Hotel Robbed

The Best Western Hotel on the east side along Majors Brook Drive was held up this morning around 1:15 by a man and woman. 

City Police say they took off with an undisclosed amount of money but were arrested a couple of hours later in the area of Duke and Sydney Streets.

Rothesay Man Killed

A Rothesay man has died in a single vehicle crash on Prince Edward Island. 

The RCMP have identified him as 67 year old Asgori Siamak who was ejected from his vehicle. 

Police say he lost control after passing another vehicle at Meadowbank, hit a ditch and rolled.

Missing Nova Scotia Teen May Be In Saint John

A missing teen from Nova Scotia may be in the Saint John area.

RCMP and Halifax Regional Police say they've received information that 14-year old Dametry Ruscoe of Lake Echo may be in the Port City on his way to Oshawa, Ontario. 

He was last seen on August 19 at his home on Walker Street. He may have been in Halifax on Spring Garden Road and looking to go a local shelter. He's described as being 5'7', 140 lbs, with medium length dark hair.

Police and Crimestoppers asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact any RCMP office, Halifax Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously anytime at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

9/11 Anniversary Marked In NB

September 11, 2013 marks 12 years since the tragic attacks on New York City in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News as a firefighter, he was struck by the conscious sacrifice many New York  emergency personnel made on that day.

An honour guard and memorial service is planned in Fredericton to honour both the emergency personnel who died in New York that day, and also those who have passed away both in and outside the line of duty.

Mayor Calls Sick Leave At KV Fire "Out Of Hand"

The mayor of Rothesay says there's a big problem at the KV Fire Department, which is currently operating with a deficit and has approached the town asking for a change in the way funds are allocated.

Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News council needs to take a look at how money is being spent when it comes to sick leave, disability and overtime. Bishop says the current usage of sick time leave is out of hand and needs to be explained.

The councils of Rothesay and Quispamsis will be scheduling a meeting to discuss what should be done about the issue. Bishop says they did the same thing last year and after some debate, they two towns took a similar stance and agreed upon certain terms for the way funds are allocated to the fire department.

United Way Sets Campaign Goal Of 1.4 Million

What would happen if the United Way wasn't here to help people?  

A crowd at the Detla learning abused women wouldn't be able to seek help and hundreds of children wouldn't have access to daycare and other programs.

Executive Director Wendy MacDermott tells CHSJ News this year's goal of 1.4 million for the 2013/2014 campaign was not set lightly.

She says there is something to be said for a round numbered goal like 1.4 million adding it's felt like their has been a ceiling around 1.3.

She also thinks it's a big statement to break the threshhold move on to 1.4 million.

Councillor David Merrithew informing the crowd that City of Saint John employees gave the most of any organization contributing $87,000 last year.

The United Way serves communities from the Fundy Isles all the way to Havelock.

Port Celebrates 25 Years Of Cruise, Despite Less Successful Season

It's been 25 years since a hurricane accidentally blew the first cruise ship into the Port City--and while 2013 hasn't been the best year for traffic from the the big boats, Port CEO Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News there are better times ahead.

There are only 56 boats scheduled to come here in 2014, which Quinn says is due in part to the still-recovering economy,but the hope is that things will continue to bounce back especially in the historically strong fall cruise season.

Councillor Unimpressed With Buck-Passing

The City needs to stop passing the buck and take taxpayer complaints more seriously: that, from Common Councillor Bill Farren. 

He says he's heard from a number of citizens with complaints ranging from illegal dumping to flooding where there hasn't been an issue previously.
 
Farren says when people try to complain to the city there's a pattern of officials referring them to someone else like a contractor or a neighbour, when in reality he says the city needs to be looking after its citizens a little better.

Two Fatalities In Province

The RCMP in Moncton are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorized wheelchair.
 
A 76 year old woman, in a motorized wheelchair, who was crossing an intersection was struck by a minivan and killed.
 
The man driving the minivan and a woman who was with the victim were not injured.
 
The circumstances of the collision are still under investigation but alcohol is not believed to have been a factor.

