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A Gagetown woman who told a court she was trying to escape from an abusive relationship when she drove drunk and rolled her SUV was ordered to get counselling Wednesday.

Rachel Webb, 49, of Old Mill Road, pleaded guilty in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to a charge of driving while impaired.

Crown prosecutor Nina Johnsen said an RCMP officer was dispatched to the scene of a single-vehicle accident in Gagetown on Dec. 16, where they found an SUV on its roof in a ditch.

The investigation revealed the vehicle went into one ditch and rolled into another one, court heard, taking out a couple of mailboxes in the process.

Webb had been at the wheel, the prosecutor said.

“[The officer] noted she was incoherent,” Johnsen said, noting there was a smell of liquor coming from her. 

“She was swaying while standing still and had to be supported.”

The officer learned from witnesses at the scene that Webb had asked them not to call 911 when the incident occurred, court heard.

Johnsen said to determine Webb’s level of impairment, a blood sample had to be taken. Tests revealed she had 250 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, more than three times the legal limit.

The prosecutor said this marks Webb’s first offence of any kind, but given the level of intoxication and the circumstances of the incident, it appeared there might be an alcohol issue at play.

As such, she asked the court - in addition to a mandatory minimum fine of $2,000 and the minimum driving prohibition of a year - to impose a one-year term of probation including conditions for assessment and treatment for substance abuse.

But defence lawyer Laura Murphy said Webb doesn’t have a drinking problem. Instead, she said, she was using alcohol as a coping mechanism for a different problem: being the victim of abuse.

“Ms. Webb at the time of the offence was in the process of fleeing from a domestic-violence situation,” the defence lawyer said.

“I don’t drink anymore,” the offender told the court. “Not since I left the relationship.”

She said she is on medication for anxiety now.

Murphy agreed with the fine and driving ban as suggested by the prosecution, but said probation wasn’t necessary in the circumstances.

“I know you were in a bad situation,” Judge Lucie Mathurin told Webb, adding that the accident was serious.

She imposed the $2,000 fine plus a customary victim-fine surcharge of $600, and prohibited Webb from driving anywhere in Canada for a year.

The judge imposed the requested 12-month probationary period as well, but she said it wasn’t to direct Webb to get help for drinking. Instead, she said, she made counselling a condition of the order given the trauma due to intimate-partner violence.

“Talking to somebody is not onerous. It’s simply good for you,” Mathurin said.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The district education council of at least one francophone school district has sought advice from Ottawa-based law firm Emond Harnden about how to respond to changes in New Brunswick's new gender-identity school policy.

When Jenna Dobbelsteyn moved to uptown Saint John a couple of months ago, she couldn't find a safe way to walk to classes at the University of New Brunswick campus in the north end of the city. She said the two main routes to get to campus — along Samuel Davis Drive or Sandy Point Road — have no sidewalks after a certain point.

One year short of becoming a centenarian, Minto’s Evelyn Morrison can now tick a trip on a chopper off her bucket list thanks to her family.

Ambulance New Brunswick says it aims to reopen its contract with its private-sector service provider to address response times in rural areas that chronically fall short of provincial targets.

Fredericton’s Officers’ Square buzzed with activity Wednesday as crews prepared the downtown park for transformation from construction site to concert venue.

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A Rusagonis man accused of sexually abusing two minors for a decade denied the charges Tuesday, and the case will be back in court this fall to schedule the trial.

The 53-year-old defendant was present in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday, but defence lawyer Emily Cochrane appeared on his behalf.

She elected for her client Tuesday to be tried in provincial court and entered not-guilty pleas to four sex-related charges involving two underage complainants.

The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting two children between Jan. 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2022; touching one of them for a sexual purpose between Jan. 1, 2012, and June 22, 2022; and touching the other for a sexual purpose between Jan. 1, 2012, and Aug. 5, 2020, all in the Rusagonis area.

The charges allege offences against underage family members, so the Fredericton Independent isn’t naming the accused so as to protect the identities of the complainants.

Judge Andrew LeMesurier set the case over to Sept. 19, at which time the court will set trial dates.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Nikki Jordan spotted two moose run out from behind a building in the Pet Valu parking lot on Main Street. It wasn't long before the two took off behind Trailway Brewing Co.

1. Butler hires new lawyer for December trial in kidnapping, shooting case

Rodney Butler, 49, of Bulls Creek, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and confirmed he secured a new lawyer for 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, and Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m.

The court set a monitoring date for Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. Pate said he planned to adjust his schedule as necessary to represent Butler at trial.

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 responded 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, will appear for his two-day trial on Sept. 6-7 at 9:30 a.m. on charges related to the alleged kidnapping.

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.

2. Fined for impaired driving

Travis Sappier, 25, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded guilty to an impaired driving charge. He was fined $1,500 and was prohibited from driving for one year.

RCMP charged Sappier in relation to an incident on May 3 at Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).

3. Arrested in the courtroom

Denise Cole, 40, of no fixed address, was arrested on a warrant and taken into custody on Sept. 5 for leaving court without following the judge’s instructions.

Cole appeared in provincial court to answer three charges laid by RCMP. Police charged her with committing mischief and breaching an undertaking for incidents on Aug. 10 and Aug. 29 at Woodstock First Nation.

She agreed to sign a six-month peace bond, and the two charges did not proceed. She also pleaded guilty to driving while suspended and requested sentencing take place immediately.

Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean asked Cole to wait to sign the peace bond and hear her sentence on the motor vehicle charge.

However, Cole left court, and a warrant was issued. She returned a short time later and was arrested.

After spending about an hour in jail, Cole returned to court in custody.

She was fined $600 for driving while suspended and was released. She had one prior conviction for the same offence.

4. Warrants issued for Gray brothers

The court issued an arrest warrant for Cole Gray of Upper Kintore after he failed to appear in provincial court on Sept. 5 to answer an assault charge. RCMP charged him with assault involving a female victim concerning an incident on June 13 at Kintore.

