RVS Feb 2025 Vol 7 Iss 2

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Woodstock sues consulting firm involved in failed Grafton well site

Town seeking to recoup millions spent on design and build of unusable second water source

By Jim Dumville - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock has taken legal action to recoup at least a portion of the millions of dollars spent to design and build a failed second well to secure a dependable water source for the next several decades.

The town filed a statement of claim against Dillon Consulting Limited on Dec. 31 in the Court of King’s Bench in Woodstock.

While the statement doesn’t specify the amount of money the town hopes to recoup, the suit seeks construction costs, damages for additional expenses, court costs and potentially additional costs. The lawsuit is the latest chapter in a project that dates back over a decade. It swung from high hopes to a major disappointment as the town sought to secure a dependable backup water source to its main well located on a St. John

River island in Lower Woodstock.

Council launched the search for a second water supply in 2014 after a severe ice jam knocked out the causeway and power grid to the town’s main well, leaving the town without water. While town and NB Power crews managed to limit the amount of time Woodstock residents spent without water, the experience demonstrated The

See LAWSUIT on pg. 2

years for kidnapping, violent assault

Judge tells Rodney Butler his actions caused “horrible effects” for victims and his family

By Judy Cole

Rodney Butler was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on eight charges related to the kidnapping and violent assault of a Scott Siding man in 2021 when he appeared in court on Feb. 10.

Butler, 50, of Bulls Creek, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for his sentencing on Feb. 10. In addition to his prison sentence, Chief Judge Brian C. McLean

ordered him to register with the federal DNA database and prohibited him from firearms for life.

Judge McLean told the court Butler’s violent actions created “horrible effects” for his victims and others in the community, including his own family. Butler’s young son is now left without both of his parents.

“Mr. Butler lost his spouse and he will be incarcerated away from his son during his formative years,” McLean stated.

Christine PelletierThibodeau died from a gunshot wound to the neck during a shootout outside Butler’s residence on the night of the kidnapping. Her family blames Butler for her death. No charges related to her killing have been laid. RCMP charged Butler with intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless as to the life and safety of another person, indictable assault, uttering threats, using a handgun to kidnap Chris Demer-

chant, unlawful confinement, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, possession of a firearm without a licence, and illegal possession of a firearm in a vehicle on Nov. 13, 2021, at Bulls Creek. Butler had a limited prior criminal record.

Judge McLean found him guilty on all eight counts after a five-day trial.

On Monday, the court

Grafton wellhouse sits idle as the town of Woodstock sues Dillon Consulting to recoup some of the millions of dollars spent to design and build a failed second water source in Grafton. (File photo)

LAWSUIT

Continued from page 1

the town’s precarious position because of a single water source.

Woodstock consulting engineer Ken Hannah began the search for a second water source shortly after the 2014 scare. Dillon Consulting became involved after purchasing Hannah’s consulting firm.

In its statement of claim, Woodstock legal representative Stewart McLevey noted the town retained Dillon Consulting in early 2017 to design and construct a Grafton wellhouse with a manganese treatment plant, septic system and water transmission to connect to the Grafton well.

The town claims Dillon identified Grafton as the most suitable site for the town’s second well.

The town and Dillon agreed the Grafton well could support the Woodstock water supply on its own if required.

With Dillon in charge, the town completed the design and construction in 2021.

With funding support from provincial and federal governments, the town invested an estimated $4 million in the project.

The project appeared to be heading in the right direction as the work to bring the well online showed initial promise. In February 2020, then-Carleton MLA Stewart Fairgrieve and Andrea Anderson-Mason, the New Brunswick minister for the Regional Development Corporation at the time, joined then-Mayor Art Slipp to announce RDC’s contribution of $800,000 to the $2.4 million portion of the well project at the time.

A River Valley Sun story at the time announced a pending $900,000 in federal funding for the

project.

The story, however, began to sour in 2021, following the completion of the project. According to Woodstock’s statement of claim, Dillon discovered water tests indicating water quality, including high salinity and hardness, fell short of meeting standards. Dillon began remedial efforts.

The town contends that Dillon confirmed to the town in the spring of 2023 that the well could not be used in its current state.

The town told the court in its statement that it contracted CBCL in April 2024 to carry out further tests of the Grafton Well water. The CBCL report indicated the water was safe to drink only when pumped at a low volume.

“CBCL further found that the water would not be of a standard expected of residents for the same reasons identified by the Defendant (Dillon), and should not be blended with the existing water supply,” the town said in its legal statement.

According to the town’s claim, salvaging the Grafton well would require a $5 million treatment plant, costing between $300,000 and $400,000 annually to operate.

Concerns surrounding Woodstock’s deteriorating water supply remain an ongoing issue for staff and council. The town is currently debating water and sewer rate changes, which deliver significant rate hikes for many residents.

Meanwhile, Woodstock CAO Allan Walker and Utilities Director John Lyons recently updated the council on significant infrastructure projects to address areas of concern. Those upgrades included drilling a test well near, but separate, from the town’s main well but from the same water source.

Town officials acknowledged that these utility upgrades would drain available capital and hinder finding the available funding to build the required $5 million treatment plant in Grafton, as well as the extensive annual operating costs.

The town’s statement of claim calls on the court to award the town financial relief from Dillon, citing several failures by the consulting firm.

The town said Dillon’s failures included:

– Deciding to continue the construction of the well in the Grafton location despite concerns raised with water quality;

– Failing to construct a water treatment facility with the Grafton Well to mitigate the water quality issues;

– Failing to bring the

water quality concerns to the Plaintiff (town) in a timely fashion;

– Failing to employ agents, contractors and/ or subcontractors with the required expertise to construct a well and water treatment facility;

– Failing to follow the Plaintiff’s instructions with respect to the construction of the Grafton Well, and

– Such further and other particulars of Negligence as may become known.

Based on what it identified as the consulting firm’s failures, the town asked the court to award the following:

– Special damages for the extra expenses incurred by the Plaintiff to remediate and/replace the Grafton Well;

– Damages for the breach of contract and Negligence;

– Damage

– The cost of this action

– Such other and further relief as the Honourable Court may deem just.

Dillon Consulting has not yet filed a response to Woodstock’s statement of claim.

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Hartland Covered Bridge remains closed

Concern mounts over repairs as tourist season approaches

By James Ness

The world’s longest covered bridge in Hartland remains closed indefinitely, and concern is mounting with the fastapproaching 2025 tourism season. The 1,282-footlong (391-metre) structure is a popular destination for tourists, with visiting tour buses, vehicles, and cyclists being a common sight in the town of less than 1,000. However, with age comes wear and tear, and the frequency of closures of the 124-year-old bridge has increased over time. With no set completion date for repairs to trusses, roof, and steel supports, the closure, now in its

fourth month, has become the longest in the memory of many locals. The current issues were caused by ice floes building up pressure against steel jacks installed to deal with other ongoing repairs. These jacks needed to be removed, and now the bridge, while not in any imminent danger of collapse, cannot be reopened for traffic until the safety mechanisms are back in place. The New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) has not provided a timeline for reopening. A recent CBC News report noted that DTI officials said work will continue throughout 2025.

“We have heard nothing from the Department of Transportation,” said Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant regarding a timeline for the bridge’s reopening. “There is a second bridge, but with extra fuel and gas prices… we are hoping it’ll be open by the summer,” she said, adding that this was the longest closure she could remember.

“We are seeing more concern in customers,” said Kali Ketch, a supervisor at Hartland Freshmart, whose front doors are mere metres from the covered bridge. “They are asking when it’s going to be open, how long it’s going to be closed for, but we don’t know at all.”

Ketch noted that she hadn’t noticed less business than usual for the time being.

Kimberlee Brake, who lives a few hundred metres from the bridge on the opposite side of the St. John River, said she isn’t quite inconvenienced yet.

“It’s a little annoying to have to drive up (to the other bridge) and around, but it’s fine, for now. But how long will this last? The bridge is an important part of our community.”

The River Valley Sun contacted DTI about this story but has not yet received a response.

The Hartland Covered Bridge was officially opened in 1901; however, the first person to cross

the bridge happened months before. An emergency on the opposite side of the river caused workers to place planks down on the bridge so the local doctor could cross on his buggy.

It was designated a National Historic Site in

1977 and named a Provincial Historic Site in 1999. In 2023, a “downward bend” was found in a structural survey, causing a temporary closure. The bridge reopened in December of that year but with load-limit reductions.

‘Secret’ will make net-zero potato farms profitable: expert Conference outlines work to lower greenhouse gas emissions at New Brunswick potato farms

By Mark Rickard

Efforts to move New Brunswick potato farms toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 will also make the sector more resilient and profitable, predicted Dr. David Burton, director of the Centre for Sustainable Soil Management of Dalhousie University at the Potatoes New Brunswick conference, trade show and annual general meeting held at the Ayr Motor Centre in Woodstock on Feb. 6.

“The amount of carbon that is being stored in our soils is the secret that is going to get us to net zero. We can adopt management practices to increase the amount of carbon stored in our soil… It will make your farms more resilient to climate change, more fertile and help you with your disease management,”

Dr. Burton told farmers and industry officials. “As we develop systems that increase our carbon storage, increase the resilience of our systems, we generate environmental goods and services. I believe agriculture needs to be paid for the environmental activities we are undertaking.”

Dr. Burton urged growers to stop focusing on maximum yield and instead focus on maximum profit regarding fertilizer applications. He said efforts to improve cover crops and rotational crops on potato farms are making large strides toward increasing carbon storage. But if farmers don’t quantify these actions, there is no value for consumers.

“We need to make that information available, so we get credit for what we do… We need good data to convince farmers and others of that,” he said. “Documenting allows us to communicate with buyers that ‘I am implementing more sustainable practices and that adds value to my crop.’ ”

The soil scientist pointed out that half of the nitrogen consumed by potato plants comes from the soil, “not from the bag,” and farmers need to test and report that data on their farms.

“There are tremendous variabilities in field to field, and right now we are considering all fields (on a farm) are the same… That’s nitrogen we are wasting,” he said. “Part of this process of improvement in nitrogen management is generating documentation, to show consumers what you are doing and why it adds value to your crop.”

Tracking environmental metrics

Mohamed Yaghi, VP of Innovation Hub for Farm Credit Canada, told farmers the industry is already doing a lot that will help farming remain profitable in the future.

“Farmers are the folk the connect this country together. Farming is critical to our identity,” Yaghi said. “Farmers and ranchers across Canada are critical to our sustainability story. We have an amazing story to tell, but sometimes its just not as published as it should be.”

Yaghi cited a McMaster University study that

Tyler McKenzie from Potatoes New Brunswick’s

outlines the latest research on PVY potato virus strains

a conference, trade show, and annual general meeting held

(Mark Rickard photo)

determined Canadian farmland has 25 years of manmade emissions sequestered in the soil. He said the challenge is how farmers get paid for what greenhouse gas emissions they reduce and sequester on their farms. Yaghi urged farmers to invest in a sound data collection system.

“It’s incredible what farmers are doing today. We are stewards of the land, we are critical to our nation’s success when it comes to emissions. To tell our story, we need to be compensated for it.”

Yaghi pointed to the growing prevalence of New Brunswick shelter belts and linear tree and shrub plantings on crop and livestock lands as an environmental practice that needs to be measured and monitored.

“New Brunswick is first

in the nation putting up shelter belts. There has been a 260 per cent increase in no tillage, and only 3.7 per cent of New Brunswick (greenhouse gas) emissions comes from agriculture. You are continuing to adopt these practices.”

Yaghi told farmers they need to quantify everything that happens on the farm, especially before implementing new sustainable practices, to prove the environmental gains to businesses and consumers.

“Start tracking those metrics, it will benefit you in the long term… This is missed opportunity for a lot of us. If you aren’t tracking the progress you are making on your farm, in the future when there are more incentives and rewards, you might miss an opportunity,” he said.

“Agriculture compared to any other industry, are decreasing our emissions and increasing our carbon sequestration as well.”

The innovation expert said that in the future, industries will be willing to pay farms for their carbon sequestration and pay a premium to produc-

ers who can prove their crop was grown sustainably.

“Document and measure everything. It’s fun to say we are doing this, but we will have to prove it. We are already doing this today, but we have to combine all this information together.”

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The Hartland Covered Bridge, seen here on N.B Day, 2024, remains closed as repairs are expected to continue throughout 2025. (Jim Dumville photo)

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in New Brunswick. Potatoes New Brunswick hosted

at the Ayr Motor Centre in Woodstock on Feb. 6.

BUTLER

Continued from page 1

heard Butler struggled with depression and personal loss, including other family and friends he served with in the United States military. His presentence report revealed he had been gainfully employed for most of his life and remained compliant with his release order during the lengthy court process.

Judge McLean recommended Butler seek help for substance abuse, grief and mental health counselling. He noted Butler showed remorse and took responsibility for his crimes. Police never recovered the loaded handgun used in the kidnapping.

There was testimony during the trial that Butler shot Pelletier-Thibodeau accidentally during the mayhem. Butler refuted that evidence, saying he believed she was shot by one of two intruders on his property who came to rescue Demerchant and fired shots at his house.

Pelletier-Thibodeau was the first to see movement outside their residence. She was armed with a loaded shotgun when she stepped out the basement door and fired several shots into the yard. Minutes later, she fell to the ground, fatally wounded.

On Jan. 13, Butler was jailed to await sentencing. (His 27 days in remand will be applied to his 10-year sentence). At that court appearance, he told Judge McLean he took part in the shootout, but he was not responsible for her death.

“I fired at random but they shot her,” Butler contended. “I wish I had stepped out that door first.”

Butler expanded further about the fateful day, revisiting details about picking up Demerchant in Scotts Siding, as well as shots fired in the woods at Ryan Purvis, Demerchant’s friend, and the vehicle chase that followed. (Purvis got away but died later in an unrelated drowning in Woodstock).

“The biggest regret of my life is what transpired,” Butler stated. “I wasn’t the only one involved, but I’m the only one left standing. For three years, this has been hanging over my head. I’ve worked hard and never had any serious problems with the law. I just wish I had stayed home (that day).”

Defence Counsel Alex Pate asked the court to extend compassion to Butler, who was “heartbroken” over the death of

his former partner, who “died in his arms.”

“She was a party to the offence, but she didn’t deserve that,” said Pate.

The defence argued Butler’s actions were not pre-meditated, explaining he decided to confront Demerchant on the spur of the moment and while under the influence of drugs. Pate said Butler’s problem with Demerchant was about an unpaid debt, and tensions grew as the day unfolded.

Crown Prosecutor Rodney Jordan stressed Butler’s crimes were “violent and serious,” leading to a stand-off and shootout, which ended in gunfire and death. He argued Pelletier-Thibodeau’s demise could not be considered a mitigating factor because she was a party to the offences.

During the trial, Chris Demerchant testified he believed he was taken to Butler’s residence at Bulls Creek to be executed.

“He held a gun to my head and told me a human being skinned out looks like a bear skinned out,” Demerchant said during the trial. “I feared for my life.”

