Just before 2 this afternoon Simonds Fire getting a call about a house fire on the Upper Quacco Road in Baxter's Corner.On arrival crews could see flames and smoke coming from the roof.
Additional help has been requested from KV Fire and Upham.
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Saturday, June 8, 2013
Simonds Fire Responding to Baxter's Corner Blaze
Just before 2 this afternoon Simonds Fire getting a call about a house fire on the Upper Quacco Road in Baxter's Corner.On arrival crews could see flames and smoke coming from the roof.
Additional help has been requested from KV Fire and Upham.
Power Outages In Saint John & KV
Stewards of Children Offering Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop
That's from Elsie McGraw of the Saint John Support Group for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse who tells CHSJ News it's an issue that's had an air of secrecy for far too long.
McGraw says open dialogue on the issue is badly needed in Saint John, especially in light of former common councillor Donnie Snook pleading guilty to charges of abusing children. Because, she says, not only will it happen again, it's happening right now.
Starting a dialogue is the idea behind the Stewards of Children childhood sexual abuse prevention workshops.
The workshops are on June 14th from 9:30 am to noon and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, and on June 15 from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Millidgeville North School, 490 Woodward Avenue. It costs $30. For more information call McGraw at 674-1627 or mcgrame@nb.sympatico.ca.
Maple Syrup Sweet & Clear This Season
Not only did this year yield a record-breaking five million pounds of syrup, Yvon Poitras, the General Manager of the NB Maple Sugar Association, tells CHSJ News this year's syrup itself tastes sweet and is clear.
Poitras says with the many environmental factors at play, it's hard to say what combination creates such a product, and although this syrup season was good, it's impossible to predict what will happen next year.
Post-Tropical Storm Brings Rainy, Windy Weather
The post-tropical storm was located over southeastern Virginia on Friday night, and is migrating into the southern part of this province. Up to 50mm of rain and 70 kilometre an hour wind gusts are expected from the storm.
The Canadian Hurricane Centre saying that the storm is tracking northeastward, and that the remnants of Andrea will bring heavy rain and moderate winds to Newfoundland and Labrador early on Sunday.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Browning Calls Energy East Pipeline Important To Their Business
He says in a few years when we look back on this having the support of Premiers Redford and Alward in the early going will be viewed as important to the project.
Browning says Irving supports the pipeline adding it has great potential for the region adding its very important to their business.
West Side Robber In Custody
It happened around 5:30 on Wednesday, when the man entered the store brandishing a weapon demanding cash and cigarettes.
The man is being held pending remand court in the morning.
Unemployment Rate Rises Locally
Nationally, 95 thousand new jobs being created which took everyone by surprise and is the biggest month of employment growth in more than a decade.
Even students and other young people had an easier time finding jobs in May with about 54 thousand of the new workers in the 15 to 24 age group joining the labour force.
That pushed the youth unemployment rate to 13.6 per cent, almost a full point lower than the previous month.
We Can Expect A Warmer Summer
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement warning of significant rainfall in the southern part of the province beginning late tonight and continuing through most of the day tomorrow. For Saint John, 5 to 10 millimeters of rain being forecast overnight with another 30 millimeters through the day tomorrow with winds gusting to 60 kilometers an hour.
Gina Ressler of the Weather Network tells CHSJ News this summer in Saint John should be warmer with daytime highs a few degrees above normal but warns the Atlantic hurricane season will be more active and Saint Johnners should be aware of that. Ressler also cautions we're already into the severe thunderstorm season.
4 Months In Jail For Machete Assault
51 year old Arnold James Lawrence Cote pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon. He was arrested on April 23rd after a drunken confrontation with his girlfriend. Cote admitted to waving the machete around and hitting his girlfriend with the blunt side of the weapon.
