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.

The superintendent of the Anglophone East School District is happy two new schools will be built in the Moncton region but says more are needed to keep up with enrolment.

The Higgs government has introduced legislation to force five public-sector unions into shared-risk pension plans, hoping to wrap up a major piece of unfinished business from a major strike in 2021.

After five days of testimony, lawyers in the criminal trial against RCMP Const. Osama Ibrahim delivered their final remarks to the judge on Wednesday.

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The body of a Stanley man reported as missing to police in June has been found, the RCMP reports, and it doesn’t appear he was the victim of foul play.

The RCMP’s keswick detachment issued a news release in July advising officers were seeking the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Dunham, 68, of Stanley.

He’d been reported as missing to the Mounties on June 11, when he was last seen near Graveyard Hill in Stanley.

At the time, police reported they’d had no luck in finding him and were worried about his well-being.

In a followup release Wednesday, the detachment noted Dunham had been found but was deceased.

“At this time, police do not believe criminality to be a factor in his death,” the RCMP said.

“Our thoughts are with the man's family and community at this time.”

In the original release, the Mounties noted Dunham may have been travelling in a gold 2011 Toyota Echo.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A health promotion group is calling for more stringent safety measures during renovations to improve school ventilation after some students experienced headaches, itchy eyes, nosebleeds and other symptoms related to poor air quality during work at Sir James Dunn Academy in Saint Andrews.

Alexandre Hayward only started cycling during the pandemic, and now, he’s a multi-medal Parapan American Games winner.

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A Saint John man who saw charges stemming from his opposition to COVID-19 precautions withdrawn Wednesday wasn’t satisfied, noting he plans to pursue legal action against public officials involved in his case.

Ivan Finton Hall, 37, of Lamda Avenue in the port city, was scheduled to stand trial in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on two criminal charges.

The Fredericton Police Force alleged he obstructed deputy sheriff Natasha Phillips in the execution of her duty Sept. 2, 2021, at the Fredericton courthouse, and that he failed to attend court on that previous charge April 29, 2022.

Hall has been an outspoken opponent of the orders issued by the provincial government under the Emergency Measures Act during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he’s been a leader of a protest movement dealing with such issues and touting a perspective of “natural law” that disputes the legal framework of the criminal-justice system.

When Judge Lucie Mathurin called Hall’s case Wednesday, he stood in the courtroom gallery, but he declined to identify himself.

“Is that you, Mr. Hall?” the judge asked.

“Yet to be determined by the Crown,” he answered.

When the court proceeded, believing the defendant was present, Hall took issue with that.

“Please don’t make assumptions,” he told Mathurin. “I am here to appear for Mr. Hall.”

However, the trial didn’t proceed, as prosecutor Jennifer Bueno advised the Crown was withdrawing the charges.

The gallery - filled with about two dozen of Hall’s supporters - broke out into laughter, drawing an admonishment from Mathurin, who warned she wouldn’t abide by any outbursts.

“Is that voluntarily or involuntarily withdrawn?” Hall asked, inquiring about the reason for the prosecution’s motion.

Again, laughter broke out among Hall’s supporters, and the judge cleared them from the courtroom, allowing only officers of the court and a reporter to remain.

“I need witnesses,” Hall said in protest. “There’s a couple of matters that need to be resolved before we’re finished here.”

Mathurin allowed two of those who accompanied the defendant to court to remain.

He asked if any publication bans had been ordered on his files, if any subpoenas had been issued for the scheduled trial and if the court had a list of expected Crown witnesses before it.

The judge said there’s no publication ban endorsed on the files and no indication any subpoenas were issued. She said the court wouldn’t be and wasn’t provided with a list of witnesses.

Hall also inquired about supporting documentation for an arrest warrant that had been issued for him earlier in the case, and Mathurin confirmed Cpl. Brent Legere had sworn an affidavit that was filed with the court as evidence to back up the request for the warrant.

The defendant said that’s what he had in his files as well.

“So now I know who I’m going to go after,” he said, indicating he plans to pursue actions against that Fredericton Police Force officer.

Outside the courtroom, Hall spoke with Debbie Hallihan, the head sheriff for the Fredericton district, and he told her while the charges were withdrawn, he wasn’t done with the matter.

Hall told her that the Crown’s decision meant there was no public examination of government officials’ actions in his case, and therefore no accountability.

