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.