International Chefs Get A Taste Of New Brunswick

Chefs and journalist from around the world will be getting a taste of New Brunswick.

Journalists and chefs from Korea, India, Austria and acround the world will be at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews tomorrow for the Seafood Lovers Academy.

Organizer Andrew Lively tells CHSJ news this is a chance to get some international attention on our high quality seafood.

The week long event will give the visitors a history on our seafood, how it's caught, and how to cook it.

Service SJ Meetings Begin Tomorrow Night

The City of Saint John wants to know what you want to be done for the City's 2013 budget.

Called "Service SJ", the community workshops start up this week.

The first workshop is coming up tomorrow night at St. Mark's United Church on Dexter Drive with next on Wednesday night at Lorne Middle School.

For more info, click here

Higgs Says Province Has A Plan For Job Creation

The Alward Government coming under criticism for its record on job creation as the provincial unemployment rate rises.

Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says the government does have a plan but he wants to see jobs created that will last a long time by focusing on certain areas that have the potential for hiring.

Higgs points to the big highway projects as the wrong way to create jobs because they disappear after a short while and the province is then stuck with a big bill to maintain what was built.

 He says the government is looking at helping small businesses grow by removing barriers that are seen as an impediment.

Land Bought In K-V For New Francophone School

The land has been bought by the province........The sign is up and it's just a matter of time before a new French school is built in the Kennebecasis Valley for 300 students from kindergarten through grade 5.

The province has bought a parcel of land just down from the Pettingill and Quispamsis Roads for the new school.

Gilles Bourque chairs the Francophone South School District and he tells CHSJ News this will be good for the town of Quispamsis to attract even more residents.

The new french language school is expected to be ready by September of 2014.

Right now, 67 francophone students are attending a satellite school on the Pettingill Road. Other children, as young as five, are making the trek to Samuel de Champlain for kindergarten and Bourque maintains that's not a good thing for them.

United Way Announces Campaign Goal

The United Way of Greater Saint John setting a very specific and challenging goal of raising $1,361, 911 in 2012/2013.

Campaign chair Elizabeth Weir says they decide on a target based on many factors like examining previous campaigns and looking for opportunities to work with new companies.

She says it also includes a lot of discussion with the board and executive of the United Way adding it doesn't get pulled out of a hat.

Weir says Radian 6 is a good example of a new participant in this year's campaign.

Cause Of Quispam Fire Not Suspicious

A furious fire early Sunday morning left a Quispam family without a home and also took out two vehicles.

KV fire department crews got the call about 2:30 on Sunday morning of the blaze at 16 Devonshire Crescnent.

Deputy Fire Chief Dan McCoy tells CHSJ News the cause is not suspicious.

McCoy says a lot of resources were needed to battle the blaze and Police helped evacuate nearby homes as a precaution.

He says in the years they have been fighting fires they haven't seen a house go up in flames so quickly and they can't at this time explain why.

Man Extricated From Open Hole On West Side

Man is rescued from an open hole on Duke Street West Sunday morning after passing out. He was then taken to hospital for treatment.




(Photo Courtesy Of Doug Epton)

Proposed Gas Station Causes Traffic Concerns

People in Quispamsis are fearing a bigger problem with traffic on Millennium Drive if a proposed gas station gets the go-ahead.

Alan Hart was one of the people who brought his concerns to Quispam council. He says with a seniors complex nearby, many fast food restaurants and other gas stations along Millennium Drive, the building of a new one would make traffic worse than it already is. He says maybe the station would be more beneficial in another location.

Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news he recognizes there's a traffic problem in various areas of the town. He says council listened to the developer and objections, and has moved the project forward to the first and second reading. Driscoll adds often traffic issues get resolved during the developers agreement.

Common Council Might Have Another Look at Roundabout For Simms Corner

The idea of having a rotary or roundabout at Simms Corner for traffic isn't dead in the water. 

Ward One Councillor Greg Norton wants Common Council to have another look at it now that the future of the Golden Mile will be as a retail corridor. 

The other councillor in Ward 1, Bill Farren says the West Side Business Association favours having a roundabout as a way to boost business by making the traffic flow easier. 

