Fewer Surveys, More Service?

Do Saint Johners want fewer surveys, and more service? That's the debate at common council, where sparks recently flew over whether to spend $22,000 canvassing the public on their priorities for local government.

 Councillor Susan Fullerton says they already from citizens while on the campaign trail---and using tax dollars for surveys is a waste.

But others disagreed, saying the opinion of the taxpayers is the most important thing. A booklet and surveys will be mailed out ensuring those without computer access can take part.

Cardy Urges Government To Help Dying Man

The plight of a Saint John man who will die unless he receives a $10,000 per month cancer drug called Avastin--but is not covered by Medicare or his private insurance--is drawing ire from provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy. 

Cardy tells CHSJ News Mr Jean Phillipe's case proves a broader point: things need to change to bring New Brunswick's health plan up to speed with the rest of Canada. Currently, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are the only provinces without catastrophic drug coverage.

Cardy says the Health Ministry has not answered calls from his party and has told journalists they won't respond to NDP-issued news releases.

Emera CEO Speaks On Hydroelectric Projects

The President and CEO of Emera visiting Saint John to talk about the future potential of the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project for the Maritimes and beyond.
 
Chris Huskilson briefing the media on the Muskrat Falls and Churchill Falls components.
 
He tells CHSJ News there are two key benefits including more energy moving through the province.

He says it creates a new market source of clean energy and that will provide more competition and long term cost relief from electricity prices.

Huskilson says one of the challenges for Emera and other companies is the federal mandate to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent in 2020, 50 per cent by 2030 and nearly 100 per cent by 2050.

VIDEO: A Look Inside The Oland Investigation Documents

A total of 5 documents were released: 2 search warrants and supporting documents. The above video shows just how much is being withheld to protect the ongoing police investigation.

Sculptors Still Rocking Out At Symposium

The old Coast Guard site has been filled with the sounds of sawing, hammering, and chipping stone...and according to organizers and sculptors alike, Sculpture Saint John is turning out to be a smash hit. 

Sculptor Jim Boyd tells CHSJ News the interns from Saint John are hard at work and learning a lot.

A number of international artists are sculpting giant pieces of granite over six weeks. Admission to the site is free and everyone is welcome.

Queen Square Farmer's Market Returns

It's almost time for the summer's third farmer's market in Queen Square. Farmers, crafters, musicians and artists will be gathering to share their wares and enjoy a little-used green space in the South End. 

Organizer Jody Kliffer tells CHSJ News it's been a smash hit and this market will offer a lot of the same goodies as previous events, including fresh produce, prepared foods, a fortune teller, and performances by local theatre groups.

The Market runs in Queen Square on Sunday from 8:30-2pm.

Oland Documents Released, Heavily Censored

Little new information despite 2 search warrants and supporting documentation being released in the Richard Oland murder investigation....the heavily censored documents containing mostly public knowledge on the murder of the prominent businessman, who was found in his Canterbury Street office on July 7, 2011.

The warrants did indicate papers, books, and documents related to genealogy were seized from 58 Gondola Point Road. 57 items were seized in total. Police also requested cell phone and bank records, in addition to searching a 25-foot sailboat, "Loki" docked at the Kennebecaisis Yacht Club.

More search warrants are expected to be released later this (Thursday) afternoon.

Major Midget Vito's Move To The qplex

What the Sea Dogs are for Harbour Station, the Major Midget Vitos will be for the qplex.   

The local major midget triple A hockey club is moving to the new arena in Quispamsis and most of their home games will be Friday nights at 8pm.
 
Vito's coach Ken Dobson tells CHSJ News their players are high school students from Sussex to St. Stephen.

He says it's the top tier of minor hockey for 15, 16 and 17 year olds and a prepatory league for junior and major junior.

Dobson says the advantage of being at the qplex is being able to get three practices in a week in a facility with year round ice and a showcase game on Friday nights. 

He says tryouts and training camp start on September 1st and their first game is coming up at September 21 against Miramichi.

Vito's alumni include NHL defenceman Randy Jones.

"It's Time We Brought The Trades Back Into The Schools"

The new Anglophone South School District holding its first public meeting since the merger of Districts 6,8 and 10. 

Rob Fowler, who chaired the District 8 Education Council has been elected to chair the new school district and says it's time we brought the trades back into the schools.

Fowler says a meeting was held recently with Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart to see where schools fit into Saint John's true growth strategy.

