For members of the LGBTQ community in Saint John, what they saw Wednesday went further than a debate about school policies.

More than two weeks into the school year, New Brunswick has quietly released the school air quality test results from 2022-23.

Chief expresses concern about sharp rise in intimate partner violence but welcomes new Street Crime Unit during his report to council

Woodstock’s police chief noted a 6.7 per cent increase in calls for service this year over last, including a 47 per cent spike in intimate-partner violence during his third-quarter report to council on Sept. 12.

Chief Gary Forward expressed particular concern about the dramatic jump in intimate-partner violence.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” he said during his presentation at the council-in-committee meeting.

The 47 per cent increase represents a jump over the same time span, from 154 calls in 2022 to 226 in 2023.

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones noted the high number of intimate partner violence calls when she participated in the Take Back The Night march on Sept. 15. The march is part of an annual worldwide movement to bring awareness and education to sexual and domestic violence.

“That works out to almost one call per day,” she said. “That’s a lot.”

Forward explained the 6.7 per cent increase in calls for service includes a 22 per cent jump in crimes against persons.

Property crime was the only area to see a decrease in year-to-date crime between 2022 and 2023, falling by 15 per cent.

The force’s stats show drug and firearms seizures saw 10 cases in 2022 compared to 11 in 2023.

On a positive note, Forward announced several measures to enhance the force’s service to residents.

Topping the list was the creation of the Street Crime Unit, a three-member plain-clothes investigative division headed by Staff Sgt. Jeff Matthews. His team includes Constables John Morrison and Joseph Clements.

Forward explained the unit would handle mid-level investigations, allowing uniformed officers to maintain a higher profile within the town.

He said unit members will also support the Integrated Enforcement Unit, comprised of Woodstock and other New Brunswick police departments battling drug, firearm and other crimes.

Forward explained the force continues to enhance its community visibility, especially during the summer months from May to September, with foot and bike patrols.

This summer, members conducted 23 uniformed bike patrols, 52 foot patrols, and 42 road safety checks.

The chief said strong communication between the Woodstock Police Force and the RCMP, which controls most of the Upper St. John River Valley, including all Woodstock wards outside Ward 4, the original town unites.

Forward explained that “intensified collaboration” gives all police members a better handle on the drug and gun crime prevalent throughout the province.

“I feel much better about knowing who’s out there and what they’re doing,” he said.

With the Woodstock police station already cramped, Forward explained it established the Street Crime Unit in the former council chambers next door in the Woodstock town hall.

In addition to the SCU, the space now houses the force’s operations, meeting, training and media centres.

On another positive note, Forward said he was proud to report the force is on target with its 2023 strategic plan.

With 75 per cent of the year completed, he said the force almost reached its administration goals. It is also ahead of schedule on intelligence sharing and gathering, enforcement and visibility, and equipment and training.

The plan update shows the force is close to target on partnerships and efficiencies but has to catch up on accountability and trust, education and communication, and wellness.

Mayor Jones welcomed Forward’s presentation, adding she and the chief will discuss the town’s policing in detail on Monday, Sept. 25, during an open house at the AYR Motor Centre Field House.

She encouraged all Woodstock residents to attend, including those from outside wards not presently patrolled by the town force.

Jones said the town is actively studying the possibility of expanding the Woodstock Police Force’s coverage area to the entire municipality, but those changes will take time.

She said the RCMP currently patrols the former LSDs, adding, “They’re not going anywhere soon.”

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The post Woodstock police launch new investigative unit as calls for service increase first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Joshua McIsaac, accused of two separate murders in the Fredericton region, appeared in court Friday, along with two people who are co-accused in the killings.

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The Harvest Music Festival wasn’t the only event in Fredericton that had to be shut down due to last weekend’s wild weather, but the hiccup has led to a Canadian hero’s brother to take part in a rescheduled run.

Brian Rosborough with the Fredericton Terry Fox Run Committee said the capital’s version of the long-standing fundraiser had been scheduled for Sept. 17, but as hurricane Lee neared the Maritimes last weekend, it was decided to postpone the event.

He said the 2023 Terry Fox Run is being held Friday evening - today - starting at 6 p.m. the Fredericton Small Craft Aquatic Centre on the Green on Fredericton’s south side.

The rescheduling of the event proved to be fortuitous, Rosborough said, because it has allowed Fred Fox, the late Terry Fox’s oldest brother, to take part in the 43rd annual Fredericton’s run.

“We are just lucky that we have him this evening as he is in New Brunswick this weekend,”  he said.

Rosborough said Fred Fox will say a few words before the event begins.

The event isn’t a race, he said, but is intended as a fun run, walk or bike ride, with a free barbecue for participants at the finish line.

Terry Fox inspired all Canadians when he embarked on his Marathon of Hope in April 1980 to benefit cancer research. He’d lost his right leg to osteogenic sarcoma, but nevertheless embarked on a cross-country trek on a prosthetic limb.

The return of his cancer forced him to stop his run in September 1980. He died June 28, 1981.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Allure, the debut album from The Merci Buckets, is a challenge to normcore and the monotonous pursuit of Big Box Beauty.  Matt Carter In this Ikea age of straight lines,…

The post The Merci Buckets Release Debut Album appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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Hearings to determine if the Crown has sufficient evidence to send two murder cases to trial before juries will be held in the spring of 2024.

Three suspects in two separate murder investigations were present in custody in Fredericton provincial court Friday along with their legal counsel.

Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac, and Erica Blyth, 40, of Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek near Chipman, are accused of first-degree murder in the Jan. 28, 2022 death of Brandon Patrick Donelan.

Lawyer Alexandra Youssef, acting as an agent for defence counsel Nathan Gorham, appeared on McIsaac’s behalf, and lawyer T.J. Burke was on hand to represent Blyth.

After some discussion about the availability of Crown witnesses and defence counsel, Judge Mary Jane Richards scheduled the preliminary inquiry in the Donelan murder case for April 5, 19 and 26.

Preliminary inquiries are held in provincial court in cases involving more serious, indictable charges to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set cases over for trial at a higher level of court. In New Brunswick, that step up in the justice system is the Court of King’s Bench.  

Counsel for Blyth and McIsaac were directed to have the issues they wished to explore at the hearing to the Crown by Feb. 15.

McIsaac was also in provincial court Friday on another homicide prosecution. He and Travis James Snowsell, 26, who also lived at the same Penniac address as McIsaac did, are charged with second-degree murder in the death of Corey Christopher Markey.

Youssef was present to represent McIsaac on that file as well, and Saint John defence lawyer Brian Munro attended as Snowsell’s counsel Friday.

Richards scheduled the preliminary inquiry in that case for May 17 and 21, directing the defence to have the relevant issues to the Crown’s office by March 15.

All three suspects in the two cases have been remanded pending the outcome of the prosecutions, and McIsaac and Snowsell are being held at Dorchester Penitentiary as they’re serving other federal sentences.

The court previously ordered the trio to have no communication with one another until the cases conclude as well. That required deputy sheriffs to transport them in separate vehicles and to hold them in separate spaces at the Justice Building in Fredericton, creating some unique logistical challenges for Friday’s proceedings.

McIsaac appeared in the courtroom prisoner’s dock for Friday’s appearance, while Blyth and Snowsell were seated apart in the former courtroom jury box. 

Donelan was reported as missing to the RCMP’s Minto detachment Jan. 30, 2022, prompting a major ground and air search effort, to no avail.

