Let NB Tourism Know What You 'Like'

You can pick the cover of next year's New Brunswick touring guides through Facebook.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says since there are too many pictures to pick, they're putting the decision in your hands.

On their Facebook page is a selection of iconic photos from across the province, and the one that gets the most 'Likes" becomes the cover photo.

Albums will be posted today and results will be tallied at noon next Monday. To give your vote, click here. If you don't have Facebook, you can call Tourism New Brunswick at 1-800-561-0123.

Weekend Theft In St. Andrews

The Mounties are looking into a case of stolen art in St. Andrews over the weekend.

About 7:30 on Saturday night, the RCMP got a report about a breakin at a home on Parr Street.

A work of art by Herzl Kashetsky entitled "Angel" was taken along with pottery and blown glass.

It's believed the items were pilfered sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning.

If you know anything, you can contact police at 506-755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Former NHLer Critical Of League Commissioner

Will there be an NHL season at all? That question is being raised as the lockout continues with no end in sight.

Former NHL'er Marty McSorley came to Saint John last week to play in an oldtimers game and raise money for minor hockey. He's not shy about speaking out saying the players have drawn a line in the sand. 

McSorley tells CHSJ News hockey fans in the U.S. view the lockout differently because they have become accustomed to work stoppages in the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball over the years.
 
McSorley adds if there was a true Commissioner in the league, we wouldn't be dealing with this because the NHL is much more than just Gary Bettman and the owners. 

He maintains the players lost alot in the last collective agreement that was largely written by the owners.

The Red Kettle Drive Is On

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is on again in Greater Saint John.

Captain Darren Wiseman tells CHSJ News the kettles can be seen in 16 locations between the City and Rothesay.

He tells us they need volunteers and if you would like to help out, call the Salvation Army at 634-1633.

As you shop in the region, you will see the Red Kettles right up until Christmas Eve. 

You can also text HOPE6019 to 45678 to make a $5 donation.

Longshoremen Oppose A 4-Plex At Long Wharf

Mayor Mel Norton may need all of his powers of persuasion to convince longshoremen it's a good idea to build a multi-ice surface 4-Plex at Long Wharf. 

The business agent for local 273 of the International Longshoremen's Association, Pat Riley tells CHSJ News they would have reservations because, in his view, the port has no surplus land to spare. 

He argues Chinese customers, in particular, were looking at the port. Riley believes that kind of demand for port property will increase when the global economy picks up and Long Wharf is the best built pier at the port. 

Longshoremen launched a vigorous campaign in opposition to Irving Oil building its headquarters at Long Wharf a few years ago.

One Person Injured After Crash On Route 820

The Simonds Fire Department responding last night to a single vehicle crash on Route 820. 

Air bags were deployed with firefighters and paramedics removing one person from the vehicle who was taken to hospital. 

The highway was closed for a short time while the vehicle was removed from the scene. 

A Hospital Bomb Scare

A middle aged man in Fredericton arrested after he caused an evacuation late yesterday afternoon around 5:00 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.
    
Police say a patient was holding what appeared to be an explosive device which prompted the hospital's lobby and cafeteria to be evacuated and crisis negotiators called in.
    
The man was arrested without incident about 3 hours later.

Fredericton Police have not said what was in the suspicious package but it was not an explosive.

Charges Possible After Serious Crash In The K-V

Rothesay Regional Police believe alcohol may have played a part in a serious two vehicle collision late yesterday afternoon in the intersection of the Stock Farm and Palmer Brook Roads. 

That section of roadway was closed for an hour and a half. 

One of the drivers was taken to hospital.

Convict Who Was On The Lam Arrested

City Police arresting a man who was wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant.   
 
42 year old William Wayne Cummer was nabbed at a rooming house on Peter Street and will be appearing in court today for being unlawfully at large after being last seen on November 13th. 

Cummer has an extensive criminal background that involves numerous violent offenses and people were warned not to approach him. 

Police say he was taken into custory without incident.

Common Councillor Calls For Revitalisation Plan

Plan SJ wants to get more development going closer to the urban core but one member of Common Council believes you will need a specific revitalization strategy to make that happen. 

Donnie Snook, who represents Ward 3, believes there should be incentives on the table for new development and to restore buildings that are falling down. 

He would like to see a curbside recycling pilot program be given another look as well as a stoop and scoop program.

Snook is also calling for more trees and flowers be planted, yearly neighborhood cleanups and an Adopt a Block program.

Questions Raised After Inmate Walks Early

The Opposition Liberals want answers after one Saint John inmate received a Get Out of Jail Free card and we mean that quite literally.

The inmate was released early by mistake on October 15 and then was picked up for a violent crime on November 4th. 

Charlotte-the-Isles MLA Rick Doucette tells CHSJ News it concerns him that Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors waited weeks before releasing information on the oversight.

Doucette says it's obvious the early release of a violent offender is a major error which can't be ignored.

New Immigrants Are Looking At Saint John

The makeup of Saint John is changing if you judge by those people selling their homes to move elsewhere and other folks who want to move here.

Realtor Hodges Hamm tells CHSJ News there's a large number of people who are moving out of Saint John for the Alberta oil sands, a new refinery in B-C and industrial activity in Labrador.
 
