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.

Mayor announces Ray Haines’ resignation at Nov. 14 meeting

By Sandra Hanson and Jim Dumville, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The comings and goings are continuing for the District of Carleton North.

At the November 14, 2023, council meeting, Mayor Andrew Harvey announced that Coun. Ray Haines had submitted his resignation, effective November 9, 2023.

River Valley Sun spoke to Mayor Harvey regarding the resignation. Harvey spoke well of Haines.

“Ray was a good councillor, and he always had the community’s best interest at heart,” said Harvey.

While making it clear that he could not speak for Haines, when asked if he knew why the resignation had been submitted, Harvey said, “I think he was frustrated at the direction the council was going.”

Haines did not respond to River Valley Sun’s requests for comment.

The councillor’s resignation follows numerous staffing changes, including an almost complete reshuffling of the top administrative staff, since the new council took over the newly formed District of Carleton North on Jan. 1.

In June, council terminated Haines’ wife, Bobbie O’Connell, as Director of Tourism and Recreation and Sarah Pacey as CAO. Shortly after, Michelle Derrah resigned as clerk.

Sean Lockhart, who replaced Pacey as CAO, resigned after only six weeks. He said the mayor and some councillors micromanaged the district’s operation and interfered with the CAO.

Mayor Harvey doesn’t believe the staff changes are unusual.

“Yes, there’s been change, but that’s not abnormal,” he said. “When you go through a change like this [amalgamation], there’s always going to be staffing changes. I’m not worried about it. We have a great staff, and they work well together.”

Harvey said Haines’ fellow council members regretted but respected his decision to resign.

“I wish him all the best,” said Harvey.

The mayor said the district notified the electoral office of the vacancy in Carleton North.

He said Elections NB will hold a by-election next year to fill all vacant seats throughout the Province.

The post Councillor resigns from District of Carleton North Council first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Nackawic-Millville setting an example with thriving drop-in centre

One year after opening its doors, Nackawic-Millville’s “The Gathering Place” has lived up to its name and vision.

Friday, Dec. 1, marked the first anniversary of the opening of the drop-in centre located in the Nackawic Mall. Like most days in the past, visitors filled it with friendship, kindness, smiles and conversation.

For Julie Stone, co-chair of Nackawic’s Age-Friendly Committee, The Gathering Place’s success is gratifying but not shocking.

Stone explained she shared her vision with fellow committee members while they spent five years ensuring the greater Nackawic community met the stringent criteria required by the province, Canada, the United Nations and the World Health Organization to earn the official age-friendly designation.

“It feels really good,” Stone said, noting the excellent community effort involved in making The Gathering Place a reality.

She still marvels at the widespread support the idea received.

“Everybody helped once we got going,” Stone said. “It was amazing.”

Those volunteer efforts continue a year later.

“There’s nothing we talk about that needs doing when somebody doesn’t jump up as says ‘I can do it,'” Stone said.

Nackawic resident Joyce Barr, who just moved to the Big Axe Community the day the centre opened, understands its importance.

“It was a great place to meet people,” she said.

Barr said she drops by almost daily when not busy or travelling somewhere.

While the idea of The Gathering Place came together relatively quickly, it wasn’t easy.

Stone said the first challenge was finding the right place, noting the focus on seniors dictated getting an accessible spot without stairs. As happened from the beginning, she said, local business owners stepped forward to help.

She said J-Lynn Jensen and John Almeda, the new owners of Your Independent Grocer supermarket in the Nackawic Mall, heard about the planned drop-in centre. Knowing there was a vacant storefront near them in the mall, they told Stone they would approach the mall owners to arrange a good deal on its rental.

Stone said the spot, in the centre of Nackawic, proved ideal. She added that the supermarket owners continue to support The Gathering Place, arranging for an employee to open the door each morning and turn on the coffee makers and other devices for the day.

Stone said the entire community and beyond stepped forward to help prepare the centre.

She noted outreach nurses from UNB played a huge role.

“They scrubbed, scoured and painted with volunteers,” she said.

Stone noted that part of The Gathering Place’s success is its informal operation.

While it operates under the auspices of the Nackawic and Area Wellness Committee, the drop-in centre is exactly what the name suggests: a place to gather and socialize with friends and neighbours.

Users don’t need to be members or pay registration fees. Stone said the centre asks only that guests sign in so they can keep a record of how many use it.

Using the sign-in book, Stone calculated that 100 residents, 70 women and 30 men, visit The Gathering Spot regularly.

She said visitors come from all Nackawic-Millville wards.

Even before the amalgamation of Nackawic and surrounding local service districts in January of 2023, all the communities worked together to secure the Age-Friendly designation. In addition to Nackawic, the committee included representatives from Millville, Southampton, Temperance Vale, Pokiok and Dumfries.

She explained that donations from users, residents, and businesses cover the rental and utilities, while the wellness committee helps secure grants to purchase appliances, furniture, and other equipment. She added that some equipment came courtesy of business donations.

While the centre offers a few semi-regular activities, Stone explained that visitors primarily use The Gathering Space to socialize. Guests are welcome to sit at the piano to play a tune, play cards, play board games, or complete jigsaw puzzles.

They have a fully equipped kitchen for tea, coffee or snacks.

Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox dropped by the centre on Friday to help celebrate its first anniversary and help cut the cake.

“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for our community,” Fox told the River Valley Sun. “It’s a model for other communities.”

He said that representatives from numerous communities across New Brunswick to study The Gathering Place’s success.

Fox said the foundation of The Gathering Place’s success is people working together for a common cause.

“We’re so lucky in this community to have so many people willing to volunteer.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon, whose constituency office neighbours the Nackawic Mall, dropped in to help celebrate the anniversary.

