New Gear for the Heart Center

The Regional Hospital has unveiled a new Impella Per-ca-taneous Circulatory Assist System.


It is being used at the heart center and is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
The Impella uses a tiny pump that is threaded into the heart to drive blood through the body when a person’s heart has failed.
The device has already saved the life of one patient from the Province during a recent high risk angioplasty.

Community Meetings to Discuss Health-Care

A needs assessment of the Kennebecasis Valley is underway by the Horizon Health Network and they want to hear from you.

Three open houses are scheduled for this and next week to discuss existing community health resources, heakth care needs in the KV and how can services be improved.
The open houses go this Thursday between 7 and 9pm and Kennebecasis Valley High School, next Tuesday, the 25th at the Fairville Outing Association between ten in the morning and noon and also next Tuesday between 7 and 9pm at the Kings Valley Wesleyan Church.

Commercial Properties Presents Birthday Present to City

Market Square Loses a Tenant

A company that has given many women in the metro area plenty of pleasure is closed.


Ambiance Day Spa is closed after it's lease was terminated with Market Square.


Heather Peterson is property manager at the mall and says the spa, which has been under new ownership since last year, was not meeting it's lease obligations or paying it's rent.


Peterson adds a new spa how-ever will open in the same location next month and the owner says they will accept Ambiance gift certificates for a short time.

King Street Clock Unveiled

(New Clock at the Foot of King)

(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

King Street has a new look and the early reviews are glowing.


A large crowd on hand and were very impressed to see a new clock donated by Commercial Properties.


President John Irving tells CHSJ News they gave the clock to the city as a gift on it's 225 birthday.


Irving adds anniversaries are about the passage of time and in cities in the past they always had to have a clock in the downtown.


The clock also has granite benches around the base to serve as a meeting place.

(Senator John Wallace, Mayor Ivan Court, Lieutenent-Governor Graydon Nicholas, Commercial Properties President John Irving)

(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Premier To Give Financial Incentives To Saint John Company

(Premier Shawn Graham)
      (File Photo)

The Premier is in Saint John today handing out money to Innovatia.
The province is giving payroll rebates for up to 100 new full-time technology jobs and a working capital loan guarantee at Innovatia.
The announcement will be made this afternoon by Premier Shawn Graham, Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty and the co-owners of Innovatia-Roxanne Fairweather and Dave Grebenc.
Last Friday, Innovatia got an award for the Best Export Services Company at the 12th annual Knowledge Industry Awards in Fredericton.
The award gives credit for achievement in exporting knowledge services outside the province.

Vandalism In Hampton Area Being Investigated

More senseless vandalism in the Greater Saint John area. The RCMP  are investigating after the Rotary Club gazebo on Spooner Island was damaged by fire last week.
Corporal Pat Cole tells CHSJ News that RCMP officers were called away from the scene when Stephen Patrick Maguire, who was wanted for questioning in the death of a woman in Moncton, turned himself in at the detachment office.
Cole says the gazebo suffered $1500 dollars damage and signs posted in the area received about $8000 dollars damage.
Crimestoppers and The Rotary Club of Hampton are both offering cash rewards to find those responsible.

Driving simulator touring province

As part of Canada Road Safety Week, the provincial government has joined forces with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to promote awareness of driver distraction.

They are touring communities with a driving simulator that tests driver's reactions to a variety of situations like bad weather, road hazards and distractions.

The simulator features an actual-size driver's seat, gas pedal and brake, steering wheel, dashboard and wide video screen.

Time to Apply for Your Moose Licence

If your thinking about getting a moose during this hunting season, the first step in the process get started today.

You have until June.11th to fill and send in your application.

The number of licences is increasing this year as well, going up by close to 150.

There is a three pool structure for the moose license draw, based on the number of times people have applied unsuccessfully.

Pool A consists of hunters who have applied unsuccessfully at least 12 times since 1994 or since they were last drawn.
Pool B is hunters who have applied between five and 11 times without being drawn and Pool C consists of new hunters, infrequent applicants and hunters who have applied one to four times since they were last drawn.

The three-day moose season begins on Sept. 23rd and finishes up on the 25th. 3,554 licences for people living in the Province are up for grabs and 100 for people who don't call New Brunswick home.

Update on Rothesay Avenue Murder

Major Crime continues it's search for the weapon used in the stabbing death of 28 year old Melanie Getson of Douglas Avenue.


