More than 35 per cent of New Brunswickers have a disability, according to Statistics Canada, and only 46 per cent of them are employed. But recent advancements in technology are levelling the playing field for people with disabilities, which could help close that gap.

Youth continues to be a focus for the Florenceville-Bristol Legion

Florenceville-Bristol Legion President Billie-Jo O’Donnell (in top photo) presents a cheque to ‘We Got Your Back” representative Sheila Palmer. The money was raised through the Legion craft fair. Legion members pictured include Chris O’Donnell, Stu MacElwain, Joe White, and Susan Tompkins. Missing are Anton and Natasha Smith.

Below, the 2024 Legion Bursaries were recently awarded to Caleb Palmer, Ruthie Fisher, and Gracie Broad. Absent were Olivia Wortman, Julius Behrisch, Addison Behrisch, and Kiera Behrish. (Submitted photos)

The post Legion donates to food program, presents bursaries first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Unifor says it won’t stop fighting for unionized paper mill workers receiving layoff notices this week from J.D. Irving Ltd.

From "diametrically opposed" to "still very, very far apart," the two sides in a class-action lawsuit against the City of Saint John have not been able to reach enough common ground. 

A coroner's inquest jury has issued 10 recommendations after hearing testimony about the workplace death of Jamie Harris in Dieppe in 2023. Harris was crushed by an excavator.

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A Montreal man who failed to attend Fredericton court Tuesday to be sentenced for a random violent attack last year initially said weather and illness kept him away, but then he ranted and demanded a trial.

Liban Ali Ahmed-Shardi, 31, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty late last year to counts of assault with a weapon on two victims, property damage and probation violation.

The charges stemmed from an instance of random violence during which Ahmed-Shardi used a glass pipe to slash two NB Liquor employees at the liquor store at the York Street Train Station the evening of June 7.

When Judge Lyne Raymond called the case Tuesday afternoon, prosecutor Rodney Jordan and defence counsel Bronwyn Mooney were on hand, but the defendant wasn’t present.

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Premier Susan Holt’s government finds itself in a dilemma after gasoline distributors and retailers warned that a key Liberal affordability promise could drive them out of business.

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A Burton man accused of child-pornography offences will return to court in three weeks’ time to enter pleas to the charges.

Brady Matthew Worden, 30, of Route 102, made his initial appearance in Fredericton provincial court on charges laid by the New Brunswick RCMP’s internet child exploitation unit.

He’s accused of possessing child pornography in Fredericton and breaching a court-order prohibiting him from accessing the internet between June 24 and Sept., and with transmitting child pornography in Fredericton on Sept. 6.

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New CT Scanner at Charlotte County Hospital Brings Life-Changing Healthcare to the Community + Firefighters Respond to Growing Number of Medical Calls in Eastern Charlotte + Kiwanis Costume Carnival Brings Generations Together in St. Andrews

Original Broadcast Date: February 25, 2025

CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 is an original CHCO Television production produced on location at the CHCO-TV studio in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

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A police operation that locked down a neighbourhood on Fredericton’s north side for hours Tuesday morning was to effect the arrest of a parolee wanted on a Canada-wide warrant, police report.

The Fredericton Police Force advised the public to avoid the area of Dykeman Street on the city’s north side at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday.

Residents in the neighbourhood were directed to shelter in place in their homes, and some people in the area evacuated.

Armed police officers could be seen in the area for hours, surrounding a specific Dykeman Street home.

It was at 12:40 p.m. that the force advised the operation had concluded, and it reported the situation revolved around a federal parolee who was warrant on a Canada-wide warrant for alleged breach of his release conditions.

The subject of the operation was Codi Martin, 32, whom police had been seeking for weeks, issuing public pleas for tips on his whereabouts.

He was believed to be in the Fredericton area, and police warned that he was not to be approached.

The five-hour standoff saw police establishing a staging area in the parking lot of St. Theresa’s Church at the corner of Royal Road and Williams Street for evacuees, where they could keep warm in a city bus that was made available as a shelter during the police operation.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Meteorological phenomena seen after light snowfall, winds produce perfect conditions

Carleton County may not have been rocking on Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, but some fields were definitely ‘rolling.’

Some residents woke to see rolls of snow dotting the landscape. These ‘snow rollers’ are a rare meteorological phenomenon where rolls of snow are formed when chunks of snow roll downhill or are blown along the ground by winds. The snow forms by picking up more snow, much like we create snowmen. Some can be small, like tennis balls, while others can grow to the size of a small car when there are high winds. Most snow rollers, like the ones seen on Tuesday, are a few centimetres wide.

Other names for the snowballs that dotted fields this week include snow bales, snow donuts, snow nuts, and wind snowballs.

According to Wikipedia, the conditions needed for snow rollers to form include:

• A relatively thin surface layer of wet, loose snow with a temperature near the melting point of ice.
• Under this thin layer of wet snow, there must be a substrate to which the thin surface layer of wet snow will not stick, such as ice or powder snow.
• Winds must be strong enough to move the snow rollers but not strong enough to blow them apart.
• Sometimes gravity can move the snow rollers as when a snowball, such as those that will fall from a tree or cliff, lands on a steep hill and begins to roll down the hill.

Special thanks to John Keenan, who tipped off the River Valley Sun this morning, letting us know he spotted snow rollers in Bedell, near the old Southern Carleton Elementary School.

The post Rare ‘snow rolls’ spotted in Carleton County first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Police offer few details about the Tuesday morning operation

The Woodstock Police Force said officers took one person into custody following an incident at the NBCC Woodstock campus on Tuesday morning, Feb. 25. 

