Council discusses bridge construction, NCRC delay, planning open houses, paving, and hiring of new CAO

The following items of business were discussed at the August 22, 2023, District of Carleton North Council meeting:

1: Update on Florenceville-Bristol Bridge Construction Coming

Mayor Andrew Harvey advised council members that he and Interim CAO Nancy Shaw were meeting with the Department of Transportation on Friday, August 25, to discuss the ongoing construction of the Florenceville-Bristol bridge.

“I plan to get a firm update on what’s happening for fall,” said Mayor Harvey.

He advised that the public would be notified of the update once a timeline has been received.

2: Donation to Participate Art & Nature Festival

Mayor Harvey told council the district had received a grant application from the Participate Art & Nature Festival, which the Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery sponsors. He described the annual event:

“The festival started in 2019. With COVID in 2021 and 2022, it took a smaller scale, but this year it has quite a detailed assortment of workshops…with very diversified offerings.”

Harvey continued by expressing his support of their application.

“My thoughts [on their application] is they just had the Buttermilk Creek festival at the Multiplex last weekend, and there was no financial ask for that. In lieu of that, I think this is something we have the budget for and that we should give them their request.”

Coun. Laurel Bradstreet added his support for the grant request, saying, “I think it’s a great thing to support.”

Council approved the grant application in the amount of $4,500.

3: Municipal Plan & Zoning By-law meetings to be held

Mayor Harvey and council discussed the ongoing municipal planning being done by the Western Valley Regional Service Commission.

“This is being done as part of our contract with them,” explained Harvey, “and they have contracted Dillon Consulting to work on our behalf.”

Coun. Angel Connor immediately spoke of confusion among residents.

“I am getting a lot of feedback from community members that they’re not really understanding the whole aspect of it.”

Harvey tried to clarify for council and community members attending the meeting or watching online that these municipal reform processes are happening around the entire province, not just in the District of Carleton North.

He stressed that the purpose of the municipal planning is not to make “retroactive changes”; rather, it is strictly to give residents a voice in what happens with the land around them by ensuring that any future land use and development reflects the wishes and needs of the community.

Speaking specifically to the upcoming community meetings, Harvey explained the process is designed to gather public input.

“No decisions are being made at these Open Houses; it’s all for information purposes only, he explained. “So, if somebody has a question, a comment, a suggestion, a criticism… they should come to these Open Houses.”

Harvey also reassured the council and community members that decisions remain in the hands of the district council.

“Council will always have the final say on zoning, but if it’s not zoned, it’s an open house. If it is zoned, there’s protection for the people,” he said.

Harvey strongly encouraged council and community members to attend one of the upcoming meetings, which will be held as follows:

Aug. 29, from 1-3 and 6-9 at the Knights of Columbus Community Hall in Beechwood

Aug. 30, from 1-3 and 6-9 at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville

Aug. 31, from 1-3 and 6-9 at the District of Carleton North Office in Florenceville-Bristol

Harvey advised that the discussion sessions are in an informal “open house” format, where community members can drop in and speak to representatives from Dillon Consulting.

4: New CAO Appointed

Deputy-Mayor Karen Hargrove submitted a motion to appoint Sean Lockhart as the new CAO for the District of Carleton North, effective Sept. 5, 2023.

Mayor Harvey advised that Interim CAO Nancy Shaw has agreed to stay on for an extra two weeks to help Lockhart as he adjusts to his new position.

Lockhart is moving to the district from the Moncton area.

Council approved the appointment.

5: Clarification Regarding Florenceville-Bristol Repaving

Coun. Bradstreet told fellow council members that he received “concerned comments” from district residents regarding the paving of Route 105 from the Village Green to Shiketehawk Stream and McCain Street in Florenceville-Bristol.

He addressed those concerns to council and residents,

“The money is coming from the reserved funds from the former municipality of Florenceville-Bristol. These reserved funds can only be spent within the Florenceville-Bristol territory,” he explained. “I just wanted to make everyone aware that we cannot spend that money in Bath, Centreville, Glassville, or Juniper; that’s why the two roads are being done.”

Mayor Harvey elaborated on Bradstreet’s comments.

“We inherited reserves from the three municipalities, and they have to be spent in those former municipalities. McCain Street had been on the docket to be repaved for a few years but was delayed because of the NCRC construction,” the mayor explained. “As for Route 105, that is being done through a provincial program and was already slated to be done this year. Our contribution is only 25 per cent, and if we don’t do it, we will lose the whole road, the 75 per cent from the province.”

He further explained that Bath and Centreville’s roads will get done next year, which will be discussed “further down the road.”

6: Update on NCRC Construction

Mayor Harvey advised that completion of the Northern Carleton Recreation Centre is behind schedule and will not be completed on time, primarily due to sub-contractor issues.

“I was getting very concerned about the day-to-day progress at the NCRC, so we have had numerous meetings the last couple of weeks, and while there’s progress there, it’s definitely not going to be ready for the end of August as we had been told,” Harvey said.

Harvey informed council members that by the end of August, he hopes to have an update on the 16 components left to be completed at the NCRC, including outdoor work, landscaping, paving, installing the exterior stairs, and finishing the gym floor, among other things.

For now, the deadline for completion has been pushed back from Aug. 31 to mid-September.

The post Carleton North council news first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Balloon festival, BBBSCY golf, and Canterbury and Debec Days are among celebrations still to come

“It’s not quite pumpkin spice season quite yet,” quips Western Valley Tourism Director Barb Sharp. 

She further said that while the summer temperature may be winding down, the festivals that come with it have no such intention.

1: Balloon Fest

The first post-August event is the sixth annual River Bend Balloon Fest, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. 

In addition to the hot air balloon flights, which will fly, weather permitting, from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. throughout the event, the festival will offer a Saturday brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., a Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., a car show and 50/50 draw on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The Trevor’s Goodine Professional Lumberjack Competition will take place on Sept. 4, with registration starting at 9 a.m.

2: BBBSCY Golf Tourney

Next in the late summer lineup is the Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf for Kids Sake Tournament on Sept. 7. 

Registration begins at 11 a.m. at $500 for a team of four. The cost includes two golf carts, a barbecue, and entry into the event. 

The tournament will feature various events for prizes, such as a hole-in-one contest, long putt, and wheel of fortune. 

The teams will also be able to purchase sabotages and mulligans. 

Various prizes have been donated by different businesses, like a staycation package, golf apparel and green fees. 

“Tournaments like this not only do they raise funds … they also raise awareness,” says Big Brothers And Big Sisters Executive Director Brittney Toner, who also noted that the group hopes to raise 20,000 dollars, up from 17,000 the previous year.

