Is Margaret Ann Blaney Making a Move

       (Margaret Ann Blaney)
            (File Photo)

Ottawa appears to be pleased with the work coming out of the riding of Rothesay. Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney's name is again being tossed around as a possible candidate for the senate. Blaney tells CHSJ News, at this point, it is nothing but speculation.


Blaney is a former candidate for the leadership of the Provincial Conservatives and has held several Provincial cabinet posts over her career.

Dead Ducks in Rockwood Park

It could be at least two weeks before we know if any charges will be laid after two ducks were killed in Rockwood Park on Monday. A 45-year old man was taken into custody but has since been released. City Police and the Department of Natural Resources are looking into the matter and DNR spokes-person Matt Jones tells CHSJ News, this is something they take very seriously.

Jones adds under different acts and statutes in the Province, you need a license to kill any wildlife in the proper season but it doesn't matter how you kill it whether it be with a vehicle or a rock.

Homes in Sussex Hit by Shots

It appears someone in Sussex is taking target practise at homes with a pellet or BB gun. RCMP were called after a window pane in the door of a home on Elmwood Avenue was broken. There were two holes caused by either a BB or Pellet gun.


Also, an outdoor light had been broken at another home and holes were also found in the siding of another home on the same street.

Changes to Disability Act

If you suffer with a disability, some good news from Fredericton today. As of January.1st, the disability supplement will be added to the social assistance benefits extended to anyone with disabilities and these benefits will be provided monthly.

Anyone with disabilities who were not previously eligible for the benefit may now qualify depending on their income. Clients who received their annual benefit in October of last year prior to this change will start receiving the benefit monthly beginning in October.

Saint John Company is Closing this Spring

Company officials now confirm the Eddie Bauer Contact Center in Saint John, New Brunswick is closing it's doors at the end of May. Director of Communications Sarah Redgrave tells CHSJ News, this was not an easy decision and employees will not be left with-out options. All will be aable to apply, if they wish, to one of their two new out-sourcing companies and a job fair with other companies in Saint John looking to hire will be set up.


174 people are currently working at the center which first opened it's doors back in 2001. Redgrave adds the decision to close was made because the two new outsourcing facilities can offer it's customers with faster turn time and better technology not available here in Saint John.

Board of Trade on NB Power Proposal

       (Chair of the SJ Board of Trade Cathy Craig)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Saint John Board of Trade has identified six areas in the proposed deal to sell NB Power's major assets to Hydro Quebec that have to be improved. Chair Cathy Craig tells CHSJ News, they would like both parties to address these areas before the deal is done.


The areas for improvement according to the Board of Trade include current service levels being maintained or increased and they want to ensure Saint John Energy will not be negatively affected.

No Apology From NDP Leader

Provincial New Democratic party leader Roger Dugay isn't saying sorry after turning a news conference by opponents to the sale of N-B Power into a shambles.
Dugay launched into a verbal attack on Conservative leader David Alward and his party for its handling of N-B Power while in government -- and -- he tells CHSJ News he's unrepentant.
Dugay is promising to tear up the sale agreement if his party forms the government after this fall's vote and vows to work with any party willing to take that action if his party holds the balance of power after the election.
Premier Graham says the controversial of N-B Power to Hydro Quebec will be approved by the Legislature before a March 31st deadline.

Highlights Of No To Sale Of NB Power News Conference

Second Rally at the Legislature

Hampton Teen's Murder Trial to start today

The trial of a 15-year-old Hampton girl charged with first degree murder in the death of an elderly man is scheduled to start today.
She had previously elected trial by judge alone, but will be facing the jury as well.
78-year-old Frank Tonge of Damascus died in his home from a single stab wound to his upper body.
Nine days have been set aside for the trial in Saint John.

Another NB Power Rally at the Legislature

(Over Two Hundred Rally in Front of the Legislature)
                (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Over 200 people braved the cold in front of the Legislature to voice their displeasure with the propoed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. The faces were different but the cry was the same....Premier Graham has got to go. Former Energy Minister Jeannot Volpe was one of several speakers who encouraged them to continue their fight.


