NB Power focuses on costumer service

N-B Power is wearing a new face -- the utility is moving to focus more on customer service.

Acting C-E-O Gaetan Thomas says the company has to hear customers when they suffer the pain of losing jobs or closing a business.
 
Thomas says the utility will also work at doing a better job of communicating with its customers -- and -- he says a safe and reliable supply of electricity will remain the top priority.

Fire in the North End

City Fire crews responding to a fire earlier this afternoon in the North end.

The fire was located at 117 Main Street North in the ground floor apartment.


When crews arrived they found heavy smoke coming out of a front bedroom, no one was home at the time.

The apartment did suffer smoke and water damage which means the tenant living there will be displaced for a while.


Fire investigators have been called in to determine the cause of the blaze.
A woman living in an upstairs apartment in the attached building was treated on scene after breathing some of the smoke.

Saint John Police Force Honors It's Own

Service Awards Handed Out to Saint John Police Officers

The Saint John Police Force has honored ten officers with their 20 and 30 year exemplary service awards.


Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News, of the ten, only one officer is retiring at the end of the month which really speaks volumes about what the force offers and the dedication of it's officers.
 In his speech, Chief Reid also took time to thank the families of the officers, knowing they play a vital role behind the scenes and are connected with the community.
 
20 Year Medals Go To:
 
Cst. David Brooker, Cst. Darin Clarke, CST. Deborah Easton, Sgt. Michael McCaig and CST. Gordon Redfurn.
 
30 Year Medals Go To:
 
Sgt. Christopher Morris, CST. Stuart Osborne, Cst. Roger Paris, Insp. David Parks and Cst. Gregory Smith.

Lower South End shows interest in fighting crime

As part of police week, an open house was held today at the People United in the Lower South End (PULSE) Centre.

Sergeant Jim Fleming says the presence of the PULSE centre is the reason why the Community Police Office in the Lower South End has been so successful.


He says he can tell by the dozen people that showed up for the open house that the community is more interested in stopping crime.
 
The goal of the open house is for people to meet the community police officer and to become familiar with some of the services PULSE offers.
 
PULSE is working to develop a community resource centre, lending library, and youth centre.

Ribbon Cutting for Market Square Addition

It's been open since January and today, the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new office space for Genesys.


It's that new section on Market Square along St. Patrick Street.


Executive Vice President David Sudby tells CHSJ News, they currently have 130 employee's and will grow slowly with capacity in their new building at 180 employee's.


Sudby says they are very happy to be in their new surroundings with plenty of space after out-growing their old facility.

Market Square Thrilled With Addition

Genesys doesn't take up all of the new space in the new addition.


There is room to build up another 60,000 square feet and Market Square itself can grow in total by 100,000 square feet.
Property Manager with the Hardman Group Heather Peterson tells CHSJ News, Market Square has certainly changed since it opened but she likes the direction it is moving in. \


Two of their newest tenants are Manchester Shoes and Envy.

Excellence in Teaching Awards handed out New Brunswick Teachers Association and District 8

(Pictured from Left to Right are Sue Maloney, Maggie Bockus, Chris Brillant, Ann Brown, Barry Ogden, Vicki Trecartin, Janet Flood, Peter Woytiuk.)

                  (photo courtesy of Barry Ogden)

Energy Awards Handed Out

Several companies and home-owners in Greater Saint John were given their due last night.

The second annual Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency were handed out in Fredericton.

The hardware is presented to the best performers in six of Efficiency NB's energy efficiency incentive programs.

They include Commercial Retrofit, Forsgren & Associates in Hampton, Commercial New Construction and Commercial Properties in Saint John and Matthew and Andrea Hughes of Rothesay were chosen for the category of residential multi-unit new construction.


Irving Pulp and Paper Division picked up an award in the industrial sector and Douglas Smith and Carol-Hovey Smith of Oak Bay were singled out in the residential sector.

Another Conservative Candidate Comes Foward

Names continue to surface as potential candidates for the Provincial Election September.27th.

The latest is Tim Brewer who hopes to fly the flag for the Conservative Party in Saint John Fundy.

He is hosting a barbeque tomorrow afternoon between one and four as a meet and greet.
Simonds High School Principal Gary Keating has been announced as the Liberal candidate for the riding.
 
Stuart Jamieson held the post before announcing his retirement in April.

