Long Weekend Breaks Temperature Records

The warm Thanksgiving long weekend breaking some temperature records here in Saint John and in Fredericton.

Sunday's high of 28 degrees broke the temperature record set back in 1970.  The previous high was 21 degrees. 

Fredericton also broke the record set back in 2006 when the mercury in the capitol city reached almost 29 degrees.

Saint John broke another record on Saturday when the temperature soared up to 21 degrees.

Saint John Mayor Says Students Need More Gym Time

The latest community report card shows an increase in the obesity rate in the greater Saint John region -- and -- that has Mayor Ivan Court suggesting our schools have to do a better job at keeping our kids active.
    
Court tells CHSJ News they're spendng a lot of time on buses and not getting enough gym time in school.
 
The Vital Signs community report card released last week shows our obesity rate sitting just over 24-percent in 2010 -- up from 23.7 in the previous year.

Mental Health Program Gets Funding Boost

A program designed to train people to recognize signs of distress in others and encourage them to get professional help is getting a shot in the financial arm.

MindCare New Brunswick recently receiving 19-thousand dollars from Bell and 5-thousand dollars from RBC for their Mental Health First Aid Program.

Dr. Pam Forsythe with Mindcare tells CHSJ News they have one trainer in the program so far and the program has been taught to staff at schools in both Districts 6 and 8.

Today is World Mental Health Day as well as Mental Health Awareness Week.

Company With Local Ties Makes Top 100 List

An engineering and design company with an office right here in the city getting some major kudos.

Edmonton-based Stantec has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp.

Stantec was singled out because of its continued growth across the country and because it advocates designing sustainable projects and buildings.

This is the second year in a row that Stantec has won the honour.

Fireworks Alarms Fredericton Area Residents

People in Fredericton and the outlying communities getting spooked by a celebration for the Currie Centre

Fireworks were launched last night celebrating the Currie Centre but according to the chatter on Facebook and Twitter, many residents weren't expecting such a loud celebration.

The online reactions ranging from the annoyed to the surprised.

The fireworks could be heard in the communities of Rusagonis and Lincoln outside the city.

Mural Honouring Fallen Soldiers Makes Stop In City

The Portrait of Honour making a stop in the Port City today while it continues on a cross-Canada tour.

The mural shows the faces of every Canadian solider, sailor, and aircrew who have lost there lives during the war effort in Afghanistan.

Wayne McQuarrie with the Charlotte-Fundy Kin Club tells CHSJ News the memorial will be coming down from its tour stop in Fredericton.
 
He says the parents of Saint Johner David Greenslade, who as killed in Afghanistan back in 2008, will be at the base when the mural arrives.

The mural will be on public display until 3pm down at the Barrack Green Armouries on Broadview Avenue.

Province Releases Survey For Disability Action Plan Strategy

The Alward Government is looking for input on the Disability Action Plan Strategy. 

It has released a survey and is looking for your input on the current level of services available in the province.

The province wants your input by November 11 and plans to have town hall meetings throughout New Brunswick on the issue.

To take the questionnaire, click here.

Fire Prevention Week Encourages Family Fire Safety

The Saint John Fire Department urging area residents to keep their families safe from fire. This in time for Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 9th to 15th.

Captain of Fire Prevention and Investigation Roy Nolan says the public is encouraged to tip off the fire department to rental properties or public places that they may think is a hazard.

Saint Johners are also advised to test smoke alarms, maintain heaters and chimneys in time for the heating season, and sleep with bedroom doors closed.

Ready To Work Tourism Program Rolls Out Graduates

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick celebrating the success of a new program.

15 people recently graduating from the program and some of them will be working in the Saint John area.

The Ready-To-Work Program trains unemployed New Brunswickers in a range of tourism-related skills. Participants get a chance to improve their chances of re-entering the work force.

The program boasts a 60% success rate for graduates launching careers in tourism. 

It is delivered free of charge.