Clutching his hat in his hand, Demerchant spoke calmly from the witness stand and went through the events of the day ending in PelletierThibodeau’s death. He testified he was sitting at home at his kitchen table with two friends when Butler and Pelletier-Thibodeau arrived just after supper.

Butler was angry. He stabbed a knife into the table, head-butted Demerchant in the face and pulled out a handgun.

“I said I don’t know who you are,” Demerchant recalled. “He went crazy. He lost his mind.”

At the time, Demerchant and Butler were close friends and worked together tearing apart old vehicles for scrap metal. Butler operated a salvage yard around his home.

The day before the shooting, Demerchant and another friend, Ryan Purvis (now deceased), were in Butler’s yard when an argument began at the end of the driveway.

Butler and Purvis were yelling at each other about a licence plate. In his statement to the police, Demerchant said he heard Purvis make threats toward Butler. Purvis then left on foot and caught a ride back to Demerchant’s home in Scott Siding. Purvis was living there at the time.

The next day, Butler and Pelletier-Thibodeau

showed up at Demerchant’s home looking for Purvis. Demerchant told them Purvis was up the road in the woods near Benton to jump-start a car. The two men had spent the day cutting fir tips. Butler said he wanted to go find Purvis.

“He told me I was going with him,” Demerchant testified.

Demerchant said they loaded him into the backseat of PelletierThibodeau’s Ford Escape at gunpoint. Butler sat next to him. As the vehicle started moving, Butler pistol-whipped Demerchant around the head with a nine-millimetre handgun and threatened to shoot him in the knee. Thibodeau was behind the wheel at the time while Butler’s friend, Timothy Grant, was in the front passenger seat.

A few minutes later, they pulled into the wooded area where Purvis was located. Butler got out of the vehicle, and Demerchant heard a series of 10 gunshots. Then Demerchant saw Purvis speed off in the van he borrowed to boost his car. Butler returned to the backseat of the Ford Escape, and they raced off after Purvis toward Scott Siding.

Demerchant said he was “dazed up” and bleeding profusely when he looked up from the backseat and saw he was back home. There was no sign of Purvis. He saw his van parked in the driveway go into reverse, strike a mailbox and go into a ditch.

Demerchant said he tried to get out of the Ford Escape at that point but fell to the ground. Then Butler and PelletierThibodeau attacked him with their boots.

“I took a shit-kicking on the road,” Demerchant told the court. “It was a pretty good beating.”

Demerchant struggled to his feet, and they loaded him back into the Ford Escape. Butler was next to him again in the backseat. PelletierThibodeau was still driving with Timothy Grant in the front passenger seat. They headed for Earle DeLong’s residence at Dead Creek.

Everyone went inside. Butler told Demerchant to go wash the blood off his face. Then Butler took him to the kitchen and sat him on the floor. PelletierThibodeau began poking Demerchant with a shotgun and threatened to cut his throat. Other people were in the room at the time, but no one had said a word about what was

happening.

A few minutes later, Butler, PelletierThibodeau and Demerchant climbed back into the Ford Escape and drove to Bulls Creek about 20 minutes away. This time, Timothy Grant was not in the vehicle, having left the area on foot.

“I asked them to take me home,” Demerchant said about the ride to Bulls Creek. “I said this is crazy.”

At Butler’s residence, they all went into the basement. Demerchant sat on a wooden chair in the dark. He had a beer and waited. Butler kept the handgun on him while PelletierThibodeau continued to jab him with a shotgun. He looked around the room and saw another gun, noting Butler was ex-military. His phone rang. It was his brother, Troy Demerchant.

“They told me to tell him I’m alright, don’t worry about it,” Demerchant testified. “I had a gun to the side of my head.”

Soon after the phone call, Troy Demerchant drove into Butler’s driveway in his truck. Troy Demerchant shouted for Butler. In response, Pelletier-Thibodeau and Butler both opened fire into the yard. Suddenly, Pelletier- Thibodeau was hit.

“When she got shot, everything went silent,” Chris Demerchant testified. “That’s when I got out of there.”

As Demerchant ran past Pelletier-Thibodeau, he heard her say: “You shot me Rodney.”

“He shot her in the back of the neck,” Demerchant told the court.

Demerchant said he

ran outside and down the driveway. His brother, Troy, was still under gunfire when he yelled for him to call 911. Demerchant said he took refuge in a ditch and then went to a neighbour to get a ride home to Scott Siding. There was no one home when he arrived.

He sat by his video surveillance monitor, watched and waited.

The next morning, the RCMP was in his yard. They took him to the police station. Paramedics checked him and later went to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. He said his recovery was long and painful.

Demerchant admitted he had a prior criminal record. Several photos of his head, neck and facial injuries were entered into evidence by the crown, along with other photos of a bloody backseat in the Ford Escape, the

yard and basement at Butler’s residence and the area outside Demerchant’s house in Scott Siding.

Under cross examination, Demerchant testified he did not hear any exchange of gunfire even though a window in a door leading to Butler’s basement was shattered as if someone had shot at the house. Demerchant said he did not know if Purvis was outside with his brother. After Pelletier-Thibodeau was shot, he said he ran for safety. He could still hear gunfire behind him as he fled toward the road.

In rendering his verdict, Judge McLean described the trial as a “saga about the aftermath of a feud” over vehicles for salvage and bad feelings between Butler, Ryan Purvis, and Demerchant that escalated into violence and revenge.

Outreach offers free, confidential support to someone living with, leaving, or has left an intimate-partner violent relationship, or has been sexually assaulted, or knows someone who needs support. Valley Outreach offers support from Nackawic to Plaster Rock. For more information, please contact Manon Albert, Valley Outreach Coordinator, by calling 1-506328-9680, or text 1-506-328-7246, or email valleyoutreach@nb.aibn.com or reach out on Facebook Messenger.

Woodstock Living Free Alcoholics

Rodney Butler and his late partner Christine PelletierThibodeau. (Photo submitted)

Nanotech could make spud growers’ thumb greener

Nano-fertilizers made of marine waste might soon be applied to local potato fields

By Mark Rickard

New Brunswick potato farmers were told a potential solution to the problems of fertilizer runoff and nitrogen from fertilizer releasing into the atmosphere could be found at the bottom of the ocean using nanotechnology at the Potatoes New Brunswick Conference and Trade Show held at the AYR Motor Centre in Woodstock on Feb. 6.

Dr. Gurpreet Singh Selopal, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, explained to potato growers and industry officials how research into nano-fertilizer made from oyster shells could boost potato production and make crops more sustainable.

“Our (global) population is growing exponentially, and this growing population will need more food…. Roughly 10 per cent of the global population doesn’t have enough food,” Selopal said. “We have to tackle this challenge… by boosting crop production while retaining our sustainability.”

The promise of nanofertilizer takes advantage of the unique properties of nanoparticles, objects measuring less than 100 nanometres (a nanometre is one billionth of a metre). Selopal said the nano-fertilizer developed in his lab hinders the release of nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, one of the deadliest greenhouse gases attributed to climate change.

“We use marine waste to develop our nano-fertilizer. Researchers based their fertilizer on oyster shells, a plentiful and affordable byproduct of the marine food industry,” Selopal said.

Oyster shells are ground into a powder, and organic nutrients are added to the mixture. Researchers engineer their shape, size, and composition to tailor a fertilizer to individual fields. Organic nano-fertilizers release nutrients slowly over time, reducing run-off and nitrous oxide production while providing plant nutrients throughout the growing season.

The naturally sourced fertilizer also improves soil health after harvest by inhibiting nitrogen release. The lab is developing nano-fertilizers for both soil and foliage applications.

The researcher said leaching tests using New Brunswick soils in the lab showed the nano-fertilizer exhibited better control of leaching and needed much lower applications than traditional fertilizers to produce optimal yields. Crops fertilized with nanotechnology can be consumed immediately.

“We are now ready to test our nano-fertilizer in the field,” he said. “It’s completely eco-friendly… It’s a promising tool to boost crop production in a sustainable way.”

Expanding markets

and customers

Potatoes New Brunswick will continue work to expand its market reach and diversify its customer base, Ryan Culberson, PNB chairman, said in his chairman’s report during the association’s annual general meeting at the trade show.

“Our team has worked diligently to strengthen and promote the potato industry in New Brunswick… 2024 was a year of growth, resilience and accomplishments for PNB. With the unwavering dedication of our members and stakeholders, we are confident in our continued journey to support and project the New Brunswick potato industry,” the report said.

Culberson said Potatoes New Brunswick will strengthen sustainable farming practices, promote environmentally responsible solutions, and invest in research and innovation to boost quality and productivity.

“We successfully expanded our market reach (in 2024) which led to increased sales and new export opportunities… creating a growing demand for New Brunswick potatoes,” Culberson said in his report. “Potatoes New Brunswick continued its advocacy efforts to represent our members at the provincial and federal levels. We worked closely with policymakers to address industry concerns and needs.”

Culberson acknowledged the industry had

veloping efficient and eco-friendly

for the New Brunswick potato industry at the Potatoes New Brunswick conference, trade show and annual general meeting held at Woodstock’s AYR Motor Centre on Feb. 6. (Mark

to contend with a new provincial government, weather issues, market fluctuations and regulatory changes.

The N.B. Potato Shippers Association, N.B. Seed Potato Growers Association, Processing Advisory Committee,

photo) and Agricultural Certification Services Inc., all part of Potatoes New Brunswick associations and committee network, presented annual reports at the meeting.

The 2025 Potatoes New Brunswick board executive includes

Ryan Culberson, chairman; Jan Rademaker, vice-chairman; and Charles Culberson, treasurer. Directors include Gilles Godbout, Denis Levesque; Andrew Givskud, Louis Laforge, Robert Culberson and Richard Strang.

Dr. Gurpreet Singh Selopal from Dalhousie University explains how his lab is de-

nano-fertilizer

Rickard

McCain Foods honours employee milestones Company recognizes ‘passion, teamwork and

RIVER VALLEY SUN

At a recent holiday event, McCain Foods took a moment to honour the remarkable achievements of their team members who have reached significant milestones in their journey with McCain.

The company said their dedication and commitment reflect the company’s core beliefs “bringing out the best in their people and highlighting the shared values that unite them all. In marking the milestones, they recognized employees’ passion, teamwork, and excellence.” A McCain news release said this dedication drives their success and strengthens the legacy they’re building together.

Each was thanked for all they do to make McCain a place where people and ideas thrive.

10 Years: Cindy Chamberland, Leo Clark, Roger Clark, Samuel Delano, Mitchell Denny, Leah Foster, Collett Mabhena, Brian McCain, Bobbi Miller, Christopher Muxworthy, Nadia Power, James Racette, Mary Sinclair, Douglas Sparks, Sterling Springer, Matt Warren, and Darlene Younker.

15 Years:

Teresa Adams, Warren Boone, Clay Brink, Chris Bursey, Bryce Drummond, Morgan Elsemore, Shaun Farrar, Matthew Flewelling, Justin Giberson, Ashley Lake, Douglas Lamont, Troy Lee, Kelly Love, Trudy McBrine-Cox, Holly Gallant Piper, Tia St-Amand, Michael Stoddard, Paul Tat -

lock, William Tibbets, Dharmesh Vekaria and Dana Wheeler.

20 Years: Kevin Booker, Scott Brownridge, Tammy Chambers, Kelly Crossman, George Daneluk, Danny Dugan, Nick Everett, Cindy Graham, Lynda Graham, Kevin Harris, Sara Levesque, Patricia MacDonald, Kate MacKenzie, Walter McDougall, Jedd Miller, Chris Monteith, David O’Donnell, Jim Pryde, Jody Ryan, Brandie Simonson, Erica Smith, Karen Southan, Allan Tibbets, Shawn Tompkins, and Lisa Wortman.

30 Years: Ronald Broad, Peter Giberson, Trevor Hughes, Jason McMann, John Morris, Wanda Seely, Carla Smith, Chris Stairs, Robert Trainor, and Meg White.

35 Years:

Finlay Beaton, Rick Black, Marsha Boxwell, Chris Brooks, Sylvia Bryant, Cory Cahill, Brian Crockett, James Ferguson, Virginia Gray, Robert Green, Almedia Guest, Mark Jones, Kenneth Jones, Eric Ritchie, Phillip Rogers, and Gail Seely.

40 Years: Robert Heath, Shelley Murphy-Hayden, and Lionel Pryor.

45 Years: Roger Brown, Glen Cormier, Jimmy Lappage, Wayne Phillips, and Garry Wortman.

50 Years: Peter DeMerchant

25 Years:

A gala celebration for those who reached their 25th anniversary will take place in June 2025 in Fredericton.

Award recipients from across the Florenceville campus are: Angel Anderson, Jody Anderson, Opal Black, David Brennan,

Broad, Nicole Brown, Chris Budrow, Mac Carmichael, Michael Chambers, Marsha Cullins, Corey Demerchant, Aaron Dickson, Jill Ebbett, Marilyn Giggie, Steven Hunter, Laura Kavanaugh, Jeremy Kennedy, Dana Kenneson, Yves LeClerc, Sean Loughery, Margo Lunn, Sean McLeod, Darryl Miller, Rob Moorcroft, Vickie Nicholson, Heather Reid, Fraser Stark, Denise Tompkins, Amy Warren, Shianne Waye, Robert Wortman and Pam Wright.

Peter DeMerchant celebrated 50 years of service. Back row: Brian Ruff, Stephen McCain, Peter DeMerchant, Victoria Gibson, Kevin Perkins. Seated: Peter West, Brian McCain. (Submitted photo)

Barbara

Four plant employees reached the 45 year award mark. Back row: Marc Kilfoil, Stephen McCain, Rodney Norquay, Peter Kingston, Brian McCain, Rebecca Shave. Seated (all 45 year award recipients): Roger Brown, Glen Cormier, Jimmy Lappage, Wayne Phillips. (Submitted photo)

Recycling for multi-family units set to roll out this summer

Curbside recycling for apartments in St. John River Valley voluntary for landlords

By Theresa Blackburn

Residents in multi-unit dwellings like townhouses and apartment buildings will have curbside recycling by the summer.

Circular Materials Atlantic, which has the recycling contract for the St. John River Valley, asked multi-unit landlords to sign up for the service by Jan. 31 to ensure their buildings can get recycling pickups in May. Multi-unit owners and managers in the region who may have missed the first deadline can now sign up before May 30 to ensure they get service by Nov. 1.

“Circular Materials is encouraged by the high uptake we’ve seen in this first phase of registrations across the province. We recognize it will be a phased process to make owners and landlords

aware, answer their questions and bring them onto the program. That is why the registry will always be open, and we look forward to announcing future service cadences,” said Andrew Philopoulos, Managing Director, Atlantic, Circular Materials.

The organization is encouraging multi-family landlords and managers to register at circularmaterials.ca/NBMultifam.

Leading up to the new service, large community recycle bins located throughout the river valley have been removed, leaving apartment dwellers without a recycling option until late spring.

