Town opts out of agreement surrounding construction of six-story complex on old Woodstock Baptist Church property

Woodstock council has pulled the plug on a development firm’s efforts to build a massive residential and commercial structure along Main Street in downtown Woodstock.

In a media release issued Friday afternoon, Dec 15, the town said the council unanimously passed a motion on Tuesday, Dec 12, following an in-camera meeting, to end negotiations with the developers.

“The Woodstock Town Council opts to end negotiations on a development agreement with Arc Development Group (ARC) for a proposed 6-storey mixed-use apartment and commercial space unit on 690 Main Street, the former Woodstock Baptist Church site.” the town stated on Friday’s press release.

Mayor Trina Jones said the decision followed an update on the status of the developer’s agreement from CAO Allan Walker during the committee-of-the-whole meeting on Tuesday.

Jones noted the agreement expired on Nov. 30.

Negotiations between Woodstock and ARC Development began a year earlier, following approval of the project and the required variances by the Planning Advisory Committee and council.

The mayor said staff and council didn’t accept some revisions to the agreement proposed by the builders. The release didn’t specify what revisions the council deemed unacceptable.

“Though proposed revisions to the agreement had been provided by ARC on Dec. 11, the council was not in agreement with some of the amendments ARC was requesting, and we felt it in the best interest of the community to not extend negotiations further,” said Jones. “Though we appreciate the opportunity and efforts ARC has put forward, we were not willing to bend on most of the amendments they requested, and therefore, we didn’t see much purpose in continuing negotiations.”

The town and the developers began negotiations in November of 2022 after they reached a purchase and sale agreement, which was conditional on finalizing the developer’s agreement.

The town owns the former Woodstock Baptist Church property, which sits vacant across Main Street from the courthouse. It acquired the property through a land swap to allow the construction of a new modern church on the former Carleton Memorial Hospital property.

Jones explained the council agreed to sell the Main Street property for one dollar upon completion of the developer’s agreement. Without a finalized agreement, the town remains the property owner.

The ARC Development Group had to clear several hurdles to gain approval for the ambitious project. These included variances allowing it to surpass height restrictions from 18 to 23 metres and a reduction in required parking spaces.

At a public meeting on Sept. 20, 2022, PAC approved the variance requests from ARC, represented at the meeting by Jordan Perry and Josh McEvoy.

The 2022 PAC meeting also saw several presentations, primarily from neighbouring property owners, opposing the size and scope of the development. An appeal of PAC’s variance approval, which was later denied, further delayed the completion of the draft development agreement, causing the town to extend negotiations.

Woodstock council approved PAC’s recommendations at a council meeting on Sept. 27, 2022, but then-Deputy Mayor Amy Anderson emphasized the importance of the developer’s agreement.

Anderson, who did not seek re-election in November 2022, said the council must maintain strict oversight of the project and be “more proactive” and “very detailed” while pursuing a final development agreement.

Jones said the current council discussed options during the Dec. 12 committee-of-whole meeting before unanimously agreeing to return to open session and table a motion to end the negotiation.

The mayor said the council wants to begin its search for other development options for the property immediately.

“Council and staff will be meeting in January to finalize a new Request For Proposal that will be released as soon as possible in the new year,” she said.

Jones noted the Requests for Proposals in the spring of 2022 yielded only two responses, including ARC Development’s, adding that she hopes the changing circumstances, including widespread housing demands, attract a greater response this time, especially among local developers.

The second response in 2022 came from Woodstock businessman Shaun Albright, owner of Crossing Paths Guest House, sitting next door to the former church property.

Albright’s proposal suggested the town subdivide the property, of which he would use a portion to build a six-to-eight-unit apartment building, create green space and expand parking for Crossing Paths.

Jones said the new Requests for Proposals would include information about any available incentive programs upfront, with a goal to see the chosen project begin as early as 2024.

“Given the situation everywhere with lack of housing, housing will certainly be an important aspect of this development project,” she said.

The post Woodstock council pulls plug on major downtown development first appeared on River Valley Sun.

As the CEBA repayment deadline looms near, New Brunswick business owners worry they won’t be able to pay off their debts in time.

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Most of New Brunswick - including the capital region - is subject to a weather alert, as the federal weather service warns heavy rain and powerful winds will pummel the province for a couple of days.

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement over the weekend, advising rain and strong winds are expected in the province beginning Sunday night.

It called for rain and strong winds in western, central, and southern New Brunswick.

“A large area of rain will spread across the province Sunday night and Monday morning,” the statement said, noting it will continue into Tuesday. 

“Rainfall rates will likely peak Monday evening.”

The weather service predicts rainfall amounting to 50 to 80 millimetres in southwestern New Brunswick, with southerly winds hitting up to 80 kilometres per hour, with higher gusts in the Fundy region.

The rainstorm comes a week after a similar one. When Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a warning about that previous storm, it warned that flooding was possible, given the limited potential for water absorption into the frozen ground.

It offered no such warning for this latest weather system, likely because more recent, milder conditions mean the precipitation will more easily penetrate the ground.

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

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Enjoy a scroll through some beautiful photos from around New Brunswick, submitted by you.

‘Let your voice be heard in that song and that strength’’: A discussion from the annual Wabanaki language conference in Fredericton on the healing power of language.

Car ends up on roof after leaving road and rolling over in Bedell

The only occupant of a vehicle was taken to hospital by ambulance after leaving Route 555 in Bedell Friday evening, Dec. 15.

Woodstock Fire Department Chief Harold McLellan said firefighters responded at 7:04 p.m.

He said the RCMP and Ambulance New Brunswick also responded to the accident scene.

McLellan explained the car left the highway, went down a steep embankment and stopped on its roof, well off the road.

He said the first responders who arrived on the scene before he got there helped the driver get out of the overturned vehicle without using extraction equipment.

McLellan said he didn’t know the extent of the accident victim’s injuries, but the ambulance transported him to the hospital for observation and treatment if required.

He said the RCMP is investigating the cause of the accident.

The post Person taken to hospital following single-vehicle crash first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Mayor blames increased staff and new structure driving up town’s operation costs

Woodstock property owners, especially those in Ward 4 encompassing the former town limits, will face higher tax bills in 2024 with jumps in both assessments and tax rates.

Woodstock council approved the $16.6 million budget to be sent to the provincial government for approval at the regular council session on Dec. 12.

An increase of close to nine per cent in property assessment will add more than $1 million in tax revenue, bringing the 2024 total to $14.16 million. The town will also receive $740.628 through the Community Funding and Equalization Grant and more than $1.74 million from other sources to secure the $16.6 million in total revenue.

Despite the significant increase in revenue, Mayor Trina Jones said the extra money basically covers substantial jumps in operating costs, including several new positions in several departments.

“It’s largely all operational,” she said.

The 2024 budget will see Ward 4 tax rates jump from $1.45 to $1.50 per $100 assessment. Meanwhile, Jones explained, the tax rate for the other wards would remain net-neutral, with all homeowners paying $1.12 per $100 of assessment.

The tax rate for Wards 1, 2, 3 and 5 includes approximately 70 cents per $100 from the town and 41 cents from the province, which continues to maintain roads and other services in the former local service districts.

Council also approved the $2.62 million utility budget, with Ward 4 residents paying the multi-tiered flat rates for water and sewer services council approved last July.

Jones noted this marks the current council’s first budget approval, adding 2024 as a year of study and review to find cost savings in the future. She said Woodstock’s finance committee, which includes herself, Coun. Mike Martin, Finance Director Jennifer Crabbe and other staff, worked diligently to establish a workable budget and urged council to pass it.

“Overall, I would say it was a lot of work from where we stood from years 2023 and 2024, but the finance committee was certainly happy with what was presented, and we agree it should be passed tonight,” Jones told council.

She said the 2024 budget reflects a focus on organizational structure, in which the finance committee worked with directors on workplace assessment to determine the need for more bodies and structural changes.

Crabbe and Jones explained the town would not share a detailed budget publicly until approved by the province.

Breaking from past town policy, Jones declined to provide the River Valley Sun with a detailed copy of the proposed budget with line-item expenditures before provincial approval. She provided a breakdown of revenue sources and departmental expenses.

Crabbe said the town would submit its proposed budget to the province on Dec. 13, adding she expected a quick response and approval.

Jones said the town would post the detailed budget on its website once it receives provincial approval.

The mayor explained that the study of structural and workforce needs identified a “shortfall” in protected services, which covers policing, fire service, and town services such as bylaw enforcement, inspection, and animal control.

Protective services’ budget of more than $6.4 million represents almost 39 per cent of Woodstock’s budgeted expenses, including nearly $5.3 million for police, more than $1 million for fire and over $113,000 for other protective services.

“Protective services are a huge chuck of our budget,” said Jones.

Woodstock policing costs are divided between the Woodstock Police Force, covering Ward 4 and the $1.6 million the RCMP charges to serve all other wards.

Jones explained the police budget includes money to add three new positions with the Woodstock Police Force. She said the town force would add two community engagement officers to enhance its more proactive approach to policing.