He echoed the mayor’s comments about Nackawic-Millville’s residents’ sense of community.

Bragdon, who grew up and went to school in Nackawic, had a special hug for Stone, his first-grade teacher.

“This is such a great place,” said the MP, referring to both The Gathering Place and the community.

The post The Gathering Place proves a great place to gather first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A teenage Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation boy who was in the wind for two weeks after skipping a court date in an attempted-robbery case has been released on conditions again.

The 14-year-old youth - whose can’t be identified as per the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act - was arrested at the Irving/Circle K Convenience store at 181 King St. the morning of Oct. 19 with a 15-year-old co-accused after a car smashed into the front of the business in what police reported as an attempted robbery.

Bail hearings were held for both teens Oct. 23, and while the 15-year-old was remanded, Judge Cameron Gunn ruled the 14-year-old’s continued detention wasn’t necessary.

He was released on conditions and ordered to return to court Nov. 14 to enter pleas, but the teen didn’t show up. A warrant was issued for his arrest at that time.

Police picked him up last week after two weeks, and he was remanded Friday pending a bail hearing, which was held Monday.

After the 14-year-old’s second bail hearing Monday, though, Judge Lucie Mathurin ruled the boy could again be released on the same conditions as last time.

She ordered him to return to court Jan. 3 to enter pleas.

The 14-year-old is charged jointly with the 15-year-old Bilijk boy with attempting to rob the gas station, possessing a stolen 2018 Mercedes C300 and masking their faces during the Oct. 19 incident, during which the stolen car smashed into the doors of the business.

The younger defendant is also charged with indictable assault, uttering threats to cause death and/or bodily harm and breach of a police undertaking in connection with the same incident.

He now also faces additional charges of breaching a release order by failing to reside at a Bilijk First Nation home Nov. 10 and failing to attend court Nov. 14.

The 15-year-old youth, who remains in custody, is due back in Fredericton youth court Dec. 20 to enter pleas.

In addition to the joint charges, he’s also accused of assault with a weapon (the Mercedes), dangerous driving, mischief causing damage to the gas station and breach of a youth probation order, all stemming from the same Oct. 19 incident at the gas station.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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An unexpected seasonal gift from Fredericton-based clothing brand Down With The Ship blends obscure New Brunswick holiday nostalgia with an equally diverse mix of not-so-classic classics.  Matt Carter Just a…

The post Down With The Ship drops holiday mixtape appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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The Fredericton Police Force is turning to the public for help in tracking down an offender who was a no-show in court last month for sentencing on fraud crimes.

The city police issued an advisory Monday afternoon about Joshua Lee Best, 37, who the force described as “arrestable on several police files.”

It’s hoping members of the public can provide information on his whereabouts or that could lead to him being found, the alert said.

Best is described as Caucasian, about six feet (183 centimetres) tall, weighing about 240 pounds (109 kilograms), with brown and grey hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fredericton Police Force by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing [email protected].

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The Fredericton Independent reported last month that Best failed to attend court for a sentencing hearing Nov. 14 for impersonating a disabled man and defrauding the federal government.

Best pleaded guilty in August to counts of personating Kelly Lee Moses fraudulently for monetary gain and defrauding the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of more than $5,000 between Dec. 3, 2020, and July 22, 2021, in Fredericton.

When he was a no-show for sentencing, the court noted he hadn’t attended probation services for his requested pre-sentence report, and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Court heard previously Best had taken advantage of Moses’ intellectual disability so as to impersonate him and to fleece the federal government of thousands of dollars.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Evening event lights up the night

Under a clear, crisp night sky, residents gathered together in Florenceville-Bristol on Sunday, Nov. 26, for the first annual District of Carleton North Santa Claus Parade.

Hundreds of people and vehicles lined the street, three and four deep in places. Parade Marshall Glenn Canam led the procession from the Florenceville Middle School to the Town Hall on Station Street.

Florenceville-Bristol Chamber of Commerce representative Barbara Meed said there were nearly 40 parade entries, making this one of the largest parades in recent years. One of those entries included the Canada Post walkers, who collected letters from 37 children to deliver to Santa.

“I am so touched and delighted that this effort worked so well,” Meed said.

The post Florenceville-Bristol hosts first annual District of Carleton North Santa Claus parade first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Minto woman accused of second-degree murder in the death of the man she was living with a year ago will stand trial before a jury in a year’s time.

Jodie Carrie Clark, 31, appeared Monday for the Court of King’s Bench motions day at the Burton Courthouse by telephone from the New Brunswick Women’s Centre in Miramichi, where she’s being held in custody.

She faces an Oct. 9, 2022, count of second-degree murder for Alexander “Andy” Ladds’s death.

The case was previously scheduled to go through a preliminary inquiry in provincial court in January. Such hearings are held in the lower level of court to test the Crown’s evidence and to determine if there’s sufficient cause to set cases over for trial at the Court of King’s Bench.

However, that preliminary inquiry didn’t happen, as the Crown filed a preferred indictment in the case, which allows the prosecution to skip that preliminary phase and proceed directly to trial.

That’s why Clark’s case was before King’s Bench Justice Thomas Christie on Monday, to schedule and confirm the dates for her jury trial.

The court set the trial for two weeks late next year: Nov. 26 to 29, and continuing Dec. 2 to 6.

Clark will remain in custody until that time.

The RCMP reported last year that police and paramedics were dispatched to a home on Highway 105 in Maugerville at about 7 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2022.

Ladds, who was seriously injured, was found inside his home and was rushed to hospital, a police news release said, and Ladds died as a result of his injuries the following day.

Clark was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and made her first appearance in court Oct. 11, 2022.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The federal government is expected to announce an agreement with New Brunswick today to help combat gender-based violence. 

