Eager group of athletes will represent Canada again at world championships

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A special team of athletes will defend their world title next month in Orlando at the 2026 International Cheer Union’s World Cheerleading Championships.

The Unified Special Abilities Team from Coastal Wave Elite (CWE) in Mount Pearl garnered gold in their first-ever trip to the nationals in 2025 and are working hard to take another shot at top spot yet again.

“As world champions, it’s an incredible opportunity for these athletes to once again represent Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada on the world stage and continue showing everyone that athletes of all abilities belong in this sport,” said coach Taylor Anthony during a showcase event held at CWE on March 5.

The Unified Special Abilities Team started as a recreational program in 2019 and has evolved into a competition team that includes 20 athletes, with one mentor member for every special abilities athlete.

Last year, coaches decided to apply for entry to the world championships but didn’t tell the team members so as not to get their hopes up. The application included a video of the team’s routine, among other details.

The squad was accepted for the championships and the rest, as they say, is history and the team continues to revel in its golden moment from 2025.

“It was amazing. The experience was like the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Julia Crocker, a team member since its inception.

She looks back on the gold medal memory fondly and is grateful for the opportunities the program provides.

“Well, a lot of us cried. We were just not expecting it at all, like the fact that eight years ago this wasn’t even a thing for us to do. And the fact we’ve grown so much is amazing,” said Crocker. “We know that we fit in and the fact that we fit in is so amazing, that feeling of belonging. It’s just no words. I truly truly, truly feel this gym has given all of us something that’s beyond measurable. In terms of being an athlete and being able just to come in here and my disability is left at the door – no one sees my disability. Everyone sees me for who I am.”

And while the 2026 world championships mark a triumphant return for the team, it’s also a chance for one of the team members to get a second shot at a first impression.

Abigail (Abby) Roberts was forced to miss last year’s championships in order to undergo a kidney transplant, but she’s back in good health and looking forward to joining her team to defend the title.

“Last year I was so mad and upset about it,” Roberts said. “I’m excited. It’s really fun. I’m (excited) to be part of Team Canada.”

Coaches found out in November that CWE had been accepted to the 2026 world championships and told the team prior to one of its pep rally performances. Getting accepted for the worlds means the routine needed to be tweaked for international competition standards. The squad has been practicing once a week, though the coaching staff may add extra sessions leading up to the event.

There are also administrative and course requirements behind the scenes for team members to complete, as well as re-introducing a separate, “Let’s Go Canada’ cheer. But it’s a small price to pay to represent the country, they say.

“There were a few routine upgrades. We definitely narrowed down on the details of our routine once we figured it out, and our music changes a little bit,” said coach Jenna Phillips. “It’s definitely super surreal, (and) just shows how capable these athletes are to be able to do that. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience for sure. So grateful that we’re getting to do it again this year and defend our title.”

Similar to the Olympics, the team will get the honour of an opening ceremonies, which will be live-streamed. There’s also a cultural exchange where teams can trade things like souvenirs and pins they bring from home. While the team is representing Canada, they also hope to bring some items from Newfoundland as well.

“I think we’re trying to up our swag game this year, too, and bring as much as we can,” said Phillips.

The itinerary leaves some downtime since all work and no play wouldn’t make for the best experience. Like a lot of champions, they are going to Disney.

“That’s something they all look forward to,” said the coach.

The Mount Pearl based CWE Cheerleading team will represent Canada at the world special abilities cheerleading competition again this year. The team members heading to Florida next month for the event include, starting in the front row, from left: Taylor Anthony, Abigail Roberts, Laila Roche, Ava Walsh, Carrie Parsons, Maddy Roche, Emily Wiseman, Kyla Crann, Keeanna Morgan and Jenna Phillips; and in the back row, from left: Shaelyn Ivey, Olivia Power, Scarlett Nicholl, Kaleigh Morgan, Julia Crocker, Barbara Badcock, Cassie Coates, Emily McIsaac, Kaylee Hillier, Claire Coates, and Courtney White. Tyler Waugh photo

Posted on March 23, 2026 .

Mount Pearl rec hockey boys net a big milestone of memories

By Mark Squibb

The year was 1976.

