The New Brunswick Museum has secured a new research and collections centre on Saint John's west side, as it prepares to break ground next year on its estimated $150 million new home.

Kris Austin’s comments this week blaming federal Liberal policies for the death of a homeless man in St. Stephen may have shocked some New Brunswickers — but they are hardly a surprise.

‘U-Ride’ is a new ridesharing app that promises safe, reliable, and affordable rides. Is this overdue in New Brunswick?

The paintings attracted interest — and bids — from all over North America, according to Sarah Jones of Jones Auction House in Saint John. 

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An ongoing Salmonella outbreak connected to tainted cantaloupes sold throughout the country has been detected in two cases in New Brunswick.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued an alert in late November about Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes, reporting an investigation found they were linked to cases of Salmonella illness in five provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

New Brunswick wasn’t among the locations of the reported illnesses at the time, but in an update issued Thursday evening, PHAC advised there were now two reported cases of Salmonella illness in the province.

“As of Dec. 7, there have been 129 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (15), Ontario (17), Quebec (91), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2),” the Thursday advisory stated, noting that there were other potential cases under investigation as well.

“Forty-four individuals have been hospitalized. Five deaths have been reported.”

Most of those who have fallen ill were under the age of five years or over the age of 65, PHAC reported, and people became sick between mid-October and mid-November.

Recall warnings were issued for the two brands of cantaloupes, and those who bought the affected products or suspect they might have are advised to throw the fruit out. 

The recalled products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and possibly elsewhere, the agency said. 

U.S. agencies are also investigating the outbreak, the advisory said.

Symptoms - which include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and abdominal cramps - usually arise six to 72 hours after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, and typically last for four to seven days. 

“People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms,” the advisory said.

“Salmonella can spread by person-to-person contact and contaminated surfaces. Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization.”

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

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The mayor apologized following a council decision to end its 20-year tradition of lighting the Hanukkah menorah in front of city hall.

Sheila Dickerson says she wants people to know that Adam was a kind-hearted and thoughtful person, with lots of friends who cared for him.

The Higgs government says two measures to address the province’s housing crunch will take effect within days.

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A Fredericton man described by city police last week as being wanted in connection with several investigations is in custody and facing a long list of charges from two different policing agencies.

The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory through social media Nov. 28 about Timothy Robert Dunphy, reporting he was "arrestable on several police files."

Officers were seeking tips from the public on his whereabouts.

In the days since issuing that alert, the police force removed the social media post, but there had been no word about Dunphy’s status.

However, he turned up on the Fredericton provincial court docket this week.

Dunphy, 50, of Victory Street in Fredericton, appeared in court by video conference Thursday from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.

He faces RCMP charges alleging he broke into a detached garage 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 in Maugerville on Sept. 14.

Dunphy is also charged by the Fredericton Police Force with subsequent alleged crimes.

He’s charged with stealing an electric bike worth less than $5,000 belonging to Princess Auto on Oct. 23; possessing a stolen 2009 Ford Fusion belonging to Robert Donald Moorcraft, dangerous driving and fleeing from police on Nov. 23; causing property damage to a cable and lock belonging to the southside Kent Building Supplies store and stealing tools belonging to Napa Auto Parts, both on Nov. 25.

Duty counsel Gerald Pugh said the defendant was seeking to adjourn his bail hearing briefly, asking for it to be set over to Friday so he could arrange for a witness to testify on his behalf.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc granted the adjournment as requested.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The jury in a coroner's inquest is recommending that all job sites be required to have a licensed carpenter on site in the wake of the death of a carpenter who died after falling from a truss in a partially constructed home in New Brunswick.

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The New Brunswick SPCA is urging people experiencing difficult financial and housing issues not to abandon pets as they struggle to deal with their circumstances.

The NB SPCA issued a news release this week reporting that its animal-protection officers have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of reports of pets being abandoned by owners who have been forced to move during difficult times.

It said that thus far in 2023, it received 321 reports of pets being left behind as their owners had to vacate their apartments or homes, as compared with 141 in 2022.

NB SPCA animal-protection officers are discovering this is happening because pets owners are under immense pressure due to limited financial resources and a housing crunch, the release said.

When people are forced to move to a new apartment, it said, for example, owners leave pets behind because their new building might not allow animals.

The cost of pet food and veterinary care is also believed to be a factor, the NB SPCA said.

Executive director Lesley Rogers said people need to know there are other, better ways to address those obstacles and challenges in their lives.

