The light are back for some in Quispamsis

Power has been restored to several hundred people in Quispamis but, over 200 are still in the dark.

NB Power spokesperson Marianne Limpert says the power outtage was caused by a broken pole.
She says that is usually caused by high winds or a vehicle accident.
She expects that power will be restored to everyone between 8:30pm and 9:30pm this evening.

Limpert says the lights went out just after 3:30 this afternoon.

NB Power's Board of Directors not pressured to support deal

NB Power has a bright future under the revised agreement with Hydro Quebec.
That word from Ed Barrett, a member of NB Power's Board of Directors. He tells CHSJ News there was no goverment pressure on the board to come out in support of the deal and it would be unfair to blame outgoing C-E-O David Hay for NB Power's massive multi-billion dollar debt.
Barret credits Hay with the settlement he helped achieve on the Orimulsion deal.
Barrett says the settlement was beneficial to the province. He also tells us a permanent replacement for Hay will not be made until after the proposed agreement with Hydro Quebec is approved.

Coaliton opposed NB Power Sale gets independent panel to review the deal

The Coalition formed to Save NB Power from being sold to Hydro Quebec has released what it calls an independent evaluation of the proposed agreement. Greg Cook of the Coalition tells CHSJ News many of those who collaborated on this report have helped to build NB Power's assets and they have reached a conclusion that this is a great deal for Hydro Quebec.
Cook says what NB Power should be doing is charging Hydro Quebec for use of the transmission lines within this province.

Soldiers start training in 8 regional municipalities today

8 communities in the region will be buzzing with activity as soldiers from CFB Gagetown conduct driver training over the next 4 weeks.

If you live in Maugerville, McGowan's Corner, Sheffield or Mactaquac Dam expect to see military vehicles.
The training will also be happening in Welsford, Lincoln, Tracy and in Fredericton.
The driver training starts today and continues until February 26.

Mischief charges pending

Hampton RCMP spent several hours on Monday morning at what turned out to be a wild goose chase.
Charges of public mischief are pending after police went looking for an injured man who was trapped in a vehicle that left the road.
They never found him and the information leading to the complaint was proven wrong.

More Security for Premier's State of the Province Address

(Premier Shawn Graham)

(File Photo)

There will be more police on hand than usual for Premier Shawn Graham's state of the province address tomorrow night in Fredericton. Organizers made the decision after hearing someone opposed to the NB Power sale may try to interrupt the Premier's speech. The president of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Lee Winchester confirms more police have been hired for the event at the Aitken University Centre. Protests are planned outside the venue but one of the organizers, Dennis Atchison maintains the demonstration will be a sombre one to reflect the lack of input he feels people in the province have had in the process.

K-V Fire Department Budget Controversy

(Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll)

(File Photo)

The Mayor of Quispamsis is looking to set the record straight about needing to hire an arbitrator to settle the Kennebacasis Fire Department budget. Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News, hiring a third party to settle the issue doesn't mean there is a feud with the town of Rothesay, it's just part of the process. Driscoll says the station in Quispamsis needs a fourth firefighter. The request for arbitration stems from the KV Fire Department needing to cut 100 thousand dollars from it's budget, and Rothesay doesn't want a new firefighter hired.

Revised NB Power Gets Examination

The Atlantic Institute for Market Studies had an energy expert in Maine examine the new Memorandum of Understanding to sell NB Power's assets to Hydro Quebec. Gordon Weil of Standard Energy says the deal has improvements over the original proposal. A.I.M.S. President Charles Cirtwell tells CHSJ News the fact is the Liberal goverment has a majority and if it wants it passed it will be done. Without staking out a position on whether or not the proposed agreemwent should be approved, Cirtwell says Weil is still concerned over an inevitable price hike for consumers in year six of this deal after the rate freeze comes to an end.

Armed Robbery at Saint John Hotel

City Police reporting an armed holdup early this morning at the Colonial Inn on City Road. They tell CHSJ News one person entered the hotel and demanded cash but was arrested a short time later. The 17 year old suspect is expected in court this morning to be charged.

Keir reacts to NB Power CEO stepping down

Energy Minister Jack Keir doesn't think there is anything suspicious about the timing of David Hay's resignation as CEO of NB Power.
Keir tells CHSJ news that the NB Power Board of Directors has taken a neutral approach to the sale of NB Power's assets to Hydro Quebec.
Keir says he has a great working relationship with Hay over the last 3 years.
David Hay has been honoured three times as one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs.