The former chair of the District 6 Education Council, Roger Nesbitt was elected as vice-chair of the new school district which was told students will begin returning to schools on the Wednesday after Labour Day but for many it will be a staggered start depending on what grade you're in.

Saint John's Loss Is Fredericton's Gain

Saint John is losing its Chief Planner to Fredericton.

Ken Forrest is returning there in the new year to be its Director of Growth and Community Services overseeing that city’s Growth and Community Services Department. That includes Community Planning, Tourism, Economic Development, Culture, Parks and Building Inspection.
 
Forrest was a driving force behind the development of Plan SJ which is being hailed as the new direction for future development in our city for the next couple of decades. 

Gas Prices Continuing Their Upward Swing

Diesel continues to rise after the weekly setting.........This time the maximum price has gone up by almost 3 cents a litre. 

The max that can be charged for self serve also is up by a cent a litre. 

Propane has decreased slightly with the listed maximum price being 93.9 cents a litre and heating oil, like diesel, is more expensive by almost 3 cents to a maximum price of 115.2.

Mispec Beach Is Looking Cleaner

People from Fredericton, Quispam and Grand Bay-Westfield coming out to help clean up Mispec Beach.
 
The clean up last Saturday was spearheaded by the sandy spot's neighbour Canaport LNG.

Ward 4 Councillor Ray Strowbridge tells CHSJ News about 40 people took part.

He says everybody worked hard collecting garbage including an old spare tire and an old fencing.

Strowbridge is hoping the problems at Mispec will be taken care in 2013 and the beach will have working washrooms again.

Canaport LNG is doing landscaping work now and is committed to more work next year.

Tattoo Shop Owner Sentenced In Pitt St. Shooting

The Saint John President of the Bacchus Motorcycle Club is facing 10 years in federal prison, a lifetime ban from owning firearms, and a mandatory DNA sample after sentencing today at City Hall.

Matthew Thomas Foley had been charged with manslaughter in the July shooting death of Micheal Schimpf. Originally, the charge was second-degree murder; it was reduced after Foley wrote a letter expressing remorse and helped lead police to the weapon.

The standing-room-only crowd heard a statement from Tara Hill, Schimpf's ex-girlfriend, describing him as a loving father and lamenting the impact his death will have on his children's lives. Foley was described by his defense lawyer as an independent businessman who beat substance issues to start his successful tattoo business in 1985. According to Foley he didn't know Schimpf---but he wanted protection after Schimpf threw bricks through his window, allegedly to settle a longstanding score with the Bacchus.

CHSJ approached several people in Bacchus insignia for comment, but they would only say "Nobody talks" and "What trial?" in response. 

Photo: Stickers on storefront door of Foley's tattoo shop, Wizzard's.

Changes Could Be Afoot For Lincoln

The local service area of Lincoln could be upgrading its status to a village...currently, studies are being conduction to figure out whether the switch would benefit the community. 

According to a release from Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch, there are a number of factors to consider including boundaries, name, and the effect the designation would have on property taxes.

Local residents will be a chance to weigh in at a series of regularly scheduled town hall meetings.

Thefts At Three Car Dealerships

City Police are looking for your help in identifying people for break, enter and thefts into storage containers at Rothesay Avenue car dealerships.

A substantial amount of new and used tires and wheels were stolen from Tristar Mercedes-Benz (July 16 & 29), Kia Saint John (August 3) and Aberdeen Motors (July 13).

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

City Police Officer Found Guilty On Two Charges

An 11 year veteran of the Saint John Police Department has been found guilty of common assault and engaging in threatening conduct. Constable Chris Messer will be sentenced on September 7th.

Mr. Justice Hugh McLellen found Messer not guilty of assault causing bodily harm and uttering a death threat but says the police officer was profoundly unprofessional and in a conflict of interest by investigating a breakin at his home on Westfield Road in September of 2010. 

He condemned that as a breach of trust that could bring the administration of justice into disrepute.  

The judge couldn't understand why Messer was allowed to question Brett McAdam by the side of the Canadian Tire Store alone after suspecting McAdam's car may have been involved in breakins along Westfield Road.

The judge also finds it baffling why Messer was allowed to transport Randy King from the west side to the detention area when he suspected King had broken into his home.  

While finding Messer guilty on the two charges, the judge made clear the credibility of his two accusers was weak.  

Mr. Justice McLellen called an email sent by Messer to his fellow police officers to be on the lookout for a car matching the description of the one driven by McAdam as "hostile".

VIDEO: Mill Rats Announce New Head Coach

The Saint John Mill Rats announcing their new head coach today!