On the other hand, Farren says, as a whole, opinion on the west side is divided right down the middle. 

The city has been less than enthused about the prospect of a roundabout in the past.

Councillors are also being asked to approve one million dollars in renovations to the North End Community Centre.

30 Million Dollar Price Tag To Finish Fundy Trail

One of the province's top tourist destinations could be even better...Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore meeting with representatives from the provincial and federal government to talk about completing the Fundy Trail Parkway. 

Moore tells CHSJ News while the development has a significant price tag, an estimated 30 million dollars, he's hoping to get the big players on board.
 
Moore says he'd like to see the link completed within the next few years but that depends on how much financial support is available.

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says completion of the Fundy Trail is one of three top priorities for the Conservative M-L-A's in this region but the money isn't available right now. 

The completed trail would be a coastal link between Saint John, St. Martins, Sussex, Alma and Moncton. Holder does predict, when completed, the Fundy Trail will be in his words "a game changer" when it comes to tourism.

Cause of K-V Blaze Under Investigation

Fire investigators are trying to pinpoint the cause of fire early this morning that destroyed a Quispamsis home along with two nearby cars.

The call about the blaze came in at about 2:30 Sunday morning. The fire levelled the home at 16 Devonshire Crescent home in a short period of time leaving just a wall standing.

 The family. including three children, got out safely but they lost everything. 

10 year old Alex Russell, who lives across the street, is being credited with first seeing the flames and alerting her parents who called 9-1-1.          

(photo courtesy by Dave Duffy)

Quispamsis Extends Contract With KV Fire

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department will be administered by Quispamsis a little longer.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news council agreed to keep their partnership an extra six months in the new year.

Driscoll says the extension request will give the KV fire department more time to decide who will administer them next.

Their contract was set to expire in December.

Property Sale Doesn't Change $200,000 SPCA Needs

The sale of the former SPCA peacock property to the Joshua Group is a huge benefit for both the animal shelter and the kids charity... but there's still more work to be done for both organizations.

SPCA President Melody McElman tells CHSJ news the property sold for $202,000, but the Joshua Group still needs to raise around $60,000 to cover the rest of the cost. McElman says the sale means they can pay down their mortgage and jump start their capital campaign.

McElman says the sale is a huge help for the shelter, but it doesn't change the $200,000 they still need for daily operating costs.

Since last week more than $52,000 has been raised for the SPCA to keep it's doors open.

Government Needs To Create Jobs Says Critic

Job creation is not high on the agenda for the provincial government according to opposition critic Chris Collins.

Collins, the Liberal M-L-A from Moncton, tells CHSJ news in the past two years the government has lost 1,500 jobs, whereas the previous government created that many. He says he sees young people leaving the province in droves to work elsewhere.

Collins believes the Alward government needs to make a plan by meeting with workers in various industries to figure out how to create jobs.

Last month unemployment rose in the province from 10% to 10.4%.

Three People Homeless After Fire

A house fire in Fredericton has left three people without a home.

The Canadian Red Cross says no one was injured or home at the time of the blaze that happened around 11 am on Saturday.

Red Cross volunteers found a place for the woman and her teenage daughter to stay. The two rented half of the duplex at 32 Simpson Court.

VIDEO: Future Sculpture SJ's Planned

What looked like just a ton of granite a month ago is now shaping it's way into public art.

Sculpture Saint John is in it's sixth and final week at the Coast Guard Site, where artists from around the world have been sculpting giant granite art pieces for Greater Saint John.

Chair Diana Alexander tells CHSJ news the artists -- many who've been to over forty symposiums -- say it's the best event they've been too. On Saturday, September 15th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm  they'll be having a big reveal called "Rock On The Dock", where you'll be able to touch the pieces and talk to the artists.

Alexander says this isn't the real end of the sculpture symposium. The event has been so successful, they're planning symposiums every two years until 2020. She hopes pieces from future symposiums can be created for towns from Saint Stephen to Sussex.

Ashburn Lake Road Closed For Weekend

A portion of Ashburn Lake Road is closed to traffic from now until Monday at the railway crossing near Rothesay Avenue.