Volpe adds there is a bill in place right now that states the public utility cannot be sold so if the proposal is to go through, Premier Graham will have to change the act. The next rally is planned on Jan.28th when Premier Graam delivers is state of the Province adress.

Provincial NDP Do It Their Way

(From the Left is Green Leader Jack McDougall, center is
Conservative Leader David Alward and NDP Boss Roger
                                 Dugay)
                     (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The leader of the Provincial NDP Party certainly knows how to crash a party. Roger Dugay took part in a news conference with Conservative Leader David Alward and Green Party boss Jack McDougall to voice their opposistion to the proposed sale of NB Power but didn't stick to the script. Dugay says the Liberals and Conservatives can't be trusted and rallied for voters to stand behind his party this fall.

Dugay added the Conservatives began this process to sell NB POwer and after it broke, the LIberals are now trying to sell the broken pieces. All three leaders ay they will have a document outlining their parties alternatives to the proposed sale.

Protest Rally at Legislature

MLA's returning to the Legislature today can expect a big crowd in front of the building. A second rally to protest the proposed sale of NB Power's major assets to Hydro-Quebec is scheduled for noon. Greg Cook is the spokes-person for the Coalition of New Brunswickers opposed to the sale and tells CHSJ News, his group has 28,000 members and continues to grow. Cook is convinced with the resignation of Mike Murphy last week, there is a fracture in the ranks. The first rally held back in the fall had 1500 people show up. Today's gets started at Noon.

K-V Fire Budget

Trying to eliminate 100 thousand dollars from the Kennebacasis Fire Department's budget is still the topic of debate in the valley. Quispamsis is trying to convince Rothesay to allow the hiring of an additional fire fighter.
Mayor Bill Bishop says Quispamsis has agreed to hold off on hiring someone until the fourth quarter of the year. The fire board is suggesting a meeting between the two municipalities, and members of the fire department. Deputy Mayor Blair MacDonald wants to wait for a new fire chief, and deputy chief to get a fresh perspective on the issue. K-V Fire Chief Larry Grier is expected to officially retire at the end of February.

Damage from Jail Disturbance

Damage from Saturday's riot at the Regional Correctional facility was extensive but limited to one living area which contains 24 cells. Furniture, plumbing fixtures and electrical wiring were damaged.
A small fire was set in the area which was immediately exstinguished and as a result the area sustained water damage. The disturbance involved 16 prisoners at the facility on the Old Black River Road.

Cash Donations for Burned Out Family

If you would like to help out a family who has been left without anywhere to live this past weekend after a fire on Garden Street, Saint John High teacher Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News you can drop off any money you can spare to the school secretary at the Canterbury Street entrance. The School is not collecting clothing or furniture.
Ogden, who also chairs the city's Leisure Services Committee, says this latest fire points out the need for safe affordable housing in the city core.

City Budget Nears Approval

The city wants to cap future budget increases for police, fire and transit services to one per cent in 2011 and 2012. That word from acting City manager Pat Woods who will be presenting a balanced budget for Common Council's approval next week. It's expected to contain a stable tax rate of $1.79 but Woods is warning Councillors they have to do something about the financially beleaguered city pension plan this year. Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase is concerned about rising water rates and wants to see major construction projects limited to water.

Man Faces Charges for Killing Ducks

Charges are pending against a 45-year-old man responsible for killing ducks at Rockwood Park.

The man was driving around the duck pond this afternoon and hit some ducks with his vehicle and killed two of them.
City Police are working with the Department of Natural Resources on the matter.
The charges will be filed under the Wildlife Act.

Sick Baby in Halifax

A 23-month-old girl is in critical condition at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax after ingesting methadone. It was on Friday of last week when paramedics were called to a home in Havelock. At some point during the previous 24 hours, the baby girl had ingested methadone.


RCMP is investigating to figure out exactly what happened. Two people were arrested and later released and no charges have been laid.

Alward Comments on Delayed Report

(Conservative Leader David
            Alward)

Conservative Leader David Alward says he isn't shocked that a report on the proposed sale of N-B Power to Hydro-Quebec isn't ready. An independent advisory panel tasked with providing advice says it needs more time to understand the complex deal. Alward says we have a committee that is very much sitting behind closed doors and isn't hearing from everyone in the Province which is nothing short of a disappointment.

