Free Well Testing Being Offered To Flood Victims

The province is offering free well water testing for those affected by the recent floods and rains.

Private well owners directly affected by flood waters or municipal homeowners whose plumbing was compromised are eligible for the testing.

Even though water can be used if it is brought to a roiling boil for at least one minute and then stored in clean containers, homeowners are being urged by health authorities not to use any well water until it has been disinfected and tested.

If there is any suspicion that the water has been contaminated by such things as furnace oil, gasoline or agricultural chemicals, the Department of the Environment should be contacted.

10 days after the water has receded in your area, your well should be chlorinated and then flushed with a water sample being taken seven days later for analysis.

Quispamsis Councillor Resigns

There will be a vacancy on Quispamsis Town Council. Councillor Gerry Maher is stepping down.

Maher tells CHSJ News he came to council with two major agendas.......... Increase the amount of ice time available and to push for amalgamation.

He will be going back into private business but will be following amalgamation talks very closely. His resignation is effective this Friday.

Maher ran for the Mayoralty in Saint John many years ago but lost to Elsie Wayne.

Tax Rate Remains Steady In Quispamsis

No jump in the tax rate for Quispamsis.

The town will be holding its tax rate steady at $1.21 per 100 dollars of assessment for next year.

Town Council passed the 2011 budget which sits at 19.7 million dollars.

Councillor Daryl Bishop is Chairman of the Finance Committee and he tells CHSJ News it's a feather in the cap to be able to keep the tax rate level.

 Police and fire each will be receiving about a 6 percent increase to their budgets.

Sewer rates will be going up by 12 dollars to 368 dollars a year but water rates will remain the same.

Rothesay And Quispamsis Contribute To Flood Relief In Charlotte County

Rothesay Council has voted to contribute 5 thousand dollars for flood relief in Charlotte County but the vote was not unanimous.

Scott Cochrane, who chairs the town's finance committee, along with Pat Gallagher Jette voted against. Both cited precedent despite saying it is a worthy cause. Gallagher Jette pointed out the town has its own unresolved flooding problem in Oakville Acres.

A few years ago, town council approved giving 25 thousand dollars after the tsunami in Asia.

Deputy Mayor Blair MacDonald put forward the initiative saying the flood victims are just 45 minutes down the road and, in his view, are neighbours in need of help.

Quispamsis town council also voted to contribute 5 thousand dollars with no one being opposed.

Tax Rate In Rothesay To Go Down Next Year

The tax rate in Rothesay next year is being lowered by 2 cents to $1.19 per 100 dollars worth of assessment. It's the third year in a row that the tax rate has gone down.

A 4.4 per cent increase in the tax base left the town with an extra million dollars despite a slight drop in the unconditional grant from the province.

Mayor Bill Bishop says the town is planning to introduce curbside recycling in the latter part of next year, possibly by July.

The town's contribution to police and fire services in the Valley is up by 5 per cent and 3.5 million dollars is earmarked to renovate the Rothesay Arena and for work at the Arthur Miller Fields.

 

The Mayor adds the town is also looking at building a mini arena that would be used by the younger children.

 

The typical household in Rothesay will be charged 675 dollars for water and sewage services next year which is a rise of 112 dollars.

Environment Canada Warning of Storm Surges

Environment Canada is warning those living between Miamichi and Bouctouche of a storm surge. 

Environment Canada is predicting a storm surge of between 2.6 - 3.0 metres along the eastern provincial coast.

Environment Canada says people in low-lying areas should be prepared to move to higher ground as well as evacuating on short notice.

District emergency operations centres have been activated in Miramichi, Bathurst, Dieppe and Caraquet.

No Charges to Be Laid In Death of St. Stephen Teen

No charges are being laid in the death of 18 year old Matt Haley, a former St. Stephen High School student killed in an ATV accident just days before his graduation.

A 17 year old classmate who survived the crash will not be charged. 

The Crown Prosecutor has determined that there is insufficient evidence to go ahead with any charges.