Wheelchair Users Challenge Candidate

A candidate for the Conservative Party in the riding of Saint John Harbour is being challenged.

A group of people who are confined to wheelchairs or have to use a walker would like to see John Campbell spend the day in a chair on the 22nd.

Norman Tuplin uses a wheelchair and tells CHSJ News, this is all about accountability.


Tuplin adds one of the area's that is in-accessible to him is the causeway because of the 6 to 8 inch high lips on the sidewalks.

Moosehead, Superstore and Three Provinces Team Up

For anyone who loves lobster and a cold beer....this story is for you.

The three Maritime Provinces, Atlantic Superstore and Moosehead Breweries have teamed up again to support the lobster industry for a second year in a row.

Anyone who buys a specially marked 12-pack of Clancy's Amber Ale will receive a coupon for five dollars off a minimum purchase of $20 dollars of live or cooked lobster from any Superstore in this Province, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island.
The coupons are valid until August.31st.

School District 8 Sits Down With Enterprise Saint John

(The Chair of the District 8 Education Council Rob Fowler)
               (Photo by Tamara Steele)

There is harmony between the District 8 Education Council and Enterprise Saint John.
The two groups are now looking at how future partnerships can benefit both organizations. Chair Rob Fowler tells CHSJ News they had a lunch meeting on May 4th and it went very well. He says Enterprise Saint John can help the school district lobby the Provincial Government on education issues.
The meeting came about after Enterprise Saint John chair Bob Manning publicly complained about assessment results at a DEC meeting. Fowler goes on to say sometimes it takes a crisis for people to get on the same page.

City Fire Crews Battle Brush Fire Near Fort La Tour

A fairly large grass and brush fire gave city fire crews all they could handle last night. District Fire Chief Joe Armstrong says it started in the area of Fort La Tour and spread along the rail lines all the way from Chesley Drive to Bentley Street. It took fire crews an hour and a half to extinguish it. Then there was another fire uptown at 148 Sydney Street caused by unattended cooking.
Earlier in the day, a forest fire broke out on the Kingston Peninsula in the area of Carter's Point. CHSJ News was told four water bombers were called into action to help put it out.

Forest Fire on the Kingston Pennisula

Crews are battling a forest fire on the Kingston Pennisula.


A caller to our 648-3000 newsline tells us it's in the Carter's Point area and four water bombers are attacking it.

Aerial Shots of Saint John Taken Today and Tomorrow

Look up...look way up and you may see planes snapping pics of the Port City.
Over the next two days, the City is having aerial photographs taken to measure true distances.

The planning and development department of the city use these pictures to udpate the Geographic Information System used by most city departments for use in everything from construction projects to mapping.

The project also includes Grand-Bay Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis and costs just over $50-thousand dollars. The pictures will be ready in October.

Cemetery Restoration Nearing Completion

Man On The Run is Caught

(Stephen Patrick Maguire Has Turned Himself In)
            (Photo Supplied by RCMP)

After a few days on the run, a person of interest in the murder of a Moncton woman has been found.


Hampton RCMP tell CHSJ News, Stephen Patrick Maguire was picked up this morning around one o'clock in front of the RCMP office.


This comes after a truck believed to have been driven by Maguire was found behind a home in Quispamsis yesterday morning.


Gunn's body was found Monday at a home in Moncton.

Replacement for Bob Munroe Has Been Found

District Six didn't have to look far to find a replacement for Bob Munroe as Principal at Kennebecasis Valley High School.


Vice Principal Peter Smith will move into his new office at the end of next month.


Smith tells CHSJ News, he expects the transition will be a smooth one.


Smith has been teaching at KV since 1997 and has been the Vice Principal since 2005.


Munroe has been principal at the school since 1989 and is stepping down next month from a teaching career that spans 35 years.

Province Set to Hand Out Awards

Sixteen educators and community members will receive the Premier's Award of Excellence in Education next month.


They include Deborah Freeze who does work in District Six, District Eight teacher at Loch Lomond School Susan Maloney, Sylvia McConckey in District Ten and the life-time achievement award goes to the retiring principal of KV High Bob Munroe.


The award recognizes individuals or groups for their contribution to public education.


The hardware will be handed out June.8th in Fredericton.

Green Party Lining Up It's Candidates

Seven candidates are now lined up and ready to hit the hustings for the Green Party.


