Crescent Valley Gets Cash For Recycling

There will soon be more compost and garbage bins in the Crescent Valley area - the neighbourhood association has received a 15-thousand dollar cheque from the provincial Environmental Trust Fund to expand its recycling program.
Crescent Valley Resource Centre president Ann Barrett says fifty-one percent of the neighbourhood is now recycling and there is a waiting list for garbage and compost containers.
Barrett says it's an idea that sprung from a neighbourhood survey and meeting - and - it builds on the renewed sense of community pride and concern for the environment.
Barrett says the 15-thousand dollar check will help to expand the program to the rest of the neighbourhood -- a source of pride for Tourism Minister and local M-L-A Trevor Holder who says the neighbourhood is setting an example for communities across the province.

Gun Found In Causeway Search

Without drawing any connection to the Pitt Street shooting death, City police announcing after a search on the causeway last night a handgun was found.

Police tell CHSJ News the handgun will be processed and traced to find out where it came from and if its been used in a criminal offense.

The search was carried out by City police with help from River Valley Ground Search & Rescue and York Sunbury Search & Rescue.

Moncton Mistrial

They will start all over again in November after a mistrial was declared in a high-profile murder case in Moncton.
 
A judge presiding over the trial of Fred Prosser dismissed the jury after court heard that a juror was part of an anti-Prosser Facebook group.
 
Prosser is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 25 year old Sabrina Patterson.

She went missing in October of 2010 and her body was found about a week later near Shenstone.
  

More Road Work Starts This Morning

You may want to steer clear of the City road/Haymarket Square/Marco Polo Bridge area this morning.

Work to prepare for paving starts this morning at 7:30.

New Rothesay MLA Sworn In

Hugh John "Ted" Flemming is the newest member of the Alward government after being officially sworn in on Tuesday.

Fleming became the MLA for Rothesay after winning a by-election last month. 

That vote was needed after former MLA and Cabinet minister Margaret Ann Blaney resigned to lead Efficiency NB.

100 Mounties Receive Diamond Jubilee Medals

Some hometown heroes getting a nod from the Queen for their outstanding service....over 100 members of the RCMP being awarded Diamond Jubilee Medals for their service at home and abroad.

Corporal Chantal Farrah tells CHSJ News the honour is given out to a select few.

She says the medals were given to RCMP officers and to public service employees in recognition of their dedicated service in their communities.

The medals are given for foreign missions, outstanding investigations, and dedication to the community.

Premier Supports Pharmacist Role Extensions

The Premier believes pharmacists and other health professionals can take on a large role.

Premier David Alward tells CHSJ news they've done it before in the past. He says there are processes to it, and they'll have more to say in the not too distant future about next steps on how we can renew primary care in the province.

NB Pharmacist's Association has suggested pharmacists could take on larger roles to help save a visit to the doctor by assessing patients, adapting prescriptions and more.

One Business Closes, Another Opens

The Bargain Shop and Pictures Plus remain empty on King Street as new opportunities open with Genesys.

And that pattern of businesses coming and going is nothing new to Larry Hachey, Chair of Saint John Board of Trade. Hackey tells CHSJ news there's 2 things he sees in business around the Port City: business is fragile, but there are a lot of businesses that are doing well.

Hachey says we are in trying times, but he sees many business with balanced sheets and making small profits.

In late summer City Hall will have up to 5,000 square feet of empty office space when City Police and Provincial Court move to Peel Plaza.

Filling Up Costs More Today

There is a tiny bit of pain to be had at the gas pump this morning.

The price of regular is up a couple of cents to 127.9 while diesel is going for 130.6.
Heating oil is at 110.9 and propane is selling for 92.8 a litre.

Around town, you can fill up with regular for 125.2 a litre and diesel for 128.

House Sales Holding Steady

The New Brunswick Real Estate Association announcing homes sales are holding steady for the past two months since June. Nationally, sales were down 4%.


732 units were sold in the province last month--that's down just three tenths of a percent on a year-over-year basis. Saint John saw a 4% increase in sales, which Fredericton was down by 1%.


The average price for homes sold in New Brunswick was $170 thousand 619--up six percent.

Fullerton Slams Council For "Needless" Spending

Common councillor Susan Fullerton says she's sick of the city shelling out bucks for surveys and consultation instead of practical things.

She suggested the city should be hiring volunteer translators for documents and looking at free places to hold workshops, because the city doesn't have money for non-essentials.

