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.

Tree lighting, snow falling, and carol singing kicks off the holiday season

Like a scene from a Thomas Kincade Christmas portrait, Christmas spirit was alive and well in the Village of Centreville on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
People gathered in the District of Carleton North to celebrate the Christmas tree lighting.

With a fresh 15 cm of snow on the ground and more still falling, residents gathered to enjoy the ceremony.

District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey welcomed guests, wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Andrea Weston and Hannah Hatheway then led the group in singing Christmas carols before the official tree lighting took place, with the help of Sheila and Gladwyn Piper.

Centreville Child Care was also present throughout the evening, selling sweets that BWS Trailers donated. The funds raised were going towards the cost of building their new facility. The highlight of the evening was a visit from Santa Claus, who the Centreville Fire Department escorted in amidst cheers from the children. Taking time from his busy schedule, Santa greeted the children and handed out candy canes before heading home to continue his season’s preparations.

The post Centreville shows off Christmas Spirit first appeared on River Valley Sun.

In the Magaguadavic watershed in southwestern New Brunswick, there’s one lake that is home to a unique pair of rainbow smelt populations.

Three new books will help students learn Wolastoqey.

One person has died following a collision between a car and tractor-trailer on Friday, according to New Brunswick RCMP.

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Retailers and consumers across Canada - including those in New Brunswick - are being warned about selling or eating cantaloupes under two brand names sold over the past month.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued an alert Friday about Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes linked to Salmonella infections in five provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

One death has been linked to the outbreak thus far, the agency reported.

While New Brunswick wasn’t on the list of locations where illness was reported, PHAC noted the cantaloupes were sold throughout the country, including this province, since Oct. 10.

“Based on the investigation findings to date, consumption of Malichita and Rudy brand cantaloupes have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak,” the advisory stated.

“Many of the individuals who became sick reported having eaten cantaloupe before their illnesses occurred.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued food-recall warnings for the cantaloupes sold under the two brand names.

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

The PHAC news release also said additional secondary recalls were issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce that was processed alongside the suspect cantaloupes. Among those other produce items are fruit such as honeydew, pineapple, watermelon and various fruit trays.

“To prevent illness, do not eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute,” the PHAC advisory stated.

“If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is recommended to throw it out. This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers, food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, and facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes and daycares, across Canada.”

The PHAC alert said there there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of illness linked to the outbreak, breaking down as follows: 12 in British Columbia, 12 in Ontario , 35 in Quebec, two in Prince Edward Island and two in Newfoundland and Labrador, with additional Salmonella infections under investigation so more linked cases could be confirmed. “Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November 2023,” the advisory stated. “Seventeen individuals have been hospitalized. One death has been reported.”

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

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

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

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

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

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Men from Meductic and Grand Falls charged in Fredericton court following arrest in Fredericton Airport

Two men, one from Meductic and the other from Grand Falls faced charges in Fredericton provincial court on Friday, Nov. 24, in connection to a drug trafficking investigation in the Woodstock area.

Woodstock Police Force said 45-year-old Matthew William Harris of Meductic and Robert ‘Rob’ Louis Michand, formerly of Grand Falls, were charged with trafficking crystal methamphetamine. Harris also faces charges for possession of cocaine.

In a media release on Nov. 24, Chief Gary Forward of the Woodstock Police Force said the investigation dates back to April. He explained the Woodstock Integrated Enforcement Unit (IEU) began an investigation into drug trafficking in the area.

The IEU includes members of the Woodstock Police Force members, N.B. Justice and Public Safety officers and the RCMP.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of Harris, Michaud and an unidentified woman at the Fredericton Airport in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 23.

The release said the arrests and subsequent search led Woodstock Police Force IEU officers to the seizure of approximately four kilos of what officers believe is crystal meth. Police also seized a sum of Canadian currency.

The WPF release said the court remanded Harris and Michaud into custody until a bail hearing in Fredericton court soon. 

Forward said several police agencies and teams assisted in the investigation initiated by the Woodstock IEU. Those include members of the Woodstock Police Force Street Crime Unit and WPF Primary Response officers.