Bare Necessities Campaign Is Undeway

The Women In Business Forum at the Saint John Board of Trade are keeping up their good works this year through the Bare Necessities campaign.
 
It sees people contribute travel-size toiletries at a variety of locations around the city all to benefit over 20 local charities.
 
President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News it came out of a discussion about how many business people have a drawer full of toiletries from their various trips.

She says the idea came about to collect the toiletries and let people donate them to help people in our community.

The 10th annual Bare Necessities campaign runs until November 25th.
Gilman says they will be distributed to various groups in early December.
 
For a list of the items they are looking for, click here

Don't Get Sick On The Holiday!

Cook your turkey well, because you'll have a longer drive if you get sick.

The Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour will be closed Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th, and re-open Tuesday.

Horizon Health network apologizes for any inconvenience.

For emergencies, call 911.

Women in Business Tradeshow

Are you trying to make it in business?

The Women in Business networking group is putting on a showcase for Charlotte County on Wednesday.

The tradeshow is open to the public, giving you an opportunity to learn more about local businesses, as well as see how women play a part in diverse roles.

Head to the Masonic Hall in St. Stephen Wednesday evening.

The event is free.

Boil Water Order!

Attention all residents of Eastport and Pleasant Point!

Another Boil Water Order has been issued.

The Passamaquaddy Water District is asking everyone to boil their water for at least a minute before drinking, making ice, washing foods, or brushing teeth.

The order will remain in effect until further notice.

Have You Registered Yet?

Was your child born in the year 2007?

Kindergarden registration for the 2012-13 school year, will be held at your local school next week.

Register your child during school hours, or Wednesday night at the District 10 Office in St. Stephen.

Join St. Stephen's Newest Club!

Do you like to catch bugs and frogs in your spare time?

St. Stephen has started a new club for kids ages 6-12, called the Young Naturalists Club.

Meeting once a month to explore the outdoors, the expeditions are completely free.

Head to the St. Croix Public Library in St. Stephen this Saturday for the next adventure.

Future of Campobello Grocery?

Attention all residents of Campobello Island!

There will be an important information meeting tomorrow night, concerning the future of your local grocery store.

All of the general public is asked to attend.

The meeting gets underway at the high school at 7pm.

Fuel Installation At Point Lepreau Reaches Half-way Mark

NB Power releasing their latest update on the refurbishment of Point Lepreau.

According to their latest release, they are about halfway through installation of their new fuel channel.  They expect that process to be complete by December

Point Lepreau is also gearing up for a 5 year license renewal with public hearings to be held on December 1st and 2nd here in Saint John.

The plant is expected to begin generating electricity by the fall of 2012.

Thousand Expected To Run In Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Despite the rainy weather, as many as 3 thousand people are expected to participate in today's CIBC Run for the Cure in Saint John, the annual fundraiser for breast cancer research.

Director Karen McCumber tells CHSJ News there is usually one common thread between all of the runners - they or someone they know has been affected by cancer.

The route begins at Harbour Station at 2pm.

Saint John Celebrates Arrival Of Rick Hansen Relay

The Rick Hansen cross-Canada Relay arrives in town today and a slew of activities is on the go today at the Lily Lake Pavilion to celebrate the event.

Beginning at 1:30pm there will be free games and music, followed by a barbeque.

The Rick Hansen Relay is scheduled to arrive at around 3:30pm, with the official ceremony beginning at 4pm.

Local disability advocate Jeff Sparks is being honoured as the final medal bearer.

Citizens Group On Lookout For Speedsters

Consider this a fair warning for lead-footed drivers in the St. Stephen area: the members of the  St. Stephen Citizens On Patrol will be conducting a speed watch over the next few weeks.

The group will be at school zones and other areas where speeding is an issue.

The RCMP is providig an assist by lending the group equipment that can capture the speed of vehicles.

Barrack Green Armoury Celebrates 100 Years

A south end staple is celebrating a milestone: today is the 100th birthday of the Barrack Green Armoury.