However, his body was found by someone along a snowmobile trail March 31, 2022. Blyth and McIsaac were charged with murder in June of this year.

Markey, 41, was shot on Paul Street in Sitanisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation in Fredericton at about 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2021. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital eight days later.

The Fredericton Police Force laid the joint second-degree murder charge against McIsaac and Snowsell in June as well.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Harvest Music Festival organizers are offering refunds until Oct. 6 to people who had tickets to last Saturday's cancelled shows, but they're also calling on fans of the annual Fredericton festival to donate money to help recoup their losses.

The president of the New Brunswick Crown Prosecutors Association is once again raising alarm bells about the pressure on prosecutors — and the serious consequences for criminal cases.

New Brunswick is paying off its debt faster than any other province, but it still owes billions. CBC's Raechel Huizinga explains why that's not as scary as it sounds.

The New Brunswick Museum board hopes to break ground for its new home next year, according to the outgoing chair of the board of directors. 

Ambulance New Brunswick says there’s no easy solution to chronically poor response times in many rural and remote communities around the province.

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The Fredericton Fire Department has responded en masse at the scene of a raging fire that appears to be razing the upper floors of a northside apartment building.

Firefighters are dealing with the fire at a multi-unit residential structure on Clark Street, near the intersection with Union Street.

Flames and smoke could be seen rising from the building from as far away as the south side of the St. John River in the New Brunswick capital Thursday afternoon.

The city fire department posted on social media shortly before 4 p.m. that its personnel were dealing with an incident on Union Street near the intersection with Clark Street.

“Streets are blocked. Please avoid the area,” the social-media post stated.

City spokesperson Sonya Gilks said the fire is at the building located just in behind the Irving station on Union Street, near Devon Park Auto.

“It’s a major structure fire,” she told the Fredericton Independent. “Fire and police are on scene.”

Gilks said police officers were on the scene for crowd control and to cordon off the area. 

She wasn’t sure where streets were blocked off, but noted police aren’t letting anyone near the area.

Longtime Fredericton residents will recognize the location as the site of the former North Star Sports Bar.

Speaking at about 4:10 p.m., Gilks said it was too early to tell what the cause of the blaze might be, or if there have been any injuries or deaths.

She said more information would be released later Thursday.

More to come…

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Warning: This story includes graphic descriptions of sexual abuse of young children.

In imposing a prison term on a former Fredericton teacher who possessed child pornography and created collages, a judge noted Thursday the offender was a victim of childhood sexual abuse himself.

Corey Harvey, 38, of Port Greville, N.S., but formerly of Fredericton, was back in Fredericton provincial court Thursday for sentencing.

He pleaded guilty this summer to two indictable charges: possession of child pornography between Nov. 10, 2015, and March 30, 2022, and creation of child porn between Sept. 10, 2020, and March 7, 2022.

Thursday’s proceeding was relatively quick, as Crown prosecutor Rachel Anstey and defence lawyer Patrick Hurley offered a joint recommendation of two years in prison and had filed briefs in support of that position.

Hurley said his client’s pre-sentence report showed he came from a loving family but faced “serious challenges” when he was a child.

Judge Mary Jane Richards, in rendering her decision on sentence, was more pointed about those “challenges.”

“Mr. Harvey himself was a victim of [sexual] abuse as a child,” she said.

Hurley said the offender has acknowledged his crimes and has taken steps to get counselling.

“He recognizes that he’s got issues,” the defence lawyer said.

Harvey told the court Thursday he has “deep regret and remorse” for what he did, noting he alone is responsible for his crimes.

“I’m really, really sorry that my own pain has caused so much pain for others,” he said.

Richards imposed the requested two-year prison term and ordered Harvey to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in a criminal database, prohibited him from possessing firearms and other weapons for 10 years following his release and imposed a 20-year order under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act.

The judge also impose 20-year orders under Section 161 of the Criminal Code of Canada, barring Harvey from attending public places such as parks, playgrounds and pools where one can expect children to be present; from securing employment, either paid or volunteer, that would place him in a position of authority or trust over minors under the age of 16; and from having unsupervised contact with children except for his own two kids.

He’s also prohibited from accessing Dropbox, the San Francisco-based online file-storage and sharing service, for 20 years. 

Dropbox raised alarm

During an early proceeding in the case, court heard that some online activity involving images depicting the sexual abuse of young children came to the attention of the RCMP thanks to a report made by Dropbox after it detected a suspicious file uploaded to its servers.

The RCMP linked the username on the Dropbox account in question to Harvey and his email address with the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Harvey, before his arrest, was a teacher who worked with Anglophone School District West.

Police executed search warrants at Harvey’s Fredericton home, and Richards noted Thursday that child pornography was found on an iPhone and iPad.

In total, the RCMP’s internet child exploitation unit found 238 child-porn files, court heard.

Investigators also found a folded titled “Collage,” in which they found 26 composite images that included several of the other downloaded images collected into one.

It was the creation of those collages that constituted the offence of making child pornography.

‘Extremely disturbing images’

Richards said there were a number of mitigating and aggravating factors in the case that the sentence had to address.

Among the elements in Harvey’s favour, she said, were his relatively early guilty pleas, his expressions of remorse, his lack of a prior record and the relatively small size of the collection police discovered in his possession.

However, among the aggravating factors the judge identified were the “extremely disturbing images” the police found.

While the number of illegal images was on the lower end of the spectrum for such crimes, she said, the sexual abuse depicted in them was egregious.

The ages of the victims seen in the files ranged from five to 13 years, Richards said, with some of them showing five-year-olds being penetrated sexually.

When Harvey pleaded guilty June 22 to the crimes, Anstey provided a representative sample of the offending images for the judge to view, and the prosecutor described them as Richards went over them.

Anstey described what the images depicted thusly:

• a toddler girl, about three to five years old, in a state of undress;

• a girl estimated to be between five and eight years of age, with her shirt up, legs apart and blindfolded;

• a girl, five to eight years old, fully nude with her legs spread apart;

• a collage of a girl about 12-15 years old, posing nude in a bathroom;

• a collage of a girl, about eight to 10 years old, being sexually assaulted and penetrated vaginally;

• a girl, aged five to eight, lying down nude with ejaculate on her body;

• and a girl, aged five to eight, blindfolded and nude, being penetrated vaginally.

Court heard none of the children seen in the images have been identified by authorities.

Richards said Thursday that while Harvey didn’t have actual contact with the victims seen in the photos, he nevertheless contributed to their trauma by being part of the market that creates a demand for such imagery.

Even in the absence of victim-impact statements before the court, the judge said, it’s clear these children have suffered and continue to suffer profound and long-lasting trauma as a result of the abuse.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Federal Court judge has ruled that American Iron and Metal can't have the "extremely broad" redactions it wants before lease documents with Port Saint John are made public. 

RCMP report the Aroostook boy located safely

The RCMP reported that the 13-year-old boy from Aroostook,  who it reported missing on Sept. 19, has been located safe and sound.

The Perth-Andover RCMP detachment issued a statement asking for the public’s help in its search for the missing teen on Sept. 19.

The RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance.

The post Missing 13-year-old found first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Church of Latter-day Saints donation precedes major fundraising campaigns, including Love Atlantic and the annual Turkey Drive

Katherine Hann took a few minutes away from her volunteer efforts of helping fill food hampers at the Valley Food Bank on Wednesday, Sept. 20, to deliver funding support from the Houlton Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

VFB executive director Monica Grant happily posed with Hann for a photo accepting the critical donation for the church branch, which serves both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.