They include Sharon Flatt who will fly the flag in the riding of Rothesay for the Sept.27th Provincial Election.


In a release, the party says it's goal is to present a full slate of candidates so that every person casting a ballot has an opportunity to vote for real change.

Drug Raid at a Home in Codys

A 49 and 27-year old man from Codys and 60-year old woman from Sussex have been arrested following the raid of a home on Salmon Creek Road in Codys yesterday.


Officers found a quantity of dried marijuana, marijuana plants, cash and guns.


All three have been released and will appear in court later to face a list of drug related charges.

Homes Broken Into, One Left Un-Locked

RCMP is investigating after two homes between Hampton and Grand Bay Westfield have been broken into.


Officers were called to the home in Hampton to find a skateboard, skateboard shoes and an air soft rifle had been stolen.


RCMP do point out the home was not locked.


The second home was in Nerepis and thieves got away with plenty.


A 42" flat screen TV, jewelry and a Sony Playstation.

Proposed Parking Lot for the South End

Does the south end need yet another parking lot?


This one would be on Ross Street with an application expected to go before the city's Planning Advisory Committee.


At least three members of Common Council say no. Councillor Donnie Snook says what's really needed is more housing.


Councillor Patty Higgins points to a study which determined there was no shortage of parking in that part of the peninsula.

Minister Honours Hockey Bet

Saint John Drivers Getting A Big Break At The Gas Pumps

If you didn't fill up yesterday, you're lucky because there has been a signifcant reduction in the price of gas after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is now going for 99.6 cents a litre in the city. That's a drop of about 5 cents and diesel is also lower at $103.7 a litre, which is a reduction of about 4 cents a litre. Heating oil is listed at 90.5 cents and propane is at $103.8 a litre.

District 8 Education Council Hears From Student Councils

(Student Council Presidents Elizabeth Murphy of St. Malachys, Tori Gillan of Saint John High, Rachelle Bastarache of Harbourview and Allison White of Simonds)
                                         (Photo by Tamara Steele)

Student councils from Saint John's four high schools sang their own praises last night. The schools gave presentations to the District 8 Education Council on school spirit, academics and the many charities they help raise money for.
Simonds High council representive Allison White tells CHSJ News they are proud of their involvement with the Teens Against Drunk Driving Program. Saint John High is the only high school in the province allowed to operate it's own budget of $50, 000 a year while Simonds High is the only high school in the city to have a T.A.D.D. (Teens Against Drunk Driving) Program.
Saint John High raised over 6500 dollars for charity including the Joshua Group, Healing Hands for Haiti and the Children's Wish Foundation. Harbour View High School is one of only four schools in the province to take part in Relay For Life which is coming up this Friday.

Premier Explains Why A Deputy Premier Is Needed Now More Than Ever

(Premier Shawn Graham)
        File Photo)

Premier Shawn Graham says he has complete confidence in Donald Arsenault, who's taking on the responsibilities of Deputy Premier. Graham says he needs a deputy now while he didn't need one in 2006 because he doesn't want the preparation of a party platform and nomination of candidates to interfere with governing the province. The Premier says he decided to make cabinet changes four months before the next election because he had a number of vacancies on his hands.

Bell Aliant Expects Full Restoration Of Phone And Internet Service

Phone service should be restored to all Bell Aliant customers on the Rothesay Road sometime this morning.
Spokesperson Alyson Queen tells us most people would have had their services back last night with everyone fully restored this morning.

Saint Johnners Will Be Able To Ride On A Pink Double Decker Bus

Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Pink Bus Tour arriving in Saint John this morning.



The 8 double-decker buses will be giving tours on three routes this summer when cruise ships are in port.


Shirley Elliot of Ambassatour Gray Line tells CHSJ News that Saint Johners can check them out May 29th and 30th.
1 dollar from every ticket sold during cruise ship season will go to the Canadian Breast Foundation.


Ambassatour Gray Line is doing some hiring for the Pink buses and for more information click here:

More Details Emerging About New School In K-Park

(School District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson)
               (File Photo)

District 6 has given the thumbs up to specifications for the new Kennebecasis Park Elementary School. The specifications include everything from the size of the bathrooms to how many coat hooks there will be. Superintendant Zoe Watson says they want to get this right the first time. D-E-C member Charlotte Pierce says the classrooms are going to be particularly neat and the school will also have a lot of open, common areas where students can gather outside of the classroom. It wil all be on one level and is being built to accomodate 300 students. The next step is the architechural process where a physical plan will be drawn up. The new school is set to open in September 2012.


