City Police Warn Drivers

City Police are warning drivers to obey the signs you see while making your way about town. A truck plunged nose down into a large hole early morning along the Dever Road which is closed to allow for construction of a pipeline.

A charge will be laid against the driver under the Motor Vehicle Act. Police say there are signs posted alerting drivers about the road closure.

 There were no injuries.

Man Saved From Drowning

Already this summer more people have died on the province's waterways than in motorcycle fatalities, but in this case someone got lucky. Randy Salvages tells CHSJ News he pulled a man from the Saint John River this weekend after he got caught by the current and was being carried down the river.

Randy camps in Long Reach and says he was out on his boat when he thought he saw a dead head in the water.

Salvage says he asked the man if he needed a lift and helped him into the boat. He says he's seen people out that far before but normally they're with a boat.

Communities In Bloom Judges Are In Town

Saint John is in the spotlight today as the Communities in Bloom judging gets started. Saint John is in the category of National Edition Circle of Excellence.


The winners will be announced at the National Awards Ceremonies in Halifax between October 27th and 30th.

Holder Reacts To Keir's Announcement

(Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
(File Photo)

It didn't take long for the Conservative Party to react to Minister Keir's announcement.

Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, the Liberal Party continues to make announcements concerning energy with no policy. 

He says there no is no energy policy in this province, and the Liberal Government has no intention on putting one in place.

On the announcement itself, Holder says he doesn't have any problem with giving the EUB more teeth but is concerned on what that will mean for Saint John Energy.

Woman Drives Jeep Into Store

(Hole In The Wall Where Jeep Went Through)
         (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Kennebecasis Drugs on the Marr Road has some un-wanted renovations.

A 74-year old woman driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee drove it right through the brick wall in the back parking lot.

Rothesay Regional Police tell us it happened at one o'clock and after the jeep cleared the wall it pushed through two rows of shelves.

Sergeant Evan Scott is head of the Traffic Division and tells CHSJ News, it is nothing short of a miracle that someone wasn't hurt or killed.

There is quite a bit of structural damage to the store so it is closed for the rest of the day. No word yet on whether human or mechanical error is to blame and charges are not expected.

Impaired Driver Causes Oil Spill

The man whose truck spilled gasoline into a Saint John waterway is being charged with impaired driving.

Sergeant Pat Cole with the Hampton RCMP tells CHSJ News when the man's truck flipped over on Otter Lake Road on Saturday night and spilled gas into Ratcliffe Brook he fled the scene.

Police arrested the man a few minutes later at his house.

City officials are now monitoring the waterways to prevent contamination.

Liberals Make Energy Changes

(Energy Minister Jack Keir speaks at today's energy announcement)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Liberal government has unveiled a number of improvements it says will protect electricity ratepayers.

There are five key changes including all rate increases regardless of size must be approved by the EUB and cabinet will no longer be able to reverse or modify any decision from the EUB that deals with rates.

Energy Minister Jack Keir says all of these changes will strengthen the regulatory framework of the Energy and Utilities Board.

The changes still need to be approved in the legislature when it resumes this fall.

Mayor Dismisses Fears Of Too Much Land In South End Being Used For Parking

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
           (File Photo)

The housing stock in the south end is being increased despite fears that too much precious land in that part of town is being used for parking.

So says Mayor Ivan Court who points to Leinster Court, the Abbey and the Rocca condos across from the cruise ship terminal to make his case.

Councillor Patty Higgins says there's a very good reason why there's a need for more people to make the south-central peninsula their home. She wants to see a grocery store established.
There has been an effort underway to get a Co-op in the south end and we have been told progress, slow as it may seem, is being made.

 The new municipal plan is expected to make residential development closer to the city core a priority as part of smart growth. Common Councillor Peter McGuire maintains city planners are being hamstrung by what he calls an outdated and dilapidated municipal plan.

Mischief Along The Saint John River

The RCMP are investigating a complaint of theft and mischief on two sailboats that were anchored along the Saint John River on the evening of July 6th between Irvin Lane and Beach Road.

One of the sailboats was cast adrift. A diver's watch and TV were among the items stolen.

Police are also looking for your help in catching who was responsible for causing mischief to South Beach on Long Island along the Kennebecasis River sometime between the last week of June and first week of July.

 Several trees were uprooted, beer bottles were broken and a sign for the Nature Trust was burned.