It was a week ago today Getson was stabbed at a business at the end of Rothesay Avenue and died a short time later at the Regional.


A charge of first degree murder has been laid against a 30 year old Jason Getson who will be back in court on Thursday after an in-jail psychiatric assessment was ordered last week.


Deputy Chief Bruce Connell tells CHSJ News, they continue to interview witnesses and put all of the facts in place as they prepare for court.


Police say the accused and victim were in the same car which pulled into the parking lot of a tanning salon on Rothesay Avenue last Monday morning at nine o'clock.

Theft at Construction Site

You would have to think this is going to be tough for a thief or thieves to sell.
City Police are searching for a construction style compactor that was stolen over the weekend.


Officers tell us it was taken from a Q and M work site near the Red Head Road.


It is valued at over $12,000 dollars.

Settling In to His New Job

                     (KV Fire Chief Bill Ireland)
                        (File Photo)

Calling it everything he expected it would be and more, Bill Ireland is settling in to his new role as Chief of the K.V. Fire Department.


Ireland tells CHSJ News, he has several projects he is going over including the five year fire service master plan.


Ireland admits this is a big job with lots to review and research to catch up on. Ireland assumed command last month when Larry Greer announced his retirement.

Marco Polo Tall Ship Project Looking For Volunteers

(Marco Polo Organiser Barry Ogden)
              (File Photo)

If you would like to take part in a piece of Saint John history, this is your chance. The Marco Polo project is looking for volunteers to help with caulking and painting the tall ship on the west side. If you're interested, Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News to get in touch with him at 658-5911.
Ogden is hoping the project will be completed as early as later this year. He predicts it will become a magnet for tourists and could turn out to be the most photographed tourist attraction in the province. A final location for the ship hasn't been determined but Ogden tells us they would like it to be somewhere between Long Wharf and the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal.

Changes Along Highway One Westbound To Be Delayed

Traffic going westbound along Highway One at Crown Street won't be seeing a major change tomorrow after all. That word coming from the Transportation Department's Andrew Holland who tells CHSJ News the local contractor has run into problems with its asphalt plant and parts have to be ordered. The new date for closing the off ramp is May 25th.
Holland says the one week delay won't have any impact on when the One Mile Interchange is completed in late 2012 because other work on the project continues.

West Side Business Releases Wish List

The West Side Business Association has come up with a wish list for what it would like to see in that part of town. Association President Owen Boyle says the top three things on the list are an exercise club, a family restaurant, and a movie theatre. Boyle is hopeful a family restaurant will go in at the corner by the new Sobeys. He says someone already tried to buy space for a gym but local businesses kept jacking the price up. As for the movie theatre, Boyle says it doesn't have to be big for people to be happy with it.

Costco Blown Away By Response To Its Opening Later This Month

(Costco in the Eastpoint Shopping Area)
                (File Photo)

In less than two weeks, anyone who loves to shop at Costco will no longer have to travel to Moncton. The largest store in the chain in Atlantic Canada opens up in East Saint John May.27th. Anthony Taza is Assistant Warehouse Manager and tells CHSJ News, final preperations continue with the store taking shape.
Taza adds to beat the rush, you can sign up for a membership at the store right now and adds he is overwhelmed at how Saint John has welcomed the company. 130 people were hired after the three day job fair that was held back in March.

Big Changes Starting Tomorrow Along Highway One

There are some major changes coming to the traffic flow along Highway One tomorrow and in the weeks to come. This, as construction on the One Mile Interchange rolls forward. Brad Mullin is an engineer with the Department of Transportation and tells CHSJ News the existing Crown Street off-ramp is being closed permanently as of tomorrow. If everything stays on target, the job should be finished in late 2012. The new detour is just a little further down the highway. Also starting tomorrow, westbound traffic will be down to one lane near the construction site until the end of next month.

Saint John Eyeing The 2012 Memorial Cup Tournament

Even though he would like to have his team in tow, Seadogs President Wayne Long is headed West this week. He is going to the Memorial Cup to take in the hockey but also do some advance scouting. Long tells CHSJ News, Saint John is still moving ahead with it's bid to host the tournament in 2012.  Long says they aren't trying to reinvent the wheel but just want to take a look around at what the host city this year Brandon is doing and pick out some of the things we can do better. A committee has been formed working on a presentation that will highlight the characteristics of Southern New Brunswick.

