Fredericton’s community/campus radio station will hold its fall fundraiser November 23 at The Cap featuring live performances by Qwinn, Joe Ross, Travis Flynn, Stephen Hero and more. Matt Carter From…

The post CHSR Fundraising Concert – Nov. 23 at The Cap appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The MRTI Agency rolls out a blues inspired concert series with performances at Dolan’s Pub between January and April.  Matt Carter Just a few weeks after making things official with…

The post A Blues Series for the Winter Months appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

NBCC and local group hosts drive-in movie, carolers event to raise funds for local charities

Laughter, cheering, and singing will fill the air when NBCC hosts a drive-in movie night on Friday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 P.M.

The movie being played at the event is the holiday classic “Elf” starring Will Ferrell.

Home Zone Electronics is the movie and screen provider, and McConnell Transport will provide the trailer, which will serve as the movie screen backdrop.

To enter the event, guests must pick up a pass before Nov. 24. You can pick up passes at CD Hairwaves or the NBCC campus.

Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the NBCC Emergency Food Resource Cupboard and Woodstock High School Backpack Program.

These programs supply over 100 students in the local community with needed food. Both programs raise funds to purchase food for food-insecure students in the local area.

The event, sponsored by Woodstock Tourism and NBCC, will give all attendees a complimentary pop or water and a bag of popcorn provided by Exit Realty Platinum.

Organizer Maryann Walker says people can start to park at 5:30 p.m., with the carolling beginning an hour later. The Palmer family will perform a series of carols. A special guest will be on hand for a tree-lighting ceremony. The movie will follow, with sound broadcast through vehicle radios.

Kelly Shaw will be on site to offer Beavertails and hot donuts during the carol sing and will have nachos for purchase during the movie.

The post Charity with Christmas cheer first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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An Oromocto man is going to trial on allegations that he maimed his wife and kidnapped her last month.

Adam Crowley, 29 of Tweedsmuir Court, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Monday to elect mode of trial and enter pleas on several serious, indictable charges.

Crowley is on remand at the jail until the case against him concludes.

He’s accused of committing an aggravated assault on his wife, Karimah Crowley, by maiming her; kidnapping her with the intent of confining her unlawfully; uttering threats to cause her death and/or bodily harm; and committing mischief by interfering with his wife’s lawful use of her property.

The charges allege events in Fredericton on Oct. 14.

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

Judge Lucie Mathurin set the case over to Dec. 1 for a case-management conference to determine if the issues at trial can be narrowed.

Trial dates will be set at that time as well.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Dozens of Moncton residents packed city council chambers Monday evening calling for a scrapyard and other businesses to be moved away from their homes.

There’s a new debate emerging about abortion in New Brunswick — between groups who support access but have different approaches on how to pursue that goal.

Nearly a month later, with the help of hundreds of car enthusiasts on social media, Sébastien Michaud's beloved 1992 Honda Prelude was found after a citizens’ pursuit tracked the car across three provinces.

Saint John's former girls' high school has been sold, and the seller's real estate agent says the plan is to turn it into an apartment building.

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

A Fredericton woman who admitted to second-degree murder for stabbing a man in the chest and face claims she should have been convicted of manslaughter because it was a robbery that went wrong.

Angela April Walsh, 25, AKA Ali Morningstar, formerly of Kings College Road, pleaded guilty in early 2023 to second-degree murder in the April 2020 death of Clarke Ernest Hunter Greene, 31, and she was sentenced in June to life in prison - the only sentence available for murder under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Kathryn Gregory also set her parole-ineligibility period at 13 years, meaning Walsh must serve at least that long in prison before she can apply for parole.

However, Walsh filed a handwritten notice of appeal with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal on Sept. 14, first asking for an extension of time to file that appeal.

In criminal cases, intended appellants are supposed to file notices of appeal within 30 days of cases’ conclusions, and Walsh missed that deadline by a couple of months.

“The reason that I’d like an extension for an appeal is that I had no knowledge that there was a timespan for it,” Walsh wrote in a note attached to her notice of appeal.

“I am also a first-time federal inmate, so I’m still new to the processes.”

In more serious cases such as murder, appeal courts usually grant such extensions, especially if the appellant is self-represented and serving a term of incarceration.

Change of story led to lesser charge

Walsh was originally charged with first-degree murder in Greene’s death, but at the outset of her trial in January, her spouse, Zachery David Murphy, 25, testifying for the Crown, changed his story.

He told a provincial court at Walsh’s preliminary inquiry that she had hatched the plan to kill the victim, and he relayed a similar account to police when he was initially interviewed after his arrest in the spring of 2020.

However, as a key witness for the prosecution at Walsh’s jury trial, he claimed the whole thing was his idea.

That brought the trial to a halt, and during a recess, the Crown and defence lawyers conferred, eventually coming back to the court with an agreement for a guilty plea to the lesser count of second-degree murder.

Murphy had previously also been charged with first-degree murder for his lesser role in Greene’s death, but he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was co-operating with the prosecution up until his testimony at Walsh’s trial.

Likewise, he was sentenced to life in prison, but he’s eligible to apply for parole after serving 11 years.

During Walsh’s sentencing hearing, court heard she had decided to lure Greene to Wilmot Park in downtown Fredericton in the early-morning hours of April 15, 2020, to rob him.

Walsh met the victim at the park’s gazebo, and at her direction, Murphy hid in the greenery, only to approach Greene from behind and striking him with a pipe.

With Greene incapacitated, Walsh pulled a knife out of his pocket, jumped on top of him and started stabbing him over and over, in the torso and the face. Court Walsh gouged out Greene’s eyes in a rage, and then concluded her attack by stomping on his face.

Then she stood and stomped on his face with her foot.

Medical evidence showed Greene was stabbed in the face seven times and the chest 12 times. One blow punctured his heart, another his lung and another still cut a pulmonary artery.

His body was found at the gazebo by a passerby later that morning.

During her sentencing decision, Gregory described Walsh’s actions as “an inexplicable, spontaneous explosion of violence.”

Grounds for intended appeal

In handwritten notes attached to the notice of appeal form Walsh filled out at the Nova Institution, a women’s prison in Truro, N.S., she outlines her reasons for challenging the outcome of her case despite her guilty plea.

Her main contention is that there wasn’t any intent to kill.

“I believe that this crime was an unintentional one as it was only supposed to be a robbery, but it went wrong and someone regretably [sic] lost their life in the process,” she wrote.

“I feel horrible, ashamed, sad, disgusted with myself and guilty that a crime of this nature had occured [sic]. Therefore, considering the evidence, I believe second-degree murder should be reduced to a manslaughter charge instead.”

The language included with the notice of appeal, however, specifically avoids mentioning that she committed the acts in question, and it also questions some of the facts of the case that were relayed to the court during sentencing.

The killer contends court heard she had a driver’s licence when she didn’t have one or know how to drive, and that her hair colour was erroneously reported as being brown or red when she had “platinum blonde” hair in the time before and after Greene’s death.

“Therefore, I couldn’t be the ‘redhead’ that was seen walking with the victim shortly before the crime occured [sic],” Walsh wrote.

She also denied that she ever gave statements to police even though court heard she’d discussed the events at the park with police after her arrest.

In fact, in hearings before her trial, video of her statement to police were played for the court to determine admissibility.

“And lastley, [sic] I got my lawyer at the time, T.J. Burke, to make sure that all evidence was to be laid out for the trial when the Crown was showing evidence,” she wrote.

The killer further argues that a reference to her alternating hands in her repeated stabbing of the victim shows the attack couldn’t have occurred as the court was told.

