A list of Remembrance Day services, by region, happening in New Brunswick on Saturday.

Remembrance Day falls on a Saturday this year and most retail and grocery options will close for the holiday. Municipal services and schools will mainly observe the holiday on Monday, Nov. 13, with certain exceptions.

Herbert McGee of Saint Andrews, served as a tail gunner in bomber command under the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. His war memories still haunt him at the age of 98.

GWCC celebrates Small Business Week with awards

The Corey Group of Companies and King Sports were honoured at a Small Business Week celebration at Connell House in Woodstock.

Business owners Wes Corey and brothers Dave and Paul Kitchen were on hand to accept the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) Small Business of the Year awards. 

The Kitchen brothers own and operate King Sports on Connell Street. Initially started by their father and uncle in 1989, the family-owned business recently moved locations. Dave and Paul have worked hard to expand their product offerings while supporting the community and serving customers’ needs. 

“No day is ever the same,” the brothers told the chamber. 

Wes Corey is a well-known businessman in the region. He owns Corey Ford (which opened in 2005), Corey Auto and Recreation (formerly Corey Car Centre, which initially opened in 2009) and The River Restaurant (which opened in 2014). All three businesses operate with a focus on families and the community.

The Corey Team has been recognized as one of the top Ford dealers in Canada for customer satisfaction for over 30 years.

When asked by the chamber what his personal interests are, Wes replied, “Family, business, charities, and helping others.” 

The Corey Group has donated to schools, sports teams, local charities, and provided meals during the pandemic, providing help when people needed it most. In presenting the award, the chamber noted Wes Corey never hesitates to donate to those in need and never looks for recognition. 

GWCC member Greg MacPherson, who owns Manulife Securities in Woodstock, acted as Master of Ceremonies and presented the awards at the Small Business Mixer event at Connell House on Oct. 17. 

The post Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce honours two local businesses first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fourth annual Rotary Haunted Hayride supports Valley Food Bank

Zombies, ghouls, and other creatures stalked the AYR Moter Centre on Saturday, Oct. 28, as a part of the fourth annual Rotary Haunted Hayride in Woodstock.

The hayride, which originated as a no-contact haunted drive-thru organized by the Rotary Club of Woodstock during the COVID-19 pandemic, has quickly become a community staple. Groups like Big Brothers and Sisters, Canterbury Varsity Basketball, the Woodstock Interact Club, NBCC, Woodstock High School men and women hockey teams, Wicked Good Graphics, Ashley’s Goblins, Garnet’s Gargoyles, and Stockford Smokestacks provided volunteers and support for the scare stations.

All profits from the event went to the Valley Food Bank. Organizers accepted both non-perishable food and money as admission to the hayride.

The event ran from 6 to 10 p.m. and grew scarier as the night progressed. Seven trailers were in use at the event, including two wheelchair-accessible.

Event co-chairs Hilary Stockford and Scott Dunlop said over 100 volunteers and two months of preparation were needed to make the event a reality.

Rotary handed out over 1,200 treat bags, loaded more than 1,800 people into hay ‘wagons’ and collected 623 lbs. of food for Valley Food Bank.

At the same time the hayride took place, a hockey game was happening in the AYR Motor Centre.

“The hockey game has been a positive impact (on the event’s attendance), and it is great to see the AYR Moter Centre used to its full capacity,” said Stockford.

Executive Director of the Valley Food Bank, Monica Grant, was also present at the Haunted Hayride.

“The Rotary has been one of our biggest partnerships … to get our new building up and running, and they are constantly doing different things like the hayride to help with donations and funding,” said Grant.

Both Grant and Stockford stressed that the integral part of the Haunted Hayride’s success was the community support behind it.

“Businesses and the community showed up in a big way to make this happen,” said Stockford. “From donating the 2x4s to helping figure out lighting to using the big tractors – all if it was important to make this happen.”

(With files from Theresa Blackburn)

The post Frights and food first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Woodstock club donates to the ‘We’re Here For You’ Comfort Kit Project

The young members of the Rotaract Club of Woodstock stepped up last month to help a local non-profit deliver comfort to victims of violence.

Rotaract’s director of communications, Mandy Scott, said the club raised more than $2,000 in donations to support We’re Here For You – Comfort Kit Project.

The charitable organization, founded by Sarah Sherman, works with emergency rooms and Forensic Nurse Examiners to deliver comfort kits to victims of sexual, intimate-partner and family violence.

Scott said the Rotaract donation included $500 from the club, another $500 from the Woodstock Baptist Church. and an additional $50 from various sources.

She said local businesses supported the Rotaract Club with donations of gift certificates and products for the comfort kits.

Scott said FMI Franchises in Woodstock provided 30 $15 Burger King gift certificates, and McDonald’s provided a $200 donation in the form of 15 Value Meal coupons.

She said Woodstock dentist Dr. Kent Orlando donated toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss for $144 kits.

Best Western Woodstock provided 200 bottles each of shampoo and conditioner.

Scott said Rotaract used the funds to purchase items for kits. On Oct. 12, she added, Rotaract members and volunteers joined We’re Here For You founder and coordinator Sherman and administrative assistant Heather Neison-Furrow at the AYR Motor Centre to package the items into kits.

Sherman said We’re Here For You has provided kits to Upper River Valley Hospital, Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton and the Saint John Regional Hospitals, and now has some to deliver to Moncton and Miramichi.

“Our big goal is to raise funds to reach non-profit charitable status, so we have several small fundraisers going on and a big one to announce soon,” Sherman said.

For more information about We’re Here For You — Comfort Kits, check out its Facebook page at (20+) We’re Here For You – Comfort Kit Project | Facebook

The post Rotaract steps up to bring comfort to victims of violence first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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The city police force is turning to the public for tips on the whereabouts of a Fredericton woman, who’s been reported as missing for the second time in recent weeks.

The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory on social media Friday evening noting that Chelsea Sacobie, 29, of Fredericton, is missing.

The force is turning to the public for information on her whereabouts or that could lead to her being located.

Sacobie is described as being about 5’10” tall, weighing about 205 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, though the photo the force released Wednesday showed her with reddish/blonde hair. 

Friday’s advisory didn’t indicate when Sacobie was last seen or when she was reported as missing.

This marks the second time Sacobie had been reported as missing in recent weeks. The police force issued an identical missing-person alert about her Oct. 18.

That initial advisory and the new one issued Friday both indicated the missing woman is 19 years old, but that was in error, as she’s 29 years of age.

Anyone with information about where Sacobie is or that could help in finding her is urged to call the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.

Those providing information should cite police file no. 2023-28604.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Drivers on Fredericton’s newest roundabout will notice a remnant of the former Lincoln and Wilsey Road intersection. For now a utility pole, surrounded by asphalt remains. The city has opted to open the round about with the pole still in place.

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A Fredericton man remanded more than a month ago on an allegation fired a gun at a man in Geary has been released on conditions following a bail hearing this week.

Darrell Richard Barnes, 50, of Boyne Court, was remanded at his initial telephone court appearance in Fredericton provincial court Oct. 5 pending a bail hearing.

The RCMP charge against him alleges he discharged a firearm at Dustin Madden with intent to wound, maim or disfigure him, or to endanger his life, in Geary on Oct. 3.

Barnes requested that his bail hearing to be postponed several times in the ensuing weeks, but it finally went ahead in provincial court Thursday.

Judge Brian McLean ruled Barnes’ continued detention wasn’t justified, and he released the defendant, subject to conditions on a release order.

Evidence presented at the hearing and the reasons for the judge’s decision are subject to a publication ban until the case concludes.

Barnes is scheduled to return to court Nov. 23 to elect mode of trial and enter a plea.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Renous man accused of causing a Mill Cove man’s death in an accident in Youngs Cove last year will stand trial on two charges next summer.

Roderick Gerard Hallihan, 53, of Route 108 in Renous, faces a criminal charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mackenzie “Mack” Green, and a related count under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act of driving without due care and attention.

The RCMP laid the charges in July, but they allege events stemming from a fatal accident in Youngs Cover on Sept. 17, 2022.