During the height of the pandemic, access to New Brunswick courthouses were limited to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

At one point, only defendants, subpoenaed witnesses, lawyers and journalists were allowed to attend court in person. Court of Appeal Chief Justice Marc Richard, in a pandemic directive, noted the exception for journalists was made to ensure the open-court principle was still respected.

But Hall told Hallihan on Wednesday that he and his fellow protesters felt any restriction barring anyone from attending court violated that principle.

He said no one should have been banned from the Justice Building during the pandemic, and he was intent on ensuring there were consequences for public officials for those decisions and actions.

Hall has been active in the movement against COVID-19 emergency orders, attempting to act as “power of attorney” for various self-represented defendants and civil court litigants with similar perspectives on government reaction to the pandemic.

He has butted heads with judges while trying to interject in other defendants’ court proceedings, and he was forcibly removed from courtrooms on at least two occasions - in Fredericton and Moncton - for his insistence on representing others despite not being a lawyer.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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CBC Music makes the case for why albums by Tobi, Charlotte Cardin, Feist and more were the best of the year.

Gallery at L.P. Fisher Public Library to feature local artists

Woodstock’s L.P. Fisher Library will soon be home to The Thompson Centre Art Gallery.

The library will host the gallery’s grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 a.m., followed by a reception.

The L.P. Fisher Library Board vice chair, Karen Arnold, said the board purchased the equipment to hang art displays in the lobby area and the lower level of the building’s older section.

“Our inaugural exhibit will be a photography display by Brendan Helmuth entitled Small,” she said.

The post Thompson Centre Art Gallery to open Dec. 7 first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Chance to stock up on holiday treats

DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue offers a chance for area residents to get a head start in stocking up on Christmas treats while helping the pet rescue centre in Florenceville-Bristol.

DunRoamin’ will hold a Christmas Bake Sale on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Co-Op Country Store on Main Street in Florenceville-Bristol. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All proceeds raised during the sale will help DunRoamin’ care for the growing number of strays at the rescue centre.

The post Christmas bake sale to support DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Nackawic also applying for close to a million to promote residential development

Woodstock council and staff have set their eyes on more than $5 million potentially available from the federal government to accelerate housing starts in the town.

In a report to council at the Oct. 21 council meeting, Woodstock Director of Planning and Development Andrew Garnett outlined plans to apply for up to $5.1 million through the federal government’s housing accelerator fund.

Garnett explained that the availability of the funding program happened quickly, but the town reacted in time to meet the application deadline.

The federal government announced the $4 billion program in its last budget, aiming to accelerate housing construction in the face of a national housing crisis.

Garnett said the government designed the fund to improve housing supply and help support and attract developers.

“It’s money we can spend to be more attractive to developers,” he said.

Garnett explained applications require the town to demonstrate the need and potential for housing growth.

“It’s a formula of growth and what we predict in the next few years,’ he said.

Garnett said if the town secures the funding, it must set up a process to use the money to accelerate development. He explained options could range from tax breaks to red-tape reduction.

He said the funds could spur new development or boost existing development plans, citing the redevelopment of the former Woodstock Middle School property into a multi-unit apartment complex as an example.

“Maybe we can accelerate that,” he said.

Councillors Jeff Bradbury and Will Belyea stressed the need to use federal funds to promote affordable housing in Woodstock.

Mayor Trina Jones responded by noting that the funds are available for all types of housing, but the town can direct the funds to the chosen areas.

She believes the town has a solid plan to produce a successful application.

“We’re already ahead of the process,” she said.

Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox said the rural community also applied for slightly less than $1 million through the federal accelerator fund.

He said the money could enhance a pair of projected residential developments on the drawing board, including a significant development behind the Nackawic Middle School if the application is successful.

Moncton recently became the first New Brunswick municipality to announce funding support through the federal housing accelerator program officially. Federal and municipal officials announced the fast-growing Hub City secured $15.5 million through the fund.

The Moncton announcement brought concerns from New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs about federal funds going directly to municipalities to the forefront. Earlier in November, he suggested bringing forward legislation to block such funding.

In response to Global News’s request for comment, Higgs responded with a statement but didn’t clarify what steps his government would take.

“Bypassing provincial governments is not the solution,” the statement read. “Collaboration is key here as we need all three levels of government to work together on housing and other critical files.”

The premier also stated that his government wants a program similar to Quebec, where the feds and province work together to fund projects directed at municipalities.

Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold, excited by the funding announcement, said she welcomed the premier’s interest in housing, suggesting the provincial government match federal funds to promote affordable housing in the province further.