Jones explained the third new WPF member would join the Street Crime Unit created earlier this year and will focus on intimate partner violence. She explained crime data shows a concerning increase in domestic and sexual violence, with police responding to an average of almost one call per day.

The budget’s second most significant departmental expense, at more than $3.5 million, covers recreation and cultural services, including the AYR Motor Centre and the L.P. Fisher Public Library. While the AYR Motor Centre brings in significant revenue, making up much of the close to $1 million in sales for service, the town pays heavily to deliver recreational services to residents.

Like many departments, the budget includes funding for new recreational staff. The town website currently lists a job opportunity for a recreation coordinator.

The budget projects transportation services, made up primarily of public works, will cost the town over $2.1 million in 2024. Jones said that includes an allocation for additional seasonal workers.

The nearly $1.66 million for general government includes allocations to cover the newly revamped administrative positions, including a new CAO, HR director and other added positions.

Jones said the general government includes $115,000 in community grant funds, including potential support for community halls in the former local service districts.

The mayor explained that the $1.2 million budget for Environmental Health Services covers solid waste collection and transfer fees.

She said that includes a share of the $82,000 the Western Valley Regional Service Commission will face this year.

Jones said Woodstock CAO Allan Walker will work with the RCS and vendors in 2024 to find savings in solid waste management.

The budget also allocated $686,000 for development services and over $1 million for fiscal service, including debt and capital expenditures.

While operating costs will limit capital investments in the coming year, Jones explained the budget will set aside funds for a new police car and fingerprint scanning equipment for the police and street improvements.

She said the town would also use capital reserves, the Canada Community Building Fund and other grant programs for street and infrastructure improvements and equipment.

Jones said the utility budget also set aside a small amount of capital and will use reserve funds and grant programs to improve its aging water and sewer system. It will also focus on protecting the town’s water sources.

Like the general fund budget, the utility budget includes allocations for restructuring and new hiring, including the new utilities director. Jones explained utilities will add three seasonal workers, including two summer students to map out the water and sewer system over the next three summers.

The utility budget revenue will come from the new flat-rate tier system approved by council last summer.

Tier 1 sets a rate of $550 annually for residents who previously paid an annual average of $450 or less.

The Tier 2 rate is $750 annually, affecting those previously paying between $451 and $600.

Tier 3’s rate of $825 annually will include those previously averaging $601 to $750.

Tier 4 will see residents who previously paid $751 and higher now paying $925 annually.

Jones said town costs increased significantly as it adjusted to its first year of municipal reform. She predicts council to find savings over the coming year.

“From the finance side, 2024 is a year to dig and review and ensure all the practices we’re doing are to the best benefit of the taxpayers and employees,” she said. “So we’re reviewing everything. We all know there’s money to be had there.”

Jones also expressed hope the province’s long-planned fiscal reform improves the revenue stream for municipalities and doesn’t download additional expenses on their backs.

The post Woodstock raises taxes despite increased revenue first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Two New Brunswickers will take the ice when the inaugural season of Professional Women’s Hockey League begins in the new year. Sarah Bujold of Riverview and Marlene Boissonnault of Dundee will play for Montreal in the opening game on Jan. 2, 2024.

Saint John, or Menaquesk in the Wolastoqey language, has never hosted a powwow, but 2024 might see that change with the city hoping to become part of New Brunswick's annual powwow trail.

A former teacher who worked in southeast New Brunswick and Newfoundland has pleaded guilty to more charges.

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An elderly Fredericton man who touched a 12-year-old girl’s breast and kissed her last year asked a court to spare him a jail term and to impose a period of house arrest instead.

Donald Stephen Crawford, 77, of Kings College Road, appeared before Fredericton provincial court Judge Natalie LeBlanc on Friday for a sentencing hearing.

He’d previously admitted to a summary count of sexual interference stemming from an incident during which he touched a minor for a sexual purpose.

Court heard previously that on May 1, 2022, Crawford had touched a 12-year-old girl’s breast over her clothing and had kissed her.

There’s a court-ordered publication ban protecting the girl’s identity.

Crawford isn’t related to the victim, but was rather a friend of the family, court heard.

The Criminal Code of Canada prescribes a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail for such summary offences, and that’s what prosecutor Rebecca Butler was seeking as a penalty in the case.

But defence lawyer Patrick Hurley had filed a Charter application with the court, arguing the mandatory minimum was unconstitutional and violated his clients rights.

Higher courts throughout Canada have been striking down mandatory-minimum sentences in several key precedents in recent years.

Hurley said summary charges of sexual interference cover a wide array of violations, and while they’re all serious, he argued his client’s conduct was at the lower end of the scale.

Mandatory minimum sentences deprive courts of the discretion they need to fashion appropriate sentences given specific circumstances of each crime and of each offender.

They take other sentencing options - such as conditional sentences served in the community - out of judges’ hands, he said, which means some offenders can’t be sentenced fairly.

“There’s levels of seriousness,” Hurley said, noting Crawford poses an extremely low risk to reoffend.

His client is elderly and has several medical issues, the defence lawyer said, and he’s effectively become a recluse in his own home. He further pointed out the offender’s spouse of many decades died recently.

Incarceration isn’t necessary in Crawford’s case, Hurley said, noting a conditional sentence of house arrest has been shown to have a deterrent effect, and it still takes away some of an offender’s freedoms.

The offender has no prior criminal record whatsoever, Hurley said, and his crime was an isolated one, not conduct that was perpetrated repeatedly.

“It wasn’t an ongoing type of violation in this case,” he said.

Hurley also opposed a mandatory 10-year order under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) for his client, arguing it served no purpose.

Crawford’s movements are limited, he said, and the police would have no trouble in finding him should they have questions.

“I’m very sorry and remorseful,” the offender told the court, reading from a short written statement Friday.

“It’s totally out of character. I take full responsibility, and nothing like this will ever happen again.”

‘Denunciation and deterrence is paramount’

Butler argued the constitutional question is moot, because even if a mandatory sentence is a Charter violation, a three-month stint behind bars is an appropriate sentence in the circumstances of this case.

The Supreme Court of Canada has noted that all sexual offences are violent crimes, she said, and the age of the victim in the case is an aggravating factor that merits incarceration.

The victim, her sister and their mother all filed victim-impact statements with the court, and Butler pointed to how the family reports how deeply they’ve been affected by Crawford’s actions.

“They don’t trust people, they’re scared of people,” she said, noting they also report trouble sleeping.

A 90-day jail term is proportionate given the specific facts of the case, the prosecutor argued.

“Denunciation and deterrence is paramount,” Butler said.

In addition to the jail sentence, she asked the court to impose a two-year term of probation, during which Crawford could have no contact with the victim or her family, and that he undergo any evaluation or course of treatment deemed appropriate by a probation officer.

The prosecutor noted there’s a mandatory DNA order for such crimes, and she asked the court to impose a 10-year SOIRA order as directed by the Criminal Code.

Furthermore, Butler said the court should consider an additional order that would limit Crawford’s access to children or public places where kids are normally found.

LeBlanc reserved her decision on sentence to Feb. 16.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The mother of a young worker killed on a construction site five years ago says the $100,000 penalty for a Fredericton company is “a slap on the wrist” and will do nothing to improve job safety.

Michael Anthony Henderson, 18, of Fredericton, was working in an eight-foot deep hole at the City of Fredericton’s Barker Street Wastewater Treatment Plant on Aug. 16, 2018, when a pneumatic pipe plug came loose, pinning him.

The hole filled with water almost instantly, and he drowned.

Henderson was working for Springhill Construction Ltd., the generator contractor on the job at the plant. 

The company had faced a criminal charge of negligence causing Henderson’s death, but it pleaded guilty last month instead to a charge under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to provide the necessary training, equipment and supervision to ensure an employee’s health and safety.

Springhill and its president, Jeff Colter, were in Fredericton provincial court Friday for a sentencing hearing.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Lavigne noted the company had signed an agreed statement of facts, filed with the court, acknowledging it failed to take reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of employees at the site, failed to ensure workers complied with safety regulations and failed to ensure there was competent supervision in place to maintain safety protocols.

Lavigne and defence lawyer Clarence Bennett offered a joint recommendation on sentence: a fine of $100,000.

However, court heard that the parties had agreed to divert those funds to establish a scholarship fund for students in the New Brunswick Community College carpentry course in Henderson’s honour.

“The fine in this case can be used for something meaningful,” Lavigne said.

Judge Jeff Lantz, chief judge of the Prince Edward Island provincial court, who presided over the case Friday, heard students applicants for the Henderson bursaries would be asked to write an essay on the topic of workplace safety and would need to submit a letter of reference from an employer or teacher attesting to their focus and dedication to health and safety on the job.

Bennett said the $100,000 would serve as an endowment to fund two to four scholarships annually, and the goal would be to change and improve safety culture in the construction industry.

Springhill apologized to the victim’s family, he said, “for the actions and actions that gave rise to the death of Mr. Henderson.”

Bennett said Colter and the company in general deeply regret the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

“It shouldn’t have happened,” he said. “They accept responsibility for what happened.”

Lantz accepted the joint submission on sentence, noting it was within the established range for penalties for such offences.