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A Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation man facing serious firearms allegations entered not-guilty pleas Friday without having secured legal counsel yet despite previous adjournments to allow him to do so.

Callum James McGraw, 36, of Geegan Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Friday to face six indictable charges, most stemming from illegal possession of firearms.

He elected to be tried in provincial court on the indictable charges and pleaded not guilty to possessing a .22-calibre Cooey rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun knowing they were stolen, possessing them while he was prohibited by a court order from having weapons, possessing them without a licence and possessing them knowing he didn’t have a licence to do so.

He also denied related charges of possessing other stolen property - a pellet gun, chainsaw and tool set belonging to Chris and Hollie Spillman, and being at large before the expiration of a sentence.

All charges allege events in Taymouth on May 10.

The at-large count indicates he was subject to a federal prison term at the time as well.

The case had been adjourned several times to give McGraw time to retain defence counsel, but at his last court appearance, a judge told him there’d be no further delays without plea.

McGraw, who isn’t in custody pending the outcome of the case, said he doesn’t have counsel yet but that he’d been in touch with the firm of Fredericton criminal defence lawyer T.J. Burke.

He said he’d call the office, but after being told Burke could take his case, he was informed he’d have to pay a retainer.

“I wasn’t expecting to have to do a retainer,” McGraw said, noting he thought he’d be able to hire Burke under a certificate from Legal Aid New Brunswick.

He said he’s on social assistance and is eligible for legal aid.

But duty counsel Melinda Ponting-Moore said there’s a noteworthy obstacle with regard to legal aid.

“He hasn’t completed his application for legal aid yet,” she said.

Until he does so, Ponting-Moore said, it’s not known if the legal-aid services commission will approve a certificate for outside counsel or if his file will be assigned to a legal-aid staff lawyer.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc set the matter over to Dec. 22 for a case-management conference and to see if McGraw has managed to get representation on the serious charges.

Those weapons offences would draw a likely federal-prison sentence in the event of convictions.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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With one psychiatrist deeming a Pomeroy Ridge man being unfit and another finding him fit, a judge had to decide between the conflicting opinions. 

And on Friday, she came down on the side of the latter.

Jarett Wayne Fraser Heuff, 25, of Clark Point Road in Pomeroy Ridge, about 50 kilometres south of McAdam, is accused by the RCMP of sexually assaulting and sexually touching an underage girl in McAdam between Oct. 30-31, 2021.

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah has put his client’s mental state at issue in the case, and a full hearing was held last month in Fredericton provincial court to determine if he’s fit to stand trial.

During that hearing, court heard from two psychiatrists - Dr. Tunde Apantaku and Dr. Christopher Bryniak - and while both made similar findings about Heuff’s limited capacity for communication and challenges in understanding concepts, they differed on the defendant’s fitness.

Tunde said while Heuff was able to explain the charges against him and understood the roles the various parties play in the court process, his undeniable cognitive delays make it difficult for him to participate fully in his defence.

However, Bryniak - whose opinion the Crown sought after Tunde’s report was filed with the court earlier this year - agreed Heuff suffers from a pronounced intellectual disability that does amount to a mental disorder.

However, the doctor testified, the defendant does understand what’s happening and can communicate information and instructions on his defence, given the proper supports.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc, in rendering her decision on fitness Friday, noted that Tunde is mainly a child psychiatrist, but that aligns to a certain degree with examining Heuff, as he’s been assessed as having the mental capacity of a 12-year-old.

She noted that this marked the first time Tunde conducted a forensic psychiatric assessment for consideration by a court, while Bryniak is one of only two psychiatrists in the province who specializes in that field and has done hundreds of such examinations.

The judge also pointed out that unlike Tunde, Bryniak met with Heuff in the absence of his adoptive mother, who had a tendency to influence the defendant and to provide answers he would adopt.

LeBlanc said the test for a finding of fitness is that a defendant is so on a balance of probabilities, and she found that Heuff met that test.

After the decision, Derrah asked the court to order a new psychiatric assessment, this time to determine if his client might be exempt from criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged offences due to his mental disorder.

He noted Bryniak, in his report and testimony on fitness, said criminal responsibility might be an issue in Heuff’s case.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford took no issue with the defence request, and the judge ordered the new assessment, to be conducted in the community.

LeBlanc set the case over to Feb. 26 to give the Horizon Health Network time to find and assign a psychiatrist to conduct the examination.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The organic soil underneath the surface of bogs is a big business in northeast New Brunswick, processed and shipped around the world as a starter for everything from roses to tomatoes.

For the first time ever, the Christmas toy drive at What Kids Need Moncton has had to start a waitlist for families in need.

Nova Scotia is offering drive-thru COVID-19 and flu vaccines at Dartmouth General Hospital, but it's unclear whether New Brunswick has any plans to provide a similar service.

Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce delights young and old with Santa Claus parade

People turned out to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus during the annual Santa Claus parade in Woodstock, New Brunswick, on Sunday, Dec. 3. The event, which helps kick off the Christmas season, was a success with mild temperatures and great weather. The parade is organized by the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, and saw many local businesses display their Christmas spirit through floats and decorated vehicles.

The post VIDEO: Santa and Mrs. Claus make stop in Woodstock first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Kick-off to Christmas begins with mild weather, hot chocolate, and carols

By Michelle Derrah, special to the River Valley Sun

People of all ages came out to enjoy Hartland’s kick-off to Christmas with their annual tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 1. A large crowd gathered at Charles Allen Park, located next to the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library.

Although the weather was mild for December, people could enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate to keep the chill away.

A group of students from Hartland Community School started the evening with several carols, and some on-lookers could be heard singing along with their favourites.

When the moment came for the big finale, everyone counted down in anticipation of Mayor Tracey DeMerchant lighting the tree.