Any information can be called in to the Mounties at 757-10-20 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips.

Duguay On The EUB

(NDP Leader Roger Duguay)
(File Photo)

The Energy and Utilities Board should have more clout.

That's one of the recommendations from the Provincial N-D-P to reform the E-U-B and better protect middle class families from what party leader Roger Duguay calls unfair power rate increases.

He tells CHSJ News any rate proposal from NB Power should be examined, no matter how small it might be, and the E-U-B should have the authority to stop an increase from taking effect.

The New Democrats are also calling for the creation of a new job, an efficiency officer, who would oversee every aspect of NB Power's operation and present a report to the Provincial Cabinet within six months.

Motorcycle Crash

A Rothesay man is dead after his motorcycle collided with another vehicle on Highway 126 in the eastern part of the province.

The RCMP say it appears the motorcycle collided with a passenger vehicle that was in the passing lane in Kent Junction.

The name of the 56-year-old victim has not been released. Police say charges are possible.

The Millrats Have A Name

(The Millrats reveal their logo)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Saint John's basketball team has a name.

The Millrats logo has been unveiled to represent the city's entry in the Premier Basketball League.

The mill rat represents the city's industrial history and the logo also features a number three which pays respect to local hoops legend Rip Seely.

The preseason for the Millrats gets started in December with the regular season to tip off in January.

City Police Say They Won't Tolerate Mischief Makers Inside Rockwood Park

         (Entrance To Rockwood Park)
                      (File Photo)

City Police are cracking down on those people who are in Rockwood Park after hours.

According to the beach bylaw, it is illegal to be in the park after 10:00 at night. Six people were arrested early this morning at Fisher Lakes.

Police say there have been thefts, damage and mischief. Someone cut the ropes at the swimming area which indicate the deepness of the water.

Trees were damaged for firewood. A porta potty was overturned. Picnic tables were thrown the water and there was a breakin reported.

A consultant has told the city the park is too isolated after dark and that's one reason why the city is looking at some residential development along Sandy Point Road adjacent to the park.

Parolee Charged After High Speed Chase

A 19 year old parolee is back behind bars facing a charge of dangerous driving after a chase with police at one of the busiest times of the weekend in what arguably is the busiest shopping area of the city on the east side.

Sergeant Pat Bonner of City Police says the pursuit began on Ellerdale Street Saturday afternoon around 1:00 and then went down Westmorland Road eventually ending with a collision in the vicinity of Retail Drive.

One police car was also damaged. The car the accused was in had fictitious plates.

Gasoline Spill In Waterway Which Leads To City's Supply Of Drinking Water

A gasoline spill off Otter Lake Road has city officials monitoring the waterways. Brent McGovern with Saint John water says a truck went off the road Saturday night and spilt gas into Ratcliffe Brook which eventually provides drinking water to the city.

McGovern tells CHSJ News they're not sure how much gas was actually spilled.

McGovern says it takes forty days for the water to make it's way to the intake so they've got lots of time to collect samples and develop a plan to counter the situation.
 
Several preventative measures were taken over the weekend to try and reduce the risk of contamination including the deployment of booms and a vacuum truck to clean up what they could.

Energy Minister On Point Lepreau

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
         (File Photo)

The Energy Minister is going right to the source in his search for answers on the refit at Point Lepreau.


Jack Keir has written a letter to the Minister of Natural Resources asking for a straight answer on how much longer the work is going to take telling CHSJ News, in the letter he says rumour and innuendo is no way to operate this project.
Keir says the latest "rumor" he has heard is that NB Power will take over the reactor in October and begin generating electricity by February.
Just last week, NB Power released a refurbishment update saying the project is 75% complete and the problem is with a seal to stop leaks with the calandria tubes.

Calais LNG Project

  (South-West MP Greg Thompson)
              (File Photo)

Depending on what side of the issue you sit on, this is either good or bad news.


The sole financial backer of the controversial Calais LNG proposal has pulled out and now the question is out there......is the proposal dead?


South-West MP Greg Thompson tells CHSJ News, Ottawa's stance on this project has been quite clear so this is good news.


Calais LNG told state regulators last week that if Goldman Sachs can't sell its ownership interest by August 11th, all permit applications will be withdrawn.
They only other application left is Downeast LNG which wants to build its project at the mouth of the St. Croix River.

