Clean-Up Organized For Local Nature Preserve

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is partnering with the Fundy Baykeepers to clean up one of our local islands.

Volunteer Coordinator Brittany Clifford tells Tide News about Simpsons Island. "It's a 60 acre island  in the Passamaquoddy Bay that the Nature Conservancy owns and protects, and has for a number of years. It's an island that we would like to keep in pristine condition and that's why we are organizing the clean-up."

Clifford says Simpsons Island is a typical marine-coastal habitat with coastal forests, rocky shores and sandy beaches. "It hosts a large variety of birds including common eiders and bald eagles."

The volunteers are meeting at the Stuart Town Wharf on Deer Island this Saturday.

If you would like to volunteer, go to www.conservationvolunteers.ca or call 1-877-231-4400.

Did You Get Your Moose License?

You can find out today the results of the provincial moose draw.

Over 66,000 people applied to get just over 4,600 licenses in the province. That's a thousand more than were available 3 years ago. The increase is meant to control the moose population where the animals have become a problem.

Moose season starts in September, and if you got a license you should receive a letter. Hunters who entered the draw may find out if they were successful either by calling 1-800-459-3729 on a touchtone telephone or by checking online at the Department of Natural Resources website.

You'll need your Medicare number to confirm your identity. To buy the actual license, bring your card to a Service New Brunswick centre on or after August 19.

The 2013 moose hunting season runs from September 26 to the 28th.

Higher Temperatures Mean Higher Risk of Heat-Related Illness

Scorching summer weather can be downright dangerous. With the humidex reaching the high thirties across the province over the last couple of days, people are at a high risk of getting sick from the heat. 

Chief Medical Officer Eilish Cleary says muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, or nausea are symptoms of heat-related illness. If you experience these, go to a cool place, drink a cold, non-alcoholic drink and rest. Cleary says this could save your life.

Click here for a list of ways to prevent heat-related illness.

Fire, Alarms & Medical Calls Keep Firefighters Busy

A busy Saturday shift for firefighters included a slew of fire alarms going off, one of which was at an industrial site.

Saint John Fire Department's Acting Platoon Chief Brian Wilson says a small fire in a belt at 30 Jervis Lane was extinguished by employees, while firefighters made sure the blaze was out and cut off power to the equipment.

They were also called to the South end to respond to a house fire. When they showed up at 132 Broad Street, they discovered the cause of the blaze was a pot on a stove. They aired out the building and cleared the smoke. 

They also responded to half a dozen or more medical calls across the city.

Challenge Family Picks St. Andrews As Host For 2014

St. Andrews has been chosen as the latest venue for the Challenge Family global series of long distance triathlons.

This makes the TRI-St. Andrews event this weekend look like a practice run.

Challenge Race Manager Scott Bevington says with 21 races around the world, the racers competing will be the top pro-athletes in the world.

The event will feature a 1.9 km swim, a 90 kms bike, and a 21km run over a course that takes in many historic highlights in our area.

Challenge St. Andrews will take place July 6th, 2014.

Two Injured After Boat Collision In St. George

A boating accident in St. George sending one person to the Saint John Regional.

RCMP say around 9:30 last night on the Canal Waterway, a boat collided with old cement railway foundation near the Route 770 Bridge and Old St. Andrews Junction.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight tells Tide News one person had a lacerated forehead, while the other passenger in the boat suffered serious head trauma and was transported to hospital.

MacKnight says there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol.

Warning About Buying Flood-Damaged Vehicles From Alberta

A warning from the Insurance Bureau of Canada for those people in the province in the market for a new or used vehicle...

Be wary of buying any vehicle that's been damaged by recent flooding in southern Alberta because insurance companies may consider them to be non-repairable. 

Consumers are being advised to buy only from a licensed automotive business, look for any discolored upholstery or carpet that fits poorly or does not match exactly.

