Missing Moncton-Area Man Found

RCMP have located a 31-year-old man reported missing earlier this week.
Fred Prosser was found by RCMP at his Shenstone home near Salisbury today and officers also found his pickup truck nearby.

Prosser is being interviewed by police to determine where he has been over the past few days.
Police continue their search 25-year-old Sabrina Patterson.
Patterson has two children with Fred Prosser.

Simms Trial Date Set

A 19-year-old East Saint John woman goes on trial next year in the death of a 19-year-old man on New Year's Day.
Erika Simms of Loch Lomond road faces three charges after a car hit a pole on Sand Cove Road near Driftwood Lane.

She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and her trial starts on February 15th.

Shooting Victim Recovering In Hospital

RCMP are following up on tips about vehicles spotted near the shooting in Baxter's Corner on Monday night.
A 34-year-old man was shot as he came into his camp on Carr Lane just after 5.

Two men, between 5 feet 9 and six feet tall, with medium to stocky builds wearing hunter orange jackets and hats took off.
Police tell CHSJ News the Hampton-area man who was shot is recovering in hospital.
If you saw a vehicle in the area between 4 and 6pm on Monday, contact police at 832-5566  or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Backhoe Causes Blackout

A number of St Stephen residents getting a surprise this morning -- they lost their electricity -- and -- a backhoe is to blame.
The unit hit a power pole snapping it and knocking out the power -- the loss of electricity also darkened traffic lights at a busy intersection near Tim Horton's.
The driver of the backhoe was taken to hospital to be checked over -- RCMP are still working to determine why the backhoe hit the pole.

Sluggish Economic Growth Expected In Province Next Year

(APEC Chief Economist David Chaundy)
          (Photo by Brian McLain)

The provincial economy will grow next year, according to the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, but only at a rate of 1.7 per cent with one per cent growth in employment.

APEC's Chief Economist David Chaundy concedes that may not be much but he tells CHSJ News it's better than what has been happening this year.

Chaundy warns the new Conservative government faces a big challenge with the deficit but a two per cent reduction in the provincial government's budget is not enough.

Businesspeople are being told it's time to start investing again. APEC is also predicting modest growth in housing next year for the three largest cities. Moncton led in housing this year with a growth rate of 11 per cent.

Canada's Ambassador To U.S. Says Energy Opportunities Abound For Atlantic Canada

(Canada's Ambassador To The U.S., Gary Doer)
            (Photo by Brian McLain)

Saint John getting a visit from the Canadian Ambassador in Washington, Gary Doer who was the keynote speaker before a large gathering of businesspeople at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Doer says Atlantic Canada is well positioned to take advantage of the energy demand in New England if the provinces work together. He points out New England imports 11 billion dollars worth of energy from Atlantic Canada and 35 per cent of its natural gas comes from this region.

He adds the Americans are looking for energy security which they can't get from the Middle East.

Doer told businesspeople at the Trade and Convention Centre the incoming chair of the Congressional Energy Committee who's a Republican is, in his words, pro-NAFTA and pro-energy from Canada.

Cause Of Fire Pinpointed

An electrical problem in a bedroom at 76-Taylor Avenue is being blamed for a fire which has left 23-people homeless.

The fire was called in around 8 yesterday morning and when fire fighters arrived -- there were flames shooting from the 8-unit building.
One person was sent to hospital for treatment after breathing in some smoke.
The Red Cross has been helping those left on the street to find other accommodations.

Most Drivers In City Are Paying More To Fill Up

For most drivers around town, gas is more expensive after the weekly setting......Self serve regular in the city has increased by over a cent a litre to $100.9........The price of diesel  decreased slightly and is being sold in the city for $108.2. Heating oil is up to 94.3 cents a litre while propane is also a bit higher at $107.5.

Two Collisions On East Side Send Four People To Hospital

City Police telling CHSJ News one man suffered serious injuries in a two vehicle collision late last night along Rothesay Avenue by Harveys. Earlier in the day, 3 people were sent to hospital after another two vehicle crash on Loch Lomand Road at St. Anne Street. That one happened just before 3:30 in the afternoon.