Crack Cocaine Use On Rise In Last Six Months

Ridgewood Addiction Services is busy helping people in the Greater Saint John area get a variety of monkeys off their back.
Karen Thomas tells CHSJ News there has been in an increase in the use of crack cocaine in the last six months. She has not seen any local cases of crystal-meth addiction. The opiates of choice in Southern New Brunswick are dilaudid and oxycontin.
Ridgewood Addiction Services processses 60 clients a month in a 20-bed unit which is not always full to capacity.

Uptown To Get Brand New Clock As Part Of 225 Celebration

As Saint John's 225th Birthday Celebration approaches, construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the brand new clock for King Street.

Crews worked all weekend installing the clock, which is a gift from Commercial Properties to the city for its birthday. 

The clock is currently covered by a black sheet to keep everyone in suspense until the big unveiling ceremony tomorrow morning at ten.

West Side faces traffic nightmare

West Siders may have a traffic nightmare on their hands this summer between the Harbour Bridge being reduced to two landes, and Main Street and Simms corner being torn up.

Owen Boyle, president of the West Side Business Association, says there's no chance of getting a rotary put in at Simms Corner.

Boyle says it's because the engeneers can't work with the steep slope of Lancaster Avenue and because Common Council has already spent all of its money.

He says forty-thousand vehicles go through SImms Corner on a daily basis.

(File Photo)
As N-B Power deals with the delays and cost overruns of the Point Lepreau reactor upgrade -- the utility is looking at another major project.

Energy Minister Jack Keir says financing the upgrade of the Mactaquac Dam above Fredericton is a significant challenge, but he says time is on our side because the work isn't scheduled to be required for another 25-years.

The estimated cost of repairs was one of the major stumbling blocks which led to the collapse of the proposed sale of most of N-B Power's assets to Hydro Quebec.

Rothesay holds Clean-Up week

If you live in Rothesay, now is the time to start going through your stuff to see what you still need and what you don't.

Thats because the annual Clean-Up Week gets started tomorrow and regardless of your regular garbage pick-up day, all items should be curbside by seven in the morning.

Organic pick-up week is the following Monday with all yard waste for composting to be picked up.

Seadogs already looking forward

(File Photo)

Almost a week has gone by since the Moncton Wildcats beat the Saint John Seadogs to capture the Presidents Cup Final.

President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News, the loss still stings, but if you look back on the season, this team has nothing to be ashamed of.

Long says on the business side of things, he is thrilled with the renewed interest in the Seadogs, selling 20 new season tickets already.

The goal by opening face-off in September is 2500.

Rothesay looks into curbside recycling

(File Photo)

The Town of Rothesay is looking into adopting curbside recycling.

Mayor Bill Bishop says council conducted a preliminary survey and the vast majority of people were in favor of the program. 

He says the program has worked well in other municipalities.

Coucil has contacted the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission to find out about cost, what sort of items could be picked up and whether they would help with a recycling education program for the public.

St. Martins collects shoes for a good cause

People in St. Martins will be burning calories tonight for a good cause.

Matt Moore tells CHSJ News the bootcamp fundraiser is for Soles4Souls-an international charity that provides countries with shoes and other more.

The fundraiser is coming up tonight at the Four Seasons Complex in St. Martin's from 6-7pm.

Soles for Souls has distributed 125 million shoes around the world including 20 per cent of those to Haiti in the aftermath of January's earthquake.
 
For more information you can check out the website at www.soles4souls.org

Slew of firefighters help woman trapped in truck

(Photo Provided)

A woman involved in a possibly deadly car accident yesterday had a lucky break yesterday when firefighters from six different departments came to her rescue.

Firefighters from around the province were participating in training exercises at Point Lepreau when they got word that a black truck had rolled off Route 790 and was lying upside down in a ditch.

Crews from St. Andrews, Upper Kingsclear, Harvey, Deer Island, St. Martins and Grand Manan arrived to get the trapped woman out of the cab of her truck.

She was then taken to hospital to be treated for any injuries.

District Six gets new technology to keep up with the times

District six wants to put more focus on school websites as they try to figure out the best way to get information to families.

The district is adopting a new communication technology called Synrevoice that will allow them to send information through e-mail and voicemail.

Superintendant Zoe Watson says parents increasingly want information posted online.

The district was previously using a communication system from Alliant that didn't allow Bell costomers to receive school voicemails.

Twenty-one of district six's twenty-three schools are adopting Synrevoice at the price of $2.25 a student.