Have a certified automotive service technician inspect for signs of water or silt in the vehicle's fuse box and electrical junction boxes.

Get information about the history of vehicle from a registry agent and an inspection before you buy.

Check underneath the hood and look for a water line that was marked by mud or silt or for evidence of a recent engine shampoo.

Check the heater and air conditioner several times and look in the vents for signs of water or mud.

Rally Sending Profits To Ridgewood Veterans Wing

While local bikers will be enjoying the international festival this weekend -- some of our country's finest will be getting a helping hand.

Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley, Bob Hamel tells Tide News the Ridgewood Veteran's Wing in Saint John is where profits will end up.

Hamel says Ridgewood takes care of our veterans, whether they be male or female, 20-years-old or in their 90's, or from current wars all the way back to Vietnam and WW2.

Hamel says profits from two main events, the Harley Draw and the Best In Show Competition will go to Ridgewood, as well as a few other 50/50 draws and smaller contests.

The Rally in the St. Croix Valley begins tomorrow.

One Man Dead And Three Injured - Including Baby - After Calais Shooting

It's a grim Independence Day in Calais after a shooting leaves one man dead, and 3 injured, including a 6-week-old baby.

Police say 21-year-old Megan Sherrard of Calais is in critical condition at the Eastern Maine Medical Centre in Bangor after being shot twice in the chest.

Her son, Luca, is expected to recover after being grazed by a bullet.

Around 6pm last night, Calais Police Department recieved a call of shots fired at a home at 417 Main Street.

Police say shortly after arriving on scene, police shot and killed 26-year-old Daniel Pinney, who is the baby's father, and who is believed to have shot the baby and Sherrard.

Police say Calais PD veteran officer John Preston was also grazed by a bullet during the incident and is expected to recover.

The Maine Attorney General's Office is investigating whether "deadly force" used by police was justified.

An employee from Bells IGA tells Tide News Sherrard was a cashier at the store in Calais  and Pinney was a bagboy.

Biker Injured In Crash On Route 3

A man has been taken to hospital after his motorcycle collided with a car just outside of town.

Local firefighters say they received a call to Route 3, in Old Ridge, between the Hall Road and Old Ridge Antiques, around 9 this morning.

First responders tell Tide News a woman was pulling out of her driveway, when her car collided with the motorcycle.

Firefighters say the man is expected to make a full recovery, and the woman was shaken up, but ok.

Witnesses say they were very impressed with how quickly first responders arrived at the scene.

Saia Twins Found Guilty In Deadly Saint John Home Invasion

22 year old twin brothers, Brandon and Bradley Saia have been found guilty on charges stemming from a deadly home invasion in Saint John back in early November which include robbery. 

The jury of 7 women and 5 men deliberated for nearly 8 hours before reaching the guilty verdicts. 

18 year old A-J Dennison died from a stab wound he suffered during the home invasion on Prince Street West. 22 year old Christopher Reid, who lived in the home, suffered a serious wound to his back from a machete. 

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 7th.

Province Calls For Inquest Into Serena Perry's Death

Chief Coroner Greg Forestell calling an inquest into the death of Serena Perry at the Regional hospital last year.

The 22 year old died at the hospital while she was a patient.

The coroner and a jury will hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses to determine the facts surrounding Perry’s death and the jury will have an opportunity to make recommendations to prevent deaths under similar circumstances.

This inquest will be held in Saint John but the date has yet to be announced.

Acadia Broadcasting Applies To Purchase Moncton Station

In business news - Acadia Broadcasting is moving to add another radio station to its stable - the parent company of 98.1 The Tide, Country 94 and 97.3 the Wave has filed an application with the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission to purchase CKNI-FM - News91.9 in Moncton from Rogers Broadcasting.

    The station would be the first for the company in the Hub City and would join Acadia's stations here - Saint John - Bridgewater - and - five stations and two repeaters in Ontario.
    Acadia Vice President Jim MacMullin says he looks forward to bringing our brand of community focused - quality local radio to Moncton.
 