“It also states that I’m ambidextrous when in fact I’m only right handed, so I couldn’t have used both hands in this crime as I’m unable to do so,” she wrote.

Walsh contends no clothing with stains testing positive for blood were found at her residence.

“There should also be body-cam video-footage of my arrest from inside my residence that shows that I did not throw a cellular device behind me, but rather dropped it on a pile of clothes next to my right arm,” she wrote.

Court of Appeal Justice Raymond French is scheduled to hear Walsh’s motion for extension of time to file her notice of appeal Dec. 6.

Thus far, Walsh is self-represented in her appeal process.

You can contact Don MacPherson at [email protected].

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Written by Dakshesh Thackar, Woodstock High School student journalist

On Saturday, Nov. 4, Woodstock was rocking as The Scene Promotions company put on the first Big Battle of the Bands as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton York. The event, hosted at the Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Centre, saw five bands from across the Maritimes take the stage to compete for the title and $1,000 in prize money. Taking part were Tee 4 Three from Moncton, Run the River from Fredericton, Old Habits from Moncton, The Martin Boys from Woodstock, and Turbo from Halifax.

“We intentionally had very unique bands playing. When Daniel Monteith, Mellissa Hargrove, other organizers, and I sat down and talked about what we wanted as a vision for the event, we wanted something that served the bands and the entire music scene. We wanted diverse original bands that could show themselves to our audience,” said Corey Crouse, who runs The Scene Promotions. 

The performance was presented by The Scene Promotions, with Daniel Monteith acting as MC for the night.

 As the night unfolded, each band delivered captivating performances to an audience of over 200 music enthusiasts. The competition was fierce, with each band receiving a 30-minute setlist to showcase their unique styles and greatest talents.

Judges Eddie Young, Erika Betts, Shaun Monteith, and Shaun Albright faced the difficult task of deciding upon the winner of the Big Battle of the Bands. 

Turbo emerged victorious and took home the $1000 prize and the coveted trip to Sabian, with The Martin Boys coming runners-ups and receiving the virtual fan award!

Crouse’s goal with The Scene Productions is to grow the region’s music scene and expose all ages to live music. 

“We want you to come if you can’t afford a ticket. We want you to come if you don’t have any friends to go with. It’s not about making money; it’s about making it happen.”

Steven and Ruth Rideout from Big City Sound, Randy Ross, Sally Teague, Ryan Martin, Ryan Duffley, Jennifer Connor, and Melissa Hargrove all helped with the event’s sound, production and marketing. While all proceeds went to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Carleton-York, the event saw sponsorships come from all corners of the region. 

“The performance went absolutely seamless,” said Crouse. “It was their hard work which allowed us to have a great performance. There were no immediate sound checks when the bands went up on stage; there were multiple bands coming and going fast on and off the stage, and we were actually ahead of time with our schedule, which put more pressure on our sound crew. It was because of their professionalism that the show went the way it did with all of the pressures on board.”

As the echoes of the last chords faded away into the Woodstock streets, not only had some of the Maritime’s greatest talents been showcased, but a spotlight shined on Woodstock’s prosperous, vibrant, and ever-growing music scene, all while raising funds for a good cause.

The post Woodstock celebrates the Battle of the Bands first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Motorists who were looking forward to the opening of the new international bridge between Edmundston and Madawaska, Maine, will have to wait a few more months, and it's going to cost more than expected.

Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce event kicks off Christmas season for residents and businesses

On Friday, Nov. 17, a torchlight parade, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the Christmas tree helped launch the Christmas season in New Brunswick’s First Town.

We will have the full story on this event with more pictures later this week, as the reporter who covered this event is dealing with a death in the family. Thanks for understanding.

The post Kickoff to Christmas brings holiday cheer to Woodstock first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Mounties are investigating an assault complaint from last month in Oromocto, and after releasing photos of three suspects being sought in the case Monday, they were identified, the RCMP now reports.

The RCMP’s Oromocto detachment issued a news release Monday about an early-morning incident at an Oromocto business that reportedly saw a man being assaulted outside the premises.

“On Oct. 21, 2023, at approximately 3:25 a.m., members of the Oromocto RCMP detachment responded to a report that three individuals had assaulted a man outside of a business in Oromocto, and then fled the scene before police arrived,” the release stated.

Images of the three suspects were caught by store surveillance cameras, the RCMP said, but thus far, investigators have been unable to identify them

As such, the Mounties released images in the hope that members of the public might be able to provide their names or information that could lead to them being identified.

All three were described as being in the early 20s with slim to average builds, the release said.

In an update issued not long after the original release, the RCMP advised the three men had been identified, and it thanked the public for its assistance.

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

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A Harvey man who was jailed four years ago for causing a 2017 crash in which his younger brother was killed has admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol this summer.

Brandon Richard Forret, 25, of Harvey, was charged by police this fall with impaired driving, alleging events from Aug. 19 in Fredericton.

Defence lawyer L.A. Henry appeared on his behalf in Fredericton provincial court Monday, noting he’s out of province for work.

“He’s in Alberta,” she said.

The plan was to have Forret appear by telephone in court Monday, the defence lawyer said, but Judge Lucie Mathurin pointed out that since the charge against her client is a summary-conviction matter, that wasn’t necessary since his counsel was present.

Henry said her client was pleading guilty to the charge, she asked that a pre-sentence report be ordered and prepared for the court’s consideration.

The judge ordered that report, and she scheduled a sentencing hearing for Feb. 23.

The defence lawyer asked Forret could appear by video from Alberta for the sentencing hearing, but Mathurin said that wasn’t possible because the offender would be required to sign paperwork at the time of sentencing.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Lavigne said current public policy is for courts to impose a release order on those who admit to impaired driving and other related offences prohibiting them from driving while they await sentencing.

Forret’s absence from the jurisdiction at the time of his guilty plea posed a challenge, he noted.

“He is somebody who relies on driving for his livelihood,” Henry said.

Mathurin said while the court would normally impose such an order pending sentencing, it’s not feasible since Forret wasn’t present to sign such an order.

However, the judge reminded Henry that once her client is sentenced, he will be subject to a mandatory driving prohibition as part of that sentence.

“He will be prohibited,” Mathurin told the defence lawyer. “He needs to be here for sentencing.”

Tragic crash in his past

This marks the second time Forret has admitted to a crime related to driving.

He made headlines a few years ago after he was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of his younger brother Dawson Forret.

Dawson, 16, was killed in a late-night crash on Oct. 5, 2017 on Route 640 in Yoho when Brandon Forret was at the wheel.

Brandon Forret was also charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm to Teagan Wilcox, Dawson’s best friend, who was also in the car.

Brandon Forret pleaded guilty to both counts in 2019 and was sentenced to nine months in jail for those crimes.

During the sentencing hearing four years ago, court heard Forret had the car he was driving up to speeds of 160 to 176 kilometres per hour when he went onto the shoulder of the road and lost control of the vehicle.

He and the two passengers were ejected from the car, as no one was wearing a seatbelt. Police reported alcohol wasn’t a factor in the 2017 crash.

In addition to the jail term, Forret was on probation for a year following his release and was prohibited from driving for two years.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The provincial court trial for a Haneytown man accused of sexually assaulting and touching an underage complainant a decade ago will be held next fall.

Mathew Peter Robert Gratton, 28, of Broad Road, elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty last month to charges of sexually assaulting a minor and touching that child for a sexual purpose.

The RCMP charges allege events in Haneytown between Dec. 17, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2016.

There’s a court-ordered publication ban in place protecting the identity of the complainant.

The matter was back in Fredericton provincial court Friday for a case-management conference and to scheduled trial dates.