New Councillor Did Want to Weigh In On Water Rate Debate

The new Councillor for Ward 3 is disappointed but, not too upset he didn't get to weigh in on the water rate increase at Common council.
Mel Norton tells CHSJ News there will be many opporotunities for him to discuss issues and vote in January.
He says he would have liked to take part in the discussion and vote.
Norton says in the campaign water came up as the #1 livability factor for people considering moving here and for those who are living here on whether or not to stay.

Norton will be sworn as the Ward 3 councillor this Friday at 10am at city hall.

Mayor Concedes Pension Plan Woes Causing Grief As Common Council Deliberates Over Next Year's Budget

The only crisis the city is facing is a pension crisis.........So says Mayor Ivan Court who tells CHSJ News if it weren't for the pension plan's woes, the city would have had its budget signed, sealed and delivered by now and it would be balanced.


Common Council won't have the budget ready until next month and is awaiting word from the province on whether it will be given some slack on its financial obligations to the pension plan over the next year.

It wants to defer paying into the pension plan for a year.

You Can Help Flood Victims At The Liquor Store

When your picking up your Christmas hooch this week, you can also make a donation to flood relief.

The Red Cross is launching a province-wide appeal for donations to help the hundreds forced from their homes by flooding last week in St. Stephen, St. George and Fredericton areas.
You can make donations starting today at all 47 NB Liquor corporate stores.
Staff at the stores are collecting donations from 9am to 10pm until Thursday and from 9am to 5pm on Christmas Eve.  The Red Cross is providing supplies and helping to manage comfort stations in Fredericton, Oromocto, Burtts Corner, St. George and Bonny River.

Quispamsis And Rothesay Reveal 2011 Budgets Tonight

Quispamsis presenting its 2011 budget tonight and Mayor Murray Driscoll says it should be smooth sailing.
He tells CHSJ News despite some new wrinkles like the 1 percent reduction in the provincial unconditional grant and the property assessment freeze, the town is well-managed.

He says those are always concerned and he says they know money is tight and there is a job ahead for government.
Tonight's council meeting goes at 7 o'clock at Quispamsis Town Hall. Rothesay Council will also be releasing its budget for next year at a special meeting in the town hall. It gets underway at 8:00.

Chase Thinks Norton Should Have Voted

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase says Councillor-Elect Mel Norton has been disrespected.
Chase says the vote on the water rate hike should have been done after Norton has been sworn-in so that Norton could have input on the file.

Chase tells CHSJ News Norton has said publicly that clean drinking water is an important issue to him.
He says Norton was hearing a lot of concerns about water and Chase adds he has to live with this for the remainder of his term.
Chase says the vote should have been pushed to the New Year.

Offers Of Assistance Present New Challenge In Charlotte County

Offers of help continue to pour into Charlotte County in the wake of last week's flash flooding.  
St Stephen town administrator John Ferguson tells CHSJ News it's a matter of now trying to coordinate that assistance to make sure it reaches as many of those needing help as possible.
Meantime - Ferguson says town crews have had a chance to rest up and all equipment is ready to respond to any new storm that may hit the area.

Fundraising Breakfast For Flood Relief A Big Success

Over 500 people got up early for a fundraising breakfast to support the flood victims of Charlotte County.
The event put together very quickly last week by the Delta and Brunswick Square.
General Manager Paulette Hicks tells CHSJ News this turnout is what she was hoping for.
Hicks says when putting the event together they kept in mind that people are busy but, they want the people affecting by flooding to know that people here care about them.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says the community has empathy for the people of Charlotte county over the devastation at this time of year.  Weston worked for Cooke Aquaculture and he says they have really stepped up to help their own employees and others. The final numbers are still coming in but the event brought in at least $10, 000 for the Charlotte County Relief Fund.

Shortlived Crime Spree Ends With Arrest In North End

A 30 year old man is in the lockup this morning facing several charges after a hit and run, breakin and an attempt to elude police.