Alward is calling for an all party committee of the Legislature that is hearing from all sides of the argument. Chairman David Ganong says it will likely be the end of the month before the panel releases its report.

Premier Graham Ready to Back up Provincial Airports

(Premier Graham Speaking Recently in Saint John)

If provincial airports require the new security scanners, than the Premier is willing to fight for them. Shawn Graham says the importance of trade to the United States is important, and is willing to go to bat for airports if the scanners are needed to stay competitive.


President of the Saint John Airport Bernie LeBlanc says it's a necessary tool to provide safe flights, and since security at the airport is regulated by Ottawa it will mean they supply the staff to operate it. The only airport in the region expected to get a scanner is Moncton.

More Power at Kent Hills Site

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)

The company building wind farms around the Province, TransAlta, has been awarded a 25-year power-purchase agreement to expand the Kent Hills site by 54 megawatts. Under the agreement, it will expand its existing 96 MW facility which began operation in December of 08. Today's announcement follows an NB Power request for proposals last June for the purchase of up to 100 MW of wind energy generation.

TransAlta expects construction to start early this year and for the facility to be in service by the end of the year. 18 turbines will provide up to 160,000 MW hours of electricity every year. That is enough power for about 9,000 homes.

Education Council Set to Meet and Hear From the Public

If you have a child or children attending a school in District Eight you will be interested in this. The District Education Council has scheduled five Town Hall style meetings over the next three months to get your feedback on any and all topics. Rob Fowler is Chair and tells CHSJ News, they will take a few days to go over all the info collected after the final meeting on March.25th.


The first of the five meetings is scheduled to go on Thursday at River Valley Middle School starting at seven o'clock.

Q-Plex Has It's First Manager

A coast to coast search by the Town of Quispamsis has found a new manager for it's Q-Plex. Brad Steel has been hired to manage the facility which is still under construction. Steel has an extensive background in the sports and recreation sector. He has managed a variety of mid to large scale sports and recreation centers in British Columbia and Ontario.


In his new role, Steel will be primarily responsible for overseeing the planning, operations and maintenance of the Q-Plex and Memorial Arena. The ribbon cutting for the Q-Plex is on target for late this summer.

Vandalism on the Peninsula

Hampton RCMP are on the look-out for someone who did some damage on the Kingston Peninsula over the weekend. Officers were called to a community mailbox on Hill Road yesterday to find several of the doors had been damaged.


The good news is no mail was stolen.

Big Cash for Mount Allison University

Students at Mount Allison University received good news today with Ottawa providing over $750,000 for upgrades at it's recreational facilities. Specifically, the project involves refurbishing the tennis courts, repairing the lighting system at the athletic field, improving the track, pool and change areas at the athletic centre.


No word on when construction will get started but has to be finished under terms of the deal by March.31st of next year.

Radio Station Renovations Continue

It's week two of our renovations at the radio stations here on King Street. Most of the walls are now in place and the electrical work continues. Both of the studios are taking shape as is the new look news-room and reception area. This is phase one of the two phase project with work expected to be finished by next month.


If you want to get a look at how things are coming along, just go to our website at country94.ca

Radio Renovations Part Two

Bike and Trails system for South End

The first of four open houses this week goes tonight in the South End. City Officials are looking for your feedback as they continue to map out a bikeways and trails plan for the area. There will be a formal presentation to get the meetings started to show some of the ideas they have been kicking around down at City Hall with a consultant. Tonight's meeting gets started at seven at the South End Community Center.

Postal Rates Increase

If you're heading to the Post Office to mail a letter today, remember to pack a little extra cash. Canada Post are increasing the cost of sending a first class letter within the country to 57 cents from 54, while letters going to the US will cost a dollar, which is an increase of two cents. Letters heading outside North America will rise by five cents to $1.70. Canada Post is attributing the rate increases as a measure to raise funds to buy new machinery.