Hallihan previously elected to be tried in provincial court on the criminal count, and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The matter was set over for a case-management conference and to schedule the defendant’s trial.

It was during that court proceeding Nov. 3 that a judge scheduled Hallihan’s trial for Aug. 9, almost two years after the events giving rise to the charges.

However, the case is due back in court Nov. 23 for a further case-management conference. Such pre-trial proceedings aren’t open to the public.

The RCMP, in a news release issued around the time of the incident, said a 24-year-old man from Mill Cove - later identified as Green - died as a result of a two-vehicle collision.

Members of the Sussex detachment responded to the accident scene at around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Route 10 and Bagdad Road in the Youngs Cove area, it said, noting a car and pickup truck had been involved in a collision.

Green, who’d been driving the car, was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries Sept. 18, 2022, the release said.

Hallihan was driving the pickup truck and was its sole occupant.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Dozens of Kent County residents packed into a Moncton courtroom on Friday hoping that a judge would grant them an injunction shutting down a plant that they say is producing an unbearable stench in their community.

I Am Here – Postcards from the Edge, a collaborative exhibition project between River Stone Recovery Centre and Solo Chicken Productions, opens November 16. Solo Chicken Productions have teamed up…

The post Solo Chicken Foster Compassion Through Latest Project appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

An impending budget decision on whether to fund a new unit of hired security guards stirred discussion among Fredericton councillors about whether the positive effects of those officers have been felt equally between the city's north and south sides.

Joe Ross is about to release his first Christmas single. The Garland Smells like Darts hits streaming services Nov. 14. Hear it here first.  Matt Carter  I used to see…

The post First Listen: The Garland Smells like Darts by Joe Ross appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

When Charlie Reid was drafted on Dec. 29, 1942, he was a 19-year-old farm boy. By the time he was discharged in 1946, he'd fought some of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War. First Hussars.

Questions raised over group of workers left out from wage increase

New Brunswick has changed how it defines "serious" reactions to COVID-19 vaccines and using this new definition, the number has been cut in half.

Moncton has approved its 2024 budget with a 2.1 cent tax rate cut for most residential properties, slightly larger than originally proposed.

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Three levels of government announced millions in spending Thursday for a new wastewater treatment facility to replace an ageing one in Chipman.

But the same project was announced six years ago by a previous Liberal provincial government and the same federal government - for a fifth of the cost.

The province and Infrastructure Canada issued news releases Thursday announcing the existing Chipman wastewater treatment facility would be replaced at a cost of $13.2 million through combined funding provided by the federal and provincial governments, and the recently amalgamated Municipality of Grand Lake.

Ottawa has pledged $7,920,000 for the project, New Brunswick $4,399,560 through its Regional Development Corp. and Grand Lake contributing $880,440, the province’s release said.

“The Chipman wastewater treatment facility has been standing for 45 years and it is time to replace it,” said Public Safety Minister and Fredericton-Grand Lake MLA Kris Austin said in the release. 

“This funding will allow for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility at Grand Lake and will support the growing population in the region.”

Grand Lake Mayor Kevin Nicklin said in the release that the new facility will enable the recently amalgamated community - which includes the former villages of Minto and Chipman, as well as other former communities in the area - to accommodate its growing population and size.

However, online records show the same replacement project was announced in January 2017 under the previous Liberal government of premier Brian Gallant.

Provincial and federal financial commitments for the Chipman replacement project were announced at that time as part of a larger federal program designed to fund 74 water and wastewater projects across New Brunswick.

The province reported Jan. 20, 2017, that Ottawa was providing $1,785,889 while the Regional Development Corp. was investing $892,944, with an “anticipated start date” of May 29, 2017.

The total funding commitment for the project six years ago came to $2,678,833, about 20 per cent of the 2023 total of $13.2 million announced Thursday.

Government commissioned an environment impact assessment for the project six years ago, and the final report - available on the Government of New Brunswick website - was filed with the province June 23, 2017.

That assessment was conducted by the Fredericton office of Opus International Consultants, which has since been acquired by WSP Canada Inc.

The Fredericton Independent inquired with the provincial Regional Development Corp. (RDC) and Infrastructure Canada to inquire why the project didn’t happen in 2017 as originally announced and why the project cost has ballooned by a factor of five in just six years’ time.

RDC spokesperson Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn said the 2017 announcement was for the initial work needed to build the new treatment facility.

“A similar project was announced in 2017 by [the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government] that included an environment impact assessment, design work and the construction of an ultraviolet disinfection system,” she wrote in an email.

“The project announced today will build on this work … Today’s news is a continuation.”

The original 2017 news release made no mention of the funding being for such limited purposes.

“Thanks to this investment, Chipman residents will benefit from a new and improved wastewater treatment facility, replacing the ageing infrastructure currently servicing the community and introducing upgraded processes to ensure cleaner water flows into the Salmon River,” the release said.

The Independent is still waiting on a response from Infrastructure Canada.

Nicklin couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A 62-year-old from southeast New Brunswick accused of killing his spouse last month faces a new charge. 

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A Newcastle Creek woman and a Fredericton man awaiting separate trials for a 2022 homicide now face firearms charges stemming from a drug-trafficking prosecution.

Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 40, of Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek, and Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, of Fredericton, were charged jointly last month with possessing crystal meth, cocaine and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for the purpose of trafficking, stemming from alleged events at Blyth’s home near Minto on June 21.

The pair appeared in Fredericton provincial court remotely Thursday from correctional institutions where they’re remanded - Blyth by phone the New Brunswick Women’s Correctional Centre in Miramichi, Hood by video from a federal prison in Quebec - to elect mode of trial and enter pleas to those counts, but the RCMP laid new, related charges.

Hood and Blyth are now also jointly charged with the following:

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

• possessing unloaded prohibited firearms (two other sawed-off shotguns) with readily accessible ammunition; 

• possessing those three sawed-off shotguns, another shotgun and three rifles for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; 

• possessing non-restricted firearms (the three rifles and the shotgun) without a licence; 

• and storing those seven firearms improperly.

The weapons charges also allege June 21 events in Newcastle Creek.

Hood faces an additional count of possessing those firearms while prohibited from doing so by a court order.

Upon hearing Judge Mary Jane Richards read that final count, Hood broke into laughter and then ranted about the mounting charges.

“How are you going to charge me without reading me my rights?” he said.

“This is foolish. Every week, it’s new charges with you guys.”

Hood and Blyth are also both charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 28, 2022, death of Minto resident Brandon Patrick Donelan, 27.

Blyth is charged jointly with Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac, while Hood is charged on a separate information but jointly with Matthew David LeBlanc, 29, of Fredericton.

Fredericton lawyer Emily Cochrane - acting as an agent Thursday for Blyth’s defence counsel, T.J. Burke - said she’d been instructed to elect trial in the Court of King’s bench before a judge alone on the drug charges and presumably the related firearms counts as well.

However, she acknowledged the fact that Hood doesn’t have counsel yet on the drug and gun allegations, the court might be reluctant to enter elections of mode of trial when one of the defendants is unrepresented.

Richards said it would be a bit premature to forge ahead without dedicated counsel on hand to represent Hood’s interests. Furthermore, the judge said, it made sense to give the parties time to consider the new firearms charges and review any additional disclosure that might arise from them before settling on a mode of trial.

Hood is represented on the murder charge by Saint John defence lawyer Brian Munro.

Charlotte Cowley, a New Brunswick Legal aid staff lawyer acting as duty counsel Thursday who’d conferred with Hood before court convened, said Hood reports he applied twice for legal aid on the drug charges when he was still being held at Dorchester Penitentiary.

She said she’s going to look into that and see if Munro might be able to be assigned on the drug and gun allegations as well.

Richards set the June 21 charges over to Nov. 23 to ensure Hood has counsel assigned for those matters before dealing with election of mode of trial.

Members of the RCMP’s major crime unit and officers with other sections executed a search warrant at Blyth’s home in Newcastle Creek on June 21, and arrested her and Hood at the scene.

The Mounties charged Blyth with the Donelan murder the following, and Hood was returned to federal prison on a parole violation. He was charged with the murder Oct. 4.