Several more holiday events are planned in Hartland on December 9, including the Gingerbread Building Competition sponsored by Hartland Freshmart, Kids Craft Day, Pictures with Santa at Hartland Valufoods, and Skate with Santa on December 10.

Please get in touch with the Town’s Recreation Office for more details on how to participate in these events.

The post Bright lights and brighter smiles in Hartland for annual tree-lighting ceremony first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre hosted its annual Wabanaki language conference in November.

When the Beaverbrook Art Gallery sold an original painting donated to the gallery by Lord Beaverbrook, questions surfaced about why these decade-old paintings would be auctioned.

Investigation dismisses reports of shots fired in Chapel Street area

The Woodstock Police Force released a statement on Saturday, Dec. 2, updating its previous day’s release of suspected gunshots in Woodstock’s downtown area. 

Saturday’s release said investigation officers determined the reported sounds were fireworks, not gunshots. 

On Friday, Dec. 1, the Woodstock Police Force released a statement addressing an incident where officers responded to reports of shots fired from an SUV on Chapel Street.

“After a comprehensive investigation, the Woodstock Police have conclusively established that the sounds reported by witnesses were, in fact, the result of fireworks rather than gunshots,” Deputy Chief Mark Bennett said in a release late Saturday afternoon. 

The statement thanked the public for reporting the incident and working with police to resolve it.  

“The Woodstock Police Force extend their gratitude to the public for promptly reporting the incident, contributing significantly to the resolution of the matter,” Saturday’s statement said. “The safety of our residents remains our top priority, and through collaborative efforts with our community members and police partners, we strive to create a secure environment for everyone in the Town of Woodstock.”

Saturday’s statement updated Friday’s report that Woodstock police were investigating reports of possible gunshots. 

Following the reports from several witnesses, the WPF statement on Friday reported that patrol officers and members of the WPF’s Street Crime and Integrated Enforcement Units responded to a firearm-related complaint near Chapel Street in Woodstock.

“Numerous witnesses described hearing two loud bangs, which they believed were gunshots and stated they appeared to come from a beige SUV,” the statement explained. “The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and was last seen heading north on Chapel Street.”

The original statement included a computerized photo of an SUV but offered no details. 

The post UPDATE: Fireworks, not gunshots, in downtown Woodstock first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Suri Pafford, 14, is an elite boxer from Saint John. But she’s having to go abroad in order to face the top competition she needs to fulfil her dreams.

Police officials to share information on theft protection, neighbourhood watch programs, and safety

Woodstock Police Force Chief Gary Forward and Western District RCMP Dan Sharpe will share the stage on Dec. 11 in a public forum aimed at helping Woodstock residents better protect their and neighbour’s properties.

During her opening remarks at the Nov. 28 Woodstock council meeting, Mayor Trina Jones announced plans for the public forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at the McCain Community Theatre in the Woodstock High School.

She urged the public to take in what she described as the “unique” event, noting it highlights the ongoing collaborations between the town force, which provides policing for Ward 4, the former town boundaries, and the RCMP, which polices the four outlying rural wards.

“This is the first collaboration with a meeting like this with our RCMP and our town reps both represented,” said Jones.

The mayor, who will moderate the forum, said all council members plan to attend.

Jones said Chief Forward and Sgt. Sharpe will offer theft-prevention tips, advice on community safety and field questions from the audience.

Sgt. Sharpe, a Woodstock native, recently took over command of the Western Valley RCMP operations.

In a recent interview with the River Valley Sun, he acknowledged that petty crime is rampant in the region.

“We are putting every effort and all our resources into solving crime and putting those responsible in jail,” Sharpe said.

Forward echoed Sharpe’s viewpoint in a recent report to council, noting the town force’s strong relationship with the RCMP.

Jones said the Woodstock Police Force and RCMP reps at the meeting would share best practices and field questions from residents about starting neighbourhood watch programs and ways to help each other out.

She encouraged council members to spread the word about the forum to constituents and recommended that residents attend the forum.

The post Woodstock Police Force, RCMP to host public forum first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A group that advocates on behalf of people living in poverty says “living wage” requirements have risen again across the province.

A workshop series in November taught a group of Bilijk youth the basics of various skilled trades, in an effort to break negative misconceptions and inspire a new generation of Indigenous tradespeople.

Randy Boissonnault, the federal minister of employment and official languages, is accusing certain provincial premiers of standing in the way of Canada's "ambition."

The review comes after renewed calls by Acadian groups to rename the school as it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The university was named after the city — which was named for Robert Monckton, an 18th-century British military figure who was involved in the deportation of Acadians.

Francis Weil, president of the Moncton Jewish Community, says the city's decision not to allow the menorah is a profound "hurt" to the people he represents and hasn't been applied consistently to all religions. The city won't comment.

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A Fredericton man accused of possessing hard drugs - including fentanyl - for trafficking purposes is being held pending a bail hearing set for early next week.

Jason Mollins, 39, of Emmerson Court, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from a police station cellblock Friday afternoon.

He was charged with possessing methamphetamines, cocaine and fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking, and possessing a 9-mm handgun while prohibited by a court order from doing so.

The charges allege offences in Fredericton on Thursday.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford objected to Mollins’ release, and Judge Natalie LeBlanc remanded him pending a bail hearing, which she set for Monday afternoon.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Officers respond to reports of gunshots from vehicle on Chapel Street in Woodstock

The Woodstock Police Force is investigating reports of shots fired in downtown Woodstock on Friday.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Dec. 1, Deputy Chief Mark Bennett confirmed patrol officers, along with members of the WPF’s Street Crime and Integrated Enforcement Units, earlier Friday responded to a firearm-related complaint in the vicinity of Chapel Street in Woodstock.