Another fatality is under investigation int he northern part of the province.. 

This one happened along Highway 2 near Perth-Andover when a vehicle left the highway and collided with the guard rail before rolling over, killing a 61 year old man from Ontario. Speed and alcohol use are not believed to be responsible.

TransCanada Offers More Details On Pipeline Jobs

Trans Canada announcing the economic benefits that will stem from the Energy East Pipeline based on a report by Deloitte and Touche. 

Deloitte used 40 years as a example for the life of pipeline but expects it will be around a lot longer than that.

The gross domestic product is forecast to be 10 billion dollars in the construction and development phase.  Russ Girling is the President and CEO of TransCanada and he says that's going to mean a significant number of jobs--over 10,000 in the construction phase.

In the operating phase, the pipeline, when completed, will create 1000 jobs and when you add in spinoff positions it increases to 4000 jobs.

Maine Governor Likes Proposed Pipeline

More support for the Energy East pipeline.......This time from a New England governor.

Maine's governor Paul Lepage is attending the New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers meeting in Quebec and calls it a great project.

In an online report, Lepage says he would like to see oil transported by pipeline rather than by rail, adding the Lac Megantic disaster was a perfect storm involving aging equipment and human error.

Scam Alert

Loblaw, which includes the Real Canadian Superstore, is warning of a fraudulent scam that targets you over the phone. 

Several people have reported receiving an automated phone call that advises them they have won a free vacation from Real Canadian Superstore. 

The automated caller asks them to press one if they agree and two if they disagree. If the customer presses one it takes them to a live caller who asks for their personal information including their credit card information to book the vacation. 

Loblaw says customers would never be asked to provide their personal or credit card information over the phone.

Controversial Housing Development Moves Ahead

A plan to build a new neighbourhood in Rothesay getting some pushback.

Some residents voicing concerns about traffic, safety and property values if the Dobbin Street housing development goes ahead at a public hearing.

The development would be made up of two new apartment buildings and 15 new townhouses. A new road and sidewalk would also be built.

Council giving the project preliminary approval, and Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News before they give the official go-ahead, the town will be reviewing the development deal in detail.

Bishop tells us he thinks the development would make a good addition to Rothesay not only for taxation reasons but for accommodating those who want to live in the town but can't afford a home.

More Interest In Using Former Synagogue Building

A few local ventures are expressing interest in renting space in the former synagogue on Wellington Row--and the Multicultural Association of Saint John's executive director Melana Iverson tells CHSJ News they're providing more valuable services that some other bidders, including a fashion modelling school that has also described the space as ideal for their purposes.

Iverson presented at last night's meeting of common council about the challenges of running the association, and the support she needs from council to keep her efforts going.

She says the space would allow them to roll our programs that would benefit the entire community--not simply newcomers.

One In Hospital After Causeway Crash

Police say one person is in hospital with undetermined injuries after a collision involving five vehicles.

It happened around 5:30pm in the eastbound lanes of the causeway near Bayside Drive. The scene has since been cleared.

Get A Cupcake, Celebrate The Cruise Ship Industry

Get a cupcake, celebrate the cruise industry.

That is what will be happening in the City Market tomorrow as the Port celebrates 25 years of the cruise ship industry.

Port Saint John staff members will be giving out 25th anniversary cupcakes and buttons beginning at 11:30am.

The cupcakes are specially designed by Piece O’Cake Custom Creations are a gift to the community for their contribution to cruise.

For more info, click here

Stabbing In Eel River Crossing

An Eel River Crossing stabbing victim who was airlifted to the Saint John Regional Hospital is in critical, but stable condition.

That's according to police, who were called to the parking lot of a business just before 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon where the 60-year old man was stabbed.

Campbellton arresting a 71-year old man also from Eel River Crossing shortly afterwards.

Cardiac Walk Brings In Over $18,000

The 13th annual Cardiac Walk of Life on Saturday bringing in more than $18,000.

