Good morning, Saint John! A rescue dog deemed “too much to handle” has landed a job sniffing out koalas in Australia. Oaka takes over from Bear, who helped save more than 100. Turns out she wasn’t a handful, just a little overkoalified.
Here’s what we’re sniffing out this morning:
A sketchy career in court 🖍️
Three hikes, no scenic views ⚡
Love at first stopwatch 💘
Enjoy the day!
-Geoff Walsh, Publisher
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NEWS NOTES
Drawing on 42 years in court ✏️
Copies of Carol Taylor’s book, Capturing Crime. Courtesy of Carol Taylor.
Most artists would appreciate a subject who sits still. Carol Taylor got lawyers.
“Lawyers tend to move a lot, so you sketch around them,” she tells SJ Today, waiting for a hand or head to return to the right position.
The Apohaqui-raised artist’s path to the courtroom started with a grade nine teacher who encouraged her to attend Saint John Vocational School. There, artist Ted Campbell taught her to draw what she saw accurately.
Later, Carol was drawing $5 portraits in Prince Edward Square and McAllister Place when ATV’s local newsroom needed a courtroom artist. Station manager Pat Ryan asked around. Everyone pointed him toward her.
Forty-two years of courtroom sketching followed, including the trials of Allan Legere and former premier Richard Hatfield. But while the proceedings could be emotional, Carol says her attention was usually on the drawing.
“In most cases I am focused on what I am doing, which means I don’t get caught up in the emotions of most trials.”
On October 24, Carol joins historian Greg Marquis at Stone Church for a NB Historical Society conversation about her career. She’ll also bring copies of Capturing Crime, her 2022 book documenting her courtroom work, to sell and sign.
A three-year plan to charge more ⚡
NB Power’s clearer picture of future rates comes with a bigger bill. The utility has applied for average increases of 5.5% each April for three years, starting in 2027. That stacks up to roughly 17.4% overall. A household using 1,350 kWh monthly would pay about $13.25 more a month in the first year.
The utility says most of the increase would fund reliability and upgrades to aging equipment. One charge could shrink…connection and reconnection fees would fall from about $76 to just over $9 thanks to smart meters. The Energy and Utilities Board still needs to review and approve the proposal. These higher bills still need approval before they’re officially plugged in.
We’ll cross those bridges later 🌉
The bridges at Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park are getting upgrades and are closed until further notice, with work expected to continue through October 16. The park remains open, so your fall stroll is still on. Just steer clear of the work zones and any areas marked off with barricades or pylons.
Our guess is they’re reinforcing the bridges ahead of AREA 506’s Winter is Coming with Joel Plaskett Emergency on December 19. Tickets sold out in just over 24 hours. Gotta make sure the infrastructure is ready to rock.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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EVENTS
What’s Happenin’
Weekend Preview
THURSDAY
Pathways to Belonging: Saint John Immigration Sector Summit | October 8
People working across the immigration sector will gather at the Delta for a day of collaboration and connection, beginning at 8:30am. It’s a chance to meet the people helping newcomers find their footing in Saint John and compare notes on the work.
FRIDAY
Saint John Sea Dogs vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies | October 9
The Sea Dogs host the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at 7pm at TD Station.. Start Thanksgiving weekend with a little barking from the stands.
Saint John Speed Dating | October 9
Singles ages 30–40 can meet potential matches through a series of short dates at 7:30pm at Five & Dime. Give your swiping thumb the night off and see who clicks in person.
PHAKE: Warm Front | October 9
PHAKE opens a two-night outdoor run at Hampton Brewing at 8pm. Expect extended jams and grooves, with plenty of room for musical detours. Dress for the actual forecast.
SATURDAY
Kingston Farmers Market | October 10
Thanksgiving last-minute pick-ups comes with a Peninsula outing at the Kingston Farmers Market, open from 8am–1pm at 4 Market Lane. Browse New Brunswick produce, meats, salmon, crafts and food from around the world. Leave room in the bag for something that wasn’t on your list.
Get Crafty / Bricolages | October 10
Kids can drop in at the library at 1 Market Square for a craft at 11am. Projects change each weekend and suit a range of ages, although some lean younger or older. Let someone else come up with the craft idea this Saturday.
Saint John Flames vs. Dalhousie Marauders | October 10
The Saint John Flames take on the Dalhousie Marauders at 7pm at the LBR. Bring some hometown noise for the Saturday-night matchup.
Bingo Bash: Through the Decades | October 10
Music bingo meets a throwback singalong at the Kent Theatre at 8pm, with songs from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Play on your phone for prizes throughout the night, including a $150 grand prize in the finale; newcomers get a walkthrough before play begins. Finally, a use for all those lyrics taking up space in your head.
Queen Square Farmers Market | October 11
The Queen Square Farmers Market reaches its Thanksgiving season finale, with produce, flowers, eggs, cheese, local meats and food vendors at Queen Square, 9am-2pm, rain or shine. One last market munch before the turkey takes over.
*Nothing in this section is sponsored, just things you need to know. We’ll always let you know if items are sponsored.
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📸 Fred Grass | 📍 Leaf-peepin’ on the Millidgeville ferry between Sommerville and SJ!
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SIDE NOTES
🌅 7:31am | 🌇 6:51pm
Today’s Tides 🌊
Low Tide | 4:34 AM(Thu 08 October) | 0.98 m(3.22 ft) |
High Tide | 10:44 AM(Thu 08 October) | 7.66 m(25.13 ft) |
Low Tide | 4:59 PM(Thu 08 October) | 1.05 m(3.45 ft) |
High Tide | 11:09 PM(Thu 08 October) | 7.8 m(25.59 ft) |
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Thanks!
Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who would like a little koala-ty local news. 🐨
-Geoff Walsh - Publisher