“There are other solutions beside abandoning your pets. Owners can reach out for help from

friends or family members to help rehome their pets. Rehoming a pet with people you

associate with makes for an easier transition for the animal,” she said in the release. 

“Another option would be to reach out to your local SPCA animal shelter, local cat/dog rescue group or the NB SPCA.”

Tony Porter, the chief protection officer with the organization, warned there can be fallout for those who abandon pets, both in homes they vacate or outside.

“Owners of abandoned pets can face charges under the SPCA Act, resulting in fines, a criminal record and prohibition orders preventing them from owning pets,” he said in the release. 

“Pet owners who do not provide shelter and fail to provide medical care to their animals can face serious consequences.”

Animals’ health can be compromised quickly if they’re unattended and without adequate food, water or shelter, Porter said.

“Dogs and cats can start to show signs of dehydration after only 24 hours,” he said in the release.

“In some of our recent calls for abandoned animals, the NB SPCA rescued animals in very poor physical condition and tragically also found deceased animals.”

He noted they’ve also seen cases in which owners are leaving dogs and cats in remote, rural areas to fend for themselves, which puts the animals at risk of hunger, dehydration or serious injury by wild animals.

“These abandoned pets are scared when left on their own to survive,” Porter said in the release. 

“They no longer have the protection and support from their owners which causes fear and stress on the animal.”

The NB SPCA urged anyone with concerns that an animal has been abandoned, neglected or abused to call its 24/7 hotline at 1-877-722-1522.

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

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A Nasonworth man who didn’t keep the sex-offender registry up to date on where he was living and skipped court in the spring avoided a jail term this week.

Mark Douglas Harnish, 25, of Route 101, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Monday for sentencing, having previously admitted to two criminal offences.

Harnish pleaded guilty this fall to breaching a court order under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) on Feb. 28, 2022, by failing to report in person to the registration centre to advise of where he was living, and to failing to attend court May 24 on that charge.

Breaches of court orders can often lead to short stints in provincial jail, but provincial court Judge Cameron Gunn instead imposed conditional-sentence orders totalling four months, to be served in the community.

For the first two months of the conditional sentence, the offender will be under house arrest save for limited exceptions, and then he’ll be subject to a nightly curfew for the remaining two months.

Following that, he’ll be on probation for 12 months.

Harnish is subject to the SOIRA order as a result of a 2019 conviction for sexually assaulting a woman two years prior.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Residents line streets for main event during busy weekend

Families lined Main Street in Woodstock Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, to take in the highlight of a busy holiday season weekend.

The parade proved the signature event in a weekend which included Wake Up Santa courtesy of NBCC Woodstock students, Festive Pet Photos by the Carleton County Animal Shelter, the Woodstock Baptist Church’s drive-through Nativity Scene and craft sales at Woodstock First Nation and Woodstock Legion.

Check out some of the scenes from the parade:

The post Scenes from Woodstock’s Santa Claus Parade first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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The defence for a Nova Scotia man accused of having intercourse with his underage daughter in recent years asked for his case to be adjourned Wednesday, noting it has yet to receive disclosure.

The 57-year-old Dartmouth man appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday, charged with alleged sex offences against his daughter.

There’s a court-ordered publication ban protecting the girl’s identity, and given the relationship in the case, the defendant can’t be named either.

The accused faces charges of sexual assault, incest and sexual interference, all alleged to have occurred between Jan. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2022, in the Coles Island area of New Brunswick, about an hour’s drive east of Fredericton.

The incest charge specifically alleges the defendant had sexual intercourse with the complainant knowing that she “was his daughter by blood relationship.”

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah said that as was the case the last time the case was before the court, he still hadn’t received disclosure of the Crown file. He asked that his client’s election of mode of trial and pleas be adjourned until he can get that and review it with the accused.

Judge Cameron Gunn set the matter over to Dec. 22.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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After a few years of hard work, a team of post-secondary students have put together a miniature cube satellite, which will be launched into orbit.

Food by Fatou brings Senegalese culinary skills to Fredericton. With traditional cooking methods, Fatou Sadore hopes to showcase her country’s heritage and offer the people of Fredericton new tastebud-tingling delights.

The Department of Health has updated its guidance on Saint John garden produce and cannabis that may have been exposed to smoke from the massive fire at American Iron and Metal's scrapyard three months ago, after four of 12 soil sampling sites showed "higher than expected levels of metals or chemicals."