“It was a board decision, a budget decision,” said Fred ThompsonBrown, Director of Environmental Health and Public Safety for the

Western Valley Regional Service Commission.

Seven recycle bins were stationed in Woodstock, Perth-Andover, Florenceville-Bristol, Meductic, Canterbury, and North Lake.

“The cost of that service doubled in price, and there had been issues with them, as well,” he added, noting that regular garbage and items that can’t be recycled, like vinyl siding, were often stuffed into the bins.

Those looking for an alternative way to recycle until the new multi-unit bins are installed in late spring are out of luck.

Even if you live in an apartment and save your recyclables, the Southern Valley Transfer Station, operated by J.S. Bellis, can’t legally accept mate

Celebrating Black Heritage Month Exhibit celebrates

culture, history, music

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Black music, art, and culture will be at the forefront of celebrating Black Heritage Month at the historic Connell House in Woodstock.

A unique event sponsored by G.L.A.M.P. Inc., the Legacy Art Exhibit, on Feb. 19 and 20, will honour the accomplishments of AfroCanadian, Caribbean and African individuals.

Tanika Chambers, founder of G.H.A.M.P. Inc. and creator of E.X.H.A.L.E All WellBeing, encourages everyone to take in the exhibit to celebrate di-

versity and heritage.

“This event is open to all, regardless of racial background, as we believe in the power of unity and shared learning,” said Chalmers. She explained that The Legacy Exhibit would serve as an enlightening platform for the younger generation, offering them a chance to delve into the rich history and significant achievements of people of African descent.

The exhibit, open both days from 4 to 7 p.m., includes a musical performance by re -

nowned pianist Robert Chambers.

“He will take us on a musical journey, playing an array of compositions by Black Jazz maestros,” said Tanika Chambers.

She noted that The Legacy Art Exhibit will be held at the esteemed Connell House, the home of the Carleton County Historical Society.

Admission will be by donation, making it accessible for everyone to participate and appreciate the contributions of Black heritage.

rial ‘off the street.’ “We have machinery in that area all the time. It’s not safe to have folks coming in and dumping recyclables,” said Randy McLean, J.S. Bellis Operations Manager.

Municipalities in the St. John River Valley have not made it mandatory for multi-family units to institute curbside recycling, but Thompson-Brown hopes many landlords register for the service.

“It’s a win-win,” he said. “There is no cost to property owners, and it will reduce their own waste amounts, which will cost them less (for garbage removal) in the end.”

(Circular Materials Atlantic photo)

TAKONUTOMAKONUWAL

Indigenous News and Features Sponsored by Wotstak (Woodstock) First Nation

Judge should have shut door to expropriation in title claim: firms

Three timber companies, including H.J. Crabbe, upset over lower court ruling

By John Chilibeck – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Daily Gleaner

The Wolastoqey Na-

tion’s title claim for more than half of New Brunswick was in court again, this time because three timber firms are upset about a lower court ruling that did not explicitly state their big swaths of land won’t be taken from them someday.

J.D. Irving, H.J. Crabbe and Sons, and Acadian Timber each presented separate motions on Friday before the Court of Appeal of New Brunswick, asking it to revisit a decision by Justice Kathryn Gregory of the Court of King’s Bench last November.

They didn’t like her ruling because, although the judge agreed that the industrial defendants and everyday private property owners must be removed from the Wolastoqey lawsuit, their land is still part of the title claim.

She also wrote in her judgment that in the future, it’s possible the Crown - in this case the provincial governmentcould one day expropriate their property and give it to Indigenous communities, whose leaders insist they never surrendered the land on their traditional territory in western New Brunswick where six of their communities are nestled on or near the St. John River, what they call the Wolastoq.

The stakes are high, as it’s a massive amount of land. All told, roughly 253,000 of 283,000 parcels of land are privately owned in the traditional territory of the Wolastoqey people, encompassing 60 per cent of New Brunswick’s geography.

“This is the most im-

portant case of our lifetime,” said Hugh Cameron, the lawyer for Acadian Timber, to the judge before him, Justice Ivan Robichaud, and motioning to others behind him watching.

Seventeen lawyers and two chiefs were jammed inside the small, red-carpeted and ornate courtroom on the upper floor of Fredericton’s old courthouse to make or listen to the arguments. Besides the three firms contesting the proceedings, other companies, such as Irving Oil and Twin Rivers, sent lawyers to observe and take notes.

The Wolastoqey Nation launched the lawsuit in 2020, then substantially amended it in 2021 by adding several industrial defendants, including timber companies and NB Power, which own huge land tracts.

Part of the oddity of Friday’s proceedings was seeing the two sides argue whether the timber firms had won or lost the lower court ruling. The timber firms say they lost, but the Wolastoqey Nation said the timber firms won, while celebrating Gregory’s decision as nuanced and fair.

Chief Allan Polchies of Sitansisk, or St. Mary’s First Nation, who was in court Friday as an observer, has described her ruling as “courageous.”

Cameron said the first part of Justice Gregory’s lengthy judgment was fine until “it took a left turn and took on a life of its own.”

He argued that Gregory had fundamentally erred by creating a possible future claim against

the industrial defendants. He was also adamant that she made a big mistake by not removing the parcel identifiers - or PID - of the firms from the case.

The lawyer explained that businesses use land mortgages to help provide the funds to operate their businesses. If the land ownership is in question, it creates financial headaches.

“Some of the private landowners won’t survive the cost of this litigation, I suspect,” Cameron warned.

The newly elected Holt Liberal government says it doesn’t want to contest the title claim in court, unlike the previous Progressive Conservative government run by Blaine Higgs, which mounted a spirited defence against the lawsuit, arguing everyone’s private property was at stake.

In court Friday, the province’s legal representation was markedly different.

Edward Keyes, an outside counsel hired by the provincial government, told Justice Robichaud that the Crown had an obligation to all parties involved, but it preferred a negotiated settlement.

“Aboriginal title cases are about reconciliation and require nationto-nation discussions,” Keyes said. “That’s best achieved at the negotiation table and not in the courtroom.”

However, he added that the province respected the right of the private landowners and the Wolastoqey Nation to seek justice.

Paul Steep, part of

three-person legal team representing the big firm J.D. Irving, Limited, said Justice Gregory committed a huge legal error by “fashioning on her own a new claim” that the Wolastoqey Nation had never made.

He said when it came to the idea of expropriation, none of the defendants “were given notice of this possibility.” JDI, he pointed out, had been in possession of some of its parcels for more than 100 years.

H.J. Crabbe and Sons, the smallest of the three firms, argued that the Supreme Court of Canada decision in the Marshall-Bernard case of 2005 did not support the Wolastoqey Nation’s territorial claim.

The firm’s lawyer, Alec Cameron - no relation to Hugh Cameron - represented the province of Nova Scotia in that old case, which it won against 35 Mi’kmaq charged with cutting timber without a proper permit. Canada’s top court held that there was no right to commercial logging granted in the Peace and Friendship treaties of 1760.

Cameron warned the massive lawsuit could

take years to litigate and could be “ruinous for a small sawmilling operation” that was also worried about being hit with deeply damaging tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump as early as Saturday.

The Nova Scotia lawyer also said asking the province to sort out whether the industrial firms’ land should be part of the title claim was like “putting the fox in charge of the chicken coop,” because the government is in a “trustee relationship” with the Wolastoqey Nation.

Chief Patricia Bernard of Madawaska First Nation, who was watching the proceedings, bristled at Cameron’s description.

The Wolastoqey Nation argued the defendants could not contest a proceeding which they had won. Gregory removed them from the lawsuit, as they had asked, and said the title claim was strictly between the government and the Wolastoqey Nation.

If it’s proven that the Crown, or the government, shouldn’t have granted the land parcels to the private firms, it would have to find a way

to compensate the Indigenous communities.

“Victors cannot appeal their victories,” said lawyer Renée Pelletier.

Justice Robichaud, who listened intently during the more than three hours of proceedings and occasionally took notes, only asked a single question all day.

As Pelletier brought up other Aboriginal title cases in British Columbia and Ontario that are making their way through the courts, the judge asked her about the possibility of expropriation.

“She made no decision on that,” Pelletier said of Justice Gregory’s lower court ruling.

The lawyer argued that an element of trust was needed to ensure the Wolastoqey Nation and the Crown could work out their differences. But she also said the door to expropriation as a relief measure had to be left open in case the two sides couldn’t work out their differences.

In that case, the timber firms could then apply to the court to block it, she said.

Justice Robichaud reserved his decision on the leave to appeal.

Woodstock council proposes significant hike for water, sewer

More funds needed to repair and upgrade aging system in dire need

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Woodstock resi-

dents currently paying the lowest water and sewer rates, $550 annually, could see their costs jump to $650 in 2025 and $850 by 2028.

During its Jan. 28 council meeting, almost entirely devoted to Woodstock’s at-risk utility system, the council gave the first reading to a bylaw it hopes will add 15 percent to this year’s utility budget.

The Woodstock water and sewer system serves only Woodstock’s Ward 4, the former Woodstock town boundaries.

Mayor Trina Jones and CAO Allan Walker explained the rate proposal, which will see the four-tier system introduced in 2023 change to a single tier over the next four years. The change will see Tier 1 customers, currently paying $550 annually, jump substantially over that period to $850, while Tier 4 customers, presently paying $925 annually, will drop to $850 in 2028.

Jones said she recognizes the rate hike will hit some homeowners hard but noted that the increase is needed to ensure the town’s water and sewer are up to standard. She added that even after the town reaches the $850 annual target in 2028, Woodstock residents will still be paying approximately $2.30 per day, which is well below the provincial average.

“We understand

these are big leaps for our community members who have been treated for a long, long time, decades, with extraordinarily cheap water, the reality of that is we can’t keep pace with that or we won’t have water,” Jones said.

The evening’s discussion of utilities began with Utilities Director John Lyons offering a detailed review of the town’s water and sewer system, which he said is in severe jeopardy without significant upgrades.

Offering an overview of the entire system, Lyons outlined several critical infrastructure upgrades required in the short term and an overall upgrade of the aging water and sewer system over the next several years.

He said failure to address the problems puts the town’s water and sewer system at risk.

Lyons explained that the town currently relies on one well—Well # 2— to provide its water. He explained that Well # 1, located in the same well house, is no longer operational. He said that the town is in the process of drilling Well #3, located near the operating well house, adding that the effort will continue when warmer temperatures make it possible. Well # 3 will draw from the same source of water.

The town’s effort to find a second well source abruptly stopped in 2023 when testing showed water from a

new well in Grafton unusable.

The town and other levels of government spent approximately $4 million to build the Grafton well.

Mayor Jones explained that the council approved legal action against the consulting firm overseeing the project to recoup the money invested in the Grafton well.

“We have hired legal counsel to represent us in our claim against Dillon with respect to their work on the project,” she announced. “A Notice of Action was filed with the court on December 30, 2024. A corresponding Statement of Claim will be filed no later than January 29, 2025. At this point in time, there is nothing else to report.”

The proposed rate hikes follow several months of reviews, changes, and overhauls of the town’s utility department and system.

In 2023, the council approved a change in the billing system from a metered system to flat rates despite significant public backlash. The town implemented a tier system based on the homeowner’s historical water usage to ease the changeover.

The rate proposal unveiled at the Jan. 28 meeting will remove the tiers by 2028.

During his presentation, Walker outlined why the town chose the flat rate system over a metered system, highlighting the high cost of

meters as the primary reason.

Jones said a metered system could return in the future, but the utility’s current capital demands rule that out for the foreseeable future.

“It would take years to get back to a metered system,” she said.

Several council members agreed with the rate proposal and voted unanimously to approve the first reading of the bylaw change. The council will publicly debate the issue and potentially suggest amendments before giving the policy its third and final reading.

Coun. Jeff Bradbury said he recognized the strain the increased rates would put on families already facing higher living costs.

“They’re tough,” he said. “Everything is up. Everyone is strained right now. Power rates and assessments are up, things like that.”

However, he added, Woodstock’s water and sewer system requires immediate upgrades to avert potential disasters. He cited the disastrous water break in Calgary as an example of what could happen if the system is neglected.

Bradbury and Coun. Norm Brown thanked Lyons and his team for their ongoing efforts to improve and secure the system.

Brown also supported the decision to use the flat rate over a metered system, citing the estimated cost of

meters.

“The $600,000 for meters is better spent on repairs,” he said.

Coun. Mike Martin cited the number of malfunctioning sewer lines and lift stations, which leaves the town non-compliant with environmental standards, as a serious problem.

“These are things that need to be fixed,” he said.

Coun. Julie CalhounWilliams pointed out that most New Brunswick municipalities use a flat-rate system instead of a metered one.

The proposed rates, which the town posted on its website, will see

Tier 1 jump from its current $550 annually to $650 in 2025, $725 in 2026, $800 in 2027, and $850 in 2028.

Tier 2 will increase from the current $725 to $775 in 2025, $800 in 2026, $825 in 2027, and $850 in 2028.

Tier 3 will remain at the current $825 in 2025 and increase to $850 in 2026, 27, and 28.

Tier 4 remains at its current $925 until 2027, before falling to $850 in 2028.

Utility rates for apartment units will increase by $50 annually from their current $350 to $550 in 2028.

Crews drill observation wells for the potential Well # 3, to provide a backup water source for existing River Wells # 1 and # 2.  (Town of Woodstock photo)

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Winter Freeze Fest

The annual Winter Freeze Fest in Perth-Andover will be held from Feb. 1216, 2025. Events include a candlelight concert, bingo, a paint and wine night, moonlight snowshoe/walk, games night, a star gazing night, outdoor games, a sliding party and much more. Visit vilsv.ca for the Southern Victoria Facebook page for more details.

Outdoor Rink now open!

The Perth-Andover Outdoor Rink is now open for the season. The building hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the doors automaticlaly locking at 9:15 p.m. SKATING ONLY TIMES are 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. daily. You are only allowed to play hockey during these times if there are no skaters present. Once one arrives, you must stop play. Please be courteous and respect the time slots.

Community Closet Winter Hours

Juniper’s Community Closet will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays between 1 to 3 p.m. To book an appointment or to drop off donations, call (506) 425-3085 or (506) 246-5411.

Juniper Fitness Room

The Fitness Roomin Juniper is the perfect way to stay fit and have fun for free. It is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Everyone is welcome. If you want to get rid of old gym equipment, the Fitness Room accepts gently used equipment.

Mother’s Day Painting Raffle

The Juniper Community Centre is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful painting, the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Tickets cost $2 for one and $5 for 3. The draw date is May 11. Ticket purchases will be put towards the Juniper Community Centre. Call (506) 425-3085 to purchase a ticket or e-transfer junipercommunitycentre@gmail.com. Be sure to leave your name and number.

Snow Blast 2025

Looking for winter fun? Check out www. carletonnorth.com or call (506) 392-6763 ext. 210 for this year’s Snow Blast happening between Feb. 15 and 17.