More Debate on City Budget

After having the weekend to review and make notes, Common Council is reconvening tonight to go over the proposed 2010 operating budget. Last week, acting city manager Pat Woods presented the Mayor and Council with the preliminary numbers and says the top priority when drafting the budget was keeping the tax rate stable. The tax rate is neither increasing or decreasing at the rate of nearly $1.79.
The budget is sure to spark more debate at tonight's meeting getting underway at 6 o'clock in the council chambers.

New Medical School on Schedule

The new medical school at the UNB Saint John Campus is on schedule for it's September opening. Dr. John Steeves is the Associate Dean and tells CHSJ News, the first admissions interviews have taken place with a second round planned for next month in Halifax. Dr. Steeves is confident the medical program will generate plenty of interest in some of the graduating students wanting to stay and set up shop somewhere in the Province. He doesn't expect any difficulty in filling the 30 available seats.

Snowmobiling Fatality

A 16 year old boy is dead after a snowmobile accident over the weekend in Williamstown, between Miramichi and Bathurst. The RCMP say Devon O'Donnell died after his snowmobile crashed into a wire fence. His father was seriously injured but is expected to recover.

More Debate on Canadian Blood Services in Saint John

The debate over the future of Canadian Blood Services in Saint John resumes on the 21st. CBS officials are sitting down with the members of the Saint John Medical Society to discuss their decision to move the distribution center to Nova Scotia. Health Minister Mary Schryer says her support is behind the doctors.
The last comment we heard from Premier Graham on this issue was that the Province was exploring getting into the blood businesse on it's own if Canada Blood Services was firm in it's stance to re-locate to Dartmouth.

Lung Cancer in Saint John

The amount of carcinogens released into the atmosphere in Saint John is ten thousand times higher than releases in Fredericton and Moncton. So claims Inka Milewski, the science advisor and Director of Health Watch for the Conservation Council in a report on lung cancer. She tells CHSJ News more men in Saint John are susceptible by virtue of their jobs and the amount of carcinogens released into the air have risen since 1995.
Milewski says the greater Saint John Community Foundation's Vital Signs report did not contain this information from her second report.

Premier Threatens Legal Action Over Lepreau

Premier Shawn Graham is threatening to take the federal government to court over the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant. The Premier says his government will sue Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, unless Ottawa picks up the tab for the cost overruns of the 1.4-(b)-billion-dollar overhaul.
The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant was supposed to be finished last September. The project is now 18 months behind schedule.

Councillor Thinks Enterprise Saint John Should Get Less Money

Councillor Bruce Court says a way to free up some money in the citys budget would be to decrease the amount of money allotted to Enterprise Saint John.

Court says when Chair Bob Manning criticized the District 8 school system in the media last month, he's bringing negative attention to the city.
Court says when the organization that is supposed to attract people to Saint John is publicly criticizing the education system, they should receive less money from the city.

Canadian Automobile Association Comments on New Phone Regulations

As Provincial officials continue to hash out whether or not there is a need for a law concerning using your cell-phone while behind the wheel, the Canadian Automobile Association is giving them some extra food for thought. Vice President Gary Howard tells CHSJ News, he agrees the hand held devices are a distraction but so are the hands free:

Howard adds CAA isn't advocating for everyone to get rid of their cellphones or Blackberrys but if it does ring when your driving, pull over, hit the four way flashers and then answer.

Health Minister Re-offering in September

[Mary Schryer---File Photo]
Expect to see Mary Schryer's name on the ballot in the fall Provincial Election. The Health Minister and MLA for Quispamsis tells CHSJ News, she is ready to re-offer and stands behind the record of her government since 2006:

As for concern about any backlash from the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal, Schryer adds it is a work in progress and the Graham Government continues to listen to feedback.

Busy Day for Saint John Fire Crews

A busy day for the Saint John Fire Crews yesterday.

Just before 10 yesterday morning crews responded to a riot at the Regional Correctional Facility on the Old Black River Road. Crews remained on site for a part of the day.
Sixteen prisoners barricaded themselves into a unit of the jail, then went on a rampage that caused extensive damage.