Weaver and cultural worker Emily Blair is the Artistic Director of Connexion ARC, Fredericton’s only artist-run centre.   Matt Carter  In August, weaver and cultural worker Emily Blair was announced as…

The post 5 Questions with Emily Blair appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Less than 48 hours after its declaration, Minister of Public Safety Kris Austin terminated St. Stephen's state of emergency on homelessness.

Jurors at an inquest into the death of 59-year-old Daniel Moore heard Wednesday that the construction subcontractor wasn't wearing a hard hat when he fell about nine feet and fatally hit his head.

The Saint John Fire Department's after-incident report said if AIM is allowed to continue to operate, the company should have to ensure a sufficient water supply to fight fires similar to the one that started on Sept. 14.

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A Fredericton man will remain in custody pending the conclusion of a federal drug prosecution alleging he had cocaine, meth and fentanyl for trafficking purposes.

A bail hearing was held Monday and Tuesday for Jason Mollins, 39, of Emmerson Court, and Judge Mary Jane Richards had reserved her decision on his release until Wednesday.

Mollins stands charged with possession of methamphetamines, cocaine and fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a 9-mm handgun in violation of a court-ordered firearms prohibition.

The charges allege offences in Fredericton on Nov. 28.

In a ruling late Wednesday afternoon, the judge found Mollins hadn’t shown cause why he should be released pending the resolution of the case and ordered he be remanded until it concludes.

In most bail hearings, the Crown has to show cause why defendants should be remanded, but the nature of the charges against Mollins make for what’s called a reverse onus, meaning the defendant is the one who has to demonstrate why he should be released.

The reasons for Richards’ decision on bail and the evidence presented at the hearing are subject to a ban on publication until the case concludes.

When Mollins appeared by video in court for the hearing Tuesday, he appeared to be injured, with cuts and bruises on his face.

Richards set the case over to Dec. 20 for election of mode of trial and pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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

“I just don’t want to spend the rest of my life in prison for something I didn’t do.”

The woman who said that before a New Brunswick Court of Appeal judge Wednesday was also the one who admitted earlier this year to repeatedly stabbing a Fredericton man in the face and chest in 2020 and who signed an agreed statement of facts filed as evidence before a judge.

Angela April Walsh, 25, AKA Ali Morningstar, formerly of Kings College Road in Fredericton, is serving a life sentence in federal prison for second-degree murder.

She pleaded guilty earlier this year to the crime, stemming from the April 2020 stabbing death of Clarke Ernest Hunter Greene, 31.

Murder convictions carry automatic life sentences, although at sentencing, Court of King’s Bench Justice Kathryn Gregory ruled Walsh would be eligible to first apply for parole after serving 13 years.

Despite her guilty plea, though, Walsh filed a handwritten, intended notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal in September, arguing she should have been convicted of manslaughter rather than second-degree murder.

However, she filed that notice of appeal after the 30-day deadline, so before she can seek an appeal, she needs the province’s top court to grant her an extension of time to file.

However, the provincial Office of the Attorney General opposed that extension, and a hearing was held Wednesday before Court of Appeal Justice Raymond French to see if he’d grant it.

Walsh - appearing in court by video-conference from the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ont. - didn’t appear to understand the purpose of the hearing, thinking that filing the paperwork was all that was needed.

French explained to her that before he can grant the extension, she has to meet a four-pronged legal test: that Walsh intended to file an appeal within 30 days, that she should offer a reasonable explanation for the delay, that the delay wouldn’t present an undue prejudice against the attorney general and that there is merit to the appeal.

The judge said the Crown, in a letter filed with the court, concedes the first three points, but opposes the extension because it says there’s absolutely no merit to Walsh’s intended appeal.

As she’d noted in her notice of appeal, Walsh reiterated Wednesday she never had the intent to kill Greene, only to rob him.

“What I did resulted in his death, so I’m at fault,” she said. 

“I just don’t want to spend the rest of my life in prison for something I didn’t do.”

She said she never stabbed Greene, claiming that happened after the robbery.

“I robbed him and took off,” Walsh said.

It was her ex-spouse -  Zachery David Murphy, 25 - who did that, she said.

Dramatic twist at trial

Walsh stood trial in January before a Court of King’s Bench judge and jury on a charge of first-degree murder in Greene’s death. 

A star Crown witness early in the trial was Murphy, who’d previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and provided a police statement and preliminary-inquiry testimony indicating it was Walsh’s plan to rob Greene.

Murphy had previously given sworn evidence Walsh lured Greene to the gazebo in Wilmot Park and that he’d approached unseen and struck the victim in the head with a pipe.