They tell CHSJ News there was a hit and run reported close to 12:30 this morning on Rothesay Road at the bridge followed a few minutes later by a breakin at the Torryburn Irving.

Police then spotted the car they were looking for on Metcalf Street. The driver took off but his damaged vehicle broke down before he could get back on the highway.

It's believed all the incidents are connected.

Increased Water Rates Approved Overwhelmingly By Common Council

Common Council approving new water rates for 2011 but not without objections from Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase.

The new rates mean an 8.3 per cent increase next year and 11.1 per cent rise in 2012 for both metered and flat rate
users.

He charges the new rates go back on promises made to the public.

Chase says jacking up rates is not the way to get the city clean drinking water, instead suggesting the city should be asking the province to allow the city to use it's capital budget for operations or to look at long term borrowing.

The Deouty Mayor was the only nay vote around the Council horseshoe.

Common Councillor Wants City To Help Some People Pay Higher Water Bills

The city looking into lending a hand for those who may have problems paying the new water rates.

Common Council has approved a motion put forward by Bruce Court for the city manager and solicitor to look into the idea.

 Court is wondering when the yearly increases will come to an end saying it's going to be tough for a good many Saint Johnners.

Municipal Works Commissioner Paul Groody says the problem is the water system in the city has been taken for granted for far too long and the city is playing catch up.

City Manager Pat Woods says he will look into it but notes there could be legal complications with that sort of plan.

Saint John Business Community Hosting Fundraiser For Flood Victims

If you get out of bed a little earlier this morning, you can have breakfast and help out the flood victims of Charlotte County.

The Delta and Brunswick Square teaming up for a fundraising breakfast with all proceeds going to the fund for those devastated by flooding.

General Manager Paulette Hicks says Charlotte County residents are great supporters of the Saint John business community and this is a meaningful way of engaging the community of Greater Saint John.

Tickets are 25 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for children. Parking in the Brunswick Square garage is free those attending.

The event starts at 7 and runs until 9 this morning.

Quispamsis And Rothesay To Unveil 2011 Budgets Tonight

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll isn't expecting any major surprises in tonight's 2011 budget presentation.

He tells CHSJ News even with the 1 percent reduction in the provincial unconditional grant and the property assessment freeze, everything should be okay.

Tonight's council meeting goes at 7 O'clock at Quispamsis Town Hall.

 Rothesay Town Council will also be unveiling its budget for next year during a special town hall meeting tonight getting underway at 8:00.

EMO Coordinator Darren McCabe Updates Charlotte County Flooding

 

Displaced Homeowners Can Get Up To $80,000 To Fix Their Homes

If flooding impacted your property last week, you must to register with the province in order to receive compensation.


St. Stephen Town Manager John Ferguson tells CHSJ News displaced flood victims can also get help from the Red Cross.
He says if you can stay with family or friends they provide up to $150 to the family you stay with, the displaced family with up to four members get $100 a week for up three weeks.

Ferguson adds after you register the information on your property with the Province, adjusters will visit to determine the health and safety issues and you get an estimate on repair cost. Residential home owners are entitled for up to $80,000 dollars should it be that severe.
He says the disaster assistance plans cover structure, appliances and furniture but, it does not cover seasonal residences including boats and ATV's.
To report damage and register for the plan: click here or call 1-888-298-8555.

Parking Commission Accept Bid For New Garage

The Saint John Parking Commission accepting the lowest bid tendered for the construction of the Carleton Street parking garage in a special meeting this morning.
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.’s tender of more than $16 million was the lowest bid of nine qualified bids.

Commission Chair Chris Titus says the bids were in range of their projections and very competitive with each other.
Construction on the garage is expected to start in late January or early February.
The seven-level garage will have 446 spaces, with entrances and exits from Carleton Street and Sewell Street.

Charlotte County EMO Co-Ordinator Bracing For More Rain

The people working in the flooding recovery effort are worn out after going flat out for a week straight.