“Numerous witnesses described hearing two loud bangs, which they believed were gunshots and stated they appeared to come from a beige SUV,” the statement explained. “The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and was last seen heading north on Chapel Street.”

The release included a photo of what appeared to be a computer image from a camera showing an SUV.

The Woodstock Police Force asks anyone with information to contact Sgt. Seth Cahill at (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 possible drive-by shooting incident first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is reopening its call for proposals from people interested in creating more designated daycare spaces.

The Higgs government says it’s willing to extend the legislature’s sitting days closer to Christmas if that’s what it takes to pass a bill on five union pension plans.

Some businesses and business groups have asked the courts for an injunction to stop the creation of an out-of-the-cold shelter on a vacant lot near Miramichi's waterfront. 

A replacement for George Street Middle School in downtown Fredericton is one of six new school projects announced by the New Brunswick government. About time, says the Parent School Support Committee vice-chair.

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Two Fredericton men accused of a January 2022 killing in Chipman saw their preliminary inquiry on a second-degree murder charge set for the spring, but it’s likely that hearing won’t happen.

Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, and Matthew David LeBlanc, 29, both of Fredericton, face a joint first-degree murder charge, alleging they killed Brandon Patrick Donelan on Jan. 28, 2022, in Chipman.

The case was back in Fredericton provincial court Friday to schedule a preliminary inquiry.

Hood - who’s serving a federal sentence and was recently transferred to a Quebec prison - appeared in person with his defence counsel, Brian Munro, and Matthew LeBlanc was represented by Pierrette Allain, appearing as agent for his defence lawyer Gilles Lemieux.

A preliminary inquiry is held for more serious, indictable charges to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set such matters over for trial at a superior level of court - which in New Brunswick would be the Court of King’s Bench.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc scheduled Hood and Matthew LeBlanc’s preliminary inquiry for April 22-26.

However, it’s unlikely that hearing will go ahead as scheduled.

As of late, the Crown prosecutors’ office has been filing preferred indictments in several cases headed to trial in the Court of King’s Bench, skipping the preliminary-inquiry phase.

In fact, the Crown has already done so in a concurrent prosecution connected to the same murder.

In a separate charge before the courts in the Fredericton district, Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 40, of Newcastle Creek, and Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac, are jointly accused of first-degree murder in Donelan’s death as well.

While a preliminary inquiry date had previously been scheduled for them in that prosecution for the spring as well, the Crown filed a preferred indictment in that case.

Blyth and McIsaac’s King’s Bench six-week jury trial is set to begin April 23, 2025.

Donelan was reported as missing to police Jan. 30, 2022, but his body wasn’t found until March 31, 2022, when members of the RCMP’s major crime unit found it along a snowmobile trail.

Drug, firearms charges

The RCMP arrested Hood and Blyth on June 21 when officers executed a search warrant at Blyth’s home near Chipman.

While Blyth was charged with the Donelan murder shortly after that arrest, the search also led the RCMP to file drug and firearms charges against her and Hood.

Hood and Blyth are jointly charged with possessing crystal meth, cocaine and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence or authorization; possessing unloaded prohibited firearms (two other sawed-off shotguns) with readily accessible ammunition; possessing the sawed-off shotguns, another shotgun and three rifles for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; possessing non-restricted firearms without a licence; and storing those seven firearms improperly.

And on his own, Hood is charged with violating a court order barring him from possessing firearms.

That case was before Judge LeBlanc on Friday as well for election of mode of trial.

Emily Cochrane, co-defence counsel for Blyth said her client was prepared to elect trial by Court of King’s Bench judge alone and would waive a preliminary inquiry.

A problem arose when it came to Hood’s election.

Munro said while he’s retained as counsel on the murder, charge, he’s yet to be assigned Hood’s case on the drug and firearms allegations. He appeared on those charges not as Hood’s counsel, but rather as a friend of the court, anticipating he’ll be given a legal-aid certificate on those counts as well.

“I haven’t seen the file,” the defence lawyer said, noting it’s difficult for him to advise Hood on how to elect before he’s officially retained as defence counsel and before reviewing disclosure.

Since Hood and Blyth are charged jointly, their election has to be the same. If the case two jointly charged defendants differ on mode of trial, the one who opts for the highest level is the one who determines the election.

For example, while Blyth is opting for a King’s Bench trial by judge alone, if Hood chooses a judge and jury trial, that’s how the matter would proceed.

The judge set the drug and firearm prosecution over to Dec. 21 for election, in the hope that Munro will be on the case and will have had a chance to review the file.  

Note: A previous report on this case erroneously indicated Donelan’s body was found by a passerby on a trail in the Chipman area when in fact RCMP officers were the ones who located his remains. We regret the error.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A logging-truck driver lost control on Grand Lake Road in Doaktown, and the truck ended up in a cemetery. Locals say the hill has been a danger for years.

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A 14-year-old Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation boy who skipped his first non-custodial court appearance on robbery and other charges has been found and arrested once again.

The youth - whose identity is protected by the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act - appeared in Fredericton youth court by telephone Friday morning.

He’d previously been freed from custody subject to the conditions of a release order after being charged with several offences stemming from a dramatic attempted robbery at a downtown gas station Oct. 19.

The 14-year-old and another Bilijk First Nation boy, age 15, were both charged with attempting to rob the Irving/Circle K Convenience store at 181 King St., possessing a stolen 2018 Mercedes C300 and masking their faces during the Oct. 19 incident.

The 14-year-old faces related charges of indictable assault, uttering threats to cause death and/or bodily harm and violation of a police undertaking.

Following a bail hearing Oct. 23, the younger boy was released on conditions, while the 15-year-old was remanded pending the outcome of the charges.