3: Lawnmower races

The next day, Sept. 8, is the season’s last Richmond Corner Lawnmower Race. The event will start at 7 p.m.. Admission will cost $10 per person with an on-site canteen. A fireworks display at 10 p.m. will celebrate the ending of a successful season.

4: Debec Days

On the same weekend, Sept. 8 to 10, Debec Days will celebrate the vibrant community with numerous events. Highlights of the three-day festival are the parade, barbecue, market, chilli competition, and the kids and seniors Olympics.

5: Ride 4 Suicide Awareness

The 3rd Annual Ride 4 Suicide Awareness will occur on Sept. 9. in Woodstock. 

Registration is from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. at $20 per bike. The ride will begin directly after registration, starting and ending at J&T Powersports. All proceeds go to support Mental Health Canine Therapy For First Responders.

6: Canterbury Days

Canterbury will host its community days on Sept. 15 and 15, with the theme this year being Battle of The Bands. The event will have many activities, such as a corn boil, parade, live music, community yard sale, and a magician.

7: Bass Tournament

Bass anglers will head to Woodstock on Sept. 17 for the Fredericton Anglers Club Woodstock September Bass Tournament. The tournament will launch from the docks behind NBCC Woodstock. 

Tournament officials encourage the public to join the excitement for the event, beginning at 8 a.m., with weigh-in at 4 p.m.

The post Summer event circuit is still going strong first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Gorey’s Auto Reborn and Keith’s Service Centre reborn as River Bend Auto

As ash rained down from the remnants of Gorey’s Auto, Cameron Hawthorne was devastated.

Hawthorne had been in the auto repair business for his whole life and had just finished a year-long program at NBCC in preparation for purchasing Gorey’s Auto from his long-time employer, Joe Gorey, who was looking to retire soon. 

A deal was struck between the two on Sept. 1, 2022.

Months later, tragedy struck.

The entire establishment burned to the ground in early November, including thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment.

“It was pretty devastating,” said Hawthorne.

But Hathorne persisted, and with support from Gorey and his wife, Morgan Edwards, he decided to carry on with his dream of owning an auto shop of his own.

But he chose a different site for the building, the former site of Keith’s Service Centre.

The site’s prime location and intact auto shop proved ideal for Hawthorne’s plans.

The renovation effort on the building began in mid-July, with MCK Affordable Renovations and Lunn’s Electric doing the work.

The years of effort culminated on Aug. 25 when River Bend Auto held its grand opening.

Hot dogs and hamburgers were served at the event, with many former Gorey’s Auto and Keith’s Service Centre customers coming to eat and share a conversation with staff.

Hawthorne hopes that River Bend Auto can fill the hole left by Gorey’s Auto and Keith’s Service Centre and that both establishments’ customers can feel at home in the new shop.

The post Like a phoenix from the ashes first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Therapy Tailblazers volunteers bring dogs to visit people in nursing homes, daycares, schools, universities and hospitals in the Greater Moncton area. They're hoping to find more volunteers in an upcoming evaluation session in October.

Some people who live along a future bike lane in downtown Fredericton say they feel like they weren’t consulted before a decision was made to build it on their street.

Heading into the peak of mushroom season, it is already looking like a good year for mushrooms in New Brunswick. Whether for foraging or academic research, the wet weather has resulted in an abundance of mushrooms.

Gagetown Creek and Gagetown Island are well-known natural features of the St. John River by the village of Gagetown. Looking at them now it’s hard to believe they have only existed for less than 200 years … sort of.

The joy was palpable at the 36th International Two-Spirit Gathering powwow. Contributor Ann Paul brought her camera, and shares the colour and joy from the event.

An important tourist and transportation link in southern New Brunswick is turning 25 this weekend.

The union representing administrative and support staff at the Université de Moncton is set to go on strike Monday. In a statement posted Friday, the university said the employees' association of the Université de Moncton has rejected the university's final officer and refused binding arbitration.

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The Nackawic detachment of the RCMP says officers and family members of a missing Harvey York man are concerned for his safety and are hoping the public can help.

The RCMP issued a news release Friday asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jean-Jacques Dubois, 38.

His community of residence was listed as “Harvey York,” but that may refer to the village of Harvey in York County, about 40 kilometres southwest of Fredericton.

“Jean-Jacques Dubois was last seen on Aug. 22, 2023, near Highway 635 in Harvey York. He was reported missing to police on Aug. 24,” the release said.

“Police have followed up on several leads to try and locate him, but have so far been unsuccessful. Police and his family are concerned for his well-being.”

Dubois is described as being about 5’11” tall (180 centimetres), and weighing about 150 pounds (68 kilograms), with green eyes and short brown hair.

He has a tattoo of a rabbit on his left arm and one of barbed wire on his right arm. He may be travelling in a blue 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt with Ontario licence plate CYCP555.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or that could lead to him being found is urged to call the Nackawic RCMP at 506-575-6200.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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New Brunswick filmmakers Desmond Simon and Nate Gaffney's new documentary, Indian Braves, explores the experiences of Indigenous military members during and after the First World War, Second World War and the Korean war.

Art lovers and researchers around the world are now just a click away from exploring the Beaverbrook Art Gallery's permanent collection.

Education Minister ll Hogan says it's mandatory to get parental consent for all name changes for kids under 16, if they’re related to gender identity. If teachers aren't sure why a student wants to use a new name, they can ask, Hogan says.

The cost of groceries is getting more expensive. The CBC's Raechel Huizinga looks at her receipts from a year ago to see just how much the prices of basic food items have increased.

The McAdam Railway Station in McAdam is getting money for a new green heating and cooling system to reduce costs of keeping the museum open

Premier Blaine Higgs is doubling down on his stance that an Aboriginal title claim for roughly half of New Brunswick could impact properties owned by smaller landowners who are not named in the claim launched by the province's Wolastoqey nations.

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A Fredericton man who cursed out a court earlier this week adopted a new attitude Friday, and it led a judge to grant his release from custody on strict conditions.

A bail hearing for John Patrick Doyon, 39, of no fixed address, resumed in Fredericton provincial court Friday.

Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman cut the hearing short Thursday when the defendant, appearing in court by video conference from jail in Saint John, kept talking over the judge and prosecutor, and swore at the judge as well.

The Crown had objected to Doyon’s release earlier in the week on charges of assaulting Carol Stymiest and uttering threats to her June 20, and assaulting her and violating a no-contact order Aug. 9.

Prosecutor Karen Lee said in the middle of Thursday’s proceedings she was willing to consent to Doyon’s release provided he agree to wear an ankle-monitoring bracelet, to have no contact with Stymiest and to stay away from the 12 Neighbours tiny-home community where she lives on the city’s north side.