Meantime, Peter Smith has been appointed to replace the retiring Bob Munro as Principal at Kennebecasis Valley High. Smith is currently serving as the Vice-Principal at the school.

Jervis Bay Memorial Legion gets some extra cash

The Jervis Bay Memorial Legion Branch 53 is getting more money than they expected from the provincial government.

Premier Shawn Graham was in town today to see the new Legion on Bayside Drive and to present a check for $50,000.

Premier Graham says he decided to give the project some extra money because he wanted to do it right the first time.

President Terry Murphy says he is looking forward to the comradship the new Legion will bring, and says six new members have joined before they have even opened.

NB Power Boss On Loss Of Industrial Customers

Deputy Mayor of Rothesay Makes a Decision

You can scratch the name Blair Macdonald off the list of possible candidates for the Liberal Party.


The Deputy Mayor of Rothesay was approached by the party to run in the riding but after giving it some thought, MacDonald tells CHSJ News, he is happy being semi-retired.


There are two candidates for the Liberal party in the riding at this point....Victoria Clarke who works for the Regional Hospital Foundation and school teacher Jacques Theriault.


No word on when a nomination will be held.

Utility Boss Says NB Best Served By NB Power

The acting C-E-O at N-B Power says New Brunswickers wouldn't be well served by competition in the electricity market.

Gaetan Thomas says private sector plants would eye more lucrative markets like the U-S to sell most of their power.
Thomas we are a small customer base and are better served by a smaller and efficient utility like N-B Power.

Search is Underway For a Missing Woman

            (Sarah Leger is Missing)
                   (File Photo)

Do you know where Sarah Leger is?


The question is being asked by Hampton RCMP after receiving a call from a person in Lakeside that the 29-year old woman hasn't been in touch with her family since April.27th.


Officers believe she may be in Saint John.


Leger is five eight, 124 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.


If you have seen her, your asked to call Hampton RCMP at 832-5566.

Quispamsis Turns Up Clue in Moncton Womans Death

        (Latest Photo of Stephen Maguire)
               (Supplied by RCMP)

The search for a man in relation to a woman's death in Moncton has turned up a clue in Quispamsis.

RCMP say a burgundy truck, believed to be driven by Stephen Patrick Maguire was found hidden behind a home in the town.

The truck has been seized and is being examined. The home was searched as well but Maguire wasn't there.


The 44-year-old remains a person of interest in the suspicious death investigation of a 45-year-old Moncton woman.
 
He lived in the house where the woman was found on Monday. Officers remind anyone looking at McGuire's photo that he now has a shaved head.

New Bridge Being Built At Belle Isle

Construction has started on a new bridge to replace one that's 50 years old at Erb's Cove along Route 850 over Belle Isle Bay. It's a 1.7 million dollar project that will also involve raising the road to alleviate spring flooding problems. Back in 2008 there were two meters of water over the road. Construction won't be done until August 14th. In the meantime, there will be a six kilometer detour in place.

New Apartment Building To Be Constructed On Sandy Point Road

There will be more construction taking place in the north end. A 40 unit apartment building on Sandy Point Road has been given approval by Common Council. Norman Robichaud of Sandy Point Road lives next door. He's worried about any damage to his well that might be brought about by blasting because there's alot of rock in the area. The original proposal asked for a six storey building. It has been downsized to four storeys.
The developer has given Robichaud assurances any problems will be taken care off but also points out there was blasting near Canadian Blood Services on University Avenue without any damage being caused.

Conservation Council Member Scoffs At Notion Of Second Nuclear Reactor At Lepreau

(Acting President of NB Power Gaetan Thomas)
                 (Photo by Gary MacDonald)

Judging by the talk at least, the concept of a second nuclear reactor being constructed at Point Lepreau is not dead in the water. The acting President at NB Power, Gaetan Thomas makes clear a second reactor is not pie in the sky but would have to be financed with private money. David Thompson of the Conservation Council tells CHSJ news a better business case can be made for other forms of energy which are renewable and far less expensive. The President and C-E-O of Hitachi, Howard Shearer was recently quoted as saying plans are still in place to build a second reactor but he concedes delays with the refurbishment have complicated matters. Thompson is calling on Common Council to take a stand on behalf of taxpayers by coming out publicly against any further money being spent on the reburbishment and opposing a second nuclear reactor.