Police announced the arrest in a social media post shortly after 11 a.m., a little over an hour after posting a notice asking the public to avoid the NBCC Woodstock campus.

“This operation has now been concluded. Woodstock Police Force has one person in custody, and there is no risk to the public. We would like to thank the RCMP for their assistance with this matter,” the WPF posted. 

A police department spokesperson said the force couldn’t provide any further details at this point. 

The force’s original post asked people to stay away from the NBCC area as they responded to an active operation in that area. 

They added the operation was not related to a training exercise ongoing at the college. 

The post One person arrested following incident at NBCC Woodstock first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The Aces dominated My Muscle Trencania from Slovakia to win the Goodwill Cup

A Fredericton-based squad defeated all opponents to hoist the Goodwill Cup for the fifth time, trying the World Pond Hockey Championship record for the most wins on Sunday.

The Aces, including players Dave Myles, Alex Leduc, Stacy Smallman, Peter Boyd and Dave Crossman, cruised to an easy 9-6 win over My Muscle Trencania from Slovakia. In the women’s division, The Bras from Grand Falls, with players Janie Leblanc, Amelie Dion, Kaylee Madore, Gabrielle Forget and Floriane Dion, beat the Budweiser Healthy Scratches from Halifax by a score of 9-4.

“This is number five for me… Every year gets harder because every year I’m getting older,” said Dave Myles, Aces’ team captain. “We had two new members on the team this year and I thought we had great chemistry. It took a couple of games to get a good feel for it.”

The Aces, along with 10 other teams, cruised through the four-day tournament with five wins and no losses. The top 32 teams then played in Sunday’s elimination round for the championship – a gruelling hockey marathon of five games in one day for the final two teams.

“It’s the highlight of my year to come back here and see this amazing event. To be able to win is something special because it’s a hard-fought battle,” Myles said. “It’s 10 games to the end and it’s a definite grind. The team that can play the smartest and is in good shape can win, with a little bit of luck on your side as well.”  

The Aces’s fifth win ties the record achieved by the Acadian Boys, another new Brunswick squad. Eighty men’s teams and six women’s squads from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the United States competed in the event. Organizer Danny Braun said it was a great comeback after the 2024 championship was cancelled because of warm weather.

“It was a great tournament. The challenge initially was Mother Nature and if we could hold the event, but at the end of the day Mother Nature gave us perfect pond hockey weather,” Braun said. “We had huge crowds on Saturday to see some great hockey action, and lots of people attended Sunday to see the championship games.”

Braun said pond hockey souvenirs sold out by Sunday afternoon, and on-ice and arena food and beverage sales were brisk.          

Braun said the Sunday’s audiences were treated to some great hockey action, and many fans cheered the cup remaining in New Brunswick after travelling to Europe for several years.

“Everyone seemed to have a great time. The organizing committee will meet for a debrief in a few weeks to suggest changes and make plans leading into  2026,” he said.   

The tournament started Thursday, Feb. 20, with an opening ceremony at the Phil Sharkey Memorial Centre at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Olympic-style evening parade of athletes to Roulston Lake. The opening concluded with a fireworks display before players laced up their skates for games under the lights Thursday night, day and evening on Friday and Saturday, followed by Sunday’s championship rounds.

The tourney, which was created in 2002 to help raise money for a new arena and recreational facility in Plaster Rock, has generated more than $800,000 toward that goal. The Phil Sharkey Memorial Centre opened in 2007.

The post High five: N.B. team claims World Pond Hockey Championship for fifth time first appeared on River Valley Sun.

All-you-can-eat pasta night set for Feb. 28

Enjoy a night out while supporting the local Elks Club in Centreville. On Friday, Feb. 28, local elks members will serve pasta from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Centreville Elks Club at 3135 Main Street in Centreville.

Tickets are available at the door (CASH ONLY). Adults (14+) are $15. Children (aged 3 to 13) are $10, and toddlers up to age 3 are FREE!

Dinner includes pasta, Caesar salad, a roll and a drink (water, pop, or juice).

Come out and support the local elks club!

The post Centreville Elks Club fundraiser first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Irving Paper is laying off 140 employees as the company shuts down 50 per cent of operations at its Saint John mill.

The company blames the province’s uncompetitive industrial electricity as the reason for the permanent shutdown, announced on Monday.

Mark Mosher, the vice-president of Irving Pulp & Paper, said the move is “necessary to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.”

As NB Power’s largest electricity consumer, Irving Paper said it has repeatedly asked that the utility review its rates, which are 22 per cent higher than the Canadian average.

Annual costs for electricity have averaged around $60 million in the past, according to the company. That figure surpassed $83 million last year and is expected to reach $100 million this year, even with “significant downtime” factored in.

“We have been working collaboratively with the current Government of New Brunswick toward a solution, but presently there is no viable alternative for full operation of both paper machines,” Mosher said in a news release.

“Over the next number of weeks, we will continue to work with the provincial government to try to develop a plan to allow the continued operation of the remaining 50 per cent of the mill, prior to the additional 10 per cent electricity rate increase on April 1, 2025.”

Irving Paper shut down 50 per cent of its operations temporarily in early December and again in late January, citing high electricity rates in both instances.

The mill on Bayside Drive currently directly employs 310 people and exports about 95 per cent of its annual manufacturing output of 400,000 tonnes of paper to 65 countries.