But the defendant wasn’t willing to abide by all of those conditions.

“That’s gonna be a problem with her being pregnant with my son,” he said. “But I’m not gonna stop loving that woman.”

Given those comments, Lee retracted her offer for release, prompting Doyon to say, “Fine, fuck you all.”

Dugas-Horsman cut the bail hearing short at that point. Doyon was much calmer during Friday’s proceedings, when the defence presented its evidence at the bail hearing.

The evidence presented at the hearing and the reasons for the judge’s decision are subjected to a court-ordered publication ban until the case concludes.

Dugas-Horsman granted Doyon’s release on the same conditions outlined previously by the prosecutor, including wearing the ankle monitor, residing at the Oak Centre on Regent Street, having no contact with Stymiest and staying at least 300 metres away from 12 Neighbours except when escorted by police to retrieve his belongings.

Doyon will also be required to maintain the monitoring device by ensuring it’s charged and has access to a wifi network.

The judge warned the defendant any violation of the conditions won’t be tolerated.

“You won’t get a second chance,” she said.

Dugas-Horsman set the case over to Sept. 29 for pleas.

Doyon is also scheduled for sentencing at that time on unrelated charges of uttering threats and causing a disturbance at Shoppers Drug Mart on Prospect Street in February.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A rainfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for parts of southern New Brunswick, including the Saint John and Moncton areas.

Summer’s events continue with a six-dash card of afternoon racing

Horse Racing New Brunswick will host a six-dash card on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 26, at Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock, starting at 1 p.m.

Saturday’s card will feature a double-dash to see previous horses in earlier races go a half-mile race to finish the race card in race six.

Both the top-class and the double-dash will offer purses of $ 2,500 each for a total of $5,000.

Race five has been locked in as the $2,500 feature that will have a happy group of four pacers, who will all get a cheque.

Day Of Honor (Colin Decourcey) has drawn the favourable post one. Elm Grove Quest will take on the boys from post two for Mark Haig.

Emperor, for Jeff Lewis, and Therealprincess, for Dr. Mitchell Downey, will be rounding out the top class.

Race six will see seven starters from the first three races on the card return to race a half-mile race for $2,500.

Wagering is available through HPI Bet, and if fans can’t make it to Connell Park, a live stream will be available on Universum Media’s channel on YouTube.

For your free picks, racing selections, and more, visit the official website of Horse Racing New Brunswick at http://www.horseracingnb.com

You can also get up-to-the-minute results on Facebook by joining the Maritime News & Harness The Talk news site.

The post Saturday harness racing at Connell Park first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A week-long preliminary inquiry has been set for three people accused of killing a 32-year-old in Moncton last month. 

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A significant emergency-response presence descended on a southside ramp off the Westmorland Street Bridge on Thursday evening to deal with a man in some kind of distress.

Fredericton police officers were dispatched at the Smythe Street off-ramp from the bridge at 8:13 p.m. Thursday, police spokesperson Sonya Gilks told the Fredericton Independent on Friday, “for a male who was possibly involved in an accident or having a medical issue.”

Ambulance and fire department personnel were also dispatched to the scene.

“... It was determined from speaking with a witness that a male was having trouble standing up and was using a street sign to hold him up when he fell over and struck his head off the curb,” Gilks wrote in an email.

The individual was taken by ambulance to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for treatment, she said.

Gilks said the police force didn’t have an update on the man’s condition as he was outside officers’ purview once he was transported to hospital.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Fredericton Police Force has a bunch of tools and hardware on its hands, and it’s got a job to do.

Officers aren’t building anything - they’re just looking to put the stolen loot back in the hands of the rightful owner(s).

The police force posted photos to social media Friday of a variety of stolen items that had been recovered recently. The problem is that officers don’t know to whom they belong.  

The force is hoping the owner or owners will recognize the items and come forward.

If anyone believes the items - including a generator, drills and other tools - belongs to them, the parties should contact the police by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing [email protected] to discuss proof of ownership.

People should cite file no. 23-20851.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A vocal opponent of precautionary restrictions during the height of the pandemic won’t be heard in the province’s top court, as it deemed his appeal of a small claim decision to be without merit. 

Mitchell Noel Albert, 25, of Kintore, near Perth-Andover, had filed a small-claim lawsuit against Fredericton provincial court Judge Kenneth Oliver last year. 

Albert was seeking $3,000 in damages and a declaration that Oliver be barred from presiding over the criminal and quasi-criminal court cases of him and fellow pandemic-restriction protesters.

His beef with the judge was over Oliver’s insistence on facemasks in his courtroom, even after a provincial emergency order requiring them in public places was lifted.

The small-claim adjudicator dismissed the action, accepting an argument from Oliver’s counsel that the Provincial Court Act prohibits suing judges for actions taken from the bench.

Albert appealed that ruling to the Court of King’s Bench, which oversees appeals from the small-claims courts. That appeal was dismissed as well in a decision that confirmed the adjudicator was correct.

The appellant filed a notice seeking leave to appeal in late June with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, but in a decision issued this week, Chief Justice Marc Richard wrote the court declined to grant leave to appeal.

“The sole ground of appeal [Albert] proposes to raise is that the judge’s ruling in the Court of King’s Bench ‘does not follow [precedents] from the Supreme Court,’ referring to two Supreme Court of Canada decisions, neither of which, on their face, have any application to the doctrine of judicial immunity that was applied in this case,” the chief justice wrote.

The ruling notes Albert failed to file a written argument with the court to justify his request for leave to appeal, as is required.

“I discern no error of law in the decision Mr. Albert wishes to appeal. In my view, there is no question his proposed appeal would fail,” Richard said. 

“The decision rendered in the Court of King’s Bench does not conflict with other decisions; I do not doubt its correctness; and the proposed appeal does not raise a matter of importance since the law on judicial immunity is quite settled.”

The appeal court also ordered Albert to pay costs of $500.

Albert - who’s been vocal of his criticisms of government and the courts, and who’s involved in the sovereign citizen movement - told the Fredericton Independent he was denied due process, as he wasn’t given a chance to argue his case before the Court of Appeal.

“The court ruling on the motion without a hearing is just giving the public more evidence of the corrupt system we have here in New Brunswick,” he wrote in a message.

Albert said the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, by declining to hold a hearing on his application, disregarded the open-court principle, a key element of Canadian courts that’s vitally important to democracy and for public confidence in the justice system.

He said he plans to pursue the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The original small-claim action was filed by Albert and co-plaintiff Sean Patrick Kenney, 27, a fellow protester in a movement opposed to public pandemic restrictions.

Both argued their case in small claims court, and both offered arguments during the initial appeal in the Court of King’s Bench.

