrettably, this vision was overshadowed by personal agendas of others. Despite these challenges, I will continue supporting you, the people.”

Cloutier said she will continue her efforts with numerous community organizations, including the Ward 4 Rec Committee, Cinderella’s Closet, District Education Council, Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation, the Cemetery Committee and the delivery of veggie bags to Lakeland Ridges residents each month. 

“While I step away from the mayoral role, I am not turning my back on you. I cannot endorse a mandate that goes against my principles, but I am still here to assist in any way possible,” Cloutier said. 

The post Lakeland Ridges mayor resigns first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fredericton police are investigating whether vandalism at a synagogue in downtown Fredericton is the result of targeted hostility.

UNB's Indigenous adviser Todd Ross is calling for a permanent cultural or friendship centre in Saint John that would give Indigenous people access to cultural services.

Most New Brunswickers are born in a hospital nowadays or with the help of a midwife in a comfortable setting, but that wasn't in the cards for Bessie Rose Mattie. 

A former police officer who assaulted and committed breach of trust against a 16-year-old girl will be allowed to serve a two-year sentence in the community, which includes nine months of house arrest.

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The Fredericton Police Force urged motorists to slow down and take care on city streets Friday afternoon, noting road conditions have deteriorated over the course of the day.

The police force issued an alert on social media just after 3 p.m. Friday warning people to be careful when driving.

“Please use caution while travelling as road conditions are becoming slippery,” the post stated.

While Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather service doesn’t have any weather warnings in effect for the area, it’s calling for light snow to continue in Fredericton tonight, ending late in the evening.

It’s calling for evening snowfall to amount to two to four centimetres, with a nighttime low of -8 C, and a wind chill approaching -13 C.

The federal weather service’s forecast for Saturday is sunny with no snow, and a daytime high of 0 C but a wind chill of -13 C in the morning.

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

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Dozens of vulnerable children from abusive and neglectful homes find themselves in a legal void thanks to an error in legislation adopted by the Higgs government last December.

Less than three weeks after a homeless Saint John man lost his life in a tent fire, another has lost his left leg below the knee and half of his right foot to severe frostbite.