The RCMP issued a news release this summer about the June 21 raid at Blyth’s home.

“During the search, police seized four non-restricted firearms and four prohibited firearms, all of which were unsafely stored,” it said.

“Police also seized 45,000 contraband cigarettes, as well as quantities of what are believed to be methamphetamine pills, shady 8 pills, hydromorphone pills, cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, unknown pills and drug-trafficking paraphernalia.”

McIsaac and Blyth’s jury trial on the murder charge is scheduled for the spring of 2025.

Hood and LeBlanc are due to appear again in provincial court next week to schedule their preliminary inquiry - a hearing to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set the matter over for trial in the Court of King’s Bench. 

However, it’s expected the Crown will file a preferred indictment in their murder case as it did with the Blyth/McIsaac matter. That procedure allows the prosecution to skip the preliminary-inquiry phase altogether.

Donelan’s body was found along a snowmobile trail in the Grand Lake area March 31, 2022, but he was reported as missing to police Jan. 30, 2022. The RCMP launched a major search effort, on the ground and from the air at the time but it came up empty.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Community marks National Indigenous Veterans Day with sixth annual ceremony

More than 60 people withstood the cold wind blowing off the Wolastoq (St. John River) to pay homage to Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation veterans during National Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov. 8.

Chief/Sakum Tim Paul welcomed participants and guests to the sixth annual Woodstock First Nation Veterans Memorial situated on the banks of the Wolastoq.

The solemn ceremony began with Piper Darlene Morton leading Sgt. at Arms Bruce Hendry and the Colour Guard, featuring members of the Woodstock Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11, ANAVETS Unit 95 and Wotstak First Nation veteran Roberta Paul to the monument.

Singer Antatasha MacIntosh and drummers Valerie Polchies and Robin Sappier opened the ceremony with a traditional song, followed by an elder reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Maliseet. 

Shaun Sappier served as master of ceremonies.

Chief Paul noted the importance of remembering and thanking the many Wotstak First Nation residents who served with the Canadian and American forces in two World Wars, the Vietnam War, as peacekeepers and during peacetime.

The singing of O Canada in Maliseet preceded the playing of the Last Post, followed by a moment of silence and the sounding of Reveille.

After Lisa Sappier recited Flanders Fields, Shawn Sappier read the roll call of Wotstak First Nation etched into the memorial behind him.

Each Wotstak First Nation National Indigenous Veteran Day ceremony includes a brief profile of one of the names on the monument. 

Chief Paul offered a brief biography of Charles Edward Polchies, who joined the Canadian Army as a member of the Carleton York Regiment in 1940, returning from war in 1945.

Medicine Lady Lisa Sappier, who offered a smudging ceremony to guests before the event began, read the Commitment to Remember before the laying of wreaths.

Wotstak First Nation chief and council laid the first wreath honouring their community’s veterans. Among the many laying wreaths and crosses of tribute included ANAVET Beth MacFarlane on behalf of MP Richard Bragdon and the Government of Canada and Woodstock Mayor Trina Paul on behalf of the town.

Wotstak First Nation hosted a reception at the band hall following the ceremony.

The post Paying tribute to Wotstak First Nation veterans first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation man with a 10-page criminal record who passed a counterfeit $100 bill at a downtown business last year won’t go to jail for the crime.

Shaun Leo Francis, 45, of French Village Road, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday for sentencing for uttering counterfeit currency.

He’d previously pleaded guilty to the charge.

Crown prosecutor Geoffrey Hutchin said Francis was caught on video at the King Street Irving on March 14, 2022, providing a $100 bill to buy cigarettes, and he received change from the purpose.

It was shortly thereafter employees realized the bill was bogus, he said, and they called police to report the incident. Officers identified Francis from the video, court heard.

When an officer spotted Francis at a bus stop a few days later, the prosecutor said, he stopped to arrest him.

“Mr. Francis made a spontaneous utterance he didn’t know the bill was counterfeit,” Hutchin said.

He filed a copy of the offender’s past criminal history with the court, noting it was 10 pages long and included previous convictions for property crimes, though there were no priors involving funny money.

The prosecutor said Francis’ record is so lengthy, he’s reaching the point at which he could get jail time just for jaywalking. However, he said, given his guilty plea, the Crown wasn’t seeking incarceration for this latest offence.

Instead, Hutchin recommended a 60-day conditional sentence, to be served in the community subject to a strict curfew. He also asked the court to impose a probation order requiring Francis to pay restitution to the Irving.

Duty counsel Melinda Ponting-Moore said the conditional sentence was a joint recommendation from the Crown and defence.

Francis accepts responsibility for his actions, she said, noting he’s an Indigenous man whose life has been affected by numerous systemic, historical traumas.

He has wrestled with substance abuse and housing challenges on and off throughout his life, the defence lawyer said.

“He’s struggled with an alienation from his community,” she said. “He’s trying to right the ship.”

“You’re getting a little bit old to be in here,” Judge Henrik Tonning told Francis.

The offender agreed, acknowledging he needed to make some changes.

“Where’d you get it?” the judge asked him, referring to the counterfeit bill.

“It doesn’t matter where I got it,” Francis said.

“It didn’t come from Scotiabank,” Tonning jibed back.

The judge accepted the jointly recommended sentence, imposed a conditional sentence for 60 days. During that time, Francis must be in his residence from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and stay off the premises of the King Street Irving.

That’s to be followed by one year of probation, during which Francis is to continue to stay away from the Irving and to pay $100 in restitution.

Tonning also imposed a $100 victim-fine surcharge.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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James Johnston rode his horse through a small French town toward Vimy Ridge as machine-gun fire sounded around him. He was taking ammunition to troops on the front lines, performing one of the wartime logistics jobs his son believes haven't been celebrated much, despite the dangers. 

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A Fredericton police officer is on suspension after being accused of assaulting and threatening a Hanwell woman, and of forcing his way into her home two months ago.

Const. Colin Holmes, 25, of Fredericton, was charged this fall by the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) with three counts: a summary assault on Deidra Wheeler, a threat to kill her and forcible entry into her home.

The charges allege events Sept. 24 in Hanwell.

SIRT is an independent, Nova Scotia 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.

The provincial governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick finalized an agreement in February to have SIRT handle the same independent police oversight function in this province as well.

Holmes wasn’t present in Fredericton provincial court when his case was called, but defence lawyer T.J. Burke appeared on his behalf.

He said he still needs time to obtain and review Crown disclosure in the case, and Judge Henrik Tonning adjourned pleas on the summary charges to Nov. 27.

A city police force spokesperson confirmed Wednesday the officer isn’t on active duty at the moment.

“Const. Colin Holmes is currently suspended with pay from the Fredericton Police Force,” Megan Barker wrote in an email to the Fredericton Independent.

She noted the file had been reviewed by the Nova Scotia SIRT, and she referred all further questions about the case to that agency.

SIRT didn’t respond to an inquiry Wednesday about how the case came to the team’s attention.

A 2019 post on the Fredericton Police Force’s Facebook page shows Holmes joined the force that year.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Geary couple facing serious weapons charges stemming from alleged 3D-printing of firearms failed to attend court Wednesday, so a judge issued warrants for their arrest..

Leslie Dawn Boyd, 26, and Brady Geoffrey Storey, 30, both of Broad Road in Geary, were scheduled to return to Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

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

The RCMP charges allege offences committed in Geary on June 20.

When Judge Henrik Tonning called the case Wednesday, neither defendant was present.

During their initial court appearance on the charges last month, they were accompanied by two Fredericton defence lawyers, Patrick Hurley and Robert Digdon.

However, those lawyers noted at the time they hadn’t been retained yet, but that Boyd and Storey were hoping to do so.

Though Hurley wasn’t present in court Wednesday, Digdon was on hand, and he noted the Geary couple still hadn’t retained them as counsel yet.

Crown prosecutor Geoffrey Hutchin asked the court to issue warrants for the couple’s arrest.

Digdon suggested those warrants could be held in the file to give them a chance to attend.

He said there could be a valid reason they were unable to get to court.