‘There needs to be a bigger penalty’

However, Diane Henderson, the victim’s mother, told the Fredericton Independent on Friday the $100,000 fine sends the wrong message.

While she was pleased with the establishment of a bursary fund in her son’s memory, she said, the fine imposed won’t have the deterrent effect necessary to ensure others don’t fall victim to the same sort of safety lapses that claimed her son’s life.

“The fine of $100,000 for Springhill, I’m sure, is really nothing for them,” she said.

“They are walking away with a slap on the wrist.”

She pointed out the maximum fine in Ontario for such workplace health and safety violations is $2 million, whereas in New Brunswick, it’s only $250,000.

“How does such a minimal fine like this prevent Springhill or other companies from something like this happening again?” Diane Henderson said.

“There needs to be a bigger penalty for companies and supervisors who lack so severely on safety.”

As part of the sentencing process, Lantz also received and reviewed 13 victim-impact statements from Michael Henderson’s family and loved ones.

Samantha Landry, a civilian victim-services representative with the Fredericton Police Force, read two of those statements - Diane Henderson’s and her elder son Eric Henderson’s - aloud Friday at the request of the victim’s family.

‘I tried to save him but I couldn’t’

They detailed how Michael’s death has wrought emotional and financial devastation in their lives.

Eric Henderson is eight years older than Michael, court heard, and he was also working at the treatment plant jobsite when the incident occurred.

He said he lost his kid brother “right before my eyes,” as he recalled desperately trying to pull him out of the water-filled hole, trying to get him air, trying to puncture the pneumatic plug to free him, all to no avail.

“I tried to save him but I couldn’t,” Eric said, noting that in the wake of Michael’s death, his life spiraled out of control. “My life is changed forever.”

He could no longer work in construction, he said, and he descended into a life dominated by alcohol, drugs and trouble with the law.

“I should’ve been the one to die because I am the oldest,” Eric wrote, noting he suffers from post-traumatic stress and survivor’s guilt.

His statement said he’s been clean for a year and a half now, and he now has to deal with retraining for a completely different career at the age of 30.

Water can be a trigger for him now, Eric wrote.

“I still feel panicked sometimes when having a shower,” he said.

Diane Henderson wrote in her statement that in a way, she lost both of her sons that summer day in 2018. Her elder son’s descent into addiction and mental illness threatened his health and safety as well, she said, noting he’s haunted by guilt.

“He was holding his brother’s hands while he drowned,” she said.

“The journey has been a living hell for all of us.”

Diane Henderson said she’s tormented by the fact she couldn’t hold Michael after he died, that she had to say good-bye to him through glass.

Days after his death, she said, his new driver’s licence arrived in the mail, and she had to go around filing death certificates cancelling identification such as that and Michael’s insurance.

“It felt like I was erasing my son’s existence from ever being here,” the grieving mother wrote.

Her ability to work was affected and she lost a job she held for a long time, she reported, and she’s struggled with maintaining employment.

She has trouble sleeping, and when she does sleep, she grinds her teeth to the point she now requires dental care.

After Michael had been gone for a year, she said, people told her she got through the worst of it, and that she’d start to heal.

“Now it’s the fifth year, and nothing has gotten easier,” she said. “They say life goes on. Not for Michael.”

Diane Henderson wrote that she wakes every morning replaying the horror of her son’s final moments over in her head.

“Everyone’s loved ones deserve to return home safe from work,” she said.

Lantz said deterrence is the main objective in sentencing in such cases.

“A young man lost his life,” he said, noting that was a significant aggravating factor.

But the court also had to weigh mitigating factors, the judge said, citing the guilty plea, Springhill’s co-operation with authorities and steps it took to improve worksite safety as ones to consider.

“Whatever is done here today in court won’t bring back Michael Henderson,” Lantz said.

In accepting the jointly recommended sentence, he directed Springhill to pay $100,000 to NBCC through a probation order.

That money is to be used to establish the Michael Henderson Carpentry Bursary to promote health and safety awareness in the workplace.

Bennett noted the company would make the payment within 30 days.

Once the sentence was imposed, Lavigne withdrew the charge of criminal negligence causing death.

The other accused party

Also charged in Henderson’s death was Jason Andrew King, 46, of Upper Hainesville.

He was also employed by Springhill the summer of 2018 at the treatment-plant jobsite as the site supervisor.

He stood trial in the Court of King’s Bench earlier this year on the criminal charge of negligence causing death.

A judge found him guilty and sentenced him to three years in prison.

King filed a notice of appeal with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal shortly thereafter and has since been released on conditions pending the outcome of that proceeding.

Evidence at King’s trial showed he knew Henderson was in the hole when he started a test of the pipe system.

Lavigne said Friday that King sent 32,000 litres of water into the pipe that led to the pneumatic plug, and the supervisor didn’t warn Henderson about the water test or direct him to leave the hole while it was underway.

Henderson was never told he shouldn’t be working around the plug while there was any water pressure being applied to it.

Testifying in own defence at his trial, King said Springhill hadn’t provided him with training when it made him a site foreman, noting he wasn’t qualified for the supervisory role he’d taken on.

King - who was fired soon after the fatal incident - also admitted at trial he hadn’t read any of the safety manuals available on site.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Peace officers who work for the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety may be handling more of the non-commercial traffic enforcement on the province’s highways, but it’s not clear exactly how much they’re doing or where it’s happening.

The New Brunswick government has made it easier for internationally trained doctors to get to work in New Brunswick — but as clinical assistants, not licensed doctors. 

A judge has ordered Springhill Construction Ltd. to create a $100,000 endowment fund to offer workplace safety training in memory of Michael Henderson, who died while working for the company in 2018.

N.B. Power is asking the province’s Energy and Utilities Board to approve 9.8-per-cent rate increases for residential customers in each of the next two years.

Innovative backpack program designed to help officers provide immediate support for homeless, transients, and others facing personal challenges

The only disagreement surrounding the benefits of Woodstock Police Force’s innovative new initiative to provide local homeless with a “hand up” may be who should take credit for it.

The program, which began Dec. 1, would see town police officers handing out backpacks full of personal care items to residents and transients facing dire circumstances.

Deputy Chief Mark Bennett credits Sherrie Hunter for quickly spearheading the community-funded program and bringing a long list of generous donors on board.

Hunter quickly pointed out the idea for the unique program aimed at helping those in need came from Bennett.

“I had the idea, but Sherrie ran with it,” Bennett responded.

They agreed the full backpacks were a result of Woodstock’s generosity.

“This is a hand up, not a handout,” said Bennett, who explained the backpack program is designed to treat recipients with respect and dignity as they face difficult circumstances.

He explained Woodstock police officers regularly encounter people in dire circumstances, whether they are homeless, transient or facing other personal challenges. He added the officers feel frustrated they can do little to improve their situation.

Bennett said the officers can now provide these people with a backpack, offering immediate help and possibly providing at least a little time to improve their circumstances.

Hunter explained the backpacks contain several items, including knitted socks, mittens, toques and an emergency blanket. They also include personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, bottled water and power bars.

Bennett and Hunter stressed their appreciation for local residents and business people who quickly stepped forward to provide and fill the backpacks.

The list includes local dentists Dr. Kent Orlando and Dr. Alex Wishart, McLeod Riverside Court’s knitting group, Sobey’s, Canadian Tire, Annette Draper, Wendy MacMillan, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Padre Walter Williams, Winnfield Bunting of Buntings Grocery, Best Western Woodstock, members of the Woodstock Police Force and donors who asked to remain anonymous.

Bennett said they chose backpack contents to provide immediate help but not encourage outdoor encampments.

Bennett said a critical part of the backpack contents is the laminated card attached to each, providing contact numbers for community outreach groups who could assist.

“Maybe this will get them where they need to go,” he said. “Maybe this will give someone a glimmer of hope, and they will reach out to someone who can help,”

The deputy chief explained the program is community-driven and funded, which comes at no cost to the town.

“We didn’t want this to be a Woodstock Police Force project, so we reached out to the community,” he said.

He said the community responded as he expected.

“It came together really, really quickly,” he said.

Bennett said the program is designed to offer help to those in need. Officers won’t collect personal information from backpack recipients, although they know the community well enough to ensure no one will abuse the program.

Bennett and Hunter held a media conference on Dec. 6 after presenting the program to the Woodstock council on Nov. 28, noting staff and councillors expressed full support.

Bennett said the program paints a different face of the Woodstock Police Force and helps officers feel less ineffective after encountering struggling residents and visitors.

“We want police to be more than an enforcement tool,” he said.

Bennett said the force has 10 complete backpacks to hand out and enough to fill 10 more. He

said they would reach out to the community again if more were needed.

The post Woodstock police offering ‘hand up, not hand out’ first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Town to honour recipients at special Family Day ceremony in February

Do you know anyone who deserves recognition for their volunteer contributions to Woodstock?

If you do, the town is looking to hear from you.

Mayor Trina Jones and council members invite the public to nominate individuals who reside in the Woodstock area (Wards 1 to 5) for consideration for a Citizen Recognition Award.

In a post on the Woodstock website, the town explained the mayor will present the award recipients with a certificate of distinction at a ceremony during Family Day Weekend on Feb. 19.

