City Police Sharing Social Media Safety Tips

While you might be excited about that new gadget you just bought or that trip down south you're planning to escape the cold, you shouldn't be sharing that information on social media. 

That's according to Sergeant Jay Henderson of the City Police, who has some tips for the public on how to keep yourself safe on the internet. He says posting purchases and travel information on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms can make you a target for theft and break and enters. 

Henderson says don't post your birthday, address or any other personal information that could make you vulnerable to identity theft. He also suggests customizing your security settings.

Watch Out For Falling Ice

Be careful of what's underneath your feet and above your head when you're taking a walk.
 
The City of Saint John says as temperatures continue to fluctuate, ice and snow build ups dropping off roof tops, power lines, trees and other elevated areas. 

They're letting you know you should be cautious of falling ice and snow as it can cause serious injuries.

Crews closing the sidewalk on the east side of St. Patrick Street from King Street to Union Street because of the risk of falling ice. 

The City says it will be closed until further notice.

Woman Slightly Hurt In Collision With Plow

A 40 year old Hampton woman being checked out in hospital after a collision involving a plow.

It happened on the old highway near Hi-Lo Farm when a woman trying to pass a plow lost control of her vehicle on ice and ending up striking oncoming traffic.

RCMP Corporal Pat Cole tells CHSJ News they are waiting for a tow truck to remove the plow from the scene.

We are told that area was very icy.

UNB Faculty Set Strike Deadline

This could have a major effect on students and staff alike...... the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers has voted to set a strike deadline of January 13th.

If it goes ahead, the strike would be a first for UNB--there's never been a faculty strike at the school in its 230 year history.

It would effect more than 800 full time and part time staff.

The key issues are compensation and working conditions comparable to other similarly-sized universities according to the Teacher's Association.

The association is working to arrange a general membership meeting for Thursday after which more details could come out.

Mayor Defends Vote To Explore RCMP Policing SJ

With Common Council voting to get more information about the possibility of the RCMP taking over policing in Saint John, Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News it's simply a matter of getting more of the facts--which is never a bad thing.

The Mayor says contrary to what Police Association President Jamie Hachey says, the mayor's vote does not interfering with the bargaining process: council is still the funder of the police commission, and the mayor is required by legislation to sit on the commission.

Perry Inquest Set For March

The Coroner's inquest into the death of Serena Perry is scheduled to begin at the Saint John Law Courts on St. Patrick's Day.

A release on the government's website says two weeks have been set aside where presiding coroner John Evans and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses.

Perry was 22 years old when she died on February 14th 2012 while a patient at the Regional hospital.

The jury can make recommendations aimed at preventing any future deaths under similar circumstances.

Two Men Flee Scene After Crashing Car Into Home

City Police are looking for two men who crashed a car into a home on Millidge Avenue then fled the scene on foot. 

Sergeant Jay Henderson says it happened on Sunday afternoon and the suspects took off running heading towards Charlton Place. Both the home and the white Chevrolet Impala both sustaining some major damage. Henderson says the car is being impounded and will be forensically processed.

The first man, who police believe was the driver, is described as being white, skinny, in his twenties, between 5'6 and 5'9, and was wearing a blue ball hat and grey sweater. The passenger is described as being stocky, of mixed race (black and white), with short dark hair, about 5'11 to 6'0, and was wearing jeans and a blue sweater. Police urging anyone with any information to call 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

City Council Will Get Cost Comparison Between RCMP & SJPD

Standing room only at Common Council, with people pouring in to hear which way Councillors would vote on a request for a report on how much it would cost for the RCMP to police the city. 

Councillor Shirley McAlary raising concerns about running into legal trouble since both the Mayor and Councillor Greg Norton sit on the Police Commission. She says the city could be penalized by the Labour Board and she does not want to be involved in a lawsuit. 

Mayor Mel Norton casting the tie-breaking vote in favour of getting a cost comparison between the RCMP and city police. With contract negotiations currently underway, Saint John Police Association President Jamie Hachey tells CHSJ News if this continues they will be going straight to the Labour Board. He says they will not be browbeat into a labour settlement.

Hachey accusing the Mayor of driving a wedge between council members.

City Prepping For The Big Freeze Overnight

It's only rain and freezing conditions but it could make for some very dangerous driving in the City.

That is why city crews are clearing catch basins to allow for the inevitable flooding that comes with warm temps and rain.
 
Kevin Rice of Transportation and Environment Services tells CHSJ News they will also be out in force salting and sanding once the temperature drops.