His original evidence was that’s when Walsh grabbed a knife out of Greene’s pocket that she knew he carried, jumped on top of him and stabbed him 12 times in the chest and seven times in the face, including blows that gouged out the victim’s eyes.

But when the time came for Murphy to testify at the trial, he said he’d been the one to stab Greene and that Walsh had nothing to do with it.

That halted the trial, and after discussions between the Crown and defence, Walsh pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and admitted in an agreed statement of facts filed with the court as an exhibit that she planned the robbery and stabbed Greene repeatedly.

Murphy is serving a life sentence as well. He’ll be eligible to apply for parole after serving 11 years.

Walsh argued Wednesday that Murphy’s admission in her scuttled jury trial was grounds that she wasn’t the one who killed Greene and as such, merits a lesser conviction for manslaughter.

Intended appeal devoid of merit

Government lawyer Joanne Park, representing the attorney general, opened her arguments by suggesting Walsh’s notice of appeal was flawed because it focused on the sentence imposed, not formally seeking an appeal of the conviction for murder.

But French countered that while Walsh’s phrasing might have suggested that initially in her notice of appeal, she specifically mentioned reducing the crime for which she was serving time to manslaughter to second-degree murder.

“That doesn’t read to me like an appeal of sentence,” the judge said.

What really renders Walsh’s intended appeal moot, Park argued, was the fact she admitted on the court record and in a signed statement of facts that she committed second-degree murder and that she was the one who killed Greene.

The offender’s argument that she never planned to kill Greene is consistent with a second-degree murder conviction, the government lawyer said, as second-degree needn’t include premeditation.

In her notice of appeal, Walsh cited a number of elements she claimed was in the evidence that also ran contrary to the second-degree murder conviction. She noted her hair colour was reported incorrectly, that there was information about her having a driver’s licence when she didn’t have one.

She’s also asserted she’s right-handed, so she couldn’t have alternated hands when stabbing Greene over and over again.

Park said those were all “irrelevant factors” that didn’t form part of the agreed statement of facts. It’s not even clear, she said, if any of that information was before the court during the derailed trial or just things she recalled from the contents of the full Crown file that would have been disclosed to the defence earlier in the case ahead of trial.

Walsh’s notice of appeal is devoid of merit, Park argued, and for that reason, the appeal court should deny her requested extension.

French reserved his decision on Walsh’s application to an unspecified date.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Higgs government is moving to limit debate on its legislation to force five public sector employee groups into a shared-risk pension system.

Hartland Helpers carolling during food drive

Hartland area residents seeking to boost their holiday spirits and help struggling families enjoy a better-fed Christmas can join Hartland Helpers for a unique food drive on Saturday, Dec. 10.

A release from Hartland town hall explained Hartland Helpers, a volunteer group with a mandate to address food insecurity and other community needs, will lead the Fa La La La For Food event.

“They will be collecting funds and food to fill their pantry on Dec. 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.,” the town release explained.

The release encourages anyone wanting to join the carolling to meet at the parking lot across from Central Carleton Nursing Home at 4 p.m.

“Hope to see lots of festive faces to help those in need have a Merry Holiday Season,” the spokesperson said.

The post Join Hartland’s Fa La La La for Food event first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Increase alarms SPCA, organization offers solutions for pet owners

The New Brunswick SPCA is alarmed at the increase in abandoned pets left behind after pet owners vacate their residences. In 2023, the NBSPCA received 312 reports of abandoned pets at New Brunswick homes and apartments, compared to 141 in 2022.

“Pet owners are responsible for the well-being of their animals. Your pet needs you and looks to you for support, protection, and care,” said Lesley Rogers, executive director of the New Brunswick SPCA. “Please don’t leave your pets behind; they deserve better from you.”

Tony Porter, Chief Animal Protection officer for the NBPSCA, said an animal’s physical condition can quickly deteriorate without food, water, or shelter. Dogs and cats can start showing dehydration after only 24 hours.
In some of our recent calls for abandoned animals, the NBSPCA rescued animals in deplorable physical condition and tragically also found deceased animals.

NBSPCA animal protection officers are seeing more abandoned pets because of financial and housing issues. Since many apartment buildings do not allow pets in rental agreements, owners sometimes leave them behind when moving. Other owners become overwhelmed with the cost of food and veterinarian care.

