Harbour Bridge Work Facing Delay

The final phase of the 35-million dollar upgrade of the Harbour Bridge has hit a financial pothole -- and -- that may mean a delay in the start of work.
The main contractor U-S-L Concrete went into receivership last month - but - Transportation Minister Claude Williams says his department has a performance bond in place and his people are talking with the receiver to ensure either U-S-L or another contractor finishes the work.
Williams admits those talks may delay Monday's scheduled closure of the east bound lanes and start of work - however - he maintains the work will be completed this year.
U-S-L Concrete is also working on the One Mile Interchange project and the Transportation Minister says it will be completed as scheduled later this year.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Saint John Street Said To Be Among Worst In Region

Rothesay Avenue has made the top ten in the Canadian Automobile Association's list of the worst roads in Atlantic Canada. 

The campaign runs until April 24th and Rothesay Avenue is currently ranked as the 7th worst road according to those drivers who have responded to the survey.

www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads 

Coast Guard Rescue Off Grand Manan

The Coast Guard Rescue Centre in Halifax tells CHSJ News of a rescue in the waters northeast of Grand Manan early yesterday morning. 

Two crew members were found in a life raft after their boat the "Lady Murtle" caught on fire. 

The two were then picked up by the 'Ocean Provider" and taken to Blacks Harbour where they're in good shape all things considered. 

The fishing boat that caught fire was also brought there.

Ferguson Doesn't Back Down At Defamation Trial

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson testifies at his defamation trial about the infamous conversation he had with a Pension Board member about disability after the Mayor's breakfast at the City Market.



Ferguson says he asked David Gould, the former President of the outside workers union and then Pension Board trustee about the high expense of disability. Ferguson told the jury Gould explained when workers who were on sick leave and approaching retirement, they were boarded. He asked if it was illegal and Gould told him it was but compared it to drinking and driving but people do it everyday.
Ferguson also testified Common Council didn't know what to do about the pension plan's deficit in 2005 and it was always suggested taxpayers would have to pay but he did not have confidence in senior city staff who were on the Pension Board because of the conflict of interest and their own admission of not being experts on pensions.


Ferguson revealed he got legal advice from lawyer Arthur Doyle, who specialises in securities, and also heard from the President of the Saint John Construction Association Pat Darrah.
 
 It was after what they told him that Ferguson made the statement about there being damning evidence of gross negligence which he still stands buy. He also stands by his claim the Pension Board walked away from recovering money through the misapplication of disability and Common Council simply didn't have enough information.

Nominations Fast And Furious At Elections NB

Expect a flurry of activity at the Elections NB office as the deadline for nominations approaches in the May vote.

Paul Harpelle tells CHSJ News they have over 800 nominations so far in the province and over the last few days, hundreds have been filed.

He adds back in 2008, over 300 nominations were filed in the last two days adding a lot of people wait until the last moment in order to size up the competition.

The deadline is tomorrow afternoon 2pm.

Biggar May Bring Home ECMA Hardware

A Saint John entertainer will be busy with several performances around Moncton for this weekend's East Coast Music Awards.

Mike Biggar tells CHSJ News he is nominated in the Gospel Recording of the Year category.

He says it's for his Christmas record "The Season" that came out last year.

He tells us he is unveiling his new band the Big Country Breakfast at some of the performances this weekend and performing with Matt Anderson.

Tonight at 6, Biggar takes the stage at the Music New Brunswick showcase at the Tide and Bore.  At 9 tonight, he plays the ECMA members lounge in the Delta.

Tomorrow night, Mike Biggar and the Big Country Breakfast play the Country music showcase at the Manhattan.

Dental Society Say Province Is Stalling Contract Talks

The New Brunswick Dental Society is firing back at the Social Development Minister.

Sue Stutlz recently put the blame on dentists for holding up services for the poor due to stalled contract negotiations between dentists and province -- people on social assistance get subsidized dental care but dentists says reimbursement rates need to go up due to increase costs.