Loyal Regiment holds Ball at Delta

Plenty of pomp and pageantry will be on display at the Delta tonight.

The 3rd field artilery regiment is hosting a Loyal Regiment Ball in conjunction with Saint John's 225th anniversary.

Captain David Boudreau tells CHSJ News, planning for the event got started back in January.

The 3rd field artillery regiment will also take part in festivities on Saint John's birthday Tuesday including a 21-gun salute fired at noon from Long Wharf.

More than 500 people are expected at tonight's ball which gets started at seven o'clock.

Marsh Creek Clean-Up starts today

Marsh Creek is the focus of hundreds of people from Greater Saint John today.
It's the 14th annual Marsh Creek Clean-Up and Tim Vickers with the Atlantic Coastal Action Program tells CHSJ News, he is always pleasantly suprised at how many people show up with gloves, boots and garbage bags in hand.

Vickers adds last year they hauled seven tons of garabage out of the creek and is hopeful once the area is spruced up, people will treat it much better than it is now.

Harbour Bridge construction starts today

(File Photo)

After months of negotiations and finger-pointing, phase one of construction work on the Harbour Bridge gets started today.

You will notice changes to traffic patterns and by Monday, the lanes on the bridge will be re-configured to make way for the construction.

The center median will be moved to the east-bound lanes with one lane available for each direction.

There will be three toll booths merging into the one east-bound lane instead of the usual four booths.

Also, the westbound lanes will be closed and traffic re-routed into one west-bound lane on the east side of the bridge.

The work is expected to be done in late October.

NB Power focuses on costumer service

N-B Power is wearing a new face -- the utility is moving to focus more on customer service.

Acting C-E-O Gaetan Thomas says the company has to hear customers when they suffer the pain of losing jobs or closing a business.
 
Thomas says the utility will also work at doing a better job of communicating with its customers -- and -- he says a safe and reliable supply of electricity will remain the top priority.

Fire in the North End

City Fire crews responding to a fire earlier this afternoon in the North end.

The fire was located at 117 Main Street North in the ground floor apartment.


When crews arrived they found heavy smoke coming out of a front bedroom, no one was home at the time.

The apartment did suffer smoke and water damage which means the tenant living there will be displaced for a while.


Fire investigators have been called in to determine the cause of the blaze.
A woman living in an upstairs apartment in the attached building was treated on scene after breathing some of the smoke.

Saint John Police Force Honors It's Own

Service Awards Handed Out to Saint John Police Officers

The Saint John Police Force has honored ten officers with their 20 and 30 year exemplary service awards.


Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News, of the ten, only one officer is retiring at the end of the month which really speaks volumes about what the force offers and the dedication of it's officers.
 In his speech, Chief Reid also took time to thank the families of the officers, knowing they play a vital role behind the scenes and are connected with the community.
 
20 Year Medals Go To:
 
Cst. David Brooker, Cst. Darin Clarke, CST. Deborah Easton, Sgt. Michael McCaig and CST. Gordon Redfurn.
 
30 Year Medals Go To:
 
Sgt. Christopher Morris, CST. Stuart Osborne, Cst. Roger Paris, Insp. David Parks and Cst. Gregory Smith.

Lower South End shows interest in fighting crime

As part of police week, an open house was held today at the People United in the Lower South End (PULSE) Centre.

Sergeant Jim Fleming says the presence of the PULSE centre is the reason why the Community Police Office in the Lower South End has been so successful.


He says he can tell by the dozen people that showed up for the open house that the community is more interested in stopping crime.
 
The goal of the open house is for people to meet the community police officer and to become familiar with some of the services PULSE offers.
 
PULSE is working to develop a community resource centre, lending library, and youth centre.

Ribbon Cutting for Market Square Addition

It's been open since January and today, the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the new office space for Genesys.


It's that new section on Market Square along St. Patrick Street.


Executive Vice President David Sudby tells CHSJ News, they currently have 130 employee's and will grow slowly with capacity in their new building at 180 employee's.


Sudby says they are very happy to be in their new surroundings with plenty of space after out-growing their old facility.

Market Square Thrilled With Addition

Genesys doesn't take up all of the new space in the new addition.


There is room to build up another 60,000 square feet and Market Square itself can grow in total by 100,000 square feet.
Property Manager with the Hardman Group Heather Peterson tells CHSJ News, Market Square has certainly changed since it opened but she likes the direction it is moving in. \


Two of their newest tenants are Manchester Shoes and Envy.