When Tonning asked him if Boyd and Storey knew of Wednesday’s proceedings and the need for them to attend, Digdon acknowledged they were present last month and were advised as such.

The judge issued the warrants as requested, noting the couple would be appearing in court, one way or another.

The RCMP reported earlier this year that acting on intelligence from the Mounties’ integrated firearms trafficking team in Montreal, officers with its New Brunswick crime reduction unit investigated the manufacture of 3D-printed guns in the capital region.

As a result, the RCMP said in a news release, officers secured and executed a search warrant at a residence on Broad Road in Geary on June 20.

“During the search, police seized 11 firearms, including restricted and prohibited firearms, eight 3D-printed handgun frames, eight prohibited devices (over-capacity magazines), four body-armour carriers with plates, and six prohibited weapons,” the release said.

“Police also seized prohibited 3D printed firearm devices, one prohibited firearm conversion kit, several thousand rounds of ammunition and other firearm manufacturing parts.”

Storey and Boyd were arrested at that residence and released on conditions.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Moncton councillors voiced criticism over being asked to approve adding four more Codiac RCMP officers next year without evidence whether five added this year made a difference.

Lawyers for the province are arguing today to have the Court of King's Bench throw out a labour arbitrator's decision to award the fired head of Horizon Health Network $2 million.

NBYO to present Lieutenant Governor’s Award to dedicated orchestra booster

Erica Fisher, New Brunswick Youth Orchestra‘s longest-serving member and principal viola, says nothing compares to the intricacy, emotion and intensity of live music.

“The dynamics of live classical musical is different than listening to it online. You hear, see and feel the passion of the musicians when you see it in person,” Fisher said. “Our orchestra now has more than 100 musicians. It’s incredible to hear everyone playing together.”

The McCain Community Theatre in Woodstock will showcase the next New Brunswick Youth Orchestra concert on Sunday. Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. The orchestra performed at packed audiences in Tracadie and Bathurst in October to kick off their 2023-24 concert season.

“I feel we have a very strong orchestra this year,” said Antonio Delgado, NBYO conductor. “We have expanded our repertoire for this concert… Hopefully, we have many people get involved and attend our concert.”

The Woodstock concert will include performances of Batuque “Danza di Negri”; Danzas del Ballet “La Estancia”; Miramichi Ballad – A Suite for Orchestra and Symphony No. 9.

Delgado said this year’s orchestra features musicians ranging from 10 to 22 years old, and many of these musicians received a big boost from their acclaimed June performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“Our musicians realized the world is watching. They see what happens when you do well. That was very encouraging to help them work harder.”

Thanks to Sistema NB’s success at providing transformational social change through music and orchestra, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra has abundant young musical talent from across the province. Conductor Delgado owes much of his musical education to the world-renowned El Sistema program.

“Sistema NB is a proven pathway to better futures. The young musicians now playing for the NBYO are learning focus, discipline and valuable skills that will help them succeed in life,” Delgado said.

Fisher, who was part of the initial Sistema New Brunswick program in 2009, said she enjoys meeting other young New Brunswickers who share her love and understanding of music. In her 12 years with NYBO, Fisher and orchestra members have performed at Carnegie Hall, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and in Mexico for Encuentros, performing under Conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

The Woodstock concert will also highlight the presentation of the Lieutenant Governor’s NBYO Award to a long-standing patron and supporter of the orchestra. Founded in 2006, the NBYO awards recognizes exemplary leadership and contribution to the development of the orchestra, the musical development of youth and/or the orchestral community in New Brunswick.

“The Award is presented each year during the NBYO concert season to deserving musicians, instructors, members, patrons or volunteers from across the province and beyond,” the awards guidelines stated.

Don Matheson, NBYO director of community engagement, said the Woodstock concert will leave a lasting impact on concertgoers.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time concertgoer or a veteran of NBYO performances, I can promise everyone they will be moved by the young musicians, amazed by their talent and feel New Brunswick proud,” Matheson said.

Tickets for the performance can be purchased at nbyotickets.com

The orchestra will also perform at Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton this season.

The post New Brunswick Youth Orchestra will bring wonder of live music to Woodstock first appeared on River Valley Sun.

An inquest jury examining the suicide of a Fredericton-area teenager within days of visiting the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital ER and not getting help is now considering recommendations. 

Session will identify common scams

The Woodstock Police Force will address common frauds and scams at a seminar on Nov. 14 at the AYR Motor Centre in Woodstock.

The Fraud Prevention Seminar will address such topics as grandparents scams, CRA scams, government rebate scams and others.

Police representatives hope to use the public session, which will run from 7 to 9 p.m. in Sam’s Room, to demonstrate the three R’s of fraud detection — recognize, reject and report it.

The post Woodstock Police Force hold fraud prevention seminar first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Bull denied bail on charges of kidnapping, pointing a firearm 

Jeffrey Richard Bull, 45, of Newburg, was denied bail when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 6. He returns to court in custody for plea on Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m.

Bull and Ryan Michael Fitzherbert, 28, of Woodstock, were each charged with kidnapping, unlawful confinement, and multiple firearm offences following an incident involving a female victim on Oct. 15 in Pembroke. Bull faces 14 charges, while Fitzherbert faces seven. 

Bull was charged with kidnapping, unlawful confinement, pointing a firearm at another person, assault while threatening to use a weapon, possession of a firearm (a shotgun) to commit an offence, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of a firearm while prohibited, flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting arrest, careless use of a firearm, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, and breach of probation. He was remanded and ordered to have no contact with the complainant or his co-accused. 

Fitzherbert was charged with kidnapping while using a firearm, unlawful confinement, possession of a firearm without a licence, unauthorized possession of a firearm, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm, breach of probation, and breach of a release order. 

Fitzherbert appeared in custody by video for his bail hearing on Oct. 20 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He returns to court for plea on Nov. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Fitzherbert is scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on June 17, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other separate charges. 

He was charged by RCMP with improper storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, and possession of a prohibited weapon (a switchblade knife) in connection with an incident on Dec. 10, 2021, in Jacksonville. He will also stand trial at the Court of King’s Bench on April 15-17, 2024, on drug trafficking charges.

Sentencing decision reserved in assault case

Garett Andrew Bright, 33, of Greenfield, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on Nov. 7 after pleading guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. 

After hearing submissions from the crown and defence counsel, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision on sentence until Nov. 30 at 3 p.m.

Bright pleaded guilty to assault involving a female victim on April 12, 2022, in Greenfield; guilty to mischief causing property damage to a car and breach of an undertaking on Oct. 25, 2022, at Beechwood; and guilty to breach of an undertaking between May 13-21, 2022, at Perth-Andover. The crown withdrew another charge of sexual assault.

Crown Prosecutor Derek Weaver recommended Bright receive a four-month conditional sentence of house arrest or jail time for his crimes and two years of probation. Bright had no prior criminal record.

Defence Counsel Emily Cochrane asked the court to consider a conditional discharge for her client, explaining he was suffering from mental health issues at the time of the offences. 

Bright appeared in court in custody in October and was remanded for a bail hearing the next day. He was released from custody with conditions. 

Jacksonville man remanded for bail hearing

Shayne Everett Cameron, 30, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 to answer new charges laid by RCMP. 

He was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on Oct. 31. His bail hearing was scheduled for Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.

Cameron was charged with breach of an undertaking on Sept. 28, and uttering threats and assaulting another man on Oct. 28 at Greenfield. He was also charged with breach of a no-contact order and obstructing police on Nov. 4 at Perth-Andover.

At an earlier court appearance, Cameron was also charged with assault, assault with a weapon and uttering threats for incidents between Sept. 8 and Sept. 13 in Woodstock and possession of stolen property on April 11 in Woodstock. The matters were adjourned for plea until his next court appearance.

He also appeared in provincial court in September and pleaded not guilty to two other charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for July 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for April 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Cameron was charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and possession of a firearm while prohibited concerning an incident on Jan. 24 at Juniper. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 19.

Held for bail hearing

Brittany Francis, 34, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 7 and was remanded to jail. She returns to court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Nov. 8 at 2:30 p.m. 