Heavy rain in the forecast is disheartening for them and for the people whose homes are impacted.


Charlotte County EMO Co-Ordinator Darren McCabe tells CHSJ News they have informed the province if it gets bad again they will need more people or new people to help.
McCabe says people are frustrated with the situtation at this time of year when they just want to be home.

Snook Has Ideas For Council Cost Cutting

The city's budget won't be ready until sometime in January. Ward 3 Common Councillor Donnie Snook already has some ideas on where he would like to see the budget cut.
He says one way is to reduce city management would be to not fill two vacant deputy city manager positions. Snook says those jobs account for significant dollars. 
Snook also says Council will have to take a hard look at the police and fire budgets because of the salaries.
He's even floating the idea of using volunteer firefighters in the outskirts of the city.

Company Offering Relief To Flood Victims

Cooke Aquaculture is playing Santa to house those displaced by the recent flooding in the Charlotte County area.


The company starting a Christmas Relief Program and spokesperson Chuck Brown tells CHSJ News they wanted to do something for the flood victims.

He says the company has started it off with a $50,000 donation and their employees can contribute through payroll deduction.

The Algonquin is also jumping on board by offering rooms to families on Christmas Eve.
To donate or if you know a family that could use some help, you can register them for the program by calling 755 1460.

Provincial EMO Establishing Office To Assist Flood Victims

The Province's EMO establishing a disaster financial assistance office in St. George.
Staff members can assist the public with the claims process.
It is located in the Family Worship Centre at 89 Mount Pleasant Road in St. George.
It's open today from 1-5 pm and 8 am to 5 pm daily after today.

Residents affected by the storm surges on the 5th and 6th and the heavy rainfall of the 13th and 14th should report their damages through Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555.

To find the website click here.

Promise Made At Town Hall Meeting To Make Things Easier For Flood Victims Seeking Compensation

Buttons are being pressed to streamline the process of getting compensation to those homeowners and businesses that suffered losses because of last week's flooding.

Contact was made with Premier David Alward during the town hall meeting at Fundy High with Cooke Aquaculture and Jim Irving along with government M-L-A's on hand. The M-L-A for Charlotte and the Isles Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News there were lots of questions asked and frustrations voiced.

Doucet says those people in the St. George area who are looking for compensation should drop into the Family Worship Centre anytime after noon hour today and he's saying cheques could conceivably be issued as early as this week.

Legal Bills Mount In Pension Board Lawsuit Against Former Common Councillor

The legal bills from the pension board's lawsuit against former common councillor John Ferguson for defamation are now more than 834 thousand dollars.

In a letter to Common Council, the pension board says its not suing Ferguson for asking questions but for accusing the board's trustees of deliberately acting illegally.

Back in August, Ferguson, who is now the town administrator in St. Stephen, in a statement of defence, said any defamatory statements about the trustees are untrue.

Finance Commissioner Admits Can't Afford One-Third Of Cost To Provide Safe Clean Drinking Water

The city can't afford to pay
one-third of the estimated 255 million dollar cost of providing safe, clean drinking water.

That admission from Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans who argues the city can fofnly afford to contribute 10 percent and maintains the province and federal government will have to contribute more than two-thirds.

 He points to the big increase in water rates next year and in 2012 of more than 19 per cent being caused by another less expensive project, the cleanup of the harbour.

Common Council is expected to approve tonight a 72 dollar increase in water rates next year with another 104 dollar rise coming in 2012. Flat rate customers will pay 936 dollars in 2011 and over a thousand dollars in 2012. Metered rates are also rising by 8.3 per cent next year and 11.1 per cent in 2012.

Mayor Ivan Court Angry With Rothesay Over Water Deal

The town of Rothesay is being accused of welching out of a deal with the city to provide drinking water to K-Park because of complaints over the quality and boil water orders. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the city is not amused.

Court goes on to say the water lines will come to a dead end and the city will be stuck with the additional cost of flushing them to overcome a lack of chlorine for the people who are in the city but live at the entrance to K-Park.