“There are other solutions besides abandoning your pets. Owners can reach out for help from friends or family members to help rehome their pets. Rehoming a pet with people you associate with makes for an easier transition for the animal,” Rogers said. “Another option would be to reach out to your local SPCA Animal Shelter, local Cat/Dog Rescue group or the NBSPCA. These professionals can help by taking in the animal or giving you options to keep your pet safe while looking for a new home.

“Owners of abandoned pets can face charges under the SPCA Act, resulting in fines, a criminal record, and Pro­hi­bi­tion Orders preventing them from owning pets. Pet own­ers who do not pro­vide shel­ter and fail to pro­vide med­ical care to their ani­mals can face serious consequences,” Porter said.

In other cases, Porter said owners are dropping their dogs or cats off along remote areas of the province, letting them loose to fend for themselves. The abandoned animal faces hunger, dehydration, or severe injury from wild animals or cars.

“These abandoned pets are scared when left on their own to survive. They no longer have the protection and support from their owners, which causes fear and stress on the animal,” Porter said.

If you have concerns that an animal has been abandoned, neglected, or abused, please call our 24/7 number at 1-877-722-1522.

The post New Brunswick SPCA says 2023 record year for abandoned pets first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Holiday fundraiser provides needed support for no-kill shelter in Debec

Close to 40 dogs and a few feline friends posed happily — or on occasion reluctantly — in front of the Christmas fireplace backdrop for a 2023 Festive Pet Photo on Saturday, Dec. 2, as the Carleton County Animal Shelter fundraiser returned to Woodstock’s holiday schedule.

“This is the first time since 2019,” said CCAS board member Joanne Reid as she took down the names of owners and pets participating in the event at Shur-Gain Feeds’ n Needs in Woodstock.

Reid said all donations raised at the event would support the animal shelter in Debec.

She said the no-kill shelter needs the support as it remains filled close to maximum levels as rescued and abandoned pets await adoption.

Reid said more than 50 cats, including 18 kittens, and several dogs currently call the shelter home.

She said the shelter depends on continuing community support, noting the recent annual Furball Dinner and Auction raised more than $11,000 in shelter support.

The Carleton County Animal Shelter, as a non-profit charitable organization with no ongoing government support, depends almost entirely on donations and fundraising events to cover its more than $100,000 in operating expenses.

Reid said area residents, organizations and businesses can support the shelter in several ways, including donations, purchase of tickets for its weekly 50-50 draw, or volunteering.

“We always need people to volunteer at the shelter,” she said.

The Shur-Gain Feeds’ n Needs store came alive Saturday morning with the sound of excited dogs as they waited to pose for photos taken by Leighla Jane Photography.

While the few cats who came to model for the camera were quieter, they proved a little more independent when asked to take a pose.

Reid thanked Feeds’ n Needs for hosting the event again and the many pet owners who supported the photo shoot and the shelter.

The post Carleton County Animal Shelter hosts Christmas event for first time since 2019 first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The mayor of a municipality slammed by two New Brunswick cabinet ministers for the way it sought the province's attention for its homeless population isn't backing down on his plea for help.

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A Woodstock man stands accused of online sex crimes involving a minor in Fredericton earlier this year, and he’s due to elect mode of trial and enter pleas next month.

Jason Kuhndel, 19, of Broadway Street of Woodstock, was scheduled to make his first appearance in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on charges of making sexually explicit material available to a minor to facilitate a child-pornography offence and luring a minor online, also in an effort to commit a child-pornography crime.

The charges allege events at Fredericton between Jan. 1 and March 30.

He wasn’t present for Wednesday’s proceedings, but Fredericton defence lawyer Patrick Hurley appeared on his behalf.

He said the defence has yet to receive disclosure of the Crown file and asked for an adjournment.

Judge Cameron Gunn set the case over to Dec. 27 for election of mode of trial and pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A group of Richibucto residents have lost their latest move to try and stop what they say is an unbearable smell coming from a shell processing plant.

The Progressive Conservative MLA for Hampton says he doesn't think he can vote for the Christian conservative activist who is set to replace him as the party candidate in the next election.

A scathing report on the fire at American Iron and Metal's Saint John location has prompted fresh concerns about its Moncton scrapyard. 

The New Brunswick government will exclude a financially troubled pension plan for provincial court judges from changes being forced on five other government pension plans.

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The RCMP reports a Geary woman hasn’t been seen for weeks, and it’s turning to the public for tips that could lead to her being found.

The Oromocto detachment of the national police force issued a news release Tuesday about Leslie Dawn Boyd, 26, noting she was reported as missing to the Mounties on Nov. 16.