All proceeds go to the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Local Blood Donor Gets Major Nod

One blood donation can save as many as three lives--and one Saint John woman has certainly done her part to benefit others by giving that gift of life. Cheryl Steadman works for IBM and is a workplace champion of the Partners for Life Program.

She tells CHSJ News it's a simple way to give back to the community.

Steadman donates plasma every week. She was recently honored by the city's Volunteer Appreciation Awards, and will be in Ottawa September 9th for the national Honouring Our Lifeblood awards gala staged by Canadian Blood Services.

Rothesay Restaurant Closes

More job loss in the Saint John area following the closure of the St. Hubert Express in Rothesay.

It closed for good last night just four days from reaching its 1st anniversary.

Josee Vaillaincourt is a spokesperson from the company's corporate office.

She says the restaurant had to close as the numbers of customers was not high enough to make a profit.

While the store opened last year with 40 employees, they have been operating with 22 workers since the spring.

CHSJ News learning that at least 6 of the Rothesay workers are or will be transferred to the Saint John location and others have already found other work.

The employees in Rothesay were told six weeks ago that the store was closing.

Police Chief Keeping Mum On Rumoured Wage Increase Request

Police Chief Bill Reid remaining tight-lipped about speculation the Saint John Police Force is asking for a 6% wage increase in 2013, 2014, 2015.

He tells CHSJ News he can't speak about anything they're discussing around the negotiating table unless it goes to binding arbitration.

The Chief says while such rumours might maker for good fodder for dinner table discussion, the fact is the police are still working to get on the same page and the discussions will remain private for the time being.

Talks Are Ongoing To Reduce Noise From Scrap Metal

American Iron and Metal wants to do the right thing when it comes to lowering noise levels when scrap metal is being loaded onto ships at the port on the west side. 

That, from Jim Quinn, President and C-E-O of the Port Authority, who tells CHSJ News the noise will always be louder in the summer.
 
Quinn says the next time scrap metal will be loaded onto ships won't be until sometime in November or December at the earliest.

In the meantime, discussions are underway to mitigate the noise.

Another Open House On Pipeline

The people in Kings County have a chance to ask questions about the proposed Energy East pipeline tomorrow in Hampton where another open house is being held. 

This one will be taking place from 4 to 8 at St. Alphonsus Hall on Church Street. 

Tim Vickers of the Atlantic Coastal Action Programme tells CHSJ News we still don't know alot and there are alot of unanswered questions.
 
He goes on to say there are also concerns about what effect, if any, a pipeline would have on water crossings and will it offset any of the rail traffic with oil coming into the city, reduce the amount of tanker traffic in the Bay of Fundy and how much of the Alberta crude will be refined in Saint John or is most of it being shipped elsewhere for refining..

Celebrating The Best In Business Next Month

The best of the best in the Port city business world get recognition next month.

The Saint John Board of Trade announcing the finalists for the Outstanding Business Awards in 7 categories.

In business excellence, the finalists are Bayview Credit Union, Commercial properties and the Delta/Fortis Properties.

The finalists for Entrepreneurial Achievement are Colwell's, Liquid Gold and Maritime Hydroseed.

New this year is the Passion for Change award.    The businesses get their hardware at the Delta on October 2nd.

Crime Stoppers Wants Help Solving 2011 Campobello Crime

The Mounties and Provincial Crime Stoppers trying to find out who trashed a Campobello Island school more than two years ago.

Between May 2nd and 3rd 2011, one person or a group of people caused thousands of dollars in damage by breaking 16 windows and more.

The damage to the school was very upsetting to the community and police are asking anyone who might know anything to come forward and help identify whoever did the damage.

You can earn up to $2,000 from Crime Stoppers if your information leads to the arrest of those responsible.

You can call anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit  www.crimenb.ca.

View the Crime of the Week by clicking here.

Fredericton Wrestler Wins Silver

Samantha Stewart of Fredericton won a silver medal in wrestling at the Francophonie Games in Nice, France. the first ever in this sport for Team Canada-New Brunswick.