Judge Henrik Tonning described the incident as a "pretty scary situation" for all involved, saying given Cote's state of intoxication things could have been a lot worse. Cote's lawyer described him as having a troubled life and being unable to catch a break--but the Judge countered if Cote would simply stay sober most of his problems would be a thing of the past. In addition, He also pleaded guilty to a mischief charge involving a smashed out rear window of a truck.
Cote, who has already served 45 days in jail, was also ordered to have no contact with the victim of the assault.
Alberta Premier Visits Saint John Promoting Pipeline
The Alberta premier spent a busy day in the Province addressing the Legislature, speaking in Saint John and touring Irving Oil facilities.
At a Board of Trade luncheon, She was asked how a West to East pipeline will benefit the places in between.
Redford says her province has an existing pipeline allowing for economic growth which crosses many provinces with economic opportunities.
We have refineries in Ontario and Quebec that are very interested in this project because it's going to allow for not a supply but an economic supply of feedstock to allow for upgrading and refining.
Redford says this is representative of what true partnership in a federation looks like and why we need a Canadian energy strategy.
Premier David Alward says jobs from the construction phase are the tip of the iceberg when other major projects could follow like those in the petro-chemical and plastics industries.
Provincial Liberals Rising In Popularity
It shows support for the Liberals among decided New Brunswick voters has risen to 41 per cent with 29 per cent saying they would vote for the Conservatives and Premier David Alward.
The NDP is right behind the Conservatives at 27 per cent.
Uptown Saint John Award Winners Announced
Other winners are the Bank of Montreal for best new or renovated business space, the Harbourfront condos at Three Sisters along Prince William Street as the best new or renovated residential space, the Saint John Ale House as the Foodie Favourite, Britt's Pub and Eatery for Social Space, Piece O'Cake Custom Creations as best new business, Sculpture SJ as best new event, Greg Hemmings for his creativity, the bike racks you see around the city core for Greening the Scene, Bustins as best retail and Mayor Mel Norton has been recognised as Shift Disturber.
Household Hazardous Waste Being Collected
Sam Robinson tells CHSJ News they will accept old aerosol cans, furniture polish, nail polish remover, gas, antifreeze, insect repellent, oven cleaners, automotive transmission fluid, batteries, old propane tanks, paints, weed killer kerosene and roofting tar.
You cannot drop off TV monitors, ammunition, asbestos waste, unidentified compressed gas cylinders along with material that's unclassified or unidentified.
The collection starts at the projects entrance off Grandview Avenue from 4 this afternoon to 7 and tomorrow from 9 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon.
One Person Taken To Hospital After East Side Crash
It happened between 6 and 6:30 at 515 Westmorland Road with one person transported to hospital with what are described as undetermined injuries.
No word on whether any charges will be laid.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Saint John & Fredericton Get A Visit From Alberta's Premier Tomorrow
Alison Redford will speak at a board of trade luncheon, tour the Refinery and Canaport LNG facility and address the Legislature in Fredericton.
Premier David Alward and Redford will talk about a west-east pipeline and the national energy strategy.
The Board of Trade event at the Trade & Convention begins at noon.
First Cruise Ship Of The Season
The first ship of the season arrived this morning.
Shops, malls and the City market are busy with a potential few thousand extra people.
The Carnival Glory is due to leave port at 5 today.
2 Men Hospitalized After Possible Arson Near Norton
Sussex RCMP getting the call around 1am today to the two-storey home. A 32 year old man who was in the home escaped by jumping out of a 2nd floor window. While he escaped the fire, he suffered serious injuries in the fall and was taken to the Regional.
Another 4 people, 3 women and 1 man, were also in the home at the time. They were able to escape, but one man suffered smoke inhalation and was also taken to hospital. The Fire Marshall is looking into what caused the blaze.
Gala Tonight To Honour Those Who Make The Uptown Awesome
The theme of this year's event is Port Party Paparazzi. Guests are encouraged to wear the event's theme colours of red, black, and white. It's going to be catered by the Delta and guests are invited to a post-awards after party at the York Bistro.
The awards honour businesses, individuals, and creative personalities who have contributed to making the uptown a more vibrant place.
