North End Works Kicks Off

Festivities -- Photo by Melissa O'Rourke


Kick off festivities for a new business building project in the North End started with a bang this afternoon. North End Works is a new initiative that aims to discover the skills and talents of local residents and turn those skills into thriving businesses. Wendy McDermott with Vibrant Communities tells CHSJ News they're hoping events like today's will have many residents filling out forms.

North End Works is hoping to have business idea's in discussion in next three months.

Medical Isotopes Price Increase

The Department of Health is confirming the price of medical isotopes is rising.Minister of Health Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, the Regional Health Authority's are mandated to deal with the supply, and she says they are doing a good job handling the cost increase.
Schryer says the higher rate went into effect on August the 1st.
The price increase comes as Ontario's Chalk River reactor has gone offline, causing health authorities to try and secure isotopes.

Canada Games Stadium Cash Closer

It appears the federal and provincial governments are moving closer to some kind of funding announcement for the six million dollar upgrade of the Canada Games Stadium. Premier Graham tells CHSJ News it's definitely on the to do list and his government is whittling away the long list of priorities.Meantime -- Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is sounding optimistic about an announcement. Weston says it's something that he's been working on for some time along with provincial Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson and he's feeling good about it.Supporters of the project are hoping to have the upgrade completed in time for hosting the Acadien Games next summer -- meantime -- we are being told the official word could be coming early next week.

Blood Donation Milestone

A Rothesay man is in select company after making his 600th blood donation.Don Shaw donates plasma weekly, and is only the 75th Canadian to reach 600, and the only person in New Brunswick.Spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services, Amanda Cullen tells CHSJ News, it would be great to have more people donate as frequently as Shaw.She says summer months often show a decline in donations.
Cullen says two other New Brunswickers are in the "500 Club" and were on hand to congratulate Shaw on his achievement.She says anyone interested in giving the life saving gift should call 1-888-TODONATE.

Federal Funds Helping Restore Historical Site in Kingston

The federal government is investing money into New Brunswick's oldest surviving church.Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore announced the feds are investing $30 thousand dollars into the Trinity Church and Rectory National Historic Site in Kingston.The money will go towards renovating and preserving the church, and will pay for a maintenance plan for two church buildings, as well as four exterior storm windows.Moore says the money is out of the National Historic Sites of Canada Cost Sharing Program, and will create jobs, as well as allow conservation professionals maintain and preserve an important historic site.

Rash of Robberies Traced Back to Drugs

The sudden rash of robberies in the city over the past several weeks has a lot of people asking why?Information officer with the Saint John Police Force Sgt. Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, in practically every single incident drugs were a factor. Sgt. Bonner says, like most robberies, the sudden rash in the city is led by people trying to get fast cash to buy drugs.

The Antlerless Deer Draw Results Are In

Nearly 5000 lucky hunters can find out if they are able to hunt antlerless deer this season.The results of the draw are in, and anyone with a deer license can head to the Department of Natural Resources website to check if they won.A list of two digit numbers, which are the last two digits on a deer license will indicate if you've won a permit.This year, over 12 thousand New Brunswickers put their names into the draw.

Fundy Fog Festival Hits the Boardwalk Stage

The Saint John's sixth annual Fundy Fog Festival hits the stage tonight. Soul Ride out of Halifax will open for Cape Breton's Slowcoaster at eight o'clock-- and-- Saint John's very own Big Medicine will hit the stage tomorrow night followed by a motocross performance and then Soul Ride. Heather Peterson with the Hardman Group tells CHSJ news the Fundy Fog Festival is sure to bring in the fog.

The motocross performance is expected to steal the spot light this year. Peterson says she wanted to add a little flavour to this year's event with bikes flying through the air, over the stage, and performing amazing stunts. To get a sneak pre-view check out their practice session Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm.

Province Announces Money for Athletes

The provincial government is giving more than 98 thousand dollars to 83 athletes in the province to compete at the provincial and national levels. The funding will help top amateur athletes make the senior or junior national team and will come from the New Brunswick Athlete Assistance Program.

Athletes must be competing in a recognized sport in a major event such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Canada Games. The grants range from $500 to $3,000.

Paul Zed Shocked By Irving Oil Donation to Romero House

Chair of the Finance Committee Paul Zed tells CHSJ News, himself and staff at Romero House were stunned when Irving Oil employees presented a cheque for over $30 thousand dollars.Zed says this amount doubles the target amount the soup kitchen was aiming to raise.

He says this contribution puts Romero House at $60 thousand dollars, doubling their goal set 3 weeks ago.
Zed says this will be the base of the stability fund that Romero House will be able to tuck away for a rainy day.He says he's impressed with Irving Oil matching the $15 thousand dollars raised by employees.

Rothesay Water System Gets Government Boost

[Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop----Photo by Gary MacDonald]


The town of Rothesay is getting some multi-million dollar help from the federal and provincial governments to upgrade and expand its municipal water system. Both levels of government are contributing a total of 5.4-million dollars to the project -- and -- Mayor Bill Bishop says the line will be extended to K-Park and adjacent to the McKay highway:
Bishop says the expansion should help to spur more development in the area -- work is expected to begin almost immediately.

Premier Encourages Everyone To Support Special Olympics

[Premier Graham with Athletes-----Photo by Gary MacDonald]

The competitions are officially underway with more than 200-atheltes and coaches taking part in the Special Olympics around the greater Saint John area. Premier Graham dropped by the soccer venue at R-C-S Netherwood this morning -- and -- he's calling on Saint Johners to show their support:
The competitions are continuing through the weekend.

Irving Oil Employees Raise Money for Romero House

Another boost for Romero House---this one courtesy of Irving Oil employees.The soup kitchen was presented with a cheque for $30 thousand five hundred and seventy eight dollars this morning from the employees.The funds were raised by 50/50 draws, Loonie/Twoonie drops, and other activities.The company also contributed to the fundraiser.

Busy Night for City Police

A busy night for city police with about 100 calls including a reported robbery on Bridge Street around 9:30pm. Two men stormed into a woman's home and stole several items before fleeing on foot. A woman called for help through her "Help Line" saying she was robbed by a man with a shotgun. She was not hurt, but taken to hospital as a precaution because of her cardiac history.

Meanwhile, two men in their 30's were taken to hospital after inhaling fumes while working on a tank at Canaport LNG. 18 men were working on the tank at the time and WorkSafe NB is investigating. Also an 18 year was rushed to hospital last night after being found unconscious on the floor of an auto repair shop on Hickey Road. Police say he is still at the Regional and it's unclear if it was an industrial accident.

Finally, two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with stolen cars in the city. Police say at least two vehicles were stolen after the owners left the keys in the ignition. One youth is due in court this morning and the other was released to appear in court at a later date. Police are advising people to lock their car doors.