The closure is for NB Southern Railway to complete rail crossing maintenance. Access between Highway 1 Exit 128 and Rothesay will not be open and drivers are advised to use alternate routes.

If you live in the area access on either side of the closed section of the road will remain available.

SPCA En Route To Recovery

There's hope for the SPCA, thanks to the help of people in Greater Saint John.

Between personal donations, fundraisers and business support, the Saint John SPCA has raised $42,000 in a week.

As well it was confirmed yesterday by Joshua Group founder Bobby Hayes the kid's charity has bought the former SPCA building on Taylor Avenue.   SPCA President Melody McElman says they need to raise $200,000 to stay open.

72 Hour Gaming Convention In Town

It doesn't matter if you're a level 12 elf or you've never rolled a D20 before... all levels of gamers in Saint John are together for the 11th annual Impossible Realities gaming convention.

For 24 hours a day, all weekend long, gamers are playing everything from role playing games like Circus Imperium, Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu to classic family board games. Organizer Dana Betts says players come from all walks of life, some even from the US, Nova Scotia & PEI. He says it's now "chic to be geek", with popular shows like Big Bang Theory & Community. He says most people who are big into role playing games are usually pretty low key, so this convention gives them a chance to come out and enjoy the company of other people who love gaming. Betts says if you're new to gaming, there's staff there to help you learn.

There will also be a number of artists and vendors from the Maritimes, including Sandy Carruthers (illustrator, "Men in Black"), André Myette (creator of "Humbug!"), and local artist Chas Goguen (creator of "Dotman").

The convention runs until 6:00pm on Sunday at the Chinese Cultural Centre at 24 Coburg Street in uptown Saint John. It's $10 for a day, $20 for the weekend and all ages are welcome.

(Photo courtesy of Impossible Realities)

Two Arrests In B&E Overnight

Two men are in police custody after two separate break and enters that happened in Saint John overnight.

City Police say one B&E attempt by a 26-year-old man was in the west end on Lloyd Street while the other was by a 29-year-old man in the north end on Clarendon Street.

Both incidents happened around 3:00 am.

Big News For Joshua Group

It's a happy day for the both the SPCA and the Joshua Group....Joshua Group founder Bobby Hayes announcing they've managed to buy the former Peacock property to use as a permanent headquarters for the kid's charity. 

Hayes tells CHSJ News there's still much that needs to be done to assess the cost of renovations and make sure the building is safe for the kids to use.

No word yet on how much the building went for, or when the group is expected to start using it.

City Police Officer Sentenced To Jail Time

3 months in jail the sentence handed a city police officer who was found guilty of common assault and engaging in threatening conduct after a breakin at his home on Westfield Road.

Mr. Justice Hugh McLellen cited a New Brunswick Court of Appeal ruling in sending 39 year old Constable Chris Messer to jail. The Court of Appeal ruled when police break the law, a conditional discharge is woefully inadequate.

The judge also rejecting house arrest when Messer's lawyer expressed concern over his safety in jail.

Messer was told he was convicted largely on the basis of his own evidence. The police officer suspected Randy King of breaking into his home and admitted to punching him three times in the back of the head outside the detention area after transporting him from the west side.

The judge also telling Messer he was in a conflict of interest by investigating a crime committed against himself but no one in the police department prevented him from doing so. Mr. Justice McLellen says Messer doesn't seem to understand he was in a conflict of interest which is a breach of trust.

Chance Harbour Man Sentenced For Sexual Assault

Hard drinking will destroy your support network of family and friends........That advice from Mr Justice Hugh McLellan, handing down a sentence of 2 years in jail, plus 3 years probation, to 25-year-old Bradley Scott Wilson.

Wilson was found guilty of sexual assault in connection with a January incident at a West Side pub.

In a statement to the court, the victim of the assault said she quit her job out of embarrassment and is haunted by the pain of the incident every day.

Wilson's defense pointed out while his client had a prior record, his offenses were all alcohol-related, but the judge said he simply needs to learn to stay sober.

Wilson was also entered on the sex offender registry and required to submit a DNA sample.

His mother and father have told CHSJ News they don't feel justice has been served.