Judge Cameron Gunn set the trial down for Oct. 9 and 10, 2024.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A former car salesman fired from a Fredericton dealership after being accused of getting handsy with a female co-worker has seen the criminal charge against him dropped.

The second trial of Stirling W. Peterson, 57, of Niagara Falls, Ont., but formerly of Fredericton, on a summary charge of sexual assault got underway in Fredericton provincial court late last month, 

The complainant testified that Peterson grabbed her breast on one occasion and then her buttocks on another while both were employed at Fredericton Hyundai between November 2019 and April 2020.

The woman said Peterson touched her breast while they passed one another in a stairwell at the dealership, and no one else was around. But she noted that two other employees witnessed him grab her behind while she was bent over cleaning her desk in a public area.

The defendant was one of the top salespeople at the business at the time.

The complainant said she was dissatisfied with how management at the dealership dealt with the inappropriate conduct, and she decided to go to the Fredericton Police Force to report the unwanted touching months later.

Peterson was subsequently fired.

During a recess after the complainant’s direct examination and before the defence’s cross-examination was to begin Oct. 27, the lawyers said new attention had come to their attention that merited an adjournment of the trial while the parties looked into what they’d been told.

Judge Cameron Gunn adjourned the matter to Nov. 17, when a date for the continuation of the trial was to be set.

The substance of the new information was never mentioned on the court record.

But when the matter came before the court Friday, prosecutor Christopher Titus said the Crown was withdrawing the charge against Peterson.

Peterson wasn’t present for Friday’s proceedings, but defence lawyer Edward was on hand and didn’t object to the Crown’s motion.

Titus gave no explanation for the decision to withdraw the charges, and again, the nature of the new information that led to the adjournment last month wasn’t discussed.

And thus, the prosecution against Peterson came to a close.

Conviction followed by appeal

This marked the second time Peterson stood trial on the allegation.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc convicted him last year after trial, and she sentenced him to a year of probation. The provincial court judge also imposed orders requiring Peterson to submit a DNA sample for a criminal database and to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

But in a decision issued in February by the summary appeal court, King’s Bench Terrence Morrison found LeBlanc had misconstrued and confused testimony, leading to an erroneous ruling.

Her mistakes resulted in “a miscarriage of justice in this case which warrants a new trial,” Morrison wrote.

You can contact Don MacPherson at [email protected].

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From the outside looking in, it’s been a difficult year for gender-diverse people. Easier to miss are the pockets of joy, the gentle ways people in the LGBTQ+ community care for each other during times of hardship.

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs is returning to the original argument he used to launch his pursuit of the job: that he's not part of the establishment but rather an anti-politician tackling an entrenched status quo.

Residential property taxes in Saint John to go up as heavy industry sees no increase.

Planned upgrades to water services will mean no water for a time and rerouted traffic in the downtown

Residents and businesses in downtown Woodstock will see traffic rerouted most of the day, with the area having no water later on Monday, Nov. 20.

According to a notice released by the municipality, construction in the downtown area will start at 8 a.m. and continue into late evening. The areas affected are Connell Street from Main Street to Green Street, as well as King Street, Queen Street, Harvey Street, Wellington Street, Carleton Street, Emerald Street and Regent Street.

Those areas will lose water at approximately 5 p.m., with water service expected to be restored late that evening. Once the homes and businesses are reconnected, the area will be under a boil-water advisory.

The municipality notes that water may be temporarily discoloured following construction.

During a boil-water advisory, water for drinking, preparing infant formula, juice, ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, and dental hygiene should be brought to a rolling boil for one minute. While adults and older children can bathe, shower, or wash with tap water, infants and toddlers should be sponge-bathed to ensure no water is swallowed.

Once the boil-water advisory is lifted, the public will be notified. The town thanked people for their patience during the process. Stay tuned to the River Valley Sun’s website for updates on the boil-water advisory.

The post No water/boil-water order and traffic disruptions in Woodstock Monday first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The New Brunswick SPCA is investigating the death of three horses in Notre-Dame.

Over 5,400 N.B. Power customers are without power Sunday morning. 

Three New Brunswickers are enjoying an astronomical surprise: an asteroid has been named after them. It's called Mipach — using the first two letters from their names.

Woodstock First Nation Elder Carole Polchies led students through the forest to teach them how ash trees can be used for things such as basket making.

Part of the Victoria Health Centre near downtown Fredericton will be the site of a new community hub aimed at getting homeless people out of the cold, and connecting them to the addictions, mental health and housing services to get them off the streets.

This winter, the City of Saint John plans to ditch its reliance on sometimes faulty weather forecasts in hopes snow-clearing efforts will match what's actually happening outside.

250 people are gathering under one roof in Fredericton from Friday to Sunday to discuss revitalization of the Wabanaki languages. The event is called “The Language Will Weave Us Together.”

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A Haneytown man scheduled to stand trial next month for an alleged attempt to hold up an Oromocto bank professed his innocence again, suggesting it was ludicrous he’s in custody.

Chad Atkinson, 30, of Farnham Road in Haneytown, appeared in custody and in person in Fredericton provincial court Friday for a case-management conference.

He faces charges of attempting to rob the TD Bank and bank employee Samson Adeyemo of cash, possessing a Crossman Arms Co. pellet gun for the purpose of committing an offence, carrying a concealed weapon and breaching his probation

Those counts - to which he pleaded not guilty Oct. 3 - arose after RCMP officers were dispatched to the TD branch on Onodaga Street in Oromocto the afternoon of Aug. 30 after receiving a report of a robbery in progress.

Atkinson was arrested at the scene.

His trial is scheduled for Dec. 8, but the case was back before Fredericton provincial court Judge Cameron Gunn to see if any issues could be ironed out ahead of trial to make the proceeding go more efficiently.

But court heard Friday that defence lawyer Doug Smith had only just received Crown disclosure.

Furthermore, prosecutor Wesley McIntosh, visiting from the Crown’s office in Saint John to help with Fredericton plea court Friday, noted a different prosecutor was handling the case, and he wasn’t in a position to hash out any issues on the case.

Gunn said there was little point in a case-management conference when the parties couldn’t really discuss the case.

Atkinson - clad in jail-issue orange sweats and seated in the courtroom prisoner’s dock - expressed frustration, not just with Friday’s proceedings, but the charges in general.

“Your honour, this is just crazy,” he said. “I didn’t rob that bank.”

Gunn told him that was what would be determined at the trial next month.

He remanded the defendant again until that time.

In a news release issued shortly after the incident at the bank, the RCMP said a male suspect entered the bank at about 2:15 p.m. Aug. 30 and demanded money, telling staff he had a firearm in his backpack.

Once police received the call about the incident, armed officers in tactical gear surrounded the branch, the release said, and a suspect was arrested soon thereafter without incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Moncton plans to fix what city staff called a "no man's land" in the city's west end for cyclists and pedestrians as part of an expanded active transportation network next year.

After Saint John cancelled its annual Santa Claus Parade because of heavy rain and strong winds expected this Saturday, organizers of the Lancaster edition extended an invitation for Saint Johners to join them next Saturday.

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A Fredericton judge said while he was initially reluctant to accept a joint recommendation on a lenient sentence for a repeat drug dealer, problems with the Crown’s case justified a shorter prison term.

A sentencing hearing was held last month for Christopher James Arbeau, 45, of Brookside Drive, on charges of possessing meth and hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking and possessing the proceeds of crime Jan. 19, 2021; and to possessing meth for the purpose of trafficking and possessing the proceeds of crime again Sept. 29, 2021.