Family Day

For Family Day, the R.G “Bun” Veysey Active Living Centre offers tons of activities for the whole family. Families can rent the gymnasium and Rock Climbing for free. There will be puzzles, card games, free public skating, and free tube rentals. For more information, contact recreation@carletonnorth.com or call (506) 392-6763 ext. 220.

NHL Legends Tour

The Northern Carleton Civic Centre is hosting the NHL Legends Tour on March 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come out to watch NHL Legends compete against a local

alumni team. Find all the details in the ad located on page 3 of this newspaper.

March Break Camp

On March 7, the R.G “Bun” Veysey Active Living Centre is hosting a March Break camp. For more information, contact (506) 392-6763 ext. 200 or recreation@ carletonnorth.com.

Open Fitness Hours

Starting March 1, the Day and Ross Community Centre fitness hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Saturday to Sunday. The Fitness Room will be locked on weekends and require access from staff. Fitness memberships cost $25 per month.

Family Day Activities

On Family Day, the Day and Ross Community Centre will offer a variety of free family-oriented activities. From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be crafts in the Community Room. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be sliding and snowshoeing available, and from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a Snowman Building Contest. Free skating will be held from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

RCMP Presentation

On March 10, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., the RCMP will give a presentation on fraud prevention at the Day and Ross Community Centre in the Community Room.

Seniors Community Games

The Day and Ross Community Center is hosting afternoon of Cribbage on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Tough 13 on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. We hope you can join us!

Public Skating

Public skating is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. for the cost of $2 per person. Fridays hours are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and are free, thanks to Hartland Valufoods.

March Break Activities

Keep an eye on Hartland Recreation’s Facebook page for a fun week of activities planned for the kids.

Hartland Council Meetings

Regular Council Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hartland Town Hall. Committee of the Whole meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. when the council reviews topics that may require more research so they are ready to make decisions at the Regular Council Meetings. The public is welcome at both.

Winter Dance

There will be a dance during the Maritime Snowmobile Championship Race weekend, on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the AYR Motor Centre. Tickets

cost $20 per person.

Steak BBQ

On Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. after Saturday’s MSCR races, there will be a steak barbecue at Woodstock Elks Club. Meals cost $25 and include an 8 oz. steak, baked potato, coleslaw, a roll, sour cream, and one drink. To purchase a ticket, contact Becky Saunders at (506) 325-0569 or Debby Stockford at (506) 325-0675, or purchase in person at Napa Woodstock.

Vintage Snowmobile Show

A vintage snowmobile show will be on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone participating must drop off their snowmobiles on Friday, Feb. 14, before 4 p.m. and picked up on Sunday, Feb. 16, after 5 p.m.

MSCR Breakfast

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., a breakfast will be held at the Y’s Men’s Club. There will be TVs playing the live snowmobile races.

Family Day Skating

Stop by the Debec Outside Rink from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on family day for free hotdogs and hot chocolate.

Red Neck Curling

On Feb. 22, at the Debec Outside Rink, there will be a redneck curling competition. Competitors must provide their own brooms of choice, and washer fluid jugs will be provided. The best uniforms will win a prize. Team registration (4 ppl) is $125. Pre-payment required between Feb. 13 to 17. The check-in time is 8 a.m.

Coffee and Chat

Every Monday at 10 a.m. the Benton Community Centre is holding a Coffee and Chat. This is a great way to catch up with some friends with a nice cup of coffee.

Community Bingo

Bingo will be held Feb 18 and March 4 and 18 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Meductic Community Centre. This a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Open Mic Night

There will be an open mic night on March 1, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Dumfries Maples, 7520 Route 102. Donations will be accepted at the door for the Nackawic Area Wellness. HWY is supplying refreshments, so bring your friends and enjoy a fun night of singing. For more information, contact dumfriescommunityevents@ gmail.com or call Karen at (506) 2619949.

Introduction to Loss

For those grieving the loss of a loved one and looking for support, join Edith Martel and Friends at the TGP on Feb. 13 and 27 at 6 p.m. This is a safe environment that gives people the opportunity to heal

with people who are experiencing the same feelings. Snacks and coffee are provided.

Are you putting your returnables in your curbside recycling bin?

Donate them to local Breakfast Programs through VAIL’S BOTTLE EXCHANGE IN WOODSTOCK!

Vail’s will donate the proceeds to local breakfast programs! Just tell them where you want your returnables refund to go when you drop them off!

Got community events to share, send your info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca and put Neighbourhood News in the subject line. Notices must be received by the first of each month.

Carleton North

Lakeland Ridges

Compiled

FAMILY DAY EVENTS

FREE activities with Planet Youth from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE public skate from 9 a.m.. – 2 p.m. & DJ skate 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. FREE public swims at 1:15, 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Did you KNOW?

•The reason no two snowflakes are alike is because when the crystals falls through the clouds, they encounter varying temperatures and humidity levels, resulting in unique shapes.

• Only about 10 per cent of an iceberg is visible above the water. Their hidden mass plays a role in regulating ocean currents and influencing our climate.

• In Antarctica, some of the frozen lakes ‘glow’ with the ice emitting either blue or green light, known as ‘glacial ice fluorescence, caused by algae and microorganisms with fluorescent properties.

•The reason we ‘glide’ on ice is because a thin layer of water forms on the surface from the pressure of the skate blade, reducing friction.

RVS TONGUE TWISTER

Wispy winter winds whipped through Windsor on a wet and wild Wednesday.

CARLETON COUNTY Colloquialisms

By John Morris

cuzzint \’cuz-ent\ noun - Cousin; a family relation, child of an aunt or uncle; “Gunnoo see my cuzzint next Fridee.”

: Saturday and Sunday, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

$6, Senior/Youth: $5, Family of four: $12.25 Punch card: $89 ADULT SKATE: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 12 to 1 p.m. Same prices as public skate. For your safety, all skaters must wear a Canadian Standard Association (CSA) helmet.

WATER WALK-INS

Mondays 1 to 2 p.m. Drop in fee: $5 for seniors, $6 for adults Opportunities for adults: Deep water work out, help with rehab, post-op recovery, water walking, lap swim, for general health and wellness. FREE SWIMS

Nackawic-Millville council briefs

Council considering rezoning to build medical clinic, reviewing festival plans

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Rezoning for medical clinic construction

The Nackawic-Millville Rural Community Council will hold a public meeting on March 3 to review the zoning changes required to build a medical clinic.

Carleton Regional Service Commission planning staff presented the zoning requirements to council on Jan. 20, outlining the process to rezone a parcel of land at the corner of Otis Drive and Landegger Drive.

They explained the lot — PID 01506559 — needs to change from the combined R2 (Multiple Family Residential) and C (Core Area Commercial) to the single zoning of C.

The proposed development would house a more extensive medical clinic for the community’s growing healthcare needs, including direct access to primary care.

The March 3 meeting will allow the public to share viewpoints supporting or opposing the plan.

Setting plans for 2025 Big Axe Beer Festival

The mayor and council discussed a letter from Big Axe Brewery owner Peter Cole on behalf of the Big Axe Beer Festival Committee outlining times and needs for the 2025 event.

Cole explained the festival dates are July 11 and 12 at the base-

ball diamond next to the Nackawic Arena.

He asked staff and council to provide the same level of support as in the past, which includes town staff support, help with set up and dismantling and the supply of stages, tables and chairs, electrical boxes, garbage and recycling bins and other items.

Mayor Tim Fox and council members expressed full support for the festival, although the mayor suggested Cole make a full presentation before the council.

He noted the in-person presentation, as he did in past years, allowed the council to question him and clarify all details.

RCMP asking public’s help solving theft in Plaster Rock Police release photos,

RIVER VALLEY SUN

The Perth-Andover

RCMP is asking for the public’s help to identify two persons of interest following break, enter and theft in Plaster Rock, N.B.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 1:20 a.m. and 1:48 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2025, at a business on Old CN Station Road in Plaster Rock.

Two individuals arrived on foot and forcefully gained entry to a building by breaking the lock and damaging the garage door, and stole a three-ton chain hoist, a propane torch, a chain-

saw, a leaf blower, fuel and a propane tank. They also broke into a vehicle at the time of the break, enter and theft, causing significant damage.

Police are now releasing video surveillance photos of the individuals in the hopes that someone can identify them.

The first individual is described as having a small build. At the time of the incident, he wore blue coveralls, gloves, a red toque and a black balaclava.

The second individual is described as having a medium build. At the time of the incident, he wore a

black jacket, black pants, a grey toque, gloves and a red balaclava.

Anyone who lives in the area witnessed suspicious activity or has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Perth-Andover RCMP at 506-325-3000. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 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.

Nackawic-Millville Council will request that organizers of the Big Axe Beer Festival make a presentation to council on plans for this year’s event, which takes place on Jully 11 and 12. (Jim Dumville photo)

The Perth-Andover RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in solving a breakand-enter in Plaster Rock. (RCMP photo)

During an evacuation

Clear all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within 10 m (30 ft) of your home.

Remove everything combustible within 10 m (30ft) of your home, such as toys, tires, vehicles, patio furniture, cushions, decorative items, firewood, and potted plants that are on, or under your deck.

Prioritize the first 1.5 m (5 ft) around your home and deck and then move outwards from there.

Move all combustible items into your shed, home, or garage.

Download your local emergency alert app.

Make an evacuation plan. Get together with your family and friends and work on your emergency plan together. Make sure everyone understands what would happen and what to do in the event of a major emergency.

The plan should include a muster point in case you become separated from each other.

Provide directions to care providers for young children or elderly family members.

Provide directions for pets and livestock, including where they should be taken and how they will get there.

Put together an emergency kit. Store it somewhere that is easy to access. Your kit should be light enough to lift into your vehicle. Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full throughout the season.

Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for helpful tips, evacuation plan templates, and a complete list of emergency kit supplies.

Stay informed on the current fire situation by monitoring your local radio, television, social media accounts or local emergency alert app.

Review your evacuation plan with your family and loved ones, ensuring everyone is familiar with their responsibilities.

Ensure vehicle(s) that are to be used for an evacuation are serviced and full of fuel.

Have your emergency kit in your vehicle or readily available.

Continue to work on your yard and house as per FireSmart recommendations and guidelines.

RVS SUNSHINE KID

Meet Kendra Dominique Jucoy. She was a preemie, born at 26 weeks on New Year’s Eve, 2023 and was in the NICU for over two months. Despite being born early, her parents say she remained feisty and is a happy toddler. Her doctors and physio staff at the URVH are amazed her progress. Way to go, Kendra!

If you’d like to submit a Sunshine Kid please send a bio and photo to the email below.

Submit your sunshine kid(s) photos & info to theresa@rivervalleysun.ca

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”

River Valley Sunshine Kids are sponsored by Angie’s Little Peeps Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Woodstock. Look them up on Facebook.

Carleton Manor board, town support Housing Hub vision

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Carleton Manor board of directors and the town of Woodstock expressed support for a residential housing development outlined by the New Brunswick Housing Hub team for a parcel of land along Deakin Drive.

After delivering a presentation and gaining approval from the manor board earlier in the day, Housing Hub Senior Development Senior Manager Shane Thompson delivered the same presentation at the Woodstock regular council meeting on Jan. 14.

Thompson explained the background of Housing Hub’s involvement in planning the development of a 23-acre parcel of land stretching along the opposite side of Deakin Drive from the Carleton Manor Nursing Home.

He explained that during the spring and early summer of last year, the Housing Hub became engaged with the town and board to study the feasibility of the residential development and present a vision if possible.

Thompson said the town and manor entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last spring and then engaged Housing Hub N.B. in June to “provide capacity and a development strategy.”

Meanwhile, in the summer, the board and town developed their vi-

sion for the project and surveyed the broader community for input.

Thompson explained that earlier that day, the manor board approved Housing Hub’s “site plan concept and phased development proposal.”

Following Thompson’s presentation, Mayor Trina Jones noted the manor board’s approval to move to the development’s next phase, noting that the town’s role now is to determine potential community involvement.

“If we build it, is this something we know we can fill and accommodate, and also see the capacity for the nonprofit side. There’s a lot of outreach that can be done.”

Jones explained that the town’s role is to continue the MOU currently in place with the manor, apply for funding support where available, and develop partnerships to proceed.

Jones acknowledged the town could explore other options besides residential development, citing a potential home for a proposed new fire hall as an example.

“Fundamentally, that might not be the right space and home for the fire hall in particular because I think there’s so much opportunity to have housing that’s critically important in that exact location and it’s walkable in nature to so many of our amenities,”

she said.

Thompson’s plan didn’t include a fire hall but offered various residential options to meet Woodstock’s accessibility needs.

He explained that the needs assessment data indicates a growing need for affordable housing options, including subsidized homes, and increasing demands for age-appropriate housing.

Thompson explained that the site plans unveiled to the council would be subject to change, noting that access from Deakin Drive to the residential development must ensure traffic and pedestrian safety.

He added that the proposed concept considers the buffer zones required for the brook running through the proposed development area.

Thompson’s presentation included examples of proposed residential buildings, such as a multi-unit apartment building, row houses, and duplexes, including those designed for senior living.

He explained that a sustainable vision should include affordable rentals, market rentals, market-sale building lots, and affordable ownership options.

Thompson said a successful outcome would require the collaboration of several

partners, including CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), RDC (Regional Development Corporation), Housing N.B., Housing Hub N.B., the municipality, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.

Thompson exhibited an organization chart that listed Carleton Manor as the owner, with the town providing staff and an annual

budget. He explained that the Housing Hub would serve as project manager, providing civil engineering and financial analysis. He said the project will require the development of partners from the private and nonprofit sectors.

With the Carleton Manor approval and the town’s endorsement in place, Thompson said the next step is to schedule public engagement.

Following public engagement, he said planners would need to submit a Phase 1 infrastructure request to RDC and secure development agreements.

Subsequent steps include securing development agreements, finalizing a subdivision plan, issuing civil tenders, registering lots for sale and securing funding for non-profit development.

The town of Woodstock, Carleton Manor and the N.B. Housing Hub will work together to develop a 23-acre parcel of land across Deakin Drive from the manor. (Jim Dumville photo)

Making connections, eliminating barriers

Community outreach project workers gather data to address homelessness

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Afocused Community Outreach Pilot Project is looking to address the impact of homelessness in Western New Brunswick between NackawicMillville and Plaster Rock.

Project staff members Kayla Kinney and Alissa Stairs addressed Woodstock council on Jan. 14, outlining the project’s outreach efforts and explaining the importance of community support to address the serious and growing problem throughout the Western Valley region.

“We are actively collecting data to assess the level of needs in our region and gaps in service,” explained the flyer Stairs and Kinney shared at the council meeting. “We may also be able to identify current services available in our communities and provide assistance to connect to them.”

The young women, funded in part by New Brunswick’s Department of Social Development, are already on the job and will continue their efforts until September when they will issue a report to the department.

The project also draws

support from the Town of Woodstock, the Western Valley Regional Service Commission (RSC 12), and the Western Valley Regional Resiliency Committee.

Kinney explained that the 12-month program hopes to gather the information needed to provide solutions to address the homeless problem.

