Linked Header

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Gary Keating Considering a Run at Provincial Politics

It's not the first time but the Principal of Simonds High School is giving serious thought to making the leap into Provincial politics. Gary Keating is waiting on word as to whether Saint John Fundy MLA and Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson plans to re-offer in September, if he doesn't, he plans to run for the nomination. As for any worries about running under the Liberal banner with all the heat from the NB Power proposal, Keating tells CHSJ News, it is cause for some concern.


Keating says he has a lot of respect for Jaimeson and expects he will make a final decison on his political future by the end of March.

Several Assualts in Sussex Area

A rash of assaults has been keeping Sussex RCMP busy. Officers were called to a home in Bellisle Creek yesterday for a disturbance. An 18-year old man was being taken into custody when he assaulted one of the officers. He wasn't hurt but the 18-year now has a date with a judge. Later that day, a 20-year old man from Sussex faced off against an 18-year old woman and 20-year old man who were out for a walk. After a conversation, the man went to his car, grabbed an object and threatened the man with it.


He then forced the woman into his vehicle and took off with her. She was dropped off at a home a short time later. No one was hurt but the 20-year old man is now facing charges of forcible confinement and assault. To close out the day, officers were called to a business on Leonard Drive to find a 16-year old girl from Norton was hit and thrown to the ground by an 18-year old man from Bellisle Creek. Ironically, the man had just been released from police custody moments before the woman was assaulted. He will be in court tomorrow for a bail hearing.

Cellphone Use and Texting While Driving

You will soon not be able to use your cellphones or text when you're driving.That, according to Public Safety Minister John Foran who says the government plans to introduce so-called driver distraction legislation.
Before any law is passed, Foran will be looking for what police, the insurance industry and other stakeholders have to say.

Boy Rescued in North End

City fire crews were called to the north end yesterday afternoon to perform a rescue mission. District Fire Chief Gerry Morris says a young boy became stranded on a rock face along Bridge Street 25 feet off the ground. The boy couldn't because of loose rock and snow. The fire department used its aerial to bring him down.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Chair of Police Commission Stepping Down

Some seat changes at the Saint John Police Commission going on as well.

Chair David Emerson is stepping down from his position, and says it's because of a heavy workload coming from his job with the University of New Brunswick doing Government relations.
Emerson says, although it sounds cliche, he also needs to spend more time with his family, since he has 5 children currently in school.
Vice Chair Chris Waldshutz is taking his place, with Emerson staying on board as vice chair.

Deputy Police Chief Retires

The Deputy Chief of the Saint John Police Department is hanging up his shield this week.

Darrell Scribner is retiring after 32 years on the force, and says he has no regrets over his tenure with the department.
Scribner began his career as a constable, moved on to the family services department, led major crimes, and eventually became Deputy Chief.
Scribner's official last day is Thursday, and says he's not sure how he's going to fill his days after that.

Simonds Lion Club Donates K-9 Officer to Police Force


[Members of the Saint John Lions Club, "Arnhem", and Police Chief Bill Reid--Photo by Dave Briggs]

The Saint John police department is getting one more officer, thanks to the Simonds Lions Club.

Simonds Lions Club raised $7 thousand dollars to purchase a service dog named Arnhem.
President Blair Wetmore says they got the dog from Holland, and there is no guarantee it will work out in the line of duty.
Wetmore says this is the second dog purchased by the Simonds Lions Club for the Police Force. The dogs main duties include search and rescue, and sniffing out drugs.

More charges for City Man

A 55-year-old Saint John man accused in a late November armed robbery and abduction has been determined fit after a psychiatric exam and faces further charges.


Adrien John Lepage appeared in a Hampton court today where he was charged with attempted murder related to the incident where a woman working at a pub in Quispamsis was robbed and abducted.


Lepage has not yet entered a plea on any of the changes and will be back in court late this month.

Saint John Portland MLA Ready for Election













(Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
         (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

If Danny Joyce confirms he will fly the Liberal banner in Saint John Portland, the Conservative MLA says he is ready to defend his constituents. Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, while he has a lot of respect for Joyce he feels who-ever runs for the Liberals is irrelevant in his opinion.

Holder adds at the end of the day, he is confident running on his record which began in 1999 when he was first elected to the Legislature.

More Questions Concerning Mike Muprhy's Decision

Even though he is citing personal reasons as his decision, many are still questioning as to why Justice Minister Mike Murphy is walking away from Provincial Politics. UNB Saint John Political Scientist Don Desserud tells CHSJ News, if there is disatisfaction among the cabinet ministers or even caucus, this is the kind of move that will precipitate others.


Many are convinced that Murphy is stepping aside to distance himself from the party because of the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal and will re-surface after the election in September.

City Hall Still Working on it's Budget

The city is getting close to revealing it's 2010 capital and operating budget. Acting City Manager Pat Woods says there will be a meeting on Thursday to discuss the numbers. Woods says after the meeting, councillors will have the weekend to review the numbers and then on Monday there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting with all department heads to review the details.


The meeting Thursday starts at 6 o'clock in the council chambers.