He admitted to those charges earlier this year, as well as to unrelated counts of stealing almost $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Atlantic Superstore on Smythe Street and failing to attend court for his scheduled sentencing date.

During the Oct. 12 sentencing hearing, Crown prosecutor Wesley McIntosh and defence lawyer Edward Derrah offered a joint recommendation on sentencing: 2½ years in prison.

But Judge Scott Brittain reserved his decision on sentence at that time, expressing concern that it was too lenient a sentence for repeat drug trafficker, especially one with a prior conviction for possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Arbeau was back before Brittain on Friday, appearing by video from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.

Weaknesses in Crown’s case

“I’m accepting the joint recommendation,” the judge said at the outset of Friday’s proceedings.

He said case law notes that sentencing judges should only reject a joint recommendation when the proposed sentence is out of synch with sanctions imposed in similar cases that it would be unfit and would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

“Suffice it to say, it’s a high threshold to reject a joint recommendation,” the judge said.

“In this instance, I had some misgivings, at least on its face, about the recommendation made.”

Higher courts have directed judges to treat drug-trafficking crimes - especially those involving hard drugs - seriously, Brittain said, especially in light of the damage the illicit substances do to the lives of those addicted to them.

But there’s also the issue of the greater damage done to the community at large, he said, as addiction can give rise to crime to feed habits.

While the proposed 2½-year term is on the low end, Brittain said, it’s not outside an established range of sentences for such crimes.

One of the reasons given for the agreed-upon prison term, the judge said, was the fact that the Crown’s case had vulnerabilities.

Available to the defence were potential challenges to the searches conducted to secure the evidence against Arbeau, he said.

Furthermore, Brittain noted, some of the charges were approaching the legal deadline by which they were to be resolved, and it’s possible the defence could have asked for them to be stayed due to a violation of Arbeau’s right to a speedy trial.

Sentencing judges are required to take into account the quid pro quo nature of agreements between Crown and defence lawyers in such circumstances, he said.

“If those weaknesses weren’t represent, Mr. Arbeau would be looking at significant more time on this,” the judge said.

Offender is ‘addict trafficker’

He noted an aggravating factor in Arbeau’s case was his past criminal record including a conviction for a similar possession crime, but his guilty pleas - even though they came on the day he was scheduled to stand trial - were a mitigating factor in his favour.

“The fact is that Mr. Arbeau is a low-level street dealer,” Brittain said, describing the offender as “an addict trafficker,” someone who sells drugs to feed his own desperate habit.

The judge said Arbeau has had long-standing substance-abuse issues as well as a past gambling addiction, and he noted his family has been hurt by drugs beyond his own problems.

“His brother died of an overdose in 2008,” Brittain said of Arbeau.

He imposed the 30-month prison term, plus another 45 days for Arbeau’s failure to attend court for his original sentencing hearing. However, Brittain also ordered the sentence to be reduced by 77 days to account for the time the offender has spent on remand since his arrest this fall

The judge also ordered Arbeau to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in a criminal database and prohibited him from possessing firearms and other weapons for 10 years following his sentence.

The drug charges against Arbeau arose after members with the Fredericton Police Force’s drug section observed Arbeau engage in drug transactions on two occasions in 2021.

He was seen in a car Jan. 19, 2021, selling drugs to a man he met in the parking lot of St. Mary’s Supermarket.

He was arrested at that time but released on conditions, only to be seen selling crystal meth again Sept. 29, 2021, outside the River Stone Recovery Centre, a downtown addictions treatment facility.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Skigin Radio Inc. approved to operate low-power Indigenous FM radio station

The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has approved an application by Skigin Radio Incorporated to operate a low-power, Indigenous FM radio station to serve the Maliseet People of the Wolastoqiyik territory. The station, under the licence, would be a not-for-profit entity.

A release issued by the CRTC in October noted that Skigin Radio is a non-profit organization governed by a board and has agreed, under the new licenses, to broadcast 112 hours of local programming and 14 hours of wrap-around programming each broadcast week. The station would also devote 104 hours to musical content, promising that 20 per cent of musical content would be Indigenous. The remaining 22 hours of airtime would be dedicated to spoken word programming, targeting children and youth and education, religious, news and public affairs programs. The board has promised to have 100 hours of English-language programming, with 20 hours of programming in various Indigenous languages (Wolastoqey, Mi’kmaq, and Ojibway) and six hours of French-language programming.

The 50-watt station will operate at 107.7 FM, serving a region from just below Hays Falls to Hartford and from East New Bridge to MacKenzie Corner.

Skigin Radio promises to broadcast programming developed for and recorded by the Indigenous population.

As part of their application, Skigin said it would support Indigenous content development, including giving opportunities for studio recording time to Indigenous artists and showcasing such talent on and off reserve events. The radio station stated it would also promote Indigenous talent online, in pamphlets and in a newsletter.

In handing down its decision, the CRTC noted there would be little to no economic impact on stations in the area.

“The proposed station’s FM service contours would encompass Woodstock First Nation and surrounding areas. According to the applicant, the proposed station would be supported by government grants or funding, its Band Council, advertising revenues and fundraising,” said the CRTC decision document.

“The proposed station’s primary contour would be entirely encompassed by Bell Media Radio Atlantic Inc.’s commercial station CJCJ-FM Woodstock. However, the population in the overlapping area would comprise only 6.4% of the population within CJCJ-FM’s primary contour. In light of the above, and given the nature of the proposed service, the Commission finds that approval of this application would not have an undue economic impact on any incumbent stations.”

Under CRTC rules, the station must devote 35 per cent of its music to Canadian content. Under the license agreement, Skigin Radio must be operational within 24 months of the granted license, which would be on or before Oct. 19, 2025.

The post CRTC awards community radio license to Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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An admitted sex offender whose appeal was denied earlier this year appeared finally to accept the forfeiture of various items seized by police when he was arrested.

But at the conclusion of a hearing Thursday, he seemed to baulk at the notion that items he used in his crimes would be destroyed.

Kyle Anthony Archer, 38, of Fredericton, is serving a five-year prison sentence imposed in late February for sexual offences.

He pleaded guilty last year to sexually assaulting an underage girl, making child pornography that showed that sexual abuse and storing a firearm improperly.

Archer admitted he sexually abused a pre-teen girl - whose identity is protected by a court-ordered publication ban - beginning in January 2019 and lasting until July 2021, when he was arrested.

The girl was 10 years old when the abuse began.

Despite being sentenced and seeing the New Brunswick Court of Appeal declining to hear his appeal, Archer was back in Fredericton provincial court Thursday for the continuation of a forfeiture hearing.

Such forfeiture proceedings are typically simple procedural matters handled at the conclusion of a sentencing hearing, but Archer objected to the Crown keeping numerous items that were seized as a result of his arrest and the investigation.

Among the items he wanted returned to him included computer equipment and digital storage devices, some of which had been used in the sex crimes he committed against the young victim.

Furthermore, during his contentious sentencing hearing and subsequent application to appeal his case, Archer kept asking courts to allow him to review evidence included in the disclosure of his Crown file - including the pornographic images he’d captured of the girl he traumatized.

Time and time again, judges told him he wasn’t getting access to such material.

‘He doesn’t want to belabour this’

With that backdrop in mind, Archer appeared in custody before Judge Lucie Mathurin on Thursday to deal with the draft forfeiture order prepared by prosecutors Shara Munn and Rachel Anstey.

Archer was representing himself, but Fredericton defence lawyer Melinda Ponting-Moore also attended the proceedings, acting as a friend of the court to advise Archer.