A warrant is being held on file for Gunner Gray of Upper Kintore after he also failed to appear in provincial court on Sept. 5. He was charged with assault with a weapon against another man in connection with an incident on June 11 at Kintore.

5. Remanded for sentencing

Marshall Turner, 22, of Beaconsfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 1 and pleaded guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

He was remanded to jail until sentencing on Oct. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Turner with committing mischief, dangerous driving and breach of probation concerning an incident on Aug. 26 at Beaconsfield. He was arrested and held in custody for a bail hearing but then pleaded guilty.

6. Held in custody for plea

Brandon Schriver, 21, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 1 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He returns to court in custody for plea on Sept. 12 at 11:15 a.m.

RCMP charged Schriver with breach of probation following an incident on Aug. 30 at Craig’s Flat.

Crown Prosecutor Geoff Hutchin told the court more charges are pending against the accused.

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

7. Neqotkuk man released with conditions

Collin Francis Bear, 35, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Aug. 31 and was released with conditions. He returns to court for plea on Sept. 19 at 1:30 p.m.

Bear 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.

8. Arrested and released

Kayla Dawn Tibbits, 32, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Sept. 5 after being arrested on a warrant. She was released from custody. The court heard she turned herself in to sheriffs at the courthouse.

Tibbits failed to appear in provincial court on Aug. 29 to answer a charge laid by Woodstock Police. She was charged with shoplifting at the Atlantic Superstore in Woodstock on Jan. 10.

The crown agreed to divert the charge to the alternative measures program. Tibbits has until Dec. 5 to complete the program. If she is successful, the crown will withdraw the charge.

9. Remanded for plea

Jesse Adam Shaw, 32, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 31 for a bail hearing and was remanded to jail. He returns to court in custody for plea on Sept. 12 at 10:15 a.m.

Woodstock Police charged Shaw with breach of a release order by violating an order to have no contact with a female victim.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on June 19 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

He was scheduled to return to court for plea on July 11 but was brought back into custody.

At his previous court appearance, the Woodstock Police Force charged Shaw with several offences, including assault, uttering threats, and committing mischief concerning a series of incidents between April 20 and May 8, between May 1 and May 8, and between June 11 and June 14 in Woodstock.

10. Ontario man in prison awaits another sentence

An Ontario man appeared in court in custody by video from federal prison on Aug. 31 to answer two new charges laid by RCMP.

Quincy Gosse, 45, of no fixed address, was charged with assaulting a female victim and breach of a no-contact order stemming from an incident on May 20, 2022, in Juniper.

He pleaded guilty, and the court rescheduled his sentencing date for Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Gosse was sentenced in March to four and a half years in federal prison, minus time served, for attacking a woman with a knife in Juniper last summer.

11. Sentencing set on two charges

Kerry Shawn Dennis, 61, of Woodstock First Nation, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded guilty to two charges laid by Woodstock Police. The court set a sentencing date for Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

Dennis was charged with possession of methamphetamine and carrying a concealed weapon (brass knuckles) stemming from an incident on March 2 in Woodstock.

12. Trial set on assault charge

Chad Leighton, 45, of Benton, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. His trial date was set for April 22, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

RCMP charged Leighton with assault on a minor in connection with an incident on May 8 in Benton.

13. Grafton man to stand trial

Matthew Allan Dukeshire, 32, of Grafton, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to a charge of impaired driving. His trial date was set for April 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Dukeshire following an incident on May 9 in Lindsay. He told the court he was securing legal counsel for his trial.

14. Awaiting plea on assault charge

Kathryn Graham, 26, of Grafton, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 to answer an assault charge. The matter was adjourned for plea until Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of her defence counsel.

RCMP charged Graham with assault on a minor in connection with an incident on May 1 in Grafton.

15. Trial scheduled on two charges

Elisha Dawn Stairs, 44, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. A trial date was set for April 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Stairs was charged with refusing a breathalyzer demand and impaired driving, stemming from an incident on May 11 near Hartland.

16. Canterbury man awaiting trial

Issiah Tobi Gabriel, 21, of Canterbury, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to several charges laid by Woodstock Police. His trial date was set for June 28, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Gabriel appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 and was released with conditions including house arrest. RCMP charged him with breach of a release order on Aug. 19.

Gabriel appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 8 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions until his next court appearance but was taken back into custody following an incident on Aug. 19.

The Woodstock Police Force charged Gabriel with assault on a female victim, assault by choking and committing mischief causing property damage following an incident on Aug. 5 in Woodstock.

As part of his release, he must follow a curfew and have no contact with the complainant. He will be residing at a residence in Canterbury.

17. Perth-Andover man to stand trial

Joseph Martin, 37, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to a series of charges laid by RCMP.

The court set Martin’s trial date for May 6, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. A monitoring date was also scheduled for Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

Martin turned himself in to the sheriffs when he came to provincial court on Aug. 18. He was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest for failing to appear in court on Aug. 15. Associate Chief Judge Brian C. McLean released Martin with conditions.

Martin also appeared in provincial court in custody on July 18 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions.

RCMP charged him with assault with a weapon (a baseball bat) involving a female victim, uttering threats, and committing mischief causing property damage in connection with a July 18 incident at Perth-Andover.

The court ordered Martin to have no contact with the complainant and must report to the police weekly. It also ordered him to have no firearms in his possession.

18. Pembroke man to enter plea

Joshua Adam Demerchant, 34, of Pembroke, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. to enter a plea on two charges. He appeared in court on Sept. 5 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Demerchant was charged by RCMP with possession of stolen property (an ATV) and failing to stop for police in connection with an incident on July 12 near Hartland. He appeared in court on Aug. 15 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

19. Woodstock man awaiting plea

Braxton Denny, 23, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 to answer charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. to allow him more time to secure legal counsel.

Denny appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 11 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was charged with break and enter at a dwelling house concerning an incident on Feb. 18 in Woodstock.

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

Denny was charged with committing mischief causing property damage and breach of an undertaking on Dec. 9, 2022, at Upper Woodstock; two counts of assault and committing mischief causing property damage on Dec. 8, 2022, at Upper Woodstock.