Dental Society President Dr. Kent Orlando tells CHSJ News the 70 percent reimbursement rate is unsustainable and they want the rate to increase to 85 percent.

He says the group has been trying to negotiate new contract for over a year and it is up to the province to figure out what it wants to provide to its clients.  He says it's the government that is stalling the process.

He adds no dentist wants to see a patient in pain and while there is no contract at the moment, dental work is being done.  However, payments are handled between the province and the client.

Fullerton Running In Ward 2

She's not political but she's so frustrated and furious she's running in Ward 2 to make a difference.

Business owner Susan Fullerton tells CHSJ News the City must immediately cancel spending on public art.

She says the City is spending its money like drunken sailors adding if you can't afford to buy bread and milk then you can't afford to buy art.

Fullerton says common council needs to have a backbone adding she doesn't think people really understand the level of mess that Saint John is in.

Campaign Launched To Remake Playground In Rothesay

A new playground at Rothesay Elementary School won't come cheap.

The estimated cost exceeds 626 thousand dollars for what is being called a natural playground that bears a striking resemblance to a park.

Amanda Fowlie of the Playground Committee tells CHSJ News there are more benefits for the children with such a setting which allows them to better use their imaginations. She's also making the claim it will reduce or even eliminate bullying.

Fowlie says the goal is to make it a community playground but she concedes there is not a lot of funding available from School District 6 because of the tight budgets these days.
 
She has been told by Rothesay Town Council to first approach Rothesay M-L-A and cabinet minister Margaret Ann Blaney to see what she has to say.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Entrace And Parking At Regional Hospital To Return to Original Locations

With the completion of the new emergency department, the main entrance and the parking lot at the Regional Hospital will be returning to its old locations.

The entrance will now be located off Tucker Park Road and the parking lot will also be returning to the front of the main entrance.

The change over will be finalized on April 15th.

Drivers Who Have To Fill Up Get A Price Break

For a change, there has been a drop in gas prices after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular in the city is now being sold for $1.38.3 a litre, a drop of just over one and a half cents but diesel has gone down by over two cents a litre to an even $1.36. 

Heating oil also declining by a couple of cents to $1.19.4 a litre and the listed price for propane is virtually unchanged at $1.04.8 a litre.

Anti-Homophobic Policies Needed In Schools

While bullying at school has been in the spotlight lately, a specific kind of bullying also needs to be dealt with according to one educator.

Shawn Corey is the co-founder of Pride in Education, which is calling for anti-homophobic policies and education programs to be adopted in New Brunswick Schools.

He says regular anti-bullying initiatives just don't cut it because suicide is the leading cause of death for sexual-minority youth and they are 7 times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers.

He believes the issue of anti-gay bullying needs to be addressed specifically and School District 10 is the only one in the province to formally adopt anti-homophobia policy.

Corey gave a presentation to the the District 8 Education Council -- it will be writing a letter to the Minister of Education supporting such policies if adopted.

Ferguson Finally Testifies

After over 40 days of testimony, John Ferguson finally took to the stand at his defamation trial this afternoon. His lawyer, Rod Gillis, had the former common councillor outline legal battle has effected him, before launching into the pension debacle.

Ferguson said the trial has been “difficult,” and effected his job as as St Stephen's chief administrative officer. He said the town gave him 6 weeks paid leave to attend the trial, but as it drew on it came out of his vacation time. He says with 3 young children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome, the trial has presented challenges to his family life. Later on Ferguson appealed to the jury saying he was just as overwhelmed by data as they while he was on council.

Later on, Ferguson called the information former Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett's provided to councillors on the pension plan a basic overview that didn't much help his understanding. He said Beckett's presentation glossed over the problems, and he felt they needed more information from qualified professionals to back up their actions. He felt uncomfortable simply following recommendations from staff and waiting because he felt councillors weren't adequately protected in case things went wrong.