The younger boy was scheduled to appear in youth court Nov. 14 to enter pleas to the charges, but contrary to the release order, he failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Friday’s court appearance came as a result of the execution of that warrant, and Judge Natalie LeBlanc noted there were two new counts before the court.

She said the youth is now accused of breaching his release order by failing to remain at a Bilijk First Nation residence under house arrest Nov. 10 and again by failing to attend court as required Nov. 14.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford objected to the teen’s release and applied to revoke the previous release order.

LeBlanc remanded the boy to the New Brunswick Youth Centre in Miramichi and scheduled a bail hearing for Monday morning.  

The 15-year-old - who faces separate but related counts of assault with a weapon (the Mercedes), dangerous driving, mischief causing damage to the gas station and breach of a youth probation order - is scheduled to enter pleas on the charges Dec. 20.

All charges arose as a result of an early-morning incident at the downtown Irving station Oct. 19 when the stolen Mercedes crashed through the doors of the business.

It was reported to police as an attempted robbery, and the incident caused severe damage to the facade of the business and forced its closure for a brief period.

The two underage suspects were arrested at the scene, police reported, and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A defendant being held in custody on 17 charges alleging firearms offences and other crimes denied the various counts Friday.

Marc LeBlanc, 40, of no fixed address, appeared in the prisoner’s dock in Courtroom No. 5 in Fredericton’s Justice Building on Friday to answer to numerous charges.

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah told Fredericton provincial court Judge Natalie LeBlanc his client was electing to be tried in provincial court and pleading not guilty to all counts.

The defendant is accused of the following charges, alleged to have occurred in Oromocto on Sept. 30:

• carrying a concealed weapon - namely, a sawed-off rifle;

• two counts of possessing sawed-off rifles for a purpose dangerous to the public peace;

• possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off rifle) without a licence or certificate;

• possessing firearms and ammunition while prohibited from doing so by a court order; 

• occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited firearm therein;

• possessing an unloaded prohibited firearm (a sawed-off rifle) with readily accessible ammunition;

• possessing the rifles knowing he didn’t have a licence for them;

• storing firearms improperly;

• obstructing RCMP Const. Shawn Elhatton in the execution of his duty;

• causing more than $5,000 in property damage to a U-Haul moving cube truck;

• and four counts of possessing stolen identity documents: driver’s licences belonging to Braden Robert Kent, Joseph Frank Levi Lirette and Alex Girouard, as well as the birth certificate of Joseph Paul Daniel Fougere.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford said more than a day would be needed for trial, so the judge scheduled a case-management conference for Dec. 22 to see if the issues to be examined at trial can be narrowed.

It’s expected a trial date will be set at that time.

During a previous court appearance in October, Marc LeBlanc had sought a court order for a 30-day psychiatric assessment to determine if he might be exempt from criminal responsibility due to a mental disorder at the time of his alleged offences.

However, a judge declined to issue that order, noting that no information was filed with the court to show there were reasonable grounds for it.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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International students despair as cancellations leave them in a difficult situation. New Brunswick Community College has no details to share with the public, including what programs were dropped or how many students are affected.

Another deadline has come and gone for Coastal Shell Products and nothing has changed for the residents of Richibucto, says the founder of the community’s “Stop the Stink” campaign. 

A women’s shelter at Natoaganeg First Nation will serve Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQ people fleeing violence in the home.

Plenty of holiday events over the weekend and into the coming weeks, including town’s annual Santa Claus parade

Anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit will have plenty of chances in Woodstock over the coming days.

December 1

Those searching for unique gift ideas should check out the Woodstock First Nation Annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, at the WFN Gymnasium at 3 Wulastook Court.

The bazaar will include food, crafts, knitting, wreaths, gifts, art, raffles and door prizes.

December 2

Kick Saturday off with the monthly Northampton Recreation Centre breakfast to fuel the body with the energy needed to enjoy all the day’s activities.

The Northampton Rec Club will serve a full breakfast at its centre at 3791 Route 105 in Northampton from 7 to 10 a.m. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children aged six to 12, with children under six eating free.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, the NBCC Woodstock gymnasium will ring with children’s laughter as the college hosts the annual Wake Up Santa event. The entire family can enjoy hot chocolate, crafts and photos with the newly awakened Santa.

Woodstock’s Feeds’ n’ Needs will offer more photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, this time for the family pet. Bring the dog, cat or more exotic pets to the store on Connell Street for Festive Pet Photos taken by Wild One’s Photography, with all funds supporting the Carleton County Animal Shelter.

For the craft-minded, the AYR Motor Centre’s Sam’s Room will offer visitors a chance to make or paint their own clay ornaments.

The fundraiser in support of the community Rose Garden, between 1:30 and 3 p.m., provides the opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to make their own clay ornament or paint a premade one.

December 3

Sunday offers several family holiday events, including the annual Santa Claus Parade, beginning at 2 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre.

The parade will travel along Kirkpatrick Street, south on Main Street, to King Street.

The theme for the 2023 parade, sponsored by the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, is “O Christmas Tree.”

Before heading out to watch the parade, gift shoppers can take advantage of the Holly Jolly Craft Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 in Woodstock.

Local vendors will offer distinctive products, while the Legion will sell hot dogs on-site.

On Sunday evening, the Woodstock Baptist Church at 785 Main Street hosts its Journey Through Bethlehem from 6 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the meaning of Christmas with the drive-through living Nativity scene.

December 10

The Woodstock Christmas scene will remain active in the weeks ahead with various entertaining family options.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, six local churches will participate in the “Christmas Open House Tour of Churches of Woodstock.

The self-guided tour from 2 to 5 p.m. will provide a chance to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas at the local churches. The churches involved are Bethel Pentecostal Assembly on St. James Street, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Victoria Street, St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church on St. Gertrudes Street, Saint James United Church on Chapel Street, Woodstock Baptist Church on Main Street and St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Main Street.