Ponting-Moore noted that revised draft orders - one listing the items to be forfeited, the other detailing which items would be returned to Archer - had been prepared, and that a number of items had been removed from the forfeiture order and added to the return list instead.

“He doesn’t want to belabour this, so he tells me,” the lawyer said. “He strongly expressed the desire not to return [to court] again.”

Court heard, though, that Archer felt there were items missing from both lists that he’d seen mentioned in his disclosure, but he doesn’t have that documentation anymore so he couldn’t compare them or specifically recall what might be absent from the lists.

Mathurin told him his disclosure was never put before the court, so she had no way to review it to see if there was anything to his concerns.

“What items have been seized never made it to court,” the judge said, noting she could only rely on the information in the draft orders as prepared by the Crown prosecutors’ office.

But Mathurin said her review of the draft orders appeared to be in order and consistent with forfeitures and returns in such cases.

For example, she said, a rifle, shotgun and ammunition listed in the forfeiture order were proper, as they were involved in his crimes. Furthermore, the judge said, Archer is now subject to a firearms prohibition, so it’s illegal for him to possess such items anyway.

“You’re not going to have access to any of those items,” Mathurin said.

Among the other items on the forfeiture list include an LG smartphone, two tablet devices, eight digital storage devices, an Asus laptop computer, a knife in a sheath, a tripod, lubricant, handcuffs and a journal.

Additional items deemed returnable

Munn told court Thursday that due to Archer’s initial opposition to the original forfeiture, the investigation officer and a digital forensic specialist conducted a further review and analysis of the items seized and earmarked for forfeiture and destruction.

As a result, she said, some of the items were determined to be benign or otherwise unconnected to the offender’s crimes.

For example, the prosecutor said, what appeared to be a USB thumb drive turned out to be a transmitter for an Xbox gaming console.

Also on the return list filed with the court Thursday were USB drives and memory cards, a Dell laptop computer, a digital camera, a 500 GB hard drive, two camera lenses, a blue binder with a camera manual and a backpack.

Mathurin told Archer that based on the material before her, she’s confident everything is in order and that the prosecution has ensured the proper items will be returned and that items he shouldn’t get back will be forfeited to the Crown.

“There’s nothing underhanded going on here. I wouldn’t allow that to happen,” the judge said.

“If you are saying everything is fine…” Archer said.

“I am satisfied at this point,” Mathurin said.

“I’m ready to be done with it,” the offender said.

Ponting-Moore, after conferring with Archer in the courtroom, said he accepted the draft orders as presented Thursday.

But when it was reiterated that the forfeited items would be destroyed, Archer appeared to have an issue again. He again spoke with Ponting-Moore, and at one point, he said to her, “So I can do that after.”

When Mathruin said, “I’ll sign the order,” Archer laughed, appearing to have a problem with what was happening.

The judge told him forfeited items aren’t destroyed immediately, that there’s a period where they’re held, so if Archer so chose, he could appeal the forfeiture.

“This ends this matter in relation to provincial court,” Mathurin said.

Rough and unusual road

Archer’s entire provincial court case was bizarre and drawn out. He went through three defence lawyers over the course of the case, and the original judge presiding over his sentencing hearing in the spring of 2022, Judge Kenneth Oliver, wasn’t prepared to accept the jointly recommended five-year sentence offered by the Crown and defence.

The sentencing was further delayed when Oliver was suspended from the bench in October 2022, which led to Mathurin taking over the case.

While acknowledging the sentence was on the low end given the seriousness of Archer’s crimes, she accepted the joint recommendation, noting that it was within the established range.

Even though he pleaded guilty and agreed to the five-year term, Archer filed an application for leave to appeal with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.

During arguments held earlier this year to determine if he’d be allowed to appeal, Archer told the province’s top court that he didn’t necessarily want to withdraw his pleas or even alter his sentence.

Instead, he claimed he was never given a chance to review his disclosure in detail, and he wanted access to it again, including the items seized.

Specifically, he said he wanted to review the representative samples of the digital images presented to the provincial court - showing his abuse of the victim - in his sentencing hearing.

In written decisions issued this summer, Court of Appeal Justice Kathleen Quigg denied leave to appeal, noting the court record showed Archer had every opportunity to review his disclosure.

She found Archer was clearly trying to regain access to the child pornography he’d made, and noted there was no error in the case that merited an appeal of any kind.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Council sets public hearing date to give residents last chance to weigh in on zoning bylaws for all zones

“We’re at the cusp of the wrap-up stage,” said Dillon Consulting Jennifer Brown on Tuesday, Nov. 14, as she updated council about the town’s Municipal Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments.

Brown said two significant steps remain to complete the long-running process of updating land use in the expanded community.

She said the town’s Planning Advisory Committee will review the plans and offer recommendations or potential changes. Brown added Woodstock residents will have at least one more opportunity to provide feedback regarding the updated plan and zoning bylaw amendments.

Following Brown’s presentation, council approved Dec. 12 as the public hearing date.

Brown said residents, business owners, and developers had already shared their points of view on proposed changes, and time remained for more input.

“We’ve been having a lot of conversations with community members,” she said.

Brown added the public hearing will indicate if council is ready to proceed with final approval.

“If there’s hesitation at the public meeting,” she told council, “there’s time to hit the brakes and come back.”

As Brown stated in previous updates to council, she said the consultants and staff tried to avoid significant changes to land use, especially in the newly amalgamated areas of Wards 1, 2, 3, and 5.

While the plan recognizes the rural nature of much of the former local service districts, it tried to incorporate enough flexibility to allow the community to expand its residential and business sectors.

“It requires us to address, among other things, agriculture,” Brown said. “We’ll make sure everything is crystal clear in the plan.”

Unlike Woodstock’s former municipal plan, which covered only the town’s original limits of what is now Ward 4, the new municipal plan will face different types of land use.

“Pits, quarries and mines have to come through the town’s zoning process,” she explained, “but the province will continue to be the regulator.”

Brown acknowledged this type of land use can be controversial.

“Mining is always a little messy,” he said.

Brown said the municipal plan and zoning bylaws cover an extensive area “with a lot of it not zoned..”

She added heavy industry is not prevalent in the area at present, but “you have a lot of people knocking on the door.

Brown said the proposed new municipal plan identifies 15 zone types, up from 13 in the current plan. It includes six residential zones to provide more flexibility and three commercial zones.

The residential R1 zone allows one and two-unit residents.

R2 permits low-rise residential, which Brown explained would include three-storey multi-unit buildings.

R3 zones would encourage medium-density residential, and R4 would allow high-density residential structures.

The plan also calls for RR, rural residential, and MHP, mobile home parks.

“We’re looking to allow residential as widely as possible,” Brown said.

Brown explained the plan designated three types of commercial zones — Downtown Commercial Centre (DCC), General Commercial (GC) and Corridor Commercial (CC)

She explained that DCC primarily incorporates Main Street, from the bridge up the hill to the post office building and portions of King and Water Streets.

She said restrictions require ground floor units facing the streets to be commercial operations, but residential units are allowed on second floors and higher and at the back of the buildings.

Brown described CC as parts of Connell Street, housing big box stores and other commercial enterprises.

Brown, who credited Woodstock Development Officer Andrew Garnett for his essential role in helping develop the updated municipal plan, said the revised document tries to reflect the residents’ concerns.

“We want to be sure we follow through on what we told residents when we began this process,” Brown said.

The post Woodstock’s municipal plan and zoning updates nearing final stages first appeared on River Valley Sun.