Fullerton says the people have been "surveyed to death" and we already know they want roads fixed and clean water.

City Rethinks Core Services

A new approach to the services we use every day....that's what's being considered by common council. Manager of Programs and Priorities Stephanie Rackley-Roach telling common council it's time to take a more customer service oriented approach to core services.

 She says that means finding out which of taxpayer's goals can be achieved with the money we have.

The city is talking about consulting with citizens online, at workshops, and via surveys on big issues like emergency services, roads, and water.

Police Seize Pills, Weapons & Cash

City police arresting a man and a woman in their 20's after they were pulled over last night on the west side near the Catherwood exit of Highway 1.

Police seized pills, marijuana with a street value of more than $9000, brass knuckles, a knife and a large amount of cash.

The pair have been released and will be in court to face charges later.

30 New Jobs In Saint John

Thirty more full-time jobs are coming to Saint John.

Premier David Alward making the today announcement at the New Brunswick Museum. With the help of Invest NB, Genesys Laboratories Canada will provide more jobs in computer programming and engineering.

The Premier says they're outstanding paid jobs and will keep smart New Brunswicker's here.

Alward adds Invest NB is a providing up to $300,000 through payroll rebates, and the jobs will put $1.6 million a year back into the province.

Genesys provides customer service and contact center software and services in over 80 countries.

2012 Is A Deadly Year For ATV Crashes

8 people have been killed in ATV crashes around the Province so far this year, 6 of them involving alcohol and 5 people were not wearing a helmet.

It's the highest level for deaths on ATV's in RCMP territory in four years.
Staff Sgt. Stephane Caron tells CHSJ News these are not accidents adding most of these deaths were totally preventable tragedies.

He suggests ATV riders put on a helmet because it can save your life and if you're drinking, don't drive.
Last year 8 people died in ATV crashes in RCMP areas, five in 2010 and five died in 2009.

For tips on ATV safety, click here

Seeking A Brick-Wielding Man From Maugerville

The RCMP are looking for some help in solving a brutal assault where a man clocked another man in the head with a brick.

On May 23rd, the Mounties were called to a home in Maugerville after a man was assaulted at his home.

Around 10:30pm, the man answered his door and was struck on the head with a brick.
The blow knocked him out briefly but when he came to whoever did it had taken off.

If you know anything, you are asked to contact Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS
(8477).

Quispamsis Join Growth Strategy

Saint John Mayor Mel Norton visiting Quispamsis Council to promote his regional growth strategy.

Council unanimously supporting Norton's ideas of bringing separate towns together, like Saint John and Quispamsis, to focus on different sectors of the economy that need work.

Norton tells CHSJ he's not suggesting amalgamation but saying we can do more together than we can apart, if we act as a region of 140,000 people as opposed to separate communities of 70,000 here and 15,000 there.


Norton adds a steering committee of members will ensure the strategy will be done in time.

Quispam Will Help Rothesay With Flooding Issue

Quispamsis getting it's feet wet helping Rothesay with it's flooding problems.


Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news they've spent a $50,000 on consultants to do a study that's shown there's other options than building a retention pond just off Pettingill Road. 

The town is ready to commit over $1.25 million in moving forward on a lift station, as long as it's in a higher location. But if the retention pond is by Pettingill Road, the low level could lead to flooding in Quispamsis.

Driscoll adds they're in the design stage and expect to move forward and work with Rothesay until the flooding is resolved.

Famous Saint Johner's Birthday

77 years ago today a famous actor was born in the Port City.


It's Donald Sutherlands birthday!

Father of actor Kiefer, Sutherland's been in almost a hundred and fifty different shows and films.

When he was young he was a radio DJ, at CHSJ's sister station CKBW, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Pharmacists Could Provide More Services

You could be booking an appointment with your local pharmacist instead of a doctor to get certain health issues treated if the NB Pharmacist's Association has its way. Paul Blanchard of the Association says they want to see pharmacists have more freedom in assessing patients, adapting prescriptions, and more.

He says it makes sense, given that the first place most people head when they're sick is the pharmacy, because most of us like to self-treat. The new services would include developing yearly care plans for chronically ill patients, conducting medication reviews, injecting medications, and getting people their medication in emergencies.

Alberta has already given pharmacists that freedom--Blanchard says it makes sense given out shortage of doctors.

Have Lunch With The Delta & Help

The Delta Brunswick Square wants you to have lunch with them and help out the Canadian Cancer Society at the same time.