Nominations for the six available awards must be received by 4 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2024 for 2023 nominees.

“These awards will be given to a citizen, group, or organization that has had a positive impact on the residents of Woodstock. They are the people who make our community and the lives of those around us better,” Woodstock officials explained in its notice. “We are so fortunate in our area to have such a giving community and so many people always willing to step up and offer their time, talents, or resources, or all of the above.”

The public can nominate someone or find more details by visiting the Woodstock at the following link: https://www.town.woodstock.nb.ca/p/mayors-citizen-recognition-awards

For more information, email the town at [email protected] or call 506-325-4600.

The Family Day presentation replaces the previous awards ceremony as part of the discontinued New Year’s Day Mayor’s Levee.

Mayor Jones recently announced the cancellation of the levee, explaining she hopes to attract a larger turnout for the special event on Family Day.

The post Woodstock seeking nominees for Mayor’s 2023 Citizen Recognition Awards first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Fredericton man convicted after trial of meth possession for trafficking purposes was denied bail Thursday on allegations he violated the conditions of his release.

Lawrence (Larry) Steven Chippin, 62, of Dundonald Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in person and in custody Thursday afternoon for a bail hearing.

He faces three counts of breaching the condition of a release order - namely, that he reside at a Dundonald Street apartment and follow a curfew there - alleged to have occurred Feb. 2, Oct. 4 and Nov. 25.

He’s also accused of possessing crystal meth Oct. 4.

Chipping had been charged in 2021 for possession of meth for the purpose of trafficking, and he was convicted after trial earlier this year. He remained free on the conditions of the afore-mentioned release order.

But that came to an end Thursday. Judge Scott Brittain, at the conclusion of his bail hearing, ruled Chipping hadn’t shown cause why he should be released, and he remanded him.

In most bail hearings, the burden is on the prosecution to demonstrate why a defendant should be remanded pending the outcome of his or her case.

But the law directs the burden shifts to the defence in bail hearings for those alleged to have breached release orders to show why they should be released.

The evidence presented at Chippin’s bail hearing and the reasons for Brittain’s decision Thursday are subject to a publication ban until the charges are resolved in court.

However, when Chippin was arrested on the breach charges and appeared by telephone Monday, he claimed he’d moved from the Dundonald Street apartment and had been living at a home on Kingsley Road in Estey’s Bridge for a while, with the full knowledge of authorities.

Brittain remanded Chippin until Jan. 8, when he’s expected to enter pleas to the breach charges and the count of meth possession.

Sentencing looms

Chippin’s sentencing hearing for possessing meth for the purpose of trafficking on July 30, 2021, is also set for Jan. 8.

He’s going to be sentenced for other offences at that time as well: possessing cocaine and meth May 19, 2021; and breaching a police undertaking on July 5, 2021, requiring him to reside at a McGee Street home in Lincoln and to observe a curfew there.

Precedents have directed sentencing judges that generally, when dealing with crimes of trafficking in hard drugs, offenders can expect federal-prison terms of at least two years.

Chippin was found to be in possession of significant quantities of meth when city police executed a search warrant at Room 221 of the Days Inn on Prospect Street on July 30, 2021, where he was living at the time.

In addition to the drugs, officers also found other related paraphernalia, including dime baggies, scoresheets and digital scales, and online messaging threads found on Chippin’s laptop also pointed to his involvement in trafficking.

Before his detention, Chippin spent a great deal of his time administering groups on social media focused on criminal-justice issues.

He manages Facebook groups including Missing & Unsolved New Brunswick and NB Proud that call for stronger action on missing-persons investigations and policing in the name of public safety.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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New Brunswick Auditor General Paul Martin raised questions in his annual report about whether three school districts followed government rules when sending dozens of employees around the world on training trips. 

Only about 14 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers have received the new COVID-19 vaccine designed to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant, figures from the Department of Health show.

Shoppers and their wallets are feeling the pain of the increase in the cost of living this holiday season.

The man who killed three Mounties in Moncton almost a decade ago has a lawyer on new charges alleging a prison assault who on Thursday requested the case be delayed until early next year.

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A Maugerville man who’s been remanded on assault and firearms allegations will stand trial on those charges in the spring.

Andrew Jim Roberts, 39, of Copper Head Lane, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in person and in custody Thursday for a case-management conference.

He previously elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to charges of assault on Jessica LaPointe; threats against her; possession of a sawed-off, 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun and a black CO2 revolver handgun for the purpose of committing an offence; possession of a prohibited weapon (the shotgun) without a licence; possession of it without a licence; possession of the shotgun with readily accessible ammunition; violation of a court-ordered firearms prohibition; improperly storage of a firearm.

Proceedings in case-management conferences aren’t open to the public, but once it concluded, the matter went back on the court record to schedule Roberts’ trial.

Judge Cameron Gunn set it down for April 26 and May 3. He remanded Roberts again until that time.

The charges arose after a six-hour standoff with Fredericton police officers at a Marysville residence Aug. 31.

Officers with firearms at the ready cordoned off the neighbourhood around the intersection of Crockett Street and Pettigrove Crescent on the morning in question, locking it down for several hours.

The Fredericton Police Force later reported it had received a report of an armed suspect inside a home in the area, and that after six hours, that suspect - subsequently identified as Roberts - was arrested without incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Fredericton man facing a long and varied list of charges laid by the Fredericton Police Force and the RCMP will remain in custody until the prosecutions he’s facing wrap up.

Timothy Robert Dunphy, 50, of Victory Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court via video conference from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Thursday for a bail hearing, after previously postponing the proceedings on a couple of occasions.

Dunphy faces charges from two different policing agencies alleged to have occurred over the course of three months this fall.

The RCMP has accused him of breaking into a detached garage in Maugerville belonging to Steven Basque, stealing Basque’s 2023 Can-Am all-terrain vehicle, possessing that stolen ATV, impaired driving, dangerous driving and causing property damage to Basque’s garage door, all on Sept. 14.

The Fredericton Police Force has also charged him with various alleged offences in the capital in October and November.

It alleges he stole an electric bike worth less than $5,000 belonging to Princess Auto on Oct. 23; that he had a stolen 2009 Ford Fusion belonging to Robert Donald Moorcraft in his possession, drove dangerously and fled from police, all on Nov. 23; and that he caused property damage to a cable and lock at the southside Kent Building Supplies store and stole tools belonging to Napa Auto Parts on Nov. 25.

After his bail hearing Thursday, provincial court Judge Scott Brittain ruled Dunphy’s continued detention was merited.

The evidence presented at the hearing and the reasons for the judge’s decision are subject to a publication ban until the various cases against Dunphy conclude.

He’ll be back before a judge Jan. 4 to enter pleas.

The Fredericton Police Force issued an alert on social media in late November about Dunphy, noting officers were looking for him because he was "arrestable on several police files."

He was located and arrested in the days after that advisory was released.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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New Brunswick auditor general Paul Martin says high debt levels and expensive impending infrastructure upgrades at the province's Crown utility are raising concerns for him.

Woodstock-area resident and former U.S. Marine Ken Sercerchi presented with Quilt of Valor

With a small gathering of friends, family, Legion, and ANAVETs members on hand Thursday evening, Dec. 7, at the Hartland Royal Canadian Legion, former U.S. Marine and Woodstock-area resident Ken Sercerchi proudly accepted his Quilt of Valor.

Christine Corey, representing the Quilt of Valor Foundation (QOVF) USA, travelled from Houlton, Maine, to present Sercerchi with the special quilt she made.

Corey said she represented QOVF members from across the U.S. She explained the movement began in 2003 when a quilter named Catherine Roberts, while her son served in Iraq, began making the quilts.

“Since that time, more than 350,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded,” she said. “Our mission is to honour service members and veterans who have been touched by war with comforting and healing Quests of Valor.”

While Corey has presented several quilts, her presentation to Sercerchi was the first she presented outside the U.S.

While born in Canada, Sercerchi volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam in 1968 and 69.

He returned to live in Canada after his discharge.

“This quilt is an expression of gratitude meant to thank you and comfort you,” Corey told Sercerchi. “We honour you for leaving all you hold dear to serve, whether in time of crisis or time of peace. This Quilt of Valor unequivocally says thank you for service, sacrifice and valor serving our nation.”

Along with the quilt, Corey presented Sercerchi with a certificate addressed to USMC 3rd Marine Division, 1968-1969 and signed by QOVF Executive Director Lori Thompson and Corey as Aroostook County, Maine, QOVF co-ordinator.

It stated, “The Quilts of Valor Foundation wishes to recognize you for your service to our nation. We consider it our privilege to do so. Though we may never know the extent of your sacrifice to protect and defend the United States of America, we award you this Quilt of Valor as an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”

The post Local veteran receives warm gift of gratitude for military service first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A New Maryland man accused of sexual offences dating back a decade - including having intercourse with his underage sister - will elect how he wants to be tried in the new year.

Robert Philip Warrington, 28, of Douglas Crescent, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from Nova Scotia on Thursday to make his initial appearance on several indictable charges alleging sex crimes.

