Traffic Note

You might want to avoid Hilyard Drive if you're out and about today.

The road will be closed between Chesley Drive and Simonds Street until 7 o'clock tonight while construction is done on the Chesley Drive off-ramp.

Drivers will not be able to turn right on Hilyard Street if they're headed east on Chesley Drive.

The Place 400 parking lot will be accessible via Simonds Street.

Norton Weighs In On Council Cuts

Councillor Mel Norton could be changing his vote when it comes to cutting 4 seats from the council horseshoe.
Norton tells CHSJ News while he likes the idea of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars by having a smaller council, the feedback from his constituents has him reconsidering.
 
He says people have expressed concerns about accessibility and councillors being stretched too thin.
 
He says there will be rigorous debate in council chambers before any changes are made, especially after other councillors have also heard public feedback.

Blood Clinic Offers Strawberry Shortcake For Donations

The blood donor clinic on University Avenue offering you a sweet treat if you're willing to roll up your sleeve and give blood.

Sharon Bala with Canadian Blood Services tells CHSJ News the clinic will be giving out strawberry shortcake to donors this week.

Bala says there is often a dip in the amount of blood donors during the summer months because people go on vacation or get busy with outdoor activities.

Bala says the clinic is hoping to see just over 100 people come out throughout the week, and will be open on Monday and Thursday from 11am until 8pm, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am until 2:30pm.

Bus Tracking Good For Comex

New GPS technology that tracks the exact whereabouts of buses won't just benefit city commuters, but people from outlying areas as well.

The technology is now installed on all city buses and can be accessed on the Internet or on smart phones.

Hampton Mayor Ken Chorley says the Comex bus service is already going at full tilt and the new technology can only help.

He says people like the Comex bus service because it takes away the stress of driving and gets them to town on time.

Rain Leaves East Side Flooded

Rothesay Avenue and McAllister Drive are open again, but police advise you to drive with caution.

Yesterday morning's heavy rainfall causing significant flooding in the city's East Side, stranding several cars and closing area streets.

On Loch Lomond Road and Russell Street manhole covers were lifted completely off from the pressure of the water.

Police say one area that remains particularly water-clogged is where Rothesay Avenue turns into Rothesay Road.

Police Catch Naked Man Out For Late Night Stroll

French Village residents getting a shock when a naked man came around knocking on doors last night. Rothesay police getting the call at 11pm and arrived to find the naked man waving a butcher knife. Police say he forced his way into a home and grabbed the knife before the owner could force him out. The man was arrested and no one was hurt in the incident.

And city fire responding to a blaze at 28 Albert Street in the early morning hours. The vacant building was also involved in a fire a few months earlier. Crews arrived to find flames coming from a 1st floor window, and made quick work of knocking them down.

Rain And Flood Update

A number of roads are still closed due to flooding, even though the heavy rain warning has now ended. 

Rothesay Avenue and McAllister drive are still closed. 

Police reporting the stretch of Rothesay Avenue in front of Crosby's Molasses as one of the worst areas. 

The intersection of Brook Side, between the McDonald's and Parkway mall, is reported to have two feet of water. 

Police say they have already towed 4 cars from the area, and drivers are advised to avoid it if at all possible.

Rain Wreaks Havoc On City

The police getting lots of calls about the rain and flooding, so make sure to drive slowly if you're out and about today.

Traffic is being diverted on Rothesay Avenue because of the amount of water, and on the Loch Lomond Road near the Loch Lomond Villa a number of manhole covers have been lifted completely off from the pressure of the water.

City crews are aware and you're advised to be extremely careful if in the area. The highway near the Foster Thurston has also been reported as a particularly bad area.

A heavy rainfall warning is in effect for the region, with local amounts expected to reach 50 millimetres in one hour.

Motorcycle Event Benefits Food Banks

Area food banks are happy to see a crowd of motorcyclists gathered in St. Andrew's for the 2011 edition of Atlanticade. 

Donna Linton says food banks in Charlotte county will be benefiting from the event's generosity for the second year in a row. 

She says the food banks are in constant need of thousands of pounds of food every month, and they're very fortunate the event has come to town.

Linton says this year three events will benefit three local food banks, and they're hoping to raise 3000 dollars.

River Study Delivers Mixed Messages

The release of the newest survey of the Saint John River comes with some good and bad news. 