Mayoral Candidate Decides To Run For Council Instead

The political race for mayor and council has taken a new twist -- Graeme Stewart-Robertson has decided to pursue a spot on Common Council rather than the mayor's seat.

He tells CHSJ News he feels he can make the most impact as a city councillor by being able to make motions and make submissions.

He says the slew of candidates could lead to a very productive council.

He adds he initially ran for Mayor because no one else had thrown their hat into the ring.

Man Dies Near Passekeag Today

A 58 year old man died after a single vehicle crash this morning on the Passekeag Road.

RCMP found a vehicle on its roof in a wooded area next to the road about 9:40 this morning.

The driver, who was the only person in vehicle, died at the scene and he was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Police Commission Willing To Help Out With Possible Communication Issue

With the police union accusing the Chief of Police of being uncooperative and non-communicative with its members, where does that leave the police commission?

Commission Chairman Chris Waldschutz tells CHSJ News he is willing to hear from all sides and moves things forward if necessary.

But he adds the issue may not be so cut and dry as every side to the story has a certain degree of spin.

Uptown Business Closing Next Month

After 28 years in operation including 20 years on King Street, an Uptown business is closing its doors for a few reasons.
 
Pictures Plus owner Diana Alexander tells CHSJ News she's is approaching retirement and she also learned of a 40 per cent increase in her rent starting April 1st.

She says it would take a year or two to sell it and moving to a new location would cost up to $30,000 to do it well so she decided it was time to retire and the store will close for good at the end of May.

Alexander adds she wasn't pleased when the City increased parking rates and fees uptown adding it sends the wrong message to consumers.

Rothesay Gets Glowing Report On Its Finances

The town of Rothesay is in solid financial shape.......That word delivered to town council by its auditors and the timing couldn't be better for Mayor Bill Bishop who's running for re-election. 

The town's debt servicing ratio is 6.6 per cent which is lower than the provincial average of 11.3 per cent and the Mayor says the town is also in good shape with it somes to its pension liability, especially as compared to other municipalities.
 
The auditors report the town's revenues are continuing to increase because of growth which they warn will have to be managed. 

Town Council has been told a fifth building being proposed for Marr Road and Hampton Road has been put on hold pending a traffic study.

City Solicitor Finishing Up Gruelling Cross Examination

City Solicitor John Nugent coming under fire at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson. 

His lawyer Rod Gillis suggested the changes being proposed now to the city's pension plan could have been made back in 2003 but that would have adversely affected Nugent's own pension and that of then City Manager Terry Totten.

Nugent revealing the Superintendent of Pensions still hasn't signed off on those recommended changes. He's also unsure whether the M-L-A who had agreed to sponsor a private members bill to make the changes is still prepared to do so. Nugent couldn't give Gillis an answer when asked if all the civic unions are on board.

The jury has seen video of a Common Council meeting that shows other Council members were also concerned about the early retirement buyouts and city pension plan.

Then Common Councillor Ivan Court is shown agreeing with some of the things Ferguson was saying about the cost of the early retirement packages. 

Councillor Bill Farren expresses support for Ferguson saying there was mass confusion, mixed messages, walls being put up and city staff not wanting to give information to the extent he was beginning to suspect things and those raising questions were accused of nit picking.

Mayor's Leadership Style Questioned

Mayor Ivan Court getting a bit of a critique of his leadership style as the May election approaches. Councillor Gary Sullivan motioned in common council the mayor's ability to vote be curtailed, allowing council to focus more on consensus building.

Councillor Mel Norton, who is running for mayor, suggested voters would appreciate a mayor who was listening impartially instead of always jumping into the fray.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase said while he's had a problem with Court's tact over the years, the mayor should be able to express his opinion on the issues.

SJ Energy Gives $50K To NBCC

Higher learning in greater Saint John receiving a nice shot in the arm from Saint John Energy.
 
The company is donating $50,000 the New Brunswick Community College over 5 years.