A spokeswoman for the province's Department of Public Safety says no one was hurt in the incident.
Then just after 11 o'clock last night fire crews responded to a structure fire at 83 Sussex Drive.
When crews arrived at the 24 unit apartment building people were evacuating, and smoke was visible.
After a quick investigation it was determined the smoke was caused by a cooking fire. There were no injuries.

Garden Street Fire

Five people are homeless after a fire ripped through their uptown home early this morning.

The fire began around 3 am on Garden Street, and is resulting in one woman being sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
The Canadian Red Cross is providing emergency hotel accommodations for three people, while an elderly couple living in one unit will be staying with relatives.
No word on what sparked the blaze, but the fire is under investigation.

One Councillor Doesn't Expect Tolls to Be Lifted Off Harbour Bridge

[Councillor Chris Titus----File Photo]

One city councillor doesn't expect the tolls on the Harbour Bridge to be dissappearing anytime soon.

Chris Titus says whoever is suggesting removing the tolls should be ready to take responsiblity for maintaining the bridge.
In the last federal election, Saint John M-P Rodney Weston used removing the tolls at the Harbour Bridge as a campaign platform.

14 New Auxiliary Police Constables

The City Police Force is getting some help. 14 new auxiliary police constables will be sworn in at a ceremony today at the Trade and Convention Center. The training consisted of eight weeks going over the criminal code, use of force, weapons training, cpr and community policing.

Judge William McCarroll will swear in the new officers. Police Chief Bill Reid and Mayor Ivan Court will be on hand for the ceremony as well. Things get started at 9:15 in the Loyalist Room.

Snow Removal Efforts Continue

Municipal Operations in Saint John are putting in some over-time this weekend. Crews will be out tomorrow trying to get rid of the excess snow from last weekend's storm. They will be on both sides of Rothesay Avenue from Russell Street to the Highway 1 interchange. Also Main Street West, Church Avenue and Manawagonish Road.

One lane of Rothesay Avenue will be closed during the work so expect delays.

US Ambassador Suggests New Border Be Used As Model

[New Border Crossing in St.Stephen/Calais---Photo by Lisa Gullison]

The United States Ambassador to Canada says all border crossings should follow the St. Stephen/Calais example.
David Jacobson says the new state of the art building should be looked at as a model for other crossings.
He says other borders should look at the environmental standards used as well.
The crossing was building of natural wood products, and recycled materials, and produdes zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Jim Irving Takes Part in Delta Roundtable

(Prime Minister Harper Speaking at Last Night's Round Table at the Delta Brunswick Hotel)

Plenty of topics were up for discussion at a roundtable meeting with Prime Minister Harper at the Delta last night. Several business people were on hand to take part including David Ganong, Andrew Oland and Jim Irving. Irving tells CHSJ News, the economy was a big focus of the chat but found time to talk about a few personal matters like a request to build some more ships at the Halifax shipyard and help for the forest industry especially in the Northern half of the Province.


Irving adds the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec never came up.

Weston at the Delta For Chat with PM

(MP Weston to the left, Prime Minister Harper
Center and Southwest MP Greg Thompson Right)

Saying it had a Provincial flavour to it, Saint John MP Rodney Weston is coming away from last night's meeting with the Prime Minister pleased. Weston tells CHSJ News, he frustration with the Province concerning the Harbour Bridge is their reluctance to accept any responsibility when it comes to the bridge.

Weston adds Prime Minister Harper is aware of the situation but gave no commitments for help at this time but says it will stay on the radar.

Arrests after thefts and damage in East and West Saint John

Six people are facing charges after a City Police investigation into a series of break and enters, car thefts and damage at businesses in East and West Saint John.

Four men and one woman in their 20's along with a younger man have been arrested and will be in court at a later date.

The damage occurred at businesses on Rothesay Avenue and Fairville Boulevard.

Premier Responds To Talk Of Funding Harbour Bridge Repairs

(file photo)

The province is continuing discussions over taking responsibility of the Harbour Bridge from the federal government.
Premier Shawn Graham says an offer is on the table.

Graham says his government has put an initial offer on the table and has not heard back.
Graham says the discussion about who is responsible for the bridge began when Saint John M-P Rodney Weston made a campaign promise to take the tolls off.
He says the province is willing to work with the feds.

