Darryl Olsen Dies

A man whose name was thrown into the spotlight after a massive case of vandalism back in April has died.

Darryl Olsen, Manager of the Saint John Catholic Diocese Cemeteries is dead after a motorcycle accident yesterday morning just outside of Petticodiac.

It was announced during a service at St. Pius Catholic Church this morning.

Olsen leaves behind his wife Brenda, mother, father and two sons.

RCMP tell us the crash happened near Elgin at 11:30am and a doctor on the scene pronounced Olsen dead.

Officers believe speed may have been a factor in the crash but continue to piece together what happened.

Olsen was the spokes-person and took the lead on re-storing over 300 grave-stones at St. Josephs cemetery after they were toppled over in a fit of rage by 20-year old Dana Bartlett back on April.25th.

He will be back in court for sentencing on September 23rd.

Call For More Diversity On EUB

An anti-poverty group would like to see even more change with the Energy and Utilities Board than what has been proposed by Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir.

Bethany Thorne Dykstra of Voice of Real Poverty tells CHSJ News members of the Board should be elected instead of appointed.

She would like to see representation on the E-U-B from someone who can speak up for the interests of consumers, especially those who don't have a lot of money to work with.

Iggy Comes To Town

(Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff)
(File Photo)

Liberal Party Leader Michael Ignatieff continues his cross province tour this weekend with a stop-over in Rothesay today.

Former Saint John MP Paul Zed is hosting the get-together at his home and tells us he expects there will be several hundred people on hand to greet Ignatieff when he arrives.

Zed points out this is Ignatieff's fifth trip to Saint John and there is no political agenda, just a chance to come and have a more relaxed visit to the area.

Suburban Bus Service Well Used

(File Photo)

Despite early scepticism, the suburban bus service is getting a lot of use with a new route starting in Quispamsis on Tuesday.

Frank McCarey is the General Manager for Saint John Transit and tells CHSJ News people living outside the city are taking the bus more than he originally thought they would. 

He says he expected it to take 3 years to get the rider-ship they wanted in suburban areas, but it actually only took 8 months. 

McCarey says he thinks people using the service are people that went from 2 cars to 1, and that's why there's more demand.

New Look In The Uptown

A walk through the uptown and it is very easy to notice work is underway to re-store several buildings that used to house a business or apartments.

Steve Carson is General Manager of Enterprise Saint John and tells us, a strong variety of restaurants and galleries has created a vibrant heart of a community.

Carson adds the residential development and new technology company start-ups are leading to a number of new bars and restaurants choosing the uptown to call home.