“Leslie Boyd was last seen at an establishment in downtown Fredericton on Oct. 22, 2023, and was last spoken to on Nov. 7 at approximately 3:30 p.m.,” the release said.

It said officers have investigated several leads in an effort to locate her, but they’re been unsuccessful thus far. 

“Police and her family are concerned for her well-being,” the release stated.

The Geary woman is described as being about 5’7” (170 centimetres) tall, weighing about 170 pounds (77 kilograms), with green eyes and long brown hair. 

However, family members - who have been raising the alarm on social media since mid-November about Boy going missing - have circulated one photo of her with purple hair.

“She has a tattoo of a heart behind her ear, a tattoo of a cat on her back, and a nose piercing,” the RCMP news release said.

While Boyd is now listed as a missing person with police, there’s also a warrant out for her arrest.

She and her partner, Brady Geoffrey Storey, 30, both of Broad Road in Geary, were no-shows in Fredericton provincial court Nov. 8 to answer to serious firearms charges.

As a result, a judge issued warrants of arrest for both of them.

The Fredericton Independent contacted the RCMP by phone and email Tuesday to inquire about whether investigators believe Boyd’s disappearance could be connected to the court case and if there’s any sense that foul play could be involved.

The Mounties didn’t respond to those inquiries Tuesday.

Boyd and Storey are accused of manufacturing 3D-printed handguns and handgun frames without authorization; possessing those 3D-printed items with intent to transfer them; possessing prohibited 3D-printed firearms with readily accessible ammunition; possessing a revolver and two 3D-printed handguns without a licence; possessing those firearms without a licence or registration certificate; possessing five sets of brass knuckles, which are prohibited weapons; and possessing prohibited devices - namely, an auto-conversion kit and six overcapacity ammo magazines.

The charges stem from the execution of an RCMP search warrant at a home on Broad Road in Geary on June 20, during which officers seized numerous firearms, 3D-printed firearms and components, several thousands rounds of ammunition, body-armour plates and other related items.

Anyone with information on Boyd’s whereabouts or that could help lead to her being found is urged to contact the Oromocto RCMP at 506-357-4300. Tipsters can cite file number 20231697144.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The jury in a coroner's inquest has issued recommendations aimed at preventing another workplace death similar to that suffered by William (Bill) Russell, who died in February 2021, days after being crushed by a large plastic tote at work in Tracyville, N.B.

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Paul Wentzell's friends recount he used to say, "There’s no such thing as a bad time for chocolate cake!”

In honour of the former sales manager at the local private radio stations now known as the Bounce and KHJ, his former co-workers in radio started off their day Tuesday with slices of chocolate cake.

"He would have loved it!” said close friend and longtime co-worker Mark Roberts.

Wentzell died Monday at the age of 60 after a brief illness.

He’s survived by his wife Anne; children Nicole, Mark and Alex; and three grandchildren.

Roberts, best known these days as half of the morning team on Bounce Radio 105.3’s Freddy Mac Show, said he and Wentzel became fast friends when they met on the job in private radio decades ago.

“It’s a terrible loss of a great family man and great friend,” he told the Fredericton Independent on Tuesday.

“I met him on my first day at the radio stations in June of 1985. We were great friends ever since.”

Wentzell was well-known in the greater Fredericton area thanks to his work at the Bell Media radio stations and then with his more recent shift to Stingray, Roberts said, and for his community involvement.

But when thinking of his friend so soon after his death, Roberts’ first comments turned to him as a family man.

“He and his wife Anne and his children Nicole, Mark and Alex were extremely close,” he said. “And he was extremely proud to be grandfather to Nicole’s two children.”

Jean Lyons-McKim, another close friend, said Wentzell was surrounded by those closest to him before he passed Monday evening.

“I visited him at the hospital last evening shortly before he passed,” she said Tuesday.

”His kids and sibling were there, so his wife invited his close friends in as well.”

After his family, his passions in life were golf and football, Lyons-McKim said, and his dedication to volunteer work.

She described him as “a loveable goof.”

Roberts noted Wentzell’s sense of humour served him well, personally and professionally.

“His self-deprecating manner won admiration from his colleagues and clients alike,” he said.

The morning radio show host said he and Wentzell shared a love of sports as well and enjoyed them together.

“I played ball and curled with Paul for many years. We also went on numerous sports trips together,” Roberts said, though he joked that his friend’s enthusiasm for the games more than compensated for any shortfall in terms of skill.