Among the counts before the court was one of incest, alleging that between Sept. 7, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2016, in Harvey, Warrington had sexual intercourse with a complainant knowing she was his sister by blood relation.

Typically in such cases, the prosecution requests a publication ban to protect a complainant’s identity, and given the familial relationship, that could preclude naming the  defendant as well.

However, no such ban was requested Thursday. In fact, prosecutor Matthew Paik specifically said the Crown was not seeking one.

“The complainant does not want a publication ban,” he said.

Warrington faces five other related charges, alleged to have occurred during the same timeframe and in Harvey as well.

Those charges are sexual assaulting the same complainant, touching her for a sexual purpose, inviting her to touch him for a sexual purpose, surreptitiously observing her when she had an expectation of privacy and making sexually explicit material available to her with the intent of committing a sexual offence.

The charges refer to the complainant only as “J.W.” and as the defendant’s sister, and some of them specify she was a minor at the time the events are alleged to have occurred.

Mathurin told the defendant that he should have appeared in person in Fredericton provincial court for his first appearance on the charges, but she understood he was unable to travel Thursday.

Warrington asked for an adjournment so he could apply for legal aid. He said he works “but not much.”

It wasn’t clear if he’s still living in New Brunswick or in Nova Scotia, as he was advised he needed to apply for legal aid in this province, not in Nova Scotia, since the charges are here.

The judge set the case over to Jan. 18 for election of mode of trial and pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Former MP and cabinet minister Bernard Valcourt mounted a spirited defence of his actions Thursday in his criminal trial on charges of resisting and obstructing police.

Chase the Ace funds to help feed students at Hartland Community School

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 in Harland delivered financial support to the Hartland Community School Hot Lunch program through its Chase the Ace fundraiser on Dec. 7.

Branch President Gary Bovard explained that Hartland Legion presented HCS principal Andy Clark with a cheque for $500 from its Chase the Ace proceeds. He said the branch directs money raised through the popular ongoing fundraising event to community projects.

“The donation is to help with unfunded costs associated with the school’s “Hot Lunch” program,” said Bovard. “We believe every child deserves a nourishing lunch, and thanks to the community support of our ‘Chase the Ace,’ we are happy to support worthy community endeavours such as this.”

Legion treasurer Cheryl Broad presented the cheque to Clark during a Thursday afternoon visit to the school.

She and Bovard encouraged others in the greater Hartland community to support the vital lunch program.

“The Legion would like to challenge the local business community to step up and match this donation, or at least consider a donation to this worthy fund,” Bovard said.

The post Hartland Legion supports local lunch program first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A lawyer for a former Rusagonis resident accused of counterfeit-cash and fraud offences told court Thursday he’s never met his client and has been unable to find him.

Tyler Joshua Depow, 33, of no fixed address but formerly of Rusagonis, was scheduled to appear in Fredericton provincial court Thursday to answer to several charges.

He’s accused of defrauding Carevo Auto Solutions of Dartmouth, N.S., of a 2020 Subaru WRX, obtaining that car  under false pretences with intent to defraud and fraudulently personating Cecil Mitchell to obtain the car, all on March 15.

While the business is based in Nova Scotia, the charges allege events in Fredericton.

Depow is also accused of possessing three counterfeit $50 US bills and two $20 US bills, using those bogus bills as if they were legitimate, and breaching a probation order, all on July 19 in Oromocto.

Ben Reentovich, a staff lawyer with Legal Aid New Brunswick, told court Thursday he’d been assigned to represent Depow, but there was a problem: he hasn’t been able to find his client.

He said he was told Depow was in custody at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre, and he contacted the jail to speak with him.

“He’s not there,” Reentovich said.

“He was released on Nov. 23 on conditions,” Judge Lucie Mathurin said as she reviewed endorsements on the court file.

“Have you met him?”

“I haven’t,” the defence lawyer said.

At the request of prosecutor Matthew Paik, the judge ordered a warrant for Depow’s arrest.

This isn’t the first time Depow’s whereabouts was an issue for authorities.

The RCMP reported early this year that he’d been reported as missing to police. In a news release issued Feb. 22, the Mounties said Depow hadn’t been seen since Dec. 11, 2022, and last spoke with family members Dec. 27.

That news release stated Depow drives a black Jeep Patriot with New Brunswick licence plate GVE 589.

Months later, on Nov. 17, the RCMP followed up and reported that Depow had been found.

That coincided with his arrest on the outstanding charges.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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It has been a cold and dark few days for some New Brunswick residents.  Terry McPhee, who lives in Nerepis, northwest of Saint John, lost his power around 8 a.m. Monday.

The Department of Health was unable to provide evidence-based documentation to substantiate 33 Public Health decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Auditor General Paul Martin says in an audit released Thursday.

Saint John's long-awaited waterfront development will keep residents waiting a little longer.

Quispamsis Mayor Libby O’Hara first recipient of Arthur Slipp Municipal Leader of the Year Award

Quispamsis Mayor Libby O’Hara became the recipient of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick’s inaugural leadership award named in honour of a man colleagues said exhibited two decades of leadership at UMNB and his hometown of Woodstock. 

Former Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp and his wife Lynn attended the Nov. 25 UMNB AGM banquet to help present the Arthur Slipp Municipal Leader of the Year Award to O’Hara. 

UMNB Executive Director Dan Murphy said Slipp, who served on the board for 20 years, including two as president and three as past president, deserved to see the award carry his name. O’Hara earned to be its first recipient. 

Murphy said naming the award after Slipp was an easy decision. 

“The board wanted to recognize the outstanding contributions of Arthur,” he said. “He’s one of the long-term pillars of our organization and a pillar for the town of Woodstock.” 

Slipp joined Murphy and UMNB president Andrew Blaic to present the award, which recognizes “unwavering integrity and steadfast commitment to creating lasting change” to O’Hara. 

In presenting the award, UMNB described the Quispamsis mayor’s achievements in earning the honour. 

“Mayor O’Hara’s exceptional leadership, marked by her adept guidance through challenging times and dedication to fostering transparent governance, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her community,” UMNB explained in a media release. “Her remarkable ability to foster collaboration, promote work-life balance, and uphold a culture of transparency has earned her widespread admiration and respect among her peers.”

In accepting the award, O’Hara noted her years of working with Slipp at UMNB and learning from the example he set. 

Slipp described O’Hara as a worthy recipient, noting how she steered her community through challenging times this year. 

“It was great to honour Libby,” he said. 

Slipp acknowledged his surprise when informed the new award would carry his name. 

“I was very honoured and surprised when they told me,” he said. “I was particularly pleased to be invited to participate in the ceremony.” 

During his over 20 years on the UMNB board, Slipp said he worked with every premier since Bernard Lord and multiple municipal leaders dealing with high-profile issues such as establishing the gas tax fund and municipal reform. 

Slipp said UMNB’s next significant challenge is to work with the province to restructure municipal and regional funding. 

Murphy said Slipp offered sage advice and provided experience and wisdom as UMNB and municipal governments took on challenging issues.

“We still call on Art for advice,” he said. 

As Slipp does on multiple occasions, he praised his wife Lynn for support over the years.

“We were a team,” he said. 

Lynn said she always enjoyed attending events like the AGM banquets and appreciated being invited this year. 

“We really enjoyed seeing all the people again,” she said. 

Lynn described it as “very emotional” seeing Art recognized “for his whole body of work for all those years.” 

She said from his days as a teacher, Art always embraced leadership. 

“Art was a born leader,” she said. 

UMNB also presented two other awards at the Nov. 25 event, including the prestigious Louise Breau Memorial Award named in honour of the late Millville mayor. 

The UMNB release described Breau as “a reliable, sincere and dynamic person who wanted to be involved and would help out in any way she could.” 

UMNB presented the 2023 award to Grand Falls Mayor Marcel Deschênes, who has been an integral part of UMNB’s journey from its inception. 

“With over 25 years of tireless service to his community and an impactful legacy, Marcel has been a pillar for UMNB throughout the years,” UMNB said. “His steadfast dedication to community development, spanning decades, showcases an unparalleled devotion to his beloved Grand Falls.”

The evening’s first award, the Raymond Murphy Memorial Award, commemorates the legacy of UMNB’s esteemed past president and executive director from Rexton. 

Established in 2017, the award honours a member municipality volunteer, elected or non-elected, who has exhibited outstanding devotion to serving their community. 

The 2023 winner was Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi of St. Andrews for her “remarkable commitment to social, cultural, and economic enhancement within New Brunswick.” 

The release said Akagi’s multifaceted contributions as an educator, devoted volunteer, Indigenous liaison, and civic supporter left an essential mark on her community. Aragi was recently inducted into the Order of New Brunswick.

The post Former Woodstock mayor helps present UMNB award named in his honour first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Now that a new emergency shelter is open, Ensemble Moncton will no longer permit people to camp out in their parking lot or on their front porch.

Fourteen organizations are seeking to be heard in a lawsuit against New Brunswick over its gender-identity policy, a number that one constitutional expert says is unusual outside appeal and Supreme Court hearings. 

A Mount Allison University student who creates maps as a hobby to learn about places, has created a map marking New Brunswick's entire watershed.

