Quispamsis and Rothesay solve fire issue

(Mayor Murray Driscoll addresses council)
                    (File Photo)

Quispamsis Council is withdrawing arbitration against Rothesay now that the town has agreed to hire another firefighter.

Rothesay was originally against the idea saying the fire department's budget needed to be cut by 100 thousand dollars, but changed their minds based on a recommendation from the new chief.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says, now that the issue has been resolved, arbitration is no longer needed.

He says a new firefighter will be hired before the end of the year.

Saint John Theatre Company unveils new season

The Saint John Theatre Company has unveiled its Main Stage series to mark its 20th anniversary.

Three plays will be staged.

Artistic Director Stephen Tobias says one of them is called "Black Comedy" that will run from March 17th through the 19th.

The other productions are "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde which will run from November 25th through the 27th and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams from May 19th through the 21st of next year.

For the first time, smaller scale productions will be staged at the Theatre Company's newly renovated building on Princess Street.

More about that will be announced in the next few months.

Airport upgrades to start soon

(Saint John Airport)
    (File Photo)

The Saint John Airport is close to getting work started on it's taxi way and apron lighting.

Authority President Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News, both were installed in the early 1980's and are in need of an up-grade. 

Leblanc says a contract has been awarded to a consultant for the initial engineering design with the work contract to be awarded by next month.

The project is expected to get started in August and finish up in October.

Driscoll says deer culling not on the table

(Mayor Murray Driscoll Speaks to Council)
            (Photo By Sherry Aske)

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll wants to make it clear council is not planning on culling the deer to deal with the rising deer population in the Valley.

In an update on the deer situation, Driscoll says Hampton, Rothesay and the local service districts are all keen to take part in a public education session.

He had invited the other councils to collectively tackle the deer population after concerns were expressed about road safety and the spread of limes disease.

Driscoll says culling the deer has not been talked about as an option, it is just a method that is out there that some communities may use.

Fire Department encourages Long Weekend safety

Whether it be camping, a barbeque or re-opening the camp for the summer, the Long Weekend is upon us and the KV Fire Department is urging safety in all activities.

Chief Bill Ireland tells CHSJ News, it only takes a minute for something to go wrong.

Ireland says if your firing up the barbeque for the first time, make sure you give the soap and water test to all hoses.

If you see any bubbles, that means you have a leak and it needs to be replaced.

Ireland adds if you are camping and plan to have an open fire, keep something close by to put it out as it has been a dry spring.

Railroaders meet in the Port City

It's day three of the model railroaders annual convention at the Fort Howe Hotel.

Enthusiast's of the hobby are here from across the martimes and eastern united states.

Spokes-person Bob Henry tells CHSJ News, things got started on Thursday and there is plenty to do.

Henry adds it's great the convention coincides with the city's 225th birthday with the public train show running until three this afternoon at the LBR.

Police patrolling on Long Weekend

Safety also applies to the roads where-ever your travels might take you this weekend.

Sargeant Pat Bonner with the City Police tells CHSJ News, this is Road Safety Week so don't be suprised to see extra patrols. 

Bonner says along with City Police, RCMP, the Commercial Vehicle Unit and Fisheries and Oceans will be on patrol for any violations so if your are planning to have a few drinks, park your vehicle.

Dalzell gets Clean Air Award

The New Brunswick Lung Association is giving Gordon Dalzell with a National Clean Air Day Award for “Outstanding Citizen Engagement and Advocacy.”
The Lung Association says Dalzell has lead and inspired grassroots environmental action in the province for 15 years.

His public interest group, the Citizens Coalition for Clean Air, has successfully worked with all three levels of government to affect clean air legislation, to reduce allowable air pollution limits and to ensure citizen participation in the province’s clean air agenda.

Dalzell is also known for his tireless work ethic, thorough research and well-balanced opinions.
Dalzell will receive his award next Friday at City Hall.

Seadogs Regular Season Schedule

A day after their pre-season schedule was released, the Saint John Seadogs regular season schedule is available.


The Dogs open at home against the Rocket on Sept.10th.


Saint John has 20 coveted Friday/Saturday home games this season, an improvement of five over last year’s total.