He was arrested on a warrant for failing to attend court and was released with conditions. Denny entered his not-guilty pleas at a court appearance on April 25.

20. Neqotkuk man awaiting trial

Aaron Barclay Moulton, 38, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Sept. 5 and pleaded not guilty to four charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for June 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also set for Jan. 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Moulton appeared in provincial court in custody on April 24 and was released with conditions. He was charged by RCMP with assault, committing mischief, possession of a prohibited weapon (a taser), and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace following an incident on April 23 at Neqotkuk.

The court ordered Moulton to report to the police weekly, stay away from the community youth centre, and have no weapons, alcohol, or drugs in his possession.

21. Warrant being held on file

A warrant is being held on file for Jacob Jinson, 24, of Woodstock, after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Sept. 5.

Jinson appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

RCMP charged e with breach of a release order by failing to follow a curfew in connection with an incident on Aug. 20 in Mainstream. He is now residing at a residence in Somerville.

Jinson also appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 14 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. The RCMP charged him with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet).

That charge concerns an incident on July 30 in Mainstream. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for June 26, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

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 indictable 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. He was also ordered 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.

22. Request for bail hearing

Amber Holt, 32, of Bluebell, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 5 and requested a bail hearing. The bail hearing was scheduled for Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m.

Holt appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 15 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court. She waived her bail until later and was remanded to jail. She appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on July 27 after being arrested on a warrant. She was released with conditions but failed to return to court.

RCMP charged Holt with possession of a firearm without a licence (.22 Magnum rifle) and careless use of a firearm for an incident on June 22, 2022, in Weaver. A warrant was issued for Holt when she failed to appear in court for plea on the firearm charges.

An earlier warrant was also issued for her in January after she failed to appear in provincial court to answer charges of flight from police and driving while suspended for an incident on Sept. 5, 2022. She is also facing charges of possession of stolen property, fraud, impersonation, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.

23. In custody awaiting plea

Brandon Cecil Armour, 34, of no fixed address, will appear in provincial court in custody by video on Sept. 6 for plea on charges laid by Woodstock Police.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 18 for a bail hearing and waived his bail until later. A date for his bail hearing is expected to be set at his court appearance on Sept. 6.

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. The Woodstock Police Force charged him with prowling at night and resisting arrest in connection with an incident on March 24 in Woodstock.

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.

24. Arrested and held for bail hearing

Brady Melvin Crain, 27, of Wicklow, will appear in provincial court in custody on Sept. 6 at 1:30 p.m. for a bail hearing.

Crain appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 28 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear for sentencing. He waived his bail until later.

Crain was charged with assault on a female victim and breach of an emergency intervention order concerning incidents on April 29, 2021, and March 14, 2021, in Woodstock.

RCMP also charged him with breach of a release order on Dec. 6, 2021, at Mount Pleasant. He pleaded guilty, and a sentencing date was set for July 27, but he failed to appear.

He appeared in provincial court on April 18 and pleaded not guilty to other charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Jan. 17, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Crain was charged on April 4 with breaching his release order. He also appeared in provincial court on March 16 on charges of breach of an undertaking, committing mischief, and taking a vehicle without consent in connection with incidents on Aug. 29, 2022, and Oct. 28, 2022, at Perth-Andover.

The post Butler hires new lawyer for December trial in kidnapping, shooting case first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Three suspects in two separate murder prosecutions will be back in court later this month, as their lawyers asked Wednesday for additional adjournments for disclosure.

Separate murder charges against Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac Road in Penniac, were back before Fredericton provincial court Wednesday.

McIsaac is charged with first-degree murder in the Jan. 28, 2022, death of Brandon Patrick Donelan and with second-degree murder in the December 2021 shooting death of Corey Christopher Markey.

Also charged jointly with McIsaac in the Donelan murder is Erica Blyth, 40, of Wasson Road in Newcastle Creek. Furthermore, Travis James Snowsell, 26, formerly of Penniac Road in Penniac, is charged jointly with McIsaac in the Markey murder case.

Both cases and all three defendants were on the provincial court docket Wednesday.

Defence lawyer T.J. Burke, who represents Blyth, and lawyer Alexandra Youssef, appearing as an agent for McIsaac’s defence counsel Nathan Gorham, asked for the Donelan murder case to be set over to Sept. 22.

Burke said the extra time was needed to complete the process of obtaining remaining disclosure of the Crown file and to review that information.

Furthermore, he said, he and Gorham’s office needed to co-ordinate their schedules to determine when they’d both be available for the preliminary inquiry in the case.

Murder cases are heard in the Court of King’s Bench by a judge and jury, but preliminary inquiries are held in provincial court to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set a matter over for trial at the higher level of court.

Blyth appeared in court by telephone from jail for Wednesday’s proceedings. McIsaac was scheduled to appear by video from prison, but there were technical issues with that connection.

Judge Lucie Mathurin set the case over to Sept. 22 as requested, and she noted she’s order the defendants to be brought to court in person for that appearance.

New counsel on record

Snowsell - who, like McIsaac, is also serving time in federal prison on unrelated charges - did appear in custody and in person in provincial court Wednesday for the Markey homicide prosecution.

He’d previously been represented by Burke, who asked last month to be removed from the record due to a conflict.

Saint John defence lawyer Brian Munro appeared Wednesday as Snowsell’s new lawyer.

Munro also asked for the matter to be adjourned to Sept. 22.

“I’m just obtaining disclosure today,” he said.

Gorham represents McIsaac on that file as well.

Mathurin set the matter over to Sept. 22 as well to schedule a preliminary inquiry, and again, she said she’d order the defendants to be brought to court to appear in person at that time.

Markey, 41, died in hospital Dec. 29, 2021, after he was shot on Paul Street in Sitanisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation on Fredericton’s north side at about 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, 2021.

Donelan’s body was found along a snowmobile trail March 31, 2022, but he’d been reported missing to police Jan. 30, 2022.