In Woodstock, Mayor Jones and Garnett said the federal government did not indicate a timeline on when they would respond to the town’s application.

Garnett said the government only announced funding approvals for large municipalities to date,

Jones explained Woodstock falls into the second category of municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more. She hopes to see some announcements in that category soon.

Jones explained the federal accelerator fund lays out specific requirements, including the types of proposed developments.

“They want to see densification,” she said.

Jones said Woodstock needs all housing types, including affordable options for low-income residents, students and newcomers.

“I’m hoping we land some real good money,” she said.

The post Woodstock seeking millions in federal housing funds first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Through skilled composition and arrangements, Ibex have found a way to keep extreme music fresh and exciting, and that is no easy task.   Matt Carter  Speaking both critically and constructively…

The post New Music from Ibex appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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A Maugerville man arrested after a standoff that shut down a neighbourhood on Fredericton’s north side for six hours this summer is headed to trial on assault and firearms charges.

Andrew Jim Roberts, 39, of Copper Head Lane, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video from jail Tuesday to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

He’s accused of assaulting Jessica LaPointe; threatening her; possessing a sawed-off, 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun and a black CO2 revolver handgun for the purpose of committing an offence; possessing a prohibited weapon (the shotgun) without a licence; possessing it without a licence; possessing the shotgun with readily accessible ammo; possessing the firearms while prohibited by a court order; and storing the shotgun improperly.

The charges all allege events in Fredericton on Aug. 31.

Defence lawyer Wanda Severns said her client was electing to be tried in provincial court and pleading not guilty to all counts.

“I think the trial will at least be a day, maybe longer,” said prosecutor Rebecca Butler.

Judge Scott Brittain set the file over to Dec. 14 for a case-management conference to determine if the issues to be explored at trial could be narrowed.

A trial date will be set at that time as well.

The judge remanded Roberts again Monday pending the conclusion of the case.

Roberts was arrested after a six-hour standoff with Fredericton Police Force officers in a Marysville neighbourhood Aug. 31.

Numerous city police officers with firearms drawn descended on the intersection of Crockett Street and Pettigrove Crescent that morning, and the area was locked down for several hours. 

The police force advised days later the incident was prompted by a report of an armed suspect inside a home in the northside neighbourhood.

In a news release, police said after six hours, the suspect was arrested without incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Old Order Mennonite families from southern Ontario have placed an offer on about 1,000 acres of land in Kent County, where there is hope the new community will bolster efforts to revitalize agriculture.

Members of a task force on combatting racism are recommending the City of Fredericton hire a new employee specifically to record and report on incidents of racism experienced by residents of the city.

Saint John's proposed budget for next year earmarks $550,000 for the city's first roundabout, but despite much talk about introducing the feature to the local road system, a site still hasn't been chosen.

Highly collaborative Fredericton rock ensemble Free to Grow released a pair of new singles over the weekend.  Matt Carter Free to Grow continues down its well trodden path of collaboration…

The post Two New Singles from Free to Grow appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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The Fredericton Police Force is looking to place a Fredericton man under arrest in connection with several investigations, but it's turning to the public for help in tracking him down.

The city police force issued an advisory through social media Tuesday evening indicating officers are looking for Timothy Robert Dunphy, 50, of Fredericton, describing him as being "arrestable on several police files."

Dunphy is described as being 5’10' tall, with grey hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

He made headlines three years ago after the fatal shooting of Justin Leigh Finnemore in the capital region on May 2, 2020.

Dunphy and Kevin Mark Sexton, 39, were charged with second-degree murder in Finnemore's death, but Dunphy was sentenced to a short stint in prison after admitting to a lesser charge of being an accessory to the murder after the fact by helping Sexton avoid police.

Sexton later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also sentenced to prison time.

Anyone with information on Dunphy's whereabouts or that could help police to find him is urged to contact Fredericton police Const. Steve Burgess by emailing [email protected] or by calling 506-460-2300.

Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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

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COVID-19 cases continue to climb in New Brunswick, while influenza cases have shot up, according to the province's weekly Respiratory Watch report. 

The first step in a major multi-year plan to rebuild Moncton's St. George Street is set to start next year, but on a street in the city's west end.

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A Fredericton man accused of firearms offences - including possessing a shotgun with a defaced serial number - will return to court next month to enter pleas.

