Elementary Schools Needed All Around

(District 6 Education Council meets in Rothesay High School)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

With a group in the Valley petitioning for a French Elementary School to be built in the area, District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson says they too, would like another elementary school.

With most elementary schools in the Valley at or near capacity, Watson says it's difficult to say whether a French Elementary School would take some of the stress of the District's already full schools.

But Watson says the district not only needs a new elementary school, but an addition on Harry Miller Middle School and Rothesay High School as well.

Liberals Unveil Campaign Slogan

(Liberal Leader Shawn Graham)
(File Photo)

If it wasn't already underway, the provincial Liberals have certainly launched their election campaign now.

Premier Shawn Graham has unveiled the campaign slogan "The Future Matters" saying New Brunswick will face many challenges over the next four years.

Graham says his party is best positioned to to tackle an aging population, escalating health-care costs and the world's changing economy.

He says a detailed program will be rolled out over the coming weeks.

Missing Senior Found

A happy ending to the search for a missing senior.

62-year old Fred Drew of the Kingston Peninsula has been found safe and sound.

Hampton RCMP tell us the Drew was picked up by a relative near his home last night and taken to Saint John of his own accord.

Officers began searching for Drew yesterday when he left for his daily walk and never returned.

Officers were originally concerned because Drew is an insulin dependent diabetic, but have since found out he has taken his medication.

District 8 Education Council Gets New Student Representative

The District 8 Education Council has two new members for the upcoming school year, Don Cullinan and Chris Harper.

Both of them officially sworn in at last night's DEC meeting.

Saint John High student Chris Harper is the new student representative and tells CHSJ News he wants to give students a voice and a say in what happens. 

He says he's impressed by the board's efforts to help out the regular student at school.

Harper says his friends are impressed with his decision to be the DEC representative.

The Province's Green Party Leader Says Politicians Need A Clear Message

(Provincial Green Party Leader Jack MacDougall)
(file photo)

The Provincial leader of the Green Party says he has great respect for both the Liberals and Conservatives but, he doesn't think they have a clear message for voters.
MacDougall tells CHSJ News he isn't sure if the Conservatives are hiding David Alward.


He says there doesn't seem to be any passion driving Alward.
MacDougall says no matter what party you are with the approach to getting voters can't be "they are bad vote for me".

Kingston Peninsula Senior Missing

The search is on for a missing senior from the Kingston Peninsula.


Hampton RCMP tell us 62-year old Fred Drew has been gone since yesterday when he left for his daily walk.
He is five seven, 300 pounds white hair and a short beard.
He was wearing a beige long sleeve shirt, jeans and white sneakers.


Drew is also an insulin dependent diabetic and officers don't know if he took his medication before leaving for his walk.

New Board Members At Saint John Airport

(Aerial Shot of the Airport Runways)
              (File Photo)

The board room at the Saint John Airport is making room for two new members.


Michael Walton and former Saint John mayor Norm McFarlane begin their terms right away.


Walton has held numerous positions with community boards and is a long time member of the Board of Trade.
Along with holding the title of the Mayor of Saint John, McFarlane is as former MLA, cabinet minister and accountant.

Harbour Bridge Repairs Are On Track

Repairs to the Harbour Bridge are going well.
General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News they are on schedule to have this year's work finished by October 31st as planned.

He calls this good news for those who use the Harbour Bridge for their daily commute.

Until then, travelers are asked to use the bridge during off-peak periods, car pool or use public transit can help ease the congestion.
Any changes are posted on their website, go to www.saintjohnharbourbridge.com

Gas Prices After Weekly Setting

The price of gas is down this morning after the weekly setting, the maximum price for regular self-serve is 97.4.

Diesel is also down at 103.0 while the cost of propane is up slightly to 102.8.
Home heating oil is selling for 86.7.

New Store Opens Today

More good news on the retail front for Saint John today. Sally Beauty is opening a location in the East Point Shopping Center. The store prides itself as the world's largest retailer of professional beauty supplies.

There are currently 2700 stores around the globe with Saint John's set to open on Wednesday.

Kindergarten Numbers Down In District 8

(District 8 Superintendent Susan Tipper)

(photo by Tamara Steele)

There are 38 less students enrolled for Kindergarten in District 8 this year.
759 students are registered so far but the numbers will fluctuate until the end of September.
Superintendent Susan Tipper tells CHSJ News if parents haven't registered their kids yet, they should do it soon.
Parents can register their children at the District 8 offices at 490 Woodward Avenue.
Tipper says the dip is normal and relates to how many students have moved in and out of the area.

A New Year And A New Budget For District 6

(District 6 Director of Finance John MacDonald)

(photo by Sherry Aske)

A new school year means a new budget plan for School District 6. John MacDonald is the Director of Finance for the District and tells CHSJ News he's not worried about the predictions that certain areas will be in the red.

He says they break even every year and usually by year's end they have a surplus.
This year's budget description projects the District will overspend in special needs and the operation of the District Office. MacDonald says the deficit is expected in special needs because they are adding 17 new Teacher Assistant positions. He says they're often over budget in District Office Operations because of expenses like telephone use, office supplies and travel.