“Our main focus is data collection,” explained Stairs. “We will be active in Western New Brunswick between Nackawic and Plaster Rock until September.”

Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones welcomed Stairs and Kinney, noting the vital importance of their efforts.

“It’s extraordinarily important for the girls to connect with as many people as possible,” she said.

Jones explained that young women are already on the job, although they’re only beginning to share their efforts and goals with the public.

She said Stairs and Kinney have undergone substantial training, began speaking with stakeholders, and started the search for people

experiencing or facing homelessness in Upper River Valley communities.

Kinney explained people experiencing homelessness are not always as visible in rural areas as in more urban settings, but the problem exists and must be addressed.

The Town of Woodstock employed the two outreach team members from October 2024 to September 2025 to work through Western New Brunswick to determine the scope of the homelessness situation.

Jones explained a vital component of the project’s success requires connecting with the public and talking to those facing the problem and those who actively want to support finding solutions.

Jones asked the public to contact Stairs and Kinney with information about themselves or someone they know who is homeless or living in inadequate housing.

“We will find the homeless easier than the precariously housed,” Jones said.

The public can easily reach Kinney at Stairs by

email at outreach@woodstocknb.ca or by phone at 506-323-9418 or 506323-8537.

Kinney said she and Stairs are eager to gather as much information as possible and encourage community residents and businesses to get involved, including supporting the team’s fundraising efforts.

Stairs explained that the team will host the Warm Western N.B. Fundraiser for the Western River Valley Homelessness Fund on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Woodstock, from 6 to 8 p.m. It will consist of a community walk beginning and ending at the Elks Club on Connell Street.

Kinney said anyone wishing to participate can pick up a fundraising package at any of the region’s public libraries. She added that people can also donate online using a QR Code.

Jones, Kinney and Stairs also noted supporters can donate to the project through canadahelps.org.

While welcoming the project team to the

Jan. 14 council meeting, Jones repeatedly stressed the importance of reaching out to them with information.

She explained you can’t always find the homeless on the street. Many are couch-surfing or facing eviction because of their inability to pay their rent.

Jones said it’s crucial Kinney and Stairs hear those stories as well.

We’re asking the public to share information about themselves or someone they know who is homeless or living in

inadequate housing.

The outreach team explained the project’s goals are to tabulate data and produce reports so the Department of Social Development can “make informed, data-driven decisions on services and support systems that are needed in the region.” They explained that those decisions should better support those experiencing homelessness by providing appropriate resources and diverting community members from homelessness.

Town of Woodstock investing in tourism, community

Council approves up to $225,000 for tourism events, non-profits, community initiatives

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Expressing its interest in investing in the community, Woodstock council approved a plan that could see the town spend up to $225,000 to support significant tourist events, more community organizations, and town-based non-profits.

At the Jan. 14 regular council meeting, Mayor Trina Jones outlined details about the disbursement of $150,000 in community funds and $75,000 for tourism-based events.

Jones shared the finance committee recommendations, including thousands of dollars already committed to various organizations and projects.

The finance committee identified recipients for more than $50,000 of the $75,000 for events it hopes will attract hundreds of tourists and spur economic development.

The town has already committed $20,000 to

support the Maritime Snowmobile Racing Championship at the Connell Park Raceway this February. The winter sports event’s return after a decades-long absence proved highly successful last February, pouring thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Coun. Jeff Bradbury supported the investment in MRSC and other tourist events but added that he wanted to see data showing the actual economic impact.

Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers agreed, noting that Tourism Director Tobi Pirie and the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce are working on ways to mine such data.

Jones said the town would try to formalize informal surveys, but feedback shows the snowmobile racing teams spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at local businesses.

The finance commit -

tee also recommended a similar $20,000 investment with the N.B. Bass Association for a summer bass tournament in downtown Woodstock.

The tournament will be part of a series in Upper St. John River Valley communities. Nackawic-Millville has enjoyed significant economic benefits from bass tournaments along its waterfront.

Jones said Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox explained to her recently how they gathered feedback from last summer’s successful Pan Am Bass Tournament.

“The returns on these investments are huge,” Jones said.

Coun. Julie CalhounWilliams said that while Woodstock hosts several successful community activities which draw residents and visitors for a day, events like the snowmobile races and bass tournaments bring

people to town for days.

Jones explained the tourism fund also committed $7,500 to the Hook and Paddle event this summer and $3,000 to the New Brunswick Sportfishing Association for its bass tournament.

In addition to its commitment to tourism events, the finance committee also recommended expanding potential access to the town’s community fund.

Jones said nonprofits and community organizations in all four wards can apply for funding support.

She explained that this includes access to the $60,000 Community Capital Funds Grant funding, citing the Northampton Rec Centre as an example of a community group or organization that could apply for capital funding support.

Jones said the town will make application forms available as soon as possible. The finance

committee will review the applications and make its recommendations to the council.

The mayor explained that the town had already committed $32,500 of available community funding through MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding), including $7,500 for the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club and a potential $7,500 for the Western Valley Panthers junior hockey team.

The town also agreed to donate $10,000 to the Meduxnekeag River Association.

The finance committee also recommended that the town partner with the golf club in a brush cleanup project to reduce fire risks around the course. Jones said the town agreed to commit $10,000 to the cleanup efforts and issue a request for proposals to undertake the project.

She said the town

would consider increasing its contribution if the effort proved more expensive.

“You only need to turn on the news each night to understand why we’re not leaving fire hazards when we know there is one,” said Jones.

The finance committee also recommended that the town support two local animal shelter operations, including $5,000 for the DunRoamin Stray and Rescue’s cat spay and neuter program.

The town will also increase its annual donation to the Carleton County Animal Shelter from $3,000 to $5,000.

Jones noted that the shelter has previously helped with animal control in Ward 4 but now supports animal control in all five wards.

Jones explained that town staff can approve donations up to $500 from a $5,000 community fund.

Kayla Kinney, left, and Alissa Stairs are gathering information about homelessness in Western New Brunswick as part of the Community Outreach Pilot Project. (Jim Dumville photo)

Obituaries, Memorials & Announcements

Lewis Grant 1946 – 2025

Lewis Russell Grant of Nackawic, born February 5, 1946, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on February 3, 2025, at the Upper River Valley Hospital.

A passionate outdoorsman, Lewis found joy in fishing, hunting, and exploring nature’s beauty. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his warmth and generosity towards friends and family.

He will be remembered for his strong work

Former

ethic, employed for 34 years as a Millwright at the Nackawic Pulpmill, unwavering loyalty, and the quiet wisdom he shared with all who knew him.

Lewis leaves behind a legacy of fond memories, laughter, and the lasting impression of a life well-lived in harmony with the world around him.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Diane (Kimball) Grant; his children, Christopher Grant (Michelle), Nicole Grant (Robert) and Kelly (Grant) O’Donnell (Michael); five grandchildren, Zachary (Ali), Lucas, Zoe, Quinten and Ava; a greatgranddaughter Gianna; a brother Phillip Grant; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law in the Kimball family; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased

by his parents, Russell and Bernice (Wood) Grant.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Lindsay Baptist Cemetery.

For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Lewis, the family has suggested the Lindsay Baptist Cemetery or the NB Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements by Flewelling Funeral Home, Nackawic. www. flewellingswan.com

Covered Bridge Chips CEO returns to Bangor court in May Police reports outline details of incident that led to domestic violent assault charge

Ryan Albright, 44, of Waterville, the president and chief executive officer of Covered Bridge Potato Chips, returns to Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor on May 13, following a disposition hearing in January.

Albright was charged with domestic violence assault in connection with a family dispute at a Bangor home on Oct. 19, 2024. He was arrested at the scene and later released on bail.

Police reports filed with the court reveal several officers responded to a call around 12:19 a.m. about a dispute between Albright, his wife, Mallory, 37, and another woman, Joan Overman, 27, who all lived together at a house on Allen Street in Bangor. The three had been out drinking at a local tavern and returned home when an argument

erupted.

Police heard loud voices inside as they arrived. Albright was spotted pushing his wife down the stairs, hitting her and pulling her hair. His wife was on the floor when she reached up and unlocked the door for the police, still screaming from the altercation.

Police observed Albright and his wife were both covered in white paint and smelled of alcohol. The first officer on the scene pointed a firearm at Albright and ordered him to back away from his wife. He was arrested and handcuffed.

As more officers arrived, Joan Overman came down the stairs and started yelling at the police. She resisted being removed from the room, yelling: “This is my house.” Overman told police she was in the bathroom and came out to see the couple

fighting on the staircase with paint everywhere.

According to the police reports, Overman left the bar that evening before the Albrights because she was mad at them. After they got home, an argument ensued when Mallory Albright heard Overman and her husband talking about her in the bathroom.

Police handcuffed Overman for resisting on the stairs, and both she and Mallory Albright were issued disorderly conduct warnings. Police said the two women continued to be aggressive toward each other during the incident. Ryan Albright was led away in custody.

Ryan Albright had blood on his nose, which he told police was caused by his wife striking him three times in the face. Mallory Albright allegedly had red marks on her neck

and back. She begged police to remove her husband’s handcuffs, stating she didn’t want him to go to jail. Mallory Albright also offered to leave the house for the night.

Overman continued to be irritated with Mallory Albright, and they argued some more before she left the Bangor home.

Mallory Albright told police her husband was not himself and was having problems at work. Covered Bridge Potato Chips has been working to rebuild after a fire destroyed its production facility outside Hartland last March.

After Albright’s arrest, the company announced that he was taking an “extended leave of absence in light of recent personal health challenges.”

None of the police statements filed about the incident have been proven in court.

Wednesday: 11 to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

844 Main Street, Woodstock, lower parking lot

Follow Forever Fine Thrift on Facebook for updates! OPEN:

Ryan Albright was arrested in Bangor, Maine, on Oct. 19, 2024, on a charge of domestic violent assault. (Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office photo)

RIVER VALLEY SUN

Province orders third-party review of NB Power

Move comes after thousands of complaints over soaring power bills

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

New Brunswick customers who demanded answers on NB Power bills might get some answers when crown corporation officials appear before the public accounts committee on Feb. 18.

MLAs took part in a virtual information session with NB Power officials on Monday, Jan. 20, after constituency offices of Western New Brunswick MLAs were inundated with calls.

“I’ve collected data from dozens and dozens of people,” explained Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson. “We’ve heard from people who have done energy upgrades, and others who have tried to cut their consumption, and still their bills are through the roof. Something isn’t adding up.”

Woodstock-Hartland MLA Bill Hogan heard the same.

“I’ve received lots of complaints from people who said they received their highest power bill ever. It certainly seems to me that there has been an error in the reading of killowat-perhour usage. My own bill has an increase of 1,000 kwh over last month and is the highest reading for the last 12 months,” said Hogan. “It would appear that this issue is widespread and suggests an error of some sort. I am hopeful that we can get to the bottom of the issue and get it resolved soon.”

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said MLAs were working for days to understand dramatic increases on power bills.

“We’ve been listening to New Brunswickers, and we share your concerns about expensive power bills,” she told reporters, noting that many heard from people who had “significant spikes in power bills that were unexpected, that didn’t go to trend and we want to get to the bottom of this.”

Holly Acheson hopes the review can give her some answers. She lives in a recently constructed, above-grade 2560-square-foot ICF (insulated concrete form) home in Woodstock.

“We have a forced-air heat pump. In the summer, it’s set to 70 and in the winter, it’s at 67. That never changes. Alex (her husband) is very serious about the thermostat,” said Acheson.

Despite her husband’s cost-saving measures, they’ve noticed drastic fluctuations in their power bills since the summer.

Last August, her NB Power bill said she used 3650 kwh hours, compared to 1331 kwh during the same month in 2023.

“My smart meter was installed in early summer 2024; that’s when I noticed my bills had escalated extremely. I do not have a hot tub, I am not running a grow op, and no I am not mining bitcoin. We have all LED light bulbs. NB Power’s explanation is that we built a garage, but that was 2021; that doesn’t explain the jump. And in the summer, we live at our camp two days a week. It doesn’t add up.”

Andrew Stephenson says things aren’t adding up at his shop in Floreceville-Bristol, either.

“It usually stays consistent in the winter, and we took a week and a half off at Christmas so the thermostat was turned down over that period of time. It was unusual to be as high as it was. “

Despite his vigilance, the difference between his shop’s December and January power bills is dramatic: 2686 kWh to 7407 kWh — from $401.32 to a whopping $1,054.70.

“I have never had this high of a power bill or even close to this before,” added Stephenson.

Energy Minister René

Legacy wants the thirdparty review completed so that the findings can be shared with the legislature’s committee meetings on Feb. 21.

“They (NB Power) also share the concern that if there are any significant concerns from New Brunswickers, whether their system is compromised, that is an issue for them too, so they want to get to the bottom of it,” Legacy said.

Before the third-party review announcement, N.B. Power spokesperson Dominique Couture responded to questions from the River Valley Sun seeking reasons why consumption costs rose dramatically despite little change in power usage from the same period last year.

“We understand that affordability is a real concern for many customers, especially during the colder months when energy use for heating naturally increases, and are aware that some customers have raised questions about higherthan-expected power bills,” Couture told the River Valley Sun. “We are actively looking into these questions, and based on our initial review, the colder temperature in the month of December compared to last year seems to be a major contributing factor.”

Environment Canada meteorologist Jill Maepea said the Woodstock area experienced a colder December 2024 than the previous year but noted that last month was still warmer than usual.

She said the December 2024 mean temperature of minus-5.7 Celsius was 1.3 degrees warmer than average.

However, Maepae added that December 2023’s mean temperature of minus-2 Celsius was “the second warmest on record.”

The high power bills in a population already

reeling from rising costs across the board have resulted in complaints to the power corporation, MLAs and across social media. Consumers’ blame ranges from rate hikes and increased service charges to the switch to smart meters.

Couture said a higher December bill is unrelated to any rate hike and has little to do with higher service charges.

“The only rate change since April 1, 2024, was a reduction in December following the EUB decision,” she said. “Additionally, customers would have noticed a small adjustment to their monthly service charge, an increase or decrease of about $1, and a onetime credit or debit of approximately $11, to comply with the EUB decision.”

Couture added smart meters make no difference in calculating power usage, noting that the new higher-tech smart meters collect the same information as traditional meters.

“Bills are based on how much energy is consumed, not the meter itself,” she said.

Couture outlined tips they share with custom-

ers to help them better understand their power bills.

Bill components: Customers can learn more about how their bill is broken down here –Reading a Typical Bill.

Billing periods: These usually range from 28 to 33 days, and longer billing periods can result in higher charges.

Energy use comparison: Bills include a comparison of electricity use to last month and the same month last year (excluding service charges, rentals, and

taxes).

Smart meter insights: For those with smart meters, online accounts provide tools to track and manage energy use. More details are here: Residential Usage Data NB Power encourages anyone with ongoing concerns to contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-663-6272, noting advisors are available to investigate high bills and troubleshoot if there’s an issue.