Benjamin Robert Hayden, 30, of Canada Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Monday with defence counsel Spencer MacInnis to face four charges all alleging illegal possession of firearms.

He’s accused of possessing a Cooey 12-gague shotgun knowing its serial number had been defaced, possessing a prohibited weapon - a Chippa X-Caliber 12-gauge shotgun - without a licence, possessing the Chippa shotgun as a non-restricted firearm without a licence and storing the Chippa shotgun carelessly.

The charges all allege July 4 events in Fredericton.

MacInnis told the court she hadn’t received disclosure of the Crown file yet and asked for election of mode of trial and pleas be adjourned.

Judge Scott Brittain set the case over to Dec. 18.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Higgs government is loosening its spending restraint as it heads into an election year, committing to build an additional six new schools in New Brunswick to accommodate soaring enrolment numbers.

A coroner's inquest will be held next month into the death of Daniel George Moore, a Hoyt carpenter who died on July 10, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital after falling off a roof while working. 

The New Brunswick government says a report into the dysfunction that led to the suspension of a municipal council earlier this year must remain secret.

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The owner of a popular Fredericton food truck has denied allegations of workplace safety violations stemming from an explosion earlier this year that saw an employee seriously burned.

Trevor Smith, 56, of MacLeod Hill Road, pleaded not guilty in Fredericton provincial court Monday to two charges under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The charges, laid by WorkSafeNB, allege that between March 20-23, while doing business as Ginger Beef, Smith failed to take all reasonable precautions to ensure an employee’s safety by removing a stove from an accredited gas filter and that did so as well by failing to ensure a propane line was capped.

Smith appeared without defence counsel Monday, representing himself.

A spokesperson for WorkSafeNB, the province’s workplace-safety watchdog agency, said the charges arose after a food-truck worker was hurt on the job.

“The Ginger Beef food truck was parked at a residence so a worker could prepare it for an upcoming event,” WorkSafeNB corporate communications director Laragh Dooley wrote in an email to the Fredericton Independent on Monday.

“The employee tried to light one of the propane burners, not knowing that the owner had removed a propane stove and the propane line was not capped, allowing for the release of propane. After trying several times to light the burner, the gas in the truck exploded, resulting in the worker sustaining first-degree burns.”

Crown prosecutor Kathleen Jacobs told court Monday she estimated about a day would be needed for trial, and Judge Scott Brittain explained to Smith that under current policy in Fredericton provincial court, any expectation of a trial lasting more than half a day triggers a case-management conference to determine if the parties can narrow the issues to be examined through testimony.

The judge scheduled that case-management conference for Dec. 21, and a trial date will be set at that time.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Saint John councillors got a closer look Monday at the $187 million city budget proposed for 2024, and they generally liked what they saw.

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A homeless man who lied about living under a bridge so he could be released from custody admitted to several crimes involving violence against a woman this summer.

David LeBlanc, 36, of no fixed address, was scheduled to stand trial Nov. 23 on a list of charges, but the day before the scheduled proceeding, his files were brought in early before Judge Lucie Mathurin,.

LeBlanc pleaded guilty to Aug. 10 counts of assaulting a woman, assaulting her by choking her, assaulting her with weapons (a wooden pallet and a glass bottle), assaulting her and thereby causing her bodily harm and uttering threats to cause her death and/or bodily harm.

A related charge of summary sexual assault - alleging events between July 10 and Aug. 10 - was reserved until after sentencing, when it’s expected the Crown will withdraw that count.

There’s a publication ban protecting the identity of the victim, given the sex-assault charge.

LeBlanc also admitted to violating a police undertaking between Aug. 11-12 barring her from contact with the victim, and he pleaded guilty to an Aug. 14 count of perjury, stemming from his false testimony at his bail hearing that he wasn’t living under the Burton Bridge and didn’t use drugs.

The offender had been remanded pending his trial, and that detention continues pending his sentencing hearing, which Mathurin scheduled for Jan. 11.

The judge also ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report for the court’s consideration at that time.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Residents of a north-side Fredericton neighbourhood are pushing back against a developer's proposal to build townhouses on two adjacent properties, one of which is currently zoned parkland.

The Saint John Airport has asked a commercial real estate company to help find partners interested in developing businesses on airport property.

Two new COVID-19 variants quickly gaining traction across Canada are already dominant in New Brunswick.

Moncton is considering a new municipal policy aimed at slowing down drivers on city streets, but has ruled out a blanket speed limit reduction in residential areas.