Trying to Find a Solution To Flooding

Common Council is accepting the proposal from CBCL Limited to take a look at the flooding issue in the Westgate Area. Councillor Patty Higgins asked why city staff could not look at the drainage problem in the area and director of works Shayne Galbraith says city engineers are already engaged in projects.

 
Galbraith says CBCL Limited should be provide the city with a report by March and that will determine whether it's a quick fix or a large scale project.



Youth Home in Quispamsis is Staying

The youth home for at risk teenagers in Quispamsis is staying on the Vincent Road. A hearing held late last month in Fredericton has dropped all appeals against the set-up for several reasons including jurisdictional grounds. Executive Director of Moncton Youth Services Mel Kennah tells CHSJ News, there is one resident at the home and expects it will stay that way for awhile.


Kennah adds he is glad this chapter is behind them and even more pleased the appeals board ruled everything in the process was above board. As for further expansion, Moncton Youth Services is considering one or two new projects for the near future and isn't ruling out another set-up in Quispamsis.

More Growth at East Point

There is a new tenant moving into the East Point Shopping Center. Tip Top Tailors is moving out of McAllister Place and taking up residence on top of the hill. An employee at the store tells CHSJ News, one of the reasons for the move is the increasing rent and in their new location will be able to offer a Big and Tall selection.


John Wheatley is Business Development Manager for East Point and tells CHSJ News, Tip Top and the new TD Bank are scheduled to be open in early spring. The new Costco location should be ready to cut the ribbon in May.

Radio Station Renovations

City Considers Lending Money For Harbour Bridge Repairs

Common Council is being asked to consider lending a bit of money to the Harbour Bridge Authority to do repairs.
Councillor Chris Titus is suggesting adding an extra percentage to the loan to create a new source of revenue for the city.
Titus says it's important to get the repairs done to this vital link of highway in the city. Mayor Ivan Court wants to know if there are discussions with the Department of Transportation, but Titus says the province says the bridge is not their responsibilty.
He says the province says the road leading up to, and directly after the Harbour Bridge is their problem, but not the bridge.

Maine Governor on NB Power Deal

After initially expressing reservations over the proposed agreement to sell the major assets of NB Power to Hydro Quebec, Maine Governor John Baldacci has changed his tune now saying the deal should mean good news for his state and the region.
Baldacci says he met with Quebec Premier Jean Charest over the holidays to find out if Maine's high power rates would be reduced under the deal and the state's growing renewable energy sector protected. According to the Governor, the discussions have been ``very positive toward that happening.''

Alzheimer's Disease On Rise in Province

The Provincial Alzheimer Society releasing a report that claims about seven people in the province are diagnosed with dementia every single day and that number is only expected to rise, perhaps doubling over the next thirty years overwhelming the health care system. Mel Vincent Junior who chairs the local chapter of the Provincial Alzheimer Society tells CHSJ News he's not surprised that 15 per cent of the 12 thousand people who suffer from some form of dementia in this province are baby boomers under the age of 65.

Liberals Recruiting for Next Provincial Election

The candidate recruitment drive continues by the Liberal Party in Greater Saint John. Danny Joyce, former owner of the Ultramar Gas Station in the North End, is considering a run for the Liberals in Saint John Portland. Joyce tells CHSJ News, he is pretty sure he is going to go for it.

The 51-year old Joyce says he gives Conservative Trevor Holder plenty of credit for the job he has done for the riding but admits sometimes a new broom sweeps a little cleaner.

Steady Night For City Police

A steady night for city police who made 7 arrests. One woman was treated in hospital after being assaulted with a weapon on Duke Street. 2 people were charged with a theft from Market Square and two others were arrested in East Saint John for possession of stolen goods and obstructing Police. CHSJ News has been told there were three or four domestic disputes called in.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Replacements Announced for Murphy













(Premier Shawn Graham)

Premier Graham has announced the replacements for Mike Murphy in the wake of his resignation. Local Government Minister Bernard LeBlanc will succeed Murphy as minister of justice and consumer affairs. Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock will assume additional duties as attorney general. Finance Minister Greg Byrne will take over Murphy's role as government house leader.

Moncton East MLA Chris Collins has been named to succeed LeBlanc as minister of local government. Collins will be sworn in as minister next Tuesday when the Legislature resumes sitting. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault will be appointed as deputy government house leader. Restigouche-la-Vallée MLA Burt Paulin will succeed Collins as government whip.



Conservatives React to Murphy Resigning














(Conservative Leader David Alward)

Saying it is not a suprise, the Opposition Conservatives are out with their own perspective on why Mike Murphy has stepped down. In a release, the party says the people of this Province have lost confidence in this government and clearly the Premier’s own MLAs are also unable to support the decisions this government is making. Minister Murphy is the second Liberal minister to resign his cabinet post but the first to declare he intends to leave, not just the cabinet but also the caucus.


Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, T.J. Burke announced he was resigning from his cabinet position in June following a cabinet shuffle that landed him as Minister of Environment. The party applauds Murphy for his hard work and admit the decision has to be a tough one.