Researcher Karen Kidd says the report, which looks at how the river has changed over the last four decades, shows some parts of the river that have definitely improved over time.  She says that's likely because we've done a better job managing our waste water.

Kid says problem spots remain below Edmunston, and between Grand Falls and Mactaquac where oxygen levels are lower and fish have a harder time thriving in their environments.

She says the hope now is that stakeholders will step forward to discuss how things can be improved.

North End Drug Bust

Police arresting and releasing a 45 year old man in a drug bust in the city's North End on Thursday.

The man was charged with drug trafficking as well as weapons charges and will appear before the judge at a later date.

Police found 2 firearms, marijuana, 4 grams of crack cocaine, and pills in a home on Main Street North.

Rothesay Police Enforce New Rules

Rothesay police cracking down on impaired drivers now that there's a tougher punishment for driving under the influence. 

Police handing out three 7-day suspensions at a road block on the Hampton Road last night.  

The suspensions are part of new rules that kicked in June 24th, where drivers caught with a roadside breathalyzer reading above 0.05 get a week long time-out from driving. 

The punishment used to only be a one-day suspension.

Visitation and Funeral Times Announced For Oland

Funeral Services announced for the prominent businessman Richard Oland. 

Services will be held this Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Rothesay at noon. 

Visitation goes tomorrow and Monday from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm at Brenan's Funeral Home.

Oland Family And Premier Speak On Oland's Death

The family of Richard Oland releasing a statement on the death the 69 year old business leader.

The letter thanks friends and community members for the outpouring of support in a difficult time.  It goes on to say that they family is very proud of his many personal and business achievements as well as his contributions to the Saint John area and he will be remembered fondly.

Below is the full statement from the family of Richard Oland:

“We thank our many friends and others in the community who have reached out to us.  We appreciate the many offers of assistance and your condolences.  This is a very difficult time for our family and we hope everyone understands our need for privacy.  We are very proud of Richard’s many personal and business achievements and contributions to Saint John and the region.  We will remember him fondly and truly appreciate the outpouring of support and heartfelt remembrances we have already received.”

The Family of Richard Oland

Premier Expresses Condolences To Oland Family

Premier Alward is expressing his condolences to the Oland family on the death of Dick Oland.

In a statement - Alward says Oland's contributions to his community and the province were as generous as they were significant.

The Premier says Oland will always be remembered with deep respect by the people of Greater Saint John and the entire province.

Historic Final Shuttle Launch

Video Courtesy of NASA TV

Announcement Tenatively Planned By Police Regarding Oland's Death

The Chief of Police may be making an announcement Monday regarding the death of prominent local business man Dick Oland -- that from Sgt. Glen Hayward with the Saint John Police Force.

Hayward tells CHSJ News it depends on how the investigation shapes up over the weekend and what information they can release to the public.

The body of the 69 year old was found yesterday morning in his Canterbury Street office.

Police have deemed the death suspicious and have been seen canvassing the office and surrounding area today.

Former Group Member Shocked by CRRD Support For Shale Gas

A former member of the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development says the group's recent support of the shale gas industry is a shocker.

Otty Forgrave tells CHSJ News the CRRD's change of heart is a minority opinion.

He says most community groups still want a moratorium on shale gas development because things are moving too quickly.

Salty Jam 2011 Continues This Weekend

Live music fans in Saint John are happy campeers as the 2011 edition of Salty Jam continues.
Last night, Country star Rosanne Cash kicked things off and tonight, it's the Jam Stampede-a dance band from New York City.
Organizer Renea Sleep tells CHSJ News tomorrow night features the legendary Downchild Blues Band in the Water street tent.
Tomorrow's events include a Songwriter's Circle on the Boardwalk hosted by Mike Bigger and high school bands all day in the King Square tent. For all things Salty Jam click here.

BOT Expresses Grief And Shock Over Dick Oland's Death

The impact of Dick Oland's death being felt in all corners of the City.

Saint John Board of Trade President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News Oland was a long time member.

She says she didn't know him well but, she knew of him through his business reputation in the community over many years.
Gilman says when he left Moosehead, he started several companies including Brookville Transport and Manufacturing.


She says most recently the Board of Trade was dealing with Oland and his investment company Far End Corporation.