“The Houlton branch is international,” Hann explained. “Some of us live in Canada and others in Maine.”

She said the Houlton Branch belongs to the Saint John New Brunswick Stake.

Hann explained congregations are divided geographically, with boundaries determined by the number of members in an area. She noted the Houlton branch is one of 13 units in the Saint John New Brunswick Stake.

She said the Houlton branch includes a chapel at the corner of Main and Neilson Streets in Woodstock, but it closed after the amalgamation with Houlton. She explained the congregation used the chapel when COVID restrictions interrupted travel to Houlton. 

Hann explained the branch delivered the donation to the Valley Food Bank through the church’s Welfare and Self Reliance program designed to care for those in need while teaching principles that promote self-reliance and self-respect.

Hann said Branch President Patrick Black couldn’t attend the brief presentation at the Woodstock food bank because of other commitments.

She said branch members know the importance of the vital services VFB delivers to Upper St. John River Valley residents.

Grant said the Valley Food Bank’s growing client list highlights the vital need for its multi-faceted services.

She said the first nine days of September saw the food bank serve 535 clients, including 27 new families.

She said the high cost of food and housing makes it impossible for many people, even if employed, to meet the day-to-day financial demands.

Without the generous support of churches, service organizations, businesses, individuals and others, the Valley Food Bank could not deliver its essential services.

She hopes two significant upcoming annual campaigns gain widespread support.

Grant explained six local churches are part of the Love Atlantic campaign, which collects food donations, other items and funds for the Valley Food Bank and the Valley Family Resource Centre.

Last year, Love Atlantic brought in more than 10,000 pounds of food and other necessities for the two organizations.

Grant said plans are also in place for one of the Valley Food Bank’s traditional and most important annual events — the Turkey Drive.

The pivotal day of the campaign will be Nov. 20, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., during which Pure Country 104, in partnership with VFB, will promote the Turkey Drive.

Grant said the public can support the Turkey Drive by calling the Valley Food Bank at (506) 328 4417.

But, the focus will look beyond turkeys only, but, keeping with tradition, the cost of turkeys will measure donations.

A donation of $25 is measured as a half turkey and $ 50 as a whole turkey.

“This year, it is evolving to reflect the greatest need and will focus on collecting a variety of food items and cash donations,” explained Grant.

Grant explained providing food security to struggling people and families remains the core mandate for the Valley Food Bank, but their needs stretch well beyond the dinner table.

She said clients need personal grooming items, noting deodorant as an example.

Grant said soap, shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, razors, laundry soap, and Kleenex are always in short supply.

While can goods are a staple in food hampers, their clients need can openers.

Whether it’s a donation of the needed items or cash to purchase what’s in short supply, community support helps the VFB meet the growing needs of its clients.

The Valley Food Bank can provide a list of needed items.

The post Community support helps Valley Food Bank meet rising demands first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Fredericton man set to stand trial next month before a judge and jury on alleged luring and sex crimes involving minors faces new charges alleging offences involving another youth.

Firas Alobaid. 22, of Needham Street, was arrested in the summer of 2022, accused by the RCMP of luring underage complainants online using Snapchat and engaging in sexual encounters with them between January and June 2022 in the Oromocto area.

He opted to be tried in the Court of King’s Bench by a judge and jury on those charges, and that trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 19.

But Alobaid was back in Fredericton provincial court to answer to a new set of charges, similar in nature to the earlier ones.

He’s now accused of attempting to induce a minor by threats to distribute child pornography with the intent of obtaining it from her, communicating with that underage complainant online with intent of facilitating a sexual-touching offence and inviting that minor to touch him for a sexual purpose, all between Dec. 4-26, 2021, in Charters Settlement, near Fredericton.

The charges also include one count of transmitting child pornography in Charters Settlement on Dec. 26, 2021.

The identity of the complainant in the Charters Settlement is protected by a court-ordered publication, as is the case with the three complainants in the Oromocto charges.

Lawyer Alexandra Yousseff, acting as agent for Alobaid’s defence counsel Nathan Gorham, said the defence had just received disclosure of the Crown file a couple of days prior, with additional disclosure being made Thursday.

Prosecutor Rachel Anstey noted due to the sensitive nature of some of the disclosure, given the charges, the Crown had sought an undertaking from the defence, which is why the disclosure process took a little longer.

Youssef asked for an adjournment so the defence can review the disclosure and discuss the case with the client, and Judge Mary Jane Richards set the matter over to Oct. 12 for election of mode of trial and pleas. 

Though the Charters Settlement charges pre-date the Oromocto counts, the RCMP laid them after those alleged to have occurred in 2022.

With regard to the Oromocto charges, Alobaid is accused of sexual assault, sexual touching, invitation to sexual touching and online luring involving Complainant No. 1, all alleged to have occurred between Jan. 1 and June 12, 2022.

He’s also accused of sexual assault, sexual touching, invitation to sexual touching and online communication for the purpose of committing a child-pornography crime, between April 1 and June 12, 2022, relating to Complainant No. 2.

Another set of charges relates to a third complainant and allege sexual assault, sexual touching and online luring between June 1-10, 2022.

Finally, he’s charged with uttering threats to Complainants No. 1 and 2 to kill them, and possessing a firearm or imitation thereof, on June 12.

None of the allegations against Alobaid has been proven in court.

The RCMP issued a news release in June 2022 detailing the investigation into Alobaid and asking any other possible complainants to come forward.

The Mounties’ news release stated the force embarked on an  investigation after receiving reports about three girls in the Oromocto area being sexually assaulted.

The release said the investigation found Snapchat was being used to target teenage girls in the Oromocto and Fredericton area by using the app’s “Add Friends Nearby” function near secondary schools in the area.

Alobaid was initially remanded after his arrest, but he was released on conditions following a mandatory detention review in the Court of King’s Bench in November.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Geary man will be sentenced in January after admitting Wednesday that he possessed child pornography in early 2022.

Nathan William MacKenzie, 39, of Colbourne Drive, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday with defence counsel Edward Derrah to answer to an RCMP charge of possessing child pornography in Geary on Feb. 25, 2022.

MacKenzie elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded guilty to the indictable offence.

Judge Mary Jane Richards set the sentencing hearing over to Jan. 2 and ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report for the court’s consideration.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, indictable possession of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum jail term of one year.

But as of late, higher courts in Canada have been ruling that such mandatory minimum sentences are unconstitutional, even for sex-related offences.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Almost two years after Erin Brooks vanished from her community of St. Mary's First Nation, family members say they're still searching for answers and hoping for closure.

Publicly available petroleum pricing information suggests a new “cost of carbon” charge on gasoline and diesel authorized by the New Brunswick government raised prices to consumers by more than $7 million in August.

WPF’s newly formed Street Crime Unit was part of the multi-jurisdictional investigation surrounding the illegal publishing of intimate images

A 52-year-old Alberta man will face charges for illegally publishing intimate images following an investigation involving Woodstock Police Force’s newly formed Street Crime Unit (SCU).

Woodstock Deputy Police Chief Mark Bennett said the arrest resulted from several forces working together.

“The Woodstock Police Force is pleased to announce the successful culmination of a multi-jurisdictional investigation which resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old male resident from Alberta,” WPF stated in a press release on Wednesday, Sept. 20. “The individual has been charged with the publication of an intimate image without consent.”