Exhibition Park Wants Your Opinion

The Saint John Exhibition Association is looking for your input.

It has posted a survey on it's website as they look at a proposed redevelopment of the site in East Saint John.

The new look for the area could include an indoor sport and trade show fieldhouse, exhibit space, outdoor sports facilities and commercial space.

To get to the link, click here:

Bell Aliant Reports Service Disruption

Telephone and internet service for Bell Aliant customers in the Rothesay Road area have been disrupted because of accidental damage to a cable. Crews are now working to fix the problem. Cellular service is not affected.

Suspicious Fires Under Police Investigation

   (Garage on Dorchester Street Up in Flames)
         (Photo Courtesy of Doug Epton)

Two garage fires are under investigation by the Major Crime Unit with police suspecting both were deliberately set.

The first fire started after 9 last night at 52 Dorchester Street.

The garage was attached to a three storey building but was contained before spreading.

Two families had to leave their homes and find other places to stay.

A few hours later around 2 this morning, there was another garage fire at 145 Metcalf Street.

Details Unveiled About Impact Of Repairs On Harbour Bridge On Traffic

  (Photo by Sherry Aske at public meeting on Harbour Bridge Repairs)

About 50 West-siders and others turned out for the public meeting on construction on the Harbour Bridge. 35 million dollars in repairs are underway and will mean one lane reduction in either direction until late October. Harbour Bridge Authority General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News the impact on traffic is a big issue for commuters but this work will extend the life of the bridge by 40 years.
People can expect delays during rush hour between 7:30 and 8:30am and between 4:30 and 5:30pm.
Motorists can take steps to help with the gridlock including taking the bus, buying a B-pass, carpooling or taking an alternate route. The work is scheduled to wrap up in late October.

Pedestrians Have Their Say On Disruptions Caused By Harbour Bridge Repairs

(Gregory Dickeson at Harbour Bridge Meeting)
               (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Traffic is not the only headache that comes with repairs on the Harbour Bridge.
Many pedestrians are upset about the partial closure of Harbour Passage from HMCS Brunswicker to Long Wharf during the construction period.
Gregory Dickeson tells CHSJ News says pedestrians don't feel included in this process and more importance is being placed on vehicles than people.
Another pedestrian attending last night's meeting said he felt the public wasn't properly informed of the impact of the bridge work on Harbour Bridge. An alternate route for Harbour Passage, while the repairs on the bridge are ongoing, is being looked at and should be announced this week.

Petition Started To Change Bus Routes

Westsider Mary-Ellen Carpenter says the transit system in her area doesn't serve anyone. She is petitioning for the West Side bus routes to be changed. Carpenter has made a presentation to the West Side Business Association because she says to run one errand she has to take six different buses and pay $10. She is proposing a $5 a day bus pass so that people can get on and off.
Carpenter has made a presentation to the West Side Business Association saying she wants a bus route that starts by the Tim Hortons on the Lower West End, stops at the Reversing Falls and then goes all the way to the Pumpkin Patch.

New Condo Development Proposed For Rothesay

(Map of proposed new condo development in Rothesay)
                 (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Two Rothesay contractors are asking Town Council for permission to build 24 high end condo units near Rothesay Elementary School.

The construction would change the area to moderate density.

Mayor Bill Bishop says he hopes the project goes forward claiming Rothesay is lacking in condo style living.

Some questions were raised from council members about possible flooding because of a stream that runs under Highland Avenue.

The contractors say an engeeneering firm will be hired to minimize flooding.

The public has until June 9th to submit any concerns to council but no date for a public hearing has yet been set.

Uptown Garage Fire

City fire crews are on the scene of a fire at 52 Dorchester Street near Carleton Street and Sewell Street.
The fire started in a garage on Dorchester Street.
City police are assisting police on scene with evacuating neighbouring buildings.

A New Look For Campobello Island

Voters in the Campobello Island local service district voted yesterday to form a rural community.

The unofficial result is 275 (yes) to 167 (no), with a voter turnout of 72 per cent out of 614 eligible voters.