However, Kenney’s name wasn’t included on the materials filed with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal this summer.

Albert is awaiting trial, now set for Oct. 10, on criminal charges alleging he obstructed a Fredericton police officer in the execution of his duty Jan. 22, 2022, and failed to attend provincial court April 22, 2022.

The obstruction charge arose from Albert’s participation in a protest at city hall over government-imposed restrictions due to COVID-19. The no-show count stems from his refusal to mask for a court appearance before Oliver on that date.

Albert has had problems getting unredacted disclosure of documents from the Fredericton Police Force ahead of his obstruction trial, forcing delays in the case.

Meanwhile, Oliver remains on suspension with pay from the bench, but as a result of a separate case unrelated to any pandemic cases.

He was suspended due to an allegation of misconduct in a drug-trafficking case over which he was presiding last year.

Oliver had an out-of-court communication with two Fredericton police officers after they’d testified about an evidentiary issue in the case.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The 17th annual Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival was held earlier than usual this year, taking place on Aug. 19 at the Western Valley Multiplex in Centreville.

Esther Vaswani, Coordinator for the Laura & Andrew McCain Art Gallery (ALMAG), said the date change resulted from venue availability.

The event kicked off Saturday morning with a Harvest Breakfast, catered by Jane Staples MacDonald, a former art gallery board member.

Several community volunteers served the meal, including Helen Pickard, Carol Brennan, Grace Nickerson, and Sue McLaughlin.

Thirty-four vendors were set up for the festival, showcasing their broad assortment of homemade wares. While some vendors felt that the summertime date resulted in reduced crowds, the event coordinators were still pleased with the attendance.

When asked if the festival would return to its regular fall date and location at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre next year, Jennifer Stead, Executive Director and Curator for ALMAG, said that remains to be decided.

“There are definitely plenty of reasons to keep it as a fall festival,” she said.

However, she did note that it would depend on venue availability, saying that “early ice” at the NCCC will pose a scheduling challenge.

The post District of Carleton North Celebrates 17th Annual Buttermilk Creek Fall Festival first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Better is the latest single from the band’s forthcoming album currently in production at Shiftwork Recording in Fredericton.  Matt Carter  At some point last year, Tortue frontman Aidan Bullock hinted…

The post More New Music From Tortue appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

On October 3, 1977, the brand-new Crleton North High School doors opened for the first time.

Built to accommodate the needs of a growing community, the school replaced the existing Florenceville, Centreville, and Bath high schools.

Behind schedule due to numerous strikes and in a rush to open, the school wasn’t fully completed when it opened its doors to students.

“There was no gymnasium or cafeteria. We had a canteen on wheels that sold a few snacks. That was it,” graduate Barbara Meed told River Valley Sun.

It wouldn’t be until later, in 1978, that the school was finally completed.

Meed was one of dozens of former CNHS students who gathered this past weekend to celebrate their 45th reunion. Not only were they the largest class from CNHS, with 160 students, but they were also the school’s first graduating class.

Meed shared that because their school year started late, students were forced to give up all of their standard school holidays.

“We only had Christmas Day and Boxing Day off; we had to go back to school immediately on the 27th. Then we had New Year’s Day off but had to go right back to school on January 2nd.”

The celebratory weekend kicked off on Friday, Aug. 18, with a meet and greet at the Florenceville Community Hall.

Meed said she had jokingly dubbed the evening “Meet the Teachers, Again.”

Over 30 teachers, past and present, attended to share stories with the students about their years of teaching at the school, either then or now.

On Saturday morning, graduates gathered together for a tour of the high school led by current teacher Derrek Tracey.

For many students, this was their first time returning to the high school since graduating in 1978.

The weekend finished with an evening of food and fun at the Glassville Community Centre. A pig roast and a catered meal were followed by music, dancing and “lots of reminiscing.”

The post Inaugural Carleton North High School Graduating Class Celebrates 45th Reunion first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Aysanabee brings his breakthrough debut album Watin to Harvest in September. Matt Carter Aysanabee is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter currently based in Toronto. He is also one of several…

The post Multiple Award Winning Oji-Cree Artist Aysanabee Plays Harvest September 16 appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The Beaverbrook Art Gallery launches its online digital collection of nearly 5000 works of art, along with accompanying digital programming. The entire Beaverbrook Art Gallery permanent collection of works is…

The post The Entire Beaverbrook Art Gallery Permanent Collection is Now Online appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

Clarifications to New Brunswick's school gender-identity policy have strengthened arguments against it when it comes to children's rights, according to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

Quebec’s Vortex will support their latest album The Future Remains In Oblivion with November shows in New Brunswick and PEI. Watch the new video for the album’s title track.  The…

The post Vortex: New Single and East Coast Tour Dates appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

The newly formed Municipality of Grand Lake is considering a repurpose of Chipman Centennial Arena to accommodate it being used for sports and recreational activities other than hockey and ice skating.

The next time you're walking around uptown Saint John, don't forget to look up. Hidden in obscure alleyways and side streets are traces of centuries of history. 

Saint John Transit's test run of on-demand electric buses has been so successful, it's already started a second pilot in another part of the city.

A Sitansisk woman who was stopped from speaking to a Radio-Canada journalist by First Nation security says her community is fed up with drug activity.

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The Fredericton Police Force says a city man is wanted on a warrant throughout New Brunswick, and it’s hoping members of the public will provide information leading to his arrest.

The police force issued an advisory through social media Thursday afternoon noting that Corey Jones, 33, is wanted on a province-wide warrant.

He’s described as being caucasian, 5’9” tall, weighing about 181 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, and a goatee.

“Police are warning the public to not approach Jones,” the release said.

Anyone with information that could lead to Jones being located and arrested is urged to contact the Fredericton Police Force by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing [email protected].

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

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Despite a prosecutor’s agreement to his release on strict conditions, a Fredericton man’s unruly and vulgar behaviour during his bail hearing scuttled his chances at release Thursday.

John Patrick Doyon, 39, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video conference from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Thursday afternoon for a bail hearing.

He faces charges of assaulting Carol Stymiest and threatening her June 20, and assaulting her again Aug. 9 and thereby breaching an undertaking to have no contact with her.

Doyon is also accused of uttering threats to Brian Barry and causing a disturbance at Shoppers Drug Mart on Prospect Street. Those counts date back to February.

They were before the court Thursday because the Crown had applied to revoke his release order on those charges as well.

It took a while for Doyon’s bail hearing to get underway Thursday, as there were repeated attempts to negotiate his release subject to conditions, with duty counsel Gerald Pugh taking several breaks to speak with his client privately about the restrictions being sought by prosecutor Karen Lee.

