KVHS Advances At Reach For The Top

The Kennebecasis Valley High School Reach for the Top team finishing up the round robin portion of the 2012 National Championships in fourth place.

K-V-H-S is the two-time defending National Champion. Thirteen teams from across Canada are participating in this year’s event. 

This is the sixth straight year the school has finished in the top 4 in the round robin.  By virtue of this top 4 ranking, K-V-H-S has received a bye into the quarter-finals.

Grass Fires a Problem

With summer almost here it's time to be careful about outdoor fires. Fire Investigator Mark Wilson tells CHSJ News people often aren't aware of the potential problems when they start a blaze, thinking they can control it no matter what. Actually, he says, factors like high winds and the type of fuel being used can make things unpredictable.

There used to be controlled burning allowed in the city but it's no longer allowed as the fire department found too many were getting out of control, as happened in Red Head last month when a man accidentally burned down his garage and part of his home.

Social Opportunity for Alzheimers Patients

Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are isolating illnesses--and that isolation can speed the progress of the disease. But a new concept here in Saint John is giving people with the disease a chance to socialize. The Alzheimer's Cafe gives people and their caregivers a chance to socialize in a non-judgemental environment. The idea started in the Netherlands and has become popular all over the world.

The last cafe of the season is coming up Sunday May 27th at St. Mark's on Dexter Drive on the West side. It runs from 2-4pm and including a speaker on falls, food and entertainment.

Sea Dogs Fans Welcome The Team Home

A small but enthusiastic crowd on hand at the Saint John Airport to welcome home the Sea Dogs.

The Dogs coming up short in repeating as Memorial Cup champs.

Coach Gerard Gallant tells CHSJ News its really nice to see the fans there to greet them.

He says it's disappointing that they lost but they are proud of the team.

Centre Zack Phillips hails from Fredericton and tells us this year's Mem Cup was a good competition just like it was last year.

He tells us he's been with most of these guys for the last 3 years and it will kinda sad leaving them but he couldn't ask for a better three years.

Coach Gallant says Saint John is pretty fortunate to have this kind of a hockey team.

Generic Drugs Will Soon Cost Less in NB

Generic drugs will soon be getting considerably cheaper: starting June 1, the NB Government will start capping prices at 40% of brand prices. According to health Minister Madelaine Dube, NBers are paying more than other Canadians. Previously NBers could be paying as much as 50 to 70% of the price of brand-name medications.

The plan is projected to save the province $10 million dollars in the first 10 months after it's put into action. Some of that money will be used to improve the existing services and make them more accessible.

Doctor Shortage Needs To Be Addressed

New Brunswickers desperately need more doctors--that from Donald Craig of the New Brunswick Medical Education Trust. Craig tells CHSJ News with more and more doctors retiring and moving elsewhere the quality of patient care is suffering.

He says as many as 7 to 10 thousand Saint Johners don't have a family doctor, and provincially that figure could be as high as 10% of the populaton. He says the new med program at UNBSJ is a positive step because it will attract new doctors and specialists to the community.

Sea Dogs Lose

The Saint John Sea Dogs fell short in their bid to repeat as Memorial Cup champions, losing 7-4 to the host Shawinigan Cataractes in semifinal action Friday.

 The Sea Dogs, coaches, and staff are scheduled to arrive at the Saint John Airport at noon.

The back-to-back President’s Cup champions came back from deficits of 2-1 and 4-2 before eventually falling to the host Cataractes, who were eliminated in the second round of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs.

 Yannick Veilleux broke a tie at 13:14 of the third period as Shawinigan beat the defending champion Saint John Sea Dogs 7-4, to earn a spot in tomorrow's final against the London Knights.

Massive Yard Sale Today

 The 14th annual Quispamsis Town Wide Yard sale is happening today.

It's a rain or shine event and almost 50 of retailers will be setting up shop from 8am until 1pm to sell of a wide range of treasures.

The town has distributed 2000 maps to help bargain-hunters find their way around the sales. The map is sorted into categories like furniture and kid's items so you can find exactly what you're looking for.

To see the map click here

Armed Robbery at Co-op

An armed robbery last night at the Co-op location on 3300 Westfield Rd.

Saint John Police tell CHSJ News the gas bar was robbed before closing last night and and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

No one was hurt. No word yet on how much money the thief was able to make away with. Police have yet to release a description of the robber.