Other participating teams included the Fredericton Police Department IEU and Street Crime Unit, the Moncton IEU, the RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Units in Woodstock and Moncton, Woodstock RCMP detachment officers, the RCMP Community Crime Reduction Unit in Oromocto and Oromocto RCMP detachment officers. 

Forward explained the IEU teams in New Brunswick comprise members of municipal police departments, members of the NB Department of Justice and Public Safety, and RCMP.

He said the teams work collaboratively and in partnership, focusing their efforts to coordinate and improve response in our communities to growing concerns about drugs, firearms, and organized crime.

The release stressed that the distribution and sale of illegal drugs is a serious criminal offence posing health and safety risks to everyone in New Brunswick. 

It said the public plays an essential role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime.

The Woodstock Police Force asks anyone with information about the illegal possession or trafficking of drugs to contact it at 1-506-325-4601.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

Forward said the investigation is ongoing.

The post Two men charged in connection with drug-trafficking investigation in Woodstock area first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Neqotkuk man released after three months in jail

Dylan Thibodeau, 28, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 23 and changed his plea to guilty on three charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail or time served and was released from custody.

Thibodeau appeared in court in custody on July 31 and was denied bail. On Nov. 23, he pleaded guilty to breach of a release order, violation of a no-contact order, and failing to comply with an order to abstain from drugs or alcohol following two separate incidents on June 21 and July 26 at Neqotkuk.

RCMP also charged Thibodeau with assaulting a female victim, assault by choking, and breach of an undertaking concerning the incident on June 21. He pleaded not guilty. On Nov. 23, he agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond, and his trial did not proceed. 

Thibodeau had a limited prior criminal record. He appeared in provincial court in custody on June 26 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was ordered to report to the police weekly and to stay away from Neqotkuk. He resided in Beechwood but breached his conditions and was taken back into custody. 

Trial pending on drug charge

Bronwyn Barbara Thomas, 23, of Bloomfield, will appear in provincial court on Jan. 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for further monitoring about her trial on a drug charge.

RCMP charged Thomas with attempting to possess methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on March 2 near Centreville. She appeared in court on Nov. 21 to confirm she has legal counsel to proceed. A pre-trial conference will be held on Jan. 16 in preparation for her trial next May.

In custody awaiting plea

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 23 for plea on four charges. His matter was adjourned until Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

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

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

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

Jacksonville woman awaiting trial verdict

Linda Lunn, 55, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court for the conclusion of her trial on Nov. 23 after pleading not guilty to two assault charges laid by RCMP. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision until Dec. 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Lunn was charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm, stemming from incidents involving a minor on Oct. 18, 2022, at Jacksonville. 

Conditional discharge and $200 restitution

Casey McCarty, 33, of Carlingford, appeared for trial in provincial court on Nov. 22 and changed her plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. She received a conditional discharge on both counts and was ordered to pay $200 in restitution for property damage.

McCarty was released from custody with conditions following her bail hearing by video on June 23. She was arrested on a warrant after she failed to appear in provincial court on June 7 for monitoring about her trial. She was on a release order at the time. 

On Nov. 22, she pleaded guilty to committing mischief causing damage to car tires in relation to an incident on July 30, 2021, at Hillandale, Victoria County, and guilty to breaching an undertaking. 

Woodstock man to stand trial

Logan Chase Campbell, 29, of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on July 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Campbell was charged with breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order on Nov. 6 in Woodstock and assault by choking involving a female victim on Nov. 5 in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on Nov. 21. Campbell was released with conditions until his trial.

Alleged assault with dog feces 

George E. Legacy, 49, of Plaster Rock, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on an unusual assault charge.

RCMP charged Legacy with assaulting a female victim using dog feces following an incident on Sept. 21 in Plaster Rock. He made his first court appearance on Nov. 21 when the matter was adjourned for plea.

Trial adjourned after lengthy legal argument

Tina Noella Albert, 53, of Craig’s Flats, Victoria County, appeared for trial in provincial court on Nov. 20 on three charges laid by RCMP. 

After lengthy legal arguments about how she should proceed without a lawyer, Judge Scott A. Brittain adjourned her trial until May 1, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. A pre-trial conference will also be held on Feb. 28, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Albert was charged with resisting arrest, uttering threats, and assaulting a police officer concerning an incident on Oct. 4, 2022, near Perth-Andover. 