David Cooper is hired for the 2012-2013 NBL Canada season. Previously the teams VP of Marketing and Assistant Coach, Cooper tells CHSJ news he'll be focusing on development.

He adds the hardest part going from assistant to head coach is now you have to have the final say on decisions. Cooper says it's always been his dream to be a head coach one day.

The teams General Manager Ian McCarthy says what makes Cooper great is when other coaches get frustrated or negative when things go bad, Cooper stays positive and enthusiastic.

Cooper has been involved in coaching over 30 AAU teams for over 10 years. He's played in Division 1 NCAA basketball, the USV1 National Team and three years for the Mill Rats.

The previous coach for the past two season was Jaren Jackson, who's moved with his family to Indianapolis, Indiana.

The first home game is November 30th at Harbour Station.

Ferguson Awarded Lump Sum Payment

Former common councillor John Ferguson was found innocent of defamation against the city's pension board after a marathon 55-day trial, has been awarded $600,000 to be paid by the pension board. 

Mr Justice William Grant pooh-poohing the pension board's claims it was suing Ferguson on principle, saying that means a lot less when you're doing that with someone else's money. 

Justice Grant further called both parties "stubborn and willful" saying their attitudes became more entrenched as the trial went on. Lawyer Matt Pearn tells CHSJ News it's up to Ferguson whether he accepts that.The case incurred more than $2 million dollars in legal costs.

Saint Johners Celebrate Acadian Day

Did you wonder why King street is adorned with red, white and blue streamers and balloons today?

Acadians and others in Saint John are celebrating their culture today on National Acadian Day.

Jennifer Mitton of Settlement Services tells CHSJ News they are a variety of events happening in the City today.

She tells us their is a yard sale, a canteen and more and at noon there was a people parade that went down King street to City hall.

Mitton says it important to celebrate all the sides of our culture in a diverse province like this.
A flag was raised at City hall and more events continue at Samuel Du Champlain today.

City Police Officer Found Guilty

City Police officer Chris Messer has been found guilty of engaging in threatening conduct as well as common assault.

He has been found not guilty of assault causing bodily harm and uttering a death threat.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 7th.

City Getting A New Splashpad

A new splashpad has been approved at the Carleton Community Center...and common council is saying money spent on recreation for kids is money well-spent. 

Councillor Donnie Snook says if the splashpad at Rainbow Park is any indication, another one on the West Side is a great use of funds.

Now word yet on an exact timeframe; however Snook says there are some who would like to see a splashpad in every area of the city. A ball hockey court and ice rink were also considered.

Mounties Probe Construction Site Damage

RCMP want to know who trashed a construction site in Welsford causing thousands of dollars in damage to heavy equipment.

It happened sometime between last Friday and yesterday when equipment and a building on Route 101 were damaged.
Windshields were smashed out of a bulldozer and an excavator and paint was sprayed onto the machinery and a porta potty was overturned.

If you can help with information, contact the Mounties  at 506-757-1020 or Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS.

E-Waste Donation Program Expanding

A trial E-waste donation program that started in Saint John is expanding throughout the province.

The Diabetes Association's e-waste program collects your old electronics, ships them to a recycle facility in the states, and is then reimbursed with proceeds going into diabetic research.

Operations Manager Derek MacFarlane tells CHSJ news the 8-month trial in Saint John saw about 100,000 pounds of e-waste collected, all of which would normally go into the landfill.

MacFarlane says the Clothesline is the main way they receive donations, so collecting electronics was a natural fit.

For more information on the recycle company, Greentec, click here.

To call for your electronics to be picked up, call 1-800-505-5525 or you can drop off e-waste at their center, 229 Bayside Drive.

Border Jumper Arrested By Rothesay Regional Police

Rothesay Regional Police making the arrest of an American wanted by the RCMP and Canada Border Services after entering the country illegally at St. Stephen. 

An alert was issued after a man driving a car with Pennsylvania plates was denied entry to Canada but then shut his lights off and ran the border.

The car was later seen on the highway by Rothesay Regional Police who pulled it over, arresting the driver without incident and turned him over to the RCMP.

Police Officer On Trial Tells His Side Of The Story

A police officer on trial for assault, assault causing bodily harm and uttering a death threat admits to "rabbit punching" a suspect in the head but claims it was in self defence.

Chris Messer testifying he thought Randy King might have been involved in a break-in on Messer's home but that's not why he punched him.

According to Messer, King uttered expletives against him and his son then started fighting with the police officer.