Harper Visits the Border Town

(Premier Graham, US Ambassodor to Canada David Jacobsen and Prime Minister Harper)

(photo by Lisa Gullison)

The Prime Minister is in chocolate town to inaugurate the new border crossing.
The new St. Stephen Port of Entry is located on the new international bridge connecting to Calais.
Stephen Harper says this helps to ease traffic between the border towns.
Harper says Canada and the US are the best of friends saying no two nations on earth care less about the line that divides them and more about buidling goodwill across it.
Harper says since the crossing opened in November residential traffic has eased, and commerical traffic has increased by 20%.

New Deal for Saint John Emergency Rooms

(Health Minister Mary Schryer Signing Document)
              (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

With the stroke of a pen, Health Minister Mary Schryer has signed a deal to support the recruitement and retention of emergency department doctors for the Regional and St. Josephs Hospitals. Also involved in the deal are the Horizon Health Network and Dalhousie University. Health Minister Schryer says this deal guarantees coverage in both emergency departments 24/7.


The deal worth $7.9 million dollars, includes the $190 dollar per hour rate for emergency room doctor coverage. It also provides funding for clinical care, medical education and administrative tasks being carried out by emergency room doctors.

Regional's Chief of Staff Loves New Plan

The Chief of Staff at the Regional Hospital thinks this new fund is fabulous. Dr. Brian Wheelock says it is already paying dividends. Dr. Wheelock adds they are already reducing the dependency they have had on local physicians to cover shifts in the Emergency Department.

Currently, the Regional Emergency Room has 17 doctors but in a perfect world would like to have 22 or 23.

Water Rate in City Increases

The water rate in the city is increasing by 4.1 per cent. Brent McGovern with Saint John Water says the flat rate is going from $830 dollars to $864 dollars which would come out to an additional $2.80 a month.
McGovern says no matter which way the utility looked at the numbers, the operating cost increased. He goes on to say if the utility were to try to hold the rate, service would be negatively affected.
The total operating budget for Saint John Water is $33.7 million dollars.

City Budget

The city's tax rate is looking like it's going to remain stable in the 2010 operating budget. There is no increase, or decrease in the preliminary draft of the budget with the rate staying at  almost $1.79.
Acting City Manager Pat Woods says keeping the rate stable was the number one priority when drafting the budget. $756 thousand dollars is being pegged for the Municipal Plan and there is $580 thousand set aside for road maintenance. Woods says when putting together the proposed budget, city staff used Common Council's priority list as a guide.
The Mayor and Councillors will review the proposed budget over the weekend and another meeting is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 for further discussions.

Quite a Haul for RCMP

A victory for RCMP as they continue it's crackdown on illegal activity in the Province. Officers raided a home in Balmoral yesterday and came away with a significant quantity of pills, cocaine, smokes, money, guns and a stolen truck.


Marc Lepage has been arrested and made a court appearance answering to 17 charges related to the seizure.

Bell Aliant Hires a New Body

Management has a new face at Bell Aliant. The company has announced Dan McKeen is the new Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions. McKeen joins Bell Aliant after holding a number of leadership positions at Bragg Communications, a competitor of Bell Aliant under the Eastlink brand.


He takes over the role from Heather Tulk who has been appointed Senior Vice President of Residential Products. Mckeen takes over his new job on the 28th.

Man Arrested in Connection with Bridge Fire

A 19-year old man has been arrested and is facing a charge of arson after one of the Province's covered bridges was destroyed last fall. It was October.14th when the Adair Bridge on Furlong Road was torched beyond repair.


RCMP made the arrest yesterday and the man is due in court to enter a plea on the ninth of March. Officers continue to investigate the arson.

Prime Minister Coming to St. Stephen

The new border crosing in St. Stephen is going to be busier than usual tomorrow. CHSJ News has learned Prime Minister Stephen Harper is due in the border town to officialy cut the ribbon on the new bridge. Premier Graham and several of his cabinet ministers will join the PM along with officials from the State of Maine.