In a related note, NewCap Radio intends to purchase Saint John's News 88.9.
    The C-R-T-C is expected to rule on both applications later this year.

Provincial Pension Plan To Undergo Independent Review

An actuary with more than 30 years experience has been chosen to take an independent look at the provincial pension plan. 

The provincial finance department is picking up the tab. The decision to do this coming about during discussions between the Alward Government and the Pension Coalition.

Clifford Kennedy of the Pension Coalition tells Tide News the retirees want to know if their plan is in such bad shape as the province claims.
 
The retirees have been skeptical about those claims and the need for the plan to be converted to a shared risk model although they don;t object to it happening on a go forward basis with current retirees exempt.

The review will take a few months to complete.

Target Job Fair Underway In Saint John

The underemployed have some hope this week in the form of a job fair for the new Target store.

A job fair is underway in Saint John at the Loch Lomond Mall until 5:30pm tonight again tomorrow through to Saturday.

It runs tomorrow from 11:30am to 8:30pm and on Friday and Saturday from 830am to 5:30pm.

Job fairs are also happening in Fredericton and Moncton this week.

Harley Draw: SOLD OUT!

If you wanted a Harley ticket; You snooze, You lose.

That coming from Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley Bob Hamel on word they are sold out for this year's Harley Draw.

The last of 800 tickets were sold today -- 4 days before the Harley Draw, which takes place this Saturday at the St. Stephen Legion.

Proceeds from the Rally event will go to the Ridgewood Veteran's Wing.
The Rally in the St. Croix Valley runs from Friday through Sunday. 

Provincial Cabinet Minister Explains Why Your Taxes Went Up On Canada Day

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming is refuting criticism of provincial income taxes going up as of Canada Day, saying the government's hand was forced because of an irresponsible tax cut implemented by the Liberals under then Premier Shawn Graham in a shameless bid to stay in power. 

Flemming charges the Liberals said they would raise the H-S-T and bring back tolls when they lowered taxes but didn't carry through and, as a result, the deficit ballooned to a billion dollars. 

Flemming goes on to explain, the tax levels now are what they were back in 2006 under then Premier Bernard Lord, and as such, doesn't really view it as a tax hike.

Final Arguments For Saia Twins Trial

The Saia twins trial in a deadly home invasion on the lower West side is wrapping up, with the jury hearing closing arguments in the case. 

The defense saying the case boils down to the three witnesses who testified: Melissa Perry, Christopher Reid and Amber Wilson, as well as the DNA evidence. The defense challenged Perry's credibility, saying she has a record of lying to police and the jury should be careful in believing anything she says. 

They also say it's clear DNA evidence is inconclusive, and you can't place guilt on the brothers based on that evidence.

The prosecution comparing the eyewitness accounts to chapters in a book, saying, when you look at all of the evidence, including testimony from Perry, Reid and Wilson, the story comes together. 

She says it's clear they intended to and did use violence to take Reid's belongings from his home on Prince Street West on Nov. 3, 2012.

NCC's Moose Sex Project Gets Land Donation From Former Diplomat

The group behind a conservation project that aims to spark cross-border romance between moose has acquired hundreds of acres of land in a wilderness corridor.
 
That's largely comprised of recent land donation from former diplomat Derek Burney and Joan Burney, who donated 781 acres to the conservancy's efforts.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada now has 845 acres in an area that bridges this province, which has a healthy population of moose, with Nova Scotia, where moose are endangered with a population of only 1000 individual moose in the province.

It's called the Moose Sex Project and Andrew Holland of the organization tells CHSJ News by protecting this corridor they hope the animals can move freely between the two provinces. He says if mating between the two provinces is a success, it'll diversify the gene pool for moose in Nova Scotia.

Holland tells us the corridor is not along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Firefighters Rescue Passenger In Car Rollover

Photo courtesy of Musquash Fire Dept.