He says their crews have been working around the clock since December 15th and they consider this another storm event because it has a major impact on their operations.

Rice says it tough to remove that layer of anchor ice on some roads because it's hard on the equipment and the weather doesn't stay warm long enough for salt to do the trick.

City Market Re-Opens Tomorrow

The City market will re-open at 730 tomorrow morning and resume regular business hours.

All four floors of the City Market Tower including the Infusion Tea Room and Howard's Convenience will remain closed as contractors continue to evaluate and repair damage caused by a heating line rupture early this morning.

The rupture caused significant water damage to the north side of the first, second and third floors of the City Market Tower damaging the Tower’s electrical system.

CIBC Robber Pleads Guilty

Kenneth Joseph Johnston changing his plea to guilty in court.  

He is accused in the brazen daylight robbery of the CIBC branch at King and Germain on October 3rd of last year.

He is accused of threatening a bank teller with violence for some cash and with possession of marijuana.

A trial was set to begin today but Johnston changed his plea and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 4th.

Driscoll On Budget And Shale Gas

 Mayor Murray Driscoll concedes it will be a challenge to maintain the town's tax rate in this year's budget which will be unveiled tomorrow night. 

The town will be receiving 147 thousand fewer dollars from the provincial government this year. Common Council has endorsed shale gas development but Driscoll tells CHSJ News the town is in a different position.

Driscoll says he can't take a chance of it with over 6000 wells in the town.

Driscoll says townspeople enjoy some of the best water in the province.

A New Take On The Estabrooks Scandal

Politic leverage and a high-powered lawyer...... not police ineptitude......were the key factors that allowed disgraced former Saint John Police Officer Ken Estabrooks to continue his abuses against children for so long....that's the theory being put forward by blogger and amateur historian Ron Jack. 

Jack tells CHSJ News he's done some digging into council minutes and other documents....and found the council of the day was intimidated by Estabrooks and his lawyer Rodman E. Logan.

He says know Mr. Estabrooks knew what he was doing saying he brought a gun to a knife fight and he was intimidating city council.

Jack says pinning all the blame for the continuation of Estabrook's abuses on then-police chief Eric Ferguson overly simplifies the complex political game Estabrooks was playing.

Former Liberal Will Accept NDP Nom Tonight

It's an election year and this is how you can tell.......

Former Liberal Cabinet Minister Kelly Lamrock will accept the NDP nomination for the Fredericton South riding tonight.

Lamrock joined the NDP last February after serving two terms as a Liberal MLA.

The meeting begins at 7pm in the Charlotte Street Arts Centre auditorium at 732 Charlotte Street.

3100 Off The Grid

From 1000 to 500 and now 3100.   That is how many NB Power customers are off the grid in the province.

Hundreds do not have power in Fredericton, Rusagonis, Grand Bay-Westfield, Pennfield, Belleisle Creek and Jemseg. 

NB Power tweeting that they expect to see more outages in the coming weeks as ice on trees melts and trees begin to stand back up causing them to hit power lines.

Walking And Driving May Be Slippery Today

Rain on snow covered or snow-packed roads are making for a messy drive in some spots today.    

And if that's not enough, there is water pooling on the roads that are clear and flooding may become an issue.

Ice is also falling from trees, homes and buildings onto vehicles and people as the temperature goes up.   
Be very careful where you are walking and driving today.

The RCMP tweeting a warning that Highway 7 between Oromocto and Saint John is very slippery and they recommend motorists slow down and drive with extreme caution.

City police are blocking traffic on Foster Thurston Drive after a three car pile up and some other stuck vehicles due to the greasy conditions.

Electrical Problem Closes City Market Today

The City Market is closed today due to a heating line rupture on the third floor.

The rupture caused water damage to all three floors on the north side of the City Market tower compromising the electrical system and the fire suppression system for the entire building.

Contractors are evaluating the situation.

Lights Coming Back In Quispam

The lights are coming back in Quispamsis.   

Earlier this morning, over 1000 homes and businesses were without power but, it's now down to 35

NB Power is reporting 528 are off the grid across the province.

More than 200 are without power in Pennfield.

Tanya Shand's Death A Shock For The Community

The murder of 33-year-old Tanya Shand last year sent shockwaves throughout the community and has made a lasting impact on the local police department.

That's according to Rothesay Regional Police Chief Stephen McIntyre who tells CHSJ News a lot of resources have since been poured into increasing domestic violence education and awareness in the K-V.