By Barbara Rayner, The Courier

GREEN’S POINT • The Green’s Point Light Association (GPLA) has come a long way since its formation in 1996 and Michael Strong’s book “The Magic of Green’s Point”, with its beautiful images, provides a glimpse of what it takes to maintain the site.

The association was incorporated as a not-for-profit community foundation with the mandate to maintain the infrastructure of the site for the use and enjoyment of the community as an educational and recreational facility.

News of the planned de-staffing at Green’s Point in 1995 prompted the formation of the GPLA which was the brainchild of founder and first chairperson Maria-Ines Buzeta. She felt Green’s Point should be kept for use by the community.

Once the association was formed, it had to compete with other federal and provincial agencies as well as private developers to acquire the property and the process took more than a decade. In the interim, GPLA leased the property from 1996 until its purchase in 2008.

While ownership of the lighthouse and buildings was transferred to GPLA in July 2008, parts of the property are leased back to Real Property for use by the Coast Guard. These include the helicopter pad, generator station, foghorn, the Channel 14 VHF building and the transmission tower. The lease is in effect for 100 years from July 2008.

Restoration of the light tower, which was in dire need of repair, began in 1999. Excavation around the foundation was done by hand and it was discovered the walls were made of rubble below ground level with no mortar evident so stone mason Brian Frost was hired and over a period of three months the exterior walls were repointed.

The cupola was leaking badly due to cracked glass in six of the eight panes which were held in place by cast iron stops fastened with brass machine screws. It was decided to remove each of the 550 screws and replace the stops with 316 alloy stainless bars and screws, tapping out every hole in the process. It took Strong three months to do the work.

One day, while vacuuming, Strong fell through the bottom floor of the building and it was decided a complete rebuild was necessary. A team of volunteers removed the old floor and replaced it exactly as it had been built in 1903 using lumber from Alan Matheson’s nearby mill.

The final jobs in the light tower restoration were replacing the outside stairs, replacing the roofing on the widow’s walk, a fresh paint job and rewiring the entire structure. The last task was provided by the Coast Guard in consideration of all the work already done by GPLA.

However, the light tower has not been reactivated as a navigational aid due to legal requirements and the solar powered beacon on Morgan’s Ledge now functions in that capacity.

In order to have the site available to the public and cover the cost of maintaining the grounds and buildings as well as having the mandatory liability insurance, it was decided to renovate the monitor building as a vacation rental cottage.

Extensive renovations were needed and many volunteer and contractor hours over the years have gone into the work done on the cottage which is the main source of revenue. It has a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy and Big L’Etete Passage with guaranteed sightings of whales, harbour porpoises, seals and a variety of seabirds.

The Marine and Coastal Interpretive Centre, founded in 1997, is housed in the former light keeper’s residence and has evolved over the years to include a wide range of exhibits. It also has a gift shop selling a variety of lighthouse memorabilia as well as a marine library.

It is staffed during the summer months by local students funded by the provincial SEED program and the federal Summer Works Program. Since 1997 GPLA has employed more than 70 students.

Strong said many people have volunteered or contributed in some way to the GPLA project over the years. Every year, since 1997, the association has hosted an annual picnic for its members and the community. 

In order to support this wonderful project, donors can go to the GPLA website and donate online via Canada Helps. The cost of “The Magic of Green’s Point” is $30 and Strong wrote it to capture the history of the lighthouse as well as document its current status.

Strong, who worked for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans from 1976 until his retirement in 2008, has been chair of GPLA for 20 years. A diver and underwater photographer, he also enjoys building wooden boats, canoes and kayaks and has published a series of books on building small boats titled “Tiny Ship of Dreams” and a book on how to build a teardrop trailer.

A new CT scanner has been unveiled in Charlotte County and already serves patients. 

The scanner has been a long-term effort between the Charlotte County Hospital Foundation (CCHF) and several community partners and stakeholders, including a radiothon through Acadia Broadcasting. 

“This is an amazingly exciting day for us at the foundation and for the people of our catchment area in Southwest New Brunswick,” said CCHF president Steve Backman. 

In three months, the organizations and community raised $700,000. 

“This hospital was one of the first hospitals in New Brunswick and, probably in Atlantic Canada, to purchase an X-ray machine,” he said. “They purchased a Campbell X-ray in 1920 for the grand sum of $4,200, and that was all raised by donations from the community.”

The journey to get here has been one Backman said wasn’t always smooth, saying it began nearly 15 years ago. 

“Our foundation is all about access to health care,” he said. 

The new CT scanner could serve up to 4,500 patients in a year. (Vicki Hogarth/The Courier)

He said typically it can take three years to raise the funds required for a piece of equipment like this, but the community and organizations – including a donation from the Saint John Hospital Foundation was critical. 

Construction was also required before the scanner could be set up inside the hospital. 

“The most important thing was the floor we’re standing on could not support the weight of this heavy piece of equipment,” he said. “The first really big job was to shore up the floor so it could support the weight.” 

The CT scanner is welcome news to the Director of Medical Imaging at the CCH Celina Bountalas. 

“I think we’ve been surrounded by wonderful friendly faces and the staff have been very excited to watch this wonderful go-alive day,” she said in an interview with The Courier. 

About 4,500 patients a year travel to Saint John for a CT scanner, whether in-patient or in an emergency. 

“This is the fourth CT scanner being added to the fleet of CTs for the Saint John area,” she said, speaking to the benefit this brings not only to Charlotte County but the pressure it relieves off of Saint John. “We’re really looking at lowering that wait time all across medical imaging for the province.” 

In fact, the longest wait time for Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick for a CT scan is at the Saint John Regional Hospital, according to its online dashboard. 