Also, on Sunday, Dec. 10, the Woodstock Baptist Church will host the Brand New Hallelujah, a Christmas Worship Experience from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 15

Classical music will ring through St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Friday, Dec. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. when the church hosts Candle Classix.

The show, presented by Delacroix Classix, will feature Natalia Delacroix on Viola, soprano Sally Dibblee and guitarist Steven Peacock. The show will also welcome special guests from Sally’s Voice Studio.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or $25 at the door. Admission is free for students and children.

Ticket information is available online at delacroixclassix.com or by email at [email protected]

December 17

Woodstock High School will present its Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at the McCain Community Theatre. The concert will offer performances by choir, band, classes and individuals.

The event will include a dessert auction.

December 19

Add a little extra magic to this year’s holiday season at Christmas in the Dooryard, featuring Canadian Champion of Magic Nathaniel Rankin at the McCain Community Theatre.

The show, featuring the international award-winning magician and circus artist, begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets at $10 each are available in advance at Solstice Supply and Design.

Watch River Valley Sun for more news about upcoming Upper St. John River Valley Christmas events.

The post Greater Woodstock’s active Christmas scene first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Federal funding of $945,000 will result in the creation of two after-school hubs in Fredericton aimed at diverting youth away from criminal activity.

The Higgs government says it is accepting a series of recommendations designed to improve learning in the province’s anglophone school system, including a potentially new approach to classroom composition.

N.B. Public Safety Minister expected to approve creation of municipal force to replace RCMP in northern and central Carleton County

The union representing the 20,000 Canadian RCMP members, including those in New Brunswick’s West District, believes the District of Carleton North and Hartland councils’ plans to replace RCMP services with a municipal force is a mistake.

Through public statements and a letter-writing campaign to Carleton County residents, the National Police Federation said the councils failed to properly inform residents about the impact or cost to the communities’ taxpayers.

“Although the NPF welcomes policing service reviews, we are disappointed to see the Councils of Carleton North and Hartland move forward with a proposal for a police transition without meaningful consultation or transparency with residents,” the NPF said in a statement provided to the River Valley Sun.

The federation contends the cost estimates released by the Carleton North and Hartland Police Review Committee significantly underestimate actual costs.

“For the new police service, the councils’ projected operating costs of $3.2 million for year one and transition costs of $4.1 million simply do not square up with actual costs,” the federation stated.

It contends the committee neglected the costs of training, outfitting police vehicles, 911 dispatch services and the overlapping of the RCMP and new municipal services during the transition.

“This means that residents can expect the final bill to be much more,” said the NPF.

During two public forums held in Carleton North and Hartland on Nov. 8 and 9, Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey expressed confidence in the review committee’s cost estimates and proposed municipal force model.

He said the committee calculated the proposed force’s cost and level of service by examining similar municipal forces, such as the one serving residents of Beresford, Nigadoo, Petit-Rocher and Pointe-Verte in northern New Brunswick.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel here,” he said.

The two communities plan to have the new municipal force take over police services by Jan. 1, 2025.

With the RCMP requiring at least a year’s notice before it can be replaced, the committee expects approval from New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety Minister Kris Austin by Dec 1. That would allow the two councils to approve the plan at their December council meetings.

A spokesperson for Minister Austin and the department said the policing committee’s plan is still under review and couldn’t confirm if the minister’s approval would meet the Dec. 1 deadline requested by Hartland and District of Carleton North’s councils.

“The department is reviewing the proposal from the local governments, and as the review progresses, the department will be in touch with the communities,” said spokesperson Sarah Bustard in an email response to questions for the River Valley Sun.

She explained any proposal for a new police force must meet all requirements identified in the Police Service Delivery Model Process Guide.  

While the minister has not officially approved the review committee’s plan, the department approved it to take the first steps, including obtaining a design and cost estimate to convert the former Florenceville-Bristol town hall into the central police station. It will also utilize the former RCMP station in Hartland’s town hall complex as a substation.

Retired RCMP District Commander Staff Sgt John de Winter, who agreed to chair the police review committee, acknowledged at the Hartland public forum that its plan is only feasible with funding support for transition costs.

He said the province would need to cover infrastructure costs, as well as the purchase of cars, police equipment, furniture and other equipment costs.

The department spokesperson did not confirm whether the province would help with transition costs, saying only that the department’s review includes cost estimates.

“It is a local government’s responsibility to fund policing for their community,” she said.

The NPF urged Minister Austin to consider the shortcomings of the police review committee’s proposal before signing off on the plan.

“We strongly urge Public Safety Minister Kris Austin to consider the violation of the process guide and pause this proposal until all voices are heard on this important matter, and all costs are accounted for,” it said in its statement.

Citing experiences surrounding transitions in other municipalities, the NPF said unforeseen costs drove up property taxes by 15 per cent. 

“It is unfair to the residents of Carleton North and Hartland that they were not consulted on an expensive and unwanted police transition,” the NPF statement said. “Even worse, when they had the opportunity to be consulted during Open Houses, both councils only presented their completed transition plan and said the decision had already been made. On the Councils’ rushed timeline and hidden proposed police transition, residents have not had the appropriate time or platform to engage on this important issue.”

During the public forums, de Winter said local RCMP officials remain in the loop regarding the committee’s study, adding the committee listened to their proposals to improve police services in the region.

“If the RCMP came back to this committee with a better option, we’d accept it,” he said.

Harvey said the lack of police presence in the community and the rising crime rate became the most significant issue during last year’s election campaign, prompting the two communities to take action.

The NPF said the review committee did not consider the RCMP’s efforts to improve services, including the addition of six new RCMP officers to the region when making its decision.