That report prompted a major police search, both on the ground and from the air, of the Minto and Chipman area for Donelan, 27.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A Fredericton man accused of wounding two others with a firearm in a robbery at a Hanwell mobile-home community will stand trial before a jury next spring.

Blake R. Holt, 23, of Forest Hill Road, faces charges of discharging a firearm at Daniel Gallant and Corey Vaillancourt with intent to wound, maim, disfigure or endanger their lives; robbing Gallant of jewelry and keys; and masking his face during an offence.

The allegations stem from events at two residences in the Hanwell Trailer Park in the early-morning hours of Dec. 2 that saw numerous officers from the Fredericton Police Force and RCMP descend on the community.

Holt also faces other counts as a result of the events of that day, including flight from police in Harvey, theft of gas in Beaver Dam, dangerous driving, possession of a stolen 2012 Honda Civic, possession of a prohibited weapon (a 22-calibre rifle) without a licence, possession of the gun with readily accessible ammo capable of being discharged, occupation of a car in which he knew there was a prohibited firearm and breach of a release order barring him from driving.

The defendant elected earlier this year to be tried before a Court of King’s Bench judge and jury, and the case was on the docket for King’s Bench motions day Tuesday to schedule that trial.

Justice Thomas Christie confirmed the 15-day jury trial was set to begin April 15 at the Burton Courthouse, with a pre-trial conference set for Nov. 2.

Holt has been in custody since his arrest late last year and appeared in court Tuesday by telephone from the Southeast Regional Correctional Centre in Shediac. He’ll remain in custody until the case concludes.

The defendant asked Tuesday to appear in court in person for the Nov. 2 pre-trial conference.

Also charged in the case was Jesse Michael Joe, 41, of Angelview Court in Fredericton, who’s accused of assaulting Daniel Gallant with a weapon (a two-by-four), pointing a firearm at him, uttering threats, robbing Gallant while armed with weapons, and robbing him while armed with a prohibited 22-calibre rifle.

He opted to have his case heard in provincial court, and it got underway last month, opening with a hearing to challenge a search warrant that led to the seizure of evidence in the case.

However, Joe’s Charter challenge of the search failed in late August when a judge ruled he didn’t have standing to oppose a search of a property where he wasn’t residing at the time.

Joe’s trial is set to resume Dec. 6, and he remains in custody as well.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Humanity Project, which offers meals to Moncton’s homeless, is working to turn a 187-acre property south of Salisbury into a place for the city’s most vulnerable to find housing and recovery.

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin is touring New Brunswick to consult local council members and police officials on his plan to reduce crime in the province.

When Colin McLean and three friends decided to hike the Fundy Footpath last weekend, they decided to tent in a clearing near the Little Salmon River on Friday night. Waking up in flooded tents forced them to cut their trip short.

As students across New Brunswick return to classrooms this week, advocates worry about how the Department of Education's new gender-identity policy will impact First Nations students.

Carleton County’s annual traditional corn maze and ‘Field of Fun’ will be open every weekend and holiday Monday from Sept. 9 to Oct. 29

The Hunter Brothers’ much-anticipated corn maze in Florenceville-Bristol will pay tribute to a pair of Canadian musical icons this year.

In a press release, the brothers announced its 23rd annual corn maze will pay homage to Gordon Lightfoot, who died on May 1, and the 40th anniversary of the passing of Stan Rogers.

Like millions of other Canadians this spring, Chip and Tom Hunter were saddened to hear of the passing of Canadian music legend Lightfoot.

A tribute to the man considered one of the world’s greatest singers and songwriters seemed immediately appropriate for the Hunter Brothers Farm and Market annual maze.

The brothers explained that when deciding the theme of their annual corn maze, they adhere to three criteria: an anniversary or celebration, a Canadian connection, and a great image that will resonate with people.

Although Lightfoot lived a long and productive life, the brothers noted that 2023 also marks the 40th anniversary of the tragic death of Rogers, a folk singer and songwriter whose life was cut short at 33.

“In this year’s maze design, we chose to feature the faces of these two legends,” explained Chip Hunter. “Although many of our past corn mazes have featured sports teams and athletes, in 2014, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ Canadian tour and, the following year, our maze portrayed Canada’s hero, Terry Fox.”

The brothers noted the significant impact of Lightfoot’s and Rogers’ music on their lives.

They explained how Lightfoot’s ‘The Canadian Railroad Trilogy,” describing the “iron road runnin’ from the sea to the sea,” connected their Atlantic Canadian family members with those on the Prairies.

Chip Hunter explained his special connection to Rogers’ song ‘The Field Behind the Plow.’

He recalls bundling up his son behind the tractor seat as a toddler, where Leigh would literally watch the field as his father plowed.

“Our graphic designer placed Stan Rogers’ image on the left and Gordon Lightfoot’s on the right side with the years of their lifespan below. We’re thrilled with the final image”, Tom Hunter explained. “This year has been a perfect growing year for corn. We planted the maze a little later than normal, but it’s tall, green, and very healthy. During the heatwave in July, we could almost watch it grow.”

The giant maze includes 10 multiple-choice questions hidden throughout the pathways, all of which will remind visitors of the remarkable songs Lightfoot and Rogers gave Canada and the world.

The corn maze and Hunter Brothers’ Field of Fun is open every weekend and holiday Monday from Sept. 9 until Oct. 29.

For more information, visit their website at hunterbrothersfarm.ca or their Facebook page, facebook.com/HunterBrothersFarm.

The post Hunter Brothers’ Corn Maze pays homage to two Canadian music icons first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Police seek the public’s help to identify individual in connection with the incident

The Western Valley Region RCMP issued a media release, asking for the public’s help to identify an individual in connection with an attempted abduction in Tilley, a rural community north of Perth-Andover.

The RCMP said Western Valley Region members responded to a report at 9:40 a.m. on Sept. 4. The report said a man approached a child and tried to get them into his vehicle on Walker Road in Tilley.

The RCMP said the child fought the man and ran to a neighbouring house. The man left the scene before police arrived.