RCMP charged Francis with breach of a release order and mischief causing damage to an ankle bracelet in connection with an incident on Sept. 20 at Neqotkuk. Multiple warrants were issued for her arrest.

She appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on July 14 and was released with conditions. She was charged with breach of a release order and pleaded guilty. She failed to return to court for sentencing on Sept. 16.

She also appeared in custody on June 19 after being arrested on a warrant. 

RCMP charged Francis with shoplifting at the Maliseet Gas Bar in Neqotkuk on June 30, 2022, and two counts of failing to appear in court on Oct. 11, 2022, and again on April 25. She pleaded guilty to the theft and one count of failing to attend court.

Arrest warrant issued

The court issued an arrest warrant for Brian Vrieze, 53, of Debec, after failing to appear for provincial court trial on Nov. 6.

Vrieze pleaded not guilty in December to possessing a firearm without a license, a Savage 223 rifle, concerning a Nov. 18, 2021, incident at Limestone and not guilty to possessing methamphetamine on April 24, 2021, in Woodstock. 

Upper Woodstock woman remanded

Brittany Priscilla King, 27, of Upper Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Nov. 6 and was remanded to jail. She returns to court in custody for a bail hearing on Nov. 8 at 1:30 p.m.

King was charged with three counts of assault, theft and breaking into a dwelling house for a recent incident in Woodstock. 

She is also scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on March 25, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., and April 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other charges laid by Woodstock Police. A pre-trial conference was also set for Jan. 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

King was charged by Woodstock Police with possession of a stolen vehicle on Nov. 22, 2022, and failing to attend court on Feb. 21. She was also charged with assaulting a police officer, committing mischief, and resisting arrest for another incident on Nov. 7, 2022, in Woodstock. She appeared in court in custody on March 28 and was released with conditions. 

Hartland man to enter plea

Dylan Rideout, 25, of Hartland, will appear in provincial court on Nov. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by RCMP.

Rideout was charged with uttering threats involving a female victim, possession of a firearm without a licence and careless use of a firearm (a shotgun) concerning an incident on Aug. 9 at Cloverdale. He made his first court appearance on Nov. 7.

In custody awaiting plea

Christian Mario Albert, 37, of Grand Falls, will appear in provincial court on Nov. 21 at 11:30 a.m. in custody by video for plea on two charges laid by RCMP.

Albert was charged with breaking into the Save Easy in Plaster Rock and breaching curfew following an incident on Sept. 10. He appeared in court in custody by video on Nov. 7 when the matter was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel. The court heard he was being held in custody on other matters.

Charges mount for Woodstock man       

Myles Andrew Dymond, 49, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 7 for plea on several charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until Nov. 14 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

On Tuesday, Dymond was charged with breach of a no-contact order and breach of an emergency intervention order for an incident on Sept. 17-18 in Woodstock. 

He first appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 28 and was released with conditions. He was charged with breach of an undertaking by failing to abide by a no-contact order following an incident on Aug. 26 in Woodstock.

On Sept. 19, he faced charges of assault on a female victim on March 26 at Bedell, uttering threats on June 18 in Woodstock, and breach of a no-contact order between Aug. 19 and Aug. 21 in Woodstock. 

Dymond was released on an undertaking to have no contact with the complainant. He was also prohibited from the use of firearms. 

Sentencing set for Upper Kintore man 

Gunner Gray of Upper Kintore appeared in provincial court on Nov. 7 and pleaded guilty to an assault charge. A sentencing date was set for Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Gray with assault with a weapon (keys) involving another man in connection with an incident on June 11 at Upper Kintore. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault.

Agreed to peace bond

Brian Clohosy, 53, of Arthurette, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 7 to answer two charges laid by RCMP. 

Clohosy was charged with uttering threats and criminal harassment following an incident on June 26 at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation). 

He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond, and the charges did not proceed. Under the peace bond, he must have no contact with the complainants.

More charges for Benton man

Edward Hayes Jr., 27, of Benton, appeared in provincial court on Nov. 7 to face two new charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Hayes was charged with driving while prohibited and breach of probation for an incident on the Trans Canada Highway near Woodstock on July 1. 

On Oct. 19, he appeared for trial in provincial court after pleading not guilty to other charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement. The trial was adjourned until July 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Hayes was charged by RCMP with sexual assault and unlawful confinement involving a female victim between May 18 and June 13, 2022, in Summerfield. 

Hayes was also scheduled to be sentenced on a mischief charge related to a separate incident on June 17, 2022, in Woodstock, when a holding cell was damaged. He pleaded guilty. His sentencing for this offence was adjourned until Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. 

Greenfield man awaiting plea

Dustin Arthur Hawksley, 28, of Greenfield, appeared in provincial court for plea on Nov. 7 on several charges laid by RCMP and Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned until Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Hawksley appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Sept. 28 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was also placed under house arrest at a residence in Greenfield. 

Hawksley was charged by RCMP with break and enter at a dwelling house, two counts of assault on a female victim, and assault with a weapon (a plate) in connection with an incident on July 2 at Bloomfield. 

Woodstock Police also charged him with assaulting a female, assault by choking and breach of an undertaking for another incident on Aug. 5 in Woodstock. He was arrested on a warrant on Sept. 24. 

Hawksley was ordered to have no contact with the two complainants and must have no drugs, alcohol or firearms in his possession. He must also attend court as required.

Plea delayed for Woodstock man

Christopher James Kitchen, 44, of Beardsley Road, will appear in provincial court on Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m. to answer a new charge laid by Woodstock Police. 

Kitchen was charged with breach of an undertaking. The matter was scheduled for plea on Nov. 7 but was adjourned to the new date at the request of his defence counsel.

He will also appear for trial in provincial court on April 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to a criminal harassment charge.

Woodstock Police charged kitchen following an incident on March 13 in Woodstock. The charge involves allegations of repeated communication with a female complainant. Kitchen entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 13. He was released on an undertaking.

Trial set on assault charge

Clay Nicholson, 27, of Woodstock, formerly of Clearview, will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to assault. He appeared in court for monitoring on Nov. 7 and advised the court he plans to represent himself during the proceedings.

Nicholson was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim in connection with an incident on Sept. 15 at Green Road. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Oct. 17. 

Trial date set for Moncton man

Ryley Smith, 28, of Moncton, will appear in provincial court on Nov. 21 at 9:30 a.m. for further monitoring about his upcoming trial. He appeared in court on Nov. 7 via teleconference when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

RCMP charged Smith with assault with a weapon (a bottle), assault involving a female victim, breach of probation, and breach of an undertaking concerning an incident on July 25 in Lower Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Feb. 16, 2024, at 9:30 p.m. 

Smith appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 8 and was released with conditions. As part of his release, Smith was ordered to report to the police weekly and have no contact with the complainant. He is residing at a residence in Salisbury.

In custody awaiting plea

Morgan Nicholas, 27, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 for plea on charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 28 for a bail hearing. He was denied bail and remanded. He was charged by RCMP with two counts of breach of a release order, resisting arrest, uttering threats, assault, assault with a weapon, and assaulting a police officer. He was arrested on the New Brunswick Day weekend.

He also appeared in provincial court in April and pleaded not guilty to all other charges laid by RCMP. Three trials were scheduled for early next year on Feb. 1, Feb. 5, and Feb. 9, 2024. 

Nicholas pleaded not guilty to uttering threats on Oct. 18, 2022, assault and assaulting a female with a weapon on Nov. 25, 2022, breach of an undertaking and mischief causing damage to a police safety shield on Dec. 15, 2022, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer on Jan. 6, breach of a no-contact order on March 5, breaching his curfew on March 16, uttering threats and assaulting a police officer on Jan. 7 in Woodstock, and committing mischief on Jan. 6. All but one of the alleged incidents occurred in Perth-Andover and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

Nicholas appeared in custody by video on March 7 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was taken back into custody.