The Province has invested $60.5 million dollars in the project which includes 23 km's of new highway which stretches from Waweig to the new border crossing. The ceremony is expected to get started at 1:30pm. The new crossing and highway opened back on November.16th.

New Businesses in Rothesay Poised to Open

(Cookie Crumb Bakery in Rothesay Under Construction)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A bakery, a hair salon and daycare is close. Just three of the businesses poised to open in the expansion of the Fairville Mall. Construction got started just over a year ago and Tony Bamford with B-A Realty tells CHSJ News, he continues to take calls from people looking for space.


Bamford adds the daycare is just working through the paper-work and permits but when it does open, it will be four thousand square feet and have room for 80 children. The Cookie Crumb Bakery is hoping to open in two weeks.

Last Chance to Mulch Your Tree

(Christmas Trees Waiting to be Mulched in Rothesay)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A sure sign the holiday is over is this reminder.....tomorrow is the last day to throw your Christmas tree on the pile to be mulched. 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 tomorrow. 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.

In Saint John.......you can take your tree to the Gorman Arena in Millidgeville, The Peter Murray and Hilton Belyea is taking tree's for the West Side and in East Saint John it is the Forest Hills Ballfield.

Gas Prices Increase

You're paying for more for gas this morning in the Saint John area after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is $102.9 a litre and $110.1 for diesel. Self Serve is being sold around town for $100.3 which is just under two cents more than it was going for last night. Diesel is selling for $107.5. The maximum price for furnace oil is 92.6 cents a litre and $114.7 for propane.

Campbell Seeks Tory Nod In Saint John Harbour

West side community activist John Campbell is seeking the Conservative Party nomination in Saint John Harbour.    
Campbell tells CHSJ News one of the key issues facing the riding and the city is poverty and he's concerned about the state of the education system.
Campbell also says he realizes there have to be some changes made to the business structure of N-B Power -- but -- he's opposed to any sale of the provincial electrical grid to Hydro Quebec or anyone else.    
No date has been set for the nomination meeting -- the riding is currently held by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty who says he will re-offer in the fall election.

City of Saint John in Court

A court appearance today for City Officials, in Saint John, New Brunswick answering to a charge of Violating the Clean Environment Act. It's related to a delay in notification by Saint John Water to the Department of Health, that they were having a problem back on June.29th and 30th of 2008.


The City has accepted responsibility for the violation but are quick to point out that at no time was public health compromised. The Crown and the City will be back in court on the 17th of next month to make their final arguments before sentencing.

Old Case Is Re-Opened

An eight year old hit and run incident in Saint John is back under the spotlight. City police and Crimestoppers are looking for any information that can help them help close the case on what happened back on September.8th/2002. Roger Cameron was travelling home in his wheelchair along Rothesay Avenue when he was hit from behind by a vehicle. The driver took off and witnesses says they vehicle did stop for a minue but then took off.


The vehicle is described as a light blue lumina van and it had brake lights on both sides of the rear upper portion of the van. If you have any information call city police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Moosehead Helps Out Nature

Moosehead Breweries has found a new way to say Happy Holidays and help out a good cause at the same time. Instead of sending holiday cards to its customers, Moosehead donated $4,000 to the Nature Conservancy of Canada to celebrate the season. The money is earmarked specifically to help protect ecologically significant land in the Maritimes, including Johnson’s Mills, Port Joli in Nova Scotia and the Percival River on the Island.


Moosehead sent 8,000 Moose Light consumers a custom-designed wrist band incorporating a forest scene, a moose and the Nature Conservancy name which they hope will help promote what they are doing to help the environment.

Saint John Airport Comments on New Scanners

(Saint John Airport President
      Bernie Leblanc)

You won't have to worry about anybody staring at your body at the Saint John Airport. Officials won't be receiving one of the new controversial scanners which are able to see through your clothes? President Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News, even if they wanted to buy one on their own, he isn't sure how that would work. Ottawa regulates security at the airport which means they would have to supply the staff to operate it.


Leblanc says the immediate concern for his facility is if they don't have a scanner, will this hamper their effort in attracting a US carrier to Saint John.

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.

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.

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.