No Worries For Hurricane Leslie

We don't have much to worry about when it comes to Hurricane Leslie.

The Canadian Hurricane Centre of Environment Canada saying the tropical cyclone's influence in the province is very low at this point.

Jobless Rate Up

Canadian employers added 34,300 jobs to the economy during August.

That's well ahead of the 10,000 economists had expected, but the gains were all in part-time work.

In Saint John unemployment rate went up from 8.6% in July to 9% in August.

In the province unemployment was up from 10% to 10.4%.

At the Bank of Montreal, economist Doug Porter is saying the August report is a little better than expected, but underwhelming.

The latest jobs report is nearly a complete reversal of the picture in July, when the economy shed about 30-thousand jobs.

Boil Water Order For Hillcrest Trailer Park

If you live in the Hillcrest Trailer Park you'll have to boil your water until Tuesday.

The boil water order went into effect yesterday.

Arguments Heard At Sentencing Hearing For City Police Officer

A 39 year old city police officer will be sentenced later this afternoon. Constable Chris Messer was found guilty of common assault and engaging in threatening behaviour after his home on Westfield Road was broken into.

The prosecution cites breach of trust in calling for jail time of 3 to 6 months even though Messer's presentence report was favourable. Messer, though, maintains his innocence.

 Defense lawyer Brian Munro calls it the best presentence report he has ever read and he's arguing for a conditional discharge.

Munro calls Messer a devoted family man who, up until this, had no blemishes on his record as a police officer. Munro telling the court Messer felt his family had been violated by the breakin but the public interest would not be served by a jail sentence.

For his part, Messer apologised to his family for what he has put them through.

Mr. Justicie Huge McLellen delivers his verdict at 4:00.

RCMP Nab Arena Robber

One man has been arrested and police and looking for a second inconnection with a break and enter in St. Andrews.

RCMP arrested a 21-year-old St. Andrews man for a break and enter at the W.C. O'Neill Arena Complex on August 24. He will appear in St. Stephen Provincial Court in October.
They are still looking for another man who may have been camping in the St. Andrews area in late August.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or any other property crime is asked to contact District 1 RCMP at 506-755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (2477).

Mill Rat Player And Family Out Of Danger

The Saint John Mill Rats and the Africa to Canada Committee announcing Modibo Diarra, his wife Mariam and three year old daughter, Cindy, are currently on a flight heading to our city. 

The family will be arriving at the Airport early Sunday morning between midnight and 12:30.
 
This arrival to Canada marks a successful result in getting Diarra and family to Canada to escape the ongoing conflict in Mali, Africa.

West Siders Have Their Say On The Golden Mile

A movie theatre, family style restaurant, more stores, proper landscaping and a roundabout at Simms Corner. Those are some of the suggestions West Siders are making about what the future of the Golden Mile should look like. 

Ward One Councillor Greg Norton likes the new direction because there's alot of potential for new investment and will give residents in that part of town the option of going east or west to shop.
 
The other Ward One Councillor Bill Farren says the light industries now located along Fairville Boulevard are already planning for the transition by buying property in the industrial park.
 
Chief City Planner Ken Forrest says it's hoped if there is more retail along the Golden Mile, it could ease some of the traffic congestion out east as well as drawing people to the area from Grand Bay-Westfield and parts of Charlotte County.

Homeowner In Valley Injured During Break-In

A homeowner in Quispamsis foiling a break-in at his house but, in the process, suffering what Rothesay Regional Police are calling serious injuries which may need corrective surgery down the road. 

Two young people were nabbed and they could be looking at charges of armed robbery or assault causing bodily harm.

Inmate Fails To Sneak Drugs Into Jail

A wide range of street and presciption drugs have been seized after a failed attempt by an inmate to sneak them into the Dorchester Penitentiary.

The drugs included Dilaudid, Imovane/Ambien, Steroids, Atavan, Mirtzapine, Remeron, Marijuana and tobacco. The estimated institutional value of this seizure is $19,000.


The jail currently uses scanners and drug dogs to try and stem the flow of contraband into the medium-security facility.