Bennett said the investigation involved WPF’s Street Crime Unit, working with police agencies from Alberta, Quebec and other New Brunswick police partners.

Bennett said the investigation and charges reflect the WPF’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of community members.

“These charges stem from the unlawful publication of an intimate image without the consent of the involved parties, a serious violation of privacy and trust,” the force explained in its release. “Such actions are not only illegal but also deeply invasive and harmful to the victims.”

The Woodstock Police Force urges anyone with information about this case or any other criminal activity to contact the Woodstock Police at (506)325-4601 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Three Woodstock police officers staff the Street Crime Unit, which went into operation on Sept. 6. Force veteran Staff Sgt. Jeff Matthews leads the plain-clothes investigative unit, which includes Constables John Morrison and Joseph Clements.

Morrison explained the unit would handle the follow-up and investigation of mid-level crimes, allowing the uniformed members to return to their patrols and other duties more quickly.

Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward, during his report at the council-in-committee on Sept. 12, described SCU as a “dedicated unit” focused on investigations of frauds, break-ins and other significant and ongoing crimes.

Forward added the SCU, when necessary, would work with the Integrated Enforcement Unit on high-level matters.

With the expanding Woodstock Police Force quickly outgrowing the police station, SCU officers are housed next door in the former Woodstock council chambers at town hall.

The SCU office includes space for a bylaw officer and serves as a centre for meetings, training, operations and media. 

The post Woodstock police’s newest police unit’s efforts lead to the arrest of an Alberta man first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A judge says it's surprising no one died when a man used his truck to ram an SUV with children and pregnant women off the road at high speed last year in eastern New Brunswick.

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Rod Cumberland has filed suit against his former employer again, this time alleging the Maritime College of Forest Technology (MCFT) is liable for a board member allegedly blocking him from a new job.

Cumberland made headlines throughout New Brunswick when he sued the college for wrongful dismissal, alleging school officials and forestry-industry players wanted him removed due to his views on glyphosate.

Glyphosate is an herbicide approved by Health Canada for use in forests to kill certain species, but Cumberland contends it’s toxic, harmful to wildlife and detrimental to the environment.

The former instructor at the forestry college claims he was removed to silence him.

But in a decision issued in that lawsuit May 2, Court of King’s Bench Justice Tracey DeWare ruled it was Cumberland’s insubordinate behaviour and mistreatment of students that led to his termination at the college.

However, she found MCFT management didn’t advise him of their concerns, denying him a chance to correct his behaviour. She ordered the college to pay him seven months’ pay as severance.

Cumberland filed a notice of appeal June 1, arguing DeWare didn’t order sufficient severance pay and that she erred in her findings as to the real reasons for his dismissal.

His legal counsel in the first lawsuit, Ottawa lawyer Paul Champ, filed a new notice of action and statement of claim with the Court of King’s Bench in Fredericton on Sept. 1, this time alleging the college, through a member of its board of governors, torpedoed Cumberland’s shot at a new job in the forestry industry.

None of the allegations in the new statement of claim has been proven in court.

“In August 2021, the plaintiff was approached by Gaetan Bolduc, a member of the board of directors of the York-Sunbury-Charlotte Forest Products Marketing Board {YSC Marketing Board), a not-for-profit organization that serves private woodlot owners in the area,” the new statement of claim says.

“Mr. Bolduc informed the plaintiff that the YSC Marketing Board’s manager had given his notice and would be leaving the organization. Mr. Bolduc expressed the view that he thought the plaintiff would be an excellent manager for YSC Marketing Board and asked whether he would be interested in the position.”

The outgoing YSC Marketing Board manager was Jeffrey Sode, the document notes.

Defamation allegation

“The defendant Sode was very upset to hear the plaintiff may become the new manager,” the statement of claim says.

“He said to Mr. Bolduc, ‘Do you know he is suing us?’ By ‘us,’ Sode was referring to the defendant MCFT, as Sode was still on the MCFT’s board of governors.”

Cumberland claims Sode falsely told YSC Marketing Board officials the plaintiff was banned from the premises of the Maritime Forestry Complex, in which both the marketing board and the college operate.

“The defendant Sode’s statement to Mr. Bolduc was defamatory … It implies he has done something illegal or threatening,” the statement of claim says.

“The defendant Sode’s statement to Mr. Bolduc was made maliciously. The defendant Sode knew the statement to be untrue or was reckless as to its truth.”

Cumberland contends Sode’s statement took him out of the running to be the YSC Marketing Board’s new manager.

“Mr. Bolduc informed the plaintiff about this on Sept. 4, 2021,” the court filing states.

It also alleges Sode was acting in his capacity as a member of the MCFT board of governors, and as such, the college is “vicariously liable” for Sode’s statement.

Cumberland is seeking unspecified damages from the college and Sode for loss of income and opportunity, and for defamation.

The college and Sode have yet to file statements of defence with the court, but that’s not unusual at such an early juncture in such a lawsuit.

MCFT officials didn’t respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

The Fredericton Independent called the YSC Marketing Board in an attempt to reach Sode for comment, but was informed he was retired and no longer with the organization.

Sode didn’t respond to a voicemail left at his personal number, and as of publication, he hadn’t read a message sent to his Facebook profile.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The structure houses multiple businesses

A huge blaze Tuesday evening, Sept. 19, at the Old Houlton International Building at the airport lit up the night sky near the Canada-U.S. border.

Classic Country 94.7 Kixx FM reports the building, owned by Travis Coker, is home to several businesses, including HSC Auctions, Tiny Homes of Maine LLC, Murdock’s Reefer Madness and Family Roots Medical Marijuana.

The station reports the building was heavily damaged, but pieces of it are still standing Wednesday morning.

Houlton Fire Chief Milton Cone told Kixx FM staff that the fire marshal’s office was called to help determine the cause.

Cone said the Houlton Fire Department battled the blaze with 29 firefighters and five pieces of equipment.

Residents living between Woodstock and the Houlton border contacted the River Valley Sun, reporting seeing the blaze from their homes several kilometres away.

— Information and photo courtesy of Classic Country 94,7 Kixx FM

The post Huge blaze damages building at Houlton airport first appeared on River Valley Sun.

1. Held for bail hearing on 13 charges

Philip Sapper-Solomon, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 19 for a bail hearing on 13 charges laid by RCMP. The bail hearing was adjourned until Sept. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Police arrested Sappier-Solomon in connection with an incident on Sept. 17 near Beechwood.

Police charged him with possession of a restricted weapon (a handgun) while prohibited; possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence; two counts of possession of a restricted weapon without a licence; being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a firearm; possession of a loaded, restricted firearm (a handgun); assault and assault by choking involving a female victim; assault with a weapon (a cell phone); two counts of uttering threats; committing mischief causing property damage to a phone and tires, and mischief causing damage to a police vehicle.

2. Trial adjourned twice on seven charges

Zachary Benjamin Ivey, 24, of Dead Creek, was scheduled for trial in provincial court on Sept. 18 after pleading not guilty to seven charges laid by RCMP. Court adjourned the matter for monitoring until Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

On Sept. 14, Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul withdrew from the case, telling the court she could not contact her client for months to prepare for his trial.

Ivey was also scheduled for trial on Aug. 25, 2022, but it did not proceed since the defence had yet to receive disclosure on his file.

On Monday, Judge Claude Haché told the accused that legal counsel would be appointed to assist with cross-examining certain crown witnesses. Ivey must return to court on Oct. 3 to set a new trial date.