A patient could wait up to 508 days for a CT scan if required in Saint John, which up until now included residents in Charlotte County. 

“I think in a month’s time, by the end of March, we’ll see that throughput in that volume and we’ll be able to see the wait time come down,” she said.

Charlotte County Hospital Foundation president, left, Steve Backman, Horizon Health Network CEO and president Margaret Melanson, and Horizon’s Director of Medical Imaging Celina Bountalas pictured in front of the new CT machine. (Vicki Hogarth/The Courier)

The CT scanner is expected to be used in all types of situations, including in-patients, out-patients, and emergency situations, Bountalas confirmed. 

Both Bountalas and Backman gave thanks to those who helped contribute to the CT scanner’s arrival. 

Horizon’s CEO and president Margaret Melanson also said she was surprised by the sheer momentum of how fast the money was raised. 

“Your advocacy for healthcare improvements is truly inspiring, and it plays a vital role in our ongoing efforts to enhance the patient experience in all corners of our province,” she said.

Saint John Coun. Paula Radwan says she was shocked when she learned J.D. Irving Ltd.'s paper plant had cut 140 people from its workforce to reduce operations by 50 per cent.

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A Centreville man who terrified a family by showing up in their kitchen in the middle of the night, armed, has forever changed and unsettled the victims, a judge said in imposing a jail term Monday.

Jeret Lee Everett, 33, of Gregg Settlement Road, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Monday for his sentencing hearing.

He’d previously pleaded guilty to counts of unlawful entry into a Hawkins Corner home - about 35 kilometres east of Woodstock - with intent to commit an indictable offence, possession of two shotguns knowing he didn’t have a licence to do so, possession of those firearms without a licence, occupation of a motor vehicle knowing there were firearms therein, and possession of the shotguns plus a knife, a machete and a long stick with a blade on it for the purpose of committing an offence.

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Fun and camaraderie highlight a day as Debec offers its competitive twist on a favourite Canadian sport

With jugs of windshield cleaner and a wide array of brooms, five teams hit the ice of the Debec outdoor rink for a fun day of Red Neck Curling on Saturday, Feb. 22. 

Club 540 added its name to the Red Neck Curling Championship trophy, defeating defending champion Rock Hard Jugs in the final. Rock Hard Jugs captured the title in 2023 as weather issues forced the cancellation of the 2024 tournament. 

The other teams were the Sliding Stones, Slippery Jugs and Hosers.

Curler Shawn Ralston accepted the MVP plaque, named in honour of the late Ashley Orr, who loved the unique sport focused on fun and community spirit. Orr’s wife, Jocelyn Graham, presented the plaque. 

The Sliding Stones embraced the fun-filled atmosphere of the annual event, earning the Best Dressed for Fun Award, with Rock Hard Jugs earning second spot. 

The Debec Recreation Council sponsored the event, with several council members volunteering their time and effort to make it possible. Members Donna Carson, Win Davies, Gladine Berry and Dani Williams worked in the Debec Community Park canteen, while Cindy Moser and Tori Anderson provided volunteer help throughout the event. 

The event’s continued success is a result of a community effort. The Debec WI hopes to become more involved in the future, suggesting plans to promote an all-girl team at next year’s event. 

— With files from Tammey McLean

The post Red Neck Curling returns after a year’s absence first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A New Brunswick Conservative MP running for re-election this year is losing some of his supporters after a falling out with former staffers and resignations from the local party organization.

Fredericton city council has approved a recreation and leisure master plan that recommends spending millions of dollars on new infrastructure, including a new aquatic centre, ball-field complex and multi-sport gymnasium.

The senior care navigation workshops began back in 2022, a collaboration between the Allied Health Programs at NBCC and the Department of Social Development.

A holistic approach to improve quality of life

By Emily Atherton, Director of Facility and Resident Care, MacLeod Riverside Court

We are off to a busy start in 2025 at MacLeod’s Riverside Court. Building-wide renovations are nearing an end, and our new Memory Care unit is now full with a growing waitlist.

This month, we are proud to be reflecting on and celebrating the importance of the Therapeutic Recreation programs we offer and their critical role in creating holistic and meaningful opportunities for social, mental and physical engagement for all those living at “the big yellow house.”

Our full-time Activity Director, Amber McHatten-Clowes, who began her role in 2017, develops and delivers social recreation programming daily that aims to create opportunities for reduced social isolation, encourages residents to connect with others who have similar interests and hobbies, improves or maintains cognitive and physical health, elevates mood and confidence while focusing on individual strengths.

Amber gets to know residents by meeting with them and/or their families and reading through Resident Profiles within the first few weeks of the individual moving into the building, allowing her to tailor and change up activity offerings based on the interests of the ever-evolving resident base. Amber stated, “I love that no two days are ever the same because there is so much versatility and flexibility in my role; from group activities to one-on-ones, outings and events, there really is something for everyone.”

Activities occur in various locations within the building and around the community to ensure all residents, from independent living to Memory Care, can participate across the week. We rely on dedicated volunteers and community members who give their time freely to enhance and support our programming. Current fan favourites include Bingo, Knitting Club, exercise, crafts, spiritual and worship services, and the monthly Birthday social hour featuring the Woodstock Ukulele Group for entertainment.

Recently, we had the opportunity to have some intergenerational fun with students from Townsview School who sang, read books, and recited rhymes to the residents. We hope to continue more of these interactions. When asked what her favourite thing about her role is, Amber stated, “Probably the times that I get to spend one-on-one with a resident as you can learn so much about someone and really build a strong bond. We are blessed to become part of our residents’ extended family, and although they may not realize it, they are such a big part of our lives as well.”