Police hope the public could help to identify the man, describing him as having black hair that is short in the front and longer in the back, heavy set, and between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches (165 cm to 173 cm) tall.

The RCMP ask anyone who witnessed a man driving a white vehicle in the Walker Road area of Tilley on Sept. 4, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., or who may have security camera or dash cam footage from this time period, to contact the Western Valley Region RCMP at 506-423-8719.

They explained the information may be helpful to the investigation.

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

The post RCMP investigating attempted child abduction in Tilley first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A program aimed at providing access to primary care to New Brunswickers without a family doctor or nurse practitioner is set to expand to the Saint John and Bathurst regions next week, according to deputy health minister Eric Beaulieu.

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A Haneytown man accused of trying to hold up an Oromocto bank last week will remain in custody for the time being as he searches for a defence lawyer to represent him.

Chad Atkinson, 30, of Farnham Road in Haneytown, was arrested at the TD Canada Trust branch on Onodaga Street in Oromocto the afternoon of Aug. 30 after what the RCMP reported as an attempted robbery.

Consequently, he faces charges of attempting to rob the bank and TD employee Samson Adeyemo of cash, possessing a Crossman Arms Co. pellet gun for the purpose of committing an offence, carrying a concealed weapon (the pellet gun) and breaching a probation order that was imposed on him May 30.

The RCMP previously reported Atkinson was a resident of Oromocto, but the information on the court file lists the Haneytown address.

The defendant was remanded after his initial court appearance last week, and he appeared by telephone in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.

Instead, duty counsel Michael Mallory said, Atkinson was asking for it to be postponed, reserving the right to have the bail hearing at a later date.

Mallory said the defendant was looking to retain counsel before going through the bail hearing.

Judge Claude Haché asked the accused if he planned to apply for legal aid or hire private counsel.

“I don’t know. That’s up to my family right now,” Atkinson said.

A couple of family members were present in court Tuesday for the proceedings.

Mallory said it was likely a lawyer from the private bar would be hired initially only for the bail hearing, with a subsequent decision on counsel to be made following the hearing.

Haché set the case over to Oct. 3 for election of mode of trial and pleas, and noted on the file that Atkinson reserves his right to a bail hearing at some point.

The judge remanded him again until that time.

In a news release issued Sept. 1, the RCMP said a male suspect entered the bank at about 2:15 p.m. and demanded money.

The suspect said he had a firearm in his backpack, it said.

Officers were dispatched to the scene, and the suspect - now identified as Atkinson - was arrested without incident, the release said.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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50,000 pieces and one calibrated measuring tape: Faith Howe is a step closer to claiming the official Guinness World Record for the largest Lego playing card.

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The RCMP reports someone attempted to abduct a child Monday morning in Tilley, and it’s hoping members of the public might be able to provide information to help them identify a suspect.

“On September 4, 2023, at approximately 9:40 a.m., members of the Western Valley Region RCMP responded to a report of a man who had approached a child and tried to get them into his vehicle on Walker Road in Tilley, N.B.,” the force said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

“The child fought the man and ran to a neighbouring house. The man left the scene before police arrived.”

Tilley is located about a two-hour drive northwest of Fredericton, and about an hour north of Woodstock.

The suspect is described as being heavy-set, standing about 5’5” to 5’8” tall (165-173 centimetres), with black hair, short in the front and longer in the back, the release said.

The RCMP is asking anyone who may have witnessed a man driving a white vehicle in the Walker Road area of Tilley between 9 a.m. and noon Monday is urged to contact the Western Valley detachment at 506-423-8719.

Officers are also seeking any security-camera or dash-cam footage from the area during that time, the release said, as it might contain relevant information.

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

The investigation is ongoing, the release said.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A man who worked as a teacher in New Brunswick and Newfoundand has admitted to committing sex crimes in the Moncton area last year.

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A Fredericton man accused of domestic violence who was nevertheless released on conditions despite unruly behaviour in court has been remanded once again.

John Patrick Doyon, 39, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday via video conference from jail for a bail hearing - his second in as many weeks.

He faces charges of assaulting Carol Stymiest and uttering threats to her June 20, and assaulting her again Aug. 9 and thereby violating a police undertaking barring him from contacting her Aug. 9.

Doyon proved to be a difficult defendant during virtual court appearances late last month, cursing out the court and even vowing to ignore conditions of his release, including a requirement to stay away from the complainant in the assault charges.

However, after a bail hearing, a judge ruled his detention was no longer necessary, provided he abide by the conditions of a release order. Among the conditions were to have no contact with Stymiest, stay away from the 12 Neighbours tiny-home community on Fredericton’s north side and to wear an ankle bracelet to monitor his movements.

However, the Fredericton Police Force arrested Doyon last week, alleging he violated one of his conditions, namely, to reside at the Oak Centre on Regent Street on Aug. 30.

The defendant was back before the provincial court Tuesday by video for another bail hearing.

Unlike his first bail hearing, at which the Crown had to show cause why Doyon’s detention was necessary, this time, the onus was reversed, requiring the defendant to demonstrate why his detention wasn’t necessary.

Judge Claude Haché presided over the proceedings. and after receiving a police brief as evidence and hearing Doyon’s testimony, he ruled Doyon hadn’t shown cause why he should be released.

He remanded Doyon pending the outcome of the charges, and revoked his earlier release order.

The evidence presented at both hearings and the reasons for the judges’ decisions are subject to bans on publication until the cases against Doyon conclude.

As the judge was rendering his decision Tuesday on the bail hearing, Doyon could be heard muttering to himself, cursing and complaining he wasn’t being given a fair shake.

Haché set the cases over to Sept. 19 for pleas.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A construction zone on the Trans-Canada near Jemseg that was the scene of a deadly, four-vehicle crash this summer is expected to disappear during the third week of September, weather permitting.

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A jury will hear the case of an Oromocto man accused of a sexual assault from five years ago next fall.