Tickets to the gala are $65 and available at the Feel Good Store, Manchester Shoe Salon, and the Uptown Saint John office at 40 King Street. Here's the full list of nominees:
Best New Business Liquid Gold Tasting Bar & All Things Olive Piece O’Cake Custom Creations Urban Shoe Myth
Best New or Renovated Residential Space Harbourfront Residences at Three Sisters Historica Royale, 78-82 King Street Historica Riviera, 91-95 Prince William Street
Best New or Renovated Commercial Space Exchange on Germain - Germain Street Bank of Montreal - Corner of Prince William & King Streets Brunswick Square Façade - King & Germain Streets
Best Event Royal Visit by Prince Charles - May 2012 Sea Dogs Memorial Cup Victory Parade - May 2011 Sculpture Saint John - Summer 2012
Greening the Scene Award SJ Commuter Challenge Uptown Saint John Greenfeet Committee – Uptown Bike Rack Initiative Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP)
Shift Disturber Keith Brideau Mayor Mel Norton Anne McShane
Creative Personality Award Greg Hemmings Stephen Tobias Roy Billingsley
Foodie Favorite Award Saint John Ale House Urban Deli Thandi
Best Retail
Freak Lunchbox
Bustin’s Fine Furniture
Collectables
Social Space
Java Moose, Prince William Street
Slocum & Ferris
Britt’s Pub & Eatery
Thomas L. McGloan Award
To be announced at the event
Fun Events Planned At The Port
The Port marked that milestone this morning at its annual general meeting at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Ship Terminal. Port CEO Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News he'd like to see the people of Saint John more involved in the Port, akin to the atmosphere 40 and 50 years ago when the Port was the hub of the community.
Last year 75 ships from 12 different lines called at Port Saint John. Some of the big items we ship include oil, salt, potash, livestock, and molasses. Members of the public will have a chance to learn more about what's happening at the port at Community Day, which is this Sunday and will feature a BBQ, kid's activities, and information kiosks on what's going on at the Port.
Next week is also Port Days with a variety of business-focused meetings and events planned.
NDP Leader Calling For Review Of Education In Province
He tells CHSJ News that's the wrong way to go if you want the province to economically compete on the world stage.
Cardy says right now you have employers in the province complaining they can't find workers who are skilled enough and that indicates a problem.
He says Provincial Education Minister Jody Carr should be looking at what principal Chris Treadwell is doing at Park Street School on the north side of Fredericton where students in grades 3 and 4 are reading at a high school level.
More Than 7 Thousand Plant Marigolds
Thousands of students from Sussex to Pennfield happily planting little orange flowers in the 16th year of the Marigolds Project.
Millidgeville North Grade 5 student Rachel MacKinnon tells CHSJ News has been involved for a few years now. She says it's a good project for everyone and its helping the planet too.
The students in the north end had to be finished planting by 10:30 this morning as part of the rules when attempting to break a world record and they wrapped up with 15 minutes to spare.
Barry Ogden tells us it was quite the challenge co-ordinating the world record aspect adding you require hundreds of volunteers to monitor each site.
He estimates more than 7 thousand people, mostly students, took part in the plantings.
The Premier was singing Odgen's praises calling him a great volunteer. David Alward marveled at the growth from one school 16 years ago to 45 schools and as many as 5 students taking part today.
The Marigold Project catching the attention of the Legislature earlier today - Premier Alward rose in the house to offer congratulations to the organizers - schools and students - and the region for the 16th annual planting of the summer flowers.
Alward's endorsement for all connected drew a round of applause from both government and opposition sides of the Legislature.
Drug Bust On West Side
City police, Rothesay Regional Police and the RCMP conducting the raid on Winslow Street on the Lower West side.
They seized more than 7 pounds of marijuana with a street value estimated at $14,000.
The accused will be appearing in court August 13th to be formally charged.