 Messer says he didn't use any more force than necessary nor did he utter any threats. King on the other hand says the police officer stomped on his chest.

The closing arguments will be delivered to the judge this morning.

Traffic At a Standstill on Union

More traffic delays due to construction at Union and Crown Street--traffic is currently at a standstill.

CTF Reacts To Audited Finacial Statements

The provincial deficit is smaller but the net debt in this province is up to 10 billion dollars.
 
Those numbers from audited financial statements from the Alward government.
 
Kevin Lacey of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation tells CHSJ News its a cop out to blame changes in some of the numbers on the cost of dealing with provincial flooding and increases to pensions.

He says helping people with flooding is a necessary expense and he says the government hasn't done anything to reform pensions and the millions its costing New Brunswickers won't change.

The Finance Department says spending was down by $128.8 million marking the first time in the last 11 years that expenses decreased from the year before.

15-Year-Old Facing Dirt Bike Drinking Charges

A 15-year-old Caraquet boy facing several charges of impaired driving and dangerous driving with a dirt bike.

It's part of an RCMP investigation into a group of ATV's and dirt bikes that were traveling along town streets over the weekend.

RCMP are still looking for the other drivers that were traveling late Saturday night along Saint-Pierre Boulevard in Caraquet, some without their headlights on.

The 15-year-old was released into the custody of his mother and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Sea Dogs Hit The Ice Tomorrow

It's back to business for the Saint John Sea Dogs!

The team starts their training at Harbour Station on Wednesday, and their practices and scrimmages are open so fans can get a sneak peak at the line up.

Head Coach Mike Kelly tells CHSJ news they're putting a lot of focus on their younger players this year. Kelly calls this a transition year for the team, and he hopes the young guys learn a lot from the returning players.

Kelly says the veteran players won't be part of this training camp for another two weeks while they top up on some extra training.

Kelly adds the teams sharp new third-jersey is being unveiled at Friday’s QPLEX pre-season game with the PEI rocket.

Police Officers Testify At Trial Of One Of Their Own

The trial of city police officer Chris Messer heard what happened on the night Randy King was arrested. King claims Messer punched him several times to his head in the back of a police car.

Constable Don Shannon was working undercover in September of 2010 and followed King from Metcalf Street to Greendale where he was stopped and placed in the back of Messer's patrol car. King was wanted by the RCMP for a break and enter.  
Back at detention, Shannon says he booked King whom he describes as co-operative, even docile and did not hear any complaints from him about his treatment.

King was later taken to hospital. A paramedic's report describes King as uncooperative but does state he had minor abrasions and complained about pain behind his right ear. 

There was also testimony about an encounter with Brett McAdam in the parking lot of the Canadian Tire in September of 2010. McAdam alleges Messer threatened him.

McAdam's car had been flagged by Messer for possibly being involved with breakins along Westfield Road.

Mike King, who lives along Westfield Road, told the court a car matching that description stopped in his driveway and he had seen the driver get out and look in the window of his home.   

Constable Neil Fowler told the court he searched McAdam's car in the parking  lot of Canadian Tire and found an address book with the names of drug dealers.  

There was a private conversation between Messer and McAdam at the side of the store. Fowler testified after that was over, McAdam told Messer "If I hear anything, I'll let you know" and there was nothing in how they were acting which indicated anything out of the ordinary.

No Criminals At City Hall

Folks with a criminal past might have a tougher time getting involved in local politics....Councillor Susan Fullerton is pushing for criminal record checks for people on all of city boards and commissions. 

According to Fullerton checking when people apply isn't enough, because they could still commit offenses while sitting on the waiting list for a board or commission. But the common clerk, Elizabeth Gormley pointed out there are legal issues for delving into potential employee's pasts without a legitimate and lawful reason.

Currently, the Police Commission requires a check but others do not. Fullerton says if someone is representing the city in any capacity, it's not appropriate for them to have been involved in any criminal activities.

Get A Glimpse Inside The Paramount

The Paramount Theatre has become a local symbol of Saint John's often-struggling arts scene...and a new documentary by Saint John's Hemmings House Pictures is putting the abandoned theatre in the international spotlight. 

Hemmings tells CHSJ News their new movie, The Paramount, celebrates Saint John's cultural history by hearkening back to the glory days of live shows and movies at the historic Art Deco theatre. It also includes exclusive footage of what it looks like inside today: which is, according to Hemmings, not that bad.

Hemmings says he expected the Paramount to be torn down by the time the film was released. Hee's hoping it will give the restoration effort a new lease on life by showing off the theater to potential investors.