MIke Murphy is Getting Out of Politics











(Justice Minister
  Mike Murphy)

Big news out of Moncton today. Justice Minister Mike Murphy is resigning his cabinet post and seat in the Legislature. That is confirmed to our news-room by Colin Caruthers who works at the Minister's office in Moncton. Caruthers tells CHSJ News, all of the details will be announced at a news conference this afternoon at one in Moncton at Murphy's riding office.

Caruthers adds Murphy is working on a few files he wishes to finish up before stepping away from the job in five weeks time. Murphy served as Health Minister for the first two years of the current Graham Governments mandate.

Blaney Reacts to Murphy's News
















(Rothesay Conservative MLA
     Margaret Ann Blaney)

The initial reaction from Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney on Murphy's annoucement is shock. With some speculating the Minister is stepping down to distance himself from the NB Power proposal, Blaney tells CHSJ News, that isn't for her to comment.


Blaney and Murphy have had some legendary battles both in and out of the Legislature and Blaney says he is a worthy advesary.

No Name Being Released After Teenager Killed

The investigation continues into a New Years Day Crash on the West-Side that killed a 19-year old man. He was killed when the vehicle he was a passenger in left the Sand Cove Road just after four in the morning and hit a hydro pole. The family has requested the man's name not be released to the media.


Sargeant Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, it could be a few weeks before the blood sample taken from the woman driving is returned to them.

Steady Growth for the West Side

Growth and plenty of it is coming to the community across the bridge. President of the West Side Business Association Blaine Harris confirms to CHSJ News, Papa John's is opening a restaurant on Fairville Boulevard. No word on when construction will get started but the sit down restaurant will be open this year. Also set to start construction is crews on the new Canadian Tire-Marks Work Warehouse store, also on Fairville Boulevard.


Harris tells us construction on that store, which will be located right behind the current set-up, is set to get started in April. As for a movie theater, Harris tells us they are still in negotiations with Empire Theater and hope to have some good news this year.

Looking For a Solution to Westgate Flooding

City staff is looking into ways to fix the problem of flooding in the Westgate area and the acting city manager is recommending hiring a consultant. Engineering consultants CBCL Limited has put together a proposal to look for solutions, after a study was conducted by city staff. The proposal has a price tag of over $73 thousand dollars, and aims to conduct a thorough study on the drainage systems in the Westgate Park area.


CBCL has done other drainage studies for the city and this topic will be up for discussion at tonight's council meeting getting underway at 6:30.

A Plea to Plant Spruce Trees

Trees are our best friends..........So says Saint John High teacher Barry Ogden who also chairs the city's Recreation Committee. Ogden spearheaded the Marigolds on main Street campaign and now wants as many people in the city as possible to plant spruce trees.


Ogden says spruce trees would make the city more green in the winter.

Radio Stations Are Getting a Facelift
















(Country 94 and 97.3 The Wave From King Street View)
                       (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Our radio stations are getting a make-over. Country 94 and 97.3 The Wave are under construction and that is why you don't see any one in the studio windows, for now. Phase one includes gutting of the front half of the main floor of the building at 58 King Street. When finished next month, both stations will have new state of the art, store front studios and newsroom.


The stations' reception area has also been temporarily relocated to the second floor if your coming in to pick up a prize. Most of the work will be carried out overnight but you may notice the sound of a hammer or other equipment in the background as you listen through the day. Total cost of the project is half a million dollars.

Weekend Storm Ravages Maritimes

A weather bomb hit the Maritimes over the weekend dumping close to 30 centimeters of snow in the Saint John region. The cleanup is now underway with roads and sidewalks slushy and slippery in spots after the light snow turned to drizzl in the city. A parking ban was imposed in the uptown. City Police tell CHSJ News 15 vehicles have been towed. If you're parked in once of the city lots, your vehicle must be out of there by 7 this morning. Three deaths in the region over the weekend have been attributed to the storm. As of last night, NB Power was reporting more than 100 outages affecting almost 3 thousand people, mostly in the Miramichi. A state of emergency was declared in Port Elgin where two dozen people had to be rescued from homes that were flooded from the storm surge. Some cottages were lifted from their foundations.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

NB Power Still Trying to Get Customers Re-Connected

It has been a tough 24 hours for NB Power crews as they have been battling the elements trying to get it's customers re-connected to the grid. Since yesterday's winter storm hit, the public utility had up to 15,000 homes and businesses off the grid due to the highwinds, heavy wet snow and tree branches coming down on top of utility lines.

As of six oclock, 3442 customers are still with-out power, the hardest hit area in Miramichi with 2528 customers in the dark and with-out heat. The Utility says it hopes to have everyone back on the grid by midnight.

Over-Night Parking Ban for South Central Peninsula











If you or someone you know lives in the South Central Peninsula, a reminder that there is an overnight parking ban for the area tonight. As of eleven o'clock, all vehicles parked on a street in the area have to be moved to a designated lot. If you don't move your vehicle, it will be towed at your expense.

There are five designated lots where you can park your vehicle starting at six tonight. The corner of Princess and Charlotte Streets, KIng Street East, Peters Street, Carmarthen Street at the Vineyard Church and Mecklenburg Street at Wentworth. Vehicles have to be out of the lots by seven tomorrow morning.