Ultimately, Doyon didn’t accept some of those terms, so the hearing began.

As it did, though, Doyon kept interjecting and talking over Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman and Lee.

The judge warned him she’d mute his microphone so the proceedings could continue in an orderly fashion, and when Doyon persisted in interrupting, she did so.

The evidence presented at Thursday’s hearing is subject to a court-ordered ban on publication until the case concludes.

After Lee presented the Crown’s case on the bail hearing, she reiterated she was willing to consent to Doyon’s release, provided he wears an ankle bracelet monitoring device, that he stay away from the 12 Neighbours tiny-home development on the city’s northside where the complainant resides, and that he have no contact with her, directly or indirectly.

Doyon insisted he had to return to 12 Neighbours to retrieve his belongings, and for him, having no contact with Stymiest was a non-starter.

“That’s gonna be a problem with her being pregnant with my son,” he said.

“But I’m not gonna stop loving that woman.”

“I revoke my offer,” Lee said.

“You’re making your life more difficult than it needs to be,” Dugas-Horsman told Doyon.

“Fine, fuck you all,” the defendant said.

Fed up with his profanity and attitude, the judge halted the bail hearing and adjourned it to Friday afternoon.

“I’m not going to be insulted by you,” she told the defendant.

Doyon was belligerent and insistent on being released, both Thursday and during his initial court appearance Wednesday.

During the proceedings Wednesday, he said he had to be released because he had a hip-replacement surgery set for the following morning and couldn’t miss the procedure.

But when the Crown objected to his release, Dugas-Horsman said she had no choice but to remand him pending a bail hearing.

During his video appearance Thursday, Doyon was using a walker, the kind with wheels and a seat in the middle, and one of his legs appeared injured or disabled in some way.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Ukranians who have found a new home in New Brunswick are celebrating their country's independence.

A judge will sentence a 60-year-old man next month for ramming an SUV with children and pregnant women off the road at high speed, then approaching the victims with a chainsaw.

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A Fredericton man who tried unsuccessfully to hide from police in the woods after being caught in the act of stripping copper wire from Bell Aliant lines will spend a little more time in the clink.

Stuart Raymond McCann, 41, of Embleton Avenue, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video conference from jail Thursday for his sentencing hearing.

He’d previously pleaded guilty to counts of theft and mischief causing damage to Bell Aliant property.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford told court Thursday the RCMP received a call from a Bell Aliant worker about a theft in progress late in the morning on March 28.

The employee was checking Bell Aliant infrastructure and happened upon a man in a blue jacket removing copper wire from the lines in a remote area, the prosecutor said.

Once the Mountie arrived on the scene and interviewed the witness, court heard, the officer received a report of someone in a blue jacket matching the description walking down the road.

The suspect was spotted, Stanford said, and he fled into the woods. The RCMP called in a canine unit to help track down the man, he said.

“Approximately 200 metres into the woods, the copper wire was located,” the prosecutor said.

The length of wire was worth about $1,000, he said.

The search continued, court heard, and the suspect - later identified as McCann - was found hiding in some shrubs, and he was arrested.

Stanford said McCann’s actions damaged the Bell Aliant lines and cost the company $21,000 to repair.

The company filed a victim-impact statement with the court, and Judge Lucie Mathurin noted it indicated 124 customers were affected by the damage to the lines, as they were without telephone and internet service for about 12 hours.

Defence lawyer Angèle Normand said the root cause of the crimes is clear, as McCann has “a long-standing issue with addiction.”

Specifically, she said, he abuses opiates, and he commits crimes to feed his habit.

“He has been sober since his incarceration,” Normand said.

The Crown and defence offered a joint recommendation on sentence: six months in jail, less credit for time spent on remand.

Normand said while McCann was remanded during his initial court appearance in late March, he was also sentenced on other matters since that time. As a result, she said, he served 103 days on remand. 

After the standard 1.5-to-one remand credit formula is applied, that means his credit comes to 155 days.

Judge Lucie Mathurin said McCann presents with a significant prior criminal record, and the aggravating factors in the case include the damage and inconvenience he caused to so many.

She said the criminal record shows a pattern of offences followed by a gap stemming from a period of sobriety, only to show another spate of offences.

“You can see that there’s a cycle that you go through,” the judge said, urging McCann to get help and break that cycle.

She accepted the joint recommendation, imposing a global jail term of six months.

Reduced to account for the remand credit, that left 25 days to serve on the sentence.

The judge also placed McCann on probation for 12 months, during which he’s to attend addiction services for assessment and treatment, and to abstain from all intoxicants.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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People and pets are being advised to not swim in two Quispamsis beaches because of the appearance of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. One provincial park beach in New Brunswick is also closed for swimming because of a high sample of E. coli in the water.

New Royal Court revealed

Cheers filled the air on Aug. 15 because the Little Miss Nackawic pagent had returned – with a new name – Little Miss Nackawic-Millville.

The show began with a short introduction from Miss Nackawic 2022, Charisma Farrell, before Miss Nackawic Preteen 2022, Kylie Matchette, sang O Canada.

The contestants were judged on an opening number, a casual walk, and a question period before the judges decided on the winners.

The three previous winners from 2022 gave a farewell walk before the new Royal Court was announced.

Avrey Maille was crowned Miss Preteen, Rosie McKeil was crowned Little Miss Friendship, and Dawson Pollock was named Little Miss Nackawick-Millville.

The post Little Miss Nackawic Pageant delights parents and kids first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Festival on the Bend continues to be ‘totally tubular’

The lilting sounds of laughter were accompanied by sweet and savoury smells from vendors’ stands as live music created the perfect backdrop for the busiest day of Nackawic-Millville’s Festival on the Bend.

The festival, formerly called Nackawic Community Days, has been a summer go-to event for almost fifty years. This year’s theme, Back to the ’80s, was a huge focus at every event from Aug. 15 to 19.

Kicking off the week was a special bingo at the Lion’s Club, followed by the Little Miss Nackawic-Millville Pageant and the Cutest Baby Contest. The week included wrestling, compliments of Ultimate Championship Westling, and the first Miss Nackawic-Millville Pageant. (See our pageant stories on this website.)

Saturday was a jam-packed opportunity to celebrate community. The day’s events began at 8:30 a.m. with a community yard sale at Kirk Church. A multitude of items were present, with things being sold by donations.

Then, at 11 a.m., the annual street parade began, with many floats present. The most impressive floats present won various cash prizes, with the Little Rock Curling Club getting first, Hawkshaw Loves the 80s winning second, and Lib’s Little Timber taking third place.