There is also a change for Sunday games pending league approval next month. Instead of a four o'clock starts it will be three.


Here is a complete list of the schedule for the coming year:


SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS 2010-11 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:




Friday, Sept. 10 – 7:30pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Saturday, Sept. 11 – 7:00pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Sept. 18 – 7:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Sunday, Sept. 19 – 4:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Sept. 24 – 8:05pm @ Montreal Juniors






Saturday, Sept. 25 – 8:00pm @ Drummondville Voltigeurs






Friday, Oct. 1 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Sunday, Oct. 3 – 4:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Friday, Oct. 8 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Sunday, Oct. 10 – 3:00pm vs. Montreal Juniors






Tuesday, Oct. 12 – 7:00pm vs. Rimouski Oceanic






Saturday, Oct. 16 – 7:00pm vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Sunday, Oct. 17 – 3:00pm vs. Victoriaville Tigres






Friday, Oct. 22 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Saturday, Oct. 23 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Wednesday, Oct. 27 – 8:00pm @ Val-d’Or Foreurs






Friday, Oct. 29 – 8:30pm @ Val-d’Or Foreurs






Saturday, Oct. 30 – 8:30pm @ Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Sunday, Oct. 31 – 5:00pm @ Rouyn-Noranda Huskies






Friday, Nov. 5 – 7:30pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Nov. 6 – 7:00pm vs. Chicoutimi Sagueneens






Wednesday, Nov. 10 – 7:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Saturday, Nov. 13 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 14 – 3:00pm vs. Quebec Remparts






Saturday, Nov. 20 – 7:00pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 21 – 4:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Friday, Nov. 26 – 7:30pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, Nov. 28 – 3:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Dec. 3 – 7:30pm vs. Lewiston MAINEiacs






Saturday, Dec. 4 – 7:00pm vs. Gatineau Olympiques






Tuesday, Dec. 7 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Dec. 10 – 8:00pm @ Lewiston MAINEiacs






Sunday, Dec. 12 – 3:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Dec. 17 – 7:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Saturday, Dec. 18 – 7:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Tuesday, Dec. 28 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Thursday, Dec. 30 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Friday, Dec. 31 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Sunday, Jan. 2 – 2:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Tuesday, Jan. 4 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Saturday, Jan. 8 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Tuesday, Jan. 11 – 7:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket






Friday, Jan. 14 – 7:30pm vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs






Saturday, Jan. 15 – 7:00pm vs. Drummondville Voltigeurs






Friday, Jan. 21 – 8:30pm @ Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Saturday, Jan. 22 – 5:00pm @ Chicoutimi Sagueneens






Sunday, Jan. 23 – 5:00pm @ Quebec Remparts






Thursday, Jan. 27 – 7:00pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, Jan. 29 – 7:00pm vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Sunday, Jan. 30 – 3:00pm vs. Baie-Comeau Drakkar






Wednesday, Feb. 2 – 7:00pm vs. Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Friday, Feb. 4 – 7:30pm @ Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, Feb. 5 – 7:00pm @ Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Feb. 11 – 7:00pm @ P.E.I. Rocket






Sunday, Feb. 13 – 3:00pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Friday, Feb. 18 – 7:30pm vs. Val-d’Or Foreurs






Saturday, Feb. 19 – 7:00pm vs. Shawinigan Cataractes






Tuesday, Feb. 22 – 7:00pm vs. Halifax Mooseheads






Friday, Feb. 25 – 8:30pm @ Gatineau Olympiques






Saturday, Feb. 26 – 5:00pm @ Victoriaville Tigres






Sunday, Feb. 27 – 5:00pm @ Shawinigan Cataractes






Friday, March 4 – 7:30pm vs. Moncton Wildcats






Saturday, March 5 – 7:00pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Thursday, March 10 – 8:30pm @ Rimouski Oceanic






Friday, March 11 – 7:30pm @ Acadie-Bathurst Titan






Sunday, March 13 – 4:00pm @ Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Friday, March 18 – 7:30pm vs. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles






Sunday, March 20 – 3:00pm vs. P.E.I. Rocket

J.D. Irving Mill Receives Federal Cash

The Lake Utopia Paper Mill has received $22 million dollars in funding from Ottawa.
The cash will be used to increase the mill's capacity to produce clean energy and decrease it's reliance on fossil fuels.
The mill is installing a new biomass boiler that will be fuelled by wood waste from the company's forestry operations.