Rocky dominated at the box office, while Paul McCartney and the Wings’ disco-inspired Silly Love Songs dominated the charts. Over a million workers walked off the job to protest Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s wage legislation. And on November 29 the Mount Pearl Men’s Recreational Hockey League was formed. Tom Vardy was named president, a position which he held until 1980, when the reins were handed to Bren Rumsey.

“I have a little bit of a puffed-out chest, knowing that I was involved from the beginning,” admits Rumsey, who joined the league in it’s inaugural year at the urging of his neighbour, Bob Voisey.

“I had never played organized hockey,” said Rumsey. “We either played on the street or went into Burton’s Pond and cleaned off enough snow to play on the ice, and that was the extent of it. So, I had never really played organized hockey, so it was a golden opportunity for me.”

Rumsey held the presidency until 1984. Shortly after, he would bow out of the league following surgery.

“I got very involved, and at the same time, I got to meet a fair number of people living here in Mount Pearl, some of whom have become lifelong friends,” said Rumsey.

A decade ago, Rumsey was asked to help organize the clubs 40th anniversary celebration. Now, he’s been asked back to help organize the 50th anniversary.

He has nothing but good things to say about how the league is run.

“I’m sitting there, absolutely amazed, and feeling great, that I’ve had a hand in this from the beginning, and that these people have continued it on in the best way possible,” said Rumsey. “It’s as good, if not better, today, than it was when we started out. I’m quite amazed by the involvement on the part of the executive of the league, and the dedication that they have, to keep this league going as it was intended from the very, very beginning.”

At the forefront of the present executive is president Steve MacDonald, who has held the post since 2012. He said the league is all about making friends and having a bit of fun.

“It’s the camaraderie, and a bit of exercise,” said MacDonald. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The league, which is open to men 37 years of age and older, began with four teams, and grew to a six-team league within a year.

Today, the league boasts eight teams, 112 full-time players, and a waiting list of about 50. The boys play every Tuesday night at the Glacier.

During the league’s regular season, each team plays 21 games. The top four teams then compete for Championship ‘A’ and the bottom four teams compete for Championship ‘B.’ The league also hosts an annual Easter tournament and invites clubs from across the province to compete. That event has been held since 1979 and is one of the province’s oldest running recreation tournaments.

The league employs a two-ref system to keep games from getting out of control, and fighting is not tolerated. Players who fight are automatically suspended for one year.

Aside from having fun on the ice, the boys also take up a collection around Christmas time to help families in need.

“We refer to it as ‘Toonies for Turkeys,’ but basically it’s for groceries and other items that families need,” said MacDonald. “Through the schools’ guidance councillors, we target it to the people who need it.”

The 50th anniversary dinner and dance, featuring Bic & The Ballpoints, will be held March 28 at the Reid Centre. Tickets are $40 a couple and are being sold until March 21.

To purchase tickets, call MacDonald at 709-685-7978 or email mpmrhl@gmail.com.

“Anybody who has played in the league is more than welcome,” noted MacDonald.

Two pillars of the league who won’t be there, but will surely be missed, are Tom Vardy, who has moved out of province, but will be sending greetings, and the late David Sheppard.

“The number of adults, middle-aged and guys fairly up in years, who have still been able to enjoy a game of hockey, and the fellowship and camaraderie every night that those games go on, is a credit to them, and certainly to many others, and there have been quite a number of others who have had a hand in running this league over the years,” said Rumsey. “It’s a compliment to all of them.”

The Mount Pearl Men’s Recreational Hockey League boasts eight teams, such as the one pictured, and over a hundred players. The league is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year. Team sponsors include Precision Excavation (pictured), North Atlantic, City Tire, AllStar Rebar, DBA Engineering, Carpet Factory, Nutrilawn, and Pinnacle Office Solutions.  Molson has sponsored the league since 1976. In the back, from left, are Greg Quinn, Todd Randall, Tim Ford, Chad Batterton, Rob Baldwin, Richard Kennedy, Steve MacDonald, and Mark Witherall. In front, from left, are Scott Peddle, Shane Curnew, Darrin Penney, and sponsor Brad Pike. All players, past and present, are welcome. The 50th anniversary dinner and dance, featuring Bic & The Ballpoints, will be held on March 28 at the Reid Centre. Tickets are $40 a couple, and are being sold until March 21. To purchase tickets, call MacDonald at 709-685-7978 or email mpmrhl@gmail.com. Submitted photo

Posted on March 19, 2026 .