 Rothesay Council, meantime, will be rolling out its budget for next year at a special meeting tomorrow night.

Two People Die In Weekend Fatalities

City Police investigating the death of a man whose car crashed into the side of a building on Douglas Avenue yesterday morning near the railroad tracks. They say he had just turned onto Douglas Avenue from Chesley Drive. His name has not been released.

The RCMP in Sussex are also investigating a fatality at Long Creek. The driver, a 20 year old Sussex area woman, went off the road and died.

Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Arrest Made In Kingston Peninsula Shooting

The RCMP in Grand Bay Westfield arresting a 21 year old man in connection with the shooting that occurred in Summerville last week.

The man, whose name has not been made public, will be appearing in Hampton Court today on a charge of aggravated assault.

The shooting, which was not reported right away, happened at a home on Route 845 on the Kingston Peninsula. A 32-year-old man was treated and released from hospital.

Special Blood Donor Clinic Today For 5 Year Old

By giving blood today, you will help boost the supply over the Holidays and lift the spirits of a sick 5-year-old.
Today's clinic is in honour of Blake Matthews who is battling a brain tumour and using blood products as part of his treatment.

Amanda Cullen of Canadian Blood Services tells CHSJ News they are 400 donations away from meeting December's target.

She says for people who are ill, the date on the calendar doesn't matter so, they won't to encourage people to donate blood this Holiday season.

The C-B-S offices in Millidgeville will have a superheroes theme in honour of Blake's clinic today. It gets underway at 11 this morning and runs until 8 tonight.

To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE or drop by Canadian Blood Services at 405 University Avenue.

Breakfast Fundraiser For Flood Victims on Tuesday

The Delta Brunswick Hotel and Brunswick Square holding a breakfast fundraiser for the Charlotte County Relief Fund.

The event goes this Tuesday with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the fund which will help those affected by flooding in Charlotte County.

General Manager of the Delta and Brunswick Square Paulette Hicks tells CHSJ News Saint Johners and local businesses have always been willing to help those in need.

The Brunswick Square Parking Garage will be free those attending.  Tickets are 25 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for children. 

The event goes from 7am to 9am.  Our sister station, 97.3 The Wave, will be broadcasting live from the event.

Joshua Group Founder Finalist in National Competition

The Joshua Group's goal of building a camp for underprivileged youths could be 25 thousand dollars closer: founder Bobby Hayes is a top ten finalist in the Champions for Change competition.

President of the Joshua Group Rick Demone tells CHSJ News the camp would be a fantastic offering for the youths.

The group has already won 10-thousand dollars for placing in the top ten. 

To vote for Bobby Hayes, click here.

UNBSJ Students Could Be Getting Deal On Buss Pass

 A Universal Bus Pass for UNBSJ students is in the works.

The Saint John Transit Commission is proposing a Universal Bus Pass which will offer unlimited rides during the school year.

Brian Thorne with the Transit Commisson tells CHSJ News it's a joint idea between them and the student council.

The pass would be mandatory for all time-students and would cost $200 for students registering in
September or $100 for those registering in January.

Students will vote on the pass in February.

Federal Minister Gets First Hand Look At Flood Damage

MP Sees Flood Damage In St. Stephen

MP Keith Ashfield getting a close look at flood ravaged St. Stephen.

He took a tour with the mayor and other officials to see the damage first-hand.

Darren McCabe with Charlotte County EMO says there is still a lot of work ahead, with some inspection crews working through Christmas.

Ashfield says the federal government will be helping through the Disaster Relief Program, which will pay for repairs once the total exceeds about 750 thousand dollars.

He says damages are easily in the millions.

Water Rates In City To Rise By Over 19 Per Cent Over Next Two Years

Common Council on Monday night is expected to approve a 72 dollar a year increase in the flat rate for water next year to 936 dollars with another 104 dollar rise the following year which would bring it to over a thousand dollars. That translates into an 8.3 per cent increase next year and 11.1 per cent rise in 2012.