Police charged Ivey with uttering threats at Pole Hill on Feb. 15, 2021; pointing a firearm at another person, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats in relation to another incident on Dec. 28, 2020, at Pole Hill. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Jan. 26, 2022.

3. Woodstock man facing more charges 

Myles Andrew Dymond, 49, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on several charges.

Dymond appeared in court on Sept. 19 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Dymond first appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 28 and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him 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 new 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.

The court released Dymond on an undertaking to have no contact with the complainant. It also prohibited him from the use of firearms.

4. Conditional sentence for Woodstock man

Christopher Joseph Losier, 36, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and received a four-month conditional sentence and 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to two charges by Woodstock Police.

As part of his sentence, Losier must follow a curfew and attend counselling as required. Police charged him with dangerous driving and flight from police following an incident on July 18, 2021, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew a third charge of driving while suspended.

Losier had a prior record that included 21 previous motor vehicle offences. A police vehicle was damaged during the incident.

The court heard he was remorseful for his actions, apologized to the police, and was upgrading his education to become a skilled tradesman.

5. Suspended sentence, probation for a local woman

Cara Ann Anderson, 35, of Centreville, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation after pleading guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

The RCMP charged Anderson with assaulting another woman, forcible confinement, theft of a motor vehicle (a 2013 Hyundai Elantra), fleeing police, resisting arrest, assaulting a police officer, and committing mischief causing property damage concerning an incident on Aug. 16, 2022, near Beechwood.

She pleaded guilty to assault, taking a vehicle without consent, and resisting arrest. The crown withdrew the remaining charges.

Anderson had no prior criminal record. She apologized to the court for her actions. The court heard she was undergoing counselling for mental health and addiction. Anderson was ordered to have no contact with the complainant and must continue counselling as required.

6. Not guilty after trial on sex charge

Matthew White, 41, of Upper Woodstock, was found not guilty after trial on a sex charge when he appeared in provincial court on Sept. 15.

The RCMP charged White with invitation to touching for a sexual purpose involving a female minor in connection with an incident on July 22, 2022, at Woodstock.

After a day and a half of testimony, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean reserved his decision until Sept. 15. White testified in his own defence during the trial.

7. Released with ankle bracelet

Carolann Paul, 26, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 15 for a bail hearing. She was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to her ankle.

She returns to court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. to set a new date for her trial on drug trafficking charges.

Police arrested Paul on a warrant for failing to attend her trial. RCMP charged her with possession of cocaine and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, stemming from a police bust on Sept. 23, 2020, at Neqotkuk.

8. Arrest warrant issued

The court issued an arrest warrant for Brittany Francis of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) after she failed to appear in provincial court for sentencing on Sept. 19.

Francis 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 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.

9. Charged with theft

Tammy Schloemer, 57, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear for trial in provincial court on April 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to a theft charge.

Woodstock Police charged Schloemer with shoplifting at the Atlantic Superstore concerning an incident on April 20 in Woodstock. She entered her not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Sept. 19.

10. Trial continues on several charges

Robert Dale McMann, 47, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court on Sept. 15 after pleading not guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police. He returns to court for the continuation of his trial on Sept. 25 at 9:30 a.m.

McMann pleaded not guilty to unlawful confinement, uttering threats, and assaulting a female victim by choking and attempting to strangle and suffocate her during an alleged Sept. 9, 2021, incident in Woodstock. Woodstock Police laid the charges.

He was also charged with possession of stolen property (an SD card and batteries) owned by Cook Construction Ltd. following an incident on Dec. 22, 2021, in Woodstock.

He is also facing another charge of breaching a no-contact order. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance on March 17.

11. Returning to court for plea

Teisha Rose Scott, 23, of Medford, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for plea on one charge. The court adjourned the matter until Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Scott with possession of stolen property (a 2006 Suzuki Aerio) following an incident on Oct. 13, 2021, at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

Scott appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 29. She was arrested on a warrant for a matter in Fredericton. She was arrested on an earlier warrant for failing to appear in court for plea and was released with conditions.

12. Meductic woman to stand trial

Tori Madeline Snow, 20, of Meductic, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid by RCMP. Trial dates were set for July 17, 2024, and July 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Snow with assaulting another woman with a weapon (a metal bar), uttering threats, and theft of a safe following an incident on June 19 at Meductic.

She was also charged with assault causing bodily harm to a male person, committing mischief causing property damage, and break and enter at a dwelling house with intent to commit an assault concerning another incident on July 3 at Meductic.

Snow appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 6 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions, including a curfew and a no-contact order to stay away from the complainants. She is residing at a residence in Windsor.

13. Charge moved to alternative measures

Diana Cogswell, 21, of Beardsley Road, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 to enter a plea on an assault charge. The matter was diverted to the alternative measures program with the consent of the crown.

Cogswell must complete the program’s requirements by Dec. 12 to have the charge withdrawn. RCMP charged her with assault with a weapon (a cup of hot coffee) following an incident involving another woman on April 18 in Lower Woodstock.

14. Neqotkuk man facing drug trafficking charges

Jacob Perley, 32, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for monitoring regarding his upcoming trial on drug trafficking charges. His trial dates were moved to Dec. 14 and Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Perley was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, production of cocaine, unlawful possession of ketamine (a date rape drug) for the purpose of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine, obstruction, and breach of an undertaking in connection with an incident on Aug. 26, 2022, at Neqotkuk.

Perley pleaded not guilty in December to other charges laid by RCMP.

RCMP charged him with breaking and entering a dwelling house, possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace, assault with a weapon, and using an imitation firearm in connection with a Dec. 16, 2021, incident in the community. His trial on those charges will be held on Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m.

15. Warrant on file for Woodstock man

Jacob Jinson, 24, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Oct. 11 at 1:30 p.m. for monitoring about his upcoming trial. A warrant will be held on file until his court appearance.

Jinson appeared in provincial court on Aug. 29 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. A trial date was set for June 26, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Jinson appeared in court in custody on Aug. 14 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with breach of probation and breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet). Police laid the charges concerning an incident on July 30 in Mainstream. He is now residing at a residence in Somerville.

On June 26, Jinson and Riley Cowper, 19, of Limestone, elected trial by judge and jury on charges of indictable sexual assault and unlawful confinement. Their 10-day trial will be held at the Court of King’s Bench beginning on Sept. 23, 2024.

Jinson appeared in custody by video on April 3. RCMP charged him with sexual assault involving a female victim, unlawful confinement, and breach of probation concerning an incident on March 26 at Limestone. He was released with strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. The court also ordered him to follow a curfew.

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 the same incident on March 26 at Limestone.

Cowper also faces a charge for another incident at Limestone last year. RCMP charged him with assault with a weapon (a hammer and tire iron) involving another man on March 23, 2022.

Cowper pleaded not guilty at an earlier court appearance, and a trial date for provincial court was set for Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

16. In custody awaiting plea

Morgan Nicholas, 27, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 19 for monitoring about his upcoming trial on charges laid by RCMP. He also returns to court on Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. for plea on more charges.

Nicholas appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 28 for a bail hearing. He was denied bail and remanded. RCMP charged him 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.

17. Trial set on two charges

Shayne Cameron, 30, of Jacksonville, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP.

The court set a trial date 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.

