Kearney Politics Turn Violent

We received this disturbing email from an anonymous source. Apparently, the OPP will be releasing infomation about this incident to the Almaguin News next week so we're going to redact the alleged assailant's name until we get confirmation. We haven't confirmed if the Jeff Johnston is former Kearney mayor Jeff Johnston or his son. Either way, Jeff Sr. is a man in his 70's and his son has been permanently disabled since a workplace accident several years ago. We were able to confirm that the alleged assailant was a member of the Grass and Loon Lakes Residents Group at least until 2010, according to a copy of their meeting minutes. 

Here's the email:

On Sunday, Jeff Johnston of Kearney was assaulted while leaving a restaurant in Burks Falls. The alleged assailant is a property owner on Hazard Hill Road in Kearney and a member of the Grass and Loon Lakes Residents Group. Members of the GLLRG include Mayor Paul Tomlinson, Councillor Barry Dingwall, Councillor Stephen Sainsbury, and Tim Brown (Ethical Wealth Corporation). According to witnesses, Mr. Johnston had just finished having dinner with his family when they were accosted by the man who had apparently been waiting for them outside. The assailant revealed to the Johnstons he knew where they lived, where family members worked, and described himself as their “worst nightmare” because of Mr. Johnston’s criticisms of Mayor Tomlinson and council. As restaurant employees phoned the OPP, the assailant attacked Mr. Johnston when the latter revealed that he was recording the interaction on his cell-phone. Mr. Johnston was knocked into the street and repeatedly punched and kicked in the face. The attack ended when family members and passers-by pulled the assailant off Mr. Johnston. Mr. Johnston was treated for several facial injuries by paramedics but did not require hospitalization. The assailant was detained until the arrival of the OPP a few minutes later. Victim Services were dispatched to help two members of the Johnston family - an elderly woman and a young child - who were both badly traumatized by the event. Charged with Assault and Causing a Disturbance is James Rhys Milner of Brampton [and Kearney]. A court date has not been set.

This is shocking and terrifying! If you have any information please contact the Almaguin Highlands Detachment of the OPP at 705-382-2015 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

(Unlike the heroes of Proudfoot, we're leaving spouses and children out of it.)