Plenty More Snow for Kennebecasis Valley and Other Areas

A snowfall warning has been issued for several areas of the Province including the Kennebecasis Valley, Sussex and St.Stephen. Anywhere between 10-25 cm's is expected in those and these areas:



_new_ acadian peninsula


_new_ bathurst and chaleur region


_new_ campbellton and eastern half of restigouche county


_new_ fredericton and southern york county


_new_ fundy national park


_new_ grand lake and queens county


_new_ kent county


_new_ kouchibouguac national park


_new_ miramichi and area


_new_ moncton and southeast new brunswick


_new_ mount carleton - renous highway


_new_ oromocto and sunbury county


_new_ st. stephen and northern charlotte county


_new_ stanley - doaktown - blackville area


_new_ sussex/kennebecasis valley and kings county.

A Request From Enterprise Saint John

Enterprise Saint John wants the opportunity to address city council on the progress it's made during last year. Representatives will present with what the group has accomplished over 2009 and what the goals are for 2010. The request is to ensure council, and enterprise Saint John are on the same page and to further the city as a magnet for innovation, creativity, and business investment.


The request to present will be discussed at tomorrow nights council meeting starting at 6:30.

Marco Polo Replica Close to Completion

With most of the construction of the hull complete, a 23-year old dream is on the verge of becoming reality. The replica of the Marco Polo will be ready to be carried across the harbour later this year to it's yet to be determined final resting place. Chair of the project Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News, it was constructed so anyone wanting to climb on board can do so.


Ogden says a perfect spot for the vessel in his mind is anywhere between Long Wharf and Water Street. The replica is ninty feet long and sixty five feet high, one third the size of the original vessel.

Deputy Mayor of Quispamsis Happy with Progress

No complaints from the Deputy Mayor of Quispamsis on where the town is and the goals it continues to move towards. Emil Olsen tells CHSJ News, the Q-Plex alone is a shining example of the go forward attitude among Town officials.


Deputy Mayor Olsen adds Quispamsis has alot to offer and that bodes well for both commercial and residential development.



Saint John Portland MLA Predicting a Busy Year















(Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder)
             (File Photo)

The MLA for the riding of Saint John Portland is gearing up for what he knows will be a busy year. Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News, with a Provincial Election in the fall and the future of NB Power still un-decided, there will be no rest for the weary.


Holder says he will also keep a close watch on what the Graham Government has planned for the future look of the Cresent Valley project.

Robbery on Rothesay Avenue

Even with the weather as miserable as it was last night, a thief found time to hit a business on Rothesay Avenue. City Police tell us someone broke into Kustom Auto Sound just after one this morning.


The good news is the thief stole nothing and took off from the store as quick as he broke in.

No Major Accidents to Report From Storm

As for accidents.......Police Forces in the metro area are reporting a good night. City Police tell us they were called to a few fender benders late yesterday afternoon but for the most part, no serious accidents or injuries to report. Same story for the Rothesay Regional Police. A reminder that the snow is heavy, so take you rtime and save your heart and back some pain.


The Saint John Airport is reporting all runways open and flights are arriving and leaving on time. As for the highways, there is a new service you can call.......511 to check the area your might be travelling to around the Province.

Snow Clean-Up Continues

The first snow storm of the new year was a beauty. It snowed all day in Greater Saint John and left roads, driveways and sidewalks full of wet, heavy snow. The clean-up has been on-going since yesterday and the Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations for Saint John Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News, this storm kept crews busy because as soon as they would clean a street, it would need another pass in less than an hour.


Rice adds they had a few issues with vehicles parked on the street but for the most part, had good access to most area's. Rice also reminds private operators and home-owners that there is a bylaw about plowing snow on to sidewalks. You could face a fine of up to $500 dollars. As for the gear and the crew, Rice says both are holding up just fine.

Plenty of Snow to Clean-Up
















(Snow Fall on King Street During Recent Storm)
            (Photo by Dave Briggs)

So Just how much snow did we get? Environment Canada tells anywhere between 20-25cm's fell in Greater Saint John. Bathurst appears to be the early winner of the snow-fall contest with 27cm's of fresh powder. Meteorologist Andy Firth tells CHSJ News, it is a slow moving system, just south of Maine and give more snow this afternoon and into this evening.


NB Power continues to be plagued with problems. As of ten o'clock, the public utility is reporting 10,739 of it's customers around the Province are with-out power. 599 in the Sussex area, 1629 in Moncton, 2846 in Miramichi and just over 700 in the Fredericton area.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Update on Latest Blast of Winter

It's just past 10:00pm and the snow has changed over to rain. There is a lot of snow down since it started falling last night but no officially word on how much at this point but we can tell you it is heavy.  An accurate number is going to be tough considering the amount of drifting snow due to the high winds. City Police report a few minor accidents and Rothesay Regional tell us most people are playing it safe and staying off the roads unless they absolutely have to be out.