Albert told the judge she had filed an official complaint against the police officer involved in the incident, which resulted in the officer being transferred out of Perth-Andover. Judge Brittain explained he could not hear any details about the case before the trial.

Trial set for Piercemont man

Caleb Crain, 40, of Piercemont, will appear for trial in provincial court on March 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

Crain was charged with assault causing bodily harm to a female victim, unlawful confinement, and uttering threats following an incident on Dec. 10, 2022, near Florenceville-Bristol. He appeared in provincial court on Nov. 21 to confirm he has legal counsel to proceed with the trial. 

Remanded to jail 

Braxton Denny, 23, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 22 for a bail hearing. He waived his bail until later and was remanded to jail. Denny returns to court in custody for plea on Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m. He was arrested on a warrant and charged with breach of a release order.

Denny appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 11 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions and then failed to return to court for a plea. He was charged with breaking into a dwelling house and committing mischief concerning an incident on Feb. 18 in Woodstock. 

Denny is also scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on March 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other charges laid by RCMP. 

Denny was charged with committing mischief causing property damage and breach of an undertaking on Dec. 9, 2022, at Upper Woodstock, and two counts of assault and committing mischief causing property damage on Dec. 8, 2022, at Upper Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant for failing to attend court and was released with conditions. Denny entered his not-guilty pleas at a court appearance on April 25.

Trial rescheduled on assault, weapons charges

Brandon Schriver, 22, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 23 to set a new date for his trial after pleading not guilty to assault and firearm charges laid by RCMP. His trial was rescheduled for Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Schriver appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 1 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. RCMP charged him with assaulting another man, assault with a weapon, possession of a firearm without a licence (a pump action shotgun), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, impaired driving, possession of a gun while prohibited, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and breach of probation following an incident on Aug. 30 at Craig’s Flat in Victoria County.

The court heard Schriver was a parolee from federal prison. He was sentenced to two years in prison in January 2022 for a series of thefts across Victoria County.

Neqotkuk man awaiting trial

Todd Allison Sappier, 63, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on March 1, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP.

Sappier was charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident in connection with an incident on Jan. 8 at Neqotkuk. He pleaded not guilty, and a monitoring date for his trial was set for Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. 

Arrest warrant issued

The court issued an arrest warrant for Cheng Dela Cruz, 29, of no fixed address, after the accused failed to appear for trial in provincial court on Nov. 22.

Dela Cruz was charged by Woodstock Police with assault and uttering threats against a female victim on Oct. 17, 2021, in Woodstock. Not-guilty pleas were entered by Dela Cruz at an earlier court appearance.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Neqotkuk man released; Cloverdale man in custody awaiting plea first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Staff at Fredericton's Crowne Plaza gathered to give a warm welcome back to Nancy Pederson after she won a national tourism employee of the year award in Ottawa.

A towering new piece of public art, a stylized star inspired by the Acadian flag, is ready to welcome visitors at the new U.S. land port of entry across the St. John River from Edmundston.

Small news outlets and media and internet experts say the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, has had a serious impact so far, and it may be about to get much worse.

Alex Hayward of Quispamsis, N.B., wins gold in the men's 3,000-metre C1-3 individual pursuit for his third medal at the Parapan American Games in Santiago. Hayward topped the podium in the men's C1-5 time trial on Sunday then won bronze in the C1-5 1,000m individual time trial on Thursday.

Did you see the snowy sky over Fredericton light up blue and green — and wonder what it was?

Dramatic aerial images of large-scale blueberry farming on the Acadian Peninsula has sparked a renewed political debate about the Higgs government’s agricultural policy.

Jumbo's loss can be felt throughout the entire Elsipogtog First Nation community, where he was a councillor and minor hockey league coach.

Theatre UNB will produce a new adaptation of The Amorous Adventures of Anatol by Morris Panych, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Memorial Hall. Theatre UNB is set to stage a new…

The post Theatre UNB presents a Morris Panych adaptation appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

New Brunswick has a new independent police watchdog office in Fredericton, which is expected to be fully staffed within weeks.