18. Neqotkuk man facing four charges

Collin Francis Bear, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on four charges laid by RCMP. He appeared in court on Sept. 19 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Bear appeared in court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 31 and was released with conditions. He was charged with assault, two counts of assault with a weapon (an axe and a mirror) involving a female victim, possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (an axe) in connection with an incident on Aug. 26 at Neqotkuk.

19. In custody on several charges

Brandon Cecil Armour, 34, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m. for a bail hearing on charges laid by Woodstock Police. He appeared in court in custody on Sept. 19 when the hearing was adjourned to the new date.

Woodstock Police charged Armour with breach of an undertaking and failing to attend court on July 11, as well as theft of a vehicle and resisting arrest on Aug. 14.

Armour appeared in court in custody on Aug. 15 after being arrested on a warrant. Woodstock Police also charged him with prowling at night and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on March 24 in Woodstock.

Armour is still awaiting plea on the above charges.

He is also scheduled to appear for trial in provincial court on Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to three other charges laid by RCMP. He entered his plea at a court appearance on Feb. 21.

Armour was charged with break and enter at a dwelling house, committing mischief causing property damage to a door, and assault on a female victim, stemming from an incident on June 8, 2022, in Hartland.

20. Pair to enter pleas following manhunt

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, and Janis Buchanan, 27, of Perth-Andover, will appear in provincial court in custody by video for plea on Sept. 26. Buchanan will make her court appearance at 9:30 a.m. followed by DeLong at 11:30 a.m.

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

Buchanan, 27, of Perth-Andover, was charged with robbery with violence stemming from an incident on May 29 at Florenceville-Bristol. The alleged theft involved a car, wallet and cell phone. She reserved her bail hearing and was remanded.

Police arrested DeLong and Buchanan after a manhunt in Victoria County concerning a series of incidents in the Upper River Valley.

21. Trial date adjusted in kidnapping case

Rodney Butler, 49, of Bulls Creek, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 19 for monitoring about his upcoming trial involving an alleged kidnapping and the shooting death of his former partner.

Defence Counsel Alex Pate told the court via teleconference that he will represent Butler at his five-day trial set for Dec. 4, Dec. 6-8. Pate requested the final day of the trial be moved from Dec. 11 to Jan. 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. due to a scheduling conflict.

RCMP charged Butler with reckless discharge of a firearm, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle, following an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek.

On that date, RCMP was called to the scene of a fatal shooting on Route 165 at Bulls Creek. Christine Pelletier-Thibodeau, 35, died as a result of her injuries. Over the next several days, police tape was erected around the property, including a residence surrounded by a vehicle salvage yard.

Timothy Grant, 30, of Canterbury, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 6 for his two-day trial on charges related to the same alleged kidnapping of a Scotts Siding man.

After hearing submissions from the crown and defence counsel, Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean adjourned Grant’s trial until Feb. 29 and March 1, 2024.

Crown Prosecutor Gwynne Hearn and Defence Counsel Michael Mallory made a joint recommendation to have the trial adjourned to a later date due to an additional disclosure of evidence. Hearn told the court the information was currently in the hands of the police and would be reviewed by the crown before trial.

Grant pleaded not guilty to three charges concerning an incident on Nov. 13, 2021, in Scott Siding. RCMP charged him with using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demerchant, unlawful confinement, and indictable assault.

The rescheduling of Grant’s trial delays those proceedings until after Butler’s trial. Butler sat in the back of the courtroom during Grant’s court appearance on Sept. 6.

The post Held for bail hearing on 13 charges first appeared on River Valley Sun.

American Iron and Metal has started examining the environmental impact of the scrap metal fire that burned for two days at its dockside operations last week, according to an incident report the company sent to the Environment Department on the day the fire broke out. 

Premier Blaine Higgs and his education minister joined a noisy march against LGBTQ policies in schools on Wednesday, a decision that was quickly denounced by supporters of gay and trans rights.

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A Keswick Ridge man will be back in court next month to schedule his trial after he denied a sexual-assault allegation Wednesday.

Cory Urquhart, 50, of Rocky Road, faces an indictable charge alleging a sexual assault against an unnamed complainant, and his first appearance in the case was set for Wednesday.

The complainant’s identity is protected by a court-ordered publication ban.

Urquhart wasn’t present for Wednesday’s proceedings, but he was represented by Fredericton defence lawyer Patrick Hurley, who elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty on his client’s behalf.

The RCMP charge alleges the offence occurred in Keswick Ridge between Dec. 22-23.

Judge Mary Jane Richards set the case over to Oct. 12 for a case-management conference, at which time it’s expected the court will schedule trial dates.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Demonstrations over sex education policies and LGBTQ rights were held in Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton on Wednesday. Similar protests related to the “1 Million March For Children” event were planned across the country.

A 19-year-old in Moncton has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of a teenager in the city last year.

Dozens of artists have been recognised across 11 categories for this year’s awards which will be handed out in Moncton on October 19.   Is this the year New Brunswick…

The post Music NB Announces 2023 Award Nominees appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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A Fredericton man will be sentenced later this fall after admitting Wednesday to kicking another man in the back and head while he was on the ground outside a bar last year.

Brendan Lee Brooks, 32, of Gabe Acquin Drive, was scheduled to stand trial in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on a charge of aggravated assault.

That charge alleged he wounded, maimed, disfigured or endangered the life of the victim, Troy Wells.

However, defence lawyer Ron Morris said the trial wouldn’t be proceeding, as after discussions with the Crown, his client had decided to plead guilty to the lesser, included offence of indictable assault causing bodily harm.

Crown prosecutor Rodney Jordan told court Wednesday that Brooks and Wells were both drinking at Speedbumps Sports Bar on Fredericton’s north side in the early-morning hours of March 27, 2022, when an altercation broke out between them on the bar’s back deck.

Video footage showed the pair talking on the deck at about 1:30 a.m. on the deck when Brooks hit Wells twice in the face, court heard.

Brooks then pushed Wells to the ground twice, the prosecutor said, and then he launched the victim off the deck to the adjacent pavement.

The bar’s security footage shows Brooks then kicking Wells in the back while he was still lying on the court, Jordan said, and then kicked him in the head.

Wells could be seen getting up and retreating to a nearby vehicle, he said.

“He had to seek medical attention,” Jordan said of the victim.

Wells reported he sustained a fractured jaw and an injury to his shoulder, the prosecutor said, adding that more information about his injuries will be presented to the court at Brooks’ sentencing hearing.

A bar staff member called police, Jordan said, but when they arrived on the scene at 1:44 a.m., Brooks and Wells were no longer present.

The prosecutor noted Wells had been proven to be a nuisance to bar staff on the night in question, and that it appears Brooks was trying to intervene.

Judge Lucie Mathurin ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report and victim-impact statement for considering at Brooks’ sentencing hearing, which she scheduled for Nov. 30.

She told the defendant that while he may have been trying to step in to deal with an obnoxious patron, assaulting someone isn’t the way to do it. Furthermore, she said, it’s dangerous for everyone involved.

The judge pointed to a recent incident in Saint John that led to prison time for a young man who assaulted a fellow bar patron, who died as a result.

Garrett Johnston punched Mark Baker in the face outside a Saint John strip club in October 2019 reportedly because the victim had been bothering a couple of women outside the establishment.

After being struck, Baker fell and hit his head. He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries the next day.

Johnston was sentenced to three years in prison.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Fredericton Police Force is turning to the public for help in tracking down a man wanted on a country-wide warrant but also warns people not to approach him.

“Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Bradley Saia, 32, who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant,” the force stated on social media Wednesday morning.

Saia is described as a Caucasian man, standing about 5’10” tall and weighing about 161 pounds. He has brown eyes and hair, the force stated, and he sports numerous tattoos, including ones with the words “Stay True” on both hands, and one of a skull on his right hand. 

“Police are warning the public to not approach the suspect,” the advisory said.

The city police force didn’t mention in its social-media post the reason the warrant was issued for Saia. The Fredericton Independent has inquired about that issue and is awaiting a response.

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

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

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Mike Trask dials back his signature raspy rock and roll with the new single, Cover Girl.  Matt Carter  Mike Trask’s new single Cover Girl may catch a few listeners off…

The post Mikes Trask Gets Mellow With Cover Girl appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Fredericton psych rockers Chillteens bury The Dead to find their Wings on latest single, Short King. Matt Carter I have been watching Chillteens from a distance for some time now.…

The post Chillteens Share First Taste of Forthcoming Album appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The competition to secure accommodation has increased among Université de Moncton students, leaving some frustrated months into their search about the lack of supply and sky-rocketing prices.

The Anglophone East district education council has repealed a motion that strengthened protections for LGBTQ students under New Brunswick's policy on gender identity and replaced it with one that goes further.

Two Progressive Conservative MLAs who have bucked Premier Blaine Higgs say they don’t plan to create any instability that might be blamed for an early election call.

The Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee is taking an bioengineering approach in trying to prevent flooding near Sussex. Their efforts include redirecting where cows can graze and planting willows on the banks of brooks.

Russell’s first official headlining cross-Canada tour wraps up with four East Coast performances in early 2024 in support of her new album, The Returner. JUNO Award winning and four time…

The post Allison Russell Will Be Back Out East in March appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The City of Saint John continues to say garbage delays and the pause on compost and recycling is because pickets are blocking trucks, but the union says that isn’t the case.

The following items of business were discussed at the Sept. 12 council meeting:

1. Peter McCain Memorial to be moved

Erected in 1998, the Peter McCain Memorial was previously situated behind the Florenceville-Bristol pool. Due to the construction of the Northern Carleton Recreational Centre, it had to be moved.

The prior Florenceville-Bristol council had agreed that upon completion of construction, the Memorial would be moved to a new spot.

Resident David Trafford attended the Tuesday meeting, seeking to confirm with the new District of Carleton North Council that this was indeed still the plan.

The Council assured Trafford that it was. Trafford noted that Peter McCain’s sister, Laura, has agreed to fund the cost of moving the memorial.

Council and Trafford agreed he would be responsible for contacting Laura over the winter to seek her input on the future placement of the memorial in the spring.

2. Concerns about speeding and reckless driving on School Street

Mayor Andrew Harvey read an email from Carleton North High School Principal Jason Smith, who wrote expressing his concerns regarding the speeding and reckless driving on School Street.

“In the last three years, there have been two terrible accidents at the end of School Street,” Smith wrote.

He shared that he has contacted the RCMP and the Department of Public Safety about the complaints from residents, students, and staff.

Smith asked council to invest in solar-powered speed signs. He said the signs and the school’s security cameras would help provide the necessary information to help the RCMP and deter dangerous driving. 

Council agreed to refer the concerns to their Director of Operations, who could then work directly with Smith on the matter.

3. Support for Hayward House

Mayor Harvey read a letter from the Hayward House Recovery Centre, who wrote requesting a donation for their upcoming Silent Auction or a monetary donation to help with their Christmas initiatives.

Hayward House estimates it will provide Christmas dinner for approximately 150 people this year.

They also provide Christmas bags for those experiencing homelessness and other assistance for those living with mental illness. Council agreed to offer Hayward House a donation of $100.

4. New canteen operator at Northern Carleton Civic Centre

Mayor Harvey shared that Devon Everett has signed a lease agreement, taking over the operation of the NCCC canteen.

Beginning Sept. 18, Everett will start setting up, with the official opening soon after.

The canteen will be renamed “The Penalty Box”.

5. Town to form Youth Involvement Ad-hoc Committee

Mayor Harvey read an email from Carleton North High School student Sarah Lagarde, who proposed a program where students could attend council meetings offering their perspectives.

The program would give the Council a better perspective on issues impacting their youth, and the youth would also have an opportunity to learn about municipal politics.

Council agreed to form an ad hoc committee, with Deputy Mayor Karen Hargrove as chair, to discuss ways students can be involved in council.

Councillors Scott Oakes, Chala Watson, and Angel Connor volunteered to be part of the Committee.

The post District of Carleton North Council News first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Brian Connor of Hawkins Corner to be honoured Oct. 12

Lifelong farmer and Hawkins Corner, York County native Brian Connor will be inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame at the Dalhousie Agricultural College in Truro on Oct. 12.

Connor’s farming experience started early. He worked on the family farm with his uncle Spafford Manzer. Connor was just a young boy when his father died.

Spafford, who had no children, left the farm to Connor when he died.

Connor and his wife, Sharon Connor, worked the farm as a dairy operation for many years. The couple is well known in the Holstein industry, having raised and sold cattle shipped to different parts of the world.

Connor has several silver platters, trophies and certificates from various cattle shows, exhibitions, the Canadian Holstein Association, and other farming organizations. The event will be a two-fold celebration. Brian and Sharon Connor will also celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Oct. 12.

The post Local man to be inducted into Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Upper River Valley Rotary Clubs launch second issue after inaugural success

The business guide initially launched last year by the Rotary Clubs of Florenceville, Perth-Andover, and Woodstock is back and will feature 180 businesses from Perth-Andover to Nackawic.

“We had very good reception to last year’s publication,” shared Carol Brennan, project coordinator.

“We distributed the magazine through the River Valley Sun and made sure it was placed in high-traffic areas such as hotels, gas stations, and libraries.”  

The magazine is organized into categories and features a wide range of businesses.

“It’s not just all stores,” explained Brennan, who said the directory features a variety of retail and non-retail services.

The publication includes the logo, website links, contact information for included companies, and photographs of the business’s staff and owners.

“We wanted to share the faces of the people that make the business happen,” said Brennan. This year, the magazine will also feature updates on active Rotary projects. A digital version of the directory is also offered, including live links offering direct business access.

Brennan said the inspiration for the project was born out of a “desire to promote the [Western Valley] area,” noting that it is a “beautiful place to live, play, and shop.”

There was also a strong urge to encourage local shopping.

“This way, you know who you’re supporting when you go to these businesses,” said Brennan.

The newest edition will be distributed next week. A fun contest offered by Woodstock’s Pure Country radio station will also accompany the magazine’s release. Starting Tuesday, Sept. 12, Brennan explained that there will be a daily trivia question for which the answers can be found in the directory.

The winners will receive free Bingo tickets, giving them a chance to win cash. The River Valley Sun will include the second-annual Western Valley Faces of Business in its September paper, distributing the free directory from Nackawic to Perth-Andover.

The post Western Valley Faces of Business magazine returns first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Province permits District of Carleton North and Hartland to develop a detailed plan for a new policing structure to cover the two communities.

Concern with the lack of police visibility and accountability within the existing policing framework amid rising crime rates has been at the forefront of many Carleton North and Hartland residents’ minds for quite some time.

In January, the communities formed a Policing Model committee tasked with investigating the feasibility of a municipal police force covering the two currently under-served areas. 