NB Power crews are out battling the conditions trying to get thousands of it's customers back on line. As of 10:08pm Saturday night, 7947 customers are off the grid with the largest area in Moncton with 3823 homes and businesses off the grid. 291 in the Grand Bay Westfield area, 120 in Quispamsis, 321 in Sussex and 128 in Fredericton. Saint John Transit took the fleet of forty foot limos off the roads at 8:30pm and Municipal Crews along with Department of Transportation are trying to get the roads cleaned up.  

Here is the latest forecast from Environment Canada:Tonight:

Snow at times heavy and blowing snow changing to rain at times mixed with snow near midnight. Snowfall amount 10 to 20 cm. Heavy winds as well. Temperature rises to 3 by the morning. Periods of snow tomorrow mixed with rain and windy. Temperature falling to zero by the afternoon. Flurries tomorrow night and a low of -1.

More snow in the forecast Monday and a high of 1. Flurries expected on Tuesday.

Seadogs Vs Wildcats Game at Harbour Station Has Been Cancelled

If you had tickets for tonight's game at Harbour Station between the Wildcats and the Seadogs, you won't be able to use them tonight. Due to the winter storm barreling down on this region, the game has been cancelled. Seadog officials tell us the Wildcats started out for Saint John but quickly turned around as conditions grew worse.


Officials also tell us no make-up date for the game has been scheduled but all tickets purchased for tonight's game will be honored when the make-up date is announced. Again, tonight's game between the Wildcats and Seadogs at Harbour Station is cancelled.

Winter Storm on it's Way

Make sure the shovel is handy, and the snow blower is gassed up, The first storm of 2010 is on it's way .

Environment Canada is a winter storm warning in effect, and the snow is expected to begin this morning, about 10 centimetres, with winds reaching 40 to 60 kilometres an hour this afternoon.
Snow is expected to continue this evening, accumulating about 20 centimetres.
The radar is showing the warmer, wetter weather is heading towards Nova Scotia, but appears to have stalled over Maine.
Drivers are being warned to watch out for whiteout conditions on highways.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Rothesay Looks Ahead to the Next Twelve Months
















               (Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop)

Finishing the Renforth Wharf, cementing plans for the field house project and finishing up the infrastructure project which runs water lines from Grove Avenue to Fox Farm Road. All on the to do list for the Town of Rothesay in this new year. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, he has heard the continuing chatter concerning amalgamation and doesn't believe Quispamsis is interested.


Mayor Bishop says the feed-back he is hearing from home-owners is positive with how the Town is being run.

Quispamsis Ready For a New Year
















(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll Chatting With
  Residents at January.1st Levee at Town Hall)

Completion of the Q-Plex, an expansion for the library and finishing up sewerage lines along the Hampton Highway. Just a few of the projects the Town of Quispamsis looks to finish up over the next 12 months. Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, they are also keeping an eye on any new commercial development.


The first phase of the Shannex Development at the end of Millenium Drive is due to open in March and the ribbon on the Q-Plex is scheduled to be cut in the fall.

Working on the Budget at City Hall
















(Mayor Ivan Court with Police Chief Reid and Fire Chief
               Simonds at the January.1st Levee)

With preliminary numbers to be rolled out Monday night, City Hall is getting closer to finalizing the tax rate for this year. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News, they remain focused on trying to hold the rate at $1.72. Court adds even if they were to freeze all budgets, they would still need an additional four million dollars to run the city this year than last.

Once the preliminary numbers are revealed Monday, Court hopes to have a final budget vote two weeks later.

Moosehead Has Another Hit On It's Hands

Moosehead Breweries has closed out the year on another high note. After Moosehead Light Lime took the Maritimes by storm over the summer, the brewery has another hit in it's Camouflage Cans. The campaign made Alpines 12-pack the number one selling beer package around the Province for the month of September and also netted a Grand Bay Westfield man a huge prize.


19-year old Curtis Dykeman won a 2009 Yamaha Grizzly all terrain vehicle by filling out a ballot from one of the 163,000 beer that was sold during the campaign.

Snow is Falling and More Is on the Way

You have been hearing about it and here is the latest we can tell you about some winter weather headed our way over the next 48 hours. Environment Canada has just posted the a snowfall and wind warnings for the following areas leading into Saturday night:

snowfall warning for:



_new_ acadian peninsula


_new_ bathurst and chaleur region


_new_ campbellton and eastern half of restigouche county


_new_ fredericton and southern york county


_new_ fundy national park


_new_ grand lake and queens county


_new_ kent county


_new_ kouchibouguac national park


_new_ miramichi and area


_new_ moncton and southeast new brunswick


_new_ mount carleton - renous highway


_new_ oromocto and sunbury county


_new_ st. stephen and northern charlotte county


_new_ stanley - doaktown - blackville area


_new_ sussex/kennebecasis valley and kings county


_new_ woodstock and carleton county


grand manan and coastal charlotte county


saint john and county.




total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 centimetres are expected by


sunday morning.



wind warning for:


_new_ acadian peninsula


_new_ bathurst and chaleur region


_new_ campbellton and eastern half of restigouche county


_new_ western half of restigouche county


_new_ edmundston and madawaska county


_new_ fredericton and southern york county


_new_ fundy national park


_new_ grand falls and victoria county


_new_ grand lake and queens county


_new_ grand manan and coastal charlotte county


_new_ kent county


_new_ kouchibouguac national park


_new_ miramichi and area


_new_ moncton and southeast new brunswick


_new_ mount carleton - renous highway


_new_ oromocto and sunbury county


_new_ saint john and county


_new_ st. stephen and northern charlotte county


_new_ stanley - doaktown - blackville area


_new_ sussex/kennebecasis valley and kings county


_new_ woodstock and carleton county.


winds gusting to 90 to 120 km/h expected saturday night.
 