Concern Car Fire Might Spread

A car fire last night around 10:00 on Grove Hill Road, off Route 820. 

The car was engulfed in flames when the Simonds Fire Department arrived amid concern the blaze might spread to nearby trees and a garage close by.

It was contained before anything like that happened and extinguished quickly with no injuries.

Country Superstar Coming To Saint John

Reba McIntyre will be performing in Saint John next month. Harbour Station announcing the Country legend will be at Harbour Station on Friday, October 18th. 

Opening for Reba will be Gord Bamford who won big at the Canadian Country Music awards.
 
Tickets for the Reba Concert will go on Sale this Friday at Noon at the Harbour Station Box Office.

Irving Calls $2 Million Gift "The Right Thing To Do".

New research that help keeps workers safe and healthy will be happening in Saint John.
 
Dalhousie Medicine NB will have the first endowed occupational medicine chair in the country.
 
Jim Irving of JDI says it's common sense to ensure you have a healthy safe workforce.

He says it's not just their folks but those who work at others businesses and it will be progressive helping them manage healthcare costs. 

Irving says it will also make them more competitive and its the right thing to do.

JDI is giving $2 million dollars to endow the first chair of this kind at DalMed NB.

Does Noise Bring Down Property Values?

Complaints about the noise from scrap metal being loaded in ships at the port making some people wonder about the effect of noise on property values. 

Jason Stephen, President of the Real Estate Board tells CHSJ News there are a lot of factors that come into play when pricing your house. And while noise is one of those factors, he says it's not necessarily a deal-breaker for home-buyers. 

He says if your house is nice enough, a buyer may look past something like noise. 

Stephen says you can't really equate the approximate value when you're talking about selling something like houses in a noisy area, but it's something a homeowner can find out for themselves on an individual basis by talking to their realtor.

A-CAP Looking For Pipeline To Benefit The Environment

The Atlantic Coastal Action Programme is hoping the Energy East pipeline project will benefit Saint John in ways other than just economic.

A-Cap's Executive-Director Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News Emera has helped revitalise Rockwood Park after getting the go ahead to build Brunswick Pipeline which he calls a legacy project. 

Vickers says the rejuvenation of Marsh Creek is the legacy project that comes top of mind for him that would benefit the local environment.

There's going to be another open house on the proposed pipeline project tomorrow in Hampton.

Mayor Says City Not Looking For Authority To Tax

As part of the changes, the city is proposing in a new relationship with the provincial government, Mayor Mel Norton is not talking about the city having the power to impose new taxes but does want to see more of the commercial taxes collected from Saint John businesses stay here. 

Norton says about half of the commercial tax money leaves the city. He tells CHSJ News the city would be better off keeping more of that and having less or even no unconditional grant money from the provincial government.

Transition Camp Helps First Year Students Adjust

Transitioning from high school to university can be scary for many students, but a boot camp offered by UNB this past summer is designed to make the move as smooth as possible. 

The assistant Dean of Engineering, Frank Collins, tells CHSJ News incoming engineering and science students had the opportunity to take UNBetween, which is basically a week-long simulation of university life. The experience can help the students get over some of their fears and apprehensions before classes actually begin.

Classes at both UNB campuses started on Thursday.

Asthmatic Students Vulnerable To Attacks In Sept.

It's a dangerous time of year for asthma-sufferers, especially if you're a student. 

President of the Asthma Society of Canada Dr. Robert Oliphant tells CHSJ News about a quarter of the yearly hospital admissions for asthma happen in a two week period called the September Asthma Peak.

Oliphant says the students are especially vulnerable to attacks at the beginning of the school year because of the mold and dust mites that have collected in the schools due to them being closed up during the summer months. It's also because many of the students are still in vacation-mode and not taking their medication regularly, and thirdly, because of the common cold going around.

To keep it under control, Oliphant suggests a asthma action plan. He says students should be keeping a diary of the kinds of things they need to do to control the condition, including taking their medication every day, usually twice a day. He says regular use makes the lungs less susceptible to an asthma attack.