On the other hand, Hamm says he's dealing with a number of Russians, Iranians and Turks who want to move here because it's affordable and close to the water.

Hamm concedes its now taking longer to sell houses from an average of 90 days to as many as 180 days with realtors having to show alot more homes to potential buyers who are well aware they are in control of the market.

We Know Now Where Mel Norton Wants 4-Plex Built

One of Mayor Mel Norton's priorities is for the city to build a multi-ice surface 4-Plex and now we know where he wants it to be located. 

The Mayor will be asking Common Council tonight to approve preliminary discussions with the Port Authority on constructing it at Long Wharf. 

Mayor Norton wants to find out how much land might be available and at what cost.

He tells Council the site is central to the L-B-R and Harbour Station with onsite parking and links to several areas of the city via Harbour Passage and bike trails. 

Long Wharf was where Irving Oil wanted to build its new headquarters but ran into opposition from the International Longshoremen's Association.

VIDEO: Canadian Folk Music Association Awards

The Canadian Folk Music Association awards were given in a big gala at the Imperial Theatre. The Once was among the winners taking home an award for vocal group of the year for their album ``Row Upon Row of The People They Know.''

Prince Edward Island singer-songwriter Rose Cousins nabbed contemporary singer of the year, an award she also received at the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

 The string group The Fretless won two awards, instrumental group and ensemble of the year, for their album "Waterbound." Other winners included violin player Trent Freeman, Montreal's Sagapool and Quebec's Mes Aieux.

 

Committee Announces Winning Entries In Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus Parade Committee has announced the winning entries in last night's parade. 

They are as follows:

Winning Entries:

• Best in Parade                                           Harbourview High School
• Best Commercial Entry                               Bell Aliant
• Best School                                               Lorne Middle School/ Mayor’s Float
• Best Cheerleaders                                      Harbourview High School
• Best Band                                                  527 Simonds
• Best Association/Church                             Gentle Path Counselling Services
• Chairperson’s choice                                  Xerox

Honourable Mentions: 

• Canada Post Mail Carriers
• Independence Plus Handi Bus
• 3034 Blue Mountain Royal Canadian Army Replica
• revolutionary Fire Dancers
• UNBSJ
• Saint John Energy

To see video highlights from last night's parade, click below

Charges Laid Against 16 Year Old In Stabbing.

A 16-year-old boy is facing charges of being masked during an indictable offence, robbery and forcible entry in connection with a fatal November 3 stabbing on the West Side.

He was arrested Thursday in Moncton.

There is still a warrant out for the arrest of 22-year-old Bradley Saia in connection with the same incident. 

This is the third arrest that has been made in the case.

New Calendar Campaign Raising Money for SPCA Animal Rescue League

One local business owner is dreaming up a made-in-Saint John fundraiser for the SPCA Animal Rescue League.

Debbie Blakney owns Kwik Kopy Design and Print Center. She recently printed a 2013 wall calendar in which local businesses sponsor adoptable pets for each month. Blakney says she got on board because she's an animal lover herself.

So far, the calendar campaign has raised $5,000. They'll be available for sale at the shelter and select businesses starting Monday. For more information, contact Debbie Blakney at debbie@kkdesign.nb.ca, or Kathy Illingworth at (506) 642-0929.

Youth Unemployment A Major Issue

Considering he's barely out of his twenties himself, it comes as little surprise that newly-elected Liberal Leader Brian Gallant is concerned about youth unemployment. 

Currently, 20% of New Brunswickers under the age of 24 don't have jobs. Gallant tells CHSJ News he's heard from a lot of worried young people who say this is the worst year for finding employment they have ever experienced.

Gallant says he was lucky to have good mentors when he started his own small business to make his way through school; however, it's vital for the province to find practical solutions to grow the economy and get people working.

Classic Christmas Tale Comes to Imperial

Ballet dancers as young as 6 and professionals from across Canada will be participating in this year's 9th annual Nutcracker production at the Imperial Theatre.

This year the production will help the Joshua Group by sending 40 kids with accompanying adults to the performance. Artistic Director Sylvia Logan tells CHSJ news there's a brand new set for Act 1 as well as many new costumes.

There are only two productions of the ballet, one on December 8th and a matinee on the 9th. For more information, click here

Cell Phones & Driving Growing Problem In Saint John

Everyone in Saint John know it's illegal but some can't seem to kick the habit.
 
For about a year and half it's been illegal to drive a car while using a handheld electronic device, costing you a whopping $170.50 plus 3 points off your license.
 
City Police Sgt. Jeff LaFrance tells CHSJ news when the law was introduced they initially had very good compliance, but now many people have slid back into their old habits. He says because of this growing trend the police force is going to step up enforcement of the law as part of ongoing safety programs. 



According to LaFrance, year-to-date there's been 192 violations. He says it's doesn't matter whether you're talking or texting, they're both dangerous habits that distract your driving. LaFrance adds he's seen people texting with children in their car and even on highways, where one teen flipped their car and ended up in hospital.



He believes there have been at least 2 accidents due to handling phones while driving. LaFrance reminds many people that it only costs $50 for a Bluetooth device, less than a third of the price of a ticket.