The snow began falling in Saint John just before three this afternoon (New Years Day). Anyone travelling over the next two days is reminded to slow down and give yourself plenty of time to get where your going.

Fire in Rothesay New Years Eve

The New Year got started the wrong way for a family in Rothesay. Their home suffered extensive damage after fire ripped through it on New Years Eve. The Kennebecasis Department was called to 46 Second Street off the Fox Farm Road just after six o'clock last night.


The good news is no one was hurt but Divisional Chief Bill Ireland tells us the fire is being ruled an accident and there is nothing suspicious about how it started. The owners of the home say they have plenty of family in the area they can stay with.

Impaired Driving Down

For New Years Eve, Police Forces in Greater Saint John are reporting a fairly routine night. Rothesay Regional tell us with several check-points in place, they didn’t use the breathalyzer once. In Saint John, although the record isn’t as spotless, they report only three driver’s being charged with impaired driving.

Officer's say the number of New Years impaired drivers have been on the decline for the past few years.

Man Killed on the West Side

The first day of 2010 has started off with tragedy for one Saint John family. A 19-year old man was killed early this morning in a single vehicle accident along the Sand Cove Road West. City Police tell us they were called to the scene near Driftwood Lane just after four to find the vehicle and three people inside had left the road.

The jaws of life had to be used to get all three out of the vehicle. The woman driving has submitted a blood test but no word yet on whether alcohol was a factor in this crash. Major Crime has taken over the case and have not yet released the name of the 19-year old man killed.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

More Information Released on Crash near Petitcodiac

The RCMP are releasing more details around the crash on highway 1 near Petitcodiac yesterday that claimed two lives.

31 year old Gregory Banguay of Saint John, and 29 year old Michael McAloon from Fredericton were killed when their vehicle rear ended a transport truck that was gearing down.
The roads were extremely slippery and icy at the time, and the RCMP want to remind motorists to slow down, and take your time while travelling.

Smoking Law Starts Friday


The provincial ban on smoking in a vehicle when a child is present goes into effect at midnight.

The Smoke Free Places Act prohibits smoking a vehicle when someone under the age of 16 is present.
Offenders could face fines between $140 and $570 dollars, and this act is one of many initiatives put in place to try and decrease, and recoup costs associated with tobacco use.
2009 saw a ban on tobacco displays and point of sale tobacco advertising, as well as a lawsuit from the province against tobacco companies.

Rothesay Regional Police Ready For Tonight


It's business as usual for Rothesay Regional Police this evening.
Patrols will be no different than any other weekend, with road blocks and random spot checks.
The police tell us, New Years Eve generally isn't too bad in the valley---but patrols will be watching for impaired drivers coming back from the city.

A Few Reminders

A couple of reminders from the city. All city owned parking lots will be free for overnight parking this evening, and on-street parking in the South Central Peninsula will be changing sides.
Anyone who would normally put their garbage out tomorrow should do so, because garbage collection is running on it's regular schedule.
And, Mayor Court and Common Council are holding it's levee tomorrow at the HMCS Brunswicker---things get started at 11 o'clock.


Out in the Valley, Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is hosting a levee at the town hall at noon, and Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishops event gets underway at 11 at the town hall.

Pilot Road Projects












[Transportation Minister Denis Landry----File Photo]
A couple of new projects from the provincial government is aiming to reduce the amount of snow building up on highways.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced the four pilot projects, that will include using salt brine before a storm to reduce the amount of accumulation.
Highways in the Miramichi, Moncton and Sussex will be used to test the effectiveness of using salt brine.
Landry says previous attempts to weaken the build up of ice and snow using de-icing materials were not effective, because it would blow off the roads. He says salt brine will stick to the roads better, and hopefully make highways safer during the winter.

KV Fire Chief Larry Greer Reflects on 2009
















[KV Fire Chief Larry Greer---File Photo]
A new pumper and ladder truck definitely the highlights of 2009 for the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department. Chief Larry Greer tells CHSJ News, training for both has been a success and he is now focusing on hiring a few more bodies.
Greer adds volunteer fire-fighters are a valuable asset to the department but it is becoming tougher to recruit them with everyone carrying heavier workloads. Chief Greer will retire this year but nodate has been confirmed.

Mayor Bill Bishop Looks Back on 2009


[Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop---File Photo]

With the finishing touches still to be ironed out for it's municipal plan, the Town of Rothesay likes what it accomplished over the past 12 months. Engineering work is being carried out on an eight million dollar infrastructure grant will be finished by next year with work still to come on the recreation file and an eye on more seniors housing and condos. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News, there is still plenty of property to build homes.
Bishop adds they hope to finish up renovation work for the wharf in Renforth in the spring.