The money will be used to equip the multi-purpose Public Engagement Facility which will be in the new “E” Building at NBCC Saint John opening in September.
 
The building will offer students and staff hands-on workshops and professional development training and also be available to business and industry leaders.

 

Pedestrian Killed on Whitehead Island

District 1 RCMP Grand Manan are investigating a fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collision that occurred on April 10, 2012, at approximately 7:15 a.m., on White Head Island off the coast of grand Manan.

A 75-year-old man died as a result of the collision. Police are looking into what caused the crash.

New Home Construction Lagging

        New home construction remains flat in the greater Saint John area – the latest numbers from Canada Mortgage and Housing show five new units started last month down from 10-units in the same month last year.

         Overall – the federal housing agency reports new housing starts off by ten percent in the first quarter of this year compared to last year.

         Moncton remains the hotspot for new home construction with 110-new units under construction in the first quarter of this year compared to 13-last year.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Council Debates Options for Safe Water

Common council considering going for a public private partnership for the city's water. While the resource itself would stay in the public domain, City manager Pat Woods sugesting certain plants, distribution systems, and equipment be opened up to private hands as a way of generating revenue.



Mayor Ivan Court emphasized the city will always control its own water supply.


Patty Higgins says water provides big bucks to all levels of government and a public private partnership wouldn't be appropriate. Councillor Mel Norton disagreed, saying a P3 would bring us closer to safe, clean drinking water which is what the electorate wants.

West Side Businessman To Be Laid To Rest Friday

Funeral arrangements have been finalised for Andy Hughes, who owned and operated the Pet Corral stores on the west side and in Quispamsis. 

He died in an A-T-V crash over the Easter weekend. 

His funeral will be held 2:00 Friday afternoon at St. Mark's United Church on Dexter Drive.

Hughes is survived by his wife Carol and two daughters.

Core City Services Facing Cuts Without Changes To Pension Plan

We're looking at deep cuts to core services unless the province grants us pension reform.

That warning from City Manager Pat Woods, presenting a document to Common Council outlining what will happen if the city does have to face a $4 million dollar shortfall. 

If reform isn't approved, the city will be looking at more reductions to fire services, libraries, and roads.
 
Mayor Ivan Court emphasized that the city is actively working to finalize the needed reform, meaning most of the cuts likely won't happen.
 
Councillor Gary Sullivan referred to the review of core services as a "dark exercise"--but he and a number of councillors agreed that some of the cuts would make sense whether reform is granted or not. 

Woods is calling the review a balancing act between affordability for taxpayers and sustainabily for the beneficaries of the pension plan.

Rothesay Kids Aid Developing Nation

A group of local kids are reaching out to help kids overseas. Thirteen students from Rothesay high school will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to rebuild a school in the developing country. Heinz Schaerer is a proud papa who's helping to organize the trip.

He tells CHSJ News the school--which has 130 students--badly needs a helping hand. It's currently running out of a bus and two dilapitated buildings.

The kids at Rothesay have raised about $20,000 to fund the trip. They're holding their major fundraiser, called A Night at the Races, this coming Saturday in which attendees will bet funny money on pre-recorded horse races. There will also be a live and silent auction. 

For more information, contact RHS at  847-6244.

Saint John MP Says P3 Funding Is On Track For City

Saint John MP Rodney Weston is confident that Saint John will be able to secure funding for clean drinking water despite recent cuts in the federal budget.



Weston tells CHSJ News the committment to public-private partnership funding from the government has always been there and investing in infrastructure is a top priority because it pays off in the long run.

Weston says everything is on track with the city's P3 funding application and he is confident the city will secure the funding.

The Save The Paramount Project To Change Hands

Organizers of the Save the Paramount campaign are getting ready to pass the torch.

The board of Uptown Saint John has opted to look for another group or individual to take the project forward after being denied funding from the province and the feds.