Also, the new boiler will provide enough steam to fulfil the energy needs of the mill and lowering green house gas emission by more than 66,000 tonnes per year.


Total cost of the project 32.9 million and the remaining costs will be covered by a $10.8-million repayable loan from the Provincial Government and a half a million dollar grant from Efficiency NB.

Cupe Members Ready to Stage Hunger Strike

Nine members of Cupe Local 2745 representing education support staff will being a hunger strike on Monday.
This is to bring attention to what they call the lack of fairness and respect they are getting from the Province.
Cupe spokes-person Sandy Harding tells CHSJ News, all they want is a fair collective agreement.


The union has been with-out a contract since February of last year and Harding says the hunger strike will be staged in front of the Fredericton Inn beginning Monday.

Would Be M-L-A Takes Up Wheelchair Challenge

(John Campbell who's seeking Conservative nomination in Saint John Harbour)
                                     (File Photo)

Brutal..........That's the reaction of John Campbell, one of the candidates running for the Conservative nomination in Saint John Harbour, to spending yesterday trying to get about the city in a manual wheelchair. Campbell tells CHSJ News he found out trying to use a public washroom is a challenge even with the stalls that are geared for wheelchairs........They're just not big enough and wheelchairs are now custom made.
Campbell also found trying to make the hills in the city tough but also discovered alot of well meaning people who are more than willing to help. He says all new construction should be wheelchair accesssible as a matter of course. The 52 year old Campbell concedes his fingers are torn up and his shoulders along with his chest are hurting after his ordeal.

Manager of Coyle Nissan Passes Away

A long time employee and friend of car dealerships in Greater Saint John has passed away.

Mark Alderman suffered a massive heart-attack while playing golf yesterday.


Alderman worked for several dealerships along Rothesay Avenue in his career including Centennial Pontiac and was the Manager of Coyle Nissan.

 Alderman was only 48 years old with his funeral set for Tuesday of next week at St. Mathews Catholic Church in Grand Bay Westfield.

Laptops Stolen From High School

Hampton High School hit been hit by thieves.

RCMP tell us someone broke into the building Wednesday night and got away with four HP Probook 4510 laptops.

A man and a woman have been caught on surveillance tape. RCMP point out that anyone who buys one of these stolen laptops is committing a criminal offence.



Here are the serial numbers of the stolen lap-tops:

CNU0101HN9, CNU0101K4V, CNU00875HW and CNU0101H46.

Environment Projects Get a Boost from the Province

The provincial government is investing more than $554,000 from the Environmental Trust Fund this year toward 30 projects in the Saint John area.

The money is used for many initiatives including to restore, improve, preserve and protect air, land and water resources.
Some of the projects receiving cash include $40,000 dollars for the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee, $25,000 dollars for the Hammond River Angling Association, the Atlantic Coastal Action Program receives $48,000 dollars for three projects, the Fundy Bay-Keeper has $10,000 dollars and $15,000 dollars for the Cresent Valley Resource Center.

New Spa Coming to Market Square

Market Square is getting a new spa.

Earlier this week we told you Ambiance had it's lease terminated and now the woman responsible for establishing that business is back with a new venture.

Jenny Scott is opening Element5 Spa Inc in the same location and tells CHSJ News, she was shocked to hear the news about Ambiance which she sold last year.


Scott says the new spa will have the same products and some of the same style with Ambiance but with a new look, name and feel.

Stabbing Under Investigation By City Police

The Major Crime Unit is investigating a stabbing. Police went to an apartment on Carmarthen Street after receiving a 9-1-1 hang up call shortly before 8:30 last night to check it out. They discovered a young man had been stabbed in the back. He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries described as not being life threatening.


Rothesay Regional Police report a busy night which included having to remove a youth from a home for beating up his parents.