(With files from Theresa Blackburn)

Holly and Alex Acheson of Woodstock saw their power bills skyrocket after a smart meter was installed. The ouple is happy the province has ordered a third party review of NB Power. (Submitted photo)

Pedestrian killed after tractor-trailer leaves road

Police say transport left road and hit woman then building in New Denmark

RIVER VALLEY SUN

The West District RCMP reported that a 65-year-old woman died following a singlevehicle crash in New Denmark.

The Saint-Léonard RCMP Detachment said members of the detachment responded at approximately 1:07

p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, to the report of the single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 108 and Hansen Crossing Road in New Denmark.

They said the Drummond Fire Department and Ambulance New Brunswick also responded.

Police believe the crash occurred when the driver of a transport truck lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, entered a parking lot, and struck a pedestrian and a nearby building.

The RCMP said a

collision reconstructionist and a member of the coroner’s office attended the accident scene. Police also used a remotely piloted aircraft system to take aerial photos of the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

SiRT investigation of RCMP-ATV collision

Man sustained foot injury in last

RIVER VALLEY SUN

The Director of the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) says investigators found no reasonable grounds that an RCMP member committed an offence concerning an injury sustained by an adult male in a collision with an RCMP police vehicle.

In a media release

issued on Jan. 14, SiRT explained it received a referral on July 3, 2024, from the RCMP regarding a head-on collision earlier that day between a marked police vehicle and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The incident occurred on Highway 105 outside of Perth-Andover. SiRT said witnesses

July’s head-on crash

saw the male ATV driver running a stop sign, driving on the highway at high speed, and passing cars on a solid line. An attempt from the RCMP officer to pull the driver over resulted in a low-speed head-on collision. The man driving the ATV suffered a fractured foot. The officer was not injured.

Fire damages home Propane tank catches fire

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

APerth-Andover residence sustained substantial damage Wednesday morning, Jan. 29, when a propane tank caught fire.

The Perth-Andover Fire Department responded to the blaze on Hillcrest Street before 8

a.m. Wednesday morning.

Chief Philip Walker said the tank caught fire, but it never exploded. He said the fire spread to the house, causing significant damage before the fire crew suppressed it. He said no one was

injured.

Walker said the insurance company would ascertain the extent of the damage.

He said the fire remains under investigation by the New Brunswick Fire Marshal’s Office.

The full summary report is available at 24-048-summary-ofinvestigation.pdf . SiRT is responsible for investigating all matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and intimate partner violence or other matters of a public interest that may have arisen from the actions

of any police officer in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Investigations are under the direction and control of an indepen-

dent civilian director, who has the sole authority to determine if charges should be laid at the conclusion of an investigation.

Woodstock youth raises funds for Make-a-Wish Foundation 11-year-old artist giving back to organization that helped her

By Sandra Hanson

Shaya Culberson, only 11 years old, is making a name for herself in the local art scene. One of her most recent pieces, a mixed-media creation on a 24x30 inch canvas, was auctioned off for $3,000 at a Jan. 14 Make a Wish Fundraiser.

Shaya’s mother, TerraLynn Culberson, shared her pride in her daughter’s success.

“It was phenomenal. That amount could be a huge part of somebody’s wish; she just made a huge contribution,” said Terra-Lynn.

The family knows firsthand just how much impact Shaya’s contribution can have. Shaya lives with Cystic Fibrosis and was the recipient of her own wish in 2024. She decided to use her artwork to pay it forward.

Shaya is no stranger to the art world. Her mother, Terra-Lynn, is an accomplished artist who has been featured in multiple galleries and has sold many pieces of her own

artistic creations.

Terra-Lynn shared that Shaya became interested in art when she was approximately three years old.

“I used to work at the Creek Village Gallery. When I was working there, she would paint while I was painting,” she said.

Terra-Lynn said Shaya quickly grew to love art but was frustrated that she couldn’t “do it like Mom.”

Terra-Lynn decided to introduce Shaya to different styles of artwork and higher-level art theory in hopes that she would find something she could make her own.

“She took all those techniques, put them together, and came up with her own style of artwork,” explained Terra-Lynn.

Today, Shaya is proud to be the Young Spotlight Artist and have her artwork featured at the Creek Village Gallery. Shaya is a mixedmedia artist who creates modern art pieces on wood or fabric canvas using plaster, acrylic, alco-

hol, and resin.

Terra-Lynn admits there were some concerns that her pieces may be “too modern”; however, the response to Shaya’s artwork has been incredibly positive, and she is the gallery’s top seller for January.

“She initially brought in 20 pieces and sold so many she was able to bring in even more,” said Terra-Lynn.

When Shaya is not creating pieces for sale or fundraisers, TerraLynn said she also enjoys creating artwork for her friends as gifts. Her generosity was immediately evident to River Valley Sun. When asked if she had any future goals for her artwork, she responded right away.

“I would love to earn money from my art to buy stuff for my brother,” she exclaimed.

She did admit that it would be nice to buy herself some Roblox gift cards and “exercise stuff,” too.

When asked what her favourite thing about cre-

ating artwork was, Shaya said she appreciates that “it’s easy to do.”

Terra-Lynn feels Shaya’s diagnosis is a part of her artwork.

“I think because of her life experiences, her Cystic Fibrosis, [Shaya] is very unique with her own style. We have always told her she doesn’t have to fit into the mold that everyone else might say she has to. She can be quirky, and because of that, she doesn’t worry about what people think or like – she likes making what she likes. And that’s what she brings to her art pieces.”

Shaya proudly displays her mixed-media artwork, which she created for the Make a Wish Foundation and was auctioned off for $3,000. (Submitted photo)

(Submitted photo)

New owners take over Woodstock Best Western

After 20 years, local ownership group getting out of hotel business

RIVER VALLEY SUN

After almost two decades after opening, the Best Western Plus Woodstock will welcome new owners on Feb. 1.

The local owners and operators of the Best Western Plus Woodstock Hotel & Conference Centre announced the change in a press release.

The release explained that the hotel, which opened in June 2005, grew out of a conversation among several community investors who recognized the need for a new, branded hotel in Woodstock to support the community’s growth.

“Although we had no background in the hotel industry when we started, the Best Western brand provided a lot of support to the ownership team and the hotel staff, which set us off in the right direction, said owner Gary Keenan.

“In 20 years, we’ve done two major expansions, with multiple renovations and consistent upgrades to ensure the property was meeting the needs and expectations of the customers and community.”

Trina Jones, executive director of KJ Management Inc.’s hotel division, credited the hotel’s success to its collective staff, which runs the hotel daily.

“The current staff will remain in place with the new ownership group, and we know that they will all continue to strive to meet the standard of excellence we’ve estab-

lished over the years,” she said. “We have numerous staff that have been with us since the very beginning, including general manager, Christie Kennedy, who assumed that role in 2012. Christie is a great manager and her long history with the hotel and staff will help make the transition smooth.”

After entering the hotel business in Woodstock, the ownership group expanded to add a Best Western in Liverpool, N.S., in 2009 and a Hampton Inn & Suites in Fredericton.

With the Best Western Woodstock sale, the ownership group have now sold all three of their hotel operations.

“We have met so many great people over the years that became trusted colleagues and friends in the hotel industry,” said Keenan.

“Although we were not actively aiming to sell any of our properties, as other hoteliers looked to expand and grow their portfolios, our properties proved extremely attractive. To ensure the longevity of the property for decades to come, we agreed the timing was right to sell the Woodstock property.”

BBS Holdings Group, new Woodstock owners, previously purchased Best Western Plus Liverpool. Keenan said their continued success made the local owner’s decision to sell easier, as they knew they would be a good fit to take over

the Woodstock hotel.

Jones expressed confidence the Woodstock staff, like the staff at their other hotels, will work well with the new ownership.

“Although it is always hard to say goodbye to the staff,” she acknowledged.

Jones expressed pride in the ownership’s investments in the property over the years, noting in the past two to three years alone, they reinvested approximately $1.5 million in upgrades.

“That commitment has allowed us to be successful year after year,” she said.

The outgoing ownership group looks back proudly on the hotel’s success, including receiving the M.K. Guertin Award, the highest quality assurance award Best Western offers, in 2024.

Only 111 of 2,200 qualifying properties received the award last year. The award criteria require the properties to meet numerous qualifications, be within the top 10 per cent of hotels in North America in every customer service category and have received a score of outstanding on the annual Quality Assurance inspection.

Jones noted the Woodstock hotel has welcomed almost one million guests since it opened.

“We have valued guests that return ev -

ery year, whether for business, to visit family, sporting events, conferences, meetings, weddings, funerals, or everything in between,” she said. “We appreciate everyone who has contributed to our success.”

Keenan said the out -

going owners wish the new owners the same success they enjoyed.

“As we close this chapter, we do it with an abundance of pride in what we’ve managed to accomplish over the years, building a successful hotel business from the ground up,” he said. Keenan thanked the employees on behalf of the ownership team, noting that their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the owners and Best Western customers contributed to the business’s success.

DOORYARD DROP IN

By Ross Kinney

F

or those of us who’ve attended the Dooryard Arts Festival year after year, many will say it’s all about one thing: community. It’s about having a good time with our neighbours; it’s about creating lasting memories in our historic downtown; it’s about inviting artists from all over the region to visit Woodstock and share in its beauty; it’s about the magic of art, its soul medicine, and its ability to bring out the best in us.

The value of the creative arts is in their ability to enrich our lives. The mission of Dooryard is to make the arts

NACKAWICMILLVILLE COMMUNITY NEWS

By Julie Stone

Volunteer of the Month

The Volunteer of the Month for February is Peter Sawatzky. Since moving to Nackawic with his young family, Peter has become involved with the Library Family Game Night and Family Skate, offering guitar and ukulele lessons.

Peter offers computer support at The Gathering Place (TGP) and is willing to work with others who want to gain computer skills. Thank you, Peter, for supporting TGP, Nackawic, and Area Wellness initiatives. Your volunteerism is appreciated.

Pancakes and Conversation

St. Clements Anglican Church in Dumfries, NB, will host a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the Church Hall on March 4, 2025. More details, including the menu, time, and price, will be released in March. Suppers like these are great places to meet up with old friends, new faces, and even rela-

Dooryard Arts Festival: It’s all about community

a centrepiece of our community.

Dooryard Arts Festival began in 2009 as a way for Woodstock to celebrate our area’s rich cultural and creative heritage. In the years since, the festival has become an annual event that brings our town together, showcases emerging and established performers, and supports the broader artistic community in New Brunswick. It’s an important part of the provincial artistic landscape, as well as the local tourism economy.

Past performers at the festival include a variety of notable New Brunswick and Canadian artists, such as Matt Andersen, Rose Cousins, Cadence Weapon, Les Hay Babies, James Mullinger, Julie Doiron, Ben Caplan, Sally Dibblee, Michel McEwing, Janice Wright Cheney, Morgan Toney, Erin Costelo, and Ross Neilsen.

Many have performed at Dooryard as emerging artists early in their careers. Music is a big focus, but the festival also features short films, original plays, improv shows, fine art exhibitions, murals, public art installations, children’s entertainment, circus acts, and community activities.

The 2025 festival (July 17-19) is shaping up to be another highlight of the summer. You can expect a flurry of activity and loads of chances to see exciting performances.

BUT FIRST, we have some winter/spring programming coming right up!

In partnership with The Scene Promotions, Dooryard Presents: The Connell House Series!

Monthly performances will occur between February and May at the historic Connell House in downtown Woodstock. Tickets can be bought at the door or

in advance online.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Feb 21 - Colin Fowlie

Mar 13 - Kylie Fox

Apr 24 - Charlie A’Court May 21 - Robert Thomas & the Sessionmen

Please see our ad on page 18 of this paper and mark these dates in your calendar and invite a friend for a night of songs and stories! Your support makes a meaningful difference.

Dooryard will announce an initial festival lineup this winter, so stay tuned! Check back for more in the River Valley Sun. You can also follow the festival on social media @dooryardfestival.

Dooryard Arts Festival is 3 days of songs, stories, and community celebration in Woodstock, New Brunswick, taking place July 17-19.

Ross Kinney has been going to the Dooryard Arts Festival since it began, and part of the organizing team as program director since 2019.

Community events and one person’s journey with MSA

tives to share stories and comforts that mean so much to families in small communities. Mark the date on your calendar and make a point to be there.

Slow Cooker Meal

There will be a “Slow Cooker Class” and meal on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. Bring yourself and your crock pot to the Lions Club and enjoy the camaraderie and instruction on how to cook a delicious treat for you and your family.

To register with cash, simply put $6 in an envelope, write your name and SLOW COOKER CLASS on the outside, and put it in the box outside the meeting room door at TGP. Or, e-transfer $6 to nackawicareawellness@ gmail.com clearly stating “Slow Cooker Class” in the note section.

J-Lynn’s Independent Store

On Monday, a large group of people met at The Gathering Place to honour J-Lynn and John, owner-operators of the Independent Store in Nackawic.

The attendees included folks from Loblaws head office, who were there to film and share with the public that the company chose the couple for an award for their work and service, not in the store, but in the community where they now

reside. J-Lynn’s was the only Independent Store in New Brunswick to receive such an honour.

Whenever a cause needs attention in the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community, you can be sure that J-Lynn and John are there and up front with their support. Sometimes, that support is in fundraising or the provision of food—or whatever way they choose to respond, they can always be counted on to help.

This couple is well deserving of the award. A more formal acknowledgement will be made at Loblaws Annual Working Conference, which will be held in Punta Cana at the end of February. Congratulations to you both. We are very proud of you and glad to have you in our beautiful community. What is Happening to Me?

This is the question that Debbie Bragdon asked herself a million times until she was finally diagnosed with a rare disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA).

MSA causes people to lose coordination and balance or become slow and stiff. It also causes changes in speech and loss of control of other bodily functions. It is related to Parkinson’s disease and is not due to heredity.

Unfortunately for Deb-

bie and the 49 others in New Brunswick who have this disease, MSA is not curable. When first diagnosed, “I was told I had one year to live so I came home and began to live my life in Palliative Care”. She was then told six years, then three, and now does not think about the end so much but rather copes by concentrating on what time she has left.

When Debbie first began to feel unwell, she thought she had vertigo and sought medical support and advice for that condition. But soon, other symptoms started appearing, and consultations and testing with other doctors were needed. Debbie says, “MSA is a fast-moving disease.” After many such consults, it became evident that something was wrong. MSA caused her cerebellum to shrink and break away from the brain stem. She began to experience headaches, lack of balance, liver disease, speech difficulties, vision problems, digestive problems, shortness of breath, loss of bladder control and a general loss of bodily strength. These difficulties did not happen all at once but began to occur one after the other as the disease progressed.

Debbie and her husband Gary have reno-

vated and adjusted their home to accommodate Debbie’s growing needs. Debbie says that she saved for her retirement and “this is it, so I am spending the money this way.” She can now live on one floor and move freely throughout the space in her walker and wheelchair.