Fire Closes Road
We're told the road is closed and fire trucks have been there since around 2:00 this morning.
Gas Prices Go Down Slightly
Self serve regular in the city is selling for $1.24.5 a litre with diesel at $1.26.2.
Propane is down as well with a maximum price of $1.01.9 and heating oil is a bit less expensive. The maximum price for that is $1.09.1.
First Cruise Ship In Town This Morning
Expect to see a lot more people uptown today.
It's a little later than usual but the first cruise ship of the season is due in Port this morning.
The Carnival Glory arrives at 9am with 3500 passengers at the Marco Polo cruise terminal.
The ship's captain will be presented with the Explorer telescope at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal in a ceremony this morning.
Armed Robbery On Dever Road
It was reported around 5:30 yesterday afternoon at Qwik Mart on the Dever Road.
There was one robber who had his face concealed. He ran away and police are on the lookout for him. City Police describe him as white, in his 40's, from 5’6” to 5’7”, 150 pounds with a skinny build, wearing a camouflage ball cap, a white construction/surgical style mask, a dark long sleeved shirt with white lettering on the left chest and dark pants.
No one was hurt in the holdup.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Saint John Woman Found Not Guilty
One of her lawyers, Brian Munro says the jury came to the right decision and he can't understand why a second trial was held considering the time and expense.
Her other lawyer, David Kelly says even if she had been found guilty of manslaughter, which the jury decided she was not, what would a judge do with her since she is no threat to society.
Both Kelly and Munro, say Mackenzie, though relieved by the verdict, was overcome by the stress and had to go to the hospital. She became emotional after being told by Mr. Justice William Grant she was free to go and was embraced by members of her family.
Neither Kelly nor Munro believe there will be an appeal by the prosecution and a third trial.
Questions & An Impasse But Still Talking
They also asked whether they were to decide what she reasonably believed, or what a reasonable person would believe.
The jury later informed the court they are at an impasse and were called in again before the judge.
Mr. Justice William Grant reminded them to carefully consider the opinions of their fellow jurors and to be guided entirely by the evidence and then asked them to keep trying to reach a common conclusion.
Brunswick Square Sign Is Finished
The new sign on Brunswick Square is complete.
One passer-by thinks it looks great.
Work began on the sign earlier today.
Chief of Police Indicates Snook Investigations Happening Elsewhere
Police chief Bill Reid indicating they're happening elsewhere, but didn't elaborate, saying he's leaving that to investigators. He says we know there are other jurisdictions, but he'll let that stay with them until notifications are complete.
Reid says if there are other issues they're aware of in other areas, they'll let the proper authorities know and give them their information on the case.
The Marigold Project Aims To Break A World Record
Pictures and video of the simultaneous flower planting will be taken and put on memory cards.
Organizer Barry Ogden says they have stewards,a sort of witness, who will record everything.
He says after that materials from every site will be taken to the North end McDonald's and an accounting firm will look at all of it and a videographer will put all the footage together in one video.
Ogden says they will get an unofficial count tomorrow but all the materials will be sent to London, England for official tabulation and they find out if they broke the record in a few months time.
Ogden tells us after years of inviting the Premier, David Alward has accepted the invitation and will be on hand tomorrow.
New Sign Goes Up On Brunswick Square
Workers put up a new sign on the Germain Street side of Brunswick Square.
Two Men Face Charges In Main Street Fires
A 22 year old and a 29 year old have been picked up in connection with a series of fires at a vacant building earlier at 169 Main Street this year between January and March.
22 year old Jacob Jacquard was arrested in Yarmouth County. He has been remanded but will be coming back for a bail heaing on Monday morning.
At this point Jacquard is charged with 1 count of arson dating back to January 11, but it looks likely that more charges will be laid.
The 29 year old man will appear in court on June 25th.
He was originally arrested in connection with the arson case on April 29 in Saint John.
Sweet Success For Maple Syrup Producers
The industry reported a record-breaking five million pounds of syrup produced in the province, which is one million pounds more than last year.