Kin Clubs mark Kindness Day by paying for hospital parking

By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of several local Kin Canada clubs spent the day spreading smiles at St. John’s hospitals as part of Kin Kindness Day, held February 21. Volunteers from the Mount Pearl Kinettes, Mount Pearl Kinsmen, Paradise Kin Club and St. John’s Kin Club, gathered at the Health Sciences Centre and the Janeway Children’s Hospital to pay the parking fees of patients and visitors.

Kin Kindness Day, formerly known as National Day of Kindness, is held annually across the country in honour of Harold (Hal) Rogers, the founder of Kin Canada. The day celebrates the organization’s long-standing mission of ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Need’ by encouraging members to perform simple acts of kindness in their communities.

The hospital parking project began many years ago through the efforts of the former Kinsmen Club of St. John’s East. Today, the St. John’s Kin Club has taken the lead in continuing the tradition and expanding it to include other clubs in the region.

Throughout the day, volunteers paid parking costs for visitors arriving at the hospitals, many of whom were there supporting loved ones facing serious health challenges. The gesture was met with heartfelt gratitude from patients and families alike.

Kin members said they were often humbled by how much such a small act meant to people during difficult times. After long and stressful days in the hospital, many visitors expressed appreciation for the unexpected kindness. For the volunteers, the experience was equally rewarding. Members described the day as a privilege and a reminder of the impact simple acts of generosity can have.

Kin Kindness Day is also an opportunity to recognize the ongoing support communities provide to Kin Canada clubs. As a volunteer service organization with a 106-year history, Kin Canada clubs rely on the generosity of citizens across the country to carry out their work.

The local Kin members say they look forward to continuing the tradition in the years ahead to bring a little kindness, and a few more smiles, to those who need them most.

Mount Pearl Kinettes, from left, Evelyn Butt, Kim Smith, Susan Ayers, Deborah Noseworthy, Nora O’Brien and Sandra Anstey spread a bit of kindness recently by paying the parking charges for visitors to the Health Sciences Complex and Janeway Children’s Hospital.

Posted on March 19, 2026 .

Trepassey mayor says town is ready to face the challenges

Wanda Waddleton was named Mayor of Trepassey on October 15, and less than a month later, was baptized not by fire, but by hurricane force winds and heavy rains when Hurricane Melissa hit in early November.

The storm caused severe damage to the town’s breakwater and cut off the Lower Coast for several hours.

“It was a challenge believe me,” said Waddleton. “But the biggest challenge is getting the government to realize the residents in rural areas shouldn’t be forgotten.”

The breakwater had been damaged in successive years prior and was still in need of repairs when Hurricane Melissa hit, deteriorating the structure further.

Waddleton said residents were thrilled when the newly minted PC government announced it would tender repairs, and are excited to see work commence.

That contract, valued at $1.6 million, was recently awarded to Rock Construction Company Ltd., with work expected to begin in January.

Waddleton said the completion of the breakwater remains the town’s biggest project in the coming year, but council has other ideas on its agenda as well, including the implementation of a town plan, emergency plan, and a new set of by-laws.

“We’ve been talking about this since I went on council four years ago, but I have stated that we are going to complete these plans this year,” said Waddleton.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for council, Waddleton allowed, is to spend within its means, given the cost of services and the need for expensive infrastructure repairs, coupled with a limited tax base.

“We only have 420 residents, so our tax base is very limited, and most of our infrastructure, like our water lines and sewer, is in great need of repair,” said Waddleton. “Culverts are collapsing underneath roads. And all of this is costing the Town a lot of money. But our biggest ongoing challenge is our snow clearing, which is costing us upwards of $100,000 a year. Plus, garbage collection is up to $83,000 a year. With 420 people, most of whom are seniors, it’s very hard to face these challenges. We’ve been trying to get government to come on board and see if they can help with snow clearing. But it’s been an ongoing challenge. It’s a challenge that comes up every meeting. And we don’t want to increase taxes because we can’t really afford to do that.”

The Town’s budget, said Waddleton, is usually shy of $600,000.

Challenging as it may be, Waddleton, who had just completed a four-year term as councillor, and had previously served as mayor back in the early nineties, said she’s up to the task.

Longstanding, outgoing mayor Rita Pennell secured a council seat but opted to serve as a councillor this time around.