NBCC Kicks Off The Academic Year

The New Brunswick Community College is gearing up for another academic year...and according to Regional Director Chris Toole, enrollments at the college are up. Their capacity is about 950 students, and currently they are at about 85% of that.

The college is rolling out new courses, including an electrical engineering course in generation and distribution, and one focusing on sustainable energy. There's also a brand new engineering building, the grand opening of which will be held in the coming months.

Meeting Focuses On Trail's Future

What can be done to finish the Fundy Trail?

That question at the heart of a recent meeting between politicians and the trail's development authority to see what the next steps are to complete it.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News when it's done it will take the entire Fundy experience to the next level.

He says the Fundy Trail is a gamechanger because it takes everything from the Hopewell Cape to Campobello Island and ties it together with Saint John in the middle of the whole thing.

Holder says while they don't have the funding to complete it now they are working hard to find it.

For more info on the Fundy Trail, click here

Pilots Receive Honour With Park & Cenotaph Dedication

A 5 year journey--that's how local historian Harold Wright describes the dedication of the Wade-Myles Park and Centotaph.

The park next to M. Gerald Teed School is the former site of the Millidgeville Airport.

Wright tells CHSJ News Jack Myles was a distinguished pilot with the Canadian air force and he also designed M. Gerald Teed School where the memorial will live.

Large posters of Wade, Myles and others will hang in the Aviation Hall of Fame in the lobby of the School.

Harold Wright was surprised during the ceremony when Lieutentant Government Graydon Nicholas gave him a Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Queen.

New Developments On Golden Mile

New developments are in store for the Golden Mile...and the city of Saint John wants to hear what you think. Fairvale Boulevard is designated a retail area under the new municipal plan, a change from its historical status as an industrial and retail area.

The open house on the Golden Mile will be held tonight from 5-7pm at the legion at 714 Wilson Street.

For more information, click here.

Student Fundraisers Beat Storm

It might have been raining cats and dogs for much of yesterday, but that didn't stop UNBSJ students from raising thousands of dollars for cystic fibrosis as part of their annual Shinerama campaign. Organizer Stefan Warner tells CHSJ News the record-breaking storm meant a few changes of plans, but it all worked out, as they did some quick thinking and moved activities indoors.

The students managed to raise $3,200 in one day. More Shinerama events will be held throughout the month with the goal of raising $10,000.

Vintage Planes On Display

Vintage aircraft buffs are getting a treat at the Saint John airport today. The airport is hosting a static display which includes two CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jets, a Sabre F-86 Hawk One, a Fleet Finch and a Cornell. 

Visitors will get a chance to climb on board and check them out firsthand.

For further information, contact: Colleen Kemp Mitchell  cmitchell@sjairport.ca  Desk: (506) 638-5558 Cell: (506) 721-6673, Director of Marketing and Communications, Saint John Airport Inc. or click here

Keep Your Kids Safe From Food Poisoning At School

As students return to their classes, do you know that germs could be lurking in their lunch boxes. That warning emerges from a survey among 14 thousand moms of young people between the ages of 5 and 12.

Erica Di Ruggiero, who chairs the Canadian Public Health Association, tells CHSJ News only 53 per cent of mothers get their children to wash their hands before eating lunch and that's the most effective way to keep germs at bay.

She warns if lunch boxes are not cleaned regularly, small spills and crumbs can lead to bacteria growth with the potential of causing children to get sick with food poisoning.

The Global Hygiene Council also advocates the use of freezer packs or cool bags to keep lunches chilled along with the wiping down of eating areas including desks and cafeteria tables.

Cenotaph In Millidgeville Unveiled

Saint John MP Rodney Weston announcing just over $5900 for the official dedication of Wade-Myles Park and the unveiling of the Millidgeville Community Cenotaph at M. Gerald Teed School.

Family members of Jimmy Wade & Jack Myles attending the event to honour both pilots and celebrate the park that will bear their names.

Mayor Mel Norton and members of council along with Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas and provincial cabinet ministers all on hand with several members of the military and students from the school.

Historian Harold Wright has received a Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Lieutenant Governor.

West Side Vehicles Targeted By Thieves

If you were parked overnight on the lower west side, you may want to check your vehicle to make sure nothing is missing.