We extend our gratitude to all those who work in Therapeutic Recreation, not only at Riverside but also around our community and province. Your dedication and compassion bring joy, comfort and a sense of belonging to those with whom you work, creating moments of care and laughter while making a significant difference in their lives.

The post COLUMN: Riverside Ramblings – Celebrating Therapeutic Recreation Month first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Remembering Mike Walton’s contributions to his community and passion for New Brunswick firefighters 

Mike Walton’s impact as a community leader, councillor and businessman will remain part of the Hartland community for generations, but his devotion to Hartland’s and New Brunswick’s firefighters proved iconic. 

“That was his passion,” said Woodstock Fire Chief Harold McLellan of the man who served as Hartland Fire Chief for over three decades. 

In a devastating post issued Monday, Feb. 24, the town of Hartland announced Walton’s death. 

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Mike Walton. Mike was a dedicated and active community member, serving as Hartland’s Fire Chief, a valued council member, and a respected businessman. His commitment to Hartland and his unwavering service to others have left a lasting impact on our town.

“On behalf of the Mayor, Council, and staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends during this difficult time. His leadership, kindness, and dedication will truly be missed.” 

McLellan said he couldn’t recall exactly when Walton replaced Phillip Orser as Hartland fire chief, but he estimated it was more than 30 years ago. 

He described Walton as a dedicated chief of the Hartland Fire Department and an effective leader for the Central Valley Fire Fighters Association and the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs. 

McLellan recalled Walton’s instrumental role in acquiring a mobile burn trailer for the region. He said the trailer is a vital training unit for firefighters. 

As chiefs of neighbouring communities, McLellan said he and Walton supported he and Walton and their respective teams supported each other on numerous occasions. 

McLellan also noted their longtime friendship. 

“We shared many good times and many not so good times,” McLellan said. 

The New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs expressed its condolences on Chief Walton’s passing in a social media post.

“Chief Walton served several terms with the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs in various roles, including the office of President. He will be dearly missed,” the post read.

The River Valley Sun reached out to several colleagues and friends of Chief Walton, who were not immediately available. We will update our story with their comments and condolences as soon as possible. 

More to come…

The post Hartland mourns death of longtime fire chief, councillor, community leader, and businessman first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The New Brunswick Teachers' Association is raising the alarm over the increasing reliance on uncertified teachers. In September, there were 132 people teaching in anglophone schools without education degrees. In January, that number had grown to 192.

A coroner's inquest jury heard about the horrific moment an excavator operator realized he backed over and crushed his colleague to death.

Climbers from New Brunswick and P.E.I. met for an outdoor adventure in Parlee Brook, near Sussex, where a frozen waterfall offered a rare chance to trade rocks for ice.

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A father and son from Lower Durham remanded on the weekend for an alleged attack on a Fredericton man have been released from custody on conditions.

Steven John Scott, 44, and Soren Crain Scott, 21, both of Lower Durham Road, about 25 kilometres north of Fredericton, both appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre in separate proceedings Monday.

The father and son are jointly charged by the Fredericton Police Force with committing an aggravated assault on Mark McCann by wounding him and/or endangering his life, and uttering threats to cause him death and/or bodily harm.

The charges allege events the night of Feb. 20 on Fredericton’s north side.

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A Minto man awaiting trial on a 2022 allegation of sexual assault was released from custody on Crown consent Monday, as court heard he’d been granted statutory release from an unrelated prison sentence.

Codie Nicholas McNeill, 24, formerly of Northside Drive in Minto, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in person and in custody, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.

He’s accused of an indictable sexual assault, alleged to have occurred in Minto between Sept. 28 and 29, 2022.

The complainant can’t be named because there’s a court-ordered publication ban in effect protecting that individual’s identity.

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Irving Paper announced that it will significantly reduce operations at its Saint John plant.

Three years ago today, Russia invaded Ukraine in a full-scale effort that would become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians in New Brunswick are feeling helpless and angry as the war’s death toll continues to rise and support on the other side of the border wavers. 

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A Fredericton construction firm is facing a provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act charge in court, and will be back before a judge next month to enter a plea.

Jace Construction was set to make its first appearance in Fredericton provincial court Monday to answer to a June 4 count alleging it failed to ensure that an opening leading to a stairway is guarded by guardrails on all exposed sides, save for that side leading to the stairway entrance.

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Two men from Kirkland and one man from Debec charged

The RCMP has charged a 41-year-old man from Debec and a 50-year-old man from Kirkland following a robbery investigation in western New Brunswick.

A third individual, a 47-year-old man from East Coldstream, was also arrested in connection with the robbery.

On Feb. 5, at approximately 12:18 p.m., Western Valley RCMP Detachment members responded to a robbery report in a business parking lot on Muwin Lane, Wotstak First Nation. A truck was stolen at the time of the robbery.

Later the same day, a 47-year-old man was arrested at his East Coldstream residence concerning the investigation. He was later released and is scheduled to appear in Woodstock Provincial Court on May 13.

On Feb. 16, RCMP members with the force’s Crime Reduction Unit attended a residence on Route 540 in Kirkland, also in connection with the investigation. A 41-year-old man from Debec and a 50-year-old man from Kirkland were arrested at the scene without incident.

After the arrests, a search warrant was executed, and police recovered a stolen vehicle, unsecured firearms, ammunition, and quantities of what are believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine.