 Some of the documentary is available online by clicking here. The first broadcast of The Paramount will be exclusively aired on CBC Atlantic, Saturday August 25th at 8pm.

City Look Into North End Crowbar Attack

City police looking into a assault in the North end involving a crowbar.

It happened on Matthew Lane on Monday afternoon.

A 32 year old man was sent to hospital treated and released while a 35 year old man is facing charges of assault with a weapon and is due in court later.

If you know anything about this incident or any other, contact City police at 648-3333 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  

Or click here

Conflicting Testimony At Trial Of City Police Officer

There has been contradictory testimony at the trial of city police officer Chris Messer who's charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm and uttering a death threat.

Randy King, who remains in jail, told the court in September of 2010 Messer accused him of breaking into his Westfield Road home and punched him in the back of the head from 6 to 10 times as well as placing his boot on his throat. 

Constable Allen Craig and retired Police Sergeant Gary Boyle told the court they saw Messer place his foot on King's chest after he struggled in the back of a police car to put handcuffs on him. Both also testified King did not appear to be injured and did not complain to them about being punched.

Firebugs Beware: Crackdown On Abandoned Buildings

It's obvious we've got a firebug running around the North End, according to Councillor Susan Fullerton. Common council deciding the city needs stricter fines for property owners who neglect buildings and allow fire hazards to fester. 

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News police are looking into as many as four suspicious fires in the North End and people are scared, and while they've succeeded in closing some of the files it's a moving target.

The new by-law would crack down on property owners who ignore warnings to clean up their act. Councillor Donnie Snook and others stressed fire prevention doesn't always mean tearing buildings down, but giving more incentives to restore them. 

Meanwhile, council decided putting down topsoil and grass seed to beautify existing abandoned lots is too expensive.

New Bike Route To Link Communities Together

A bike route between Tucker Park and the urban core could be built as soon as 2013--that from common council, where city staff pledged to create a plan for the so-called Campus-Harbour connection proposed by Uptown Saint John, which is putting up $10,000.

The Environment Committee's Anne McShane tells CHSJ News the bike route will make uptown a more appealing destination for cash-strapped students and others--because, of course, not everyone has a car. Further, she says the route will also be great for Crescent Valley and the North End because it will link the communities together.

She says they're hoping to start building by 2013. Councillor Donna Reardon and others said they were pleased to support more active transportation routes in the city.

Community Garden Celebrates Milestone

The community garden in Crescent Valley celebrating 20 years in existence today.

The green space was created when residents partnered with the Department of Social Development. Today, 12 garden plots are shared between 19 families. Mayor Mel Norton says it's a great way to build and beautify the community.

Garden members will be enjoying a BBQ at 5pm and prizes will be awarded for 1rst, 2nd and 3rd place plots.

Four More Warrants To Go In Oland Case

With five warrants down there are still four more to go in the murder investigation of Richard Oland.

The release of specific information was debated behind close doors by lawyers on Monday. Judge Leslie Jackson deciding there will be a publication ban on information until Thursday morning. At that time media lawyer David Coles is scheduled to give his say on what information should be released to the public.

The prosecution isn't giving any comments until after the hearings are over.

Since the murder over a year ago no information on Oland's death have been given out.

Students Will Be Hurt By Lack Of Buses

The NB Student's Association is concerned Acadian Line's decision to pull out of the Maritimes will make things a lot more difficult for university students, and maybe even discourage students from coming here.

The Association issuing a statement saying it's a perfect opportunity for other companies to come in and fill the gap...and there's great potential for the routes to turn a profit, provided companies consult with proper interest groups on where they enter the market.

Acadian will stop intercity bus service in the Maritimes as of November 30th.

Despite Struggles Shelter Wants Sick Animals

Despite ongoing financial hardship,  the SPCA animal rescue league wants you to bring sick, injured and abandoned pets to them.

Staff at the shelter found an injured dog left in a box sitting in its own waste that was so far gone had to be euthanized.

Board President Melody McElman tells CHSJ News despite criticism for the move, they had no choice but to leave their North end shelter.

She says the animal cages were inadequate and didn't meet provincial SPCA guidelines adding it had reached the end of its life.

McElman says they hope to have their City contract back but in the meantime are still accepting animals.

VIDEO: SAW Actors Visit Saint John

Actors from the horror film franchise SAW cruised into Saint John to meet fans and answer questions. It was also the infamous puppet's fourth time in public.

More Details Could Be Released On Oland

We could know more about the murder investigation of Richard Oland case by late this afternoon. 