Peter Asimakos of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News the money that was raised was a drop in the bucket compared to what was needed to refurbish the building--and unless the project gets more backing, the future is uncertain.

He says it could very well not happen and then it may happen and that will depend on what kind of support comes from the community.

Asimakos says the building is still structurally in great shape.
Uptown Saint John had proposed turning the building into a multi-purpose performing arts space.

Boil Water Order Rescinded

A Boil Water order for Milford Road and Francis Street has been rescinded.

Test results confirm the water at homes from 5 to 46 Milford Road and on 5, 20 and 22 Francis street is now safe to drink.

Residents who have been home for the past few days should run the water for washing and those who have been away should take a few minutes to flush out the water in your plumbing. 

Saint John Water recommends turning on each of the taps in your home for a few minutes.

Boucher Is New Y President and CEO

It's offical...Shiloh Boucher is the president and CEO of the Saint John Y.
She takes over for Pat Davis who passed away last year.
 
Boucher tells CHSJ News working with Pat taught her that little things make a difference.

She told her to take a moment to thank people and recognize them adding she also taught her how to fundraise which is crucial for the Y.

Boucher says there is no doubt having the Y in the North end will be transforming for the community adding they expect to add at least 40 to 50 jobs on top of the 120 employees they have now.

West Side Business Honours Deceased Owner

A tribute on the sign of the Pet Corral location on the Golden Mile in honour of owner Andy Hughes who died over the weekend.

Federal Labour Minister Pays A Visit

Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt making a stop at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal -- she made a quick stop to talk about the federal government's economic action plan in the wake of the 2012 budget.

Raitt tells CHSJ News it's important to talk about efforts in building the economy in the wake of budget and job cuts.

She says speaking at a port holds significance as infrastructure money is available in the budget for ports to the tune of 27-million dollars.

She says Long-Term Disability Insurance has also received a 1.5 million dollar boost.

Construction Work on Broad Street Today

 Road work on Lower Cove Loop could slow you down today.

Crews are digging up a section of Broad Street as you make the turn from Crown Street up the hill.

Shale Gas Legal Challenge Won't Come Cheap

The Provincial Green Party is all for a court challenge to halt shale gas development being led by Hampton lawyer Dave Lutz. The problem is coming up with the 500 thousand dollars needed to mount such a legal battle.

Premier David Alward is promising regulations to safeguard the environment but that doesn't impress Green Party renewable energy advocate Rick Roth of Sussex who says all you have to do is look what has happened to the people who live in Penobsquis.

He also tells CHSJ News shale gas exploration with fracking is so new, there are no norms for safety.



Roth says the opponents of shale gas exploration are seeking for individual donations of at least 100 dollars.

Common Councillor Reveals Interest Charges On Pension Deficit

City taxpayers are being hit big time in just interest payments on the city's financially beleaguered pension plan. 

That word from Ward 2 Common Councillor Patty Higgins who tells CHSJ News Council was told the daily interest payments amounted to almost 40 thousand dollars a day when the deficit wasn't as high as it is now. 

Meantime, the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson is heading into the home stretch. Testimony resumes tomorrow morning with City Solicitor John Nugent winding up his cross examination and then Ferguson will take the witness stand.

West Side Man Dies In A-T-V Crash

The owner of the Pet Corral stores died over the weekend in an A-T-V fatality on the west side at Riding Way and Millard Robson Lane.

Andy Hughes, who was in his forties, owned the Pet Corral for almost 18 years. 

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised.

Real Estate Official Says Higher Land Transfer Tax Won't Hurt Sales

Candidates To Tweet Up on Friday

With the May 14th election approaching, candidates are turning to Twitter and Facebook to communicate with voters. On Friday April 13th, people will have a chance to meet a number of candidates they may have only corresponded with online.

The so-called Tweet-Up (in case you're clueless, a combination of "tweet" with "meet-up)  is being organized by strategic connector Jeff Roach. He stresses it's vital for politicians to get with the technology. Roach has some criticisms for Mayor Ivan Court, whose executive assistant updates his Twitter account for him. According to Roach, the whole point of social media is to be social--and getting someone else to do it for you defeats the purpose.