Sentencing set on multiple charges

Jacob Jinson, 24, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7 and pleaded guilty to several charges laid by RCMP. A sentencing date was set for Dec. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Jinson pleaded guilty to breach of probation on June 19 at Glassville; guilty to breach of a release order (curfew) on Aug. 20 at Oakland; guilty to breaching a release order (ankle bracelet violation) and obstructing police on Sept. 23 at Somerville; guilty to breach of a release order (ankle bracelet violation) on Sept. 9 at Somerville; and guilty to breach of a release order (ankle bracelet violation) on July 30 at Mainstream.

Jinson also elected trial by judge and jury on charges of indictable sexual assault and unlawful confinement. His 10-day trial will be held at the Court of King’s Bench beginning on Sept. 23, 2024. A pre-trial conference is set for Dec. 18. 

Jinson appeared in custody by video on April 3. RCMP charged him with sexual assault involving a female victim, unlawful confinement, and indictable breach of probation concerning the same incident on March 26 at Limestone. He was released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle, but was later brought back into custody.

Jinson appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 25 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. 

A co-accused, Riley Cowper, 19, of Limestone, will also stand trial before a judge and jury next September on similar charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement. 

Cowper appeared in provincial court in custody by video on April 5 for a bail hearing and was released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. RCMP charged him with sexual assault involving a female victim, unlawful confinement, and breach of probation in connection with an incident on March 26 at Limestone. 

Cowper will also stand trial in provincial court on Aug. 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. on other separate charges. RCMP charged him with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) involving another man on March 23, 2022. He pleaded not guilty at an earlier court appearance, and a trial date was first set for Oct. 30 when the trial was adjourned to the new date.

Michaud sentencing postponed to December

Walter Patrick (Ricky) Michaud, 43, of Debec, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Nov. 7. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision on sentencing until Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. 

At Michaud’s earlier court appearance, Federal Crown Prosecutor Justin Hebert recommended he be sentenced to five and a half years in jail for trafficking in methamphetamine. 

The crown also requested Michaud be ordered to register with the federal DNA database and that he receive a three-year driving prohibition and a 10-year ban on firearms. Michaud had a criminal record, including one conviction for drug possession in 2016.

Crown Prosecutor Matthew Paik told the court Michaud deserved another 36 months in jail, minus time served, on the remaining 17 charges. 

Paik also requested that the accused pay $9,139 in restitution for a stolen truck. He stressed Michaud’s crimes involved both guns and drugs while also suggesting the accused was likely a poor prospect for rehabilitation.

Defence Counsel Alex Carleton argued Michaud’s trafficking was “not a sophisticated operation” and he deserved no more than 30 months in prison on the drug charge. Carleton agreed with the crown on 36 months, minus time served, for the rest of the charges, for a total of four years in prison on all counts. 

The defence also suggested the hefty restitution order for $9,139 might mean Michaud will have to lay out additional time in jail. 

Michaud was charged by RCMP with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking following an incident around midnight on March 11, 2022, in Teeds Mills. He was also charged with possession of stolen property (a 2013 Hyundai Elantra) as a result of the same incident. He pleaded not guilty, and the matter went to trial in June. He was found guilty after trial on Sept. 26.

Michaud appeared in provincial court in custody for trial on Aug. 30 and changed his plea to guilty on all other remaining charges laid against him by RCMP. 

He was denied bail and remanded to jail in October on nine charges stemming from the day of his arrest on Sept. 27, 2022, at Bull’s Creek, including possession of a firearm without a licence (a Ruger 10/22 rifle), being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a loaded gun, improper transport of a firearm, possession of a firearm dangerous to the public peace, flight from police, dangerous driving, assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a vehicle), possession of stolen property (a Dodge Ram truck), and resisting arrest. 

He was also charged with assaulting a police officer with a weapon (a vehicle), flight from police, and dangerous driving on Sept. 18, 2022, in Meductic, and pleaded guilty.

Michaud also appeared in provincial court in custody on July 21 for a verdict following two other trials. He was found guilty of flight from police, dangerous driving, and possession of stolen property (a Ford 150 half-ton) for an incident on Sept. 16, 2022, in Woodstock. The charges related to a police chase in Woodstock.  

More charges included assaulting a police officer while threatening to use a weapon (a bush saw) and resisting arrest on Sept. 6, 2022, in Debec. Michaud was found guilty on both counts. 

Michaud also faced charges of assaulting a woman in Debec on Aug. 27, 2022. He was found not guilty of the assault on June 29 after the alleged victim failed to appear to testify at the trial. 

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Bail denied in kidnapping case, charges mount for Woodstock man first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Four councillors hold a public forum to explain what led to council’s suspension

As Lakeland Ridges residents await a report outlining what led to the suspension of their mayor and council and how the municipality will proceed, four councillors held a public forum on Saturday, Nov. 4, sharing their side of the story.

Perry Bull, representing North Lake’s Ward 1, Linda Porter from Debec’s Ward 2, and Chris Yerxa and Randy Stairs from Meductic’s Ward 3, addressed residents and fielded questions at the North Lake Recreation Centre in Fosterville. They explained Ward 2 Coun. Patricia Budd supported their actions but could not attend because she was out of the country.

Mayor Tanya Cloutier, Canterbury’s Ward 4 councillors Mike Furrow and Mark Grant and Ward 1’s Ross Stairs did not participate in the public forum.

Bull said the four councillors on hand, plus Budd, represent a quorum of councillors who agreed to speak publicly. Porter read a statement from Budd expressing her support for the meeting.

Following the meeting, Bull explained they held the open meeting in North Lake in response to requests from Ward 1 residents. He said they would do the same in other wards if residents wanted it.

Stairs explained the meeting intended to make facts public.

“We’ve been slandered on social media,” he said.

“Every statement we make today will be backed up,” Stairs said, noting they have the emails and other records to confirm their claims.

Stairs and his fellow councillors at the table listed several problems leading to the Department of Local Government’s suspension of council and the appointment of a supervisor. The focal point surrounded communication problems with Lakeland Ridges CAO Susie Patterson and council’s failed attempts to replace her.

They cited several occasions where the CAO failed to provide requested information and made decisions without council’s knowledge or consent.

Bull explained the Local Governance Act requires all municipalities to have a mayor, clerk, treasurer and auditor. While a CAO can fill one of those roles, he noted, council sets the CAO’s powers and duties,

Bull said the communication issue with the CAO began early when the council formed a committee to decide on the location of the Lakeland Ridges municipal office. He said Mayor Cloutier and the CAO explained the Canterbury town hall was gifted to the town and must be used as a municipal office.

Bull said the committee requested a copy of the deed, but the CAO failed to produce it.

“That held us up for five months,” he said.

The four councillors noted several instances where council or respective committees failed to receive critical information.

They said the CAO registered to attend a conference without informing the council of the timing or cost.

The councillors also complained about the circumstances surrounding the application for grant money covering the hiring of summer students.

He said the CAO applied for the grants in February or March.

“We didn’t know anything about it,” Stairs said. “We weren’t asked. That was one of the things where the tail was wagging the dog.”

Porter, who chaired the Tourism Committee and has experience delivering youth programs through Debec Recreation Council, raised concerns about creating a Fun Park in Canterbury for the summer.

She explained specific rules must be met, including the screening of all staff.

Porter said she failed to receive timely information, raising concerns that the Fun Park would meet “all-important” rules.

“We’re responsible for those kids,” Perry said, adding the Fun Park proceeded without those questions being asked.

Yerxa complained about the town staff’s failure to keep council members informed. He recounted being “blindsided” at a public event by residents of his ward about an unaddressed complaint.

Bull said the final straw leading to their suspension occurred after their efforts to replace the CAO. By that time, both the CAO and clerk were off the job on stress leave.

Stairs said council used Section 35:11 of the Local Government Act to terminate the CAO, noting Minto and Carleton North recently used the same section.

They approached retired Woodstock CAO Ken Harding to fill the role temporarily. He agreed to terms on a part-time basis. Stairs said Mayor Cloutier informed them that the CAO or clerk position must be full-time.

Stairs said they then talked to Peter Kavanaugh, an experienced official in several roles with the Department of Local Government. He said Kavanaugh agreed to retire from Local Government if he took on the Lakeland Ridges role.