WestJet Resumes Daily Flights

(Saint John Airport)
     (File Photo)

For a fourth straight year, WestJet will resume it's flights from Saint John to Toronto starting today. Airport Authority President Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News this year the company will fly into the area seven days a week with the flight leaving mid-morning this year instead of the evening. . Leblanc adds one of the challenges with a seasonal service is you have to re-invent yourself every year and remind passengers there is another option. WestJet flights will continue until October. Leblanc says this is the fourth year for the service and numbers have been steady.

New Look Coming This Weekend At Harbour Station

It is going to be a busy weekend at Harbour Station and not all of the activity revolves around shows. When the Monster Truck festivities finish up tonight, a crew from Atlantic Signs is moving in to begin installing the new high definition scoreboard. It has four screens and General Manager Mike Cadell tells CHSJ News, it is amazing definition and will make a huge difference for hockey fans and concert goers. Crews will work throughout the weekend and should have the new screens in place by Monday and then will begin installing the new high definition screen for the marquee.

Province helps IT company add jobs in Saint John and Fredericton

The province is spending $560, 000 in payroll rebates to help Q1 Labs Canada hire 70 new employees.
The new jobs are technical and sales positions at their Saint John and Fredericton locations.


The company also plans to expand its research and development centre in Fredericton.
Q1 Labs Canada is a global provider of security intelligence software.

Update on Stand-Off in Penobsquis

Uttering death threats, mischief and breach of probation.

Just three of the charges 30-year-old Jason Thomas McPhee of Penobsquis is facing.

Sussex RCMP were called to a home on the Back Road in Penobsquis yesterday afternoon just before one o'clock.

Officers received a 9-1-1 call that someone was making threats against people in the home.
When they arrived at the home, a man ran inside and locked the doors.

Close to eight hours later, the man walked out and surrendered to officers.

McPhee will remain locked up until tomorrow when he will be back in court for a bail hearing.

North End Business is Closing

         (Sign Indicates Zellers Select is Closing)
                  (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A North End business is closing it's doors.

Zellers Select on Lansdowne Avenue has a huge yellow sign stretched across the side of it's building indicating it is shutting down.

CHSJ News called the store and spoke to the manager who only identified himself as Mark. We asked him if the store was closing and he didn't answer yes or no but took our contact information and said someone would be in touch.


No word on when the store will close permanetly or how many jobs are affected by the decision.

RST Industries Picks Up Awards

(Fleet of RST Trucks Leaving the Irving Oil Refinery)
                    (Photo Supplied)

RST industries is celebrating Road Safety Week by capturing three international safety awards.


The hardware was picked up in the National Tank Truck Carriers Tank Truck Safety Contest.


RST was selected from a group of nine similar sized carriers in their respective mileage categories from last year.


107 current RST drivers have achieved at least one million miles of accident-free miles throughout their driving careers.

Skate to Care money goes to good use

(The Investors Group Team receives award for raising $13,098)
                 (Photo By Sherry Aske)

MindCare New Brunswick is putting some hard earned dollars to work.

They announced the 12 projects they will be funding with the $142,000 raised from the 2010 Investors Group Skate to Care.

Adrienne Clark was on hand to accept $13,000 on behalf of the YMCA-YWCA Rainbows Program which supports children dealing with death, divorce and other painful transitions. 

She says the money is especially important when you're dealing with kids, because they will grow up to be in the work force and the community.


Other programs that received funding were the Gentle Path Counselling Centre, the Horizon Health Network, Key Industries and Mental Health First Aid.

Planning is already underway for Skate to Care 2011, which will take place on Febuary 12th.

Harbour Bridge Construction hiring

 

If your looking for work, there is plenty up for grabs with the repair work underway on the Harbour Bridge.

The jobs include steel tyers, carpenters and general labourers.

A recruitment information session is planned for tonight at the Holiday Inn Express on Main St. in the Parrtown conference room.



Applicants are asked to bring their resume and to fill out an application.

Q-League Announces Pre-Season Schedule

The season just ended, but the Quebec Major Junior League has announced the pre-season schedule for the up-coming season.

The Saint John Seadogs will play half a dozen games with the first on August.21st here at home against Halifax. They will play the Mooseheads three times between the 21st and Sept.1st.