Memorial Cup Semi-Final: Saint John vs Shawinigan

Methadone Study Shows Need For Retention

A two year study of the methadone clinic at St. Joseph's hospital showing in the importance of keeping people in treatment.
 

Dr. Tim Christie of AIDS Saint John tells CHSJ News that Saint John had a retention rate of 95 per cent between August 09 and August 2010--which is the highest in the country.

He says without treatment they are managing their addiction untreated and predictable things happen such as an increase in crime and busier emergency rooms.

Dr. Christie also noting that 70 per cent of the cost of treatment are pharmacist dispensing fees which is an essential part of the service.

He thinks money already being spent could be allocated in a better way to decrease the waitlist helping more people get treatment.

If untreated, an addict in the province costs taxpayers between the cost of healthcare and crime on average $45,000 a year.
The cost to treat one person on Methadone for a year is less than $5900.

Target Confirms McAllister Place Location

Saint John will be home to the first Target store in the province - the U-S based retailer announcing the McAllister Place Zeller's outlet will be converted to a Target store with re-opening planned for some time next year.
The local store is one of 110 confirmed Target locations across the country set to begin opening in March of next year.
Meantime - the Zeller's store in the Lancaster Mall is selling off inventory and fixtures - it will close soon and work will begin on converting it to a Walmart store.

Accident Sends One To Hospital

An industrial accident on Bayside Drive at Irving Paper sending one man to hospital with injuries.

It happened just after 6 this morning and Worksafe NB is looking into what happened.

Community Activist Wants City Staff Investigated

Community activist John Campbell, who ran unsuccessfully for a council seat in the recent municipal election, is crying foul over the pension snafu.

While City Manager Pat Woods says it was an oversight, Campbell does not buy it.

He says city staff have been trying for years to increase their benefits.

Campbell says it points to a bigger problem at city hall -- where councillors have too many details to pour through at the last minute.

Campbell is also calling on the province's Attorney General to launch an investigation.

Farren Says Pension Snafu Requires Answers

Bill Farren reacting to word a clause to permit high earners to retire earlier with full benefits recently flagged by Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase will be removed in the package before the Superintendent of Pensions. 

City manager Pat Woods says it was part of an early draft of the reforms.

Farren tells CHSJ News with an issue as big as this we have to make sure all the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted.

He wonders what was put in that shouldn't be there and what wasn't included that should be there adding it raises a lot of questions.

Farren says he hopes the new council can deal with the issues.

Salty Jam Launches

Salty Jam is back for another year this summer.

The 3 day event will offer music lovers a variety of flavours -- acts this year will include The Hupman Brothers, Jessica Rhaye, and Matt Mays.

Salty Jam Chair Karla McLean tells CHSJ News not only will you get to hear a great selection of tunes, you will supporting a great cause as tips and 10 percent of the net proceeds will go towards The Give.

The event runs from July 5th to 7th -- for more information, click here.

By-Election Date Announced For Vacant Rothesay Seat

A by-election will be held Monday, June 25, in the provincial riding of Rothesay,

The Premier making the announcement today.

The by-election is to fill the spot being left by Conservative Margaret-Ann Blaney, who is leaving to head up Efficiency NB.

So, far only one name has been put forward - Charlotte McGill Pierce is a local member of the District Education Council and is running for the Conservative nomination.

Fire Crews Tackle Small Blaze At Learning Centre

Fire crews responding to a small blaze at the old Holy Trinity school on Burpee Avenue.

It is currently an early childhood learning centre

The call came just past 4:30 yesterday.

Acting Platoon Chief Marc Carey says flames were coming out of a basement window and door frame.


We are told the fire drill worked flawlessly and all the kids in the school evacuated safely.

The fire was quickly put out and the cause is being looked into.

Fire crews also putting out a large grass fire at the foot of Alexandra Street in the city's north end.

The fire was a threat to a nearby home -- the blaze did take down some telecommunication lines which disrupted some residents.

The cause is being looked into.

Mindcare New Brunswick Announces Funding Recipients

Mindcare New Brunswick announcing the projects it will fund this year as a result of the most recent Investors Group Skate To Care event.  Over 81 thousand dollars is being distributed among 14 mental health programs and services.

This year's recipients include Key Industries, the Saint John YMCA, Gentle Path Counselling, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The fundraiser, held each February, has raised more than $2.5 million for mental health programs and services.

Port Boss Dealing With Noise Complaints