Assistive devices have been installed in their bathroom, and Debbie is able to do a few chores that help Gary, as he is now her care provider. She cannot get to the laundry room but can fold the clothes when ready.

She does a few dishes and other simple activities that make her feel she contributes. In the summer, she bought an electric scooter and could drive around the property. She even took it on the road a couple of times. She says, “I can’t do that anymore as it is now too difficult, but it was really fun!”

Debbie is thankful she could go with the family to Niagara Falls in the summer and was thrilled to fly to Ottawa to attend a Prayer Breakfast with her son Richard. who is the MP for TobiqueMactaquac. Debbie says it was great to see him in his official role.

Debbie is very proud of all her beautiful children and knows that someday soon, she will rest beside

her son Alex, who died of cancer so very young. Daughter Julie is a Nurse who works for the Anglophone West School District, and daughter Amy is a Real Estate Agent in the surrounding area. Debbie feels blessed to have them all so close by and said they gathered 26 people at her house at Christmas time.

Debbie said that it took five years in all to get the final diagnosis of MSA. She hopes that by sharing her story, others who might have similar symptoms will not give up but will continue to seek help from the medical profession so that the disease is not able to progress as far as hers has.

“It is important to push when you have to.” Debbie confided (with a grin on her face) that she has a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ wish listed with her family and is determined that they honour it.

“If I have worked this hard to get this far, I do not want anyone trying to hold me back.”

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your story. It is sure to help a lot of people who might be wondering, “What is Happening to me?”

and

Julie Stone is an educator, advocate,

inclusion consultant who lives and volunteers in the municipality of Nackawic-Millville.

Woodstock’s rising country stars, The Martin Boys, drew a large crowd to the Dooryard Arts Festival in 2024. (Jim Dumville photo)

Volunteers with Planet Youth Woodstock completed a colourful picnic table during the final day of the Dooryard Arts Festival in 2024. (Jim Dumville photo)

By Emily Atherton

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 opportuni-

By Michelle Corcoran

Ever have those special seeds that you hoped by starting early would be ready for that special garden spot and then –nothing, not even one sprouted? It may be down to some extra preparation – called seed stratifying. There are different stratification processes, but I’m just reviewing the cold one for this article. Why do seeds need stratification?

Seeds drop in the wild in the fall and have winter

A holistic approach to improving quality of life

ties 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 everevolving 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-onones, outings and events, there really is something for everyone.”

Activities occur in various locations within the building and around the community to ensure the opportunity for all residents, from independent living to Memory Care, to participate across the week. We rely on dedicated volunteers and community members who give their time freely to enhance and support our programming. Cur-

rent 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 for some intergenerational fun with students from Townsview School who sang, read books and recited rhymes to the residents, and 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

Chilling germination news

and spring conditions to grow. Cold stratifying provides seeds that “winter” experience of dormancy. It involves exposing seeds to cold, often damp periods, like in nature. Temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius on a damp surface for about 2-6 weeks (fridge or freezer). Some seeds may need longer; do your research.

Dormancy isn’t just about cold — it protects them from growing in lessthan-ideal conditions. Cold helps break down the protective seed coat and allow water in for germination. We can artificially convince seeds that winter has come and gone and it’s time to sprout!

Some seed packets may not include stratification info, so do your research. Some seeds helped from stratification

(there are MANY) – cone flower (Echinacea), black eyed susan (Rudbeckia), primrose, milkweed, butterfly weed, delphinium, Bee Balm (Mondara), false indigo (Baptisma), hollyhocks, lobelia, some herbs like thyme, lavender. What you’ll need Plastic baggies that zipper closed, damp medium, labels, and seeds.

IMPORTANT: Read seed labels/ websites for seedspecific processes. Steps for Cold Stratification:

– Soak seeds for 1-2 hours (room temp)

– Some seeds need help breaking down the hard seed coat, research. Scratch edge of seeds with some sandpaper.

– Coat the seeds in a damp (not wet) vermiculite/ garden soil/ sand, or paper towel. I have used

The Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame is calling for nominations.

The nomination period for consideration in 2025 is open until Friday, Feb. 28. Application forms are available at the Woodstock Town Hall, the AYR Motor Centre, and on the town’s website: www.woodstocknb.ca

Nominees have been chosen for the May 10 induction ceremony. However, a second ceremony is scheduled for October of this year.

We welcome nominees of athletes, builders, and teams.

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

the damp paper towel with good success – it’s easier to see seeds. Use a double layer, one on the bottom of the seeds and one on top.

– Place in sealed baggie, label type of seeds/ DATE, put in the fridge

– Put reminders in your phone/calendar to check for mould/ rotted/ squishy seeds. Squishy seeds are not viable, pick them out.

– Take them out when FULL time has passed, OR they have started to sprout. Pot in potting soil. It’s time to share seeds! Some tips:

Label your seeds! Use small plastic or paper envelopes. Include info about:

– annual (only grows one year), perennial (comes back year after year)

– name/variety of seed,

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.

pictures – hybrid or heirloom –hybrid seeds may not be true to parent plant – year saved – the older the seed, the less viable it may be – light/ soil needs -full sun, part shade, dry or wet area – important info about

spreading. No invasive plants!

We are planning our Seedy Saturday event for March 15 – see the notice above!

Michelle Corcoran is a home gardener and an active member of the Florenceville Garden Club.

Emily Atherton is the Director of Facility and Resident Care at MacLeod Riverside Court.

Sometimes Activity Director Amber McHatten-Clowes gets residents outside for some exercise on a nice day. (Emily Atherton photo)

By Judy Cole

COURT NEWS

A roundup of cases processed through Woodstock Provincial Court

Sentenced to federal prison

Timothy Grant Davenport, 46, of no fixed address, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Feb. 6 for sentencing after changing his plea to guilty on six charges laid by RCMP.

Judge Karen Lee sentenced him to four years and three months in federal prison, minus time served. After his remand time is applied, Davenport will have just over two years left on his sentence.

He was also ordered to register with the federal DNA database and was prohibited from firearms for life. Judge Lee also recommended he take advantage of counselling and rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.

Davenport was charged by RCMP with theft of a gun and ammunition, committing mischief by breaking a window, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon (a loaded sawed-off shotgun), reckless discharge of a firearm, pointing a gun at another man, possession of a firearm without a licence, possession of ammunition while prohibited, and possession of a firearm while prohibited, in connection with a home invasion on Nov. 26, 2023, near Lakeville.

The crown withdrew three charges, and one firearm charge was reduced to a lesser included offence.

The court heard Davenport entered a private residence in Lakeville where he stole a gun and ammunition and then went into the woods and discharged the firearm. A two-hour police search followed with assistance from a police dog. He was arrested near the store in Lakeville but left the gun in the woods.

Judge Lee noted that the incident caused a stand-off with police, which closed the highway in Lakeville and frightened residents of the community.

The court heard Davenport was homeless at the time and struggled with mental health issues and long-term substance abuse. He told the court he planned to return to Alberta after his release.

He appeared in court for a bail hearing on Nov. 29, 2023, and was remanded to jail. He had a lengthy prior criminal record.

On Jan. 17, Davenport also pleaded guilty to a

fraud charge for an incident on June 17, 2014, in Perth-Andover. The court heard Davenport deposited empty envelopes into a banking machine at the Bank of Montreal and withdrew $1,000 from the machine during two separate transactions.

Pelkey sentencing delayed

A Plymouth Road man, who admitted to beating and abusing his former partner for weeks, is expected to receive a lengthy jail term on Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Andrew Pelkey, 43, appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Jan. 31 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP.

The matter was adjourned because his lawyer was not available to attend court in Woodstock due to other matters scheduled in Fredericton.

At an earlier court appearance, Crown Prosecutor Charles Couturier told the court Pelkey deserved 12 to 18 months in jail, while Defence Counsel Wanda Severns asked for house arrest.

The crown also requested that Pelkey be placed on 24 months of probation after his release from jail and that he register with the federal DNA database.

A 20-year prohibition on weapons was also recommended for the accused, along with an order for Pelkey to attend counselling for mental health and alcohol abuse. All firearms seized by police during the investigation are to be forfeited to the crown.

Pelkey was facing eight charges and pleaded guilty to five of them on summary conviction. He pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon (a belt, bottle and stick), assaulting a woman by choking her, uttering threats, pointing a firearm at another person, and careless use of a gun. He had a limited prior criminal record.

Three other charges of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (BB guns and a pellet gun), assault, and willfully causing pain to a dog by shooting it with a pellet gun, will be withdrawn by the crown at sentencing. The woman told police two dogs were shot and killed by the accused, but Pelkey refused to admit it.

The court heard the charges involved a series of violent domestic assaults between Feb. 1, 2023, and March 21, 2023, at Richmond Corner. The woman suffered

head and facial injuries, bruises to her arms and back, and a cut on her leg. She was kicked, beaten with a belt and belt buckle, and hit over the head with a stick of wood and a plastic liquor bottle. Pelkey also pulled her hair, choked her on the living room floor, put a knife to her throat, and tore her clothes.

During one incident, he shot the victim with a BB gun. One other morning, she woke up to a beating when he smashed her in the teeth. She finally went to the police and told them his violent attacks were escalating, and she feared for her life.

Police arrested Pelkey when an emergency intervention order was issued to remove him from the home. Five firearms (BB guns and a pellet gun) were found in the residence and were seized by police.

The woman told the crown it took a month for all of her injuries to heal, and she still suffers from headaches. She has no further contact with the accused and attended court with family members who were seated with her in the gallery.

Pelkey also pleaded guilty to failing to appear in court on Dec. 19, 2023, and breaching his release order by violating curfew on Sept. 30, 2023. Centreville man handed 40 months

Brandon Jay Smith, 27, of Centreville, was sentenced to 40 months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 15. Smith was remanded to jail following a bail hearing last April. Once his remand time is applied, he will serve two years in federal prison.

Smith pleaded guilty to breaking into a dwelling house and theft on July 3, 2023, in Summerfield and to breaking into a dwelling house and garage and stealing several firearms, a boat trailer, and a snowmobile during an incident on March 18, 2024, on the Back Greenfield Road. One other charge was withdrawn.

Judge Scott Brittain also ordered Smith to register with the federal DNA database and prohibited him from firearms for life. He must also seek counselling and treatment for substance abuse.

The court heard Smith struggles with meth addiction which led him on a drug-fuelled crime spree. He was wearing an electronic monitoring device

on his ankle during the offences. Smith had a prior criminal record.

“I know what I did is wrong and I do regret it,” Smith told the court before hearing his sentence.

Judge Brittain told the court Smith had violated the sanctity of a private residence in a rural area while an elderly couple was away on vacation. During the break-in, he emptied a gun cabinet in the home and then stole $10,000 worth of items from the garage. None of the stolen goods were recovered during the investigation. RCMP laid the charges.

Kirkland man awaits sentencing

Hilton Romeo Fredericks, 26, of Kirkland, appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 15 and changed his plea to guilty on charges laid by Woodstock Police. His sentencing date was set for Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. Fredericks has been in jail in Saint John for the past several months following a remand for aggravated assault on a minor in Fredericton. His trial is set for March on that matter.

On Jan. 15, Fredericks pleaded guilty to assaulting a female victim between Jan. 14 and Jan. 22, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew a second assault charge.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by violating a nocontact order on Jan. 23, 2024, and breaching a release order (no-contact) on April 6, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew another breach charge on April 13, 2024.

Fredericks agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond related to a charge of assaulting another man on April 2, 2024, in Woodstock. The peace bond will result in the charge being withdrawn.

Fredericks appeared in provincial court in custody by video on May 7, 2024, and was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. He was later arrested in Fredericton.

Assault outside Woodstock Legion

Takoda Louis Lee Christian, 19, of Woodstock, formerly of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), will appear in provincial court on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. for plea on three charges laid by Woodstock Police. He was scheduled for plea on Feb. 4 when the matter was adjourned

These pages contain some of the court coverage we provide for the community. Find all court stories at rivervalleysun.ca

to allow him more time to consult legal counsel.

Christian and a co-accused, Hannah Dawn McGuire, 18, of Woodstock, were each charged by Woodstock Police with aggravated assault, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident following an incident outside the Royal Canadian Legion in Woodstock on Nov. 14, 2024, around 8:55 p.m. Police were called to the scene and a man was transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

McGuire appeared in court on Jan. 28 for plea, and her defence counsel requested that the matter be adjourned until Feb.25 at 9:30 a.m.

The pair was arrested on a warrant while attempting to cross the Woodstock-Houlton border on Dec. 20, 2024. They were held in custody for a bail hearing on Dec. 23, 2024, and released with conditions.

Sentencing set for drug trafficking

William Jarred O’Donnell, 28, of Grafton, will appear in provincial court in custody on March 25 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Woodstock Police charged him with possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and possession of fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking in connection with an incident on May 21, 2024, in Woodstock. He was remanded to jail and denied bail.

Woodstock Police also charged O’Donnell with breach of a release order and mail theft on May 2, 2024, in Woodstock.

Wotstak man charged

Jacob Richard Sewell, 34, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court on Feb. 4 to answer new charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until March 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Sewell was charged with uttering threats and assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim, stemming from an incident on Sept. 27, 2024, at Wotstak. He was also charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine in connection with incidents on April 24 and May 2, 2024, in Woodstock. He will enter a plea at his court appearance on March 4. 450 days in jail

Marshall Turner, 24, of Beaconsfield, appeared in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on

Jan. 24 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. Judge Karen Lee sentenced him to 450 days in jail, minus time served, leaving Turner with 37 days left in custody. He was also placed on probation for 18 months and ordered to seek counselling for drug addiction. He was also fined $500 for driving without insurance.

Turner was charged by the RCMP with possession of a stolen vehicle, flight from police, breach of probation, and possession of a stolen fuel pump in connection with a police chase across Carleton North on April 23, 2024, that ended in Johnville. He pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen vehicle and breach of probation, and the crown withdrew the remaining two charges.

He was also charged with possessing a stolen vehicle on April 13, 2024, in Greenfield, but the crown withdrew that charge.

Turner also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen vehicle, breach of probation, dangerous driving and driving without insurance on April 18, 2024, in Perth-Andover. The court heard Turner was charged following an accident on Route 130 near Bairdsville when he fell asleep at the wheel and collided with a transport truck.

Turner appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 18, 2024, and waived his bail until later.

Eight months or time served

Austin Aube, 29, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Feb. 5 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by RCMP. He was sentenced to eight months in jail or time served and released.

Aube had been in custody since his arrest last summer. He was charged with flight from police, two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon (an ATV), resisting arrest, dangerous driving, possession of a prohibited weapon (brass knuckles), possession of a prohibited weapon without a licence, and breach of an undertaking on July 28, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He pleaded guilty to two charges, and the remaining charges were withdrawn. His weapon (brass knuckles) was forfeited to the crown. At an earlier court appearance, Aube also See COURT on pg. 27

COURT

Continued from page 28

pleaded guilty to flight from police on July 12, 2024, at Neqotkuk and resisting arrest on May 8, 2024, at Neqotkuk. He agreed to sign a 12-month peace bond in relation to other charges of assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim and assault by choking, both related to the May 8 incident. He was sentenced to 75 days in jail and 12 months of probation.