He says the officers are well trained on how to respond to intimate partner violence calls.

He says as a officer you don't go and handle the quick fix for the incident in front of you.  

He says you also looks for signs that this may have happened in the past and for any signs the victim might be in danger in the future.

Shand was killed by her common-law partner last May.

Saint John M-P Defends Plan To Pay For Water Treatment

City water rates will have to go up anyway but Saint John M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News they will rise by half as much because of the funding help from the provincial and federal governments. 

The Council of Canadians is warning Saint Johnners will wind up regretting the public-private partnership as other cities, including Paris, France, have. 

Weston says no one is arguing that the status quo is acceptable and the city can't afford to pay the entire shot with the price tag being 230 million dollars.
 
The only water treatment being done now are screens to keep the eels and tree branches out and chlorination to disinfect.

Weston adds, when it's all said and done, Saint John will have among the best water treatment and waste water treatment systems you'll find anywhere.

Common Council To Start 2014 on Controversial Note

Common Council is being asked to get a report on how much it would cost to have the the city policed by the RCMP.
 
The initiative comes from Councillor David Merrithew, who chairs the city's Finance Committee, and points out City Police will cost a million more dollars this year and that kind of increase is unsustainable over time because it will take money away from roads, recreation and water. He also points out wages and benefits take up 82 per cent of the policing budget.

Bob Davidson of the Saint John Police Association argues provincial figures show the Mounties would cost from 10 to 26 per cent more and says, it's no coincidence this is being brought up at a time when contract negotiations are being conducted. He's denouncing the move as "anti-union".

The Lights Are Back On Uptown

Power is now restored in the uptown.

It went out for about 45 minutes starting around 1:45 this afternoon.

City fire telling CHSJ News a transformer blew along Bayside Drive and Wullet Drive.

The wire was coming in off NB Power's tower and the utility was notified of the problem.

Saint John Fire also telling us many alarms are going off today.

That's because pipes are thawing and water flow in buildings activates the alarms.

IT Expert Says Cyber Crime Is Getting More Sophisticated

An IT expert at the University of New Brunswick saying the public would be shocked as to how sophisticated cyber crime is getting.

David Shipley is the Enterprise Strategy Analyst at the university. He tells CHSJ News it's getting easier for hackers to gain access to personal information online. 

 "There are automated tools now that even someone with a moderate level of computer knowledge can use to basically input your name, and some basic details and it will scour the entire internet. Publicly available information on social media, stuff they can pick up on Google and build, within minutes, a profile on a person," he says.
 
 He says there are some things you can do to protect yourself from cyber crime such as, having unique passwords for each website or service that you use.

 Shipley predicts cyber crime is only going to get worse and educating users will help reduce the risks significantly.

Making Mental Health A Priority At School

The District Education Council making mental health one of its main priorities this year. Superintendent Zoe Watson of The Anglophone South District says mental health problems are becoming more common among students.

In a year-end interview she tells CHSJ News, "over the last few years that is an area of concern that has been identified by our teachers, and by our school leaders. I think a lot of research would point in that direction as well, that we are seeing mental health issues at a young age."

She says the district will focus on more mental health fitness programs in 2014, and will continue to provide mental health first aid training for teachers.

Safe Harbour Plans To Open This Summer

Next year there will be a beacon of hope for at-risk youth. That from Safe Harbour Project Coordinator Colin MacDonald.

 In a year-end interview he tells CHSJ News about impact of the youth shelter that will be opening next year.
 He says 2013 is the last year homeless youth will be turned away.

"In the summer of 2014 we'll be able to open our doors and start providing residential services to young people at risk," he says.

This year saw lots of community interest in the project, from Safe Harbour making it past the first round in the Aviva Community Fund, to the New Brunswick Children's Association giving them more than 37-thousand-dollars for the project.

Two-Vehicle Collision In The Valley Overnight

Rothesay Regional Police responding to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Gondola Point Arterial and Millennium Drive.

Police say the cause was due to slippery conditions. No injuries were reported.

Three Car Accidents On The Harbour Bridge Last Night

Crews responding to three car accidents on the Harbour Bridge on Friday night. 

Sargent Chuck Elgee tells CHSJ news, "The Harbour Bridge had quite a slippery surface and one car ended up flipping onto its roof."

The other two accidents ended up blocking the entire east-bound lane. There were no injuries in any of the cases.The Harbour Bridge is now reopened in both directions and has been sanded and salted.

Sargent Elgee says highways around the city are in decent condition, but the side streets could be better.

