Golden Grove Road Fire Is Suspicious

Fire investigators are en route to the scene at 2010 Golden Grove Road after a fire broke out earlier today.
 
Mark Wilson of the Saint John Fire Department tells CHSJ News a lot of the fire is knocked down.

He says they are still digging out the fire extension into the roof, attic and walls adding it's hard to put crews in the house as they know about holes in the floor.

Wilson says this building is one they were keeping an eye on it adding there is a history there and the cause is suspicious at this time.

Two Of The Four Men Identified In Child Sex Probe

We now know where the four provincial men facing charges in the Operation Snapsnot probe are from.

On June 13th, police seized computers, cd's, dvd's and more from a Lincoln home and a 42 year old man was arrested and later released.

The next day in another search where similar material was seized 52 year old Fred Price of Frederiction was arrested.

On the 21st, a search in Lorne netted more of the same resulting in charges for a 36 year old man and on June 24th another search was conducted in Miramichi where computers and more were seized leading to charges for 48-year-old Donald Martin.

All four men have future court dates.

The investigation being led by RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit with help from other units and other police forces.

The Town of Quispamsis Encourages Ideas For A BMX Park

The town of Quispamsis wants to expand recreation and is looking to the younger generation for ideas on a BMX park for bike riders.

Barry Brown is the Parks Manager for the town and he tells CHSJ News there will be a pump track with jumps along the way to make things interesting but the larger the jumps, the more pedaling that's required on the part of riders.

Brown says the town has not decided on a permanent location for a 40 metre square and are hoping the young people will offer up some suggestions. He says there would also be some green space as part of the park but it would take a couple of years to finish up the project. Brown is hoping there will be a start sometime this year.

Crews Battling Golden Grove Road Blaze

Fire crews are on the scene of a structure fire at 2010 Golden Grove Road.    

City police are blocking traffic are either side of Golden Grove road.

It appears the building involved is vacant.  

Additional resources have been called in to help from the KV Fire department.

Grace Foundation Approached By Trudeau

It's not entirely clear whether the Grace Foundation wants its 20 thousand dollars back from Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for a failed fundraiser over a year ago at the Imperial Theatre. 

That, according to a spokesperson for Trudeau who says he asked the Foundation last week to specify if it wants its money back in cash or ``some other arrangement,'' like having him headline another fundraising event for free but the foundation has yet to respond. 

No other group has sought repayment except for the Grace Foundation which released a statement claiming it was distressed over the issue becoming "a political football" and aimed some pointed criticism at Fundy Royal Conservative M-P Rob Moore for fuelling the controversy.  
 

Online Child Predators Targeted

A major child pornography bust in Atlantic Canada with 22 arrests including 4 in New Brunswick. 64 charges have been laid.
    
The arrests are part of a joint investigation into the exploitation of children.
    
Police say two children were taken into safety as a result of the investigation because they were at risk of being harmed.
    
The charges include accessing, making and possessing child pornography and voyeurism.

Self Serve Regular Is Cheaper

You'll pay a bit less for self serve regular in the city after the weekly setting. 

It has dropped by just over a cent a litre to $1.25.3. Diesel is virtually unchanged at $1.28.7 a litre. 

Propane is less expensive with a maximum price of 97 cents a litre and the max for heating oil is $1.11.6.

Traffic Note for Catherwood Street

Both the eastbound and westbound lanes of Catherwood Street on the West side will be closed to thru traffic from 8am to 430pm tomorrow between Manawagonish Road and Ready Street for repairs.   For more info,  call 658-4455.

Canada Day Uptown Boasts New Event

For one hour on Canada Day, our Mayor Mel Norton will preside over a re-enactment of a "Pie Powder Court".

That is a special tribunal held at fairs or markets that dates back to 18th century England.

Following this, the Mayor will be awarding certificates to citizens declaring them Honourary Deputy Market Clerk.

It begins at 10am on Monday in the City market.