Art for Change auction offers artwork by Grade 11 and 12 students in support of the IWK

Area residents can be the first to own a masterpiece of a potential future art master while providing financial support for the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax and supporting activities at Carleton North High School in Florenceville-Bristol.

CNHS Grade 11 and 12 art students will have their creations on display and for sale as the school hosts its Art for Change auction from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Nov. 30 at the school.

CNHS teacher Renée Dubois said the students’ art will be up for auction, with the bids starting at $20 each. She added the auction will be a cash-only event.

The students will donate funds raised through the auction to the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax.

The event will also feature music, food and a 50/50 draw. The school will divide money raised from food sales and 50/50 tickets between the IWK and school events.

Dubois said the teachers and students hope to welcome a large crowd to the event to celebrate the students’ artistic talents and deliver financial support for the IWK and the school.

The post CNHS art students showcase their skills at exhibit and auction first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Young dancers take the stage in Woodstock at the SDA Cares performance fundraiser

The young dancers from Smith Dance Academy will take the stage at the McCain Community Theatre at Woodstock High School on Friday, Dec 8, for a special fundraising performance.

“We are excited to have all our dancers performing in this fun and festive dance performance fundraiser in support of Albert Wiseman,” said Smith Dance Academy director Amanda Boone.

She explained Albert, the five-year-old son of Ben and Alyssa Wiseman of Hartland, was diagnosed a year ago with a brain tumour. The five-year-old continues his colossal battle a year later, currently undergoing treatment at the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax.

Admission to the show at 6:30 a.m. is by donation.

“Come cheer on these talented dancers, get in the holiday spirit and give back to a very worthy cause,” said Boone.

The post Smith Dance Academy to perform in support of Hartland child first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Sikh family in Woodstock celebrates holy day with sharing of food with strangers

A Sikh family in Woodstock celebrated Gurpurab by giving out food to customers heading into the Carleton Mall on Monday, Nov. 27. Gurjinder Singh and some family and friends took their culinary skills to the parking lot of Carleton Mall, where they shared traditional Indian food with others as part of their celebration. For Sikhs, this is the most sacred day in their calendar with Guru Nanak Jayanti, the festival also known as Gurpurab. The holy event commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first guru of Sikhism. Theresa Blackburn caught up with the generous group to find out more…

The post Happy Gurpurab! first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A former Fredericton firefighter whose addiction led to the loss of his job, a mental-health crisis and a series of bizarre crimes late last year 

Daniel Andrew Murphy, 39, formerly of Trailside Lane in Fredericton, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video conference from jail Monday to learn how much time he’ll have to serve for a series of violent crimes and a dangerous highway chase Nov. 2, 2022.

He’d previously pleaded guilty to a long list of crimes, including robbery, attempted robbery, dangerous driving.

During a sentencing hearing Oct. 13, the Crown argued for a prison term of 10 years for his crimes, while the defence recommended a three-year stint, both to be reduced to account for time Murphy has spent on remand since his arrest Nov. 2, 2022.

In rendering his decision on sentence Monday, provincial court Judge Scott Brittain met the two sides in the middle, imposing a total prison term of seven years, less credit for remand time.

The task of crafting an appropriate sentence is a challenging one, the judge said, as the court had to balance the many aggravating factors in Murphy’s crimes with the mitigating factors in his favour.

Facts of the case

Murphy admitted this summer to 11 offences, most of which unfolded in the capital region and beyond Nov. 2, 2022.

Brittain reviewed the events of that day, the tragic path that led Murphy to commit his crimes and how they forever scarred some of the people who were unlucky enough to cross his path.

Court heard previously that Murphy jumped out into traffic on Fredericton’s north side early that morning in the path of a ServiceMaster van driven by Kevin Campbell, forcing the commercial vehicle to screech to a stop.

Murphy hopped in the passenger side, brandishing some kind of metal weapon, the judge said, and the offender told his first victim that day, “Leave your wallet and cigarettes in the van or I’ll fucking kill you.”

Campbell complied, and Murphy took off in the van, driving recklessly and dangerously through the city and out Route 10 toward the Minto area.

Brittain noted that unbeknownst to Murphy, the van was outfitted with a GPS tracker, allowing police to locate it easily.

Fredericton police Cpl. Chris Furlotte caught up with Murphy in the Minto Industrial Park, Brittain said, and it appeared he’d abandoned the van and was trying to commandeer another vehicle.