New Homes In Grand Bay Westfield

(Lions Club Member Harriet Hutchinson)
          (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The ribbon has been cut on Inglewood Manor in Grand Bay Westfield.


It is a seven unit housing project, six of which are designated affordable housing. Harriet Hutchinson with the River Valley Lions Club says this may not be the end of the project with between 10 and 14 people on a waiting list for this style of home.
The original design for the building called for eleven units and was completed at a cost for one million dollars.

The project received just over $400,000 dollars from the Province and Ottawa.

Cocaine Seized On Queen Street South

(File Photo)

A search of Queen Street South has resulted in a major drug haul for the police.

Sergeant Pat Bonner says at a search Friday night police seized 32 grams of crack Cocaine with a street value of over $6000 dollars.

Bonner says a 19-year-old man has been charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking and also faces violation of parole.
 
He will appear in court on Monday afternoon to answer to the charge.

Marco Polo Organiser Hears From Erin Brockovich At Conference In Boston

           (Barry Ogden)
             (File Photo)

Erin Brockovich was the guest speaker at a conference on community leadership in Boston attended by Barry Ogden who chairs the city's recreation committee along with his involvement in seeing the Marco Polo tall ship constructed.

The conference dealt with how the grassroots in cities and towns can mobilise to get things done for the better in their communities.

Ogden says he was impressed with what Brockovich had to say as she stressed the importance of being tenacious because bureaucracies are always resistent to change.

More Parking For South End

      (Common Councillor Patty Higgins)
                   (File Photo)

A rezoning application has been approved to allow for more parking in the south end on Ross and St. James Street for the students attending a dental assistant's school. Not everyone is pleased about this. Common Councillor Patty Higgins remembers there was a planning study report which determined there wasn't a need for more parking in that part of the city.

She also points out it's also close to Rainbow Park which will see alot of money spent on it and where Harbour Passage is being extended to. Common Councillor Donnie Snook doesn't like to see parking where there could be multiple housing units.

Reunion 2010 Just Days Away

One of the biggest concert events to hit Saint John is just ten days from getting started.

The Reunion 2010 Music Festival as part of Saint John 225 get started on August 5 and runs til the 8th.

Spokes-person Lisa Hrabluk tells CHSJ News, she is hearing from a lot of people who can't wait to check out Harbour Country and Rocks shows at Fort LaTour.


Hrabluk adds there is something for everyone's musical taste including Jazz on Princess, Harbour Rocks and Country at Fort LaTour and classical Saint John at the Imperial Theater.
 
Tickets are available at the Imperial, on it's web-site or by calling 674-4100.

New Color For the Tops Of Fire Hydrants

(New Look Hydrant on King Street)
        (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

No doubt you have noticed the fire hydrants in the South Central Peninsula are sporting a new color.

The tops are blue and Acting District Chief Richard Marks tells CHSJ News, this is a new regulation from the National Fire Protection Association.

Marks says the light blue hydrants let fire-fighters know they can expect over 5600 litres a minute when battling a blaze.

The other colors in order of water pressure are green, orange, and red.

Sunwing Is Coming Back To Saint John

       (Saint John Airport)
            (File Photo)

Sunwing Vacation is already making plans for it's fifth year at the Saint John Airport after another successful spring.

Starting next spring, there will be two weekly flights to Varadero beginning March.18th til May.10th.
There is also a weekly departure to Cancun beginning March.27th until May.15th.
 
No word at this point on the passenger volumes Sunwing had over the spring.

New Radio Station For Nova Scotia

Country music and up to date news is being enjoyed on the south shore of Nova Scotia at 100.7 CJHK Hank FM.

The new radio station is up and running and is owned and operated by Acadia Broadcasting which also owns Country 94 and sister station 97.3 the Wave.

Company Vice-President Jim MacMullin says it is exciting to launch our new station after two years of planning, approvals and construction.

Hank Fm is sharing broadcasting space with it's sister station, CKBW.

The launch of the new station coincides with another exciting event for the Bridgewater stations a move into new state of the art studios and offices.

City Manager Optimistic About City Pension Plan Being Straightened Out

             (City Manager Pat Woods)
                        (File Photo)

A solution to the long term financial problems facing the city's pension plan should be ready by early September. That, according to City Manager Pat Woods who warns this is no time to panic and make rash spending cuts.