You can get all the details on the event and all other Canada Day events by clicking 
here

Stabbing Victim Testifies at Saia Brothers Trial

The trial of twin brothers continues with the jury hearing testimony from a young man who was stabbed during a deadly home invasion on November 3 of last year. 

21 year-old Christopher Reid testifying he went to sleep with a meat cleaver and a knife by his bed, because he was afraid a group was going to kick in the door to his house on Prince Street West. 

He says he woke up to men yelling "Saint John Police Force" so he grabbed the knife. He says he saw three men go by and he stabbed the last. 

Reid was then hit in the head with a hammer, hit in the back with a machete and got cuts on his shoulders, throat and neck.

The court also heard from Melissa Perry who testified her boyfriend, A-J Dennison didn't want to participate and was later stabbed during the home invasion. 

Perry is the sister of Serena Perry who died at the Regional Hospital under mysterious circumstances and whose body was found in the amphitheatre.

Former Chicken Noodle Club Volunteer Speaks Out

There's stigma attached to the name Chicken Noodle Club ever since the arrest of former Common Councillor and pedophile Donnie Snook and his guilty pleas on more than 40 charges of child exploitation. 

Snook became the face and voice for the Chicken Noodle Club. Judith Meinert-Thomas, who was a volunteer for 4 or 5 years, says a makeover is needed to ensure its survival but she's confident it will withstand the current difficulties.

Meinert-Thomas says besides a new moniker, a new person will have to be hired who will be spotless.

She points out the lunch program feeds 18 thousand young people a year in the south end and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Weston Calls For Changes on the Release of High Risk Sex Offenders

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says he is personally troubled with the number of high risk offenders being released into our community.
 
He says many people are expressing concerns to him over safety and protecting famillies.
 
After speaking with local police and the federal office of Public Safety, Weston says its clear changes need to be made with how known sex offenders are released, what information should be made available to the public and the locations where they are to be released.

Weston says he'll be working with the Minister of Public Safety and the province to examine the current provisions in place. 

He's calling for stronger rules to ensure more public disclosure of information surrounding the release of high rish sex offenders and the application of conditions to their release which protect the public interest.

Holland Will Remember Scott For Politics, Personality

One of Andy Scott's former employees says he'll remember him for not shying away from the tough issues.

The former Fredericton Liberal MP passed away at the age of 58, and Andrew Holland, who started working for Scott in the fall of 2003, tells CHSJ News, he tackled contentious topics like same-sex marriage and gun control head-on.

Holland says Scott would manange to bring people on both sides of the issue together so the community would have a good conversation about and a better understanding of what was being discussed in Ottawa and Parliament.

Holland worked for Scott for four years, and says on a personal level he was a huge sports enthusiast and a really good father.

Water Rescue After Fire Breaks Out

One of our listeners letting us know about a water rescue that took place last night on the St. John River at Gorham's Creek off Belleisle Bay. 

We're told a stove caught fire on board a sailboat and one person may have suffered burns.

BREAKING NEWS - Severe Weather Alerts Ended

Environment Canada says the severe weather warnings for the greater Saint John area - Kennebecasis Valley - and - Sussex have ended.

BREAKING NEWS - Tornado And Severe Thunderstorm Watches Issued

Environment Canada issuing a tornado warning for Sussex, Kennebecasis Valley and Kings County.

The warning advises people living in or near this area to be on the lookout for bad weather and take the necessary safety precautions.

Meantime - Environment Canada has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Saint John area this evening - the federal agency says there is a potential for severe storms with hail and high winds.

$20 Million To Support Research & Innovation Province Wide

It's good news for people who work in labs in the Province.

The province announcing a $20 million dollar investment to support research and innovation.
 
Robert Hatheway tells CHSJ News it means the New Brunswick Innovation Fund will have predictable funding long term.

This funding allows the NBIF to support any spot or location that is doing research within the province and with that comes commercialization.

This money will allow researchers at universities and colleges around the province access additional research dollars from other agencies and industry.