Morgan Lanigan, Mel Norton, Graham Steward Robertson, and Ray Strowbridge are just some of the candidates signed up to attend.

The Tweet-Up happens at 4:30pm on Friday, April 13. Don't expect any banners or speeches, says Roach: it's going to be a casual event that simple provides candidates and voters with a chance to connect in a non-virtual environment.

 For details click here. People City is a blog by Jeff Roach and Mark Legere.

Joshua Group Fundraising For Permanent Home

The Joshua Group has just over two months to raise $120 thousand dollars to give the group a permanent home.

They have made a conditional offer on the old Peacock's property currently owned by the SPCA Animal Rescue League.

Treasurer Kathy Urwin tells CHSJ News the location would meet their needs.

 She tells us the location on the Sandy Point Road is ideal since a lot of the kids they serve live in the McLaren Boulevard area and it would help them with transportation costs.

The Joshua Group "Toonie Day" is coming up on April 20th.   Organizers are challenging individuals, groups and schools to collect toonies and they can start now.

For more info on the event and how to get involved, click here

Coastal Transport Calls Ferry Problems "Teething Issues"

Grand Manan Islanders who rely on the ferry, the Grand Manan Adventure, to reach the mainland have been wondering why she seems to be off its run a lot lately.

Gregg Ryder, General Manager of Coastal Transport, tells CHSJ News the problem was a faulty seal and they've been working with the Florida company that built her to fix the problem.

The ferry was out of service from March 30th for 9 days, and was put back in the water yesterday (Sunday). Ryder says he thinks she's a good ship, but a new one--and with any new piece of machinery that big and complex, there are bound to be teething issues. 

At the end of May, Coastal Transportation will have a redesigned website where people can get instantly updated on the status of the ferry. Ryder reminds members of the public the Coastal Office is open 365 days a year and inquiries from the public are welcome.

Vimy Ridge Anniversary Marked

A proud yet tragic moment in Canadian history being marked today. It was 95 years ago today that the battle of Vimy Ridge began. Over the following 3 days nearly 3,600 Canadian soldiers died--but managed to capture a strategically vital piece of ground.

History teacher Barry Ogden says the battle marked a turning point in how Canada was perceived as a military power. The French and English made numerous attempts before Canada--then perceived as a backwoods, rural nation of only a few million people--managed to seize the decisive piece of ground.

At the National War Memorial, the anniversary is being marked as cadets stand vigil and wreaths are laid.

Photo: The Battle of Vimy Ridge, a painting by Richard Jack. Canadian War Museum. Via Wikipedia.

Love Beer? This One's For You

If there's one thing Saint Johners love, it's an ice cold beer. Fans of the suds will soon have a chance to sample over 90 beers at the first annual Saint John Beer Festival. Co-chair and Alehouse owner Peter Stoddart tells CHSJ News the Fest offers a great bang for your buck--because you don't need to buy a whole six pack to try something new. 

Beer geek Craig Phinney will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the latest trends in brewing. The Alehouse, Lemongrass, Grannan's and the valley's Smoking Pig Barbecue are providing beer-themed dishes including pulled pork, mussels, oysters and lamb. Circus performers will be busking throughout the atrium and performing three separate fire shows.

Tickets are available at Harbour Station http://www.harbourstation.ca/event/saint-john-beer-festival

Tickets can be phone in order or picked up at the box office $49.50 plus tax and service charge, which works out to $60. 

For more information, click here here.

Police Commission Will Consider Union Recommendations On Saving Money

Chairman of the police commission Chris Waldschutz says he will analyze and consider recent money-saving suggestions made by the police union.

The union wants to see six non-police positions eliminated, like the Chief Administration Officer and the Director of Finance.  It is also recommending the elimination of the Staff Sergeant rank.