When Furlotte drew his weapon told Murphy he was under arrest, the judge said, the offender said, “Oh fuck off,” and approached the officer, a tire punch in hand.

Murphy ended up getting back in the ServiceMaster van and fleeing the scene, heading back down Route 10, this time back toward Fredericton.

He stopped to hold up a convenience store along the way, court heard, and afterward, he forced another car, driven by Holly Girouard, off the road and tried to carjack her.

Murphy took off again in the van, leading police on a chase that ended up in the Salisbury area, where police were able to stop the vehicle by deploying a spike belt.

Const. Ore Rodriguez had to use her Taser to take Murphy to the ground.

Weeks before, on Oct. 7, Murphy also stole cigarettes from a convenience store on Fredericton’s north side and assaulted another man the same morning.

Effects on the victims

Brittain said the Crown said protection of the public and denunciation of Murphy’s crimes had to be paramount principles in imposing a proper sentence.

He agreed those were vital priorities, as was the need to recognize the damage Murphy had done to the lives of those he victimized.

The offender’s “aggressive string of criminality” and “wanton and reckless disregard” for people’s safety and sense of security have caused permanent damage that can’t be understated or disregarded.

Girouard reported in her victim-impact statement that her encounter with Murphy has changed her life.

She’s been off work from her job as a licensed practical nurse and doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to return to the profession she loves.

“I felt like I was drowning,” Girouard wrote. “It’s a daily challenge for me to get out into the public.”

She’s been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, has lost any sense of financial security and is paying out of pocket for counselling, Brittain said.

Campbell reported he’s always nervous when he’s out driving and experiences nightmares after the carjacking.

“The crimes you committed are very serious and have had a significant and lasting impact on several of your victims,” the judge told Murphy.

‘The outlook is promising’

On the other hand, Brittain said, the court had to consider what led Murphy to that awful day and what his plans are going forward.

He noted the offender served a decade as a member of the Fredericton Fire Department and he had a long career as an elite athlete in Fredericton.

“In his profession, it is said he developed PTSD,” the judge said.

His mental illness was exacerbated by the development of a drug habit, Brittain said, but even before the events of last fall, he was taking steps to address his addictions.

Murphy has strong family support from his parents and brother, the judge said, and he’s expressed sincere remorse and contrition,  as well as a desire to do the work he needs to do to return himself to the person he once was.

“I believe the outlook is promising for Mr. Murphy,” Brittain said.

He said his initial calculation of the global sentence for Murphy’s many crimes came to 10 years and seven months, but the sentencing principle of totality requires courts to avoid imposing terms that are unduly long and harsh in the circumstances.

Given the offender’s strong rehabilitative potential, that’s why the court settled on a total sentence of seven years, the judge said.

Since Murphy has been in custody for almost 13 months, that means the sentence will be reduced by his remand credit of about 19½ months.

Brittain also imposed orders requiring the offender to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in a criminal database, prohibiting him from possessing firearms and other weapons for 10 years following the completion of his sentence, and barring him from driving for 12 months after serving his time.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Free COVID-19 rapid test kits are a bit easier to acquire in New Brunswick now that the Department of Health has dropped the requirement for pickup appointments at some locations.

Physician assistants will now be a permanent fixture at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton after a 12-year pilot program was deemed successful.

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Two men arrested at the Fredericton International Airport last week and charged with drug offences have been released on conditions.

Matthew William Harris, 45, of Main Street in Meductic, and Robert “Rob” Louis Michaud, 52, of no fixed address but formerly of Grand Falls, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Monday for separate bail hearings.

Both are charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and simple possession of cocaine.

The charges as a result of a police operation that began in April and culminated in Harris’ and Michaud’s arrests at the Fredericton airport on Thursday, the Woodstock Police Force said in a news release.

It noted the Woodstock Integrated Enforcement Unit - made up of officers from the Woodstock Police Force, the provincial Department of Justice and Public Safety and the RCMP - launched a drug-trafficking investigation in the spring focused on the drug trade in the Town of Woodstock and surrounding communities.

The release said members with that joint unit arrested the two men as well as a woman at the Fredericton airport.

The woman was released and has yet to face any charges.

“The arrests and subsequent search led [the unit] officers to seize approximately four kilos (8.8 pounds) of what investigators believe to be crystal methamphetamine,” it said.

“A sum of Canadian currency was also seized.”

Harris and Michaud were charged in Fredericton provincial court Friday and remanded pending bail hearings scheduled for Monday.