Excellence in Teaching Awards handed out New Brunswick Teachers Association and District 8

(Pictured from Left to Right are Sue Maloney, Maggie Bockus, Chris Brillant, Ann Brown, Barry Ogden, Vicki Trecartin, Janet Flood, Peter Woytiuk.)

                  (photo courtesy of Barry Ogden)

Energy Awards Handed Out

Several companies and home-owners in Greater Saint John were given their due last night.

The second annual Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency were handed out in Fredericton.

The hardware is presented to the best performers in six of Efficiency NB's energy efficiency incentive programs.

They include Commercial Retrofit, Forsgren & Associates in Hampton, Commercial New Construction and Commercial Properties in Saint John and Matthew and Andrea Hughes of Rothesay were chosen for the category of residential multi-unit new construction.


Irving Pulp and Paper Division picked up an award in the industrial sector and Douglas Smith and Carol-Hovey Smith of Oak Bay were singled out in the residential sector.

Another Conservative Candidate Comes Foward

Names continue to surface as potential candidates for the Provincial Election September.27th.

The latest is Tim Brewer who hopes to fly the flag for the Conservative Party in Saint John Fundy.

He is hosting a barbeque tomorrow afternoon between one and four as a meet and greet.
Simonds High School Principal Gary Keating has been announced as the Liberal candidate for the riding.
 
Stuart Jamieson held the post before announcing his retirement in April.

Wheelchair Users Challenge Candidate

A candidate for the Conservative Party in the riding of Saint John Harbour is being challenged.

A group of people who are confined to wheelchairs or have to use a walker would like to see John Campbell spend the day in a chair on the 22nd.

Norman Tuplin uses a wheelchair and tells CHSJ News, this is all about accountability.


Tuplin adds one of the area's that is in-accessible to him is the causeway because of the 6 to 8 inch high lips on the sidewalks.

Moosehead, Superstore and Three Provinces Team Up

For anyone who loves lobster and a cold beer....this story is for you.

The three Maritime Provinces, Atlantic Superstore and Moosehead Breweries have teamed up again to support the lobster industry for a second year in a row.

Anyone who buys a specially marked 12-pack of Clancy's Amber Ale will receive a coupon for five dollars off a minimum purchase of $20 dollars of live or cooked lobster from any Superstore in this Province, Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island.
The coupons are valid until August.31st.

School District 8 Sits Down With Enterprise Saint John

(The Chair of the District 8 Education Council Rob Fowler)
               (Photo by Tamara Steele)

There is harmony between the District 8 Education Council and Enterprise Saint John.
The two groups are now looking at how future partnerships can benefit both organizations. Chair Rob Fowler tells CHSJ News they had a lunch meeting on May 4th and it went very well. He says Enterprise Saint John can help the school district lobby the Provincial Government on education issues.
The meeting came about after Enterprise Saint John chair Bob Manning publicly complained about assessment results at a DEC meeting. Fowler goes on to say sometimes it takes a crisis for people to get on the same page.

City Fire Crews Battle Brush Fire Near Fort La Tour

A fairly large grass and brush fire gave city fire crews all they could handle last night. District Fire Chief Joe Armstrong says it started in the area of Fort La Tour and spread along the rail lines all the way from Chesley Drive to Bentley Street. It took fire crews an hour and a half to extinguish it. Then there was another fire uptown at 148 Sydney Street caused by unattended cooking.
Earlier in the day, a forest fire broke out on the Kingston Peninsula in the area of Carter's Point. CHSJ News was told four water bombers were called into action to help put it out.

Forest Fire on the Kingston Pennisula

Crews are battling a forest fire on the Kingston Pennisula.


A caller to our 648-3000 newsline tells us it's in the Carter's Point area and four water bombers are attacking it.

Aerial Shots of Saint John Taken Today and Tomorrow

Look up...look way up and you may see planes snapping pics of the Port City.
Over the next two days, the City is having aerial photographs taken to measure true distances.

The planning and development department of the city use these pictures to udpate the Geographic Information System used by most city departments for use in everything from construction projects to mapping.

The project also includes Grand-Bay Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis and costs just over $50-thousand dollars. The pictures will be ready in October.

Cemetery Restoration Nearing Completion

Man On The Run is Caught

(Stephen Patrick Maguire Has Turned Himself In)
            (Photo Supplied by RCMP)

After a few days on the run, a person of interest in the murder of a Moncton woman has been found.