Through legal counsel, Andrew McGregor, 40, of Hallihan Drive, elected this summer to be tried before a Court of King’s Bench judge and jury on an indictable count of sexual assault, alleging an offence in Oromocto between Jan. 3 and Dec. 21, 2018.

The file was before the Court of King’s Bench at the Burton Courthouse on Tuesday for motions day to schedule the trial.

McGregor wasn’t present for the proceedings, but lawyer Alexandra Yousseff, appearing as an agent for defence lawyer Nathan Gorham, was in court on the defendant’s behalf.

Justice Thomas Christie noted the jury trial will be held Sept. 10, 2024, and is scheduled to last four days.

A pre-trial conference will also be held Oct. 12.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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First, they battled over the best burgers. Next, there was a melee over mac and cheese. 

And now, more than a dozen Fredericton-area businesses are scrambling to be proclaimed the preeminent purveyor of poutine.

The newest food-based contest among capital-region eateries is the Freddy Poutine Fest, which will see participating restaurants vying for votes to see which one offers the best take on the Quebec classic – all to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters (BBBS) of Fredericton and Oromocto and the kids it helps with its programs.

Isabelle Scholten, the chair of the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters fundraising committee, said 17 restaurants in the region have signed up to participate.

She said $2 from every poutine sold during the event - running from Sept. 21-30 - will go to the organization to help children in need.

“September is BBBS month in Canada so the timing is good to enjoy a friendly competition between local restaurants,” Scholten said.

“Several other BBBS agencies across the country have run the poutine event and we thought it could be a good fit for Fredericton.”

Diners chowing down on the signature french-fry dish can vote for their favourites, and the eatery earning the most votes will win the first Poutine Choice Award.

Voting will be done through social media, offering the participants more exposure and buzz.

To vote, diners will be urged to share pics of their picks for the best poutine on Instagram and/or Facebook, tagging the restaurants and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto, and using a dedicated hashtag: #FreddyBBBSPoutineFest.

But there’s also another award up for grabs. The restaurant that sells the most poutines during the 10-day run of the event will earn the distinction of Gravy Bowl Champion.

Everyone wins

Tabatha Smith is doubly invested in the Freddy Poutine Fest, as she owns two participating restaurants: Isaac’s Way and the Abbey Café, both on Queen Street in Fredericton.

Culinary competitions such as the poutine fest are great marketing opportunities for food-sector businesses, she said, as they spur more people to dine out and take part.

“This definitely motivates people to visit the restaurants,” Smith said.

Another benefit of such events is how it drives the staff in a new way and challenges chefs to do something in the kitchen that’s outside of the routine and set menus, she said. Cooks like to get inventive and try new things, she said, and developing a new poutine dish certainly falls under that umbrella.

For example, when the Fredericton Independent reached Smith to talk about the poutine fest, she was meeting with her chef at the Abbey Café to discuss the eatery’s entry in the competition.

She said they came up something she feels will stand out as a bit more unusual: a vegan take on the decadent dish. It will offer a poutine made with zucchini fries, with a vegan alfredo sauce and a vegan substitute for cheese.

Another element of the event that drives small-business owners such as her and their employees to embrace such foodie fights, she said, is the chance to give back to the community by supporting important causes.

“We all enjoy anything that benefits our community,” Smith said.

Fond memories

Poutine is loved by so many as a hearty comfort food and as an occasional indulgence… maybe even a guilty pleasure.

Geoff Durham, local BBBS treasurer and a mentor to two kids in the program, clearly has an appreciation of the dish at the centre of the local BBBS’ new fundraiser. He said he first sampled it when he was quite young, about seven or eight years old.

“At a small family restaurant, the waitress asked me if I would like to change my fries to a poutine. I asked, ‘What is a poutine?’ She asked me if I like gravy and if I like cheese. I said, “Of course!”

The server told her poutine had both on top of fries, Durham said, so he decided to give it a try.

“When it came out it looked like white clumpy cheese, covered in gravy on my fries. With my hand, I took one fry first with just gravy and ate it,” he said. 

“Then I took my fork and a small amount of fries with the cheese and gravy. My mom asked what I thought. ‘It was delicious,’ I told her.”

Durham even remembers the best poutine he’s ever had. It was a small family restaurant in Toronto, now closed. He said it was a basic poutine, nothing particularly inventive or fancy about it.

“The thing I remember most about it and what made it my favourite was how crispy the fries stayed the whole time I was eating the poutine,” he said. 

“Fries can usually get soft and mushy, which don’t get me wrong, is a great part of the poutine eating experience, but these fries were so crispy and delicious.”

Durham recalled the rich gravy had a local beer base to it. 

“I have had quite a few poutines: breakfast, pulled pork, Greek inspired, and even ones with cheese sauce over curds, but I will always remember and compare them to that one,” he said.

Here’s a complete list of the 17 participating restaurants hoping to get the most votes in the 2023 Poutine Fest:

• The Abbey Café

• The Cabin Restaurant

• Dolan's Pub

• Gahan House Riverside

• The Hilltop

• Isaac’s Way

• The Joyce Pub

• Lincoln Big Stop

• Mama's Brew Pub

• Monks & Jonesie - Bishop Drive

• Monks & Jonesie - Golf Club

• Montana’s

• Namaste Kitchen

• Rustico

• Sam Snead’s

• The Snooty Fox

• and Williams Seafood.

Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed the memories of poutine to Scholten instead of Durham. We regret the error.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

Moncton trio Tea 4 Three embrace diversity and surpass typical debut expectations with Three Songs.   Matt Carter  A new band. A trio. A new EP. Their debut. What’s not to…

The post Tea 4 Three Release Impressive Debut EP appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Surging school enrolment driven by record-setting population growth will see an increasing number of students in southeast New Brunswick heading to class in trailers.

As school gets underway this week, there is still uncertainty about the enforcement of New Brunswick's new gender-identity policy — especially now that district education councils are seeking legal advice on whether they can sue the province.