New Brunswick is the third largest maple syrup producer in the world, after Quebec and Vermont. Next fall, for the first time, New Brunswick will host The International Maple Syrup Institute and the North American Maple Syrup Council Conference.
Worst Roads In Maritimes Named
Fredericton's Hanwell Road came in at number 2. New Brunswick 630 in Andersonville tied for third, and Rothesay Avenue ranked 7th. Fredericton Road in Salisbury rounded off the list at number 10.
CAA's Gary Howard tells CHSJ News damage can be done to cars when the roads are stripped for repaving, with cars being knocked out of alignment by raised manhole covers.
Over 4,000 votes were cast in the poll, which aims to highlight dangerous road conditions and make all levels of government aware of the problem areas in the region.
Jury Deliberating The Fate Of Saint John Woman For Murder
Mr. Justice William Grant, in his instructions to the jurors, told them MacKenzie was described as happy go lucky, nice and generous so they can infer such a person would be less prone to violence.
He says the jury will have to decide if MacKenzie was acting in self defense or trying to settle a score out of anger. The jurors will have to determine her state of mind after a night of heavy drinking and history of violence in their relationship. The judge has told the jury there was evidence Thomas assaulted her five different times on the night of the stabbing but did she have a safe means of escape which would include calling police.
The jury has also been told it can find her guilty of manslaughter if it believes she was provoked and lost control.
Big Seniors Complex Gets Council's Early Approval
City council giving preliminary approval to zoning by-law amendments for a major campus-style living facility on Millidge Avenue from Shannex. President Jason Shannon saying they've identified Saint John as a city that needs more housing. Shannon says the complex will employ up to 150 staff and it's very similar to the one in Quispamsis.
Residents expressed environmental concerns at the meeting, and mayor Mel Norton says they're balancing between development and being sensitive to the ecosystem.
Donation Box Thief Turns Himself In
A 32 year old Rothesay man has been arrested in connection with the theft.
Last Monday, Hampton RCMP got a complaint that a donation box for the IWK hospital was taken from Five Sons Video.
On Saturday a man turned himself in to the RCMP. He's due in court in Saint John next month on charges of theft and breach of probation.
The Mounties want to thank the public for their help with this.
Jury Deliberations Expected This Afternoon
Mr. Justice William Grant, in his instructions to the jurors, told them MacKenzie was described as happy go lucky, nice and generous so they can infer such a person would be less prone to violence.
He also says they must determine if she reasonably feared death or serious injury at the hands of her common law partner Pat Thomas who was stabbed to death.
The judge pointed out there was evidence of a violent relationship and this may shed light on MacKenzie's state of mind on the night of the stabbing.
Police Chief Elaborates On Death of Woman At The Regional Hospital
Police chief Bill Reid saying the case is unusual, as anything they suspect could never be validated by forensic pathology which puts them at a disadvantage when trying to find the cause.
Reid concedes it's disconcerting to think if the person they identified as a suspect did cause her death, it can't be proved. He says it would be a prosecutor's nightmare while a defense lawyer would be overjoyed because there would be a huge hole in the issue.
Reid tells CHSJ News he's written a letter to the chief coroner asking for an inquest into Perry's death because they need to find out what took place, ask questions about procedures and policies and come up with recommendations.
MacKenzie Trial Hears Closing Arguments
Defense lawyer David Kelly was first to address the jury.
He painted a picture of Thomas as an abusive alcoholic, calling him one of the meanest drunks he's seen in his career. He says that MacKenzie had the right to defend herself that night, and she did. Prosecutor Jill Knee addressing the courtoom saying this is not a case of self-defense, and that MacKenzie had other options available to save herself or anyone else that night; she didn't have to stab him.