“I have big shoes to fill,” said Waddleton. “Rita has been a strong voice for the people of Trepassey. She’s in her 35th year of municipal politics this year, not always in the capacity of mayor, but as a member of council. But I feel like I’m capable of doing the job at hand, and I’ll do everything in my power for the people of Trepassey. As mayor, my main job is to run our town in an efficient and cost-effective way, but also to be there to obtain whatever funds are available for the betterment of our town. I’m working with an awesome council, and together, I feel we are up to the task we face in the next four years.”

Posted on December 27, 2025 .

Going the distance as father and son

By Mark Squibb

For many, having someone register you for a 42-kilometre run as a Christmas gift might seem like a cruel joke.

But when Eric Hutchings did just that back in 2023 and registered his dad, former Ferryland MHA Keith Hutchings, for the 2024 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, he did it with the best of intentions.

“He opened it and said, ‘Holy smokes, I have to run a marathon in 10 months,” laughed Eric.

The annual marathon is held in October. When Eric ran it in 2023, Keith, who in his youth had been a runner, flew to Toronto to cheer him on.

“I could see there was an itch, and that it was something he wanted to do,” said Eric. “He’d even say, ‘I always wanted to run a marathon.’ So, I did the marathon, and he was super happy that I did it and he was super proud of me. And I was thinking that it takes a lot for a person to commit and sign up for a marathon. That’s the hardest step. So, I thought that if I got him his (registration) for Christmas, the race wouldn’t be until the following October, and this would probably be all the motivation he needs.”

Father and son ran the marathon together in 2024, and again in 2025.

“That was pretty amazing to share that experience with him,” said Keith. “He was obviously in a different speed category. But I had gone up to watch him run his first marathon, so I was there to cheer him on his first marathon, and then he was there at the end, with my wife and my daughter. So, it was amazing to complete a feat like that with him and to have that experience. It was a memory we’ll share forever.”

Eric shared a similar sentiment.

“It was an awesome experience,” said Eric. “I remember growing up playing hockey, and even when he wasn’t coaching me anymore, I would look at the stands to see if he was there. Once I saw he was there I was like, ‘Alright, I’m good to go, let’s play the game.’ So, it felt like it was the reverse of that. I finished and I was tracking him along and I got to see him cross the finish line. That was a really cool experience, to give him a big hug and say congrats when he finished and tell him how proud I was of him for taking on that journey and at his age doing a marathon for the first time. It was cool to be able to coach him along the way and give him advice, and to see him do it and be happy with his time, it was an awesome, awesome time.”

Eric began running in 2022. He admits that growing up he always found running boring. Keith, meanwhile, was a competitive runner in his younger years who always dreamed of one day completing a full marathon.

“I’ve always wanted to complete a marathon, so last year was just about completing it,” said Keith. “So, after I did that, I said, well, maybe I should do it again and see what it would be like to do it a second time.”

This year, both men managed to improve upon their previous year’s time. Eric, 27, completed the marathon in 3:39:09. Keith, 58, completed it in 4:29:14.

“The big thing is to start small and just grow your distances,” advised Keith, who did much of his distance training along the Witless Bay Line. “Don’t get into a situation where you’re doing a lot of miles initially and you’re getting sore and uncomfortable. Pace yourself in terms of building up your pace and your distance. I’ve learned that doing a lot of miles is not always best. It’s more about quality than quantity. Give your body time to rest… A lot of it is mental. It’s about overcoming the barrier of thinking you can’t do it.”

The course itself is flat, and, as the name suggests, runs along the waterfront in downtown Toronto. The marathon doubles as a qualifier marathon for other world marathons.

Looking ahead, the pair are considering doing a marathon elsewhere in the coming year, but have yet to make a final decision.

Meanwhile, if you’re considering picking up running in the new year, Eric has a few tidbits of advice.

“Just get out there and get moving,” said Eric. “With each run that you do, you’ll slowly build your confidence in yourself. The hardest thing is putting the shoes on and getting out there and getting moving. You just have to trust in yourself that you can do it, and believe you can, and commit to it.”

Keith and Eric Hutchings at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon earlier this year.

Posted on December 27, 2025 .

Budget 2026 aims to make Mount Pearl more pedestrian friendly

By Mark Squibb

Mount Pearl council has approved a balanced budget of $62.6 million that will see no tax increases, despite a $3.9 million, or seven percent, increase in operating expenses.

