Death In North End Fire Now A Homicide Case

City police ruling the body found at the fire at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue North on Tuesday as a homicide victim.

70 year old Robert Ryan was killed but police have not released the cause of death.

A Canada-wide warrant has been released for 50 year old Stephen Wallace Martin.  He is described as 6 foot 2 inches tall and 170 pounds with short salt and pepper hair and glasses.  He is considered armed and dangerous.

You are being asked to call city police or Crimestoppers if you have any information and the numbers are 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Kids Sell Duct Tape Wallets for Classmate with Leukemia

A tale of heartwarming generosity from some kids at Island View School.



Principal Mark Blucher tells CHSJ that Matthew and Thomas Watson, age 8, started the idea of selling handmade duct tape wallets to help a friend in need. All the proceeds from the wallets go to a classmate diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.

The wallets come in a range of cool colours and styles, from leopard print and camo to traditional silver duct tape. So far the kids have raised several hundred dollars. They're even talking about expanding the pint-sized business to sell them outside of the school.

Vigil To Be Held For Missing Rothesay Man

The friends and family of Scott Taylor holding a vigil for the missing Rothesay man tomorrow night in Loyalist Plaza.

Supporters are invited to bring candles and make posters.

23-year-old Taylor hasn't been seen since December 2nd. Police looking for tips about the Taylor's 2004 light green Cadillac SRX--if you saw that vehicle between December 2nd and 5th, contact police or Crimestoppers.

The vigil takes place at 6:30.

Rothesay and Quispamsis Say No To Congestion Tax

The idea of a congestion tax charged to residents of Rothesay and other out-of-towners who drive into Saint John for work going over like a lead balloon with Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop.

The idea was recently brought up by Councillor Donnie Snook and Bishop tells CHSJ News it's not Rothesay's responsibility to help Saint John with it's budget woes bu he wishes the city the best of luck.

He says one problem the city has is the new bus garage and it's hefty property tax.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll also gives a big thumbs down to the congestion tax.

Provincial Summer Job Applications Now Available

Even though it's the holiday season, the province is already looking ahead to the summer months.

Applications are now available for students looking for summer jobs with the provincial government. 

The provincially funded program provides summer jobs in government department and agencies, municipal and First Nation offices, and non-profit agencies. 

Also, students looking to start a summer business can obtain an interest free loan of up to 3-thousand dollars.

To find out where applications are or for more information, click here.

District 17 Schools Closed Today

All schools in Distric 17 are closed today due to icy road conditions.

Loss Of Local Produce Outlet Unfortunate

The loss of On the Vine in Rothesay will leave a hole in a busy commercial sector of the town -- that from the President of the Kennebecasis Valley Chamber of Commerce.

President Camille Bordage tells CHSJ News the business was in a prominent structure and having it empty is a shame.  

He would like to see a restaurant or office space take over the building and finds it unlikely that another produce outlet would take up shop there.
 
He says he has already seen customers pull into the parking lot and leave disappointed when they realize it has closed down.

NB Must Put an End to Corporate Welfare

An end to corporate welfare and lowered taxes--that's the recommendation of Kevin Lacey, the Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayer's Federation. These comments as the New Brunswick legislature wraps up a fall session largely devoted to curbing spending.

Lacey says that the province needs to stop shelling out millions to failing businesses: Miramichi-based Atcon, which folded last year, being a prime example.

He fears that the Alward government will raise taxes in 2012, despite saying that wouldn't happen. Lacey also criticizes the government for increasing spending by 1.7 billion dollars since 2006-2007--a bigger increase than at any other time in the province's history.

The government released a capital budget that limits new spending to just 24 million dollars.

Gas Prices Slip Slightly

You might call it an early Christmas gift.    The price of gas is down after the weekly setting.

Regular self-serve is down to 121.9 and still selling around town for 119.2 a litre.

Diesel is cheaper too at 134.5 and available in the city for 131.9 at one pump.

Furnace oil is going for 113.2 a litre while propane is slighty more at 113.6