Car Collides With City Bus

Emergency crews and paramedics checking people for injuries after a crash between a car and a city bus. 

Platoon Chief Barry Oickle of the city fire department says it happened just after 10am yesterday at 55 Union Street. 

No word on whether or not anyone was hurt.

Man Arrested For Drunken Boating

A man slapped with handcuffs after driving a boat drunk. The 56-year old was arrested and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle. 

Sergeant Glenn Hayward tells us the way he was driving on the water at Tucker Park first drew attention to him from swimmers. Once he anchored the boat on shore he started throwing empties in the water and insulting the people on the beach, who then called the police to the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club.

The city fire department was also called in to tow the man's boat to shore.

Overhaul Of Lorneville Cemeteries Now Finished

It's a restoration project that's been 12 years in the making, but the Lorneville and Seaview Cemeteries' facelift is finally finished. 

When it started in 2001, the cemeteries were overgrown, stones were tipping and the overall condition was deteriorating rapidly. 

President Philip McCavour says they started the project in 2001 by clearing all the brush and brambles from around the perimeter and built some roads throughout the cemetery to make it more accessible. He tells CHSJ News some seniors hadn't been able to visit their family plots for several years. 

They fixed approximately 150 of the gravestones, filled in the sunken graves, planted new grass and sod, planted 120 trees around the perimeter, installed a water system and built a visitors centre, among other things.

The cemeteries date back almost 200 years. With the improvements, McCavour says they're now a much more fitting tribute to those who have passed away.

Today is Cemetery Day, which marks the official opening of the cemeteries. The grounds will be open until 5pm today for touring.

32 Positions Eliminated At Hospitals Across NB

32 nurses across the province losing their jobs.

On Friday, Horizon Health Network gave layoff notices to the full-time and part-time registered nurses working in the Charlotte County Hospital, Sussex Hospital, Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, Oromocto Public Hospital, Upper River Valley Hospital, and the Moncton City Hospital.

The health authority says the layoffs are because of changes to their standardized models of care and staff skill mix on their 22 family medicine units.

President of the New Brunswick Nurses Union, Marilyn Quinn says, their goal is to ensure Horizon finds work for all those affected.

Biker Group Donating Toys, Cash To Sick Children

They're bikers with big hearts...the Saint John Harley Owner's Group is donating toys and cash to sick kids as part of the Annual Lana Sherwood Memorial Toy Run. 

The donations go to support the medical needs of children facing illness and hospitalization at the Saint John Regional Hospital. This year marks a 20-year partnership between the biker group and the hospital's pediatric program.

The presentation is happening at the hospital cafeteria at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

Two Hurt In North End Collisions

Two people taken to hospital after two separate car crashes in the North end.

Acting Platoon Chief Brian Wilson of the city fire department says one person was brought to hospital after a motorcycle and a car collided on the corner of Adelaide and Metcalfe, while the other was taken to hospital after a collision on McLaren Boulevard. 

Both people have minor injuries.

Woman Arrested In Seven Year Old Robbery Case

Police making an arrest in a seven year old robbery case. 

They say they've arrested a woman in connection with the 2006 robbery of the Garden Street Irving. They've also nabbed a man for a robbery that took place in East Saint John last Tuesday. 

Both are scheduled to appear in court today.

Man Arrested In Convenience Store Robbery

Police making an arrest in the armed robbery of a convenience store in the South end. 

On Friday morning, a man came into Shawn's Variety on Broad Street with a weapon and made off with some cash. 

He's scheduled to appear in court today.

New 18-Car Deer Island Ferry Will Cost $4 Million

Conservative MLA Curtis Malloch confirming rumours surrounding the Deer Island Ferry service. 

Malloch tells CHSJ News the John E. Rigby between L'etite and Deer Island will be replaced with another 18-car ferry.

He says they are replacing the John E. Ridgy with a new modern ferry that's the same size and will cost of 4 million dollars.
Malloch says the promise to replace the Rigby with a 24-car ferry was made back in 2007 by the previous Liberal government. 