According to Woods, the pension fund has more than 325 million dollars to meet its obligations for years to come. The solution he's talking about will deal with what's going to happen 30 or 40 years down the road.


     

MADD Stepping Up Efforts To Nail Drunk Drivers

There's a new billboard on McAllister Drive asking people to call 911 if they see an impaired driver. The sign was put up thanks to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Saint John Police Force.

Rick McNulty is President of MADD Saint John and tells CHSJ News it's a very successful program with 30 per cent of impaired driving cases brought before the courts being the result of 911 calls.

McNulty says Saint John is the second jurisdiction in the country to adopt the 911 program against impaired drivers.

Film Production In Maritimes Appears To Be Coming Back After Slump

Film and television production appears to be on the rebound in some Canadian provinces, including this one, thanks to enhanced tax credit regimes and a strong stable of domestic producers. Ghislain Labbe, who handles financial services for New Brunswick Film, says there is optimism in many areas of the country despite the high value of the loonie and increased competition from U-S states.



Labbe says the bulk of New Brunswick's film production is French, which is thriving in part, because of assistance of federal funding for French language projects shot outside the province of Quebec.


Tim Hogan, of Fredericton-based Dream Street Pictures, says extra help from federal and provincial funding sources is key in an increasingly competitive landscape but he doesn't see much potential for growth for New Brunswick's English language companies who currently aren't getting enough business from Canada's large private broadcasters.


Halifax-based independent filmmaker John Wesley Chisholm believes the challenge is to produce interesting stories. His company, Arcadia Entertainment, specializes in ocean-related documentaries and specials. Chisholm looks at the proliferation of specialty channels as more opportunities than ever existed before.

Affordable Housing To Be Announced In Grand Bay-Westfield

      (Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
                   (File Photo)

Another affordable housing project opens today. Energy Minister Jack Keir and Greg Thompson, MP for New Brunswick Southwest, will both be in Grand Bay-Westfield for the of the project at Inglewood Manor. Things get started at 2pm.

Blow Up Dragon Stabbed

They'll be no inflatable dragon welcoming people at the entrance to the Busker's festival today.

City police say the giant blow up mascot was stabbed 20 times last night.

A nearby security guard saw the attacker, but they managed to get away.

Buskers Rap Up Today

(The Daredevil Chicken Club performs for a crowd in Loyalist Plaza)
(Photo By Sherry Aske)

The buskers rap up their four day visit to the Port City today.
 
The acrobats, stilt walkers, puppeteers and performers have been performing on the Boardwalk since Thursday as part of the festival's 20th Anniversary.
 
Every year the Busker's Festival attracts over 35,000 Saint Johners and tourists to the Boardwalk.

Illegal Dumping Still A Problem

Even with the focus of living greener, areas of the Saint John River are still having problems with illegal dumping.

Tom Benjamin is the Executive Director of the Hammond River Angling Association and tells CHSJ News it's an ongoing problem. 

He says while they're not seeing as much litter around, people are still dumping their things on back paths and wherever they can back a truck in. 

Benjamin says the big thing is education as people shouldn't be dumping this material to begin with.

New Bus Route For Valley

(File Photo)

Saint John Transit is launching a new bus route in the Valley starting August 3rd.

Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News the new Quispamsis Comex 53 will stop 2 or 3 times along the Vincent Road, including at the site of the new Q-Plex.

Driscoll says the added route will help get more cars off the road and lower carbon emissions.

To see the bus schedule for the Comex 53 go to http://www.quispamsis.ca/pdf/comex53.pdf.

Funeral For John E Jack Irving

(Trinity Anglican Church On Charlotte Street)
              (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

Plenty of emotions on display as friends and family have said goodbye to John E Jack Irving.


The full house on hand at Trinity Anglican Church remembered a man who was a true professional, a father, a brother and a friend.

Premier Graham may have said it best that Irving was a true gentleman who not only employed thousand around the Province but always remembered where he came from and gave back to his community time and time again.

Irving passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 following a short illness.

Another French Day-Care For Saint John

With demand for the service growing, Saint John has it's second licensed french immersion day-care.

Hawthorne Child care is now accepting registration and owner Michelle Deschenes tells CHSJ News, the reaction to this point has been very enthusiastic.

Deschenes says she has spoken with Samuel De Champlain, which operates the other french speaking day-care, and they support her business.

For more information you can call 696-0978.