Saint John Fire also responding to two single-vehicle accidents, where the car flipped over. One on Route 111 and the other at 570 Rothesay Avenue.

Program Looking For Clothing Donations

The New Brunswick Association for Community Living saying instead of throwing away your old clothing, you can donate them and recycle all at the same time.

The group is looking for cloth donations in support of the Community Collection Program, which helps people with intellectual disabilities.
 
Gina Wilkins assists with communications and is also a donor. She tells CHSJ News, "A lot of those items end up in the landfill. This is not only a great way to make a donation to a very worthy organization, but it's also a way to recycle," she says.

The program helps people with intellectual disabilities, in areas such as employment, education and independent living. 


The organization has trucks that go through communities to pick up donations.

If you'd like for them to stop by your home give them a call at 1 866 822 2548.

Mill Rats Trade Player To Halifax Rainmen

The Saint John Mill trading shooting guard Chris Matthews to the Halifax Rainmen. This for the 1st round draft picks of 2014.
 
President of the Mill Rats, Ian McCarthy says, they've received many trade offers for Matthews throughout the year, and now seemed like the right time.

 He says the team is working with agents to sign on a new player, and will make an announcement once a decision is made.
 

Winter Driving Tips From Saint John Police

'Tis the season of fishtailing and fender-benders.

Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Department is offering some tips to drivers to make driving in snow and freezing rain a little safer.

"Clean snow off all windows, headlights and indicator lights, and remove loose snow from roof and truck. Ensure windows are defogged before setting out to drive."

Henderson reminds people that the posted speed limit is ideal for totally perfect driving conditions. Therefore, when there's snow on the ground you have to reduce your speed.

Carbon Monoxide Levels Found At Prince Edward Square Mall

 Saint John Fire responding to reports of the smell of exhaust in parts of the Prince Edward Square Mall. 

 Crews finding levels of carbon monoxide at the YMCA, NB Liquor and Dooly's.

Platoon Chief Pete Saab tells us, Something went wrong with the heating system in the building. The exhaust from the system was being moved back into the building and was not escaping. 

Crews aired out the building and evacuated the three business, and made sure the proper authorities were called in to fix the furnace.

Enbridge was brought on scene to shut down the gas. The rest of the mall was checked for carbon monoxide levels and none were found.

UPDATED: Apartment Fire On The West Side

Fire crews spending two hours battling a blaze at an apartment building on the West side. 

City Fire Platoon Chief Peter Saab says they found fire between the ceiling of the basement and the first floor flooring at 562 Edward Avenue. The owner of the building was trying to thaw pipes and ignited some wood in the ceiling. 

The basement apartment sustaining fire, smoke and water damage and there's some slight smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the building. Everyone living in the building was evacuated and no one was hurt.

Don't Leave Pets Outside In These Frigid Temps

With temperatures dipping below minus 30, it's best to stay inside, and the same goes for your pet. 

The Executive Director of the New Brunswick SPCA Hilary Howes tells CHSJ News leaving an animal outside in these extreme temperatures is cruel. He says most animals simply aren't built for this type of weather, and even huskies can become hypothermic in these conditions.

If you see a pet left outside he asks you to not try and rescue it yourself, but to instead call their emergency number: 1-877-722-1522. Once the call is made they dispatch an animal protection officer to go and investigate the complaint.

Howes says their phones were so busy yesterday they had a backlog of calls waiting which he tells us doesn't happen very often.

Some Blood Donor Clinics Cancelled Today Due To Weather Conditions

The Maritime Blood Clinic saying some donor clinics will be closed today because of the weather conditions.
 
The Saint John clinic on 405 University Avenue will stay open today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tomorrow from  9a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Maritime Blood Clinic says please honour your appointment if you are able to make it in safely. The Moncton Blood Donor Clinic is being closed today, as well as all clinics in Nova Scotia. 

There will be opportunities to donate tomorrow in Moncton when the clinic re-opens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lancaster Mall Now Open After Evacuation Earlier Today

The Lancaster mall is now open and safe after being evacuated earlier today because of a natural gas leak.

Platoon chief Peter Saab tells CHSJ News, there was an issue with a heating unit on the Wal-Mart roof.

The mall was evacuated because they weren't sure what the situation was at the time, and wanted to avoid natural gas leaks in the rest of the building.

Saint John Fire responding to a natural gas leak at Wal-Mart overnight. Technicians were called in to repair it.