Several regiments will be joining in on the celebrations today, which include an open house and various activities like tug-a-truck, stretcher relay race, and tent set up.

The armoury is home to several regiments and battalions.

Things get underway at 10am at 60 Broadview Avenue.

Airport Tries To Secure Direct Flight To USA

Trying to secure a new airline with direct flights to the U.S. remains a top priority for the Saint John airport.
 
President and CEO Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News that remains #1 on the wishlist of their customers.
 
Leblanc says they get a lot of traffic from the U.S. Northeast and people also travel a lot to Washington and Las Vegas.
 
He adds by securing a direct flight to the U.S., it would help the airport recapture some of the leakage of traffic to other centres.

Electrical Workers To Be Honoured At Memorial

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will be unveiling their memorial to Fallen Members this morning. 

The ceremony is open to the public and widows and families will be laying wreaths in rememberence to those lost on the job.  One family is traveling from as far as Ontario for the event.

Things are just getting underway at 26 Kiwanis Court.

A Babysitters' Education

The Canadian Red Cross wants to give babysitters an education.

They are offering a babysitters course in St. Stephen, at the St. Croix Public Library on October 15th.

Teaching sitters ages 11 and up, how to care for children from infancy to school-age.

Register at the Library by Monday, October 3rd, and the cost is $30.

Charlotte County Walks for Cancer Tomorrow

It's walking for a cause, because we care.

Tomorrow the 9th Annual Walk Cause We Care march will take over Charlotte County.

Three communities are taking part, with participants meeting at the WC O'neil Arena in St. Andrews, Fundy High School in St. George, and the St. Stephen Guardian Drug.

All moneys raised at the event will stay in Charlotte County to help cancer patients.

Head on crash in Musquash

St. George RCMP responded to a head-on collision between two vehicles on Wetmore Creek Road in Musquash.

The incident occurred when one of the vehicles reportedly crossed the centre line into the path of the other. Ambulance New Brunswick paramedics and members of the Musquash Fire Department also attended the scene.

Both female drivers, a 20-year-old woman from Chance Harbour and a 27-year-old woman from Lepreau, were transported to the Saint John Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. An 18-month-old child, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, was also taken to hospital for observation.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Investigation into the cause of the collision continues.

Successful Fundraiser for NB Railway

It's a successful fundraiser, even before the train leaves the station.

New Brunswick Southern Railway hosting a fall train ride tomorrow in support of UNICEF.

The ride going from McAdam to St. Stephen and back, sold every ticket available.

100% of the proceeds are going to specific UNICEF projects, helping children all over the world.

Get Rid of Your Old Computers this Weekend

Do you have a mouse that eats dust and not cheese?

Eastern Charlotte Waterways and the Solid Waste Commission are holding an E-Waste Collection this weekend in St. Stephen.

You can recycle your unwanted computer parts at the Border Arena Saturday.

The collection goes from 10 am until 2pm.

Local Church goes Digital for Good Cause

A local benefit is going digital.

The Seaview Full Gospel Assembly in Back Bay is hosting a benefit concert this Friday, that will be broadcast live on seaviewfullgospel.com.

Donations can be placed over the internet, with proceeds going to Walk Cause We Care.

The music kicks off at 7pm.

SSMS hits the Streets for Food Bank

If there's a kid on your doorstep begging for food, he's not reciting lines from Oliver Twist.

The St. Stephen Middle School is hauling in their annual food drive for our local food bank in St. Stephen, with students going door to door, asking for donations.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and many people in our community depend on the Bank each month, just to make ends meet.

The Food Drive ends October 4th.

Public Warning

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Compliments brand Sensations Old-Style Smoked Ham because the product may be contaminated with listeria.
The affected product is sold in 175 gram packages with a best before date of Nov. 13, 2011.
The product was distributed in New Brunswick.

Watch Your Speed

St Stephen Citizen's On Patrol members are going to be again conducting speed monitoring in St Stephen and surrounding area.