Campus Station Recruits Youth

Have you ever thought you might have a career in radio? If the answer is yes, Saint John Youth Radio is looking for you.

With help from a federal grant, the campus radio station is developing a current affairs program and is looking for boys and girls ages 16 to 20.

Spokes-person Holly Johnson tells CHSJ News, this is a very hands on program.

Johnson says they are hosting an open house at the campus station this afternoon at one on the second floor of the student union building.

If you have any questions you can call 608-9129.

Funeral Today For Jack Irving

Family, friends and well-wishers will gather this morning to say goodbye to John E. (Jack) Irving.

He passed away on Wednesday of this week after a short illness at the age of 78.

Tributes have been rolling in all week from the municipal, provincial and federal levels speaking of the great things Irving accomplished both on a professional and personal level.

Today's public funeral service gets started at eleven at the Trinity Anglican Church on Charlotte Street.

Fishing For Research

It's part research, part tournament this weekend at the Hammond River Angling Association.

Tom Benjamin is the Association's Executive Director and says their Kayak Fishing Tournament starts early tomorrow morning, but it's not your average competition. 

He says says it's not how many fish you catch, or who catches the biggest fish, but who catches the most different species.

Benjamin says they'll be keeping a tally of what kinds of fish are caught, to learn more about what's in the river system.

He says says everything is catch and release so be sure to bring your digital camera.

For more information go to www.hraa.ca.

Up, Up, And Away On The West Side

(Photo by Deborah MacDonald)


Residents in the Duke Street West area somewhat surprised this evening to see a hot air balloon in the park next to the Carleton Kirk complex.
The company was offering flights in the tethered balloon - an offer which proved highly popular with neighborhood kids.

2010 Senior Canadian Little League Championships Set For Next Month

Players, Coaches and Famillies will be in the Port City next month for the 2010 Canadian Senior Little League Championships.
It's the second year in a row Saint John will host the event.
Victor Fitzgerald tells CHSJ News there will be 18 games during the tournament.
Fitzgerald says all the action will be at Memorial Field on the west side.


For more info, go to www.leaguelineup.com/championships

Province Gives More Money To K.V. Fields Project

The province is giving another $200,000 to help complete the K.V. fields project.

The project involves the construction of an artificial turf surface on the field behind Kennebecasis Valley High School.
The Graham government already contributed $300,000 to the project last June.

Construction Set To Get Started At Saint John Airport

(Aerial Shot Of The Saint John Airport)
               (File Photo)

Expect to see a lot more activity than usual at the Saint John Airport starting next month.
Starting August.3rd, crews will begin replacing the taxiway and apron edge lighting and wiring at a cost of just over half a million dollars.
The new LED lighting will result in more modernized and more energy efficient airside lighting system.
It will also save 7200 KW hours per year and produce 16 fewer metric tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The work should be finished by September.30th.

Saying Goodbye To Jack Irving

(Line-Up Outside The Trinity Anglican Church)
            (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

They are coming from all walks of life to pay their respects to a man being remembered as a dedicated professional and a wonderful brother.


A steady line-up of people are making their way into the Trinity Anglican Church to say goodbye to John E Jack Irving.


He passed away on Wednesday following a short illness at the age of 78.


From former councilor Albert Vincent to Senator Joe Day, it seems like all of Greater Saint John is paying their respects.

Visitation will continue tonight until eight o'clock with a public funeral at the church getting started tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock.

Money for Curling Club

(Club President Debbie Easton stands with Ministers and MLAs at the Carleton Curling Club's scoreboards)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

The Carleton Curling Club in the Lower West Side is getting $25,000 dollars from the province for renovations.

Club President Debbie Easton says the money is a tremendous gift. 

She says the club is 115-years-old and needs a new roof and a water recovery system.

The club has three sheets of ice and hosts between 9 thousand and 12 thousand curlers every year.

Growing Trouble For City Pension Plan

              (Saint John City Manager Pat Woods)
                            (File Photo)

With no solution in sight, the numbers continue to balloon for the city pension plan.

In a letter to council dated July.14th, City Manager Pat Woods says left un-resolved, this could result in a nine to ten million dollar additional yearly payment to the plan which in turn translates to a tax hike that could reach as a high as 17 cents.

Woods points out the alternative is to reduce services by roughly the same amount.


