Holder Raves About Disney's Inaugural Visit

The Province's Tourism Minister is just as excited as Captain Mickey to see the Disney Magic in Saint John for the first time.


Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News the average cruise ship passenger spends about $80 in the City.

He says with 200,000 passengers on average every year that's 16 million that wasn't being spent in our economy and huge for the businesses uptown.

Man Flees on ATV After Break And Enter

RCMP in St. George are investigating an armed break and enter that occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on June 10.  A man wearing a balaclava entered a residence on Main Street in St. George armed with a knife, demanding a number of items from the resident.  A struggle ensued and he fled on an ATV.  The resident sustained an injury to his hand.  Officers searched the surrounding area with no luck.

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is asked to contact the RCMP.

Province Gathering Healthcare Feedback

 You can give the province your thoughts on the next provincial health plan next month.

Public meetings will be held between Monday and July 5th and the province is offering the public a chance to speak out.

The stops begin Monday in Edmunston and wrap up in Woodstock on July 5th.

The Saint John stop is coming up on July 3rd at the Delta.

To register, click here or call 1-877-795-3789.

Minnie And City Woman Share Fashion Tips

As mentioned Minnie and Mickey paid a surprised visit to the Paediatrics Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital this afternoon.
Erin Conley who works at the Regional met Mickey and Minnie during the visit - Minnie paused to have her picture taken with Erin who is wearing an outfit she says reminds of her of the kind of outfit Minnie would wear.
The two appear to have hit it off with their similar tastes in fashion.

Disney Magic Makes Inaugural Call

A historic day in Saint John as the Disney Magic Cruise Ship makes her first call to Saint John.

Captain Mickey and the ship's crews presenting welcoming gift to the province, the Port of Saint John and the cruise volunteers.

The ship's Captain John Barwis tells CHSJ News they are thrilled to be there.

He tells us it's very exciting as its a new itinerary for them not only sailing from New York but coming to eastern Canada.

Mickey and Minnie made a surprise visit to the pediatric unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital this afternoon.

Today's call by the Disney Magic is one of 9 the ship is making to Saint John between now and September.

Ping Pong Champs Duke It Out

It's going to be an epic battle for dominance and glory---on the ping pong field, that is. 

Saint John is resurrecting the nostalgic pastime with an event called the Ping Pong Getalong. Organized by Jody Kliffer and Sarah Ritchie, it's a quirky event for the younger crowd.  Ping pong players will compete, of course and entertainment and finger food will be provided. DJ Lauchland Ough will play live tunes and homebrew will be on tap.

Ping Pong King and organizer Jody Kliffer tells CHSJ News the whole idea is to get together and have fun in the uptown. He says whether you love or hate ping pong, it's going to be a fun chance to cheer people on and do something different with your Friday night.

According to the event description on Facebook, you can "show off your loop and your lob. Impress your friends with your flip and fish abilities. Enroll to compete in the tournament and show off your mad paddle skills! " The event happens Friday, June 15 beginning at 8:30 at 89 Canterbury Street.

Tickets for the Ping Pong Get  Along are available at the Feel Good Store and Backstreet Records--and according to organizers, they're going fast.... You can also contact Kliffer or Ritchie directly through their Facebook group, here

John Ferguson's Lawyer Makes Case For Pension Board To Pay

A court hearing on what, if anything, the city's Pension Board should pay in legal costs for its failed defamation lawsuit launched against former Common Councillor John Ferguson is all about freedom of expression.

That, from Lawyer Rod Gillis who argues the lawsuit was frivolous, vexatious, without merit and mean't to harass and silence Ferguson. Gillis says the jury came to the same decision. For his part, Gillis says 2 and a half million dollars in costs might be on the low side.

The Pension Board's lawyer Barry Morrison argues there should be no costs awarded at all because the case was fought over principle and there was no evidence to suggest it was brought to silence anyone. He told the court the Pension Board did not operate in a scandalous, outrageous or reprehesible way.

Deputy Mayor Shelly Rinehart was among those attending the hearing. She had been following the trial long before the municipal election campaign got underway and says it's incumbant on the part of all Council members to educate themselves about the city's pension plan with the facts.

 Mr. Justice William Grant gave no indication when a decision will be made.

Your Neighborhood's Rich History On Display

David Goss is a bit of a local legend--and 2012 marks the 35th year the Saint John author and historian has been educating the masses about the Port City's history. Goss tells CHSJ News people enjoy his tours of sites like Martello Tower, the uptown area, and Fernhill Cemetery because they hit close to home. Goss says people often share stories he hasn't previously heard, even after 35 years of researching local history.

The walks are all free, with the exception of the popular Fernhill Cemetery tour, and happen every Tuesday. 

The next walk happens June 19th from 7-8:30pm at Wolastaq Park, Lancaster Avenue, West. Meet up at the Wolastaq Park Statue Adventures. 

Goss describes it as follows "Learn about the varied Albert Deveau statues of leading men and women of the area via a scavenger hunt, some games ,puzzles, etc.  Also the story of the Reversing Falls Ug Wug will be told. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. Free."

Contact: (506) 672-8601 for more details, including rain dates.

Teenage Thugs Orchestrate Hold Up

A local man getting held up by a gang of teenage thieves--the call coming in to city police around  10:40 this morning that three youths about 16 years old approached a man on Prince Edward Street near Middle Street. They threatened him with a knife and took t his medication and an MP3 player.

According to early reports one of the teenage thugs was wearing jean shorts, a hoodie and red high top sneakers.

Mickey's Boat Arrives Today

Once you board Mickey and Minnie's floating place, you may never want to leave.

The hype and excitement is building as Saint Johners look to get a glimpse of the Disney Magic making her first call to Saint John this morning.

The vessel is due to make 9 calls to Saint John between today and September.

The Disney Magic features six live productions including one on the day you board and a farewell show the day you disembark. 

In their annual reader's choice awards, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine named the Disney Cruise line the #1 cruise experience.

The ship is due in port just after 9 this morning.

To learn more about the Disney Magic, click here

Man Hospitalised In Valley After Beating

A 20 year old man is behind bars after a serious assault in the K-V. 

Rothesay Regional Police tell CHSJ News the altercation happened in the Quispamsis Trailer Park on First Street and the accused is likely looking at a charge of assault causing bodily harm. 

A 19 year old man is in hospital and will have to undergo surgery for the injuries he sustained.