On Feb. 18, 41-year-old Joshua Sterling Trail and 50-year-old Larry Shane Kennedy appeared in Woodstock Provincial Court and were both charged with the following:

– Robbery

– Possession of a firearm when unauthorized

– Careless use of a firearm

Joshua Sterling Trail was remanded into custody, and Larry Shane Kennedy was later released on conditions. Both men will reappear in Woodstock Provincial Court on March 13.

The public plays a vital role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The investigation is ongoing.

The post Three arrested after robbery investigation first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Two men have been charged with robbery and illegal possession of a firearm in the wake of a reported incident on the Woodstock First Nation earlier this month, the RCMP reports, while a third was arrested.

The Western Region Valley detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Monday morning about an investigation into an alleged robbery in an indigenous community in its area earlier this month.

“On February 5, 2025, at approximately 12:18 p.m., members of the Western Valley detachment responded to a report of a robbery in a business parking lot on Muwin Lane, in the community of Woodstock First Nation, N.B.,” the release said.

“A truck was stolen at the time of the robbery.”

It said the Mounties’ investigation led officers to a residence on Route 540 in Kirkland, about 30 kilometres south of Woodstock, where two men - one from Kirkland and another from Debec - were arrested without incident.

“Subsequent to the arrests, a search warrant was executed, and police recovered a stolen vehicle, unsecured firearms, ammunition, and quantities of what are believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine,” the release said.

The RCMP reports that Larry Shane Kennedy, 50, of Kirkland, and Joshua Sterling Trail, 41, of Debec, appeared in custody in Woodstock provincial court last week, and both were charged with counts of robbery, unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless use of a firearm.

While Trail was remanded, the release said, Kennedy was released on conditions. Both are slated to appear in court March 13 to answer to the charges.

The Western Region Valley detachment also reports its officers effected an arrest Feb. 5 shortly after the robbery.

A 47-year-old man from East Coldstream, about 35 km north of Woodstock, was arrested at his home in connection with the same robbery investigation.

He was released on conditions on a promise to appear in court May 13.

The RCMP says the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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The defence in a double-murder case has yet to receive any disclosure from the Crown file, but a prosecutor said Monday her office just received it and will be vetting it in short order.

Mark Richard Foster Elley, 42, of Route 123 in Red Bank, near Chipman, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone Monday from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.

He faces two counts of first-degree murder in the Nov. 25 deaths of Robert (Robbie) Wayne Waugh, 47, and Victoria King, 23.

The bodies of the victims were found in a SUV on Midland Road in Midland, near Chipman that morning.

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Two people were found unresponsive in a Bathurst home Saturday and later pronounced dead, police say.

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Simultaneous interpretation of key government information from unilingual anglophone politicians and officials is sufficient to ensure the language rights of francophones in New Brunswick, a judge ruled this month.

Rogersville resident Nelson Cyr filed an application against the province in the Court of King’s Bench in 2023, arguing that his language rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the Official Languages Act, by government communications efforts.

He argued that much of the vital information offered to the public through regular news conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2020, was presented by unilingual anglophones, such as then-health minister Dorothy Shephard, then-chief officer of medical health Dr. Jennifer Russell, and notably then-premier Blaine Higgs.

But in a decision earlier this month, Court of King’s Bench Justice Robert Dysart ruled on Cyr’s application seeking declaratory relief.

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Landfills are a great place to go bird-watching, according to the Fredericton Nature Club. Members visited the Fredericton landfill on Sunday to look for their favourite animals.

The fire department in Eastern Charlotte is reporting an increase in the number of medical calls it has received in the past month. 

During the meeting, Coun. Mike Thompson said the fire department had responded to 52 calls, a significant spike from January. In December, that number was just 20 calls, increasing by 38 per cent. 

“We’ve seen a large rise in our medical calls,” he said during the meeting. 

Chief Administrative Officer Jason Gaudet confirmed the rise in calls to the fire department for medical-related calls. 

“I don’t think this is anything new, but this is something that we’ve noticed an uptake in the number of coverage calls to the local fire departments,” he said in an interview with The Courier. 

Eastern Charlotte, like many smaller rural communities, rely solely on volunteers for their fire departments – many of whom have full-time jobs and commitments outside the fire department. 

Gaudet said officials have been going back to Ambulance New Brunswick – owned and operated by a private company – and the province to ask why this is happening. 

“We’re looking for some assistance from the province on their end to look into it as well and to come up with some answers long-term,” he said. 

With increasing medical calls also come costs, Gaudet explained. 

“There’s also an additional cost for training firefighters, not just now for fighting fires, but also in regards to just responding to health and medical calls,” he said. 

Recently, the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB), the Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick raised concerns about the service levels by Ambulance New Brunswick as it heads for contract renewal in 2027. 

“Municipal leaders express ongoing concerns with the lack of consistent presence of paramedics in their communities due to the dynamic deployment model, and lack of resources being directed toward responses in rural areas,” a joint media release from UMNB, AFC, and PANB said. 

UMNB president Brittany Merrifield said in the release the organization wants a review “to ensure the shortcomings, including the increasing fire department response to medical calls, are addressed before heading into any contract renewal discussions.”  

President of the Fire Chiefs Association Scott Poupart said in the release that members are feeling the pressure of responding to increased medical calls. 

“Whether it is assisting ANB with medically needed lift assists or complex medical responses, we need to work together to find a solution within the paramedic system for these unsustainable demands,” he said in the release. 

Meanwhile, Phil Comeau, president of the PANB, said that the concerns and experiences of municipalities need to be taken seriously. 