N-B Power C-E-O Out

N-B Power is minus it's CEO -- David Hay has stepped down from the post -- the former top man at the utility hasn't had much to say since the provincial government first announced plans to sell N-B Power to Hydro Quebec last fall.
We are told Hay is remaining quiet on the proposed deal including the changes announced last week.
A formal statement from the utility's board of directors is expected shortly.

Over $10,000 for Haitian earthquake relief raised at local schools

Over 400 Millidgeville North students and staff will gather tomorrow to celebrate raising over $5000 for Haitian relief.

Middle school teacher Chris Graham who has been growing his hair for Locks of Love will get his hair cut to be donated for Cancer survivor wigs.
The school sold raffle tickets and the winner gets to be the first person to cut his hair.
The school's brave principal and vice-principal will let lucky student winners squish pie in their faces.

Students at the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John also raising over $5000 for Haitian earthquake relief.
The money came from the “Hearts for Haiti” benefit concert held this morning at the local NBCC campus. The concert featured Chris Cummings and 2008 Saint John Idol winner Cory Roberts and other musical guests.
All proceeds will be donated to the organization “One By One”.

President of Saint John Reacts to Rebate

Saint John Energy is going to be able to provide the same energy rates to it's customers as NB Power if the proposed sale to Hydro Quebec goes through.

President Eric Marr says in the Memorendum of Understanding it stated all rates would be frozen for residential and commercial customers, and Saint John Energy wanted to do the same.
Marr says the rebate on their utility taxes will help them provide the same rates as NB Power.
As for year six, Marr says he's still not sure what effects it will have on the municipal utility.

Doctor says New Equipment Will Reduce Wait Times

[Dr. John Whalen-----Photo by Dave Briggs]

The Clinical Department Head for Diagnostic Imaging at the Regional Hospital says the new equipment will make the department much more efficient.
Dr. John Whalen says there will still be a waitlist for patients needing the MRI but the new equipment will be able to process about 30 per cent more people.
Dr. Whalen says the current MRI machine was purchased in 2000-2001 and says like computer software it needs to be updated as technology changes.

New Equipment For The Regional and St. Joseph's Hospital

[Health Minister Mary Schryer---Photo by Dave Briggs]

The provincial government is announcing 4 major investments in new diagnostic imaging equipment across the province.
Health Minister Mary Schryer says $13 million dollars has been earmarked for new MRI machines for hospitals in Saint John, Moncton, Edmundston and Bathurst.
Schryer says it's a joint announcement so it can all go into the same Request for Proposal.
Schryer says the province is also fronting the operational costs for new cat scan equipment for St. Josephs Hospital. Schryer says the St. Josephs Foundation raised the money to purchase the machinery, and to alleviate costs it will go on the same R-F-P as the MRI machines.

Saint John Energy to Receive Tax Rebate

[Energy Minister Jack Keir----Photo by Dave Briggs]

Saint John Energy and other municipal utilities will receive a million dollar a year rebate each year on their utility taxes to help them cope with a five year rate freeze as part of the deal to sell parts of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir says this answers their big concern.

Mayor Ivan Court, who has been silent on the proposed agreement, is now voicing his support saying it will be good for the city.

East Saint John Bar Broken Into

One person is behind bars awaiting a court appearance after a break and enter early this morning at Chuckle's Lounge in Parkway Mall. A window was broken shortly after midnight when the lounge was closed but an employee had not gone home yet. The suspect was arrested at the scene.

Wife and Family Welcome Home Fallen Officer

(Sargeant Mark Gallagher)
(File Photo From RCMP)

Plenty of emotions were on display in Moncton this afternoon as the body of Sgt. Mark Gallagher was brought home. His wife Lisa read a statement to reporters thanking the hundreds of people who have signed condolence books either in person or online. She admits It may be a little while before we are able to read them but we look forward to the day that we can sit down as a family and read all the wonderful things people remember about Mark.


She thanked everyone for their kind words and thoguths and closed with "Mark, our hero, is back home. A Regimental Funeral will be held on Thursday in Woodstock.

Federal Government Looking for Input

[Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore----File Photo]

The Federal Government is putting out the call to residents to help shape the upcoming budget.
Small Business and Tourism Minister Rob Moore met with business and community leaders in Sussex to hear their views of developing and implementing Canada's Economic Action Plan.
Moore says goal is to attract investment and create jobs once the plan is put in place.
To submit any ideas for the federal budget check out this link.
The budget is scheduled be to tabled on March 4th.

NB Power is on Stand By

NB Power is also on on stand-by for what-ever this weather system might bring. Spokes-person Heather McLean tells CHSJ News, freezing rain gives the public utility plenty of grief in many ways:

McLean adds knock on wood, the winter hasn't been all that bad but it is still January and winter is far from over.