Apart from the scheduled events, many things were happening throughout the day, such as Go Go Bounce & What’s Popping Freddy setting up a kid’s inflatable area. Many vendors were operating both in and outside the arena, including HaliMac Axe Throwing, offering the chance to try the sport. You could spend some time at the dunk tank operating in front of the arena, at the Science East booth, or visit Llama-zing Adventures, bringing a herd of lamas onto a hill near the stadium for people to enjoy.

At noon, O Canada was performed on the main stage by Brooklyn Morehouse and Delilah Sawatzky.

In the afternoon, various entertainers took to the arena stage, starting with Ewan Dobson playing guitar, then progressing to Jessie Campbell performing magic, continuing with the band The Martin Boys, then to Sher McIntosh Line Dancing before ending with the New Brunswick Country Showcase.

That evening, a Bean and Salad Supper was offered, and there was a free corn boil at the Lions Club, sponsored by Ryan’s Pharmacy.

A Country Jamboree was held at the Lions Club with the band John Stairs and Friends.

The band Double D took to the stage at the Big Axe Brewery and played until the fireworks were set to start. Sadly, the end-of-festival light show was postponed due to the weather.

The post Nackawic goes back to the 80s first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A Sheffield man alleged to have been found in possession of illicit drugs in quantities sufficient for trafficking denied the charges Thursday.

Louis Miller, 51, of Route 105, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Thursday to answer to Jan. 18, 2022, charges of possessing cocaine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (more commonly known as MDMA, or ecstasy) for the purpose of trafficking, and possessing more than $5,000 deemed to be the proceeds of crime, all alleged to have occurred in Sheffield.

He elected Thursday to be tried in provincial court on the indictable charges and pleaded not guilty.

Miller also denied a charge of failing to attend court June 23, 2022.

Judge Lucie Mathurin set the matters over to Sept. 21 for a pre-trial conference, at which time the court will schedule trial dates.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Registrations for all fall, adult, and full year classes at the TNB Theatre School are now open. Registrations for all fall and full year programs at the TNB Theatre School…

The post TNB Theatre School Registrations Open appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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A judge expressed concern Wednesday about delays in a prosecution of a former Base Gagetown soldier accused of disseminating compromising photos and video of another person.

Zachary Delamont, 28, of Nova Scotia, was charged by military police last summer in Fredericton provincial court with knowingly transmitting intimate images and video of a female complainant between Feb. 15 and March 19, 2021.

The defendant previously elected to be tried in provincial court and pleaded not guilty.

The case was back in court Wednesday before Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman.

Delamont wasn’t present, but Nova Scotia lawyer Christa Thompson appeared by telephone to act as an agent for the defendant’s legal counsel, Ian Hutchinson.

The proceeding was set to schedule Delamont’s trial date, but the defence asked for another adjournment.

“There is an expert report that’s underway,” Thompson said, asking for a further adjournment to next month so it can be completed.

Thompson indicated it was a psychiatric assessment, though she didn’t indicate what kind or its purpose.

Prosecutor Rebekah Logan said another adjournment was acceptable to the Crown as long as the delay is attributed to the defence.

But Dugas-Horsman was clearly concerned about the timeline in the case, taking note of the numerous adjournments to date.

“I will note for the record that this has been in front of the court for a year now,” she said.

In a milestone precedent, the Supreme Court of Canada, in R. v Jordan, established that if a criminal case in provincial court doesn’t reach its conclusion within 18 months, it amounted to a violation to a defendant’s right to a speedy trial under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

But it also noted that 18-month timeline, in general, doesn’t include delays attributable to the defence.

Dugas-Horsman said despite that caveat, there’s still a public interest and need to ensure matters get to trial.

“This is clearly a defence request,” Thompson said, indicating the defence wouldn’t be making a Jordan application in light of its request for an adjournment.

The judge set the matter over to Sept. 20 to set a trial date.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Documents obtained by CBC News reveal two special-care homes in Neguac, N.B., violated more than a dozen rules, including those around administering medication, nutrition services, and residents' rights in the months before the province shut them down in January 2023.

Six talented and accomplished young women from the Nackawic area faced off in the Nackawic Arena on Aug. 18 to see who would become the first Miss Nackawic-Millville.

This year’s River Bend festival theme was Back to the 80s, with the music and decorations taking inspiration from that.

The show began with a short introduction to the pageant by Master of Ceremonies Maridel Farrell, wearing a vintage dress from the 80s. Her introduction was followed by Miss Nackawic 2022, Charisma Farrell, singing O Canada.

The contestants then launched into a musical number set to various hits from the 1980s, such as The Summer of 69 and Jessie’s Girl, with choreography directed by Janic Theriault.

The Mayor of Nackawic-Millville, Tim Fox, then spoke, congratulating contestants on their accomplishments and wishing them luck.

Judges for the event were Sandra Messer, Dave Lawrence, and Tanya Cloutier.

Contestants were marked on their performance during the pageant and their ability to answer questions that judges posed during one-on-one sessions earlier in the week.  

Contestants participated in a casual wear fashion segment before Charisma Farrell’s last speech as the final Miss Nackawic. An evening wear segment and question period followed her speech.

When asked what it meant to be a modern woman, Emma Rosa-May Spavold said, “You have to be confident in yourself and be true to yourself.”

Judges decided who the winners would be while Steve Knox entertained the crowded arena.

Gracie Irene Myshrall was crowned the first Miss Nackawic-Millville and was awarded the Joyce Gordon Memorial Award.

Emma Rosa-May Spavold was crowned 1st Princess, and Abbigayle Lee-Anne Cullins was named 2nd Princess.

Faith Julia Shaw was crowned Miss Congeniality and won Best Poster, while Charlotte Ava Wilcox was Miss Autobiography.

Winners received gifts donated by businesses in the community as prizes.

The post Miss Nackawic makes way for Miss Nackawic-Millville first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The New Brunswick Nurses Union says people shouldn't be misled by recent report of hundreds of new nurses being registered to work in the province.

Corey Andrew Lane, 38, of Woodstock, was sentenced to a total of nine months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22. He was also placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to seek treatment and counselling for drug addiction.

Lane pleaded guilty to charges laid by Woodstock Police, including theft of recyclables and breach of probation on April 19 in Woodstock, committing mischief, and obstructing police on April 22 on Queen Street in Woodstock. He appeared in court in custody on April 26 and was remanded to jail. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful entry to a dwelling house and breach of probation following an incident at a Main Street apartment on April 24.

Lane also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property concerning an incident on Nov. 30, 2022, in Woodstock, and theft from the Woodstock liquor store and breach of probation for an incident on Aug. 22, 2022. He appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Feb. 27 and was released with conditions. He was arrested on a warrant after he failed to appear in provincial court on Feb. 14. Lane pleaded guilty to failing to appear during his sentencing hearing on Aug. 22. He had been in custody since his arrest on April 25.