However, when their cases were called, federal prosecutor Jillian Jordan said the Crown was withdrawing its objection to their release as long as they agreed to abide by the conditions of release orders.

Judge Cameron Gunn issued those release orders, and he directed Harris and Michaud to return to court Dec. 18 to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

Woodstock police Chief Gary Forward said in the release that the investigation is still ongoing.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A coroner's inquest into the death of a mill worker in Tracyville, south of Fredericton, nearly three years ago, will be held next week.

A strong, low pressure system is moving into the Maritimes bringing heavy precipitation and the possibility of a storm surge in northern New Brunswick Monday afternoon.

Numerous prizes handed out thanks to generous support of businesses, artists, and residents

Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and residents, the gift baskets overflowed for the Rotary Club of Perth-Andover’s annual Mystery Draw fall fundraiser, prompting club members to add additional draws to the popular event.

“We are so fortunate to live in a supportive community. Businesses were eager to help support our efforts, and residents snapped up tickets once sales started. We added two more mystery bundles for the draw plus raffled off another nine items,” said Louiselle St. Amand, club president. “The draw raised more than $11,000 that will be put to good use in community projects.”

The 12 Mystery Draw bundle winners were Donna Miller-Wallace, Neil Stewart, Bonnie &Duane Campbell, Robin DeMerchant, Hanson Kennedy, Cassie, Chloe & Cayleigh Sullivan, Mike Rossignol, Margaret Johnson, Anne Dickson, Tina O’Keefe, Shawn O’Regan and Aurélie, Béatrice & Juliette LaForge.

The bonus draw winners included Lynn Reed, season passes for Acadian Timber; Kari Hanscome, Hullabaloo passes; Frances Boone, new patient exam, Perth-Andover Dental; Sharon Michaud, new patient exam, Perth-Andover Dental; Ron Cummings, teeth whitening kit, Perth-Andover Dental; Brett Sprague, teeth whitening kit, Perth-Andover Dental; Danny Shaw, air fryer; Tim Nicholas, garbage bin and Nissen’s gift basket; and Doug and Theresa Sussey, painting by Doreen Roach.  

“Every year, Perth-Andover Rotarians raise and give away more than $30,000 in donations to youth, community groups and seniors,” said St. Amand. “This successful raffle will help us achieve our goals.”

Cheryl Reed and Rhonda Kennedy were co-chairpersons for this year’s Mystery Draw. The organizers thanked the local artisans, businesses and individuals who gave goods and services.

This year’s mystery draw bundles included Christmas décor, greeting cards, tools, children’s gifts,  handmade items from the Gorge Quilt Guild, candles, soap and weaved items from local artisans, gift cards and certificates for food and professional services, chocolate, coffee, and many more items.

“Every year, we are thrilled with the quality of prizes donated to our mystery bundles. This year’s winners were delighted with their prizes,” said Cheryl Reed.

The post Rotary Mystery Draw raises $11,000 for community projects first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Defence counsel for a Fredericton police officer accused of assaulting and threatening a woman at her Hanwell home this fall denied the allegations on her client’s behalf Monday.

Fredericton Police Force Const. Colin Holmes, 25, of Fredericton, faces summary charges of assaulting on Deidra Wheeler, threatening to kill her and forcibly entering her home.

The three charges - laid by the New Brunswick office of the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) - all stem from alleged Sept. 24 events in Hanwell.

SIRT is an independent law-enforcement agency that investigates police actions alleging death or injury as a result of officer actions, or violent offences officers are accused of committing. As per its name, it was established to investigate police officers in Nova Scotia, but it recently entered into an agreement with the New Brunswick provincial government to handle such duties in this province as well.

The case was back in Fredericton provincial court Monday for pleas. Holmes wasn’t present, but Fredericton defence lawyer Emily Cochrane, noting she’s co-counsel with T.J. Burke, said she was authorized to appear on the officer’s behalf.

She entered not-guilty pleas to all counts.

Cochrane noted she and Crown counsel assigned to the case hadn’t discussed yet how long would be needed for trial, so Judge Scott Brittain set the matter down for a case-management conference Jan. 4, at which time a trial date will be set.

A Fredericton Police Force spokesperson confirmed earlier this month that Holmes - who joined the force in 2019 - is suspended with pay as a result of the charges.