Fire crews extricating a passenger from a car that rolled over on Highway 1. Musquash firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to get the person out of the vehicle, which went off of the road on Saturday afternoon. 

One person was already out of the car when firefighters arrived, both people were brought to the hospital by ambulance with what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.

East Side House Fire

A blaze breaking out in a single family home on the east side of Saint John. 

The fire department's division chief Mark Wilson says they got the call early in the morning and when they showed up to 1845 Golden Grove Road, they were met with heavy fire and smoke coming from the house.

He says they started an aggressive attack on the inside, and with the help of the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, it took crews two and a half hours to get the fire under control.

Wilson says the fire is being investigated by the city police's Major Crime Unit and the fire department's Fire Prevention and Investigation Division.

Red Cross Sends Atlantic Volunteer Group to Alberta

A volunteer team from the East Coast is out West. 

24 Red Cross volunteers are in flood-ravaged Alberta, helping with the flood relief effort on the ground. The 22 disaster volunteers and two staff who have traveled to the province will help run emergency shelters in the Calgary area and other evacuated areas. 

Meanwhile, a much larger group continues to help flood victims from offices located in Darmouth and Sydney, Nova Scotia, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and here in Saint John. The support will continue through the Canada Day long weekend and likely all of the following week.

The volunteers from New Brunswick now in Alberta are: Catherine Vautour from Bronson Settlement, Gail Brownlee from Moncton, Glen Martin from Lower Kingsclear, Jeanette Miller from Oromocto, Julie Basterache from Jardineville, Lindsay Mitton from Moncton, and Renée Cormier from Shediac.

Police Look For Suspect In Fiery Causeway Crash

Saint John police are looking for a suspect who fled the scene of a fiery car crash on the causeway which sent a woman to hospital.

At 5pm yesterday, a car speeding on the eastern part of the causeway veered out into oncoming traffic, then swerved back, hitting another car. Both vehicles were pushed into the guardrail and the suspect's car burst into flames. 

Police say the suspect then fled the scene on foot, and the woman in the other vehicle was brought to hospital with injuries.

Mounties Reminding Motorists To Drive Safely This Holiday Weekend

Long weekends are made for kicking back and relaxing, except when you hit the roadway. The RCMP say on holiday weekends, there's a lot of traffic on the roadways, so they're reminding drivers to obey the rules of the road. 

The minimum you'll have to shell out for a violation under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act is $172.50, and you can lose demerit points. Constable Derek Black of the Oromocto RCMP says depending on the type of infraction, fines can increase. Fines for speeding can go up to nearly $292.50 when a car is going more than 25 kilometres an hour above the speed limit, and fines double when speeding in a construction zone. 

Here's a list of the most common infractions seen by the Oromocto RCMP:

-Failing to have a front license plate displayed on a vehicle
-Not being able to produce upon request from a police officer an insurance card, drivers license, vehicle registration
-Having a vehicle with tinted windows that prevent more than 30% of light to enter the vehicle
-Passing on a solid line
-Failing to wear a seatbelt, both the driver and any passenger over the age of 16 can receive a ticket. It’s also the responsibility of drivers' to ensure that children are buckled up.

Liberals Say Tax Hikes Are Broken Promises

Broken promises and desperate decisions...that's what the Liberals are saying about tax increases kicking in on Canada Day.
 
It was announced back in March in the provincial budget.
Tide News asked Liberal finance critic Roger Melanson if given the current fiscal situation the province really had any choice.

He says on the third budget of their mandate they made a desperate decision to increase income tax and we need to understand the impact it may have on consumer confidence and disposable income.

Melanson says corporations will pay more in taxes as well, but he says it's obvious the working person will carry the greatest tax burden.

Your Wallet Is About To Get A Lot Thinner

Tax increases go into effect as of Canada Day in the province because of the provincial budget. 