Defence Counsel Michael Mallory told the court Lane had a difficult childhood and struggled with substance abuse since a young age. In March, he nearly died of a drug overdose from fentanyl. That experience gave Lane a “significant reality check,” Mallory said, and he sought treatment for his addiction while incarcerated.

Judge Claude Haché noted Lane had an extensive prior criminal record, including 32 convictions since 2012, mainly for property theft. The accused was on probation when he committed his latest offences. The judge said Lane underwent treatment and counselling for drug addiction in the past but did not follow through to complete his program.

Williamstown man handed conditional sentence

Aaron George Broad, 53, of Williamstown, received a 12-month conditional sentence when he appeared in provincial court on Aug. 22 on five charges laid by RCMP. The conditional sentence includes six months of house arrest and six months following a curfew. Broad was also placed on 12 months of probation.

Broad pleaded guilty to careless use of a firearm, two counts of possession of unlicensed guns (40 in total), possessing a firearm dangerous to the public peace, and committing mischief causing property damage to a vehicle. The crown withdrew three other charges.

Judge Claude Haché ordered Broad to register with the federal DNA database. He was also prohibited from using firearms for 10 years, and all weapons seized during the investigation were forfeited to the crown.

The charges were laid following an incident in Williamstown on July 13, 2021, when another local man on the highway accosted the accused. Broad then reciprocated after being followed home.

Stacey Harry Broad, 55, of Summerfield, was sentenced in September 2022 to four months in provincial jail for threatening and assaulting Aaron Broad on the highway with a shovel. Aaron Broad was charged as a result of the ensuing altercation that occurred outside his home.

Judge Haché noted Aaron Broad had a positive pre-sentence report and no prior criminal record. The accused also had a good work history and was considered a good citizen in his community.

However, the judge said Aaron Broad lost his good judgment on the day of the incident and committed a dangerous and reckless act by firing two shots at Stacey Broad’s vehicle. One bullet flattened a tire.

Aaron Broad apologized to the court for his actions.

Birthday party gone wrong results in suspended sentence

Lucas McBride, 26, of Grand Prairie, Alberta, received a suspended sentence and 12 months of probation when he appeared in provincial court on Aug. 23 to face charges stemming from a birthday party that went wrong.

McBride changed his plea to guilty on two of nine charges laid by RCMP. He was charged with six counts of assault and three counts of uttering threats concerning a March 6, 2022, incident in Hartland. The assaults involved four different female victims.

One charge of assault and one threat charge were amended to include the names of all the victims. The crown withdrew the remaining charges.

The court heard McBride was drinking and taking meth pills during his 2022 birthday party at a residence in Hartland. The party got out of control, and an altercation broke out between a group of girls and McBride. All the participants at the party were drinking at the time.

Defence Counsel Brent Dickinson said McBride had been dealing with addiction issues since high school but had been sober since the party incident. He is now working at a job in Alberta.

Judge Andrew Lemesurier ordered McBride to seek counselling during his probationary period, and he must not contact any of the female complainants involved in the fight at the party.

Arrested and remanded for trial

Silas Robert Burtt, 22, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 after being arrested by RCMP on new charges. Burtt waived his bail until later and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. A trial date was set for Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m.

Burtt was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, breach of probation, and committing mischief causing property damage to a truck for an incident on Aug. 5 at Wilmot. He was also charged with possession of a stolen ATV and breach of probation on Aug. 9 at Greenfield and possession of a stolen vehicle and breach of probation for an incident on July 9 at East Brighton.

Burtt appeared in provincial court in custody on July 10 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was taken back into custody on Aug. 18 and remanded.

Pembroke man to enter plea

Joshua Adam Demerchant, 34, of Pembroke, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 5 at 9:30 a.m. to enter a plea on two charges.

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.

Awaiting plea on two charges

Shayne Cameron, 30, of Jacksonville, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 19 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by RCMP.

Cameron was charged with possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace and possessing a firearm while prohibited concerning an incident on Jan. 24 at Juniper. He appeared in court on Aug. 22 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Another arrest warrant issued

The court issued another arrest warrant for Andrew Joseph St. Peter, 31, of Plaster Rock, after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on Aug. 22.

St. Peter appeared in provincial court in custody on July 26 to answer a weapon charge related to an incident in the village on July 22. RCMP charged him with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (a firearm). He was released from custody with conditions and was scheduled for plea on Aug. 22. He was arrested after police received reports of a suspect carrying a weapon in the village.

St. Peter was also charged by SPCA officers with willful neglect of an animal and failing to provide medical attention to a dog concerning incidents on Jan. 1-2 in Plaster Rock. In June, the court heard St. Peter had been admitted to the Restigouche hospital and could not attend court.

Woodstock man to stand trial

Thomas Maurice Seguin, 28, of Woodstock, will appear for trial in provincial court on June 27, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an assault charge.

Woodstock Police charged Seguin with assault causing bodily harm to another man in connection with an incident on April 11 in Woodstock. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Aug. 22.

Not guilty plea on three charges

Billy Joe Pelletier, 37, of Gladwyn, will appear for trial in provincial court on Dec. 11 at 1:30 p.m. after pleading not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP.

Pelletier was charged with impaired driving and two counts of endangering a child’s life in connection with an incident on April 14 at Gladwyn. He entered his not-guilty plea at a court appearance on Aug. 22.

Centreville men make another court appearance

Connell Ross McLean, 27, and Issak Tedford Thomas, 27, of Centreville, remain in custody on charges related to several incidents, including a police chase and shots fired.

Thomas appeared in court in custody by video on Aug. 23 and waived his bail until later. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and returns to court in custody by video on Aug. 30 at 9:30 a.m. to set a date for his trial.

McLean also appeared in court in custody by video on Aug. 23 for his bail hearing. The hearing was adjourned until Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at the request of his defence counsel. McLean did not enter any plea at his court appearance.

They were each charged by RCMP with discharging of a firearm (a rifle) with intent, improper storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, obstructing police, and possession of stolen property (a side-by-side).

Thomas was also charged with possessing a firearm while prohibited and violating probation. McLean faces additional charges of flight from police, driving while suspended, and assaulting a police officer.

The two men were arrested following a collision between an off-road vehicle and a police cruiser on Route 105 in Lower Brighton, south of Harland, on July 17. The arrests were related to a Monday morning incident in Speerville, south of Woodstock, which included shots fired at a Speerville resident.

The suspects fled Speerville, leading to an hours-long police search and investigation in several communities, including Lakeville, between Centreville, Woodstock, and Lower Brighton.