Radio Strikers Mark One Year

As of today, seven radio personalities have been on strike for 365 days. The Maritime Broadcasting strikers rallied in King's Square during lunchtime to mark a year since their strike began.

 Ron Oldfield of the Saint John & District Labour Council was there, and he tells CSHJ News they're asking local businesses to withdraw support from the station. He says by them advertising on the station, they're financing a strike and allowing the employer to continue on with bad practices. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy also voiced his support for the strikers. He tells CHSJ News he hopes the strong show of support gets things moving so the strikers can get a first collective agreement.

Patrick Colford, the president of the provincial Federation of Labour tells CHSJ News the situation is a disgrace. He says they're not asking for the moon, they're asking for a fair wage.

Zed Says Scott Leaves An Incredible Legacy

Paul Zed says no one will forget Andy Scott.
 
The former Fredericton Liberal MP passed away at the age 58 after an illness.
 
Zed says he's very sad that Scott has left us too soon.

He tells he says Scott last week and he was concerned about leaving his 6 year old son Noah without a dad so he was working on a project detailing his life so his young son will remember him.

Liberal leader Brian Gallant issuing a statement saying Scott's roots in the provincial party run deep having served as a president of the Young Liberals in 1979 and in the 80's working as a field worker, director of fundraising and executive director.

Feeding Deer Won't Become A Crime

Feeding these forest critters is not against the law. Council going along with a recommendation from City Staff that putting in a bylaw to make feeding deer an offense would be impractical. 

Councillor Shirley McAlary says when you implement a bylaw, you have to be able to enforce it, and in this case, they wouldn't be able to. 

Councillor Bill Farren expressed some reservations, saying Saint John, like outlying areas, is becoming overrun by deer, and his concerns lie in the health issues. He says many people will stop if you have a by-law in place. 

Councillor Donna Reardon says she'd like to see council try to get the message out that it's not a good idea to feed the deer, even though they can't police it.

Harbourview High Choir Off On Their European Adventure

Now that school is over, the Harbourview High Ensemble Choir will be off to Europe for more than just sightseeing.

Choirmaster Mike Malloy tells CHSJ News they will be giving several performances along the way in some historic locations including  the Vimy Ridge Memorial, the last synagogue that was left standing in Germany after the Holocaust at Essen and the church in Leipzeg where Johann Sebastian Bach was organist for 27 years as well as a Canada Day concert in Amsterdam on June 30th.

Malloy calls it a unique opportunity because they will be performing as well as sightseeing and, as such, the barriers will come down and they will be able to see more than if they were just tourists on vacation. He adds the young people are, in his words, "a tad excited".

Snook's Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

Donnie Snook's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 29th and could last more than one day. 

Judge Alfred Brien also says the actual sentencing itself may not take place then. 

He has also ordered a sex offender assessment to be part of the pre-sentence report on the likelihood of re-offending.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle is not ruling out further charges being laid. 

Boyle also suggested Snook is not being housed in the local jail but would not say where he is being held.

Judith Meinert was a member of the Board at the Inner City Youth Minister when Donnie Snook was the Director and also volunteered at the Chicken Noodle Club when he was there. 

She admits to being left speechless at what has come to light since early January.

Meinert says she and Snook often went to evening prayer together but obviously his life was not all it seemed with alot of compartmentalisation.

City Taking Proactive Approach To Release of Sex Offenders

Controversy has been swirling around the release of three sex offenders into the community in recent months, an issue that hasn't been lost on council. 

They voted to begin work that would result in them getting a heads up in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says the city is very vulnerable right now, and answers are needed to understand how the numbers of sex offenders are distributed across Canada, the reasoning behind the decision to release those individuals into particular communities and whether or not the context is taken into account.

They'll also be setting up a meeting with various officials to talk about the best way to resolve the problem in a way that protects the interests and safety of the community.

Holder Welcomes Ferry Replacement Announcement

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is welcoming word of a replacement vessel for the 42-year old Princess of Acadia on the Saint John to Digby run.
Holder tells CHSJ News it will play an important role in securing the future of the Bay of Fundy tourism experience.
Business leaders on both sides of the bay are also welcoming the announcement especially those in the seafood industry who say the service is a crucial link to markets for their products.