If you earn 30 thousand dollars a year, you will pay about $179 dollars more in provincial income tax and a single income earner making over 60 thousand will pay 796 dollars more. 

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey tells Tide News this is a problem of the government's own making because of overspending.

The Taxpayers Federation would like to see a commitment from the Premier that once the provincial budget is balanced, these tax increases will be rolled back.

Tourism Minister Optimistic About Summer Season

The Canada Day weekend officially kicks off the summer vacation period - and - Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is excited about this year's potential.

Holder tells Tide News his department has been refocusing its promotions on key markets like the Big Apple where we showcased a video in Times Square.

He says there has been a lot of investment in refreshing our Fundy experience branding through improvements like the second cruise terminal and expansion of the Fundy Trail.

The Minister says his department is also more savvy in how it's targeting its promotions through the use of postal and zip codes - and - as result - Holder says he's feeling good about this year's summer tourism season.

Trial Of Twin Brothers Into Home Stretch

The trial of the Saia twin brothers on charges stemming from a fatal home invasion last November on the lower west side is winding down.

The prosecution wrapped up its case with police testimony about the arrest of 21 year old Brandon Saia after a foot chase at Duke and Watson Streets. The arrest happened three days after the home invasion on Prince Street West. Bradley Saia was not arrested until sometime later in Halifax.

The defense did not call any witnesses.

Closing arguments to the jury, comprised of 7 women and 5 men, will take place Tuesday morning. Jury deliberations will not take place until Wednesday after Justice Judy Clendenning delivers her instructions.

Have Your Own Personal Touch At The Playground

As you walk through the St. Andrews Community Playground, you can still find 20-year-old names and handprints cemented in the wall leading to the swingsets.

Now, Chair of the Playground Restoration Fundraising Committee, Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News they are doing it all over again.

Micheud says they are selling hand tiles you can personalize, and they will be placed in the playground during restoration in September.

She says a booth will be set up on Water Street in St. Andrews during Canada Day for the hand tiles, which are $25 each.
Micheud says they need to raise $120,000 for the restoration project by the end of July.

Grace Foundation Approached By Trudeau

It's not entirely clear whether the Grace Foundation wants its 20 thousand dollars back from Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for a failed fundraiser over a year ago at the Imperial Theatre. 

That, according to a spokesperson for Trudeau who says he asked the Foundation last week to specify if it wants its money back in cash or ``some other arrangement,'' like having him headline another fundraising event for free but the foundation has yet to respond. 

No other group has sought repayment except for the Grace Foundation which released a statement claiming it was distressed over the issue becoming "a political football" and aimed some pointed criticism at Fundy Royal Conservative M-P Rob Moore for fuelling the controversy.  

Two Of Four Men Identified In Child Sex Probe

We now know where the four provincial men facing charges in the Operation Snapsnot probe are from.

On June 13th, police seized computers, cd's, dvd's and more from a Lincoln home and a 42 year old man was arrested and later released.

The next day in another search where similar material was seized 52 year old Fred Price of Frederiction was arrested.

On the 21st, a search in Lorne netted more of the same resulting in charges for a 36 year old man and on June 24th another search was conducted in Miramichi where computers and more were seized leading to charges for 48-year-old Donald Martin.

All four men have future court dates.

The investigation being led by RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit with help from other units and other police forces.

Former Chicken Noodle Club Volunteer Speaks Out On Snook

There's stigma attached to the name Chicken Noodle Club ever since the arrest of former Saint John Common Councillor and pedophile Donnie Snook and his guilty pleas on more than 40 charges of child exploitation. 

Snook became the face and voice for the Chicken Noodle Club. Judith Meinert-Thomas, who was a volunteer for 4 or 5 years, says a makeover is needed to ensure its survival but she's confident it will withstand the current difficulties.

Meinert-Thomas says besides a new moniker, a new person will have to be hired who will be spotless.