The pre-season schedule will finish up on Sept. 2nd on the Island when they play the Rocket. Here is the complete pre-season schedule for the Saint John Seadogs:
 
August.21st.....Halifax vs. Saint John:
 
August.22nd....Saint John vs Halifax:
 
August.27th.....Saint John vs Bathurst:
 
August.28th.....Bathurst vs. Saint John:
 
Sept.1st.......Halifax vs. Saint John:
 
Sept.2nd....Saint John vs Rocket:

Summer Camp is Damaged

More senseless vandalism to report in Greater Saint John, the latest reported by Grand Bay Westfield RCMP.

Officers are investigating after someone kicked off the doors and broke windows at the summer cottages of the Weslyan Church on the Canton Islands in Brown's Flat.

The buildings are used for children during the summer and is only accessible by boat in the summer or by ice in the winter.


This comes just weeks after close to 500 headstones at St. Josephs Cemetery were kicked over and someone set fire to the Spooner Island gazebo in Hampton.

Paramount Theater Gets a Reprieve

                  (Former Paramount Theater)
                     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

For the time being.....the former Paramount Theater has been spared the wreckers ball.


Owner Paul Daeres tells CHSJ News, he has put off his end of the month deadline to find a tenant or a buyer for the building. Uptown Saint John is in the process of appraising the former movie theaters which have been vacant since 2005.


Once the number is worked out, a committee will be formed to find investors and see if new life can be breathed into the building.


Many ideas are floating around about what it could be used for but the consensus seems to be some sort of performing arts venue.
Daeres is quick to point out how-ever he will not wait for-ever for a plan to be put in place for the building.

Moncton Airport has a New Look

There is a new piece of hardware you will have to go through soon before boarding a plane at the Moncton International Airport.


A full body scanner is expected to be installed and operational in the coming weeks.


This technology stirred up a hornets nest when Ottawa unveiled it back in January with people concerned about having a full shot of their bodies on display.


Moncton Airport officials say they are very pleased to have the technology as it will enhance security and allow them to be more competitive in the region.


The scanner projects a three dimensional image that appears on a monitor in a seperate location and then is analyzed.

Village of Alma is Charged

The Village of Alma has been charged with violating the Water Quality Regulation of the Clean Environment Act.


The village is scheduled to make its first appearance in court next Thursday.


The Department of Environment alleges that on Nov. 25th of last year, the village failed to comply with a term or condition of its approval to operate drinking water distribution and treatment facilities.

Another Court Appearance For Murder Suspect

A 30 year old east side man, charged with first degree murder, was back in court briefly after a five day psychiatric assessment. Jason Getson of Martha Avenue will be sent to the Restigouche Mental Health facility for a further 30 day assessment which prosecutor Jim McAvity says is not that unusual. Getson is charged in the stabbing death earlier this month of his estranged wife, 28 year old Melanie Getson of Douglas Avenue. She was attacked in the parking lot of a Rothesay Avenue tanning salon and died a short time later in the Regional Hospital. Police say she and the accused were travelling in the same car which just happened to stop in the parking lot. Getson returns to court June 16th.

Marco Polo Musical To Be Performed At Harbour Station

(Barry Ogden of the Marco Polo Project)

The Saint John Theatre Company has been given the challenge of bringing the story of the Saint John built Marco Polo tall ship, which sailed around the world, to the stage at Harbour Station October 23rd as a musical. Saint John High teacher Barry Ogden has been keeping the project in the public eye for years and can now see great things ahead when the ship is permanently anchored in the Harbour. The tall ship will be 65 feet high and 90 feet long. He says performances could be staged on board and it might turn out to be the most famous stage in Canada. Ogden can see this getting worldwide attention. The ship is now in the process of being caulked and painted on the west side.
Ogden calls the staging of the Marco Polo musical at Harbour Station as part of the city's 225th anniversary celebrations "a fabulous idea".

Gas Prices Take Another Drop

Saint John drivers are paying even less for gas this morning after the weekly setting. The price of self serve regular in the city is down by almost a cent a litre at 98.8 cents. Diesel is also cheaper at $102.1 a litre. Heating oil is listed at 89 cents a litre and propane is at $103.7.