The pension plan has over $325 million in assets and Woods says it can meet it's obligations for many years but requires a long term solution not drastic short term action.
 
Woods is expected to present council with a plan to fix the debt laden plan in September.

Conservatives To Host Public Forums

(Conservative Leader David Alward)
             (File Photo)

Energy will be the topic of conversation at five open forums being hosted by the Conservative Party next week.

As the Party continues to put together it's policy, it is looking for feed-back from rate-payers.

Leader David Alward has committed to setting up an Energy Commission that would report back to government with-in six month if his party wins the September vote.


The first of the five meetings get started Tuesday night in Bathurst with a stop in Saint John on Thursday between seven and nine at the Fort Howe Hotel.

Armed Robbery In Oromocto

(Robbery Suspect at Canadian Tire Gas Bar in Oromocto)
               (Photo Supplied By RCMP)

The search is on for a man after the Canadian Tire Gas Bar Wassis Road was robbed last night.

RCMP tell us a man, about five nine with a slim build, walked into the store at ten o'clock with a knife.


He told the clerk to give him some money and he took off.

Committee Will Look At Future Development As Part Of Peel Plaza

           (Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase)
                      (File Photo)

A committee will be formed to guide future development in the Peel Plaza area. That word coming from City Manager Pat Woods who says the facades of the so called Jellybean buildings on Wellington Row will be retained even though they are not designated as heritage.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase is looking for guarantees that some of the buildings in that area, such as the former Synagogue, will not be demolished.

Chase maintains too many beautifal old buildings in the city have been torn down but Mayor Ivan Court says the city isn't in the business of holding on to buildings for indefinite periods of time.

A First For The Province With Expansion Of Amber Alerts

A first for the Province where Facebook users can sign up for AMBER alerts directly in their new feeds.

Amber alerts provide the public with info that can help locate an abducted child. Corporal Todd Chadwick is the Provincial Co-ordinator for AMBER Alert and tells CHSJ News this Facebook page is set up differently.He says you can't write on the wall, it's purpose is to push information out to the public.


The AMBER alert program in the province began in 2003 and to date it hasn't been used.


To join their Facebook page, click on the link.


http://www.facebook.com/AMBERalertNB?ref=sgm

Province Launches Youth In Care Network

(Partners for Youth Project Coordinator Mathieu Cormier, Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock, and Partners for Youth General Manage John Sharpe)

Youth-in-care in the Province now have a network of peers to provide a positive influence, support and guidance in their lives.
Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock made the announcement today.

The government will provide $200,000 over five years to Partners for Youth Inc. to develop local youth-in-care networks as well as a bilingual, provincial youth-in-care network. Youth-led consultations will be held across the province where youth-in-care will be able to offer suggestions about what services and functions should be available through their network.

Attempted Abduction Never Happened

Police has found out the report of attempted abduction made a 10-year-old girl in Memramcook is false.

After she was being interviewed by RCMP investigators, she admitted she made up the incident.

The young girl told police a man tried to grab her at a building yesterday afternoon.
Police tells us because of the age of the girl no charges are being considered.

Fond Memories Of A Brother

     (John E. Jack Irving)

I was very fortunate to have Jack as a brother.

He was a great friend and I always enjoyed his company.

We did a lot of business together – Jack was a steadying hand, he had good judgment.

He lived his life by the important lessons our mother and father taught us – he was thoughtful, sincere and loyal – an example to all of us.


He was very proud of the companies founded by our father.

He was a team player; he worked hard and paid attention to detail.


Jack believed in Canada and was proud of his country.


He was my brother and my friend - a good brother and a good friend. I loved him a lot. I'm going to miss him a lot.


There will never be another Jack.”


 Mr. Arthur Irving

City Saves Big Money By Restoring Old Pipes

(Municipal Works Commissioner Paul Groody)
                    (File Photo)

The new system of cleaning out the insides of cast iron watermains in the city that have become clogged over the years has saved taxpayers alot of money. That word from the head of Municipal Operations for the city,

Paul Groody who says since 2006 more than 36 kilometers of pipe have been restored where the flow of water had been very much restricted. In the past, once those pipes had become clogged, they would have to be replaced. Restoration comes at just a fraction of the cost.

Once cleaned out, Groody estimates the watermains are expected to be in use for another 30,40 or even 50 years. He has also revealed there is a still a pipe in use at Fernhill Cemetery which dates back to the American Civil War.