The Charlotte Street Arts Centre hosts an evening of stand up comedy on Friday December 15, featuring students from the Finding Your Comedic Voice workshop series.  Matt Carter  The Charlotte…

The post A Comedy Showcase at CSAC appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Listuguj, located on the border of Quebec and New Brunswick, has managed and participated in the shrimp fishery for the last two decades. They're calling for a moratorium on the fishery in the region to protect the shrimp population.

One of the best meteor showers of the year can be be seen Wednesday night.

A high-profile and popular former politician in northwest New Brunswick went on trial Wednesday on charges of resisting and obstructing police during an episode stemming from a family dispute over a dementia patient’s money.

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The former coach of the University of New Brunswick's women's volleyball team, who was turfed this fall before the end of his contract, is suing the university for wrongful dismissal.

Legal counsel for Richard Schick filed a notice of action and statement of claim in the Court of King's Bench in Fredericton on Dec. 8 against UNB.

Schick's lawsuit says he was hired in May 2021 to coach the university's women's volleyball team, and he had a three-year contract set to expire May 3, 2024.

"On Oct. 31, 2023, UNB terminated the employment of Mr. Schick, allegedly for cause," the statement of claim says.

"The alleged cause, as set out in the letter of termination, was for actions and behaviours that violated UNB's discrimination, sexual harassment and harassment policy."

The lawsuit describes the termination letter as "deficient," alleging it didn't detail specifically what Schick would have done in violation of the policy and didn't specify when the supposed breaches were supposed to have occurred.

The court filing argues that amounted to a violation of Section 30 (2) of the Employment Standards Act.

That section of the provincial legislation states in part, “Where an employer dismisses an employee for cause the employer shall do so in writing, setting out the reasons for such action… unless this section is complied with no dismissal without notice is valid notwithstanding that cause for such action exists.”

None of the allegations in Schick’s statement of claim has been proven in court.

"The plaintiff further states that he did not engage in any conduct that constitutes just cause at common law," the statement of claim says.

"Prior to the termination, Mr. Schick had never been subject to any disciplinary action. Mr. Schick was never warned that his employment was in jeopardy."

He argues UNB breached his employment contract, constituting a wrongful dismissal and causing him to incur damages.

"UNB's actions of abruptly terminating Mr. Schick's employment, and wrongfully alleging cause for termination, have seriously damaged Mr. Schick's professional reputation and impeded his ability to find new employment," the lawsuit states.

"UNB's actions were unfair, misleading, unduly insensitive and in bad faith. The manner of the termination has caused Mr. Schick significant mental distress."

The statement also notes Schick left his family behind in Vancouver to take the job in Fredericton in 2021.

As UNB's women's volleyball coach, the statement of claim says, Schick received an annual salary of $87,820, group benefits coverage, pension plan contributions and four weeks of paid vacation.

As damages in the legal action, Schick is seeking the balance of those payments, moving expenses, unspecified "aggravated damages," interests and costs.

Andy Campbell, communications manager with UNB Athletics, referred questions about the lawsuit and Schick’s termination to university administration.

When contacted for comment, Marcia Seitz-Ehler, UNB’s interim director of communications, said the institution couldn’t comment on a matter that’s before the courts.

The university has yet to file a statement of defence, which isn’t unusual so soon after a lawsuit was initially filed.

No date has been set for the case to be heard in court.

Campbell said Wednesday the executive director of UNB Reds is filling in as the women’s volleyball team’s coach in the wake of Schick’s dismissal.

“John Richard is serving as the interim head coach this season,” Campbell wrote in an email to the Fredericton Independent. 

“He previously coached the team for 14 seasons (1998-99 thru 2011-12).”

How things have changed

When UNB announced Schick’s hiring in April 2021, the news release detailed his background in volleyball both as a player and a coach, dating back to the 1990s.

He played volleyball professionally in Germany for one season before moving onto teaching and coaching.

He coached successful men’s teams at Red Deer College, the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia, the release said, and he was named national coach of the year in 2003. 

Schick also served as an assistant coach with Volleyball Canada’s women’s team, which excelled on the national and international stage.

Richard touted Schick’s experience and reputation as a major get for UNB Athletics at the time.

“Our committee was impressed with the depth and quality of the candidates, and although several finalists would have grown our program, Coach Schick stood out from the field, and above it,” Richard said in the release. 

“He’s won as a student-athlete and a head coach at both the CCAA and U SPORTS levels. Throw in his experience with national team programs and we couldn’t be happier to see him land here.”

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The New Brunswick government laid out a 12-year strategy for how it plans to transition to using clean energy, but Premier Blaine Higgs warns it's going to be a "difficult" transition that requires help from Ottawa.

Experience a marvelous mix of magic, music, and mind reading

Sponsored by the Dooryard Arts Festival, Dwight and Fay Fraser, Debra and Andrew McCain, Stockford Reefer Services, and CYV Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Ltd.

Get your tickets while you still can! Start your magical holiday season with a little bit of magic!

The post Christmas in the Dooryard joyously presents: Nathaniel Rankin, Canadian Champion of Magic first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A jury trial in a second-degree murder case that was set down earlier this month for late 2024 has been bumped to February 2025.

The Court of King’s Bench, during its monthly motions day Dec. 4, scheduled a judge and jury trial for Jodie Carrie Clark, 31, of Minto, for Nov. 26 to 29 and Dec. 2 to 6, 2024.

Clark is accused of second-degree murder in the October 2022 death of Alexander “Andy” Ladds at his home in Maugerville.

While the trial dates were set down just the week before, the case was back on the Court of King’s Bench docket at the Burton Courthouse on Monday.

Due to a scheduling conflict for defence counsel, Clark’s jury trial was adjourned for a couple of months.

It’s now set to begin Feb. 18, 2025, and expected to last 15 days.

Clark will remain in custody until the case concludes.

An RCMP news release issued last year said police and paramedics were dispatched to a Maugerville home on Highway 105 the evening of Oct. 9, 2022.

Ladds was found inside the residence, suffering from serious injuries, police reported, and he was rushed to hospital.

The victim succumbed to his injuries Oct. 10, 2022.

Clark, who was living with Ladds at the time, was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder Oct. 11, 2022.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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It was a bad year for maple syrup production in New Brunswick — and across Canada. New Brunswick saw a 35 per cent drop in maple syrup production stemming from poor weather conditions, according to data released by Statistics Canada.

Held for bail hearing on gun charges

Martina Crouse, 32, of Rosedale, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 12 and was remanded to jail. She returns to court in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Crouse was arrested on a warrant by sheriffs after arriving late at the courthouse. On Nov. 22, she was taken into custody on three charges and released with conditions, including an order to attend court as required.

RCMP charged Crouse with possession of a firearm without a licence (a rifle), improper storage of a gun, and possession of a firearm with the serial number altered concerning an incident on July 27 at Rosedale.

Criminal harassment charges withdrawn

The crown withdrew charges against Joanna Metherell, 46, and Maria Metherell, 19, of Richmond Corner, during provincial court on Dec. 12.

The Metherells were each charged by RCMP with harassing another person by repeatedly communicating through text messages in connection with an incident on Sept. 9, 2022, at Limestone. 

Defence Counsel Patrick Hurley appeared in court on their behalf via teleconference on Tuesday. Crown Prosecutor Bronwyn Mooney said the crown decided not to proceed with the case as there was little chance of conviction.

Bail hearing scheduled for Thursday

Terrance Wright of Plaster Rock appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 12 and was remanded to jail. He returns to court in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Wright with three counts of uttering threats against a female victim and committing mischief causing property damage in connection with an incident on Dec. 11 at Greenfield. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.

Greenfield man back in custody

Dustin Arthur Hawksley, 28, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 11 after being arrested on new charges related to breaching a release order. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Hawksley with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet), escaping lawful custody, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on Dec. 6 at Greenfield. 

Hawksley is also awaiting plea on several other charges. He appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Sept. 28 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was also placed under house arrest at a residence in Greenfield but was brought back into custody on Dec. 7.

Hawksley was charged by RCMP with break and enter at a dwelling house, two counts of assault on a female victim, and assault with a weapon (a plate) in connection with an incident on July 2 at Bloomfield. 

Woodstock Police also charged him with assaulting a female, assault by choking and breach of an undertaking for another incident on Aug. 5 in Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 24. 

Hawksley was ordered to have no contact with the two complainants and must have no drugs, alcohol or firearms in his possession. He must also attend court as required.

Suspended sentence, probation 

Kerry Shawn Dennis, 61, of Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Dec. 5 after pleading guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. He received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation. 

Dennis was charged with possession of methamphetamine and carrying a concealed weapon (brass knuckles) stemming from an incident on March 2 in Woodstock. A one-year prohibition on firearms was also imposed as part of his sentence.

Conditional sentence for break-in

Shawna Schriver, 43, of Johnville, formerly of Carlow, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 12 after changing her plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. 

She received a six-month conditional sentence, including three months of house arrest and three months of following a curfew. She was also placed on probation for 12 months. The accused had a prior criminal record.