Young woman sees a need and works to fill it; makes grandfather proud

Submitted by Dwayne Hatfield

Several times after travelling the Knowlesville Road, near Glassville, our little granddaughter Hannah-Jo asked if we had any family laid to rest in a quaint little cemetery on this sparsely travelled road, which had no sign hanging at the entrance. Still, we told her we weren’t sure.

We walked through the grounds one day, reading the names on those old headstones, and found that there might be a family connection. Then, on another of our trips, a lady with family in her car from out of province stopped us and asked if we knew where the old Armond Cemetery was located.

Since there was no sign, we were unsure, but we asked her to follow us to the little cemetery on the hill, and fortunately, she found her family’s plots.
As we drove away, our granddaughter said, “I need Papa to help me. This special place needs a sign.”

Her grandparents, Pam and Dwayne Hatfield, made a few phone calls and connected with Mr. Wayne Long, who helps care for the cemetery and has family members buried there.

Mr. Long provided the cemetery’s name and the approximate beginning date from so long ago. He permitted us to create and place a sign for all to know where this quiet place of rest is named and located for the remains of those many Irish Immigrants who settled in this country almost one and a half centuries ago.

With this knowledge, Hannah-Jo Hatfield chose the style, design and wording. On Nov. 4, 2023, she, with a bit of help from “Papa,” proudly placed the sign on the entry to the cemetery to honour those early settlers whose final resting place is Armond, N.B.

The post No sign, no problem first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fredericton-based guitar phenom Connor Fox makes his debut with Music Room. Matt Carter Can a debut album also be a career retrospective? That seems like an impossibility for a 23…

The post Connor Fox shares debut album appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Talk about a return of harness racing events at the Fredericton raceway is stoking concerns among some members of the New Brunswick Exhibition about the plan to redevelop the site.

Edward English, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing boys at the Mount Cashel Orphanage in St. John's, has been arrested once again.

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A Renous man who had been set to stand trial next summer for illegal driving conduct that  led to a fatal accident has opted instead to admit an offence, but he won’t be facing criminal sanctions.

Roderick Gerard Hallihan, 53, of Route 108 in Renous, faced an indictable criminal charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mackenize “Mack” Green, stemming from a motor-vehicle collision in Youngs Cove on Sept. 17, 2022.

He was also charged with a related offence under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act of driving without due care and attention.

He previously elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to both charges, and earlier this month, his trial on those counts was scheduled for Aug. 9.

However, Hallihan was back in Fredericton provincial court Friday with defence lawyer Sabrina Winters, who noted the case had been resolved and that a trial wasn’t going to be needed.

Hallihan pleaded guilty to the Motor Vehicle Act charge Friday. 

Crown prosecutor Rodney Jordan said the trial on the criminal charge wouldn’t be necessary, as the two counts were alternative charges.

“They’re the exact same facts,” he said, noting the Crown will withdraw the criminal count at the time of sentencing. 

Winters requested that a pre-sentence report be prepared on her client for consideration during the sentencing hearing, and Jordan asked for the preparation of victim-impact statements.

Judge Scott Brittain scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16.

Green, 24, of Mill Cove, died as a result of a collision between the car he was driving and Hallihan’s pickup truck the afternoon of Sept. 17, 2022.

An RCMP news release reported that members of the Sussex detachment responded to the scene at around 3 p.m. that day at the intersection of Route 10 and Bagdad Road in the Youngs Cove area.

Green was rushed to hospital but died the next day.

Hallihan was the sole occupant of his pickup and was uninjured, the RCMP reported, and there was a passenger in the car with Green who sustained minor injuries.

The RCMP originally indicated it didn’t believe there was any criminality associated with the fatal accident and that the accident was thought to have occurred when Green made a sudden stop, causing the pickup to rear-end him.

However, the force appeared to change its position on causation and fault when it ultimately laid the charges against Hallihan this summer.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Mary MacDonald is angry that her son wasn’t able to find a place to sleep the night of Nov. 21, 2022. Despite many calls for action, she believes little has changed for people like Luke Landry who are struggling on the streets of Moncton.

News that India was restoring electronic visa services for Canadian nationals this week was a huge relief for Anishkumar Narayanan of Dieppe and his family.

The New Brunswick bird records committee recently added the black-browed albatross, bell's vireo, and western flycatcher to the official list, bringing the total number to 441, said Jim Wilson, a member of the committee.