Canadian Blood Services Looking For Donations









Before the end of 2009, you can do a good deed by donating blood this morning.

Canadian Blood Services has special holiday hours from 8am until Noon today at
405 University Avenue.
Spokesperson Amanda Cullen tells CHSJ News this time of year it can be tough to keep donations.
Canadian Blood Services will be closed tomorrow.
To book an appointment for blood donation, call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Gas Prices Increase Again


Gas prices are creeping up again.


The Energy and Utility Board is reporting the maximum price for regular self serve is now 101.3, and Diesel can be sold for 107.8.
Furnace oil has maxed out at 90.4 cents, and propane can be sold for a 112

Car Goes Off Road on West Side

Slippery roads are the cause of a single vehicle accident on the west side this morning.

Around 2:30, a car went off the road on Bay Street, with three people being sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
City police are urging motorists to be cautious of ice while driving during the cold snap.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Crash Kills Two Near Petitcodiac

Two men are dead after a two vehicle collision near Petticodiac this afternoon. It was just before one this afternoon when a transport truck which was gearing down was rear-ended by a small vehicle. The driver of the rig and of the smaller vehicle were both in their thirties and pronounced dead at the scene.

RCMP is still trying to piece together what happened but alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The section of Highway one was very slippery at the time and no names are being released at this time.

Saint John Art To Be Part of Winter Olympics


(file photo)


Chalk up another dream for local artist Norm Jackson -- he's presented his latest painting dedicated to the winter Olympics to the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee.
Jackson flew out to Vancouver earlier this week and met with committee reps yesterday.
He tells CHSJ News he also presented a letter from Mayor Ivan Court -- the painting featuring the Olympic Inukshuk symbol along with northern lights will eventually hang in an Olympics museum to be established in Vancouver.

North End Vandalism

A bizarre case of vandalism in the north end has forced a man from his apartment. A building at 13 Main Street was vandalised which included a water pipe being broken. This caused flooding and the power being shut off. The Red Cross has arranged for the man to have accomodation until the damage is fixed. City police are investigating.

Swine Flu Death in the K-V

A 27 year old Quispamsis man has died from the swine flu virus after spending nearly a month in intensive care. Doctors had tried treating him with the anti-flu drug Tamiflu but Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the province's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, says he had a number of underlying medical conditions and its unlikely he had received an H-1-N-1 flu shot.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Power Outages Wide-Spread Across the Province

It's two steps forward and three steps back for NB Power crews. They have been battling the weather all day trying to get a good portion of it's customers back on the grid. As of eleven o'clock Tuesday night, December.28th, 2285 are still with-out electricity. 1297 are in the Fredericton area, 330 in Rothesay, St. Stephen has 567 homes and businesses in the dark and Bathurst has 88.

Our radio stations, CHSJ and 97.3 The Wave were also hit by the power outage, with the signal for both stations down for a good portion of the day

Stricter Regulations at Saint John Airport


[Saint John Aiport---File Photo]

With stricter regulations in place about what passengers are able to carry onto an airplane, the Saint John Airport is recommending people travelling to the United States arrive earlier for their flights.

President Bernie LeBlanc tells CHSJ News, the regulations do not have a significant impact on operations.
There are exceptions to the regulations. Laptops, cameras, medications and small purses are still allowed onto the plane.
LeBlanc says nearly 25 per cent of traffic from the Saint John Airport travels to, or from the U.S.
The regulations have been increased due to a failed terrorist attack on Christmas Day in Detroit.

Vehicle Ends Up in Ditch Near Norton

Sussex RCMP are reporting a single vehicle accident near Norton yesterday.

The accident happened on Highway 124, when the 34 year old driver lost control on an icy road and ended up overturned in a ditch.
The vehicle was carrying 3 children, and the drivers 9 year old son was taken to the Sussex Health Centre, to be later released with minor injuries.

City Roads Getting Cleared


[Germain Street at 1:35pm----Photo by Dave Briggs]

Municipal Operations are on target for having all priority roads cleared this evening.

Deputy Commissioner of Municipal Operations Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News, so far operations have been running smoothly, with just a few minor maintenance issues this morning.
Rice says he's been getting great feedback from plow operators about the level of cooperation from uptown residents with vehicles.
Rice says plows have been able to clear uptown roads after one or two runs, rather than three to four like last year.
He says the important thing to remember during a snowfall is to be patient, because every road will be cleared.

Update on Barnwood Pub Robbery

The 55 year old Saint John man appearing in court in relation to an incident at the Barnwood Pub in Rothesay is being remanded for a psychiatric exam.

Adrien John Lepage appeared in court today in connection with the armed robbery of the pub, and the abduction of an employee.
Lepage did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance, and will be back in front of a judge on January the 5th.

New Rules for Selling or Purchasing a Condo

For the first time since 1969, a change is being made to the purchase and sale processes for condominiums in the province.