Schriver was charged with breaking and entering and resisting arrest in connection with an incident at a vacant residence in Upper Kintore on May 25, 2022. She pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of indictable mischief causing property damage and resisting arrest. 

A co-accused, Timothy Canam, 43, of Carlow, was sentenced to 13 months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 6, 2022. He was charged with break, enter, and theft in connection with the same incident. He pleaded guilty to the offence. After his arrest, Canam was denied bail and remanded into custody at a provincial jail.

Fined for impaired driving

Frederick William Keilty, 61, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 and pleaded guilty to impaired driving. He was fined $2,000 and was prohibited from driving for one year.

Woodstock Police charged Keilty following an incident on Sept. 4 on Lower Main Street in Woodstock. The court heard his blood alcohol reading was twice the legal limit.

Jail sentence expected for McSheffrey

Emily McSheffrey, 26, of Waterville, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 for sentencing after changing her plea to guilty on eight charges laid by RCMP.

Crown Prosecutor Bronwyn Mooney told the court McSheffrey deserved 60 days in jail, followed by a lengthy probation period. The accused had no prior criminal record. Mooney also recommended a $2,000 fine for McSheffrey on a breathalyzer charge.

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul requested a conditional sentence of house arrest, noting McSheffrey was remorseful for her actions and suffered from mental health issues and long-term drug addiction. 

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision on sentence until Jan. 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

McSheffrey appeared in provincial court for sentencing in July on five charges and told the court she wanted to withdraw her guilty plea on one of them. On Sept. 14, she abandoned her application for a hearing and then entered guilty pleas on all charges laid against her. 

McSheffrey pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer on Aug. 29, 2020, in Jacksonville; guilty to assaulting a police officer by biting him on the hand, resisting arrest, and fraudulent impersonation to avoid arrest on April 8, 2021, in Perth-Andover; guilty to mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and assault with a weapon (a rock) involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, in Wicklow; guilty to uttering threats and assaulting a police officer on July 6, 2022, in Waterville; guilty to possession of a stolen side-by-side on Nov. 8, 2022, in Bath; guilty to assaulting a male complainant on Feb. 21 in Wicklow by punching and kicking him; guilty to uttering threats in a text message and breach of an undertaking on April 3 in Wicklow; and guilty to breach of an undertaking on July 7 at Woodstock First Nation.

RCMP also charged her with uttering threats involving a male complainant for an incident on May 12 at Florenceville-Bristol. She agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond, and that charge did not proceed. 

Newbridge man facing four charges

Nicholas Carl Manzer, 26, of Newbridge, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on four charges laid by RCMP.

Manzer was charged with possession of a firearm (a rifle) while prohibited, possession of a gun without a licence, possession of a stolen truck, and improper storage of a firearm concerning an incident on Nov. 11 at Woodstock First Nation. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Skiff Lake woman facing several charges

Megan Leigh Harrison, 24, of Skiff Lake, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to answer multiple charges.

Woodstock Police charged Harrison with uttering threats, assault involving a male victim, unlawful entry at a dwelling house, and breach of an undertaking stemming from an incident on Nov. 18 in Woodstock. She was released on an undertaking on Dec. 5 until her next court appearance. 

On Dec. 12, another charge of impaired driving was also laid for an incident on June 10. A warrant is being held on file until Harrison’s next court appearance.

Sentencing delayed until March

Earl James Demerchant, 32, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court for sentencing on March 5, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. He pleaded guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Demerchant was charged with assault involving a female victim on June 1, 2021, and breach of an undertaking on Nov. 11, 2022, for incidents in Woodstock. His sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 5 but was adjourned to allow for the completion of a pre-sentence report.

First appearance for Woodstock man

Charles Wylie Reinhardt, 37, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Reinhardt was charged with dangerous driving, flight from police, refusing a breathalyzer demand and resisting arrest following an incident on July 30 in Woodstock. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

In custody awaiting plea

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 7 for plea on four charges. His matter was adjourned until Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

DeLong was charged with discharging a firearm with intent, flight from police, dangerous driving and breach of probation in connection with an incident on July 14 at Florenceville-Bristol when shots were allegedly fired at a police officer. 

Janis Buchanan, 28, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 26 and pleaded guilty to robbery with violence for an incident on May 29 at Florenceville-Bristol. She was sentenced to two years in federal prison on Oct. 24.

DeLong and Buchanan were arrested after a manhunt in Victoria County in connection with a series of incidents in the upper River Valley.

Returning to court for plea

Kyle Laurie Williams, 35, of Clearview, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by RCMP.

Williams was charged with transmitting intimate images without consent concerning an incident on June 4 at Centreville. Williams made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Bloomfield man faces charges

Kenneth Greer, 60, of Bloomfield, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by RCMP.

Greer was charged with uttering threats, careless use of a firearm, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a gun) involving a female victim for an incident on Sept. 9 at Bloomfield. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Mischief charge laid in break-in

Darren Richard Hamilton, 63, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Hamilton was charged with breaking into a dwelling house to commit mischief concerning an incident between Aug. 5 and 6 in Woodstock. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Facing impaired driving charge

Jason Randall Watson, 27, of Medford, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an impaired driving charge.

RCMP charged Watson in connection with an incident on Sept. 1 near Tobique Narrows. He made his first court appearance on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Facing two sex charges

Edward Brennan McGraw, 28, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two sex charges. He elected trial at the Court of King’s Bench by judge alone. A preliminary hearing date was set for April 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. 

Woodstock Police charged McGraw with sexual assault and touching for a sexual purpose in connection with an incident on July 1, 2022, in Woodstock. 

Assault charge withdrawn

Clay Nicholson, 27, of Woodstock, formerly of Clearview, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 7 after pleading not guilty to assault. The crown withdrew the charge, and the trial did not proceed.

Nicholson was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Sept. 15 at Green Road. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Oct. 17. 

Remanded to jail

Joshua Adam Demerchant, 34, of Pembroke, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 7 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He returns to court in custody for plea on Jan. 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Demerchant was arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in provincial court on Oct. 17 for plea. RCMP charged him with possession of stolen property (an ATV) and failing to stop for police in connection with an incident on July 12 near Hartland.  

On Dec. 5, Demerchant was also charged with two counts of breaching a release order stemming from incidents on Oct. 18 at Pembroke and on Dec. 4 in Woodstock.

Not guilty of impaired driving

Kaylea Jessika Spittle, 23, of Carlingford, appeared for trial in provincial court on Dec. 6 on an impaired driving charge. The crown did not call any evidence and Spittle received a directed verdict of not guilty.

RCMP charged Spittle following an incident on Nov. 20, 2021, near Greenfield. She made her first court appearance on Jan. 17.

Charges transferred to Edmundston court

Christian Mario Albert, 37, of Grand Falls, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 11 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. All matters were transferred to Edmundston. 

Albert said he intended to plead guilty. The matter was adjourned until Feb. 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. to allow time for the files to be transferred.

Albert was charged with breaking into the Save Easy in Plaster Rock and breaching curfew following an incident on Sept. 10. He appeared in court in custody on Dec. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard he was being held in custody on other matters in Edmundston.

Senior charged with sexual assault

Maurice Joseph Rossignol, 68, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on a charge of sexual assault.

Woodstock Police charged Rossignol in connection with an incident on Aug. 30 in Woodstock. He was scheduled for plea on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

In custody on multiple charges

Curtis Brent Hatheway, 43, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 12 for monitoring about his upcoming trials. 

Hatheway was denied bail. He pleaded not guilty to all charges laid against him by Woodstock Police. Trial dates were set for Jan. 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. and Jan. 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday, the court heard Hatheway had legal counsel to proceed.

Woodstock Police charged Hatheway with assaulting a female victim, assault by choking, uttering threats and breach of a release order for an incident on Sept. 25 in Woodstock. The court heard he is also facing other separate charges in Moncton.

Hatheway appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 6 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant and to attend court as required but was later brought back into custody.

Woodstock Police also charged Hatheway with assault involving a female victim, breach of probation, and breach of a release order stemming from an incident on June 22 in Woodstock. 

He was also charged by Woodstock Police with assault with a weapon (a shovel), assault involving a female victim, breach of a release order, and breach of probation following another incident on May 9 in Woodstock. Another charge of breach of curfew was also laid for an incident on May 17.

Facing new charge

Ashley Dawn Giberson, 33, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 via teleconference to answer a charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Giberson was charged with breach of a release order by failing to follow a curfew between Sept. 1 and Nov. 9 in Woodstock. 

Giberson also appeared in court in custody in December and was released with conditions. RCMP charged her following an incident on Sept. 30, 2022, at the Cozy Cabins in Lower Woodstock. 

Florenceville-Bristol man facing assault charge

Troy Keenan, 50, of Florenceville-Bristol, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for a plea on an assault charge. He appeared in court on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

RCMP charged Keenan with assaulting another man while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) in connection with an incident on July 1 at Florenceville-Bristol. 

Arrested and released

Tanya Tribe, 43, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 12 for monitoring about her trial. Sheriffs arrested her on a warrant when she arrived at the courthouse. 

Tribe is scheduled to appear for trial on Jan. 17, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. 