She points out the lunch program feeds 18 thousand young people a year in the south end and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Weston Calls For Change To Release Of High Risk Sex Offenders

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says he is personally troubled with the number of high risk offenders being released into the community.
 
He says many people are expressing concerns to him over safety and protecting families.
 
After speaking with local police and the federal office of Public Safety, Weston says its clear changes need to be made with how known sex offenders are released, what information should be made available to the public and the locations where they are to be released.

Weston says he'll be working with the Minister of Public Safety and the province to examine the current provisions in place. 

He's calling for stronger rules to ensure more public disclosure of information surrounding the release of high risk sex offenders and the application of conditions to their release which protect the public interest.

Severe Weather Warning For St. Stephen

Charlotte County might be in for a real big storm tonight.

Environment Canada issuing a weather bulletin that states conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

The Network says the storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large hail stones.

St. Stephen and Northern Charlotte County as well as areas around Fredericton are included.

Rally In The St. Croix Valley Gets Nod Of Approval

Our International Motorcycle Festival getting the official nod from St. Stephen Town Council.

Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley, Bob Hamel tells Tide News he is greatful for the support -- even if it's not financial. "I hope to come back next year and convince them that funding would be an appropriate thing for us."

This year the Town decided not to contribute financially to the Rally as well as a number of other organizations as a way to save money in the community deficit.



The festival will have events for all ages, including the Parade of Lights, themed rides, and outdoor concerts.

The Rally in the St. Croix Valley will run next weekend, from July 5th through to the 7th.

City Taking Proactive Approach To Release Of Sex Offenders

Controversy has been swirling around the release of three sex offenders into the community in recent months, an issue that hasn't been lost on council. 

They voted to begin work that would result in them getting a heads up in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says the city is very vulnerable right now, and answers are needed to understand how the numbers of sex offenders are distributed across Canada, the reasoning behind the decision to release those individuals into particular communities and whether or not the context is taken into account.

They'll also be setting up a meeting with various officials to talk about the best way to resolve the problem in a way that protects the interests and safety of the community.

Snook's Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

Donnie Snook's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 29th and could last more than one day. 

Judge Alfred Brien also says the actual sentencing itself may not take place then. 

He has also ordered a sex offender assessment to be part of the pre-sentence report on the likelihood of re-offending.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle is not ruling out further charges being laid. 

Boyle also suggested Snook is not being housed in the local jail but would not say where he is being held.

Judith Meinert was a member of the Board at the Inner City Youth Minister when Donnie Snook was the Director and also volunteered at the Chicken Noodle Club when he was there. 

She admits to being left speechless at what has come to light since early January.

Meinert says she and Snook often went to evening prayer together but obviously his life was not all it seemed with alot of compartmentalisation.

Radio Strikers Mark One Year

As of today, seven radio personalities have been on strike for 365 days. The Maritime Broadcasting strikers rallied in King's Square during lunchtime to mark a year since their strike began.

Ron Oldfield of the Saint John District of Labour Council was there, and he tells Tide  News they're asking local businesses to withdraw support from the station. He says by them advertising on the station, they're financing a strike and allowing the employer to continue on with bad practices. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy also voiced his support for the strikers. He tells Tide News he hopes the strong show of support gets things moving so the strikers can get a first collective agreement.

Patrick Colford, the president of the provincial Federation of Labour tells Tide News the situation is a disgrace. He says they're not asking for the moon, they're asking for a fair wage.

Water Shut Off For Part Of St. Stephen

Some St. Stephen residents will be short on H2O tomorrow.

Town of St. Stephen Human Resources Alison Estey tells Tide News water will be shut off tomorrow between 9am and 1pm.

Estey says the areas affected are Boundary Street and Clark Court.

Waweig Bridge Closed For Summer

Some residents outside of St. Stephen will have a summer-long detour.

As of this morning, the Waweig Bridge No.1 on Route 170 is closed to traffic for approximately the next nine weeks.