The Condominium Property Act aims to modernize the approval process, as well as increase transparency in the purchase and sale process.
Those looking to buy a condo will be given a 10 day cooling off period to obtain legal advice and to review any documents outlining the rules and requirements for living in a condominium community.
Over the past 15 years, condos have become popular housing choices, with more than 200 community's located throughout the province.
The new act goes into place on January the 1st.

BOT Expects Costco to Attract More Shoppers













[President of the Saint John Board of Trade Imelda Gilman----File Photo]

2009 was a good year for Saint John. So says the President of the Saint John Board of Trade, Imelda Gilman who tells CHSJ News it could have been alot worse considering the economic meltdown.
Gilman is looking forward to the opening of Costco in the spring which she says will attract more shoppers to Saint John.

Accident in St. George

Traffic along highway one westbound at St. George had to be detoured this morning after a head on-collision involving two cars. One person was taken to hospital after complaining of some pain.

MacIntyre Looks Back on 2009










[M-L-A Roly MacIntyre---File Photo]
 

The court house issue has been resolved, the emergency room expansion at the Regional continues to move ahead and the first students for the new Medical School are being interviewed. Just some of the highlights for the city from the eyes of Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre. He tells CHSJ News, regardless of the attention the NB Power proposal has and continues to receive, they are moving ahead with the capital budget.
MacIntyre adds not only is he proud of the work in the past year, very pleased with the accomplishments over the past 15. He will not re-offer in the Provincial election in September.

Accident in Hampton

The RCMP in Hampton reporting a single vehicle accident last night in the Hammond River area which injured three young people. police say their vehicle hit a patch of ice and left the road. Their injuries were not serious even though one of them was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Road and Weather Conditions this Morning




If you are out and about on the roads this morning, we are getting reports of very treacherous conditions. There was a report earlier of a tractor trailer that jack knifed on Highway one westbound just past the Lorneville exit and a car went off ther McKay Highway going westbound between Quispamsis and Hampton. Linda Libby of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News the snow is expected to end around noonhour and then it gets alot colder tonight and tomorrow morning.

By contrast, the temperature yesterday reached plus 6. Libby didn't know for sure but says it could very well have set a new record high for the date.

Fire Chief Reflects on 2009












[Fire Chief Rob Simonds---Photo Courtesy of saintjohn.ca]
Looking back at the past 12 months, there certainly was a lot of down time for the City Fire Department. Along with the thousands of calls, they were kept busy with operational training, capacity building a full review of services at the request of council. Chief Simonds tells CHSJ News, he was thrilled to see members of his force iron out a new contract.

Chief Simonds adds although the fire services review took a great amount of time, it was over-due and helped highlight why they need the resources they have.

The Premier Says The New Year Will Be Challenging








[Premier Shawn Graham----File Photo]
He's calling it the most challenging year of his mandate -- and -- Premier Shawn Graham says the new year will be just as challenging.

Graham says his government has been dealing with reforms of the education - healthcare - and - taxation systems while struggling with the impact of the global recession.
Graham says his government isn't going to coast through the new year while preparing for the fall election -- he says he will continue to move ahead with reforms and the controversial sale of N-B Power to Hydro Quebec.

More People Moving to New Brunswick

Statistics Canada is reporting the population in this province is increasing.

New Brunswick's population increased by .13 per cent, which is the highest quarterly growth since 1991 for this province.
There is growth in population in every Atlantic province, and strong numbers of growth in the west.
This province has the smallest percentage of growth of all Canadian provinces this quarter.

Getting Rid of Your Christmas Tree

Instead of just tossing your Christmas trees on the street, getting them mulched is a far better idea. In Saint John.......you can take your tree to the Gorman Arena in Millidgeville, The Peter Murray and Hilton Belyea are taking trees for the West Side and in East Saint John,it's the Forest Hills Ballfield. A location for the South End is still trying to be found........ In Quispamsis, you can take your tree to the parking lot of the Recreation Center off Meehan's Cove Road and the Walter Jewett Ballfield parking lot. Trees must be dropped of by Jan.8th. In Rothesay, there are four drop-off area's. The Bill McGuire Center, Wells Recreation Field, East Riverside Kingshurst Park and the front lot of the Rothesay Arena.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Vandals Hit Two East Saint John Car Dealerships

Some vandals spent the long weekend breaking car windows at two dealerships on Rothesay Avenue.

Damage was done to vehicles at Saint John Hyundai, and Saint John Toyota. An employee tells us, there is a total of 15 vehicles vandalized.
He says the estimated cost of damage is not known, since the damage was found this morning.
City police are investigating.

The Mayor Looks Back on 2009













[Mayor Ivan Court---File Photo]
There was plenty on the plate of Saint John Mayor Ivan Court as we look back at 2009. The on-going pension woes, contract negotiations and locking up funding for several projects including harbor clean-up. Court tells CHSJ News, the mayor's job is a 365 day commitment:
Court says the recent survey by Ipsos Reid shows the majority of citizens are happy with the job he and council are doing with more road repairs and safe drinking water high on the priority list for next year.

Police Investigating Shot Fired at Home

City police are looking into a bullet being shot into a home in the South End.

The police tell us, just before seven o'clock last night a bullet was fired through a window in the central south area.
There were no injuries, and Major Crime is currently investigating.