Cloud Of Uncertainty Lifted From Bay of Fundy Ferry Service

Good news for those relying on the Saint John to Digby ferry service - the federal government has announced the process will begin to find a replacement for the aging Princess of Acadia.
Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is one of a number of federal and provincial reps who made the trek to Digby for the announcement.

New Brunswickers Head West To Help Flood Victims

Maritimers are known for their community spirit, and plenty of us are using that to help out with the flood relief effects in Alberta. 

Dan Bedell of the Canadian Red Cross tells CHSJ News many trained people from all over New Brunswick, in particular, are ready to go. This province is familiar with floods, albeit on a much smaler scale, in places like Perth Andover and Charlotte County.

Bedell says while the situation might be getting better in parts of Calgary, there are as many as a dozen outlying communities which are still feeling the worst of this nearly-unprecedented natural disaster on Canadian soil. 

The Red Cross is supporting evacuations and states of local emergency, helping to set up, equip and provide round-the-clock staffing for 11 emergency shelters.

Cops Look For Those Responsible For $2 Million In Damage

RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a rock crushing plant in Astle, which is near Stanley.

On Saturday evening  RCMP were called off of Highway 8 to investigate a fire that destroyed the plant, which used to supply a paving company. The monetary loss is estimated to be in the area of two million dollars.

Anyone with information about this fire is asked to contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Poutine Challenge Is A Hot Mess

It was a ooey, gooey mess at Market Square today.

 One would could deny the first-ever Poutine Challenge was a smash hit with flavors running the gamut from seafood and cream cheese to turkey and cranberry. 

Stephany Peterson of the Hardman group tells CHSJ News the free samples and festive atmosphere were a  big draw for Saint Johners, and it's wonderful the event also coincided with Ste-Jean Baptiste Day, considering that's the namesake of our fair city.

Grannan's, York Bistro and Britt's snagged the top 3 spots in the poutine challenge--but all the creations served during the challenge will be showing up on local restaurant menus until the end of the season. It's all part of the Canada Day Countdown which features events at Market Square from now until the weekend.

BREAKING NEWS: Found Body Is A Woman

Just before 9 this morning, emergency personnel got the call about a body spotted in the water near Long Wharf.

The body has been removed from the water and taken to the Regional to be identified and to determine a cause of death.

The body is a woman but the age is unknown.

The major crime unit is leading the investigation.

Look Up At 250 New Fish In The Market

Look up when you are in the City market.  
More than 250 fish made by over 500 students are part of a community art project.
 
Chloe Brown is a student at Barnhill Memorial who made one of the dangling fish.

She says her teacher asked her and a friend if they wanted to paint a fish for the market and they said yes.

Robin Anderson also took part and tells CHSJ News it's always good to have your work displayed in public.

The fish will be on display until late this year and then auctioned off for the Harbour Lights campaign.

BREAKING NEWS - Emergency Crews Recovering Body

Police - fire - and - medical crews are in the process of recovering a body from the harbour at Long Wharf.
It was first spotted just before nine this morning.

Police & Fire Respond To Long Wharf

   



Emergency personnel responding to Long Wharf after reports of a body in the water.

Tanya Shand Fundraiser Brings In $12,000

A fundraiser for the daughter of a murdered Rothesay woman bringing in $12,000 on Sunday.

The event at the qplex put together by Terri Kingston and Deanna King both of whom never met Tanya Shand.

The women both empathized with her daughter and family over their tragic loss and the need to shine a light on the problem of domestic violence.

The proceeds will go to fund for Tanya's daughter Cheyenne.

The Law Court Building Opens Today

After a lot of hard work including moving twice, the Saint John Law Courts is open for business at Peel Plaza.   

The opening delayed by nearly 6 months after a pipe burst in late December causing water damage.
 