“We all know that the current structure isn’t meeting demands, and we need to redesign it.” 

Back in Eastern Charlotte, Gaudet said as summer ramps up, it feels more important to address these concerns. 

“They’ve taken on a lot more. The evolution of the small firefighter fire departments in this area in Charlotte County has really changed in the last 30 years,” he said. “At one time, it was more or less chimney fires and grass fires. Now, even with the uptake in medical calls, there’s a new call for those to be trained in the medical fields.”

Ambulance New Brunswick did not respond to requests for comment.

Bobby Hayes has a message for the City of Saint John — stop stalling his lawsuit. 

The Union Club has long had a reputation for hosting the business elites of Saint John, and beyond. As times changes, so too does the club itself.

Bone-chilling temps, impending storm didn’t stop die-hard racers, fans from enjoying weekend

This year’s Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races (MSCR) in Woodstock had a few hiccups, but that didn’t hamper the weekend’s success for organizers, racers, and fans.

The 2025 MSCR were held from Friday, Feb 14 to Sunday, Feb 16. The races were scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, Sunday’s program was adapted to fit the forecasted snowstorm, which called for 30 to 40 cm of snow starting Sunday and progressing into Monday.

“Some teams chose to leave early because of the storm forecast for Sunday, but we still managed to get the most of the schedule done,” said MSCR chair Kendall Leech

While this year’s spectator attendance was down due to weather conditions, MSCR was still able to sell 3212 tickets. The overall tally ended with 395 advance tickets sold (43 for Saturday, one for Sunday, and 351 weekend passes). ‘At the door’ ticket sales also increased, with 171 purchased on Friday, 699 on Saturday, and 75 on Sunday, with 606 weekend passes sold at the event.

There were 88 racers registered for the weekend, with many local racers participating for the first time.

Sydney Hianes is a racer for the New Star team, a program started by Gord MacDonald to bring local racers to the oval track at the Connell Park Raceway. This year was Haines’ first time driving and racing a snowmobile.

“It was a great experience that I look forward to continuing next year,” said Haines.

Due to some problems, Haines and her team had to tweak her sled on Sunday morning. Despite the weather and some sled malfunctions, Haines said the weekend went very well for her, seeing improvement with each race.

Haines says she is pleased with the track despite the mechanical rollercoaster ride.

“The track was in excellent condition, and the organizers did an amazing job with the event,” said Haines.

The post Despite event ending early, organizers say second MSCR a success first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A weapon-related call in downtown Fredericton late Sunday morning prompting a significant police response turned out to have involved a paintball gun, not a real firearm, the city police force reports.

The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Sunday afternoon about an incident earlier that day stemming from a sighting of a possible firearm.

“At approximately 11:20 a.m., the Fredericton Police Force (FPF) responded to a report of a weapon on Brunswick Street,” it said.

“Officers immediately responded, prioritizing safety and caution, where they secured the scene and apprehended a male suspect without incident.”

The police force said there was no threat to public safety, as it turned out there never was a firearm involved.

“The individual is currently in custody, and no charges are expected,” the release said.

“The weapon in question was identified as a paintball gun, which is not classified as a restricted weapon. Consequently, the individual is expected to be released shortly.”

The police said while Sunday morning’s firearm turned out to be unfounded since a genuine firearm wasn’t involved, officers always treat such reports seriously and “take all necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety.”

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Walking a kilometre off road carrying heavy equipment to climb a frozen waterfall sounds challenging, but climber Heidi MacLeod said that’s part of the fun.

LinkedIn is an incredible platform to use in your job search. It combines all you need from networking and researching companies for your job search to job postings. It is also a great tool for small business owners who are looking to grow their businesses. The focus of this article will be on the best ways to maximize your usage of LinkedIn to grow your career and/or find your next role. 

Maximize Your Profile

LinkedIn profiles can provide a lot of information if utilized and some time is invested in the creation of your profile. To start you should have a professional headshot and your job history. List your job history and explain to viewers what you did and accomplished in previous jobs. List your education, volunteer work, and courses you have taken. Unlike the resume, it gives you a lot more room to explain who you are to employers and other connections. Also, take advantage of the about me section. In this section write a few paragraphs about where you have worked and utilized your skills, languages you speak, interests and professional pursuits you have, and anything else you think might be of interest to viewers. Also, in the headline of your profile, don’t just list your current role and company, make a statement, and highlight your strongest skills. 

Job Search on LinkedIn

LinkedIn like most social media networks has an app that you can use on the go. You can search for jobs. You can search by area, keywords, job titles, and skills. LinkedIn can also send you job alerts to your email when job opportunities come up that are within your job search scope. Job postings on LinkedIn often include a detailed description of the company, the job, and how to apply. Some employers allow you to apply directly with your LinkedIn profile, while others will redirect you to their page where you can apply. 

Networking 

Networking is probably the most used function on LinkedIn. It can be a great place to meet other professionals, set up meetings, sell your products, and more. Perhaps you have a profession other than what you currently do of interest, and you want to find out more about that profession. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with others and find out more about that profession. You can view profiles and see what kind of credentials people have. You can also reach out to individuals to have an informational interview. During informational interviews, you will not only gain insight into new professions but will also make professional connections as well. Also, join groups, post regularly about industry-related topics, and comment on other people’s posts. Many times, they will respond to you. As with any networking situation, remember how you can be of service to others, and not just how they can help you. Take your time to build genuine connections and friendships.