Repairs are being made to the 54-year-old structure.

However, on July 7th, one lane of the bridge will open for participants taking part in the community triathlon.

Saia Trial Begins In Deadly Home Invasion

Two brothers are in court this morning in connection with a deadly home invasion last November on the lower West side of Saint John. 

The trial for Bradley Neil Saia and Brandon Saia begins today at the Sydney Street Courthouse. The two are facing charges in a break-in on Prince Street West on November 3 where two young men were stabbed. 

21 year-old Bradley was charged with forcible entry, robbery and having his face concealed while committing an indictable offense. His twin brother Brandon was charged with forcible entry, stealing personal property and having his face concealed with intent to commit an indictable offense. 

18 year-old Andrew Jonathan Dennison died from his injuries.

Shand Fundraiser Brings In $12,000 For Daughter's Trust

A fundraiser for the daughter of a murdered Rothesay woman bringing in $12,000 on Sunday.

The event at the Q-Plex put together by Terri Kingston and Deanna King both of whom never met Tanya Shand.

The women both empathized with her daughter and family over their tragic loss and the need to shine a light on the problem of domestic violence.

The proceeds will go to fund for Tanya's daughter Cheyenne.

BREAKING NEWS: Found Body Is A Woman

Just before 9 this morning, emergency personnel got the call about a body spotted in the water near Long Wharf in Saint John.

The body has been removed from the water and taken to the Regional to be identified and to determine a cause of death.

The body is a woman but the age is unknown.

The major crime unit is leading the investigation.

Lunch Program Founded By Snook In Turmoil

A lunch program that gives hot meals to kids could be folding in the aftermath of a scandal involving its founder: Donnie Snook.

 Judith Arsenault runs the lunch program at Saint John the Baptist School, formerly the Chicken Noodle Club, and she tells CHSJ news they desperately need volunteers and donations, as well as key items like sufficient dishes, despite the $25,000 donation the program recieved from PotashCorp back in December.

She says many people assumed the programs closed after the events of last January but that's not the case and they are still trying to feed hundreds of kids who might otherwise go hungry.

The program at Hazen White St. Francis has already had to close due to lack of volunteers.

Quispamsis Launches Residential Tree Planting Project

If you've ever wanted a tree of your own, a new planting-program in the valley is offering you the opportunity to lay claim to one, all while greening up the community. 

Through Streetscape, you can buy a tree for $30, and it would be planted in the municipal right-of-way this Fall. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News residents are able to sponsor the trees, having one as their own to to weed, feed and take care of.

 You have until June 28 to submit your application. For a list of the types of trees you can buy, click here. For a link to the application form, click here.

Apartment Vacancy Rate Increases - So Does Average Rent

Saint John is posting the highest apartment vacancy rate in the country according to a survey from Canada Mortgage and Housing. 

The survey shows the city's vacancy rate at 10.4-percent at the end of April compared to Edmonton and Calgary where the vacancy rate is 1.2-percent - the lowest in Canada.

As far as average rents are concerned - we appear to be in the middle with an average monthly rent of 703-dollars for a two bedroom apartment.

Vancouver is the most expensive with a two bedroom going for 1255-dollars a month while Saguenay in Quebec posted the lowest average at 560-dollars a month.

Atlantic Red Cross Team Helping Alberta Flood Evacuees

The Canadian Red Cross says a volunteer team from the Maritimes is helping flood evacuees from across Alberta. 

The volunteers are staffing call centres in Saint John, Moncton and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As of noon on Saturday, 500 calls had been processed at the three operations centres. John Byrne of the group says the centres collect information from flood victims such as where they live and the best way to contact them. 

Several volunteers are on stand-by to be deployed to the flood-ravaged province to manage evacuation and reception centres if need be. 

To support the Red Cross response, you can do so with a financial contribution online at redcross.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 and specifying your donation is for the “Alberta Flood Response.”