The bbq is taking place on King Street tomorrow from 11am to 1:30 in front of the Delta's main entrance.

The hotel hopes to raise $10,000 through various events including their "Check in for a Cure" promotion.

When out of town visitors check in, 10 per cent of the room rate goes to the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more info, call 658-1000.

Maintenance Pledged For Mispec

A storm-damaged east side beach is getting a new lease on life....Mispec has been ravaged by bad weather and vandalism and many are complaining it's not safe.

Norton tells CHSJ News Canaport LNG has pledged to do basic maintenance on the site, including cutting grass and replacing Porta-Potties.

Common Council also voted to apply for Disaster Assistance funding to do more work on the beach in the future.

VIDEO: Olympic Spirit Comes To Saint John

A blue London-style cab blasting music and equipped with a video screen is getting Saint Johners pumped for the upcoming Olympics. RBC's Elisabeth Lefevere Courteau tells CHSJ News the RBC Hometown Champions Cheer Tour all about boosting morale and connecting athletes with citizens.

Anyone can hop in the back and record their personalized message which the athletes will view online. The cab will be parked on King Street and at Market Square today.

Neighbors Say Alleged Murderer Seemed "Nice"

A real nice guy...that's how some employees of Union Street shops describe Matthew Thomas Foley, the owner of Wizzards Tattoo and Bacchus Motorcycle Club President recently charged with second degree murder.

Luke Patterson works at a neighbouring used appliance store. He says Foley did his first tattoo and he always seemed like a decent person. A hairdresser working across the street, Chantal Pelletier, says she always waved to Foley and saw his bike parked out front. But both agreed they weren't entirely shocked at what happened, given the tattoo shop owner's highly public connections to Bacchus.

Peterson and others mentioned the tattoo shop had its windows smashed out several times in the past few weeks. Stickers on the door of the shop bear the Bacchus logo and the warning "Criminals Beware: We Shoot Back."

Go Visit The Spoonarm Octopus

When he's calm he is pink or purple but, when he's stressed he can be pale white and his bumps and horns vanish.


He is the spoonarm octopus, a new addition to the Fundy Discover Aquarium in St. Andrews.


Genny Simard tells CHSJ News he's a small little guy.

She says they can reach two feet but he only takes up about a quarter of your hand.
You can see the spoonarm octopus at the Fundy Discover Aquarium.


For more info, here

$2,000 Reward For Wanted Arsonist

Crime Stoppers New Brunswick and the St. Andrews RCMP are looking for your help finding John Elvis O’Dell, who thought to be living in Saint John.
 
O'Dell is wanted on an outstanding warrant for arson from 2010.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest. Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

SJ Might Look Down To Solve Water Problem

Saint John could be looking downward for a solution to its water woes...Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News the city is considering ground water as a clean alternative to water from sources like lakes and reservoirs.

Norton says the groundwater option could translate into millions of dollars saved in the construction of a water treatment plant, which would be excellent news for the taxpayers.

Ground water is naturally filtered and requires less treatment--but once it's used up, takes thousands of years to build up again. Norton says there could still be enough there to fill the area's needs.

Illegal Hang-Outs Need To Be Stamped Out

With the South End shaken by a daylight murder on Pitt Street, common Councillors from the South End offering their thoughts on how to keep the neighborhood safe.

Councillor Donnie Snook tells CHSJ News while he can't comment specifically on police business, the force must keep an eye on hot spots where criminals gather. Councillor Donna Reardon agrees she'd like to see police get serious about keeping the South End free of shady hang-outs, especially the ones already well-known to people living in certain areas.

50 year old Matthew Thomas Foley was charged with second degree murder just two days after the shooting near Pitt and Leinster on Saturday.

Saint John Is Ready To Rock!

In less than 3 weeks the Saint John Waterfront will host "Sculpture Saint John", an event that has 6 international artists sculpting 10-tons of provincial granite into works of art.

Artists have 6-weeks to create the works of art that become permanent structures in different parts of the province. Chair of Sculpture Saint John Diana Alexander tells CHSJ news normally this sculptures go for $150-200,000, but communities only pay $10,000.

Alexander adds the symposium will also be a learning experience for educating local artists. The pieces are going to Brundage Point in Grand-Bay Westfield, the Art & Culture Park in Quispamsis, the post office in Saint George, Hans W. Klohn building at UNBSJ, Rothesay Commons, and Saint John has yet to pick a location.

For more information on Sculpture Saint John, click here.