Sentencing rescheduled

Mason Bustard, 18, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Feb. 7 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges laid by Woodstock Police. He returns to court for sentencing on April 3 at 9:30 a.m.

Bustard was charged with breach of a release order, possession of prohibited weapons (a sawed-off shotgun and brass knuckles), possession of a firearm without a licence, and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence on July 28, 2024, in Woodstock.

He pleaded guilty to breaching a release order and possession of a loaded prohibited firearm and ammunition without a licence. The crown withdrew the remaining charges. A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Police made their arrest after spotting a suspect on Houlton Street around noon on July 28. The individual fled on a bicycle into the woods and was pursued by officers on foot. During the chase, the suspect discarded various items, including a sawed-off shotgun, brass knuckles, and a mask, which were retrieved later by an RCMP police dog.

Bustard was denied bail on Aug. 8, 2024. At an earlier court appearance, he pleaded guilty to uttering threats against a female on July 24, 2024, in Woodstock, guilty to breaking into a garage on Houlton Street, wearing a mask during the commission of an offence, and assault with a weapon (a knife) on July 16, 2024, in Woodstock. The crown withdrew two other charges. He will be sentenced on April 3.

Bustard was arrested after police received a report of an armed intruder who entered a yard on Houlton Street on the morning of July 16, 2024, and approached a woman while holding a knife. The man’s face was partially covered with a mask or scarf.

He instructed the woman to go inside her house. She immediately complied

and locked the door behind her. The man then went inside her garage before eventually leaving the area.

In custody for sentencing

Zachary Sarchfield, 30, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), will appear in provincial court in custody by video for sentencing on Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading guilty to two charges laid by RCMP. He was scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on Jan. 14 when the matter was adjourned to the new date.

Sarchfield was charged with breaching his release order by violating electronic monitoring and committing mischief causing property damage to an ankle bracelet for an incident on Sept. 6, 2024, at Mainstream.

He was also scheduled to enter a plea on other charges in Fredericton for possession of stolen property and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. He was remanded on those charges.

Sarchfield also has a trial set for June 30 at 9:30 a.m. after pleading not guilty to other separate charges.

Sarchfield was charged with attempting to breach his release order in July 2024, two counts of unlawful confinement, assault, and possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence concerning another incident on Sept. 11, 2023, in Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty. He was also charged with failing to appear in court on Feb. 20, 2024, when an arrest warrant was issued. 162 days to serve

Curtis Brent Hatheway, 45, of Woodstock, appeared for sentencing in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 20 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by Woodstock Police.

He received 300 days in jail, minus the time served. Once his remand time was applied, the court heard he had 162 days left to serve.

Hatheway appeared in custody by video on Nov. 21, 2024, for a bail hearing. He waived his bail and was remanded to jail. He was arrested on a warrant. On Jan. 20, he told the court that he planned to leave the Woodstock area following his release from prison.

Hatheway pleaded guilty to three counts of breach of probation and three counts of breaching a peace bond between June 30 and July 8, 20204; on Sept. 13, 2024, and between May 24 and Sept. 16, 2204, in Woodstock.

He had a lengthy prior criminal record. The charges involved a female complainant. More charges of breaching an undertaking, breach of probation, breach of a peace bond and criminal harassment between Sept. 14 and Sept. 16, 2024, in Woodstock, were withdrawn by the crown and his trial was cancelled. Six months house arrest

Jeret Lee Everett of Wakefield appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Jan. 21 after changing his plea to guilty on four charges laid by RCMP. He received a conditional sentence order of six months of house arrest and a 10-year prohibition on firearms.

Everett pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking, possession of a firearm (a 12-gauge shotgun) without a licence, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing it carried a gun, and improper storage of a firearm. The crown withdrew one other firearm charge.

Everett was charged in relation to a police check of a vehicle on Oct. 27, 2023, in Florenceville-Bristol. He was held in custody for a bail hearing and released with conditions. He had a dated and limited prior criminal record.

The court heard police pulled over a vehicle for speeding on Route 107 near the Bristol Elementary School. A shotgun, bear spray and a machete were found in the vehicle. All weapons seized by police were forfeited to the crown.

Fined $2,600

Curtis Pirie, 29, of Aroostook, was fined $2,600 when he appeared in provincial court on Jan. 21 on a charge of refusing a breathalyzer demand.

RCMP charged Pirie in connection with an incident on Jan. 1 at Perth-Andover. He had no prior criminal record. The court heard Pirie was stopped by police around 1:15 a.m. and was caught with open liquor in his vehicle.

Guilty on sex charge

Matthew White, 42, of Upper Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on Jan. 21 for a verdict following his trial on a sex charge laid by RCMP. Judge Karen Lee found him guilty, and his sentencing date was set for April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

White was charged with invitation to sexual touching involving a female minor in connection with an incident on June 3, 2023, in Bloomfield. He pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations during the trial.

Impaired driving

Kayley Ann Briand, 23, of Nortondale, will appear in provincial court on Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m. for sentencing after pleading guilty to an impaired driving charge.

Woodstock Police charged Briand with an incident on May 17, 2024, in Woodstock. Sent to rehab facility

Bradley Tyler Whitney, 42, of Newbridge, will appear in provincial court for sentencing on May 28 at 9:30 a.m. after changing his plea to guilty on multiple charges laid by Woodstock Police and RCMP.

Whitney appeared in provincial court in custody on Dec. 4, 2024, and was released with conditions until his sentencing. The court heard he was entering a rehab facility in Moncton and would remain there under house arrest. On Jan. 22, his sentencing was adjourned to the new date.

Whitney appeared in court on Aug. 26, 2024, and was denied bail. He pleaded guilty to forging a doctor’s prescription for Dilaudid on July 30, 2024, in Woodstock; guilty to causing property damage to a dwelling house on Slipp Street; guilty to uttering threats; and breach of probation on July 14, 2024.

He also pleaded guilty to a separate theft charge under $5,000 for an incident on Dec. 17, 2023, at Madawaska First Nation. The crown withdrew two other charges of fraud and using counterfeit money (a $100 American bill) on Jan. 1, 2024, in Newbridge.

Whitney pleaded not guilty to other charges of assaulting a female victim, uttering threats and breach of probation on Aug. 24, 2024, in Woodstock, and assault with a weapon (a torch) involving a female victim between July 1-28, 2024, in Woodstock. His trial date was set for Jan. 22. He had a limited prior criminal record.

Change of plea

Corey Andrew Lane, 39, of Woodstock, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody on Jan. 29 and changed his plea to guilty on several charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for March 11 at 1:30 p.m.

He pleaded guilty to uttering threats, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and breach of a no-contact order following an incident on July 18, 2024, at Jackson Falls.

Lane also pleaded guilty to uttering threats and breach of a no-contact order for another incident on July 15, 2024,

at Newbridge. The crown withdrew another charge of assault. He pleaded guilty to assault involving a female victim on Jan. 1, 2024, at Newbridge; guilty to breach of a no-contact order on Feb. 7, 2024, at Newbridge; guilty to failing to appear in court on March 5, 2024; and guilty to breach of an undertaking and failing to appear in court on May 14, 2024.

The crown withdrew another charge of breaching a release order in April 2024.

Woodstock Police also charged Lane with prowling at night near a house on Main Street in Woodstock and breach of probation on May 28, 2024. The crown withdrew those charges. Lane has been in custody since last July.

Benton man to be sentenced

Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 30 and changed his plea to guilty on seven charges laid by RCMP. His sentencing date was set for March 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Hayes pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville.

At an earlier court appearance, Hayes also pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation, shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on May 24, 2023, and breach of probation on March 14, 2023, in Grand Falls. His sentencing was adjourned to March 4. Jail time for domestic assault

Philip Sappier-Solomon, 31, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), was sentenced to eight months in jail, minus time served, when he appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Jan. 28 for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP.

Judge Karen Lee also placed him on probation for 18 months and ordered him to seek counselling as required. He must also register with the federal DNA database and be subjected to a lifetime prohibition on firearms. A restitution order for $824 was also imposed.

Sappier-Solomon was charged by RCMP with assault involving a female victim, assault by choking, mischief causing property

damage (a phone), breach of peace bond, and breach of probation, following an incident on Nov. 27, 2024, at Centreville. He had been in custody since that time.

He pleaded guilty to assault by choking and breach of a peace bond, and the crown withdrew the remaining charges. Sappier-Solomon had a prior criminal record.

During his sentencing hearing, the court heard details of a violent assault on a female victim during a domestic dispute. Police were called to the scene to discover a woman injured and bloodstains on the walls and floor of her residence. Both the accused and the victim were drinking at the time of the incident.

Decision reserved on sentence

Mitchell LaFrance, 26, of Perth-Andover, appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 28 for sentencing on two charges laid by RCMP. LaFrance pleaded guilty to breaching an undertaking by failing to comply with a no-contact order at East Brighton on Oct. 2, 2023. He also pleaded guilty to criminal harassment for incidents between Aug. 28 and Sept. 25, 2023, in Lower Brighton, involving the same female complainant. The court heard he tried to contact the same female victim hundreds of times by phone, text message and on Facebook. The crown withdrew a threat charge.

After hearing final submissions, Judge Karen Lee reserved her decision on sentence until Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Crown Prosecutor Daniel Standing recommended LaFrance serve four months in jail for the offences, noting a previous conviction for criminal harassment in 2020.

Defence Counsel Lindsay Paul requested her client receive a conditional sentence order of house arrest so he could continue employment. LaFrance remains in custody waiting for a bail hearing in Edmundston on a new charge of breaching his release order for an incident on Jan. 24.

At a previous court appearance, LaFrance pleaded not guilty to other offences and a trial date was set for Jan. 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. LaFrance appeared in court in custody by video on Dec. 16, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him in connection with an alleged breach of his house arrest on Dec. 7, 2024. He pleaded not guilty.

Highlights and Features of Local Sports and Sporting Events

Organizers excited for year two of MSCR in Woodstock

Snowmobile races return Feb. 14 – 16 with more events, more competitors

By Paige Morgan

The roar of snow machines and cheering crowds return to the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock on Family Day weekend. The Maritime Snowmobile Championship Races (MSCR) hits the freshly built ice track on Feb. 14, 15, and 16, with races from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Kendall Leech is the Chair of the local MSCR organizing committee. He said they expect up to 150 racers this year, a 52 per cent increase from last year’s total of 88 racers.

“A lot didn’t want to come last year because it was a new track, and a lot of people weren’t familiar with it. The good track and good turnout from last year made more racers want to come,” said Leech.

Snowmobilers from all over North America will arrive in Woodstock. The event will be full of local teams from the Maritimes and teams from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire, and other

east coast states.

Tobi Pirie is the head of Woodstock Tourism. She says the MSCR event is excellent for local businesses.

“Hosting a winter event that made its return after over a 40-year hiatus in 2024 has been beneficial to the tourism sector in Woodstock. Accommodations, eateries, and local shops get extra foot traffic to their business,” said Pirie.

This year, the MSCR has teamed up with two other tracks, Valcourt and Roberval, Quebec, to introduce the Triple Crown. This new point-based competition requires racers to compete on all three tracks. Whoever accumulates the most points wins a cash prize.

Attendees are welcome to watch the races, live, under the heated grandstand, with a bigscreen TV carrying all the action.

Leech said he’s excited for this year’s event.

“That’s a pretty big feather in our cap, after last year being our first year, but this year will be the best, that’s for sure,”

said Leech.

The weekend will be full of activities coordinated with other service clubs around the area.

A vintage snowmobile show will occur on Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday evening, there will be a barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Woodstock Elks Club. People can order a meal consisting of an 8oz steak, a baked potato, coleslaw, a roll, sour cream, and one drink. Each meal costs $25. There will be a live performance by the local band Double D.

After the barbecue, people can stop by the AYR Motor Centre for a dance between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Tickets cost $20.

On Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., a breakfast will be held at the Y’s Men’s Club. There will be TVs playing the live races.

“We tried to get as many service clubs together as we could, the bigger the turn out it helps everybody,” said Leech.

Your participation allows us to buy the best equipment to help keep you safe!

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Maritime Snowmobile Championship Racing returns to the Connell Park Raceway in Woodstock during the Family Day weekend. Tickets for the event are available at mscrtickets.ca. Weekend passes are $50. Day passes are $25. Children 12 and under

in

free. (Connor Barry photo)

Woodstock cheer teams shine in Moncton

U-12 and U-16 Lightning All-Stars Cheerleading teams bring home banners

By Jim Dumville – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Apair of young cheerleading teams from Woodstock began the cheer schedule in style on Jan. 25 when they brought home third-place banners from the Tidal Blast Cheerleading competition in the Hub City.

“This is amazing considering it’s early in the season and two-third of the athletes have never competed before,” said Alana Bowden-Ball, owner and head coach of Lightning All-Stars Cheerleading.

Bowden-Bell said Voltage, the under-12 team featuring 15 competitors,

earned the third-place banner during the year’s first competition. She added that Synergy, the under-16 team with only eight athletes, also grabbed the third-place banner.

Bowden-Bell said Synergy also “hit zero,” meaning they earned no deductions during their performance.

She said the teams will head to Quispamsis in March to compete in the For Love of Cheer event, followed by a trip to Fredericton in April for Centre Stage Fredericton.

The cheer teams will

host a fundraising dance on Feb. 8, from 9 to 12 p.m., at the Elks Club in Woodstock, featuring live music.

“We have Zach Peters coming to perform live and we will be hosting various raffles to assist in fundraising,” said Bowden-Bell.

She explained that the fundraiser would “help cover the costs of the competitive team and travelling costs for the families.”

Bowden-Bell said she hopes to see a large crowd join them for a fun evening and to support the young athletes.

LEGION DONATES TO FOOD PROGRAM, PRESENTS BURSARIES TO STUDENTS

LEFT: Florenceville-Bristol Legion President Billie-Jo O’Donnell 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. RIGHT: 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)

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS

After 52 years of offering optical services in downtown Woodstock, Woody’s will change ownership effective February 10, 2025.

The new owner and operator, Zachary Nevers, will take over the optical business from Lynwood Milbury at the exact location on Main Street under the new name Woodstock Optical Solutions. The store will remain open for business as Woody works with Zack to transition the company over the coming days.

The family and friends of Lynwood Milbury would like to congratulate him on his retirement. We know many loyal customers have relied on his dedicated service over the past half-century, so we are pleased to see that the optical business will remain available to the community.

Woody extends his thanks and gratitude to all who have supported his business over the years and wishes Zack all the best.

The U-12 Voltage team members hold their third-place banner earned in Moncton. (Submitted photo)

Team Voltage perfectly hits their pyramid during the performance in Moncton on Jan. 25. (Submitted photo)

The U-16 Synergy team holds its banner following the competition in Moncton on Jan. 25. (Submitted photo)