What happens now is once the provincial government has approved the proposal, the Department of Local Government will plan the incorporation date and co-ordinate byelections that will see a mayor, a councillor-at-large and three councillors elected on a ward basis.


It is expected that the rural community will adopt a rural plan and emergency measures plan within two years of incorporation.

NB Power Boss Remains Optimistic About Second Reactor

Nuclear power is alive and well in our province according to the acting C-E-O of N-B Power.
In response to a CHSJ News question -- Gaetan Thomas says the potential sale of Atomic Energy of Canada to the private sector opens up new opportunities for investment in a second reactor at Point Lepreau.
He says the new investors may be interested in developing a second reactor because we are fertile ground thanks to community acceptance and the New England market not too far away.
A consortium of private sector companies and Atomic Energy of Canada has been pursuing the idea of the second reactor -- but -- the momentum has slowed with delays on the upgrade of the existing reactor and Ottawa hanging out the "for sale" sign on A-E-C-L.
Thomas was the final speaker at an energy forum in the city today.

Boys&Girls Club Gets Cheque for McHappy Day

(Boys&Girls Club Receives Cheque for $15, 000-the proceeds of McHappy Day)

Common Council Member Disputes Claim That City Is Bleeding Population

(Common Councillor Bill Farren)
             (File Photo)

Common Councillor Bill Farren is taking exception to the suggestion that the city is continuing to bleed population everytime a difficult decision has to be made on proposed developments. He says the city is getting more and more applications from developers and the 2006 census figure could very well be out of date. He warns if Saint Johnners continue to be negative about their city, it won't move ahead.
Chief City Planner Ken Forrest would like to see higher density housing be built because as he puts it street and pipe are very expensive to build and maintain.

City Gets Plan For Bike Trails

Common Council says it will need funding help from the federal and provincial governments to establish a system of bike trails through the city. Consultant Kevin Brooks of Terrain warns it won't be cheap and some tough decisions will have to be made.
Brooks says the priority project would be a bike trail from Millidgeville to the Uptown. 19 recommendations have been passed along to the city. Brooks also told Common Council the Viaduct, which is unsafe for bike riders with six lanes of traffic, could be reduced to four lanes to allow for more green space but that would be a longer term project, up top 20 years down the road.

Murder Charge Laid Against East Side Man

A charge of first degree murder has been laid against a 30 year old Martha Avenue man in the stabbing death of 28 year old Melanie Getson of Douglas Avenue in a Rothesay Avenue parking lot. Provincial Court Judge Anne Jeffries has ordered an in-jail psychiatric assessment for Jason Getson who returns to court May 20th. This assessment will determine his fitness to stand trial. Police say the accused and victim were in the same car which just happened to pull into the parking lot of a tanning salon yesterday morning after 9:00. City Police are asking anyone who might have information about what happened to come forward. They're still looking for the murder weapon. Getson appeared dazed in court with a couple of scratches to the side of his forehead and was staring into space. Police say the arrest, which was made without a struggle, was made after they heard from a family member following Getson contacting him.

Business Owner Trying to Set the Record Straight

The owner of Miami Tanning on Rothesay Avenue is speaking out about what happened in front of his business yesterday morning.

28-year old Melanie Getson was killed and owner Frank Findlay tells CHSJ News, there are a lot of stories circulating about what happened but the woman who was killed has never been a client and nothing ever happened in his store and the parking lot just happened to be the scene of the crime.


Findlay says his staff have been interviewed by City Police.


According to him, a vehicle pulled into to his business parking lot when everything unfolded and the woman killed has never been a client.

Rothesay Woman Wants to Carry Liberal Banner

Victoria Clarke is looking to make the leap into Provincial Politics.

The married mother of two and employee with the Regional Hospital Foundation hopes to carry the Liberal banner in Rothesay on Sept.27th.

Clarke tells CHSJ News, she realizes this is a big step but is looking forward to the challenge. The incumbent for the riding is Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney.


Rothesay Deputy Mayor Blair McDonald told CHSJ News a few weeks ago, he has been approached about the nomination as well but hasn't made up his mind.

Also going after the nomination is school teacher Jacques Theriault.

Armed Robbery in St. Stephen

RCMP in St. Stephen are investigating an armed robbery last night.

Officers tell us that just after 10:30pm, they were called to the Riverside Grocery Store on Milltown Boulevard.