“If not an all-star, Paul was an integral part of all of those teams, helping to foster camaraderie on all of them.”

Giving back to community

Wentzell’s love for Fredericton was something everyone in the community would have seen and felt - whether they knew it or not.

“He was also a driving force behind the Fredericton Civic Pride Committee, which put on the city’s Canada Day activities every year,” Roberts said.

Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers said Tuesday he was a vital part of the capital community, be it through his work in radio or volunteer work.

“Paul Wentzell was a pillar in our community. He became an advocate for small businesses through his work with the radio stations and he always knew how to throw a good party as demonstrated through his organizing of the annual Canada Day celebrations,” she wrote in an email Tuesday.

“Paul contributed so much to Fredericton and he will be sadly missed. My deepest condolences to Paul’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Wentzell was also the longtime president of UCT Fredericton, a local service club that was active in charitable efforts.

In recent years, UCT Fredericton became perhaps best known for its charity poker tournaments.

New Maryland resident Tina Brasseur, who helped out with the poker tournaments with expertise and promotion, said Tuesday said the UCT charity events are very much a part of Wentzell’s legacy.

“Paul was instrumental in creating one of the largest fundraising poker tournaments in the Maritimes, UCT’s annual January poker tournament, raising ten of thousands of dollars for various organizations in our community,” she said.

“With the event around the corner this year’s tournament will be a little more special for us.”

Through those charity tournaments, Wentzell became a cornerstone of the New Brunswick poker community, attracting players from other cities to come and play in the Fredericton charity events, and promoting others around the province.

UCT Fredericton secretary/treasurer Terry MacDonald said Tuesday that the club’s poker events did more than just raise money for worthy causes.

The organization’s push to hold those events helped pave the way for them to be done so legally through provincial legislation, he said, and Wentzell was an integral part of the movement to make it happen.

“We helped write the rules for charity poker tournaments,” MacDonald said.

Wentzell served as president of UCT Fredericton five times and was serving in that role when he died this week, he said.

Paul joined the service club in 1992 and received its highest honour - the Orwell Ford Memorial Award - twice over his three decades with the organization, MacDonald said.

UCT Fredericton representative Peter Arseneault announced Wentzell’s passing in the Fredericton Poker Games group on Facebook on Tuesday, with a recent photo of him presenting one of the many donation cheques the service club gave to numerous community organizations over the years.

“Paul was the driving force behind the UCT Fredericton poker tournaments. He will be sorely missed,” Arseneault wrote.

When contacted by the Fredericton Independent on Tuesday afternoon, Arseneault confirmed the decision had just been made to rebrand the annual January charity poker tournament as “The Paul Wentzell UCT Poker Tournament.”

It will be named as such as of the next instalment, set for Jan. 27, he said.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Wentzell had two grandchildren when in fact there are three. We regret the error.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Most members of Miramichi City Council are 'disappointed' and 'frustrated' by a business group's application for an injunction against an out-of-the-cold shelter in the Newcastle area, says Mayor Adam Lordon.

Town studying best option to collect data along Landegger Drive and Route 105

Nackawic-Millville council passed a motion at its Nov. 23 meeting to purchase radar equipment to collect traffic data along Landegger Drive, Route 105 and potentially other streets and roads to improve safety.

Coun. Katie Nozzolillo, who chairs the ad hoc committee studying speeding and road safety, shared a quote from North Line Canada for two radar options for council to consider.

Nackawic-Millville formed the ad-hoc committee to consider options to slow traffic on Landegger Drive and Route 105, where the two streets intersect.

During the summer, the committee reported to council, suggesting several options for slowing traffic on Landegger, including potential traffic-calming options such as speed bumps, additional stop signs, a raised median or narrowing the street with on-street parking.

The committee decided any traffic-calming option that council recommended would require accurate data. It also suggested buying its own data-collection equipment would serve the rural community over the long term.

North Line Canada provided quotes for two radar options — The Black Cat at $7,043 or the Fox at $4,122.

Nozzolillo explained that both systems collect date- and time-stamped data identifying traffic levels, speeding, dangerous driving, and other information that it downloads to a computer system or mobile app.

She explained the more expensive Black Cat system provides data on the types of vehicles.

Nozzolillo explained the systems don’t have cameras nor electronic boards posting speed rates to passing motorists.

During the discussion, some council members questioned whether the Black Cat would identify an ATV or Quad, thus providing data on the illegal use of Landegger and other streets by off-road riders.