English theatre company The Book of Darkness & Light makes its Canadian debut at Saint John Theatre Company with a one-person adaptation of A Christmas Carol, December 5-9. Matt Carter…

The post A Ghost Story for the Holidays appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Community event during Fire Prevention Week used as recruitment tool

Florenceville-Bristol Fire Department members held an open house on Oct. 7, opening their doors to the public to show off equipment, demonstrate skills, and hopefully entice some people to join their ranks.

“We’ve always wanted to do this, and we thought it would be good to partner education and awareness with recruitment,” explained Fire Chief Andrew Cougle.

Firefighters took young and old for rides in a fire truck and did low-angle slope rescue demonstrations for those who stopped in.

Many of the department’s members were on hand for the open house, with RCMP officers and paramedics with Ambulance NB also participating.

Recruitment is an ongoing issue with the volunteer fire service, but this department, which has a firefighter roster of 24, has gotten lucky these last few years with some new recruits joining their ranks. On this day, the department staffed a recruitment table that offered written materials and a chance for people to talk to members about joining the department.

Josh Seelye has been a member for four years after serving in Blacks Harbour before moving to the region.

“It’s always interesting,” Seelye told the River Valley Sun. “There’s an adrenaline rush that you get when the pager goes off, but there’s also a lot of satisfaction with helping people when you need them most.”

Michael Howarth is a 21-year-old who lives in the District of Carleton North. He joined the department about eight months ago and loves his work.

“I was interested in helping the community, but I have always loved this kind of thing. I feel like I fit in here. My pastor is a Captain here, and that’s how I learned about the opportunity.”

Howarth’s brother, Kieran, is 18 and is joining the department. The recent high school graduate wants to become an RCMP officer eventually and thinks the fire service will help him achieve that goal.

“It’s a perfect stepping stone to law enforcement because it’s all helping people,” he said.

The informal meet and greet at the open house saw dozens of people stop in, and many children got a ride in a fire truck, with the excitement of lights and sirens.

“It was a good turnout,” said Chief Cougle. “We really just wanted to celebrate our community and have a chance to show people what we’re about. I think we achieved that.”

The post Florenceville-Bristol Fire Department hosts open house first appeared on River Valley Sun.

It’s a basketball fan’s dream in Moncton this weekend. Four teams that have competed in the NCAA’s March Madness tournament will play in the Atlantic Slam at the Avenir Centre. And Roberto Di Donato hopes it inspires the next generation of New Brunswick players.

A new salon in Moncton, Style by Siwar Studio, has opened a private room for Muslim clients who wear hijabs, also known as headscarves.

A Tantramar councillor is in hot water after council said she commissioned a replacement statue without permission.

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The Western Valley detachment of the RCMP is turning to the public for information after a violent incident involving a firearm last week in Florenceville-Bristol, about 120 kilometres northwest of Fredericton.

The RCMP issued a news release late Thursday advising that two suspects - a man and a woman - are being sought after a theft of gas and subsequent confrontation involving a gun.

“The theft occurred on Nov. 8, 2023, at approximately 8:36 a.m., when a man and a woman stopped at a business on Route 110 in Florenceville-Bristol, fueled their vehicle and left without paying,” the release said. 

“Later the same day, the driver, believed to be a male, pointed a firearm at another vehicle on Route 110 in Florenceville-Bristol. RCMP members patrolled the area, but the individuals had left the scene.”

Accompanying Thursday’s news release were photos of the suspect vehicle, and officers are hoping members of the public might recognize it and provide information to further the investigation.

The truck is described as a black, older-model Dodge Ram with a broken taillight on the driver's side and a set of cab lights on the roof, and it’s missing its front bumper.

“The first individual is described as a male with blond hair, a beard and a mustache,” the release said.

“The second individual is described as a female with red hair. At this time, no further description of these individuals is available.”

Anyone with information about the truck, the incidents in question or with dashcam/security footage from the area at the time of the incident is urged to contact the Western Valley region RCMP at 506-325-3000. 

Those wishing to provide Information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or doing so online through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

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

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A defence lawyer argued Thursday his client is unfit to stand trial on sex-related charges based on his intellectual disability - one that can never be treated or cured, so he could never be found fit.

Jarett Wayne Fraser Heuff, 25, of Clark Point Road in Pomeroy Ridge, about 50 kilometres south of McAdam, faces RCMP charges of sexual assault and interference, alleging he touched an underage girl in McAdam between Oct. 30-31, 2021.

He previously pleaded not guilty to both charges, but his case has been slow to proceed to trial in Fredericton provincial court as the court contends with the issue of his fitness to stand trial.

The court previously received conflicting psychiatric reports on Heuff’s fitness to stand trial. One psychiatrist, Dr. Tunde Apantaku, said Heuff is unfit to stand trial due to his intellectual disability, but Dr. Christopher Bryniak penned a report indicating a high likelihood that the accused is fit.

Both doctors appeared before Judge Natalie LeBlanc on Thursday to testify in a fitness hearing.

Tunde testified he interviewed Heuff in person at his office in Saint John in June, and the defendant was accompanied by his adoptive mother throughout the meeting, which lasted 60-90 minutes.

He said Heuff was referred to him by his family physician, and was notified a forensic psychiatric assessment was being sought to determine his fitness to stand trial.

The family doctor noted the patient suffers from depression and reportedly from fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, but there’s no way to confirm that diagnosis since Heuff’s biological parents are dead.

‘I find him to be very suggestible’

“He has some cognitive delay and has some judgment problems,” Tunde said. “He had a very short attention span … He is easily distractable.”

Heuff has difficulty with information comprehension, he said, and his limited mental capacity definitely suggests some kind of brain damage.

The defendant suffers from a mental disorder, Tunde said, pointing to an unspecified intellectual disability and an anxiety disorder as his main issues.

Tunde said while Heuff understands the nature of objective of the court proceedings, the possible consequences of the charges and the roles the lawyers and judge have to play in the process, he questions if Heuff is competent enough to instruct defence counsel through the case.

“I find him to be very suggestible,” the psychiatrist said. “He strongly relies on others to make decisions for him.”

During the interview, his adoptive mother interjected repeatedly and guided him through the answers, he said, and Heuff tends to simply go with the information that’s presented to him by his mother and others.

Tunde said Heuff has the mind of a 12-year-old, and his condition is permanent.

“Essentially, it’s not treatable, but it can be supported,” the doctor said.

Due to those mental and cognitive limitations, Tunde said, he felt Heuff is unfit to stand trial.

But on cross-examination by prosecutor Rebecca Butler, Tunde admitted this was the first time he’d ever conducted a forensic psychiatric exam for consideration in criminal court and he’s never received specific training in forensic psychiatry.

The doctor said he discussed the charges with Heuff, who told him he understood touching someone sexually without consent was wrong.

Heuff told him the touching was an accident and that he had acted in a moment of excitement, Tunde said.

After Tunde assessed Heuff and filed his findings with the court earlier this year, the Crown sought another assessment.

More experience in forensic assessments

Dr. Christopher Bryniak testified he specializes in forensic psychiatry and works at the Restigouche Hospital Centre, a secure psychiatric facility in Campbellton that deals with defendants deemed unfit to stand trial or offenders found not criminally responsible for their actions due to mental disorders.

He was tasked by the Crown with the followup examination, and he met with Heuff and his adoptive mother virtually in mid-August.

Bryniak agreed with Tunde’s assessment that Heuff has a pronounced intellectual disability that does amount to a mental disorder.

But he found a high probability of fitness to stand trial in Heuff’s case.

Heuff recognizes and appreciates the court process, Bryniak said, noting that in fact, the patient has a great deal of anxiety over the criminal charges, which reinforces the notion he understands what’s happening.