Arrest Made In Hit & Run That Injured Two

A 24 year old woman from Oromocto has been arrested in a hit-and-run in Fredericton that injured two people in the provincial capital.

Around 3 o'clock on January 1, police responded to a hit and run near Brunswick and York Streets. A man and a woman had been hit by a vehicle, which was said to be dark blue, which then took off.

A young woman from Oromocto was arrested. She will appear in court in February to face a charge of leaving the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.

One victim has since been released from hospital, and the other remains in hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Stolen Guns, Jewelry & More In Unsolved Break & Enter

The Oromocto RCMP looking for your help solving a break, enter and theft  in Oromocto over the holidays.

Sometime between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, someone broke into a home on Miramichi Road in Oromocto stealing jewelry, electronics and six guns. The stolen guns include two rifles, two shotguns and two handguns. 

The stolen firearms are described as follows:

•Winchester Model 12, 12-gauge shotgun, with a 28" barrel
•Ithaca 20-gauge, double-barrel shotgun
•Ithaca .22-calibre rifle "Saddle Gun"
•Savage 99E, .308-calibre rifle
•Two Para 1911, .45-calibre handguns

The RCMP is asking anyone with information about this incident, or the stolen items, to contact police at 506-357-4300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information leading to the arrest of those responsible could qualify you for a cash award.

VIDEO: CHSJ News Tests Out The Mpemba Effect

Here's a fun trick to try with the kids at home.

CHSJ News Reporters Julia Wright and Leena Ali decided to test out the Mpemba effect--a.k.a., the idea that "in some circumstances, warmer water can freeze faster than colder water. Although there is anecdotal support for the effect, there is no agreement on exactly what the effect is and under what circumstances it occurs." (Wikipedia). 


Turns out a mug of boiling water, the back parking lot of a local radio station, and a Port City Day with -35 windchill are all the circumstances you need to see the Mpemba effect (pronounced "Ma-pemba") for yourself. For a slightly more scientific explanation of what causes the effect, click here

Try it yourself at home!

Wind Chill & Blowing Snow Warning In Effect

Expect reduced visibility today with a wind chill and blowing snow warning in effect.
 
Claude Cote from Environment Canada says to expect about 10 centimeters of snow. 

"I suspect that driving conditions between Saint John headed towards Moncton on Highway 1 and are probably encountering some reduced viability and blowing snow," he says.

He says right now we're in the brunt of the system, but conditions should improve later this afternoon. Temperatures will remain well below normal and expect a high today of -18 C and winds gusting up to 60 km per hour.

Woman's Body Discovered Near Snowmobile Trail

Foul play is not suspected in the death of a woman whose body was found on New Year's Day near a snowmobile trail on the Tobique First Nation.

The RCMP say it appears 29-year-old Jamie Wolfe was out drinking with friends the night before and after being dropped off at her home on Main Street in the early morning hours, she left on foot walking along the trail not dressed for the cold weather.
 
Police believe Wolfe succumbed to hypothermia but an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of her death.

Police Chief Wants Petty Crime Reduced In 2014

You may be planning to lose weight or even quit smoking in 2014, but what about locking your car every time you leave it? That's one new years resolution the Rothesay Regional Police Chief would be glad to see you make. 

Stephen McIntyre tells CHSJ News petty property crime and theft continues to plague the valley. He says people continue to keep things like purses, laptops, GPS devices and other valuable items in their vehicles. He says this year he wants to see people taking steps to help the police and themselves by removing anything of value in their vehicle, and making sure the doors are locked.

McIntyre says the department hopes they will see a reduction in those types of crimes this year.

Cleanup Continues In Grand Bay Westfield

With lots of downed trees and wires continuing to cause problems for drivers and homeowners throughout the province, Grand Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ News it's difficult to say at this point exactly what still remains to be done in her town.

She says at this point, the commissioner of works is still assessing the situation.

Losier says she doesn't anticipate a lot more cutting back of trees from power-lines as a preventative measure this summer, because Grand Bay Westfield tends to stay on top of that anyway.

Stormy Weather Delays Mail Delivery For 3000

You may be wondering where that letter or package is that you were expecting. 

John Caines of Canada Post tells CHSJ News the ice storm, deep freeze and heavy snow we've been experiencing has delayed mail delivery for 3000 customers in Saint John. 

Caines says all the mail is out on the street, and they are hoping to get it all delivered today, but the windchill warning could affect that as they have to consider the safety of their workers.

There have been about 11 injuries to postal workers in Saint John over the holiday season. Caines says problems with employee absenteeism also contributing to the delay.