Hampton RCMP tell CHSJ News, Stephen Patrick Maguire was picked up this morning around one o'clock in front of the RCMP office.


This comes after a truck believed to have been driven by Maguire was found behind a home in Quispamsis yesterday morning.


Gunn's body was found Monday at a home in Moncton.

Replacement for Bob Munroe Has Been Found

District Six didn't have to look far to find a replacement for Bob Munroe as Principal at Kennebecasis Valley High School.


Vice Principal Peter Smith will move into his new office at the end of next month.


Smith tells CHSJ News, he expects the transition will be a smooth one.


Smith has been teaching at KV since 1997 and has been the Vice Principal since 2005.


Munroe has been principal at the school since 1989 and is stepping down next month from a teaching career that spans 35 years.

Province Set to Hand Out Awards

Sixteen educators and community members will receive the Premier's Award of Excellence in Education next month.


They include Deborah Freeze who does work in District Six, District Eight teacher at Loch Lomond School Susan Maloney, Sylvia McConckey in District Ten and the life-time achievement award goes to the retiring principal of KV High Bob Munroe.


The award recognizes individuals or groups for their contribution to public education.


The hardware will be handed out June.8th in Fredericton.

Green Party Lining Up It's Candidates

Seven candidates are now lined up and ready to hit the hustings for the Green Party.


They include Sharon Flatt who will fly the flag in the riding of Rothesay for the Sept.27th Provincial Election.


In a release, the party says it's goal is to present a full slate of candidates so that every person casting a ballot has an opportunity to vote for real change.

Drug Raid at a Home in Codys

A 49 and 27-year old man from Codys and 60-year old woman from Sussex have been arrested following the raid of a home on Salmon Creek Road in Codys yesterday.


Officers found a quantity of dried marijuana, marijuana plants, cash and guns.


All three have been released and will appear in court later to face a list of drug related charges.

Homes Broken Into, One Left Un-Locked

RCMP is investigating after two homes between Hampton and Grand Bay Westfield have been broken into.


Officers were called to the home in Hampton to find a skateboard, skateboard shoes and an air soft rifle had been stolen.


RCMP do point out the home was not locked.


The second home was in Nerepis and thieves got away with plenty.


A 42" flat screen TV, jewelry and a Sony Playstation.

Proposed Parking Lot for the South End

Does the south end need yet another parking lot?


This one would be on Ross Street with an application expected to go before the city's Planning Advisory Committee.


At least three members of Common Council say no. Councillor Donnie Snook says what's really needed is more housing.


Councillor Patty Higgins points to a study which determined there was no shortage of parking in that part of the peninsula.

Minister Honours Hockey Bet

Saint John Drivers Getting A Big Break At The Gas Pumps

If you didn't fill up yesterday, you're lucky because there has been a signifcant reduction in the price of gas after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is now going for 99.6 cents a litre in the city. That's a drop of about 5 cents and diesel is also lower at $103.7 a litre, which is a reduction of about 4 cents a litre. Heating oil is listed at 90.5 cents and propane is at $103.8 a litre.

District 8 Education Council Hears From Student Councils

(Student Council Presidents Elizabeth Murphy of St. Malachys, Tori Gillan of Saint John High, Rachelle Bastarache of Harbourview and Allison White of Simonds)
                                         (Photo by Tamara Steele)

Student councils from Saint John's four high schools sang their own praises last night. The schools gave presentations to the District 8 Education Council on school spirit, academics and the many charities they help raise money for.
Simonds High council representive Allison White tells CHSJ News they are proud of their involvement with the Teens Against Drunk Driving Program. Saint John High is the only high school in the province allowed to operate it's own budget of $50, 000 a year while Simonds High is the only high school in the city to have a T.A.D.D. (Teens Against Drunk Driving) Program.
Saint John High raised over 6500 dollars for charity including the Joshua Group, Healing Hands for Haiti and the Children's Wish Foundation. Harbour View High School is one of only four schools in the province to take part in Relay For Life which is coming up this Friday.

Premier Explains Why A Deputy Premier Is Needed Now More Than Ever

(Premier Shawn Graham)
        File Photo)

Premier Shawn Graham says he has complete confidence in Donald Arsenault, who's taking on the responsibilities of Deputy Premier. Graham says he needs a deputy now while he didn't need one in 2006 because he doesn't want the preparation of a party platform and nomination of candidates to interfere with governing the province. The Premier says he decided to make cabinet changes four months before the next election because he had a number of vacancies on his hands.