Arrested on the weekend

Jacob Jinson, 24, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 and was released with conditions. He returns to court for plea on Sept. 5 at 9:30 a.m. and must reside at a residence in Somerville.

RCMP charged Jinson with breach of a release order by failing to follow a curfew concerning an incident in Mainstream. He was arrested and held in custody over the weekend.

Jinson also appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 14 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged Jinson with breach of a

release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet). The charge was laid concerning an incident on July 30 in Mainstream.

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 trial will be held at the Court of King’s Bench.

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. 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.

Plea adjourned for Woodstock man

Jonathon Perry Bustard, 44, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 to face three charges laid by Woodstock Police. The matter was adjourned for plea until Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Bustard was charged with break and enter at a dwelling house, indictable assault against another man, and breach of a peace bond concerning an incident on July 19 at a residence in Woodstock. He waived his bail at a court appearance on July 27.

Trial set on three charges

Curtis Carr, 38, of Fredericton, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 to answer three charges by Woodstock Police. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for May 31 at 1:30 p.m.

Carr was charged with theft of gas, driving while prohibited and breach of a release order in connection with an incident on June 20 in Grafton. The court heard he was remanded into custody on other charges in Fredericton.

Woodstock man to enter plea

Tristan Mathias Kelleter, 25, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on two charges laid by Woodstock Police.

Kelleter was charged with two counts of uttering threats concerning an incident on May 27 near Jacksonville. He appeared in provincial court on Aug. 22 when the matter was adjourned to a new date at the request of his defence counsel.

Remanded to jail on new charges

Kristopher Joseph McConnell, 31, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 23 for a bail hearing on new charges laid by RCMP. He waived his bail until later and returns to court for plea on Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m.

McConnell was charged with breach of a release order for an incident on July 15 in Hartland and possession of a stolen utility trailer on Aug. 22 in Greenfield. He also faces charges of criminal harassment and breach of probation on July 23 and breaching an emergency intervention on June 7.

McConnell appeared in provincial court in custody on June 27 and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He failed to return to court for plea on July 25, and an arrest warrant was issued.

RCMP charged McConnell with possession of stolen property (an ATV) and breach of probation in connection with an incident on June 26 at Lansdowne.

Pair involved in manhunt returning to court in custody

Wyatt DeLong, 28, of Cloverdale, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 9 for a bail hearing. The hearing was adjourned until Aug. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel. He remains in custody. The court heard DeLong may also be ready to enter a plea at his next court appearance.

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

Janice 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. Buchanan reserved her bail hearing until a later date. She was remanded to jail and returns to court for plea on Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

They were arrested after a manhunt in Victoria County concerning a series of incidents in the Upper River Valley.

Returning to court for plea

Curtis Brent Hatheway, 43, of Woodstock, will appear in provincial court on Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on charges laid by Woodstock Police. He appeared in court on Aug. 22 when the matter was adjourned to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.

Hatheway appeared in provincial court in custody by video on July 6 for a bail hearing. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He is residing at a Woodstock apartment.

Hatheway was also ordered to have no contact with the complainant and to attend court as required. Woodstock Police charged him with assault involving a female victim, breach of probation, and breach of a release order stemming from an incident on June 22 in Woodstock.

On June 6, Hatheway was arrested on a warrant and released with conditions. He was charged by Woodstock Police with assault with a weapon (a shovel), assault involving a female victim, breach of a release order, and breach of probation following another incident on May 9 in Woodstock.

Arrested and released

Issiah Tobi Gabriel, 21, of Canterbury, 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, and returns to court for plea on Sept. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

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.

Woodstock Police 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.

Sentencing set for Neqotkuk man

Daniel Jr. Francis, 30, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 and pleaded guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court in custody for sentencing on Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Francis with two counts of uttering threats and resisting arrest following an incident on Aug. 2 at Neqotkuk. He pleaded guilty to the threat charges, and the crown withdrew the third charge. He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 8 and was remanded to jail after waiving his bail.

Neqotkuk man returning for plea

Aaron Barclay Moulton, 38, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Aug. 22 to enter a plea on four charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until Sept. 5 at 1:30 p.m. because Moulton’s defence counsel could not represent him then.

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.

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

Trial set on multiple charges

Jamie Donald Lessard, 35, of Stickney, appeared in provincial court on Aug. 22 and pleaded not guilty to all charges laid by RCMP. A trial date was set for June 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

Lessard was charged with two counts of uttering threats, refusing a breathalyzer, impaired driving, and committing mischief causing property damage in connection with incidents on June 2 in Stickney and Glassville. The court also heard about an alleged smash-up of a police lockup related to Lessard’s arrest.

He appeared in provincial court on June 15 for a bail hearing and was released with conditions following his arrest. He was in tears when he first appeared in court in custody by video on June 5 and was sent to Restigouche hospital for a five-day mental health assessment.

On June 12, he appeared in court in custody by video and was found fit to stand trial. Lessard told the court he agreed with the medical report from the hospital.

Sentencing set on three charges

Dean Randall Bell, 43, of McAdam, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Aug. 22 and pleaded guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court in custody for sentencing on Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Bell with possession of stolen property (a 2010 Ford half-ton) and breach of probation for an incident on March 17, 2021, in Benton. He was also charged with failing to appear in court on April 18. The crown withdrew another charge of failing to appear in court on Aug. 15.

The court heard Bell was recently taken into custody and transferred to a hospital to treat an infected dog bite. He was released while at the hospital and then failed to attend court due to lack of transportation. There are also warrants out for his arrest in Fredericton.

Arrest warrant issued for failing to appear

The court issued an arrest warrant for Christopher Elliott, 33, of Weaver, after he failed to appear for trial in provincial court on Aug. 23.

Elliott pleaded not guilty to firearm charges on April 18, and his trial date was set. He was charged with possessing a prohibited weapon without a licence concerning an incident on November 4, 2020, at Gladwyn. He was also charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act with having a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possessing a firearm without a licence, and hunting without a licence on Nov. 4, 2020.

Elliott and Amber Holt, 32, of Bluebell, are jointly charged by RCMP with possession of a firearm without a licence (.22 Magnum rifle) and careless use of a gun for another incident on June 22, 2022, in Weaver.

Elliott was also charged with possessing a firearm while prohibited from having it in connection with the same incident in Weaver. Holt is currently in custody on numerous other charges.

Trial set for Lincoln man

Ronald Johnston, 68, of Lincoln, will appear for trial in provincial court on Jan. 10, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to an impaired driving charge.RCMP charged Johnston following an incident on July 16, 2021, in Perth-Andover. He was scheduled for trial on Aug. 14 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

The post Nine months in jail for string of petty thefts first appeared on River Valley Sun.