The review committee’s proposed staffing model submitted to the minister includes a chief, deputy chief, four platoons featuring four officers each, a court officer, a receptionist, four auxiliary police officers, two casual police officers and community resources.

The committee estimates the proposed model could improve policing while covering the 2,010 sq km and 13,500 residents for the estimated $3.2 million annually. That’s less than the $3.3 million annual budget the neighbouring Woodstock Police Force requires to cover 15 sq km and 5,500 people.

Woodstock also submitted a policing plan to Minister Austin to expand the town force’s coverage to include the former local service districts, which became part of the municipality during last year’s municipal reform.

Woodstock’s detailed proposal to replace the RCMP in its rural areas estimates a cost of $7.7 million to cover just over $500 sq km and a population of approximately $11,000.

The Woodstock plan would deliver 24-7 coverage to the expanded municipality but would require doubling staff levels to more than 40. That’s double the staff levels proposed by Carleton North and Hartland.

Although Woodstock submitted its plan to Minister Austin in May, Mayor Trina Jones said the department has yet to respond.

The department spokesperson said the situation in Woodstock and other municipal forces looking at expanded municipalities differs from that in Carleton North and Hartland.

“The Department of Justice and Public Safety is assessing municipal/regional forces and their respective service delivery plans for the areas that will expand to ensure they can provide adequate services to the public,” the department spokesperson told the River Valley Sun. “The Department of Justice and Public Safety will get back to each individual municipality with a police force in the months ahead to discuss the proposed plans and the way forward.”

Mayor Jones’ said the Woodstock Police Force cannot expand its police jurisdiction to its expanded community without funding support from other levels of government.

The department failed to commit to any financial support for police services.

“Government has implemented several initiatives over the past year with the goal to make policing more efficient. This work continues,” the Justice and Public Safety Spokespersons stated in an email.

The post Carleton North and Hartland councils’ policing plan misguided, says union representing RCMP first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A new face will be presiding over cases in provincial court in Fredericton, as the New Brunswick government announced a new appointment Thursday.

Mélanie Poirier LeBlanc has been named to the provincial court bench and will sit in Fredericton, New Brunswick Justice Minister Hugh Flemming announced in a news release.

There’s been a vacancy in provincial court in Fredericton since Judge Kenneth Oliver was suspended with pay Oct. 3, 2022, pending a judicial council hearing into misconduct.

He subsequently retired Nov. 5, 2023.

“Ms. Poirier LeBlanc has a strong legal background and is a skilled lawyer with an excellent reputation,” Flemming said in the release. 

“I am confident her expertise and professionalism will be a welcome addition to the judiciary.”

Most recently, the newly minted judge had served as the province’s deputy attorney general in charge of public prosecution services, the release said.

Poirier LeBlanc graduated from Mount Allison University with a bachelor of arts in 2000 and then went onto law school at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 2003, the release said. She was called to the bar in 2006. 

Her appointment brings the number of full-time provincial court judges in the province to 24, the Department of Justice and Public Safety said in the release, and that includes the chief judge and the associate chief judge of the provincial court.

There are also seven supernumerary judges and three per diem judges.

All applications to become a provincial court judge are assessed by provincial judicial appointment review advisers, the release said, and those advisers represent the bench, the bar and the general public. 

They consider the professional and other qualifications of each candidate in carrying out their assessments, it said, and the appointment process also includes interviews by a committee composed of New Brunswick Chief Justice Marc Richard, the chief judge and the associate chief judge of the provincial court - Judge Marco Cloutier and Judge Brian McLean, respectively - along with a member of the general public and a senior member of the legal profession.

Events leading to the vacancy

Oliver remained on suspension with pay from the time Cloutier announced the move until early last month.

The impugned judge’s judicial council hearing, after several postponements, was scheduled to take place behind closed doors in early November 2023, but Oliver resigned from the bench and retired effective the day before the proceeding was to get underway.

Since he was no longer a judge, the judicial council lost jurisdiction over Oliver, ending the disciplinary process.

Oliver was suspended as a result of out-of-court conversations he had with two Fredericton Police Force officers who had been witnesses in the trial of Scott Alexander Morrison, 41, of Geary, on nine Aug. 7. 2021, charges, including possession of hard drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Oliver was presiding over the trial, and he contacted the police officers to make further inquiries about a search of a vehicle in the case, one the defence had challenged.

That misconduct - which Oliver had admitted from the bench had occurred - came to the attention of a prosecutor weeks later, and the Crown’s office informed Morrison’s defence lawyer.

That lawyer, Ben Reentovich with New Brunswick Legal Aid, then filed motions with the court seeking Oliver’s recusal and a stay of proceedings, which would halt the prosecution against Morrison.

But on Oct. 3, 2022, Oliver declined to recuse himself and dismissed the motion for a stay of proceedings. Instead he declared a mistrial, restarting the prosecution against Morrison from square one.

The disgraced judge was suspended that same day.

Another judge assigned to the case also dismissed the motion of a stay, but the New Brunswick Court of Appeal overturned that decision, noting a stay was the only way to restore public confidence in the administration of justice, given the egregious nature of Oliver’s misconduct.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Gearóid Ó Treasaigh, St. Thomas University’s Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies, will be hosting an evening of multilingual poetry, December 5 at the Grad House. Writer, translator and Irish-language instructor…

The post STU’s Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies to host poetry night appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party is facing more internal division over its socially conservative message ahead of next year’s provincial election.

A commitment made last June by Premier Blaine Higgs to provide “extra councillors, extra support” to enhance the  care and safety of vulnerable students in schools appears to be falling short.

A lawyer has to be allowed to examine a former N.B. Liquor director who at one time allegedly claimed to have information showing how the Crown corporation didn't follow proper procedure when granting agency store licences.