Stairs said that fell apart when Kavanaugh’s name was leaked to the public and the department following a close-door council meeting. Kavanaugh informed the council he was no longer interested in the job.

Local Government eventually ended the council’s effort to terminate the CAO.

Shortly after the department appointed Michael Blaney as supervisor of Lakeland Ridges on July 28, Canterbury administrative staff returned to their jobs.

Greg Lutes replaced Blaney as supervisor for the Municipality of Lakeland Ridges on Sept. 16.

A spokesperson for the Department of Local Governance said Lutes is working with the staff in day-to-day operations, with the current priority of finalizing the 2024 budget.

The department said an inspector is completing an investigation, which will be part of a report Lutes will submit to the commissioner of municipal affairs. The report will also include recommendations and a transition plan to implement the recommendations.

The councillors’ meeting in North Lake on Saturday met with a mixed reaction. Many appreciated unknown details, while others raised concern about hearing only one side of the story.

Second Eel Lake resident Larry Corscadden hopes the pending government report explains the situation, but, most importantly, he hopes the transmission back to council works smoothly.

“The fact of the matter is that I pay, like everyone else in this room, a hell of a lot of taxes, and as a result, nothing has been done with my money since the council was established, so I really, really, really hope that you folks get your act together and I mean that collectively.”

Corscadden told the councillors he didn’t see any of them take responsibility for what happened nor offer an apology.

All four councillors apologized and accepted part of the blame at the end of the meeting.

Asked if he could work with the same CAO once he resumes as council, Stairs said he’d have no choice.

“Will that be easy? No. Will we try to work through it? Yes.” he said. “Will it be successful? Guess we will know.”

The post Deep divisions in Lakeland Ridges first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Currieburg woman accused of killing and neglecting horses earlier this year appeared to cast aspersions on animal-protection officials during her initial court appearance to face criminal charges.

Charlotte H. Bright, 76, of Currieburg Road, just a few kilometres west of Stanley, made her first appearance in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on three indictable charges laid by the New Brunswick SPCA recently.

She’s accused of killing, maiming, wounding or otherwise injuring horses she owned or cared for; neglecting those horses by failing to provide them with adequate food, water, shelter and care; and allowing unnecessary pain or suffering to those same horses.

The charges allege events in Currieburg on April 8.

Bright told Judge Henrik Tonning she’d consulted with a lawyer about the allegations.

“He’s an Ontario lawyer but he’s familiar with the humane society problems,” she said.

The defendant was referring to past issues she’s had with SPCA officials in another jurisdiction.

Bright said she hadn’t received disclosure on the April charges, and her counsel had directed her to obtain it.

Tonning set the case over to Dec. 20 for election and pleas to give her time to get the Crown file and to consult with defence counsel.

The NB SPCA issued a news release last month indicating the charges stemmed from the discovery of 14 dead horses in the Stanley area in the spring. 

“The charges stem from an incident the NB SPCA animal-protection officers responded to in early April of this year involving several deceased horses,” the release said.

This isn’t the first time Bright has run afoul of authorities over horses. She made headlines in Ontario in 2018 after neighbours complained that horses at her farm in Blessington, Ont., were running wild and causing damage to adjacent properties, according to reports in the Belleville Intelligencer at the time.

She told Ontario reporters she’d been breeding and caring for Arabian horses for decades.

Bright had been charged by the Ontario Provincial Police with mischief as a result of those complaints, the Intelligencer reported, but in January 2019, those charges were withdrawn and Bright entered into a peace bond, requiring her to follow certain conditions.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Editor’s note: The defendant in this court report and the journalist covering the case share the same first and last names, but they aren’t related or connected in any way.

A Noonan man awaiting trial on sex-assault allegations involving two minors denied related charges Tuesday of accessing and possessing child pornography.

Donald Ashley MacPherson, 65, formerly of Canada Street in Fredericton but now on Hughes Street in Noonan, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday with defence counsel Joshua Adams to answer to two criminal charges.

The defendant elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty to counts of accessing child porn between Feb. 12 and April 16 and possessing it May 3.

Both charges, laid after an investigation by the RCMP’s internet child exploitation (ICE)  unit, allege offences committed in Fredericton.

Judge Lucie Mathurin set the matter over to Nov. 22 for a case-management conference, during which a date will be set for trial.

Earlier this fall, MacPherson elected for a provincial court trial and pleaded not guilty to Fredericton Police Force charges involving two underage complainants.

He’s accused of sexually assaulting one child, touching her sexually and touching her sexually while in a position of trust or authority over her between Oct. 1, 2022, and Jan. 1.

The defendant faces the same three charges but in relation to a different minor, alleged to have occurred between Jan. 1 and March 1.

His trial on those charges is scheduled for Feb. 16 and 20.

The identities of the young complainants - now aged eight and 10 years old - are protected by a court-ordered publication ban.

In a news release issued last month on the day MacPherson was charged with the alleged child-porn offences, the RCMP said its ICE unit launched its investigation in February after receiving information from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre.

“On May 3, 2023, members of the RCMP ICE unit, RCMP digital forensic services and the Fredericton Police Force executed a search warrant at a home in Fredericton in connection with the investigation,” it said. 

While the Fredericton Police Force laid its sex-assault charges first, both that case and the child-porn matter appear to have arisen after the same search.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Interest in calling a snap election this fall by Premier Blaine Higgs may have faded, but the bills from floating the idea for several weeks are still coming in and may eventually surpass $1 million. 

A group of high school students, led by Joell Gallant, will be going to Pine Grove Nursing Home on Thursday to help connect the wiring for the home's annual display of Christmas trees.

The Fredericton police major crime unit is investigating the death of a patient in the ER waiting room more than a year ago and a coroner's inquest into his death remains suspended pending the outcome, CBC News has learned.

Moncton staff have proposed a 2024 budget with a slight tax rate cut for most residents.

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A Fredericton man accused of assaulting and threatening a woman at his northside apartment building last month is headed to trial after denying the charges against him Monday.

William Bruce Joncas, 46, of Irvine Street, was arrested after a significant police response and standoff at 711 Irvine St. the afternoon of Oct. 15 after there was a report of a man brandishing a knife.

As a result, he was charged with assaulting Christine LeBreton with a knife, uttering a threat to her to cause death and/or bodily harm, uttering threats to cause death and/or bodily harm to police and possessing a knife for the purpose of committing an offence

Joncas appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Monday, and during that brief proceeding, he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

New Brunswick Legal Aid staff lawyer Edward Derrah was available to the defendant as duty counsel Monday, but Joncas rejected him, telling court he wants to hire local defence lawyer L.A. Henry as his counsel.

Judge Scott Brittain set the matter over to Nov. 27 for a case-management conference to see if Joncas is able to retain counsel and to schedule a date for his trial.

He remanded the defendant again until that time.

Sunfield Apartment Rentals, which owns 711 Irvine St., has moved to evict Joncas since the events of Oct. 15.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Lexi Daken’s father said he doesn’t believe his daughter wanted to die. “I don’t think she was a kid who wanted her life to end,” Chris Daken told a coroner’s inquest on Tuesday morning.

Premier Blaine Higgs is already acknowledging he may not be able to make good on a threat to defy the federal government’s carbon-tax legislation by blocking its collection in New Brunswick.

Alan Doyle and his Beautiful Beautiful Band will perform at Casino New Brunswick on March 15.  Alan Doyle and his Beautiful Beautiful Band will hit the road in the new…

The post Alan Doyle Announces Moncton Show appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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An international tour affiliated with a top pro-golf organization will stage one of its tournaments near Fredericton next summer.

PGA Tour Americas - a spinoff of the PGA Tour - is scheduled to make a tournament stop at Mactaquac Provincial Park golf course in July 2024, the provincial government announced in a news release Tuesday morning.

It noted the Mactaquac tournament is one of two new stops added to the lineup, with the other one being in Brazil.  

Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace said in the release that the provincially owned course will see its profile raised significantly thanks to its inclusion in the PGA Tour Americas.

“Hosting events of this calibre showcases New Brunswick as a vacation and sport destination and boosts our economy and supports our industry partners,” she said.