Sheriff George Oram tells CHSJ News this new facility puts four court facilities, one in Hampton and three in Saint John, under one roof.

He tells us gone are the days where regardless of the offense where someone will have appearances at City hall, Charlotte and Sydney streets.

Oram says as soon as someone is arrested and they enter the underground tunnel in the justice complex at no time with they have an contact with a member of the public.

Saia Brothers Trial In Deadly Home Invasion Begins

Two brothers are in court this morning in connection with a deadly home invasion last November on the lower West side. 

The trial for Bradley Neil Saia and Brandon Saia begins today at the Sydney Street Courthouse. The two are facing charges in a break-in on Prince Street West on November 3 where two young men were stabbed. 

21 year-old Bradley was charged with forcible entry, robbery and having his face concealed while committing an indictable offense. His twin brother Brandon was charged with forcible entry, stealing personal property and having his face concealed with intent to commit an indictable offense. 

18 year-old Andrew Jonathan Dennison died from his injuries.

Report Ready On Whether To Make Feeding The Deer A Crime

Should Common Council pass a bylaw to make it an offense to feed deer in the city?

City Staff are saying no for a variety of reasons. They claim resources for bylaw enforcement are stretched thin as it is and feeding deer would get a low priority. As well, it's felt most people would likely be unwilling to go through all the legal steps necessary to have a charge laid.

Council is being advised to join the effort which is going on in the K-V where the problem is considered worse.

Common Council To Discuss Sex Offenders

Social media is abuzz with word of the release into the community of another sex offender and now the Deputy Mayor would like the city be given the heads up in the future. 

Shelley Rinehart says the community is sensitive and vulnerable especially after hearing psychiatric evaluations and judge's comments about the liklihood of reoffending that she finds troublesome. 

Rinehart would like the city be given information about the severity of the crime, any relevant psychiatric opinion, the potential for rehabilitation as well as the liklihood to reoffend and the assessed danger to the community. 

She also points out the resources for public safety in the city are stretched thin. City Police have tried to remain within budget but not filling some jobs that are vacant.

Norton Man Dies In Crash

Sussex RCMP are looking into a single vehicle crash on Saturday where a 24 year-old man died.

Just before 4pm yesterday, the driver of the vehicle was heading westbound on Church Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. Wesley Stevens died at the scene.

A 34 year-old passenger was sent to hospital to be checked out. 

RCMP say alcohol, speed and aggressive driving may be factors in the crash.

Lunch Program That Involved Donnie Snook In Turmoil

A lunch program that gives hot meals to kids could be folding in the aftermath of a scandal involving a former director Donnie Snook.

Judith Arsenault runs the lunch program at Saint John the Baptist School, formerly the Chicken Noodle Club, and she tells CHSJ news they desperately need volunteers and donations, as well as key items like sufficient dishes, despite the $25,000 donation the program recieved from PotashCorp back in December.

She says many people assumed the programs closed after the events of last January but that's not the case and they are still trying to feed hundreds of kids who might otherwise go hungry.

The program at Hazen White St. Francis has already had to close due to lack of volunteers.

Quispamsis Launches Residential Tree Planting Project

If you've ever wanted a tree of your own, a new planting-program in the valley is offering you the opportunity to lay claim to one, all while greening up the community. 

Through Streetscape, you can buy a tree for $30, and it would be planted in the municipal right-of-way this Fall. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News residents are able to sponsor the trees, having one as their own to to weed, feed and take care of.

 You have until June 28 to submit your application. For a list of the types of trees you can buy, click here. For a link to the application form, click here.

Benefit For Daughter Of Murdered Woman Underway

A fundraiser for the daughter of a murdered woman is now underway.

Deanna King and Terri Kingston organized the event for Cheyenne Shand, the daughter of 33-year-old Tanya Shand, who died in May in her Dolan Road apartment. The benefit runs until 5pm today at the qplex in Quispamsis. 

There's a live auction, a silent auction, dog show, a play about ending domestic violence being performed by teenagers as part of the Silent Witness project, and more.