The metered rate would also go up by the same percentages from 97 and a half cents per cubic metre to almost $1.06 next year for the smallest usage.

Councillor Bruce Court wonders whether there is a limit to the increases. The Head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says affordability is taken seriously but you can't get away with underfunding the water system because you then will experience more breakdowns.

Groody is also warning of traffic disruptions soon on the Reversing Falls Bridge because of a leak in the water transmission line which will cost half a million dollars to fix.

MP To See Flood Damage Firsthand

The Province's top man in Ottawa will get to see flood damage this morning.

MP Keith Ashfield will get a first hand look at the impact of severe flooding in a tour with Mayor Purcell and other officials.

Ashfield says the federal government will do all it can to help with disaster assistance in the wake of flooding.

Federal participation kicks in once damage exceeds 750-thousand dollars, but the province must still apply.

Premier David Alward touring the Bonney River/St. George area yesterday.

Red Cross Holding Assessment Meetings

Those affected by the recent flooding can meet with the Canadian Red Cross this weekend to assess their needs.

Volunteers will be on hand today and tomorrow from 11 to 5 at the Canadian Red Cross Office in Fredericton, The Triple C Recreation Centre in Coldstream, the St. Stephen Fire Hall, and the Family Worship Centre in St. George.

You can also send an email to december.rain@redcross.ca if you have any questions.

Car On Fire; Snow Causes Driver To Break Pole

Fire crews responding to a car fully engulfed in flames at Golden Grove Road.

The call came in around 2 this morning.

No one was hurt but the police are investigating as the blaze is suspicious.

Also, a car knocking down a light pole on the westbound throughway near the Catherwood Street exit.

The incident occurred around 3 this morning.  The snow causing the driver to collide with the pole.  He was not hurt.

Anti-Bullying Day Observed as Activist Gets Appointed To Committee

Anti-bullying Day being observed by the provincial government as Premier David Alward and Education Minister Jody Carr commit to tackling the issue.

Alward promising to ensure positive learning environments for children and teachers.

The Department of Education is planning to make improvements to legislation to combat bullying and is forming a ministerial advisory committee on positive learning environments.  Anti-bullying activist Rob Frenette has been appointed to the committee.

The provincial government designating December 17th as Anti-Bullying Day back in 2009 after a campaign spearheaded by Frenette.

Department of Health Tables Budget

The Province will invest over 56 million in capital projects within the Department of Health.Health Minister Madeleine Dubé tabling the department’s 2011-12 capital budget.

The capital budget includes over 37 million for ongoing projects and more than 19 million for maintenance and equipment.

The big ticket item is over 23 million for the completion of the new power plant building at the Dumont Regional Hospital in Moncton.

A release says the Department of Health will be working with the regional health authorities to determine how the 19 million for maintenance and equipment will be spent.

EMO Hosting Public Information Sessions On Sunday

The Province hosting two public meetings this weekend in the areas hit hardest by flooding.
Andrew Holland of Emergency Measures says the sessions are coming up on Sunday.

The first meeting is coming up at 1 o'clock at St. Stephen High School on King Street and the second meeting is at 4 o'clock at Fundy High School in St. George.
Holland says its critical right now to keep people informed.

EMO staff will be present to explain the disaster financial assistance program and answer questions.
For more information or to report damage, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here

Trail System In Province Takes A Beating From Flood Waters

The New Brunswick Trails Council urging people to stay off the trails where there has been flooding because it's downright dangerous.

The Council's Executive-Director Paul Jorgensen tells CHSJ News there has been alot of damage with between 300 and 400 thousand dollars worth to the St. John River trail alone.

If the repairs are not made pronto, there's a warning the trails will have to be closed to snowmobiles over the winter which would cancel out a major tourism initiative.

There have been at least thirty areas where washouts have happened. Jorgensen calls it unprecedented.