The clerk says a man with a weapon walked in and demanded cash. He then ran from the store with a handful of money and no one was hurt.


He is described as medium, slim build, was wearing dark clothes and was wearing a something over his face.

Study Suggesting A Doubling Of Our Power Grid

The provincial government is being told it should be doubling the capacity of some its key power transmission links.

The suggestion is coming from consultant Jeff Barnes of Stantec who recently completed a study on the issue.
He says it's important in terms of developing our energy business to be able to move power through to Quebec and Nova Scotia.
And Barnes says there's a real future opportunity for the province to tap into the central Canadian energy markets with a natural gas pipeline inter-connection through Quebec -- he was speaking to an energy conference here in the city.

Keir Promoting Smart Energy

Energy Minister Jack Keir says our province is in an excellent position to start taking advantage of so called smart energy.

Keir says there are a lot of high tech ideas being floated to increase energy efficiency and he says with broadband soon to be available to all homes in New Brunswick -- it's a solid opportunity to become a living lab for the new ideas.
Keir also told an energy conference here this morning the failure of the Hydro Quebec deal has spurred renewed interest in greater regional cooperation -- he's predicating there will eventually be a regional system operator for our power grids.

Fire Crews Kept Busy

An ATV accident on Seven Mile Lake Road yesterday afternoon sent one man to hospital by ambulance.
The Musquash Fire Department responded to a report of an ATV accident just before 4pm. Firefighters assisted paramedics with one injured man. No word on his injuries.
Meantime, one person suffered minor injuries after being hit by a car at Westmorland Road and McAllister Drive. Fire Crews also had to clean up a minor oil spill at 1360 Manawagonish Road and deal with a minor leak of ammonia on Grandview Avenue.

Armed Holdup On East Side

The Major Crime Unit is investigating after an armed robbery last night at the Irving Circle "K" on Loch Lomand Road before you get to Bon Accord Drive. City Police tell CHSJ News it happened after 10:00 last night. One suspect fled on foot. There were no injuries.

Energy Conference Opens In Saint John

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
             (File Photo)

Energy is front and center at a conference at the Delta this morning -- the conference is being hosted by the Energy Council of Canada and will focus on regional cooperation and energy as a competitive advantage for the Atlantic Region.
Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir is opening the conference which will also feature a speech by acting N-B Power president Gaetan Thomas.
The session is part of a series of energy forums being hosted by the Energy Council of Canada to collect information for the upcoming World Energy Congress in Montreal.

Saint Johnners Get Chance To Find Out About What's Happening To The Harbour Bridge

(Harbour Bridge)
    (File Photo)

You have a chance this evening to have a look at what is taking place construction wise on the Harbour Bridge this year.
The Harbour Bridge Authority is hosting an information session at the Carleton Community Center.
Phase one of the 35-million dollar upgrade is expected to start next week and will mean a summer of traffic disruptions.
The meeting begins at 7:00 with a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session.

Partial Solution For Flooding In Oakville Acres

(Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)
        (File Photo)

Homeowners in Oakville Acres in Rothesay say they're getting a bandaid for their flooding problem from town council, but not a long term solution. Council has passed a motion for planning to go forward on a pipe that homeowners can connect their drains to. Grace Murphy of Oakville Acres says the bigger problem is the water coming towards her home and she's frustrated planning is still going on for a problem that's 3 years old.
Mayor Bill Bishop says council is sympathetic for the people affected. He adds the council did not cause the heavy rain and is doing the best they can with the money they have. It would cost 3.5 million dollars to fully stop the flooding and the Mayor says the town just doesn't have it. Planning will take 60 days and the town hopes the pipe can then be installed in 3 weeks.

Controversial Housing Development Approved

(Common Council Meets)
        (File Photo)

A controversial housing development in Lakewood Heights has been approved by Common Council. The original proposal called for construction of 130 homes. That has been downsized to 10 duplexes but Peter Waller of Lakewood Avenue says the residents are already having problems with flooding and sewage backing up so why add to their miseries. Waller argues the pumping station, built back in 1980, can't handle any additional load.
Chief City Planner Ken Forrest came out strongly in support of the new housing saying the provision of water and sewage services is expensive and the city has to get the biggest bang for its buck. The residents fear there will be more development later on and Forrest does say these subdivisions were built with the intent to expand down the road.