Jennifer Bouley is a Career Development Practitioner located in St Stephen. She has a passion for helping others find wellness in their careers, while finding fulfilling jobs. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected].

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A man was seriously injured on Fredericton’s north side Thursday night, police report, and two men from Lower Durham are in custody accused of aggravated assault in the case.

The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Sunday morning about an assault investigation its officers undertook and subsequent arrests from a few days ago.

“On Feb. 20, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the Fredericton Police Force received a 911 call of a reported assault on the city’s north side,” it said.

“Upon arrival, officers found a 58-year-old male with serious injuries. He was transported to hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later released in stable condition.”

The investigation led to the arrests Friday of Steven John Scott, 44, and Soren Crain Scott, 21, both of Lower Durham, the release said, noting the pair has been charged with aggravated assault and uttering threats.

The two men were remanded, the police reported, presumably for bail hearings.

“The Fredericton Police Force assures the public that there is no risk to public safety as a result of this incident,” the release said.

“The individuals involved were known to each other, and this was an isolated incident. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.”

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Ramona Nicholas, an elder and sweat lodge keeper for Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation, knows there can be fear associated with the sweat lodge, but she wants to send a message: come as you are.

How many times have you looked in the fridge or freezer hoping a ready-made meal would magically appear?

Food delivery services and prepackaged meal kits promising quick, easy, delicious meals are popular but come at cost.

Sure, they save time and effort but they can be grocery budget busters. What if you could have ready-made meals waiting at home when you want them? How convenient would it be to pop a breakfast sandwich into the microwave on those busy mornings when you’re rushing to get out the door?

How about taking a homemade and satisfying lunch with you to work rather than paying for overpriced, underwhelming fast food?

And there would be no need to pick up an expensive pizza on your way home from work because you’d already have one you’ve made yourself for pennies on the dollar waiting for you at home.

A little time in the kitchen will deliver huge food savings. By preparing these homemade convenience foods, you can also save time and eat healthier meals.

Prepare full meals in advance and freeze them for reheating. This can easily be done simply by doubling up on a recipe. Make one for now and freeze one for later. Or schedule a few hours where you prepare meals for the week. This time and effort will be well worth it. You won’t have to think about what’s to eat because your meals will be waiting for you whenever you want to eat them. You’ll also notice how much money you’re saving on prepackaged, store-bought convenience meals and take out.
Here are a few recipes for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to try:

Freezer-Friendly Breakfast Burritos
Ingredients:
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
• 1 cup cooked breakfast meat (sausage, bacon, or ham)
• 1 cup diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Scramble in a pan over medium heat.
2. Remove eggs and sauté vegetables until softened.
3. Warm tortillas, then layer eggs, vegetables, meat, and cheese.
4. Roll burritos tightly, wrapping in foil or plastic wrap.
5. Freeze in a zip-top bag.

Microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet for a crispy texture.
Lunch/dinner salads and protein bowls.
Salads and protein bowls make quick, healthy lunch and dinner options.
Salads in jars are a great way to prepare fresh, portable, and long-lasting meals. The key to making them successfully is layering ingredients properly to keep everything crisp and fresh.

How to Layer a Salad in a Jar
1. Dressing (Bottom Layer): Add about 2 tablespoons of dressing to the jar. This prevents the greens from getting soggy.
2. Hearty Vegetables: Add firm veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, or red onions. These serve a barrier between the dressing and the softer ingredients.
3. Proteins & Grains: Include ingredients like grilled chicken, beans, tofu, quinoa, pasta, or chickpeas.
4. Soft Vegetables & Fruits: Add ingredients like avocado, berries, or corn.
5. Leafy Greens (Top Layer): Finish with lettuce, spinach, kale, or arugula. This prevents wilting by keeping the greens away from moisture.
6. Crunchy Toppings (Added Later): Nuts, seeds, or croutons should be added just before eating for maximum crunch.
Tips for Success
• Use a Mason Jar: Wide-mouth jars make layering and eating easier.
• Pack Tightly: Less air helps keep ingredients fresh.
• Store in the Fridge: Most salads last 3-5 days when stored properly.
Protein bowls are a nutritious and balanced meal option, combining a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They typically include a protein source, grains or greens, vegetables, and healthy toppings like nuts, seeds, or dressings.

How to Build a Protein Bowl
1. Base (Grains or Greens)
• Brown rice, quinoa, couscous, farro
• Spinach, kale, arugula, romaine
2. Protein
• Animal-Based: Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak, eggs
• Plant-Based: Chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, lentils
3. Vegetables
• Roasted or raw: Bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado
• Cooked: Sweet potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli
4. Healthy Fats & Extras
• Nuts & seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds
• Cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, Parmesan
• Avocado, hummus, guacamole
5. Dressing or Sauce

Whether premade or homemade dressings and sauces add a depth of flavour which will enhance your protein bowl meal.

Laverne Stewart has spent her entire career as a writer, journalist, and communications professional.She’s won multiple literary and journalism awards for her work. After a year in radio, she made the move to TV news, spending 11 years with CTV in Halifax, Saint John, and Fredericton. Stewart has also worked in government communications, most recently in the Office of the Premier. Stewart is a published author and now works on feature stories from her community and beyond. Her life is full and happy thanks to the people who are in it. She is married to her husband Robert. She is mother to Mary Louise and Nicolas. Also included in her family is Sally, a Labrador retriever, and three cats; Dusty, Joe, and Clancy. She can be reached at [email protected].

RinkWatch helps draw awareness to the everyday effects of climate change by focusing on the changes to outdoor hockey played by families across Canada and the United States.