Man Charged In Pitt Street Death

Matthew Thomas Foley is charged with second degree murder in the death of a 31-year-old man.

50-year-old Foley is the President of the Bacchus Motorcycle Club in Saint John.
The victim was found dead near the corner of Pitt and Leinster just before 8pm Saturday night.
Police told CHSJ news earlier the victim and suspect knew each other.

The preliminary hearing is set for August 15th at 1:30pm.

Police Make Arrest In Pitt Street Murder

City police making an arrest in a weekend murder on Pitt street. 

In a release, the Major Crime tells CHSJ News a 50-year-old man will be in court later today on a charge of second degree murder.

A 31 year old man was found dead in the area of Pitt and Leinster street just before 8pm Saturday night.

City police confirm the victim and the suspect knew each other and a handgun was used in the crime.

Norton Promotes Renaissance Saint John

Renaissance is about rebirth, and that's the rebuilding of Saint John, so says Mayor Mel Norton.

Norton tells CHSJ news Port City needs to be focused around people. He says Plan SJ's focus is on building complete neighbors so you can bike or walk to all the services that you need.

Norton adds he'd like to see Saint John as a place for commerce, and the city's #1 priority is clean water.

Norton speaking at a Rotary lunch in the North End. 

Animal Cruelty In Musquash

St. George RCMP are looking into a case of animal cruelty in Musquash.

The Mounties got a call Saturday that a pitbull cross was left trapped in a steel cage at a gravel pit without food, water or shelter.

Police believe the dog would not have survived long due to the 30 degree heat because the cage was wired shut.
RCMP believe the dog was dumped in the pit sometime on Friday night.

The Provincial SPCA provided assistance and the dog is now in the care of the Saint John Animal Rescue League.

If you can provide the RCMP with any information on this, contact the St. George RCMP 506 755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Garnett Settlement Man Dies After ATV Crash

In a deadly weekend around the province, we hear today a 57 year old man from Garnett Settlement died after an ATV crash.

RCMP were called to the scene yesterday but could only find a damaged ATV and later found out the driver was taken home and he died a short time later.
People who saw what happened have told police the victim lost control of the ATV and it flipped over.

Ideas To Fix Mispec Beach

The city has no money to fix up Mispec Beach, but it needs to be maintained or lost says Common Councillor Susan Fullerton.

She tells CHSJ news it'd be nice if businesses around the area could sponsor and adopt a portion of the park, such as up keep of the washrooms or doing grounds work.

Fullerton adds that people have suggested selling the gravel from the park and use it to level the parking lot. Her motion is scheduled for the horseshoe tonight.

HMCS Kingston In Port

From the Canadian Navy, HMCS Kingston in the Harbour this morning.

The vessel is due to leave town today since arriving on Friday for a rest and replenishment visit to the City.

Man In Court Over Indecent Act At The Nature Park

A 21 year old man will be in court this morning for performing an indecent act in a public place.

City police getting the call Sunday morning to respond to the Irving Nature park off Sand Cove road on the west side.

If you know anything, police or Crime Stoppers want to hear from you.


You can call City police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
 

Police Looking Into Daylight Murder

City Police holding a man in custody but no charges yet after a daylight shooting on the weekend.
 
A 31-year-old man was shot before 8 o'clock Saturday night on Pitt Street.
 
Sgt. Jay Henderson tells CHSJ news a handgun was used and several rounds of ammunition were fired off.

He tells us it does not appear to be a random act of violence as it appears the shooter and the victim knew one another.

The deceased man, who's name is not being released, was found on the road near the corner of Leinster and Pitt Street.

Weekend Crash Kills Two

A weekend crash killing two in Estey's Bridge.

Just after 11 on Saturday night, a car with four people inside travelling on Route 620 left the road crashing into a ditch.
 
 A 22 year old Fredericton woman died at the scene and a 23 year old man also from Fredericton later died in hospital.

The two other people in the car were also taken to hospital.

Missing Woman Found In Quispamsis

A woman missing from the Kingsway Care Centre in Quispamsis has been found safe inside the facility.

The woman who suffers from dementia was reported missing about 4pm Sunday.

Rothesay Regional Police tell CHSJ News she was hiding inside a closet.

SJ Ties Record High Saturday

It felt like a hot one in Saint John on Saturday for a reason!

The city tied it's hottest temp record at 30.2 degrees this weekend.

Environment Canada tells CHSJ news Port city hasn't been that hot since 1982.

Councillors Propose Early Budget Talks

Earlier budget deliberations are on the mind of two Common Councillors.