The N.B. government abandoned plans to build a new jail at a site in Fredericton, despite warnings from the deputy minister of justice and public safety that building outside the city would cost more and put inmates further from addiction and mental health services.

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A Fredericton man will be required to register as a sex offender for years after he serves his five-year prison term for sexual abuse of a minor and child-pornography crimes.

George Patrick Derrick Smith, 53, pleaded guilty Aug. 24 in Fredericton provincial court to counts of touching a minor for a sexual purpose, making child pornography and possessing child pornography, the RCMP stated in a recent news release. 

“He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison,” the Mounties reported. 

“Upon his release, he will be ordered to register with the National Sex Offender Registry for 20 years and is subject to a DNA order.”

The police investigation into Smith’s criminal activities was led by the New Brunswick RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and began in October 2022, the release said, after the unit received information from the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC).

“On Oct. 19, 2022, members of the RCMP ICE Unit, along with members of the Blackville RCMP and the RCMP's digital forensic services, executed a search warrant at a residence in the Fredericton area, as part of the investigation,” the release said.

That search led to Smith’s arrest at that residence, it said, officers seized several electronic devices. 

Smith was originally charged in early 2023 with two counts of sexual interference, and one count each of sexual assault, possession of child pornography and production of child pornography, the release said.

He pleaded guilty to three of those counts.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Roger Chiasson of Caraquet was part of the investigation into the tragedy 25 years ago and said the anniversary event provided some closure.

A broken neck, a traumatic brain injury, and multiple herniated discs in his back: those are the physical injuries that Patrick Gordon sustained after he was injured by an improvised explosive device while serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

New Brunswick has for years welcomed international students from across the world. Three students share stories about how their community is enriching Fredericton — sometimes literally, because of economic impacts — as they build new homes.

Annual community celebration includes parade, entertainment, food and Youth and Senior Olympics

The tiny but exciting rural hamlet of Debec will step up the excitement next weekend, from Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 19, as Debec Days presents Field of Dreams. 

The annual community celebration, hosted by the Debec Rec Council, will offer several activities for all ages and interests, including a Children’s Olympics and Medals on Saturday and a Seniors Olympics and Medals on Sunday. 

Debec Days begin on Friday evening with the WI Bingo and Silent Auction at the WI Hall from 7 to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the band Double D will hit the stage at the Debec Community Park, where most of the weekend’s excitement occurs, for a beer garden from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. 

Saturday’s full day of activities begins at 7 a.m. as the Trinity Church’s Sunday School serves breakfast until 10 a.m. 

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The annual Debec parade begins at 11 a.m., travelling through the village to the community park, which will become the hub of activities through the afternoon and evening. 

Attendees can shop for wares at the vendors’ market or grab food at the barbecue between noon and 4 p.m. 

The annual food competition between 1 and 2:30 p.m. will see the area’s best cooks and bakers vying to grab the judges’ eye, or taste buds, with their chilli, corn bread or pie. 

Local youth can participate in games and sports during the Children’s Olympics, featuring age groups of two to five, six to 10 and 11 to 16. Registration is set for 12:30 p.m., with the games occurring between 1 and 2:30 p.m.

From 12:30 to 4 p.m., children can enjoy face painting. 

Evening entertainment begins with a youth dance between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. 

The celebrations will continue on Sunday afternoon with the community’s older citizens displaying their competitive spirit at the Senior Olympics, open to anyone 65 and older. Registration begins at 1 p.m., with the games taking place between 1:30 and 3 p.m.

Between 1 and 3 p.m., Debec Days attendees can enjoy food and entertainment courtesy of a barbecue and entertainment by the band Bounce Back and a ukulele group. 

The Debec Days closing ceremonies, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., offer a corn boil and celebration cake. 

The post Celebrate the Field of Dreams during the 2023 Debec Days weekend first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A 51-year-old and an 18-year-old perish in a two-vehicle accident north of Hartland

The Western Valley Region RCMP confirmed the death of two men in a two-vehicle crash north of Hartland early Saturday morning, Sept. 2.

The police reported that a 51-year-old man from Kilburn and an 18-year-old man from Fosterville died in the collision in Lansdowne.

In a media release, the RCMP said Western Valley RCMP detachment members responded to the report of the collision on Highway 130  at 2:06 a.m.

“At this time, the cause of the collision is unknown,” the RCMP said. “Both drivers died at the scene as a result of their injuries and were the sole occupants of the vehicles.

Members from the Hartland Fire Department, Ambulance New Brunswick and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office attended the scene.

Police said all are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The post Two men killed in Carleton County highway crash first appeared on River Valley Sun.

September means back to school, but that's not the case just yet with DJ Wolverton. The 18-year old should be settling into his new room at Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus in Truro. Instead, he's in Fredericton at the 4-H Annual Provincial Show.

Moncton's Main Street was dressed in bright rainbow colours on Saturday afternoon as the annual Pride parade made its way through the city's downtown.

Dam operations’ impact on the St. Croix watershed, area lakes, wildlife and environment among the many topics at CLIC annual meeting

Seven years after the issue became a concern for Canadians and Americans living and using East Grand Lake and surrounding waterways, the potential removal of gates on the American side of the Forest City Dam remains a risk.

Although the future of the dam and who, if anyone, will operate the gates controlling the flow of water from East Grand Lake and the rest of the watershed became a topic of discussion in 2016, the answer remains elusive.

The Forest City Dam arose again as one of the numerous issues discussed at the Chiputneticook Lakes International Conservancy (CLIC) annual meeting at First Settlers Lodge in Weston, Maine, on Aug. 19.

CLIC secretary Frank Bolton said that while the health of the lake area’s sports fishery, water quality and recreational opportunities is on the minds of many on both sides of the N.B.-Maine border, the dam’s future is the most critical concern for many.

Bolton explained the threat of the U.S. government agency FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) demanding the removal of the gates on the American side of the dam on East Grand Lake in Forest City still exists.

Bolton explained that Neal Berry, the executive director of the St. Croix International Waterway Commission (SCIWC), addressed the annual meeting about the commission’s progress in resolving the issues that arose seven years ago about the dam operation at Forest City.