Lawyers meeting behind closed doors in court today discussing what information should be released or kept under wraps.

This Thursday media lawyer David Coles will be before Judge Leslie Jackson concerning the information contained in the search warrants.

Oland was found dead in his office on Canterbury Street last year.

Trial Of City Police Officer Underway

A city police officer is on trial for assault causing bodily harm, uttering a death threat and assault. Constable Chris Messer has pleaded not guilty.

21 year old Randy King claims he was picked up on a warrant for his arrest and while inside the police car was punched in the back of his head by Messer 6 to 10 times, dragged out of the cruiser and had a boot placed on his throat.

King testified Messer accused him of breaking into his house which he denies. King does have a record of breakins. Two days later, 28 bullets were fired into Messer's home. Defense lawyer Brian Munro told King a Monte Carlo belonging to his uncle was seen leaving the area.

47 year old Brent McAdam testified Messer accused him of breaking into his house on Westfield Road and threatened him saying he would send four low life scum to his house and blow his head off.   

Munro told McAdam his vehicle had been flagged after breakins on Westfield Road and the names found in a black book inside his car raised police concerns.

Saw Actors Traveling On Cruise Ship Thrill Fans

For Horror fans in the Port City, it's big excitement as several actors from the Saw films including the puppet are in town on the Carnival Glory.

Actor Ned Bellamy was asked what the atmosphere is like on the ship.

He tells us it's constant activity like taking lower Manhattan and putting it on a ship at sea.

Several actors from the film met with fans who lined up outside of Steamer's for an event this morning.

Chase Leads To Many Charges

An 18 year old man who refused to stop for police on Saturday is facing several charges including dangerous driving, taking a vehicle with an owner's consent and hit and run. 

It happened on the East side and the original call came in as a possible impaired driver.

He also faces charges of violating house arrest and probation and failing to stop for police.

The man was eventually taken into custody and is due in court today.

Housing Starts Down Around 50%

The latest housing stats shows a decrease of about 50% compared to last year in the number of new homes being built in Saint John.

New housing starts are also down significantly in Moncton and Fredericton. President of the Saint John Real Estate Board Jason Stephen tells CHSJ news he's not shocked by the figures. He says when there's so much selection on the market, there's no big demand to build new houses.

On the other side of the coin, Stephen says this is great news for buyers, since interest rates are at an all time low and  there's plenty of selection.

For sellers, it does mean some houses will take longer to unload and they'll have to be negotiable.

No Worries About Canaport's Future

Business as usual........That's how John Herron, the President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy sees the future of Canaport LNG. 

Questions were naturally raised after confirmation Repsol was willing to sell its stake along with liquified natural gas assets elsewhere to prop up its bottom line.  

Herron tells CHSJ News Repsol was hit hard by the nationalisation of one of the company's principal holdings in Argentina but, as far as he's aware, no decision has been made. 

He says Canaport LNG will continue to be a potential supplier to both Atlantic Canada and the northeastern U.S.

A Warning About What's Happening To Our Forests

A warning from the Conservation Council which charges too much clear cutting and spraying of herbicides are wiping out huge portions of forests and wildlife habitat. 

The Conservation Council has released maps which show deforestation and degradation. 

It's Acadian Forest Campaign Director Tracy Glynn tells CHSJ News everyone in the province should be concerned because forests regulate the flow of water to prevent flooding and filter water so that our wetlands, rivers and lakes have clean water. She goes on to say 30 watersheds in the province are at risk.

The Conservation Council is calling on the provincial government to revisit its forest policy because it claims thirty watersheds are at risk because of excessive cutting in public forests.

Common Councillor Wants Criminal Background Checks

Common Council is looking to restructure the city's boards, agencies and commissions with the possible elimination of some and merger of others to make them more efficient and effective. 

Common Councillor Susan Fullerton is proposing something else........That all appointees to these board, commissions and agencies have a criminal background check as means of protecting the public and the city.

Meantime, Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart is calling for Common Council to get behind the effort by the Saint John Hotel Association to have NB Liquor set up what's called a boutique liquor store in the uptown. 

The lack of a liquor store in the uptown is viewed as being bad for tourism. The closest liquor store to the uptown is at Prince Edward Square.

Arrest Made After Two Fires

The fire department responding to a pair of small fires at 10 Spruce Street and now a 22 year old woman is facing charges of arson. The fires were set to curtains on a porch and in a bathroom.

Also over the weekend, fire caused serious damage to a garage and workshop on Rodney Street.