Council warned that some residents may see an increase on their tax bills due to rising property values assessed by the provincial Municipal Assessment Agency.

“We’ve had enough budget control to ensure that we haven’t overstretched ourselves, we have a lot of working capital in the bank and so don’t have to borrow as much for big projects,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “By investing in the future and managing your dollars, you can position yourself so you’re not freewheeling out of control. The new Community Centre is not anticipated to have any budget overruns. It may be a bit late getting constructed (fall instead of winter), but it’s going to last 50 years and we’re not going to see any cost overruns.”

One buzz word of the night was ‘safety,’ which was expected given the emphasis council placed on public safety following a spat of violent incidents that rocked Mount Pearl around this time last year. To that end, the City will spend $200,000 to implement a five-year Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, as well $200,000 on traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety. The City is also planning a pilot project to make the section of Smallwood Drive between Commonwealth Avenue and Old Placentia Road more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. The roadway will temporarily be reduced from four lanes to three, with a centre turning lane added, and space reallocated for foot and bicycle traffic. The City will also spend $1.3 million on new sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks in Donovans Business Park to improve life for the 5,000 or so people who work there.

“Our survey with the business owners up there suggest they want to see more pedestrian activity,” said Aker. “When employees come to work, they want a nice place to get around. So, we’re going to be putting in crosswalks and sidewalks in some of the main areas. We already did this a few years ago with Stone Avenue. We want people to be able to get out and go to a restaurant, get a breath of fresh air, go for a walk. We’re working with the owners up there, and that’s the feedback they’ve been giving us. They want to have more offerings for their pedestrians. And that all goes back to job creation, doesn’t it? If you don’t have a nice work environment, you’re not necessarily going to attract people to work. It also encourages using public transit more.”

To that end, the City will extend Metro Bus hours.

“We have heard from the business community about the need for transit options that offer a more convenient commute to and from work in Mount Pearl,” added councillor Bill Antle, who presented the new budget. “In this budget, we’re taking a fresh look at public transit routes to ensure they truly meet the needs of our community. Our goal is simple: make transit as efficient, reliable, and convenient as possible for the people who depend on it ever day. By extending service hours on Route 21 and providing all-day coverage on Route 22, we’re improving mobility for workers and residents, reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and strengthening connections between neighbourhoods and businesses.”

Also in the spending plans are $565,000 for trailway enhancements, including construction of a new washroom, laying of granular stone in select areas, bridge repairs, the continuing roll out of more trail lighting, and $250,000 for phase one of the Commonwealth Avenue bridge replacement.

On the recreation front, staff have budgeted $87,000 for organizations within the Mount Pearl Sport Alliance, $200,000 to fully resurface most of the city’s outdoor courts, and $100,000 for the replacement of playground equipment at Branscombes Pond and Farrell Drive playgrounds. The City will also fund the conceptual design of a new park off Larsen Street.

Some $1.8 million will go bolstering the City’s fleet of vehicles, including the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles “when practical and cost-effective,” said Antle. Some $1.3 million is earmarked for road upgrades, and $606,000 for facility improvements in addition to $1.5 million for cost-shared infrastructure projects.

Council approved the budget and tax structure unanimously.

Mount Pearl councillor Bill Antle presented council with a balanced budget of $62.6 million last week that will see no increases in the mil rate or commercial taxes. Mark Squibb photo

Posted on December 23, 2025 .

Jubilee Scholarship winner sets record grades

By Craig Westcott

This year’s winner of the Provincial government’s Jubilee Scholarship is the first one to ever record straight 100s in all his courses upon graduating high school.

Samuel Power of Paradise, who graduated from Mount Pearl Senior High last year and is now studying towards an engineering degree at Memorial University, has a simple formula for success, though it’s one that eludes many.

“There’s a lot of work, a lot of study, a lot of late nights,” said Power, 18.

Power received 100 per cent in each of Advanced Math, French, Social Studies, Calculus, English, and Chemistry in his final year at MPSH. His favourite subjects were calculus and math. 

Power is finding that university courses come with even more work.

“It’s good, it’s a challenge, it’s definitely a change of scenery compared to high school,” said Power. “It’s more compact, the course loads are heavy.”

Power is undecided about which type of engineering he will pursue but is leaning towards process engineering.