New Concerns Raised By Residents in Glen Falls

(Saint John Mayor Ivan Court)
            (File Photo)

A couple of new concerns have come to light from the people who have to cope with the flooding in Glen Falls. Mayor Ivan Court says they need immediate attention with one being whether the city can institute a moratorium on development in the designated flooding area for at least two years.



Court says he has also learned there are some people in Glen Falls who have mortgages and if they can't get insurance will have their homes taken back by the lender. The Mayor wonders whether the provincial government might be able to help the affected residents get proper insurance.

Lake Utopia Meeting Tonight

Home-owners in the area of Lake Utopia want to see if increasing algae blooms in the water can be fixed.


A meeting is scheduled for tonight to vote on whether or not to form the Lake Utopia Association.


Spokes-person Alant Hart tells CHSJ News, home-owners believe this is a pro-active move.
Back in February, Lake Utopia home-owners formed a steering committee to give a unified voice to matters concerning the lake.


Tonight's meeting gets started at 6:30pm at St. Marks Anglican Church in St. George.

Agent Orange Meeting in Oromocto

A meeting in Oromocto tonight will focus on Agent Orange spraying at Base Gagetown in the 60's.

Presentations will be made by several groups including Widows on the War Path as they fight to receive compensation.

They have been left out of a $20,000 package offered by Ottawa to military and civilians who worked at -- or lived near the base when the chemical was tested.

Liberal MP Rob Oliphant is the Veterans Affairs Critic and tells CHSJ News, his party wants to ensure that justice is served.

The widows have been shut out of the compensation package because their spouses passed away prior to the start up program in February of 06.

Tonight's meeting get started at seven o'clock at the Days Inn.

Garage Fire In Sussex

Officials can't find anything suspicious about a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Sussex.
Fire crews were called to the Waterford Road to find smoke and flames coming from a detached garage just before five o'clock.
The building and some of the stuff in it was damaged from the flames and still no word on how it started.

Gas Prices In the City Up Slightly

Drivers making their way around town will be paying just a bit more for gas after the weekly setting. Self Serve Regular has risen by under a cent a litre to 98.3 cents. Diesel increased by almost a penny a litre to $101.1 and propane is less expensive at 99.6 cents.

More Reaction To The Death Of Jack Irving

(Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)
                     (File Photo)

The Leader of the Provincial Opposition offering his condolences on the death of Jack Irving at 78 after a short illness.David Alward tells CHSJ News he felt great sadness at the news of his passing.
Alward says Irving has a long legacy including his family and the impact of the Irving empire on businesses across the Province.

Energy Minister Jack Keir is sending his condolences to the Irving family saying he knew both Irving and his wife and they're wonderful people. Keir says it's a sad time for the entire community.

The M-P for Saint John calls Jack Irving a leader in our community and our province. Rodney Weston says the city and province has suffered a major loss as Irving made a valuable contribution to the worlds of business, culture and community.

Buskers On The Boardwalk Getting Underway

(Market Square)
   (File Photo)

Celebrating it's 20th anniversary, Buskers on the Boardwalk get started this morning at 9:00. Stephanie Peterson with the Hardman Group tells CHSJ News, it's four days of fun and excitement for everyone to enjoy. She says the great thing about Buskers is a chance to be interactive with the entertainers.


Peterson adds she is hoping the beautiful weather we've been enjoying holds but if it does rain, the festivities move inside to the atrium in Market Square.
 
 As part of the finale on Sunday, a woman dubbed the human cannonball will be shot down the boardwalk. The event finishes up at 6 Sunday night.

Homeowners In Lake Utopia Meet To Unify

Algae blooms in Lake Utopia are on the rise and homeowners in the area want to see if they can fix the problem.

A meeting is scheduled for tonight to vote on whether or not to form the Lake Utopia Association. Spokesperson Alant Hart tells CHSJ News, if formed, the association will give residents a stronger voice.

Back in February, Lake Utopia homeowners formed a steering committee to give a unified voice to matters concerning the lake. Tonight's meeting gets started at 6:30pm at St. Marks Anglican Church in St. George.

Sussex Health Centre Getting New Tool To Detect Breast Cancer

The province giving $168,000 for a new digital mammography unit at the Sussex Health Centre.

The Department of Health is providing $56,000 over three years to the Health Centre's fund-raising campaign to acquire the new unit. The goal is to have the unit operational in 2012.


Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of death among women in this province.

Geopark Project Gets More Funding

(A child goes rock climbing at Rockwood Park, one of the areas the UNESCO evaluators will be visiting in August)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

The Geopark project in the greater Saint John area is getting $40,000 in funding from the province.

Chair Bill Merrifield says the money will be used when the evaluators come from UNESCO in August to see the area's geosites.

Merrifield says it's important the evaluators see that the local population is engaged in the geosites and that it's a community driven project.

Merrifield says they'll find out in October if the area is selected as a Geopark. It would be the first Geopark in North America.

Premier Graham Offers Condolences To The Irving Family

The Premier is also sending his condolences to the Irving family.
Shawn Graham says Jack Irving was truly the builder of the family.


He also supported the restoration of heritage properties in the city that have helped revitalize the uptown. He also established a reputation as a generous philanthropist who supported educational institutions and the arts in our province and throughout the Maritimes.

Mayor Court Calls Irving's Death A Great Loss for Saint John

(Mayor Ivan Court)

Mayor Ivan Court says he gives his condolences to the Irving family on behalf of Council. He says Jack Irving was at the the ceremony at the foot of King Street when his son John donated the clock to the city and you could tell he was a proud father.

Court says Jack was very proud of his children who has a gave a lot that people didn't know about.
He calls his passing a great loss to the city of Saint John and a great loss to the Irving family.

Jim Irving Calls Today A Very Sad Day

Jim (JK) Irving of J.D. Irving Limited calls today a very sad day as his family mourns the passing of his brother Jack.


Jim Irving call Jack a great brother and friend and says they enjoyed many years of growing up together both at home and in business.

12 Weeks Of Work On Sussex Overpass

The Lower Cove Overpass on Riverview Drive East near Sussex will be down to one lane for about 12 weeks while repair work is carried out.

The Department of Transportation is replacing expansion joints, repairing the bridge deck, applying new waterproofing and repaving the 42-year-old structure.

Motorists should expect delays during the construction period.

John Ernest (Jack) Irving Has Passed Away

John Ernest (Jack) Irving, C.M., D.Litt., LL.D., was born on January 1, 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick to Kenneth Colin Irving and Harriet Lila “née MacNarin” Irving.


John E. Irving is a Member of the Order of Canada, a Companion of the Order of The Business Hall of Fame, an inaugural member of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame, recipient of an Honourary Doctorate of Letters from the University of New Brunswick, recipient of an Honourary Doctorate in Civil Laws from Acadia University and is an Alumnus Honoris Causa of Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, Boston, MA. He graduated from Rothesay Collegiate School, Rothesay, NB in 1950 and attended Acadia University, Wolfville, NS from 1950 to 1952.


In 1952 at his father’s request he joined his father’s businesses and he worked all his life, along-side his brother Arthur in Irving Oil. In addition, John E. Irving was a Director of all Irving businesses and was responsible for and managed a number of the companies within the varied Irving enterprises.


He is survived by his wife Suzanne Heather Cameron “née Farrer”, his children John Keillor Farrer Irving, Colin Dargarvel Irving, Anne Cameron I. Oxley and six grandchildren.


He died after a short illness on July 21, 2010. Visitation will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, 115 Charlotte Street, Saint John, NB on Friday July 23, 2010, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be conducted at Trinity Anglican Church at 11:00 am on Saturday July 24, 2010. A private family interment is to take place at a later time.


Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.


Online donations and condolences may be made at: www.brenansfh.com.

Court Appearance For Man Charged With Cemetery Vandalism

(St. Joseph's Cemetery After Vandalism)
                   (File Photo)

A 20 year old man making a long awaited appearance in court for the vandalism caused at St. Joseph's Cemetery on Westmorland Road April 25th.

Dana Richard Bartlett pled guilty to mischief exceeding 5 thousand dollars after overturning 330 headstones.

The court was told Bartlett had been drinking and was enraged over breaking up with his girlfriend who was seeing someone else. The two have a child.

Bartlett later felt badly about what he had done after going on Facebook and reading comments from the affected families. There was one particular comment which struck home from a man who had just buried his wife a few days before her gravestone was overturned. Bartlett confessed to his ex-girlfriend and later to Police.

A letter was read to the court in which Bartlett wrote how sorry he is and how his actions were eating him up.