At the Sept. 12 District of Carleton North Council meeting, Mayor Andrew Harvey shared that the province approved its initial proposals, giving the Town of Hartland and the District of Carleton North permission to take the next step towards their municipal policing model.

Harvey told the River Valley Sun that the next step is to develop their final plan, which will be submitted to the province for final approval.

He explained the plan will include budgets, comparative and impact analysis, and public engagement.

“We hope to have the final plan done for mid-fall, by early November,” said Harvey.

Once completed, the committee will submit the plan to the councils and the province for final approval.

Harvey said he expects it will take the Province roughly a month to make their final decision.

 If approved, the municipal police force will consist of approximately 18 officers, which will be shared between two detachments.

The primary detachment will be located in Florenceville-Bristol, with a smaller secondary one set up in the Town Office of Hartland.

The proposed force would provide 24-hour coverage.

Harvey noted that shared detachments are not unusual in the province.

“Kennebecasis has a very similar setup to this,” he said. “They have one force that covers both Rothesay and Quispamsis.”

Harvey said the committee’s target date for establishing the new force is Jan. 1, 2025.

He explained that the municipalities are required to give 12 months’ notice to the current service provider, which is the RCMP.

“We’ll also need that time for procurement of equipment, to set up the detachments, as well as hire staff and officers,” said Harvey.

The post Carleton County municipalities take next step towards municipal policing first appeared on River Valley Sun.

New Brunswick’s Department of Social Development is facing questions about whether it has made any improvements to its pandemic planning now as several nursing homes go through new COVID-19 outbreaks.

Dr. Debi O’Leary lessens emergency room burden while honouring late sister

When Woodstock-area family physician Dr. Debi O’Leary decided to start an after-hours clinic in Canterbury this spring, she had two primary goals: take some pressure off the Upper River Valley Hospital’s emergency room and honour her late sister, Tania Sharp. Despite undergoing a Stem Cell Transplant, with Dr. O’Leary as her donor, Sharp died in April 2022.

“My sister was diagnosed (with Stage 4 Myelofibrosis, a form of cancer) too late. That was during COVID-19 when many people were being urged not to go to the ER because hospitals were overwhelmed. For me, doing something meaningful is how I deal with grief,” said O’Leary. “I needed to do something. I felt like this was the best way to honour her.”

O’Leary’s clinic, which began in April after Lakeland Ridges municipal council approved using the Canterbury Community Centre, operates on Tuesday evenings.

“The response has been overwhelming,” O’Leary explained. “We can see upwards of 33 patients some evenings, and the issues are varied.”

O’Leary has seen patients with serious conditions that some have been putting off due to COVID or because they don’t have a family doctor.

“I’ve seen people here without family physicians, others who need follow-up care, to people who need driver’s physicals,” she said.

Many patients have come from the surrounding communities, but O’Leary has also seen patients who live in Sussex, Grand Falls, and Oromocto.

“Over the last few years during COVID,” said O’Leary, “some people have deferred medical care, sometimes for serious conditions.”

Her work in Lakeland Ridges is making an impact on more than the individual health of patients. Her Tuesday clinics also play an essential role in supporting healthcare colleagues.

“When I stopped doing obstetrics (at the Upper River Valley Hospital or URVH) last fall, there was a shortage of ER doctors. Family physicians were asked to take 12-hour shifts, but I can’t do those shifts anymore, but I still wanted to help.”

Two years ago, O’Leary moved from Woodstock to Skiff Lake. On her drive home one evening, she got the idea for the clinic in her new municipality.

“I approached Mayor Tanya Cloutier about setting up in Canterbury, and she was all for it.”

After getting council approval, Dr. O’Leary gathered all the furniture and supplies needed and brought some staff along to help, including a third-year Dalhousie University resident, Dr. Nick Byers.

The River Valley Sun sent a request to Horizon Health, asking to speak with URVH Chief of Staff Dr. Gurpreet Singh Ranger about the impact O’Leary’s clinic has had on the URVH Emergency Department, but did not respond before our deadline.

Horizon Health recently posted a story on its website, applauding the clinic and the work Dr. O’Leary is doing in the community, calling it a “heartwarming initiative” that is “transforming access to health care in the region while honouring a personal memory.”

Lakeland Ridges Mayor Tanya Cloutier says having an after-hours clinic in her region is a game changer for residents.

“To be able to offer a service like this with someone of Dr. O’Leary’s calibre in a small rural community is something I hardly dared to dream of when I was elected.”

“For me,” said Dr. O’Leary, “it’s about offering health care to those who may not have easy access to services,” O’Leary emphasized.

“If I can help just one person get an early diagnosis, which didn’t happen for my sister, then it’ll be worth it.”

O’Leary continues to honour her late sister, most recently with a 15 km swim challenge for the Canadian Cancer Society, raising $3,000 in August.

The post After-hours clinic supports patients, helps local ER first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Mailboxes International sold after death of co-owner Neil Cowperthwaite

Pam Cowperthwaite says her husband, Neil, may be gone, but his memory and the business he built lives on.

“We’ve had a few calls saying we’ve heard you closed, but we aren’t. The business is still running, just under new owners,” said Cowperthwaite.

Her husband of 45 years died after health complications related to a series of falls that began in February. He was 77 years old.

“We met when his sister invited me for Christmas one year,” said Pam. The two were teachers in New Mexico at the time.

“That was 1976,” she remembered. “I came out the next summer after finishing graduate school. We were married in November of that year, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Pam said the two of them ‘stumbled’ into the international mail service business.

“We were operating Radio Shack at the time, and the post office in Portland was getting rid of a bunch of old mailboxes, and we got them and came back, and that was that.”

Their business never made them rich, but they were able to make a decent living – until the pandemic.

“COVID-19 took 85 to 95 per cent of our business,” she explained. “When ArriveCan started, it was really bad.”

When things picked back up, Neil started having health issues and enlisted the help of friends.

A month before Neil died, he and Pam began to discuss selling the business.

“We had already been in talks with the new owners, Shelbey Saunders and Leonard Wilde.

Pam is helping the new owners while getting the ‘lay of the land.”

“Leonard and Shelbey are just getting to know the customers,” she said. “I tease them because I have a 30-plus head start on them with people’s names!”

Once the new owners get the hang of things, Pam will quietly retire.

“I’ll definitely miss the people when I retire,” she said. “The chit-chats, the sharing, the sometimes teasing. I have one young guy who comes in and always shows me pictures of the fish he’s caught. I got to know a lot of Canadians over the years. I’m going to miss those relationships.”

The post Well-known Maine border business changes hands first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The thirteen-year-old was last seen on Sept.17

The Perth-Andover RCMP is asking for the public’s help locating a missing 13-year-old boy from Aroostook, N.B.

In a release on Sept. 19, the RCMP said Karson Cormier was last seen on Sept. 17, at approximately 5 p.m. at a residence on Main Street in Aroostook, N.B., and reported missing later that evening. 

Police have followed up on several leads to try and locate him but have so far been unsuccessful. Police and his family expressed concern for his well-being.

The RCMP describes Karson Cormier as approximately five feet four inches (163 centimetres) tall and weighing approximately 125 pounds (57 kilograms).

He has hazel eyes and dark blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a black ball cap, black t-shirt, and black jeans.

The RCMP asks anyone with information on Karson’s whereabouts to contact the Perth-Andover RCMP detachment at 506-273-5000.

The post Police looking for missing Aroostook boy first appeared on River Valley Sun.