The RCMP will be providing the volunteer group use of the RCMP portable roadside system which displays the speed of approaching vehicles along with messages.

This unit will be used as a prevention tool, as opposed to enforcement, which will be first placed near our local St Stephen and area schools zones. It will be a friendly reminder to tell drivers to pay closer attention to what speed they are driving. As seen last year, we should see an increase in voluntary compliance near school areas where youth may be present and the first location will be the St Stephen High School.

The unit will later rotate around various areas where speeding is an issue. This would be another example of the value of the Citizens on Patrol Program and the citizens who have committed themselves to it.

Record-Breaking Weather

The last 2 days have been hot on the charts.

Saint John reached a record high temperature yesterday at 25.8 degrees, passing the previous high of 23.9 from back in 1958.

The major hot spot in New Brunswick was Kouchibouguac National Park, with a temperature of 28.3.

Beware of the Black Bear

The Department of Natural Resources wants to remind you of the danger of Black Bears this time of year.

Bears will be attracted to anything that smells like food, so be wary of what's in your backyard.

Regularly clean your garbage cans, and try to reduce garbage odors by rinsing food bags and cans before tossing them out.

Keep your BBQ and picnic tables clean, and don't leave pet food outside.

Local Library Hits 10!

One of our local libraries is hitting a milestone.

The Grand Manan Library is turning 10 years old tomorrow.

They are inviting everyone to come and enjoy a program with refreshments, and of course, to borrow a book or two.

Celebrations start at 7pm.

Board Of Trade Has A Role In Tackling Emerging Markets

The Saint John Board of Trade says when it comes to getting into the global market, they can help their members make it happen.

Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney says businesses in the province should look towards emerging markets given the recent economic downturn in the U.S.

BOT chairman John Warrington tells CHSJ News he agrees with that assessment -- he believes the BOT can educate members on how to begin tackling those markets
  
Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney says China is one emerging market that we should look at.

Lornville Cove Could Be Home To Future Barge Site

General Manger for Saint John Industrial Parks Brian Irving says a tenative location has been selected in the Lornville Cove area for a barge site.

He says the site is suitable because of water depths and a road that can accommodate transporters moving oversized components.

Irving tells CHSJ News the the export market for large fabricated metal pieces is very significant -- up to ten of thousands of man-years.

However, Irving says there is still work plenty of work ahead, such as community approval, engineering designs, and permits.

The estimated cost of the project is 6 million dollars and he says he has an aggressive timeline in mind - he would like the project to be completed in 2012.

Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission To Double Fees For Garbage Containing Compostable Materials

The local landfill is serious about you leaving the twigs and brush out of your garage.
 
To that end, the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission is doubling the tipping fees for any garbage containing yard waste.
 
Brenda MacCallum tells CHSJ News the new fee will take effect in January.
 
MacCullum says any extra material should be beside the compost cart in clear or brown paper bags.

Saint John Gets Second Walmart

If you're a Saint John west sider and have been wanting a Walmart closer to home -- you are about to get your wish. 

After shelving plans for a new west location a few years ago -- Walmart has completed a deal with Target to assume the Zeller's location in the Lancaster Mall. 

It's part of a complex deal that sees Walmart picking up 39 Zeller's locations across the country that don't fit into to Target's plans as it moves onto the Canadian retail landscape gobbling up the Zeller's brand.     

Walmart says it will have the stores converted by the end of next year while Target will begin opening its locations in early 2013.

Taxpayers Federation Not Happy About Moncton CFL Game

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is opposed to using government money to help stage Sunday afternoon's Canadian Football League game in Moncton between Calgary and Hamilton. 

Premier David Alward is committed because he claims last year's game between Edmonton and Toronto turned out to be worth 7 million dollars to the province. 

The Taxpayer Federation's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey remains unpersuaded as he believes the money should be spent on what matters to the taxpayer, like hospitals and schools.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the provincial government put up $1.5 million last year. Some of that money was used for additional seating to boost the Moncton stadium's capacity to 21 thousand.