Waldschutz tells CHSJ News there are no sacred cows but he does know that some of the suggestions will not fly due to legislation like the Police Act.

The union says the recommendations will save the police force over a million dollars.

As far as the accusations that the Chief of Police does not have open communication with the union or staff, Waldschutz there is always more than meets the eye.

He says he is willing change the paradigm if it becomes necessary.

Snowfall In April Not Out Of The Ordinary

Environment Canada says getting a blast of winter around this time of the year isn't usually out of the norm -- but many were still surprised to see the white stuff on the ground yesterday after weeks of mile weather.

We received about 10 centimetres of snow over the weekend and Environment Canada Meteorologist Darin Borgel tells CHSJ News it wasn't an anomaly as we usually get 22 centimetres of snow during the month of April.  He says the warm spell in March made it all the more surprising.

Fredericton got about the same amount of snow but Moncton was hit much harder with 22 centimetres.

Borgel says snow is not expected in the long-term forecast.

More Route 1 Work Starts Today

On the drive in today, you may notice more construction work in areas you didn't before relating to the Route 1 Gateway project.

Work begins today on continues until June on the Rothesay Avenue overpass at Exit 129 and on the Riverview Drive overpass near the Harbour Bridge.

Motorists should no experience delays as the most of the work will be completed from the shoulder of the road.

In the Four Corners area of Sussex, work will be conducted on the westbound Smiths Creek Road overpass at Exit 195. 

The westbound overpass will be reduced to one lane until the middle of June.

For more info, call 1-888-Route1NB (1-888-768-8316) or email, info@R1G.ca or click here

Quispamsis Girl Could be Miss Universe

The next Miss Universe Canada could be the girl next door--Quispamsis native Signa Love is competing against 60 other delegates from all over Canada to take the crown next month. Love is a classically trained singer with a background in performance, which she says will be assets when it comes to strutting her stuff

She tells CHSJ News she's thrilled to be taking part--and especially excited for the charity component of the title. The pageant organizers will send the winner to Nicaragua to do charity work.

Car On Fire At UNB Saint John

City fire crews putting out a car fire at the UNB Saint John parking lot.

A fire erupted in the engine compartment of a parked car around 6 o'clock last night.

No one was hurt but there was extensive damage to the vehicle.

The fire department is looking into the cause.

ATV Crash Sends Man to Hospital

An ATV Accident on the west side has sent one man to hospital.

Police and fire officials responding to the call close to 1am. An ATV had crashed on Riding Way and Millard Robson Lane causing considerable injuries to the driver.

According to early reports, a firefighter ended up driving the ambulance.

Investment Scammers Busted

A pair of scammers getting their comeuppance after being busted by the provincial securities commission. An Alberta couple named Steven Weeres and Rebekah Donszelmann came to New Brunswick in 2009 and struck up a relationship with a woman here, who they defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars by spinning lies about false investment opportunities

Rick Hancox of the commission tells CHSJ News they scammed their victim by pretending to have bought a hotel and courting investment in it

The panel ordered the two to pay out a total of 250-thousand dollars and Donszelmann was banned from the NB capital markets for 20 years. Hancox says it's important that people report frauds of this sort because that's the only way justice can be reached.

Teen Rises Out of Tragedy to Fight Drunk Driving

At only 17 years old Kali O'Dell's life has already been changed by drunk driving. But the high school student, whose mother and father were both killed in  a car accident caused by an impaired driver --to become a spokesperson against driving under the influence.

She's recently been recognized for her efforts, as TD Canada Trust has granted her a $70,000 scholarship for her work as founder of Teens Against Drunk Driving (TADD) at her high school.

O'Dell tells CHSJ News she's worked so hard to get the message out to teens because as the next generation of teachers, politicians, and public servants they will shape tomorrow's policy on drinking and driving.

O'Dell plans on using the scholarship to attend UNB Fredericton and major in English and History.