He says traffic volumes were used to determine the size needed for the new ferry, and he says, 18 cars was enough to handle the demand.

UPDATE - Judge Rules More Oland Info To Be Released

It looks like we will get more details about the police investigation into the murder of Richard Oland - provincial court judge Leslie Jackson has ruled censored transcripts of closed door testimony by a city police investigator last year should be released.
The judge has ruled censored versions of other court documents dated last year should also be released.
Previously released documents show police believe Oland's son Dennis is the prime suspect in the two year old case - however - no arrest nor any charges have been laid.

Kingston Peninsula To Get Plan For Future Development

The Fundy Regional Services Commission will be putting together a rural development plan for the Kingston Peninsula.

Grand Bay-Westfield Mayor Grace Losier chairs the Commission and tells CHSJ News more and more activity is happening on the Peninsula and, while growth is good, it shouldn't be haphazard. 

Losier says when it comes to development, what you don't want to be is reactive and activity on the Kingston Peninsula is getting busier.

More Information Being Sought In Oland Investigation

Another court hearing taking place that's requesting even more information be released from the investigation into the July 2011 murder of prominent businessman Richard Oland at his office on Canterbury Street. 

This time, the court is being asked to allow the released of testimony given behind closed doors by the lead investigator for the police, Stephen Davidson. 

Media lawyer David Coles says the more information Saint Johnners have, the better.
 
Coles argues without the court action, Saint Johnners would be completely in the dark about the investigation because virtually nothing would have been released.

Slight Dip In Unemployment Rate

There has been a bit of a drop in the unemployment rate but Saint John at 10.5 per cent last month still has the highest jobless percentage of any city that's surveyed and the only one in double digits. 

The provincial unemployment rate rose from 10.2 per cent in July to 10.7 per cent.  

Unemployment, nationally, fell to 7.1 per cent in August from 7.2 per cent the previous month. 59,000 new jobs were created during the month but most of them were part time.

Police Seek Robbery Suspect & Solve Home Invasion

Just after 11 this morning, a man came into Shawn's Variety on Broad street with a weapon and made off with some money. 

Police are looking for a 35 year old man about 180 pounds, 5 foot 11 with a dark complexion and dark hair with a tear drop tattoo under his right eye.
 
If you know anything, contact City police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
 
A home invasion on King Street East last night has been solved.
 
A 34-year-old man robbed a 61 year old man and stole some property along with his car.
 
The suspect was arrested in Quebec and is due in court tomorrow morning.

Police tells us this was not a random act.

JDI Contributes $2 Million For A New Research Chair

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming and Dalhousie Medical School Dean Dr. Tom Marrie on hand at the Lily Lake Pavilion for the announcement of the first endowed occupational medicine research chair in the province.
 
J-D Irving is contributing $2 million dollars to the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick to establish the first position of its kind in Canada.

The first person to occupy the new post will be Dr. Anil Adisesh who comes from the UK national Health and Safety lab in Buxton, England.

He says the theme of his research will be a long and healthy working life and helping people into work.

Jim Irving of JDI says the company is proud to support this important first adding the health and safety of their employees is their top priority.

Local Alzheimer's Cafe Celebrates 2 Years Soon

September is World Alzheimer's month and the local chapters across the country will spend it trying to create awareness about the disease and related dementias. 

Jamie Matthews of the Saint John chapter tells CHSJ News the monthly Alzheimer's cafe will celebrate two years in existence this January.

He says when people come to the cafe it's more of a relaxed atmosphere where you can mix and mingle and if you want to talk about the struggles you are facing you can do with the people at your table.

The first Alzheimer's Cafe of the season is coming up on September 29th at St. Mark's Church on Dexter Drive on the West side from 2-4pm.

During the month of September, you can join over 100 businesses and people across the province by hosting a fundraising Coffee Break.

For more information on the Coffee Break call 1-800-664-8411 and on the monthly Alzheimer's Cafe in Saint John call 634-8722.