Police Union Says They Will Not Accpet Further Cuts For Pension Plan

The President of the Saint John Police Association says his members are concerned about all the uncertainty over what's going to happen to the city's financially strapped pension plan. 

There are six new options on the table now that the province rejected the original proposal. Jamie Hachey tells CHSJ News his members gave up alot and some of them feel betrayed.
 
Hachey says they will not accept further cuts although they might be willing to contribute more but he complains the city hasn't said anything about it increasing its contribution to the pension plan.

Former Saint John City Councilor Gets Fined

A former member of Saint John Common Council finding himself in court for violating the city's residential standards bylaw. 

Jay Chang pleaded guilty to not carrying out repairs to a building he owns at 56 to 58 Queen Street. Nathan Gionet also pleaded guilty to the same charge and both were fined a thousand dollars each, which is the minimum fine. 

The court was told the city found 32 violations during an inspection. Both Gionet and Chang have been told to have those repairs done by December.       

Age Discrimination No Longer Applies to School Bus Drivers

A local school-bus driver has won the fight on age-discrimination.

Leonard Way was told he had to retire from driving school bus, once he turned 65.

Four years after he issued a complaint, The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission ordered the district to stop the discriminatory practice of mandatory retirement for the bus drivers.

Way says if people can pass the required driving tests, then they should be allowed to drive, no matter what age.

He returned behind the big wheel, just shortly after this school year began.

Calais is helping Alzeimer's Patients

Calais is walking for a good cause this weekend.

The Walk to End Alzeimer's is tomorrow morning at the Wabanaki Culture Center.

The 2 mile walk along the waterfront starts at 9:30 Eastern, ending with a special tribute to those with Alzeimer's.

St. Stephen Raising Money for Cancer

Lots of people in St. Stephen raising money for cancer this weekend.

On Saturday morning, proceeds from a Zumba-Thon at the St. Stephen Elementary School will go to Walk Cause We Care. A minimum $5 donation, the sweating kicks off at 10am.

Later that day, a pool tournament at Dooley's is raising money for the Charlotte County Cancer Society.
You can register at 12:30 and start playing pool at 1pm.




For more information, check out our Community Calendar.

Moosehorn Celebrates Autumn with New Tour

The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Baring, Maine,  is opening a new fall auto tour.

A 3.3 mile route will be open for private vehicles, that goes through a variety of wildlife habitats.

Visitors can see the colorful foliage, animals and birds, and if they are lucky, possibly even a moose or black bear.

The tour opens October 1st, through to the 27th.

Wellness Expo for Seniors

Calling all seniors -- Get ready for an information overload.

Charlotte Dial-A-Ride is hosting a Wellness expo for seniors in Charlotte County today.

The Harmony House in St. Andrews will have professionals on hand offering health services, and information about activities in our area.

The Expo will run from 2 until 6pm, and is completely free.

Another step towards our Civic Centre.

At least four proposals have been received for the construction of the new Garcelon Civic Centre.
   
Town manager John Ferguson tells Tide News, they are currently reviewing details of the proposals.
   
Interested companies have until October 5th to submit their proposals.

Red Cross is recruiting

The Canadian Red Cross will be in St. George this evening and they are looking for new volunteers to join a local disaster response team.
The public meeting will start at 7pm at the Family Worship Centre.
A second meeting will be held on Monday, Sept 26th at the St. Stephen Sobeys Communtiy Room at 7pm.

Moose Season Almost Here

Moose Draw results are now in.

Applications were accepted in May and June, and hunters can now check the Government of New Brunswick website for results.

Moose Season is always the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the last full week of September.

Women Hit The Pavement to Fight Against Violence

The confidence in women has risen in Charlotte County.

The "Take Back The Night" march was a huge success, with residents walking and chanting in St. Stephen Friday night.

Both sexes joined together, to raise awareness of violence against women, for the first annual march in Charlotte County.