Tuesday Morning Sports

The Moncton Wildcats will represent the "Q" at the Memorial Cup in Brandon, Manitoba after outscoring the Seadogs 7-4 to take the President's Cup 4 games to 2. It is Moncton's second title in the past four years. The Wildcats will face the host team, the Brandon Wheat Kings, Western Hockey League champion Calgary Hitmen and Ontario Hockey League champion Windsor Spitfires in the Memorial Cup tournament which starts Friday.


Another game seven is in the works for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs came back to force a deciding game for the second straight series as they edged the Penguins 4-3. Michael Cammalleri scored his 10th and 11th goals of the playoffs and goalie Jaroslave Halak made 34 saves. Game Seven is Wednesday in Pittsburgh. Simon Gagne scored twice as the Philadelphia Flyers beat Boston 4-0. The Flyers avoided elimination for the second straight game and return home for Game Six on Wednesday with the Bruins leading three games to two.


Ice Edge Holdings' plans to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes appear to be in trouble.``Talks have broken off with the city of Glendale'' Ice Edge chief operating office Daryl Jones told the Winnipeg Free Press late last night. Ice Edge did not get an exclusivity agreement with Glendale, which the group required to continue negotiations. The city had been given a Monday deadline to grant Ice Edge exclusivity. If Ice Edge can't come to terms with Glendale, it is possible the NHL will instead move quickly to finalize a purchase agreement with Canadian billionaire David Thomson and move the team back to Winnipeg.


Canada dumped Latvia 6-1 at the world hockey championship.

The Red Sox took advantage of a wild second inning by Brandon Morrow to beat the Blue Jays 7-6. Morrow set a Jays record by walking five batters in one inning and the Yankees lost to Detroit 5-4 as former Yankee Johnny Damon homered for the Tigers. Just one other game in the American League with the Angels getting by Tampa Bay in 11 innings 5-4.


In the National League...... Cincinnati 2 Pittsburgh 1
                                         Washington 3 N.Y. Mets 2
                                         Florida 4 Chicago Cubs 2
                                         Atlanta 8 Milwaukee 2
                                         Philadelphia 9 Colorado 5
                                         L.A. Dodgers 7 Arizona 3


The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers finished off sweeps to advance to their N-B-A conference finals. Orlando beat Atlanta 98-84 while the Lakers took Utah 111-96. Kobe Bryant had 32 points and Pau Gasol added 33. The Lakers will take on Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns while the Magic await the winner of the Boston-Cleveland series.

Pictures Taken at Game Six of the Presidents Cup

 

     (Some of the action at Game Six of the Presidents Cup)
                       (Photo's by Jim Hennessy)

Wildcats Finish Off the Seadogs

(Wildcats Celebrate Presidents Cup Game Six Win)
               (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Four goals in the second period helped pace the Moncton Wildcats to a 7-4 win over the Seadogs last night.

They take the Presidents Cup Final 4-2 to claim their second championship in four years.Cats Head Coach and GM Danny Flynn tells CHSJ News, he is very impressed with how his team played through-out the set and points out his players sacrifice a lot to enjoy a moment like this.

 Gabrielle Bourque was named series MVP and Dogs Head Coach Gerard Gallant even though they came up short in their over-all goal, he is proud of what his team accomplished both in the play-offs and during the regular season but admits, some of the younger players simply ran out of gas down the stretch.


Gallant says Moncton's experience as compared to the Seadogs is what won them the series. The Wildcats now travel to Brandon, Manitoba and begin play in the Memorial Cup this weekend.

Q-League President Pleased with the Final

It was a night of reflection for the President of the Q-League who presented Moncton with the Cup.


Gilles Courteau tells CHSJ News, it has been a tremendous season and the final is one for the record books with great exposure for Moncton, Saint John and the entire Quebec Major Junior League.


Courteau congratulates Moncton on it's commitment to excellence by winning two titles in four years and gives full marks to Saint John for making it to the final in only it's fifth season.

Major Crime Investigating Death

A 28-year old woman is dead after a stabbing yesterday morning in East Saint John.


The woman was coming out of a business on Rothesay Avenue when she was stabbed by a 30-year old man.


He was picked up by police a few hours after the incident and is due in court this morning.


Police tell us the man and woman did know each other.