Coun. Robert Simpson, who, along with Coun. Colin Trail, sits on the ad-hoc committee, moved a motion to recommend purchasing the system that staff recommends provides the best value after it studies the options.

Simpson explained the systems are not designed to identify drivers operating illegally on the street to present to the RCMP. However, he noted that it would provide valuable data the RCMP could use to plan its coverage of the streets.

The post Nackawic-Millville council weighing radar equipment for traffic control first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A New Brunswick man faces serious charges alleging he was drunk at the wheel when he was involved in an accident that injured three others seriously - and then took off without rendering aid.

Brandon Paul, 32, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday by telephone from a remand facility, where he’s being held on unrelated charges.

He was making his first appearance Tuesday on counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm to Clovis Daigle, Rebecca Myshrall and Skylar Dutcher and leaving the scene of an accident in which he knew or ought to have known people sustained bodily harm without stopping to provide assistance, alleged to have occurred in Lincoln on Dec. 4, 2022.

Duty counsel Melinda Ponting-Moore said Paul was seeking an adjournment to obtain his disclosure and to apply for legal aid before entering pleas to the charges.

Judge Lucie Mathurin set the case over to Jan. 4.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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COVID-19 has killed four more New Brunswickers, while flu activity has spiked again, sending eight people to hospital, three of whom required intensive care, including one aged 20 to 44.

Student reports strange encounter in Kirkpatrick Street and Connell Park Road area

he Woodstock Police Force issued a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 5, regarding its ongoing investigation of an unusual interaction between a student and a passing vehicle.

The statement said that the town police are actively investigating an incident that occurred between 8:20 and 8:25 a.m. Tuesday on Kirkpatrick Street and Connell Park Road in Woodstock.

“Police were advised that a high school student while walking towards the high school, was approached by a vehicle,” the statement explained. “A very brief interaction occurred, with the occupants asking to use the student’s phone. The student declined; however, as the vehicle left, they thought they may have heard someone in the back passenger seat asking for assistance. The student then witnessed the vehicle driving around the area for a short period of time.”

The statement noted the matter remains under investigation but confirmed it received no reports of any missing persons and has not received any further calls of this nature.

Police described the vehicle in question as possibly a black Rav 4 or CRV, with the two front occupants as a white male driving and a white female passenger in their 40s.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the Woodstock Police Force attention Sgt. Seth Cahill (506) 325-4601 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by using the secure P3 Mobile App, or through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The post Woodstock Police Force investigating unusual incident first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The municipal district of St. Stephen has declared a state of local emergency over community homelessness, just days after a death in a public space, which came to light in an emergency council meeting Monday night.

Queens of the Stone Age will play shows in Moncton and Halifax with special guests The Struts in April 2024.  Queens of the Stone Age have announced a string of…

The post Queens of the Stone Age Announce Maritime Shows appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The task force examining September’s fire at American Iron and Metal will release its final report in a live-streamed event this morning. 

The New Brunswick Nurses Union is calling on the provincial government to commit to ending the use of travel nurses by the end of 2025, describing the nearly $57 million spent on the private agency nurses in five months as "astounding."

Scenes from hours of family fun in Woodstock

Games, crafts and a personal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus highlighted the family fun in the NBCC Woodstock gymnasium on Saturday, Dec. 2. 

In what has become an annual tradition to ignite the holiday celebration, the NBCC Woodstock student union presented Wake Up Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus, comfortably sitting in front of the Christmas tree on stage, shared laughs with children, posed for photos and carefully made a list of the young one’s Christmas wishes. 

NBCC students offered several game and craft tables throughout the gymnasium and served hot chocolate. 

The event included stations to compose a letter to Santa, draw and paint Christmas scenes, create a variety of crafts and play games. 

College students Muideen Raheem and Jay Ar Fuentes oversaw a ring-toss game, admittedly allowing the younger children to find the easiest way to get the ring over the reindeer’s antlers. 

Fuentes said watching happy and excited children play games and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus is an excellent way for him and his fellow students to spend a Saturday morning. 

The post NBCC helps Wake Up Santa first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A week after their votes were cast in secret, Moncton councillors publicly reversed course on displaying religious symbols outside city hall and offered hints at how it unfolded.

New Brunswick’s auditor general is facing a lawsuit by his former deputy, who alleges in a court filing that her firing earlier this year was “retaliatory.”

With the handover to the province approaching, is the park ready for the change?

Jurors in a coroner's inquest heard testimony about how a plastic tote weighing 2 tonnes fell on William Russell, while he was on the job in Tracyville, N.B.