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Saturday, April 5, 2014

Harsh Winter Weather Takes Toll On Businesses

The stormy winter has taken a toll on the bottom line of many small businesses.

A recent survey shows 25 per cent of Canadian firms and 34 per cent of American companies have been negatively affected financially. David Rumour of Sage North America says companies have to develop weather policies and procedures when storms hit.

He says it can be as simple as a communication plan for your employees which identifies who within the organization would step up in the case of a basic emergency.

Rumour adds with the technology tools available today, employees can still be productive on storm days by working from home with laptops and mobile phones.

Korean-Made Rice Porridge With Abalone Recalled

A Korean rice porridge with abalone being recalled because it could allow the growth of a dangerous bacteria that causes botulism.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says food contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, respiratory failure and paralysis. In severe cases, people can die. 


There have been no reports of anyone getting sick.

The recalled product was sold in this province, Ontario and possibly nationwide.

Big Turnout For Tim Cameron Memorial Blood Clinic

Lots of donors braving the snow and rain to donate blood in memory of Tim Cameron.

He passed away last year and a the clinic is put on by his daughter Katie Mitchell.
 

Tim's wife Cathy tells CHSJ News he would thrilled to see this clinic in his memory. She says despite working for the Red Cross for many years, Tim couldn't due to an illness in his past but to see others donate on his behalf would be a big deal to him.

Cameron says the family believes Tim's life was extended by the blood transfusions that he received because they allowed him to receive more treatment for his cancer.

45-Day Outage Planned At Point Lepreau

In March, Point Lepreau produced about 45 per cent of the total net generation from NB Power generating stations, putting about 660 megawatts on the  grid.

An outage is scheduled to begin in early May and last 45 days. It coincides with the anticipated increase in hydro electricity from the spring melt on the St. John River.

CAA's Worst Roads Campaign Gaining Momentum

The votes are already pouring in for this year's edition of Atlantic Canada's Worst Roads campaign. 

The C-A-A's Gary Howard tells CHSJ News in about a week they received around a thousand ballots. 

Howard says there's a lot of momentum in voting this year and a lot of roads being named that haven't been brought up before. He says they're also seeing a lot of discussion on social media as well, with people talking about what road they voted for and encouraging others to vote.

Hanwell Road in Fredericton and Route 630 in Andersonville tied for the worst as of April 2. You have until the 25th of this month to cast your ballot, to do so click here.

UPDATE: Grand Manan Ferry Service Cancellations

Both the 7:30am and 9:30am departures of the Grand Manan Adventure being cancelled this morning due to mechanical problems and a replacement ferry could be in place this afternoon.

UPDATE: Coastal Transport Limited letting us know they expect regular ferry service will resume this afternoon with the 1:30pm sailing from Blacks Harbour with the Grand Manan V. Click here to see the schedule.

UPDATE #2: Coastal Transport Limited says the Grand Manan V is not able to start sailing at 1:30pm as they had hoped. They are now aiming to begin regular service at 5:30pm from Blacks Harbour.

Armed Robbery At East Side Convenience Store

City Police investigating an armed robbery at a convenience store on the East side. 

The incident happening at Little John's Variety on John T McMillan Avenue around 10pm last night and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. 

Police aren't saying what type of weapon was used but no one was hurt and they are still looking for the suspect.