He understands the charge and what a minor is in comparison to himself, the Crown’s psychiatrist said, and he’s aware of the potential consequences he’s facing, such as house arrest or a jail sentence.

While Heuff’s adoptive mother was present for part of their session, he worked to speak with him alone to limit any potential coaching, Bryniak said.

“From his history, he’s certainly able to learn new information,” he said of Heuff. 

He said when dealing with people with intellectual disabilities, using concrete, simpler language can help them navigate more complicated or unusual situations.

Bryniak said there was little in his assessment of Heuff to indicate he’s unfit to stand trial.

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah, during his cross-examination, asked him what the minor indications were that could point to the defendant being unfit.

“There’s some degree of suggestibility there,” Bryniak said, and that suggestibility has the potential to be an issue.

The psychiatrist also acknowledged that should the court deem Heuff as fit, there could still be an issue regarding criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged offences to explore.

Forensic assessments to determine criminal responsibility are separate and distinct from those conducted to determine fitness to stand trial.

Similar opinions, divergent conclusions

Derrah, in arguing the defence application for a finding of unfitness, said the two doctors appear to agree on his client’s intellectual and psychological challenges.

“They approach the matter from somewhat different perspectives,” he said.

He likened the legal test for fitness as a stool standing on three legs: awareness of the process, awareness of the consequences and ability to communicate with defence counsel.

Derrah said Heuff meets the bar with regard to the first two criteria, but not the third, and without one of the legs, the stool falls over.

Butler said the onus is on the defence to demonstrate Heuff is unfit, and she argued it hadn’t done so.

Heuff remembers what happened as he was able to relate that information to Bryniak, she said, so it stands to reason he can convey information and instructions to his defence counsel.

The defendant might need some help in communication and understanding, the prosecutor said, but needing help and being unable to do so are different things.

“I think those kinds of accommodations can be made,” she said.

Butler urged the court to give greater weight to Bryniak’s opinions, noting that he has greater experience with fitness assessments and that he was able to question Heuff outside of the influence of his adoptive mother.

She also emphasized that the Crown’s expert conducted the more recent of the two assessments, while Derrah noted that Tunde interviewed his client in person instead of by way of an online video link.

LeBlanc reserved her decision on the fitness hearing to Dec. 1.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Fredericton man earned a two-year stint in federal prison Thursday for stabbing another man in the chest with a steak knife - a crime he doesn’t remember committing given how high he was at the time.

Bradley Anthony Reid, 31, of Douglas Avenue, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from jail Thursday for a sentencing hearing.

He was originally charged with aggravated assault, stemming from a stabbing incident the morning of Feb. 21, but he pleaded guilty last month to the lesser included offence of assault causing bodily harm.

Reid also admitted to a related count of violating his probation.

Crown prosecutor Gwynne Hearn said police became involved in the case when officers were dispatched to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital at 5:10 a.m. Feb. 21, where medical staff reported that a male - later identified as Wilbur Elliott - had been dropped off at the emergency room with a single stab wound to the chest.

Hospital staff told police that a dark-coloured Pontiac van had pulled up to the ER entrance, and the unidentified driver ran in calling for help, the prosecutor said.

Inside the ban was Elliott, court heard, and ER workers rushed him inside. The driver - who was never identified - fled the scene.

Elliott wasn’t able to communicate with police immediately, Hearn said, as fentanyl had been administered as part of the treatment for the chest wound.

Eventually, she said, the victim was able to tell officers that he and Reid had been together at a Hillcourt Drive residence on the city’s north side, using drugs, including crystal meth.

Elliott reported he’d left the residence but realized he was missing his cellphone, court heard, and he returned to retrieve it, believing Reid had stolen it.

That led to a tumultuous encounter, Hearn said, as Elliott told police Reid “freaked out.”

“The next thing he knew, he was stabbed,” the prosecutor said.

It wasn’t known who drove the victim to the hospital, but it wasn’t Reid.

‘Honestly, I don’t know’

Police - including members of the emergency response team in full tactical gear - descended on the Hillcourt Drive residence en masse the morning of Feb. 21, given the apparent violence of the offence.

Ultimately, the prosecutor said, police made entry into the residence and found Reid, barely conscious.

He was arrested, court heard, but police took him to hospital as well, given his high level of intoxication due to drugs.

When Judge Natalie LeBlanc asked Reid if he agreed that’s what happened, the offender answered, “Honestly, I don’t know.”

He said he remembers little of the events of that day but accepted that was what had occurred.

Hearn said Reid has a prior criminal history, though most of his convictions are theft-related, with only one prior assault in 2016.

She said the Crown and defence were offering a jointly recommended sentence of 37 ½ months - three years for the assault causing bodily harm, and another 45 days for the probation violation.

After the customary remand credit is applied in Reid’s case, she said, that makes the offender’s sentence going forward two years plus a day, the threshold for a term of incarceration to be served in federal prison.

Defence lawyer Ron Morris said that’s in his client’s best interest, as Reid will be able to avail himself of programs in the federal system that aren’t offered in provincial jail.

“He’s really a non-violent individual,” he said of Reid, noting his past criminal history and this latest crime all have flowed from his substance-abuse issues.

“Drugs are his main problems, his main curse.”

Offender can’t read or write

Reid was sentenced about a year ago to four months in jail, Morris said, and once he was back on the street, he was immersed in his addiction and the drug culture again.

“He was only out three weeks when this happened,” the defence lawyer said.

LeBlanc said she was shocked to see in Reid’s file that he graduated high school despite being unable to read or write.

Morris said Reid has been assessed as having mild retardation, and his learning challenges certainly haven’t helped him.

“I guess social promotion is what happens these days,” he said.

“It doesn’t seem to have served your client well,” the judge said.

The defence lawyer said despite his illiteracy, Reid managed to land a job as a flagger with a private firm, and he loved the work.

But it was after he was jumped on a city walking trail by acquaintances from Fredericton’s drug scene and struck in the head with a baseball bat, Morris said, his client was unable to return to work, undoing some of the progress he’d made.

He noted Reid has been sober since his arrest Feb. 21, and even though he’s been in jail during that time, it’s still noteworthy.

Drugs are just as readily accessible in New Brunswick jails, Morris said, so Reid’s continued sobriety behind bars shows he’s serious about dealing with his addiction issues going forward.

He urged the court to accept the joint recommendation on sentence, noting there was some give and take between the Crown and defence regarding issues with the case.

Morris pointed to the gap in Reid’s memory and his highly intoxicated state when he was arrested, noting his client might have had an automatism defence. A trial was averted through the negotiations between the prosecution and defence, he said.

When LeBlanc asked Reid what he planned to do about his drug issues, he said he wants to get into a rehab program.

“I gotta change my friends,” he said, adding he also needs to find a place to live that’s not in the middle of the drug scene.

LeBlanc urged him to make good use of his time in prison by engaging with programs designed to address substance abuse.

She accepted the joint recommendation. Furthermore, she imposed mandatory orders requiring Reid to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in a criminal database, and to refrain from possessing firearms and other weapons for life.

Furthermore, the judge ordered that the knife seized by police is to be forfeited to the Crown.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A painting given by Lord Beaverbrook to Fredericton's Beaverbrook Art Gallery in 1959 is set to be auctioned off in London.

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Earle Martin, our loving father, grandfather, neighbour, and friend. Bob went to dwell in the house of the Lord on Oct. 28, 2023. He died peacefully at the Carleton Manor, surrounded by the prayers and songs of family at his bedside.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Captain Leslie and Clara (Vaughn) Martin; brothers Charles and Donald; sister Marguerite; son-in-law Timothy Welch (Melodie); his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret; and many cherished Wilson kin: David and Pearl, Ronald and Florence, Clare and Phylis, Leonard and Nellie, and Ruth (née Wilson) and Coburn Patterson.