Kelly says the knife used went in about four inches, which to him doesn't sound like someone who was intentionally trying to kill somebody. Knee telling the courtroom it doesn't matter how deep the stab wound was, because it was deep enough to kill Thomas. She says the butcher knife severed a vein and punctured a lung.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Spring Break Flights To Three Tropical Destinations Doubled
Allen tells CHSJ News Sunwing Vacation flights to Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic have doubled over the last year and he's heard feedback from people who said they didn't even know the airline flew out of Saint John.
Allen tells some of the people he heard from have been travelling to Fredericton, Moncton and even Halifax to fly down south on charters.
Hospital Workers Reach A Deal
Over 9000 hospital workers in the province have a new collective agreement.
CUPE and its union representing workers in patient care, institutional services and administrative support reaching a four deal.
It provides for two years of zero per cent increases followed by 1 per cent increases every six months.
How Can Our Growing Senior Population Live And Age Well?
A roundtable discussion on aging well and living healthy is coming up tonight on the West side, one of 9 public sessions in the province. The first was held last night in Moncton.
Minister of Healthy and Inclusive Communities Dorothy Shephard tells CHSJ News says 97 per cent of our aging population are still living at home.
She says that's a really good thing adding they want to keep them at home as long as they can and want to remain at home.
Tonight's event begins at the Branch 69 Legion on Wilson Street at 6pm.
Shephard says the data collected by the provincial health council from the 9 sessions will be compiled to determine the priorities for seniors.
For more info, click here
Chicken Farmer Think Backyard Coops Work Well
A chicken farmer from the Hampton area doesn't see any problem with people living in the suburban areas of the city having chickens.
Bernadette Fowler tells CHSJ News chickens need space to move and a fenced in yard would work.
She doesn't see where it will be a messy, noisy problem because chickens don't make much noise or mess.
Fowler has 15 chickens in a coop on her farm and she tells they don't smell because she cleans it often.
MacKenzie Testifies In Her Own Defense At Murder Trial
The case goes to the jury tomorrow.
She also testified not being herself on the police video with half the stuff she said didn't make sense.
MacKenzie telling the court she doesn't remember stabbing 29 year old Patrick Thomas to death on Alma Street and doesn't recall grabbing a butcher's knife and saying "I'm going to kill him, I'm done".
She claims only to recall being choked and having her head banged but prosecutor John Heneffer maintains she was choked after approaching Thomas while armed with a knife.
Both she and Thomas were pretty drunk and MacKenzie admits she wasn't thinking clearly.
Mixed Opinions On City Chickens
Suzy finds the idea ridiculous saying the City already has enough problem without adding chickens.
Bill says it's about getting back to your roots people and showing your kids where an egg comes from adding he'd rather smell chicken waste than a paper mill.
Anita says there will be more problems for the SPCA to deal with if you allow chickens in the backyard. She says the limit may be only 6 chickens but if she has six and her neighbour has six it will get messy and smelly.
Dave think it's a great idea adding he can speak for all cats in the city and they are fine with it too adding the fox's will have another option instead of kitty.
Any your thoughts to the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here
Backyard Chickens In City Closer To Reality
Raymond Breau spoke to councillors about his experience keeping a half dozen chickens in his backyard on John T. McMillan Drive for over a year. He says they're not noisy, and if a coop is set up properly, invading wildlife won't be an issue. Breau telling council he saves about $600 a year in eggs and reception from neighbours was positive.
Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News a coop's success will depend on the quality of person raising chickens. Norton says if homeowners are responsible and do it the right way, he sees it as a good opportunity.
Sustainable Saint John Dares You To Walk, Bike Or Carpool To Work For A Week
That's the idea behind the commuter challenge, hosted by Sustainable Saint John, which dares you to find greener ways to get to work during Environment Week, which runs until June 8. City planner Jody Kliffer tells CHSJ News it's to draw attention to the accessibility of more environmentally-friendly modes of transportation.
He says walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling, even working at home can reduce our footprint by an extraordinary amount.
Kliffer says last year we placed first in our size category of cities across Canada, and hopes we'll retain the title. To register your workplace, click here.
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