Councillor Donnie Snook plans to propose to council scheduled 2012 budget meetings to ensure it's done on time.
He says in his 4 years on council it's always been late.

Councillor at Large Shirley MacAlary suggesting budget deliberations to start earlier, saying that since council is new having an earlier start would save stress and panic.

City Council is set to gather around the horseshoe at 7 tonight.

To have a look at tonight's agenda, click here

Revamp Trade & Convention Center

The Trade and Convention Center needs to be revamped if Saint John wants to move into the future...that from Hospitality Saint John president Mike Belliveau. 

Belliveau tells CHSJ News the 1980s design of the center means SJ is missing out on city-wide conference business with just one this year.

Belliveau says the reno would cost 12 million dollars and they hope to get 4 million apiece from the three levels of government.

Missing Woman From Kingsway Care Centre

Rothesay Regional Police need your help in locating a missing woman.

Betty Urqhart has been missing since 4:00pm from Kingsway Care Center in Quispamsis. She's in her late 60's, early 70's, is 5"3, 200 lbs and suffers from dementia. She was last seen wearing a lime green top with dark grey capri pants. 

She has gone missing before. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rothesay Police at 847-6300.

Market Produces Home Grown Produce

Just a few blocks from a crime scene,  a boisterous crowd is wandering the Queen Square Market like last night's drama never even took place.

The second market of the year filling the park with food vendors, crafters and more.

Robert Balemans who has a permanent home in the City Market says they are finding new customers here who are surprised they grow their own produce.

Pottery maker Karen Knight says it's a community event that doesn't happen very often.

Harbour Bridge Construction Starts Tomorrow

After months of delays construction will start on Harbour Bridge tomorrow.

Work will be done on single lanes at a time. Traffic signals will change at Somerset and Paradise Row, and between Somerset Street and Highway 1. Ramps will be implemented to help with the flow of traffic on and off Highway 1.

Roadwork will also start tomorrow and last until Tuesday on the section of Union Street from Chipman Hill to Saint Patrick Street. The crosswalk on the Viaduct (North) side of this intersection will also be removed.

Delays are expected, police are asking drivers use caution and remind that fewer cars mean less congestion. Police suggest using Saint John Transit, sign up for Community Carpool, walk or bike and avoid traveling during peak hours.

Police Confirm Death of 31-Year-Old Man Last Night

The Major Crime Unit confirming the death of a 31-year-old man after a shooting last night near 58 Pitt Street just before 8:00pm.

City police say the man was found on the road near the corner of Leinster and Pitt Street. Police tell CHSJ news a handgun was used and several rounds of ammunition were fired off.

Through their investigation police say it was not a random act and the victim and suspect knew to each other.

Sgt. Jay Henderson tells CHSJ news one person has been arrested and is being interview by police.

An autopsy is being conducted and the deceased man's name is not being released.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force 648-3333 or Crime stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Traffic Note: Tomorrow & Tuesday

 Heads up on your drive to work tomorrow.

Roadwork starting tomorrow and lasting until Tuesday on the section of Union Street from Chipman Hill to Saint Patrick Street.  Delays are expected, police are asking drivers use caution and obey signs in that area. The crosswalk on the Viaduct (North) side of this intersection will also be removed.

Warnings On Heat-Related Illnesses

On a hot day like today, not only is the temperature up but so is the UV index, and risks of getting heat-related illnesses.

Provincial deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Denis Allard warning New Brunswicker's to take care by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sun exposure and limiting outdoor activities when the UV index is high. Symptoms of heat-related illness are fatigue, headaches, nausea and muscle cramps, and if those symptoms worsen, you should seek medical help.

Allard adds what may start as a mild form of heat might turn into heat stroke, which could be life-threatening.

Neighbours Speak About Pitt Street Shooting

Major Crime Unit called onto Pitt Street in Uptown Saint John last night after a shooting around 8 o'clock.

Police blocked off the areas around King Street East, Leinster, Crown and Pitt Street. There were about five police cars on scene.
Bill Lapp lives in the area and spoke with CHSJ news last night.

He says someone was on the street shot multiple times and he made it around the corner which is where he is lying right now.

Shelly McCready who lives in the neighbourhood says she heard gun shots and sirens.
She tells us the police are often in the area so it's not unusual to see their lights.

Police have yet to release any details but Pitt Street between King Street East and Leinster Street are still blocked off with yellow caution tape and two police cruisers on either end.