Bob is survived by his sister Cherie, sons James (Kathy), Donald (Chantal), and Paul (Kristin) Martin, daughters Melodie Martin and Cindy (Wes) Corey, 11 loving grandchildren, one beautiful great-granddaughter and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on Sept. 15, 1927, Bob was the second of five children. He lived in Durham, NC, as a young child before the family moved to Canada when he was about 10 years old. Bob attended school in Nova Scotia and began basic training with the Canadian Armed Forces at age 17. He was to be deployed for service overseas the same year the war ended.

Bob later relocated to New Brunswick and was involved with the Canadian reserve force and the Carleton-York Militia Regiment.
In 2017, he was honoured with an invitation to the ceremony marking the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, where he was very proud to meet the future King, Prince Charles.

One fateful day, as Bob was looking to select a gift for his mother from Creaghan’s in Fredericton, he met the stunning Margaret Wilson working at the cosmetology counter. Marg sold him a bottle of Chanel No. 5 and captured his heart. She would go on to tell her children and grandchildren this story in the decades to come, always recalling with a grin how handsome Bob looked in the hat he wore that day.

Bob and Marg married and eventually settled in Woodstock, NB, where they raised their five children. After working for the Home Finance Company, Bob joined brother-in-law Leonard in the family car business and later helped establish the first Toyota franchise in the area.

Most memorably, he channelled his entrepreneurial spirit together with Marg as they opened The Style Shoppe, operating out of their home on Main Street. They soon outgrew these modest beginnings and became a cornerstone of the Carleton Mall, where customers relied on Bob’s taste for the latest fashions and his warm, welcoming smile.

Throughout his lifetime, Bob invested deeply in the communities he was a part of. In addition to fostering local business enterprises, Bob lent his time and talents to numerous organizations that were meaningful to him. Among these were the Lions Club of Yarmouth, NS, where he served as Charter President and District Governor; the Atlantic Baptist Foundation, serving as Treasurer and in various roles for over 35 years; and the Woodstock Unit 95 ANAVETS, which he was proud to serve as Treasurer – a role he continued in through the age 95.

Over his decades of volunteer service, Bob supported the good works of these groups and countless others, including Gideons International, Children’s Aid Society, Y’s Mens Club, Boy Scouts, Royal Canadian Army Cadets 318 (Woodstock chapter), and the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock. As a long-serving member of the Woodstock United Baptist Church, Bob taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, offered guidance and leadership as a Deacon, and was relied upon throughout the church community for his wisdom, wit, and profound faith.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob joined the local relief efforts of Families Helping Families, speaking words of comfort and reflection and offering the blessing as volunteers assembled each Sunday to distribute meals to those in need.

Above all else, Bob was a devoted husband and family man, enjoying nothing more than a gathering of Wilsons, Martins, and Coreys in his home on Grover Street. Whether for a meal, a game of crib, a cup of coffee, or just some quiet, sage advice, Bob adored sharing in the company of family.

He was always ready with a clever joke or amusing story, stirring up laughter and delight all around him, especially from the children and the kids at heart. Known for his sharp intellect and careful record keeping, Bob meticulously archived the unique accomplishments of each of his grandchildren for whom he felt immense pride and affection, often playfully boasting that he had taught them “just a fraction” of what he knew.

Bob did, in fact, find joy and value in hobbies, leisure, and learning pursuits of all kinds and loved to share these with his grandkids. If ever they took an interest in a new subject, Bob would be quick to research and study it diligently himself, always keen to support any endeavour a loved one chose that may lead them on a path of purpose and personal growth.

Bob loved the community he and Marg made their home and spoke often of the great kindness and goodness of the people in it. He was always available to anyone needing a helping hand and was exceedingly grateful to those who offered the same generous spirit to him and his family.
Resting at the Culberson Funeral Home, 188 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB.

Bob’s funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 11:00 a.m. and was officiated by Rev. Craig Woodcock at the Woodstock Baptist Church. Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Carleton Manor, Woodstock Unit 95 ANAVETS, or another local charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Culberson Funeral Home in Woodstock.

The post OBITUARY: Robert (Bob) Earle Martin 1927-2023 first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A Moncton teen who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Joedin Leger was released with conditions on Thursday after his sentencing was delayed.

New Brunswick's two health authorities are disputing the suggestion that patients seeking surgical abortions have to wait several weeks to have the procedure at the three hospitals offering the service.

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Aaron Bouma celebrates the grand opening of the Carleton County Military Museum

“If you build it, they will come” is an adage that reaches beyond the Field of Dreams. It also describes a young man’s determination to construct a fitting shrine to his community’s brave fighting men and women.

The culmination of what to many seemed like an impossible dream brought a broad smile to Aaron Bouma’s face on Saturday, Nov. 4, as he welcomed visitors to the grand opening of his newly opened Carleton County Military Museum.

“It was an impeccable turnout,” Bouma said of the dozens who arrived at his home in Jacksontown, north of Woodstock, to view the hundreds of artifacts on display in the structure he built with help from family, friends and local tradespeople.

Among those on hand to congratulate Bouma on realizing his dream and providing an exciting and educational archive of military history were military and government members, past and present.

New Brunswick Education Minister and Carleton MLA Bill Hogan presented Bouma with a certificate of appreciation.

Tobique-Mactaquac MP Richard Bragdon arrived with his family to tour the museum and praise Bouma for his dedication to sharing and honouring Canada’s rich military history.

“He did a great job,” said Bragdon as Bouma detailed the significance of many of the hundreds of artifacts on display. “It’s a testament to his hard work.”

Former New Brunswick Premier and Carleton MLA David Alward, who watched Bouma as a teenager expand and share his fast military knowledge, joined the crowd at the official opening. 

Bouma said Alward always encouraged and supported his military passion.

“He’s the one who gave me the title, Carleton County’s Military Historian,” he said.

Bouma said the museum idea originated several years ago after he began sharing his military expertise at schools, the library and public events.

He soon began amassing his remarkable array of artifacts, with one of the most significant sitting outside the entrance to his newly open museum.

Long-time Woodstock-area residents may recognize the anti-aircraft gun built in the U.S. in 1942. It sat at Connell Park for several years.

Bouma said he gathered his artifacts in several ways. Many items came through donations, while he purchased others.

“eBay is my friend,” he laughed.

While Bouma’s focus has always been on Carleton County and New Brunswick history, his displays reach around the globe.

“I have stuff from all over the world,” he said.

Bouma said the open-concept museum will rotate his vast collection every three or four months. They will outline military history, including the Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Afghanistan, peacekeeping missions and more.

Dozens of flags from all sides of world conflicts hang from the building’s high rafters, arranged by conflict and timeline.

While personally devoted to all Canadian military history, one corner of the museum hits particularly close to home. It features photos, records and artifacts related to his grandfather, Percy Connors, who spent 32 years in the Canadian Air Force and Navy.

Since his teenage years, Bouma gained fame for his impeccably detailed wooden models of military equipment, ranging from guns to ships to planes. Many models he presented to Canadian Armed Forces officials are now displayed on Canadian military bases.

The rest are displayed in the Carleton County Military Museum at 1120 Route 560, Jacksontown, N.B.

Bouma says he is still determining museum hours, but people can call him at 1-506-323-3713 to arrange a time to tour the museum or visit the Carleton County Military Museum page on Facebook.

The post Military historian fulfills his dream first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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