Woodland Pulp announced in 2016 that it applied to surrender control and operation of the dam. Seven years later, a potential agreement between the St. Croix International Waterway Commission and Woodland awaits FERC approval.

Removing the dam or permanently opening the gates would have a severe and lasting impact on water levels, water quality, fish and wildlife survival, and sport and recreation use of East Grand Lake and other waterways. 

Berry reported that negotiations between SCIWC and the Woodland Pulp mill regarding an operating agreement for an unlicensed operator continue. Under the agreement, the Waterway Commission would take over the dam’s ownership and work with Woodland Pulp to have them operate it.

Berry explained that the mill will amend its current surrender application, seeking to transfer ownership to the Waterway Commission.

Bolton told the River Valley Sun that Berry outlined the goals of the commission’s agreement to the 45 CLIC members at the annual meeting.

“The goal is to operate the dam with respect for wildlife, fisheries, recreation, flood control and property protection,” Bolton said. “There is no change anticipated to the Canadian fishway in Forest City at this time.”

Berry explained officials must send all documents to the FERC.

As a government agency, FERC must make those documents public and allow for comments.

Bolton explained Berry’s address included an optimistic viewpoint.

Berry hopes to see the entire process completed by the end of the year.

Bolton explained FERC has regulatory power over any dam that produces electricity, no matter how small an amount.

The CLIC meeting, chaired by outgoing president David Townsend, covered various topics, including several fish species’ health and stock levels. Cathay Conley stepped into the role of president.

CLIC water-quality committee updated members on water quality, noting the organization needs more volunteers to gather water samples and enhanced invasive plant monitoring.

During water-quality discussions, Berry said testing indicates St. Croix Watershed water quality has improved in recent years.

He noted the SCIWC, established on both sides of the border in 1986, found East Grand Lake’s water quality consistently good over the past 25 years.

Bolton said some at the meeting questioned that water-quality report.

Townsend suggested the water may be improving below Mud Lake Fall, but he believes it recently deteriorated on East Grand Lake.

The post After years of discussion, future of Forest City dam still not finalized first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Most weeks, Nolan Dobbin spends four days at the therapeutic farm gardening, cooking and cleaning. He describes himself as "a man of all trades," saying without Open Sky he'd probably be at home, "sitting on my butt doing nothing."

With the school year right around the bend, the housing crisis is taking a toll on students who are struggling to find affordable options in their cities.

Ann’s Eye: Musicians take the stage at The Cap in Fredericton to raise money for Kehkimin, a Wolastoqey language immersion school.

Two people have been killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 130 in Lansdowne, N.B., RCMP say. The drivers were the only occupants of each vehicle.

While officers will be out in force enforcing the laws, everyone needs to focus on keeping children safe

With children heading back to school after what, to most, seemed like a fast-moving summer vacation, the Woodstock Police Force is reminding the public about what should be well-known safety issues.

Woodstock Deputy Chief Mark Bennett explained the force issued a light-hearted reminder about a serious issue — the safety of our children — in a post on its Facebook site.

While the force added humour to the post to grab attention, Bennett and WPF officers want motorists and others to understand and follow the laws.

“Officers will be out ensuring they are visible in our school areas and making every effort to ensure a safe return to school for our youth,” Bennett said.

The post, headlined “Back to School Blues? Not on Our Watch,” includes a cartoon depicting two students looking back as they board a bus, saying, “I never knew that mom could do cartwheels!”

While highlighting the humour and positive aspects surrounding the start of the school year, the Woodstock force reminded the public of the severe consequences of not following traffic laws and ignoring safety.

“We’re not here to spoil the fun,” the force explains in its post, “we just want to keep everyone safe on the road.”

The post outlines what the WPF describes as the “big four” traffic offences officers will be watching for, namely “aggressive driving, distracted driving, seat belt shenanigans, and not stopping for school bus signals.”

The post calls on aggressive drivers, especially those taking the children to school, to “slow down, relax, and enjoy the ride.”

“Your kids will thank you for a smooth start to their day,” the WPF post explained.

The post delves deeply into distracted driving, using light-hearted viewpoints to drive home a serious concern.

“Multitasking might be great for homework, but it’s a big no-no behind the wheel, the WPF reminds motorists. “Put down the snacks, say goodbye to that text message, and focus on driving. We promise TikTok will still be there when you park.”

The WPF’s back-to-school post includes a reminder to use seatbelts as designed.

“They keep you safe, and they’re the law,” the post stated.

Finally, the WPF reminded the public of one of the most vital issues surrounding back-to-school safety — following the law surrounding stopping requirements for school buses.

Noting excited children don’t always put safety first when boarding or exiting a bus, the WPF explained the law requires all motorists to stop when bus lights are flashing.

While Woodstock Police Force officers will maintain a significant presence during the back-to-school rush, Bennett reminds the public that everyone plays a role in ensuring students’ safety.

“Remember, even though we will have officers out and about during the back-to-school rush, we all have to work together to ensure Woodstock roads remain safe as our precious cargo returns to the world of reading, writing, and arithmetic,” the WPF emphasized to end its Facebook post.

Check out the Woodstock Police Force back-to-school post on its Facebook site at  (20+) Facebook

The post The Woodstock Police Force reminds the public about back-to-school safety first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A Fredericton-based musician says that it's getting harder to make a living in the music industry.

Most retailers in New Brunswick will be closed for the Labour Day holiday on Monday. Transit will also not be running in Moncton, Saint John or Fredericton.

A group of women living in an Elizabeth Fry supportive-housing complex spent two years building a community garden as a form of therapy for themselves and to give Saint John's north end a communal green space.

With the new school year just three days away, one Fredericton-area mother is already expecting a difficult year for her 10-year old daughter who has autism.

Saint John police say they recovered a body Friday afternoon along the St. John River.

Work has been halted on a new justice building in Fredericton after a contractor's bid came in "substantially" over budget compared what the New Brunswick government was ready to pay.