Number of People Seeking Disaster Relief From Flooding Grows

At last report, 335 people have signed up for disaster relief in the aftermath of this week's flooding.The list is expected to grow as damage is assessed.

Both lanes of traffic along Highway 1 at St. George have been reopened. It's estimated 100 roads or so have been damaged and are need of repairs.

Chuck Brown of Cooke Aquaculture tells CHSJ News the company launched a relief effort when it became apparent how dire the situation was becoming. He says some people at Bonny River had scrambled to the roofs of homes looking to be rescued which was reminiscent of what happened in New Orleans with the flooding from Hurricane Katrina.

To report damage or sign up for the Province's Disaster Assistance Program, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Highway 1 Near St. George Fully Re-Opened

The Department of Transportation telling us that Route 1 has returned to full service in the Manor Road area near St George. All lanes are open to traffic.

One Man Arrested Trying To Take Off From Police

City Police nabbing one man after they say he tried to take off along Rothesay Avenue around 2 this morning.

 Police tell CHSJ News they tried to stop what they thought was a suspicious car.

The driver tried to speed away but didn't get very far before losing control smashing into several cars at a dealership and hitting a tree.

The accused, who's not injured, is facing charges of theft, dangerous driving along with break and enter.

Saint Johnners Warned About Credit Card Scam

The City police fraud section investigating a credit card scam.

The fraudsters are calling Saint Johners asking questions about their credit cards over the phone.

Some are even posing as investigator telling the card holder about a fraudulent purchase on their account.

In order to fix it, the card holder needs to give the caller their 3-digit verification number.

Police telling CHSJ News about 20 per cent of Canadians have found unauthorized charges on their accounts through these methods.

They warn residents to check their statements monthly and to never give out their account number over the phone unless they make the call and they know company is reputable.

Christmas Tree Lighting Later Today In Crescent Valley

Almost 200 Irving Oil employees demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas today in Crescent Valley.

The workers will be on hand for the tree lighting ceremony at the community's resource centre.

Irving Oil's Lesley Dickson tells CHSJ News in working with the centre's staff, the company is learning of their needs. The Christmas wreaths are being distributed between 3 and 4 today.

Santa is dropping by the event today and things get underway at 3 this afternoon at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

EMO Officials Hope To Get Into The Bonney River Area Tomorrow

Provincial Emergency Measures officials say river levels in the province have crested and are on the decline following flooding from this week's rain and wind storm.
Spokesman Karl Wilmot says while the flood waters have receded in most areas, the St. George and Bonny River areas are still flooded.

He says St. George is still in the impact and response phase and he says over the next day they hope to get people on the ground in there.

EMO Says The Dams Will Hold

Reports from EMO officials say all the dams in the St. Stephen and St. George area are holding.
The high volume of water causing great concern among the locals because of previous flooding.
The province assuring residents that water levels are going down and this includes the Magadavic River, the St. Croix River and the Digdeguash River.Recovery mode starts tomorrow as work crews in St. Stephen will begin going into homes to start inspections.
To report damage and register for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Highway 1 Partially Re-Opened Near St. George

The Department of Transportation informing us that Route 1 is open in the Manor Road area near St. George but, it is reduced to one lane.
Drivers are reminded to use caution because there is still some water on the road.
To avoid delays, commercial traffic heading westbound to the U.S. should take an alternate route to the border crossing at Houlton, Maine if they can.

Homeowners In Province Warned About Dangers Of Radon Gas

Even if you don't smoke, you could be in danger of contracting lung cancer and it has nothing to do with tobacco.

The New Brunswick Lung Association is warning about the buildup of Radon gas in your home which emanates from uranium.

The President and C-E-O of the Lung Association Dr. Barb McKinnon tells CHSJ News you can't smell Radon and as many as 1 in five homes around the province may have it but you're not completely helpless.

Radon is easy to test for. A device the size of a hockey puck is placed at the lowest part of your house where you live and after 3 months is sent away to a lab for testing.



Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.