She was charged with two counts of criminal harassment in connection with incidents between Aug. 10 and Aug. 12, 2022, in Windsor, and on Sept. 12, 2022, in Florenceville-Bristol, and one count of uttering threats for another incident between Aug. 10 and Aug. 12, 2022, in Windsor. 

Returning to court for plea

Maxwell Giberson, 29, of Florenceville-Bristol, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer a charge laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Giberson appeared in provincial court in custody on Oct. 24 and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on Oct. 5. He turned himself in to the sheriff

 at the Woodstock courthouse. Woodstock Police charged him with breach of probation. 

He was ordered to have no contact with the complainants without the authorization of Social Development and to attend court as required.

Back in custody on new charges

Jonathon Daniel Stockford, 35, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 7 to answer new charges laid by RCMP. 

He was scheduled for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on other charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police when new charges were laid. All matters were adjourned until Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m. 

Stockford waived his bail until later and will enter his plea on the new charges at his next court appearance on Dec. 15 at 9:30 a.m. A date for his bail hearing may also be scheduled at that time.

He was charged with theft of fuel from an Esso station in Florenceville-Bristol, breaking into the Sticks and Stones Storage facility on Burnham Road, theft of tires and rims, possession of stolen property, and mischief causing property damage to the storage facility following an incident on Nov. 14.  

The court heard more charges are being transferred from Saint John and Fredericton. Stockford intends to plead guilty to those charges at this next court appearance.

Stockford appeared in court in custody on Sept. 14 and pleaded guilty to two counts of breaching a release order and committing mischief by damaging an ankle bracelet for an incident on March 28 at Hartland. He was later released with conditions.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property (a motorcycle), breach of probation, and breaching his curfew for an incident on Oct. 12, 2022, in Woodstock; and guilty to theft, stemming from a separate incident on July 4, 2022, at the Atlantic Superstore in Woodstock.

Stockford was scheduled to appear in provincial court for plea in November but failed to appear after being arrested on other charges in Fredericton and Saint John. He had been in custody since April. 

Awaiting plea following lockdown at Tobique Valley High School

David Fleming, 18, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer charges related to a lockdown at Tobique Valley High School. The matter was adjourned for plea until Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Fleming appeared in court in custody following the incident and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with three counts of uttering threats against three female victims on Nov. 2 at Plaster Rock.

As part of his release, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean ordered him to stay away from Tobique Valley High School and the residences of the three complainants. He must have no contact with any of the complainants and cannot have firearms or weapons in his possession. 

Woodstock man to stand trial

Clifford Joseph Lozier, 61, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer one charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Lozier was charged with uttering threats against another man following an incident on June 4 in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Sept. 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Trial set for Woodstock woman 

Krista Lynn Turner, 43, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer two new charges laid by Woodstock Police. She pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Oct. 2, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 3. She was charged with assault and breach of a release order following an incident on Nov. 2 in Woodstock. She was released with conditions. Turner was ordered to stay away from a Grover Street residence and must have no contact with the male complainant.

She will also appear for trial in provincial court on April 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to two other charges laid by Woodstock Police. She entered her plea at a court appearance on June 13.

Turner was charged with assault with a weapon (shards of glass) and breach of an undertaking concerning incidents on April 29 and April 30 in Woodstock. She was ordered to report to the police weekly, attend court, stay away from a Grover Street residence, and have no contact with the complainant. 

Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 4 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. She was later taken back into custody. On Tuesday, the court heard Turner was moving to Ontario to be with her family.

Diverted to alternative measures

Shelby Paul, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer a mischief charge. The matter was moved to the alternative measures program with the consent of the crown.

Paul was charged by RCMP with mischief causing property damage to a door at the tribal council office at Neqotkuk on Aug. 23. She has until March 12 to complete the program.

Perth-Andover man to stand trial

Joseph Martin, 37, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 for monitoring about his upcoming trial. 

Martin pleaded not guilty to a series of charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for May 6, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday, he told the court he had still not secured legal counsel.

Martin also appeared in provincial court in custody on July 18 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged by RCMP with assault with a weapon (a baseball bat) involving a female victim, uttering threats, and committing mischief causing property damage in connection with a July 18 incident at Perth-Andover. He was ordered to have no contact with the complainant and must report to the police weekly. Martin was also ordered to have no firearms in his possession.

Released from custody to await plea

Joshua Desroches, 19, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for plea on one charge laid by RCMP. 

Desroches was charged with breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order stemming from an incident on Sept. 25 near Woodstock. He was arrested and later released from custody with conditions. He appeared in court on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Sentencing set for assault

Cassidy Guest of Perth Andover will appear for sentencing in provincial court on Feb. 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. after pleading guilty to assault. 

He was scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 12 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard Guest was working outside the province but would be returning in February to deal with other matters in Edmundston.

Guest was charged by RCMP with assault causing bodily harm to another man following an incident on June 21, 2022, at Perth Andover. A warrant is being held on file until his next court appearance.

Woodstock man awaiting trial

Jace Maddox Anderson, 18, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 for monitoring about his upcoming trial. He returns to court on Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. to confirm he has secured legal counsel to proceed. 

Woodstock Police charged Anderson with assault and uttering threats in connection with an incident at a Woodstock apartment on May 25. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for July 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. 

Anderson also faces a new charge of failing to appear in court on June 29. He will enter a plea at his next court appearance.

Trials scheduled on trafficking, extortion charges 

Nathan Leon Godin, 29, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 11 for monitoring about his trials coming up in January. He pleaded not guilty to multiple charges laid by RCMP. 

Trial dates were set for Jan. 3-5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 8, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., and Jan. 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. 

Godin was denied bail in July. RCMP charged him with drug trafficking, extortion, and firearm offences. 

Godin appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 22 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon with ready ammunition, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm (a sawed-off shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, improper storage of a firearm, and breach of a release order in connection with an incident on June 21 at Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation.

Godin was also charged with making threats to obtain money, possession of a weapon (a baton) for the purpose of committing an offence, committing mischief causing property damage to a window, and assaulting another man with a weapon (a baton), following an incident on June 20 at Wotstak. He was also charged with failing to appear in court on June 20. At that time, the court heard he owed a $2,000 fine, and a warrant of committal was pending.

Godin was also charged by RCMP with driving while suspended, possession of a firearm without a licence, and being an occupant of a vehicle, knowing it carried a firearm following an incident on May 1 at Wotstak.

He appeared in court in custody by video on April 5 and was released with conditions. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, flight from police, and possession of stolen licence plates for another incident on March 22 at Wotstak, possession of methamphetamine on April 2 near Woodstock, two counts of breaching a release order by failing to follow a curfew on March 31 and April 1 at Woodstock; and breaching an order to abstain from non-prescription drugs on April 2 at Woodstock. 

Neqotkuk man has new charges

Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Dec. 12 to answer two new charges laid by RCMP. 

Perley was charged with possessing forged documents (cheques) and defrauding the band office of over $5,000 between June 13 and Oct. 6 at Neqotkuk. H returns to court for plea on Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

He is also scheduled for sentencing in provincial court on Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. after changing his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. 

Perley was charged by RCMP with breach of a release order, breaking and entering a dwelling house, possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace, assault with a weapon, and using an imitation firearm in connection with a Dec. 16, 2021 incident in the community. 

He pleaded guilty to the breach and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The crown will withdraw the remaining charges.

Perley also appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for monitoring about his upcoming trial on drug trafficking charges. His trial dates were moved to Dec. 14 and Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Perley was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, production of cocaine, unlawful possession of ketamine (a date rape drug) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction, and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2022, at Neqotkuk. 

In custody awaiting plea

Christopher Elliott, 33, of Weaver, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Dec. 12 to answer a series of charges laid by RCMP. He waived his bail until later and returns to court for plea on Dec. 21 at 9:30 a.m.

Elliott appeared in court in custody via teleconference on Oct. 24 and was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing. He faced new fraud charges and possession of stolen property (a debit card) concerning an incident on July 18 at Plaster Rock.

Elliott was also charged with resisting arrest and possession of ammunition while prohibited for an incident on Oct. 23. He was also charged with failing to appear in court for his trial in Woodstock on Aug. 23. 

Elliott pleaded not guilty to firearm charges on April 18, and his trial date was set. He was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon without a licence concerning an incident on November 4, 2020, at Gladwyn. He was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with having a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of a firearm without a licence, and hunting without a licence on Nov. 4, 2020.

Elliott and Amber Holt, 32, of Bluebell, are jointly charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence (.22 Magnum rifle) and careless use of a gun for another incident on June 22, 2022, in Weaver. Elliott was also charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited from having it in connection with the same incident in Weaver. Holt is currently in custody, awaiting sentencing on numerous charges.

Arrest warrant issued

The court issued an arrest warrant for Kevin Coutts, 65, of Lower Kintore, after he failed to appear in court on Dec. 12 for monitoring about his trial. The court heard Coutts is currently in Ontario.

He was scheduled for trial in provincial court on May 30, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an assault charge.

RCMP charged Coutts with assault involving a female victim following an incident on June 10 near Kintore. He made his first court appearance on July 25.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Woman remanded until bail hearing; Greenfield man back in custody first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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