Fundy North Fishermen"s Association Gets Award

(Department of Fisheries Development Officer Tom McEachreon gives the award Roger Hunter, John McDade and David Thompson)
                                           (File Photo)

The Fundy North Fishermen's Association has been awarded the 'Gulf of Maine Industry Award' for their efforts in ghost lobster trap recovery in Saint John Harbour.
The 'Saint John Harbour Ghost Trap Retrieval Project' was conducted by Fundy North fishermen Roger Hunter, John McDade and David Thompson.
The high volume of ship traffic in the harbour accounts for lost lobster gear each year so, the fishermen designed the study to clean-up the seafloor and to learn more about the effects of ghost fishing on the environment and the fishery.

Healthcare Needs In The K-V Being Assessed With Public Input Being Sought

A needs assessment of the Kennebecasis Valley is underway by the Horizon Health Network and they want to hear from you. The Human Development Council is spear-heading the effort and spokes-person Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News, they are looking for both the good and the bad an how services can be improved and the conversation is wide open. It's hoped a final report will be finished by the end of next month.
The first of the three open houses goes tonight between 7 and 9pm and Kennebecasis Valley High School, next Tuesday, the 25th at the Fairville Outing Association between ten in the morning and noon and also next Tuesday between 7 and 9pm at the Kings Valley Wesleyan Church.

More Input On City's New Municipal Plan To Guide Future Development

(Plan SJ Storefront in Brunswick)
          (File Photo)

Businesses, Arts groups and others are all weighing in on the City's new municipal plan. The old one is considered out of date.
Saint John Board of Trade chair Mike Murphy tells CHSJ News everyone is very interested in making sure the plan be well-constructed. The City's last municipal plan was written forty years ago and Murphy points out it wasn't written with today's economy and today's Saint John in mind. The Board of Trade will be meeting Enterprise Saint John to discuss the plan in June and will meet at a later date with the Plan SJ committee.

Traffic Delays in East Saint John

Delays are expected as the City's traffic services are working on traffic lights at the intersections of Ashburn Lake Road and Rothesay Avenue and at Retail Drive and Rothesay Avenue.

During the work, the lights will be flashing or off so, drivers are advised to avoid Ashburn Lake Road coming from the highway and Retail Drive to Rothesay Avenue as vehicles on Rothesay Avenue will have the right of way during the flashing light.

Wireless technology recently installed will allow for a smoother flow of traffic at the intersection. The lights at the intersection operate on traffic volume rather than on a timer.

Provincial Money for St. George project

$480-thousand dollars from the Province today to establish a senior's housing project in St. George.
Premier Shawn Graham in the town today to make the announcement of funding provided through the Regional Development Corporation.
The money will be used to offset the costs of building a three-level senior’s apartment building with 28 units.

Father Charged in Daughters Death

A 25-year-old Havelock man has been charged in connection with the death of his daughter in earlier this year.

On January 8, emergency officials were called to a home in Havelock where 23-month-old Dakota Linfield had ingested methadone at some point during the previous 24 hours.


She was taken to the Moncton Hospital and later airlifted to the IWK in Halifax where she passed away five days later.

Anthony Linfield has been charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. His next court appearance is Tuesday of next week.

Group Home Workers Begin Protests

Protests around Greater Saint John are underway by the union representing Group Home Workers over stalled contract negotiations with the province.


They have been working with-out a deal for just over a year and haven't had a wage increase in almost two.


Cupe Spokes-person Mike Davidson tells CHSJ News, make no mistake about it, this will be an election issue because it's not just the group homes but family support workers and trasition houses.


Davidson says the workers now require a Human Service Worker Degree that costs a minimum of $6200 dollars and the rate of funding from the Province has not increased to match a $3.30 increase in minimum wage by next year.

City Police Warn of Another Scam

City Police are giving you the heads up about another scam making the rounds.
Officers tell us someone will call your home posing as a bank official or Law Enforcement officer.


You are then told your help is needed to catch a dishonest bank employee.


You are then asked to withdraw a large amount of money and turn it over to this so-called "Bank Examiner" or "Detective".
They then assure you your money will be returned once the investigation is finished but of course that is never the case.
Keep in mind, a bank will never ask to use your money in an investigation and if you do get a call like this, call City Police right away at 648-3333.