Limits To Rural/Residential Development Upset Land Developers

A massive proposed subdivision in the Latimore Lake area has hit some snags due to PlanSJ, which stipulates the area isn't ideal for rural/residential development.

Land developer Kimberly Wilson didn't mince words when asked whether there was some compromise that would satisfy her and her husband, who own Latimore Estates, saying the only thing that they would consider fair would be to continue the development as they've planned for the past ten years.

But Morgan Lannigan of the Planning Advisory Committee explained her 160-lot development is simply too sprawling. Further, he says the developers did not participate in the PlanSJ consultation process that would have given them a chance to air their concerns earlier.

Other councillors raised concerns about the timeline for the development given it's just a mom and pop operation. The plan was ammended so they'll be allowed to develop about 47 lots--instead of the 160 they wanted.

Premier Under Fire Over Power Outages

Premier David Alward is being accused of not having an emergency plan in place to help those who had to go without power for several days and the only piece of advice was to "hunker down". 

The accusation is being levelled by the Liberal M-L-A for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet who tells CHSJ News people were left to pick up the pieces on their own.

Doucet points out back in April of 2011, the Premier promised a two year project that would develop a comprehensive emergency plan but, to date, no one has seen it. The pledge was made in the aftermath of the devastating floods that took place in Charlotte County during December of 2010.


Doucet says the people in his riding are upset.

Premier Concerned Shale Gas Violence Gave Province A Black Eye

Premier David Alward says its disappointing that shale gas exploration is such a hot button issue in the province.
 
In a year end interview with CHSJ News, Alward says the provinces who have embraced it have strong economies and their populations are growing.
 
Alward says he's definitely concerned that other companies may not invest in this province because of the violence around Rexton this fall where SWN resources was doing testing. 

The Premier also defending the RCMP, saying they did their job handling violent shale gas protestors in Rexton. He says police took control of an extremely volatile situation.

No Power Outages In Saint John Area

There are no power outages to report in the Rothesay region, including the Kingston Peninsula. 

There are still six outages in the St. Stephen region affecting 70 customers, 61 of them in Johnson Settlement and NB Power estimates it could be late tonight before electricity is restored. 

The M-L-A for Rothesay, who's also Health Minister and Attorney-General, Ted Flemming is defending how NB Power attempted to get electricity restored after losing 25 per cent of its residential customers and having to tackle the problem without help for the first four days. Flemming says when the backup arrived, the numbers of people without power dropped dramatically. 

The last of about a dozen warming centres or shelters operated by the Canadian Red Cross has now closed. If you need firewood, you can help yourself to what's left or call the Canadian Red Cross toll-free at 1-800-222-9597 if other urgent needs arise.

Saint John M-P Says Better Relationship With Common Council Is Benefitting The Region

The traditional New Year's Day levee held at City Hall, hosted by Mayor Mel Norton and his fellow members of Common Council. 

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston says his relationship with Common Council has improved since the last municipal election in May of 2012. There were major funding announcements towards the end of the year on clean drinking water, a 230 million dollar project, and construction of a new "Y" which will cost over 22 million.

Weston tells CHSJ News his relationship with the previous Council under Mayor Ivan Court was strained to put it mildly.
 
Weston says you can't get things done if you don't focus on your priorities and form partnerships.

Kingston Peninsula Family Forced From Home

One of the Kingston Peninsula residents who sustained damage because of the power outage is Scott Clements, who's the Program Director at Country 94/ The Wave. 

Clements lives near the Kingston Market and went without power for a week. He tells CHSJ News a pipe burst in his bathroom ruining the floors, sink, toilet and bathtub and then there's the smell. 

Clements and his family will be out of their home for a few weeks while renovations are done to three rooms in the house. 

He's very impressed by how quickly his insurance company acted after his claim was field but is frustrated by the changing estimates of when power would be restored which made planning difficult.

K-V Mayors Say More Tree Trimming Will Have To Be Done

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll

NB Power and the town of Rothesay are going to map out a plan to trim trees back from the power lines in order to lessen the risk of widespread and prolonged power outages during extreme weather. 

Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News the town will not be clear cutting but there's a price to pay if trees are allowed to overhang the power lines. 

He points out Sackville has gone 5 or 6 years without power outages after trimming the trees.
 
Mayor Murray Driscoll agrees they have to come to grips with overhanging trees but when it comes time to cut them back in the warm, summer weather, an ice storm is the last thing on peoples' minds. 

Driscoll went without power, himself, for a week.