They've set up an account in Cheyenne Shand's name at the TD bank. You can make a donation at any branch.

East Side Shed Fire

A stand-alone storage shed on the east side going up in flames.

The Fire Department's Division Chief Mark Wilson says when they arrived to 2623 Golden Grove Road just before 9pm, the shed was completely engulfed in fire. They were able to keep it contained so it didn't spread to any nearby buildings

How the fire started is now being investigated by fire and police.

Atlantic Red Cross Team Helping Alberta Flood Evacuees

The Canadian Red Cross says a volunteer team from the Maritimes is helping flood evacuees from across Alberta. 

The volunteers are staffing call centres in Saint John, Moncton and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As of noon on Saturday, 500 calls had been processed at the three operations centres. John Byrne of the group says the centres collect information from flood victims such as where they live and the best way to contact them. 

Several volunteers are on stand-by to be deployed to the flood-ravaged province to manage evacuation and reception centres if need be. 

To support the Red Cross response, you can do so with a financial contribution online at redcross.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 and specifying your donation is for the “Alberta Flood Response.”

Apartment Vacancy Rate Increases - So Does Average Rent

Saint John is posting the highest apartment vacancy rate in the country according to a survey from Canada Mortgage and Housing. 

The survey shows the city's vacancy rate at 10.4-percent at the end of April compared to Edmonton and Calgary where the vacancy rate is 1.2-percent - the lowest in Canada.

As far as average rents are concerned - we appear to be in the middle with an average monthly rent of 703-dollars for a two bedroom apartment.

Vancouver is the most expensive with a two bedroom going for 1255-dollars a month while Saguenay in Quebec posted the lowest average at 560-dollars a month.

Saint John Y Offering Slew Of Summer Day Camps

Whether your child is an aspiring Sherlock Holmes or Picasso, the Saint John Y has a summer day camp for them. 

The Saint John Y is offering 60 day camps this summer The Y's VP of Wellness, Camping and Community Centres, Adrienne Boudreau tells CHSJ News with so many to choose from, no matter what your kid is interested in, there's a camp for them. 

Boudreau says camps are a great way for a child to test the waters of a new hobby, get active and to socialize with other children.

There's an open house at Camp Glenburn on July 6th from noon to 4 p.m. where you can learn more about the program. For a link to the Y's summer guide, click here.

Restauranteurs To Compete In Poutine Cook-Off

It's the ultimate Canadian comfort food, and local restauranteurs will be competing in a cook-off to see who makes it best. 

The first ever Poutinerie Challenge is being held to celebrate St. Jean De Baptiste Day, and the winner of best poutine gets a trophy and bragging rights. Craig Allen is on the Saint John Canada Day committee and tells CHSJ News almost 10 restaurants are competing, and he's looking forward to see what spin they put on the classic Canadian dish. 

It's happening on Monday, June 24. The chefs will start cooking around noon with samples becoming available a half hour later. Allen says it's free, and samples will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

Three Arrests Made In String of Graffiti

A rash of graffiti in the Kennebecasis Valley leading to three arrests. 

The damage was done to buildings, signs, equipment, and road structures. Two young offenders are facing charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Rothesay Regional Police say they're expecting to make more arrests. 

Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for people doing graffiti, since to get rid of and fix it the damage can cost thousands of dollars.

World Class Martial Arts Master Conducting Clinic

One of the top judo Senseis in the world is in town, here to share and showcase his skills.

Sensei Hiroshi Nakamura is one of three ninth degree black belts in Canada, and he's instructing a clinic on the same day 30 people are tested for their next black belt grade. 

Chair of the Judo NB Grading Board, John Mallory, tells CHSJ News a ninth degree black belt is a lifetime achievement, and Nakamura is recognized as one of the foremost experts in Kata around the world.

The first session is from 10am to 12:30pm and the second is from 2pm to 6:30pm at the Shimpokai Judo Club in the Millidgeville North School. There's no cost for spectators.