Bell Aliant Expects Full Restoration Of Phone And Internet Service

Phone service should be restored to all Bell Aliant customers on the Rothesay Road sometime this morning.
Spokesperson Alyson Queen tells us most people would have had their services back last night with everyone fully restored this morning.

Saint Johnners Will Be Able To Ride On A Pink Double Decker Bus

Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Pink Bus Tour arriving in Saint John this morning.



The 8 double-decker buses will be giving tours on three routes this summer when cruise ships are in port.


Shirley Elliot of Ambassatour Gray Line tells CHSJ News that Saint Johners can check them out May 29th and 30th.
1 dollar from every ticket sold during cruise ship season will go to the Canadian Breast Foundation.


Ambassatour Gray Line is doing some hiring for the Pink buses and for more information click here:

More Details Emerging About New School In K-Park

(School District 6 Superintendent Zoe Watson)
               (File Photo)

District 6 has given the thumbs up to specifications for the new Kennebecasis Park Elementary School. The specifications include everything from the size of the bathrooms to how many coat hooks there will be. Superintendant Zoe Watson says they want to get this right the first time. D-E-C member Charlotte Pierce says the classrooms are going to be particularly neat and the school will also have a lot of open, common areas where students can gather outside of the classroom. It wil all be on one level and is being built to accomodate 300 students. The next step is the architechural process where a physical plan will be drawn up. The new school is set to open in September 2012.


Meantime, Peter Smith has been appointed to replace the retiring Bob Munro as Principal at Kennebecasis Valley High. Smith is currently serving as the Vice-Principal at the school.

Jervis Bay Memorial Legion gets some extra cash

The Jervis Bay Memorial Legion Branch 53 is getting more money than they expected from the provincial government.

Premier Shawn Graham was in town today to see the new Legion on Bayside Drive and to present a check for $50,000.

Premier Graham says he decided to give the project some extra money because he wanted to do it right the first time.

President Terry Murphy says he is looking forward to the comradship the new Legion will bring, and says six new members have joined before they have even opened.

NB Power Boss On Loss Of Industrial Customers

Deputy Mayor of Rothesay Makes a Decision

You can scratch the name Blair Macdonald off the list of possible candidates for the Liberal Party.


The Deputy Mayor of Rothesay was approached by the party to run in the riding but after giving it some thought, MacDonald tells CHSJ News, he is happy being semi-retired.


There are two candidates for the Liberal party in the riding at this point....Victoria Clarke who works for the Regional Hospital Foundation and school teacher Jacques Theriault.


No word on when a nomination will be held.

Utility Boss Says NB Best Served By NB Power

The acting C-E-O at N-B Power says New Brunswickers wouldn't be well served by competition in the electricity market.

Gaetan Thomas says private sector plants would eye more lucrative markets like the U-S to sell most of their power.
Thomas we are a small customer base and are better served by a smaller and efficient utility like N-B Power.

Search is Underway For a Missing Woman

            (Sarah Leger is Missing)
                   (File Photo)

Do you know where Sarah Leger is?


The question is being asked by Hampton RCMP after receiving a call from a person in Lakeside that the 29-year old woman hasn't been in touch with her family since April.27th.


Officers believe she may be in Saint John.


Leger is five eight, 124 pounds with brown hair and green eyes.


If you have seen her, your asked to call Hampton RCMP at 832-5566.

Quispamsis Turns Up Clue in Moncton Womans Death

        (Latest Photo of Stephen Maguire)
               (Supplied by RCMP)

The search for a man in relation to a woman's death in Moncton has turned up a clue in Quispamsis.

RCMP say a burgundy truck, believed to be driven by Stephen Patrick Maguire was found hidden behind a home in the town.

The truck has been seized and is being examined. The home was searched as well but Maguire wasn't there.


The 44-year-old remains a person of interest in the suspicious death investigation of a 45-year-old Moncton woman.
 
He lived in the house where the woman was found on Monday. Officers remind anyone looking at McGuire's photo that he now has a shaved head.

New Bridge Being Built At Belle Isle

Construction has started on a new bridge to replace one that's 50 years old at Erb's Cove along Route 850 over Belle Isle Bay. It's a 1.7 million dollar project that will also involve raising the road to alleviate spring flooding problems. Back in 2008 there were two meters of water over the road. Construction won't be done until August 14th. In the meantime, there will be a six kilometer detour in place.