The PGA announced in April it was merging the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and PGA Tour Canada into one international tour, the PGA Tour Americas.

The tournament at the Mactaquac course will be called the Explore NB Open.

Brianna McQuillan, executive director of Golf New Brunswick, said in the release the organization is teaming up with the provincial tourism department and the City of Fredericton to promote the event and ensure its success.

“We believe this is an amazing opportunity to develop golf further in New Brunswick. We look forward to involving our members and junior golfers for an experience like no other,” she said.

Fredericton Capital Region Tourism manager Stacey Russell said the capital region offers great golfing experiences, and this event will allow the area to grab some attention.

“Showcasing it on PGA Tour Americas will build awareness and shine a light on our spectacular, beautiful region,” she said in the release.

Show me the money

The government news release was silent on whether the province or the city will be investing public funds to bring the tournament to the capital region.

The Fredericton Independent has contacted both the provincial tourism department and city hall asking about that and is awaiting responses.

However, McQuillan, when reached for comment at a conference in Texas on Tuesday, said Golf NB will be dedicating resources to the event, though whether that will include a financial component is “to be determined at a further date.”

For now, she said, the organization is acting in a supporting role to solicit sponsorships for the tournament and to co-ordinate the logistics of staging such an event.

When asked if the provincial government was contributing funds to bring the PGA Tour Americas to the Mactaquac course, McQuillan said, “That would be a really good question for Tourism New Brunswick.”

She said the tourism department had already hired a tournament director for the event, though she wasn’t sure of that person’s name, if they’re from New Brunswick or if they’re coming from outside the province to bring tournament-specific expertise needed for the event.

One of the reasons the PGA Tour Americas stop at Mactaquac is such a big deal for New Brunswick golfers, McQuillan said, is that it should allow local golfers to avail themselves of some excellent opportunities.

While the golfers competing in the main tournament will be part of the established tour, she said, Golf NB will be working to develop spinoff events for amateur golfers to enhance their games, such as a possible pro/am event.

More to come…

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Hartland man who’s been remanded on allegations of robbery and unlawful confinement told a court this week he plans to represent himself in a jury trial on the charges.

Keith Mitchell Reid, 33, of Main Street in Hartland, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from jail Monday to elect mode of trial on two serious, indictable charges.

He’s accused of robbing Allan Graves of a 2006 Honda Accord while armed with an offensive weapon and with confining Allan and Jelisa Graves unlawfully.

The charges allege Sept. 16 events in Napadogan, about 70 kilometres northeast of Fredericton.

Reid elected to be tried in the Court of Queen’s Bench before a judge and jury, and he indicated he plans to represent himself.

Judge Scott Brittain scheduled Reid’s preliminary inquiry - to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set the matter over for trial at the higher level of court - for March 1.

The defendant will remain in custody until that time.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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New Brunswick reported three more deaths from COVID-19 in its weekly update Tuesday, while hospitalizations, outbreaks and new cases all remained about the same.

Business owners in Fredericton are growing increasingly frustrated by roadwork projects that are dragging on well past target completion dates.

The release of NNNYN and School Tour comes packaged with news of a forthcoming album set to arrive early next year. Matt Carter  The combination of baseball references and the…

The post Brookside Mall Return with a Pair of New Songs appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

RCMP says community policing a priority, despite calls to replace RCMP with municipal force in Hartland and Carleton North

The Western Valley District RCMP is ramping up its efforts to crack down on crime in the river valley with more resources, a push toward community policing, a commitment to increase police presence, and fighting petty crime in rural areas.

“We are putting every effort and all our resources into solving crime and putting those responsible in jail,” said Sgt. Dan Sharpe, in charge of operations for Western Valley. “Petty crime is rampant. It’s having an impact on our communities, leaving people to feel unsafe.”

Communities up and down the river valley have been struggling with property theft and drug-related crime due to drug use and trafficking in methamphetamine.

Many local residents worry about their homes and businesses being broken into and their property stolen. Theft of all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, motorcycles, trucks, cars, tools and copper wire are conducted regularly as a source of revenue to feed drug addiction.

“I have zero tolerance for that,” Sgt. Sharpe said. “We’re coming to get those criminals and get property recovered for people.”

The municipality of Hartland and the District of Carleton North are currently undergoing a joint review of RCMP services in the area due to concerns about policing. The first public meetings will be held on Nov. 8 at Carleton North High School and on Nov. 9 at Hartland Community School.

“It’s up to communities to decide what they want to do,” Sgt. Sharpe stated. “I can’t sway them one way or the other. My job is to make sure they get the best service possible from the RCMP, and that’s what I promise we will do.”

Sgt. Sharpe grew up in Upper Woodstock and knows the area well. He has 12 years of service with the RCMP, with former postings in Oromocto, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Iqaluit in Nunavut. He sees community policing as an essential first step in tackling crime in the valley.

“Community policing is a priority,” Sgt. Sharpe said. “I want Western Valley to be involved in the community, not just responsible for responding to calls for service. People should know us by name and see us as a friendly face as well as police officers. It’s our way of working together with the community to bring change.”

By developing connections within the community, police are better informed and empowered to solve public safety problems, he said. Police forge partnerships with people who live and work in the community, and these partnerships can help develop trust and transparency, leading to more efficient and effective policing and better community-police relationships.

Sgt. Sharpe pledged an increased police presence and more visible patrols in rural areas. He said RCMP officers in the district will also be visiting schools, attending community events, and meeting with community groups to discuss any issues or concerns.

“All we need is to be invited,” Sharpe said. “Call us or come by the detachment to talk to me. The easiest way to reduce crime is to let us know what’s happening in your community. We need those calls coming in so we know what areas to focus on.”

The Western Valley District RCMP covers an area from Perth-Andover to the outskirts of Nackawic. Sgt. Sharpe is in charge of policing for Florenceville-Bristol, Hartland, and the rural areas surrounding Woodstock, Canterbury, Fosterville, Debec, Benton, and Kirkland.

His counterpart, Cpl. James Gallant, is stationed in Perth-Andover and is in charge of policing for Perth-Andover, Plaster Rock and Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

There has recently been a significant increase in the number of officers serving the entire district.
The RCMP is working to address the drug problem in the region through a Crime Reduction Unit. This unit is part of a provincial task force that partners with Woodstock Police, Fredericton Police, and government agencies to increase awareness and crack down on violent and serious crimes, including drug trafficking.

“The drug problem is not unique to Western Valley,” said Sgt. Sharpe. “We are working with our specialized teams throughout the province to identify key targets and cut off drugs coming into our communities.”

The specialized services include police dogs, forensics, major crime investigators, a police helicopter, and emergency response teams.

“We have a wide range of experience to draw from, and our officers bring that experience to every single call they go on. When an officer comes to your door, they are not alone. There is an abundance of officers supporting them in the field.”

Sharpe said the public plays a vital role in assisting police with crime prevention. Residents can contact RCMP anytime to report any unusual traffic, the location of a drug house or storage of stolen goods, a description of a suspicious vehicle, or any criminal activity in their community. Informants may remain anonymous, and all information will be kept confidential.

Sgt. Sharpe welcomes emails and phone calls at his office. He can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 506-325-3009.

Residents may also protect their property by locking their doors and vehicles, writing down serial numbers, and installing cameras, lighting, video surveillance, alarm systems, or a neighbourhood watch.

If rural communities want to see more policing in their area, they can contact Sgt. Sharpe to discuss their needs.

In the last 12 months, New Brunswick has shuttered 110 drug houses through its Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) program. Under the SCAN Act, investigators can evict property owners and tenants from their homes for drug dealing, organized crime and other illegal activities.

The provincial government is also pursuing legislation that could see drug users subject to involuntary treatment. The legislation would give police officers the power to order someone to undergo drug rehabilitation in extreme cases. The legislation is expected to be tabled in the spring of 2024.

The post RCMP ramping up efforts to crack down on crime in Western Valley first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Fredericton's transit manager Charlene Sharpe is proposing councillors allocate $638,294 in next year's budget to hire more bus drivers to operate transit service on Sundays.