“I’m big into chemistry,” he said. “It will be something in the energy field, I’m sure.”

In addition to academics, Power was a top student athlete in high school. He played three seasons on the hockey team, which speaks to his athletic ability as not all players make the Huskies in the first year or two of high school. Power also played on the baseball and softball teams, and of course, the math league team. He was asked to try out for the Blades’ junior hockey team this year but decided he would take this first year of university to focus on his studies.

Power’s brothers are also good students. His younger brother Henry is in Grade 10, while older brother Jacob is in medical school.

Power allowed that all the hard work in high school paid off.

“It was definitely worth it in the end, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. 

Power is also grateful to his teachers.

“They were awesome, the amount of work and time they put into me and helping me achieve what I wanted,” he said. “I set out on that goal as soon as I started high school, I wanted to be valedictorian. It just so happened that I was able to get this scholarship along the way. But the amount of time and effort they put into helping me, teaching me and guiding me along the path was much appreciated.”

The Jubilee Scholarship, which is awarded to the student with the highest scholarship score in the province, is worth $2,500.

The Province also late last month announced the winner of the Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship, which went to Gonzaga High graduate Isla Growns, and the 120 winners of the Electoral District scholarships, and the 79 winners of the Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships.

Samuel Power

Posted on December 15, 2025 .

The Mount Pearl Soccer Association annual awards ceremony

The Mount Pearl Soccer Association recognized the best of the best at its annual awards ceremony last month. In the back row, from left, are Official of the Year Henry Green, Recognition Award recipient John Bennett, Youth Male Player of the year Xavier Dray, and Senior Male Player of the Year Paris Kahunga. In the middle row, from left, are Female Player of the Year and GU15 Premier League team member Claire Gibbons, Volunteer of the Year Kate Gibbons, and GU15 Premier League team members Lia Donovan, Paige Andrews, Caroline Bragg, Aleah Philpott, Penney Laine Ryan, Emma Thomas, Payten Harnum, Cassie Pennell, and assistant coach Courtney Abbott. In the front row, from left, are Coach of the Year Mauricio Modica, Alumni of the Year Cecil Noseworthy, President’s Award recipient Chris Follett, Senior Player of the Year Sebastian Locke, and GU15 Premier League coach Mike Oliver. Missing from the photo are GU15 Premiere League players Abby Myron, Jane Caines, Lily Molloy, Sarah White, Audria Peddle, Paityn Williams, Adrienne Shannahan, and Eloise Lush. Also missing is Achievement Award recipient Olivia Burton. Photo courtesy of Mount Pearl Soccer Association

Posted on December 15, 2025 .

Mount Pearl inks deal with Bell for cellular service, new iPhones

By Mark Squibb

Trying to pick a cellular provider can be a headache.

Staff at the City of Mount Pearl have put that headache behind them, for at least the next five years.

The City recently inked a deal with Bell Mobility to provide cellular service for City employees at an estimated five-year cost of $157,836, plus HST.

Previously, the City’s contract with Bell was on a month-to-month extension. Staff have budgeted $55,000 per year for cell phone services, and so the new contract should reduce overall monthly service costs based on the projected estimate.

That cost will also include the purchase of 43 new iPhone 15s and the porting of another 43 City cell phones to the provider. Staff also anticipate the purchase of five voice-only devices and 10 mobile internet devices.

The City received three bids, but public documents did not identify the other two bidders.

Council approved the motion unanimously.

Posted on December 15, 2025 .

Johnny on the spot

By Mark Squibb

An RNC officer was in the right place at the right time late last month.

On November 29th at 2:20 p.m., the officer was at a Mount Pearl business investigating a separate matter when a 54-year-old man attempted to steal a shopping cart full of product from the same store.

The officer quickly apprehended the man, who was charged with one count of theft. He was released and will appear in court at a later date.

Police responded to a number of other calls in Mount Pearl over the weekend.

On November 28, police responded to a complaint of a 34-year-old man supposedly at a residence that he was on conditions to remain away from. The man was located and arrested a short distance from the home in question. He was held at the St. John’s lock-up to appear before a judge in the morning.

In the early morning of November 30, police responded to a disturbance at a Mount Pearl home. Officers say an individual at the home had been assaulted by another person in the same home. As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old man was charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. The man also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was transported to the lock-up and held for court in the morning.

Posted on December 15, 2025 .