New Apartment Building To Be Constructed On Sandy Point Road

There will be more construction taking place in the north end. A 40 unit apartment building on Sandy Point Road has been given approval by Common Council. Norman Robichaud of Sandy Point Road lives next door. He's worried about any damage to his well that might be brought about by blasting because there's alot of rock in the area. The original proposal asked for a six storey building. It has been downsized to four storeys.
The developer has given Robichaud assurances any problems will be taken care off but also points out there was blasting near Canadian Blood Services on University Avenue without any damage being caused.

Conservation Council Member Scoffs At Notion Of Second Nuclear Reactor At Lepreau

(Acting President of NB Power Gaetan Thomas)
                 (Photo by Gary MacDonald)

Judging by the talk at least, the concept of a second nuclear reactor being constructed at Point Lepreau is not dead in the water. The acting President at NB Power, Gaetan Thomas makes clear a second reactor is not pie in the sky but would have to be financed with private money. David Thompson of the Conservation Council tells CHSJ news a better business case can be made for other forms of energy which are renewable and far less expensive. The President and C-E-O of Hitachi, Howard Shearer was recently quoted as saying plans are still in place to build a second reactor but he concedes delays with the refurbishment have complicated matters. Thompson is calling on Common Council to take a stand on behalf of taxpayers by coming out publicly against any further money being spent on the reburbishment and opposing a second nuclear reactor.

Exhibition Park Wants Your Opinion

The Saint John Exhibition Association is looking for your input.

It has posted a survey on it's website as they look at a proposed redevelopment of the site in East Saint John.

The new look for the area could include an indoor sport and trade show fieldhouse, exhibit space, outdoor sports facilities and commercial space.

To get to the link, click here:

Bell Aliant Reports Service Disruption

Telephone and internet service for Bell Aliant customers in the Rothesay Road area have been disrupted because of accidental damage to a cable. Crews are now working to fix the problem. Cellular service is not affected.

Suspicious Fires Under Police Investigation

   (Garage on Dorchester Street Up in Flames)
         (Photo Courtesy of Doug Epton)

Two garage fires are under investigation by the Major Crime Unit with police suspecting both were deliberately set.

The first fire started after 9 last night at 52 Dorchester Street.

The garage was attached to a three storey building but was contained before spreading.

Two families had to leave their homes and find other places to stay.

A few hours later around 2 this morning, there was another garage fire at 145 Metcalf Street.

Details Unveiled About Impact Of Repairs On Harbour Bridge On Traffic

  (Photo by Sherry Aske at public meeting on Harbour Bridge Repairs)

About 50 West-siders and others turned out for the public meeting on construction on the Harbour Bridge. 35 million dollars in repairs are underway and will mean one lane reduction in either direction until late October. Harbour Bridge Authority General Manager Ken Anthony tells CHSJ News the impact on traffic is a big issue for commuters but this work will extend the life of the bridge by 40 years.
People can expect delays during rush hour between 7:30 and 8:30am and between 4:30 and 5:30pm.
Motorists can take steps to help with the gridlock including taking the bus, buying a B-pass, carpooling or taking an alternate route. The work is scheduled to wrap up in late October.

Pedestrians Have Their Say On Disruptions Caused By Harbour Bridge Repairs

(Gregory Dickeson at Harbour Bridge Meeting)
               (Photo by Sherry Aske)

Traffic is not the only headache that comes with repairs on the Harbour Bridge.
Many pedestrians are upset about the partial closure of Harbour Passage from HMCS Brunswicker to Long Wharf during the construction period.
Gregory Dickeson tells CHSJ News says pedestrians don't feel included in this process and more importance is being placed on vehicles than people.
Another pedestrian attending last night's meeting said he felt the public wasn't properly informed of the impact of the bridge work on Harbour Bridge. An alternate route for Harbour Passage, while the repairs on the bridge are ongoing, is being looked at and should be announced this week.

Petition Started To Change Bus Routes

Westsider Mary-Ellen Carpenter says the transit system in her area doesn't serve anyone. She is petitioning for the West Side bus routes to be changed. Carpenter has made a presentation to the West Side Business Association because she says to run one errand she has to take six different buses and pay $10. She is proposing a $5 a day bus pass so that people can get on and off.
Carpenter has made a presentation to the West Side Business Association saying she wants a bus route that starts by the Tim Hortons on the Lower West End, stops at the Reversing Falls and then goes all the way to the Pumpkin Patch.