Energy Minister Keir in the Windy City

There are no borders in North America when it comes to energy.


That message delivered to the U.S.- Canada Clean Energy Dialogue forum in Chicago by Energy Minister Jack Keir.


In sharing a common electricity grid, environmental challenges, supply and reliability concerns just to name a few, Keir believes it is time to build on the collective future of what will best benefit both countries.


Keir also points out efforts to harmonize market rules, align green energy policies and break down jurisdictional barriers in support of the economic flow of clean energy sources must happen sooner rather than later.

Ambiance Day Spa Will Reopen

It seems Ambiance Day Spa will live to see another day in a new location.

In an email obtained by our newsrooom, Stacey Cross-Bourgeois of Ambiance Day Spa
apologizes for the inconvenience of their temporary closure.
She add that they will reopen in a new location some time summer.

Cross-Borgeois goes on to say there will be more exciting news to come and they invite their clients to check their website for updates.

Yesterday, CHSJ News learned that Market Square terminated it's lease with
Ambiance Day Spa because of a failure to meet lease obligations and pay their rent.

Funding for Saint John Theater Company

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston, Stephen Tobias and Jo-Anna Everett)
                      (Photo by Brian McLain)

A couple of firsts for the Saint John Theatre Company.


For the first time ever, it will receive more than 68 thousand dollars in federal funding to stage productions for the city's 225th birthday celebration.


The theatre company's Artistic Director Stephen Tobias says another first is the staging of a musical about the Marco Polo tall ship "To Hell or Melbourne" at Harbour Station.


Tobias says they've never had to stage anything like this in such a large venue.
Live performances of the musical will also be performed at various venues around town.


Federal money is also going to the 8th annual Theatre on the Edge Festival from August 2nd to the 15th whose purpose is to showcase local talent.

East Side Fire Spreads Before Being Put Out

City firefighters spent three hours quelling a blaze and checking for hot spots last night at 200 Range Road on the east side . They were met by heavy fire in an open pit that spread to nearby brush. There's no word yet on how that fire got started.

More Parking Planned For Q-Plex

 (Q-Plex Parking Plan)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

People planning to visit the Q-Plex when it's built may be getting more room to park. Quispamsis Council has passed the first two readings of a by-law that would allow for a piece of land along Quispamsis Road to become a parking lot. Craig Logan lives in the area and is worried having the parking lot will lead to there being access to the Q-Plex from Quispamsis Road. He says the road is quite hilly and has several blind spots.
Councillor Gerry Maher says they shouldn't hamstring themselves by saying now that there will not be an entrance to the Quispamsis Road in the future. Logan is asking Town Council to bring the matter back to the public if it is decided that an access road is needed in the future.

Building And Permit Fees In Quispamsis To Increase

(Quispamsis Council  meeting Tuesday night)
              (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Quispamsis is trying to get ahead of changes the province is making to its Building Code Act. Gary Losier, Director of Engineering and Works, says Quispamsis is looking to make changes so it can live up to the new standards. He says the biggest issue is drainage and they want to make sure it is addressed for neighbourhoods as a whole, not just for individual homes.
Losier also says contractors will see an increase in building and permit fees. The town's fees have not been reviewed since 1993 and will be changing to mirror those set up in neighbouring towns. A public information session is being held June 9th at 7pm at Town Hall so people can learn about the new requirements.

Ferguson Fails To Stop Lawsuit By Pension Board

(Former Common Councillor and Mayoral Candidate John Ferguson)
                                     (File Photo)

Former Common Councillor and Mayoral candidate John Ferguson has failed to persuade the Court of Queen's Bench to dismiss the lawsuit for defamation brought against him by the city's Pension Board in January of 2007. Ferguson, who's now the City Manager in St. Stephen, argued the Pension Board doesn't have the legal capacity to sue for defamation. Mr. Justice William Grant determined the city's Pension Act gives the board the legal capacity to launch legal actions. Whether the Pension Board has the legal standing to do so is another matter but the judge concluded the merits of the Pension Board's case was not before the court. Ferguson and his lawyer both declined to comment.