That status will remain in effect until the court case concludes. After that, an internal Police Act complaint against Holmes will resume.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Mike Biggar’s holiday tradition continues this season with Terra Spencer and upcoming shows in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI.  Matt Carter By this point, it is safe to say…

The post Mike Biggar and Terra Spencer Holiday Tour appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Fredericton Coun. Cassandra LeBlanc is hoping to get first-hand experience on what is and isn't working when it comes to Fredericton Transit by riding the bus.

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A Fredericton man who threatened to assault a pharmacy staffer, menaced his girlfriend with a cane and threatened to kill her cat had served enough time in jail already for his crimes, a court ruled last week.

John Patrick Doyon, 39, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in custody in person Thursday for sentencing, having previously admitted to several charges.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford said Fredericton police officers responded to the Shoppers Drug Mart on Prospect Street on Feb. 9 after receiving a call about “an unwanted male banging on the windows.”

When they arrived, court heard, Doyon was there, and a pharmacy official told them the offender was causing problems at the business.

Doyon was upset and had threatened to beat up the staff member, Stanford said, and he was generally causing a stir by yelling and hitting the windows.

“Customers were leaving as a result of the behaviour,” the prosecutor said.

Consequently, Doyon was charged with uttering threats and causing a disturbance.

Police encountered Doyon again Aug. 9 after responding to a call of a domestic disturbance at about 5:30 p.m. at the 12 Neighbours tiny-home community on the city’s north side, Stanford said.

He noted the investigation revealed Doyon and his girlfriend, Carol Stymiest, became embroiled in an argument at her home and he refused to leave.

The victim threw his shoes out the door, court heard, and he became enraged, grabbing and throwing her onto the couch.

Doyon then pinned her there by getting on top of her and raised his arm, holding his cane, as if to strike her, Stanford said. Though he didn’t, he said, it still constituted an assault

The prosecutor said as officers spoke to Stymiest about the incident, she revealed a prior offence Doyon committed as well. She reported that on May 12, they were arguing again, and the offender threatened to kill her cat.

Doyon was arrested and released on conditions, which included having no contact with Stymiest, Stanford said, but that same day, on Aug. 9, he was caught on video speaking with her.

“She came to me,” Doyon said during the sentencing hearing.

“It doesn’t matter,” said Judge Natalie LeBlanc, noting regardless of who instigated the contact, he was required to refrain from engaging.

Stanford said he and defence lawyer Charlotte Cowley were offering a joint recommendation on sentence: a total of 120 days in jail.

However, court heard that Doyon had already served 86 days in custody, and after the customary 1½-to-one remand credit was applied, that amounted to an equivalent of 127 days.

The prosecutor also requested the imposition of a probationary period to ensure Doyon gets the counselling he needs for his various issues.

Cowley said her client’s pre-sentence report shows he had a traumatic upbringing, having been subjected to physical and sexual abuse and raised in an environment rife with substance abuse.

“As early as nine years old, he started to use drugs himself,” she said.

“He has not done anything at this point to address his addictions or his trauma.”

In the pre-sentence report, Doyon reported his addictive behaviours go beyond illicit substances, court heard, as he told a probation officer he’s addicted to being with Stymiest.

“It’s very self-aware,” LeBlanc noted.

Doyon said his time on remand has led to the longest time he’s been sober, and he’s taking things one day at a time.

The judge said courts often seen and comment on the clear damage caused by past traumas passed down from generation to generation when dealing with Indigenous offenders, but Doyon’s case highlights the fact that such a pattern can easily be found among non-Indigenous offenders such as him.

“It’s clear here there’s been some intergenerational trauma,” LeBlanc said.

She accepted the joint recommendation, sentencing Doyon to 120 days in jail, which he’s already served.

LeBlanc also ordered a 12-month term of supervised probation, during which Doyon is to participate in any evaluation and treatment programs as directed by his probation officer, participate in counselling including programs for intimate-partner violence and anger management, and to be of good behaviour, especially toward Stymiest.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A team of engineers at the Université de Moncton is fine-tuning an algorithm that works with satellite and drone images to detect fires more accurately than humans. The technology also predicts where a blaze will spread, helping firefighters know where to send resources.

New Brunswick's first-and-only commissioner on systemic racism said it's unacceptable that the government has yet to respond to her report almost a year after its release.

Parts of northern New Brunswick are under storm surge and snowfall warnings for Monday as a storm makes its way across the region.

Cantaloupe products linked to an outbreak of salmonella in the U.S. and Canada were distributed in New Brunswick, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.