City Police have recovered stolen property believed to be taken from vehicles that were parked in that part of town.

Police say they got a call early this morning from the Lancaster Avenue area about two people, who were dressed in dark clothing, going through several parked vehicles.

The two, aged 14 and 16, were arrested and will be appearing in Youth Court.

Saint John Gets A Real Soaking

Saint John got a real drenching yesterday with more rain that had been predicted by Environment Canada. 

Something like 108 millimeters of rain fell before it had tapered off by mid afternoon and that forced some road closures because of flooding. 

All the main roads in the city have now been reopened to traffic but City Police tell us the barricades remain up on Simpson Drive in Glen Falls from Golden Grove Road to Tim Street. 

The fire department is reporting it had to pump out 10 basements. That turned out to be fewer than it had expected considering the amount and intensity of the rain in just a few hours. 

Hurricane Leslie is causing some concern for early next week and it appears to be tracking just south of Nova Scotia but that could change.

No Relief For Drivers

Gas prices are continuing their ascent much to the dismay of drivers around town. 

Self serve regular in the city has increased to $133.3 a litre after the weekly setting. 

Diesel is up by over a cent a litre to $1.37.4.

 Heating oil also up by almost 2 cents a litre to a maximum of $1.19.6 and propane wil cost you more at 94.9 cents a litre.

Find Your Sleep Cure This Month

If you are or have an insomniac in your life, an upcoming free info session on "ABZZZZ's of sleep" may be the key to your future slumber.

Andrea Savoie of the Atlantic Sleep Centre tells CHSJ News they have many tips and tricks for helping people get a good night's sleep including a ban on caffeine after 5pm.

She says some people can drink caffeine at night and fallen asleep waking up feeling refreshed. Others will have trouble getting to sleep and wake up often never getting into a deep sleep and waking up groggy.

The next info session is coming up September 20th at the Grand Bay-Westfield Centrum.

For more information about the ABZZZZs of Sleep program, call 506-632-5537.

Joshua Group Might Get Former SPCA Property

After twenty years the Joshua Group might have a home.

Founder Bobby Hayes tells CHSJ news they find out on Friday if they have the former SPCA Peacock property.
Hayes wouldn't say how much money is being put towards the property, but he says the numerous trails and outdoor activities available in the area would greatly benefit the kids.

The volunteer run Joshua Group seeks to improve the lives of at risk kids in our community.

McAllister Drive Is Open Again

  

The rain has stopped and the flooding is easing in East Saint John.

McAllister Drive has reopened to traffic. 

Cody Gets 30 Days In Jail

A Fredericton man will spend 30 days in jail for breaching a securities commission order

Michael Cody got the sentence after pleading guilty in provincial court to one charge of violating the Securities Act by breaching a New Brunswick Securities Commission order.

In April of 09, the commission permanently banned Cody from trading in securities and ordered him to pay a $50,000 penalty as a result of his involvement in the solicitation and sale of shares in Locate Technologies and Tubtron Controls to residents in the province.

He continued to trade in securities leading to the charge in provincial court.

East Saint John Flooding Worsens

The City of Saint John has again closed McAllister Drive between Westmorland Road and Golden Grove Road because of flooding.

Majors Brook Drive is closed between McAllister Drive and the entrance to Parkway Mall. 

Rothesay Avenue is now closed from McAllister Drive to Russell Street.  Russell Street is also closed.

Saint John Transit Routes 1 and 2 can't use Rothesay Avenue so they will now be using Westmorland Road.

McAllister & Majors Brook Drive Reopens

City police informing CHSJ News that In East Saint John Majors Brook Drive and McAllister Drive are back open to traffic.

Both were closed this morning due to flooding.

City crews will continue to monitor the road and others throughout the afternoon.

If conditions worsen, the street may be closed again.

Shinerama Takes Over The Uptown

 

UNB Saint John students brave the rain to fundraise for cystic fibrosis.

 

Students are collecting donations for Shinerama 2012 all over uptown Saint John.

 

Volunteers will be in the City Market until 3:30pm today.

 

If you don't want to go out in the rain, you can text SHINE to 45678 to donate 5 dollars.