Airport Enjoys Big Increase In Passenger Traffic

Things are going well these days at Saint John Airport which is reporting a ten per cent increase in passenger traffic for the first half of the year. That represents the highest rate of growth of any airport in the Atlantic region. 

The airport also announcing Sunwing is planning its seventh season with direct flights and vacation packages next year from Saint John to Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic starting in February.

The economic impact of the Airport on the Saint John economy is estimated at 66 million dollars as well as the creation, directly and indirectly, of 570 jobs.

Green Party Leader Says Lepreau Refurbishment Not A Good Deal For Province

Even with cost overruns of over a billion dollars, provincial Energy Minister Craig Leonard is calling the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant, a good deal for New Brunswick

The leader of the Provincial Green Party -- and Charlotte County local -- David Coon is scoffing at that, saying if Provincial Energy Minister Craig Leonard considers that a good deal, he would hate to see what a bad deal is.
 
Coon, who formerly was at the Conservation Council, points out the plant is still not up to full power and predicts there will be new problems cropping up to force it to shut down for more repairs.

Buskers On The Boardwalk Kicks Off Tomorrow

It's one of Saint John's most iconic summer events--and the kids will be especially excited to hear the 23rd edition of Buskers on the Boardwalk starts tomorrow.

The pay-what-you-can shows feature every variety of act from fire-juggling to sword-swallowers, contortionists to comedy. Stephany Peterson of the Hardman Group tells Tide News that's not all you can expect: events like zip-lining, bouncy rides, bumper boats and more making the event a magical one for families.

Performers from across the globe will be performing their unique routines from Thursday until the 21rst. For a full schedule and description of the performers click here.

Fire Ban For All Of New Brunswick

After the recent spell of hot, dry weather, the Department of Natural Resources has put a no burn order in effect for the entire province.

They're also reminding the public that all grass fires require permits, written burn plans and pre-inspection by a forest service officer.

The order stands until at least 2pm tomorrow...but there are some showers forecasted for late tonight and overnight which could help quell the dry conditions a little.

Ayla Reynolds' Father In Trouble With The Law

A year and a half after his daughter disappeared -- a man from Waterville, Maine is in the news again.

Portland Police say 26-year-old Justin DiPietro is charged with domestic violence assault after an officer watched him grab and push a woman on July 6th.

Police say the woman, who is DiPietro's ex-girlfriend, was not hurt and the two were arguing when the incident happened.

DiPietro has since been released on bail.

Back in December 2011, 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported missing from her father's home.

Police confirmed Ayla's blood was found in DiPietro's basement, but no charges were ever laid in the child's disappearance and she was never found.

Humidex Advisory For St. Stephen

It's official. The dog days of summer are here, and they're scorching.

A humidex advisory is in effect for St. Stephen today, among many other places across the province, including Fredericton, Oromocto and the Kennebecasis Valley. 

The communities will see a high of 35 today, with a high UV index.

Truck Stolen From Toronto Found In NB

A stolen truck has been found a long way from home. 

A 2003 Dodge Caravan stolen in Toronto earlier this month was recovered in a gravel pit near Musquash by the community's fire department, who reported it to the St. George RCMP. 

They're asking the public for any information they have in connection with the case. You can contact them by calling 755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Mounties Investigating Fatal ATV Rollover

Police in the northern part of the province investigating a fatal ATV crash on a beach east of Miramichi. 

A 36 year-old man died on the scene from his injuries after the vehicle flipped over as he was driving on L'abbature Beach. RCMP did not release his name, however they're confirming he is from Pointe-Sapin.

Home Invasion Causing Injuries

A man sustaining minor injuries after a home invasion in the uptown area of Saint John.

Sergeant Magee of the Saint John Police Force says the 43 year old man in the house was hurt in the incident, which happened in the early morning hours.

No arrests have been made, and it's currently being investigated by the city police's Major Crime Unit.

Driver of Overturned Dump Truck Hospitalized

After being treated at the scene by firefighters, the driver of an overturned dump truck was taken by ambulance to the Saint John Regional Hospital with injuries.

The vehicle veered off the road, and was empty when it rolled over, landing on the driver's side along the shoulder of Highway 1, westbound near kilometre 76. 

Both the Musquash Fire Department and Blacks Harbour Fire Department responding to the rollover and working to contain and diesel fuel leak from the truck. Firefighters spent several hours on the scene, as the dump truck was taken away by a wrecker.

It's the second rollover the Musquash Fire Department has responded to in as many days.

Minister Says No To Drive Thru

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says it's time we bury the myth that we are a drive through province.
Holder says he only hears that from New Brunswickers and he tells CHSJ News his department has been promoting our unique features like the Bay of Fundy - our river systems - beaches - and - Acadien culture that attract new visitors and new money to the province.
The Minister says if we continue to focus on those things and show our pride in what we have then the sky is the limit in terms of reaching our potential.
And he says that potential will translate not only into new money for tourism operators but also provincial coffers that will help fund schools - hospitals - and - roads.

Is Bilingualism Forcing New Brunswickers To Alberta?

Would less people leave for Alberta -- if bilingualism wasn't an issue?

That question being raised by Joyce Wright, a concerned citizen in St. Stephen, who claims English-only people are being denied government jobs because the province is keeping a 50% bilingual workforce in keeping with the Official Languages Act.

"Our bilingual population here in Charlotte County is only 8.07%. So requiring 50% of our government employees to be bilingual is discriminating against the majority of the population saying 'because you can only speak English, you can't have this job', and it's driving more and more people out west."

Wright tells Tide News, "At the Charlotte County Hospital, it's my belief that instead of denying an English-only speaking person a job, the government should say 'we have all this technology available to us, let's set up a translation center that an English employee can link into instantly to a translator' rather than enforcing a discriminatory hiring ratio."

Wright is welcoming anyone and everyone to contact her about a hard-copy petition as well as an online petition on www.change.org .
She says, "Let's get this going so more of our people are employed and we can stop saying goodbye to our friends and family who are moving out west by the droves because they can't get a job in New Brunswick."
To contact Joyce Wright, call 1-506-466-2431 or email at djwright@nbnet.nb.ca .

Gas Prices Rise Significantly

As the price of oil continues to rise on world markets, we're feeling the effect of that in Saint John after the weekly setting of gas prices. 

Self serve regular is over 5 cents a litre more expensive this morning at $1.29.6 in the city. Diesel rising, as well, to $1.33.1. 

Heating oil is up to a maximum of $1.15.8 a litre but propane is down a bit at a maximum price of 95.7 cents.
  
The price of oil closed yesterday at its highest level in 16 months. The price has jumped 14 per cent in the past two and a half weeks because of rising demand in the U.S. and upheaval in Egypt.

Bad Luck For Wanna-Be Thief

A 30 year old man is now facing a list charges as long as your arm in connection with an incident shortly after 1am today in Saint John.

Sergeant Jay Henderson tells Tide News police spotted a man looking in windows and checking cars near McLaren Boulevard. When they ran the name of the person, they found he van was stolen.When the man realized he was caught, he tried to run and a short foot chase followed.

He's now facing 6 charges including possession of stolen property, theft of a vehicle, possession of break and enter tools, drug possession,  resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer.

He is also being investigated for a theft earlier in the evening at Sobeys on Westmoreland Road.

Alward Thanks NB Volunteers

The Premier is thanking people in the province for stepping up to help in the wake of summer tragedies.

David Alward also thanks the Red Cross for guiding the efforts to help the victims of Alberta and Ontario flooding and those suffering following the train disaster in Quebec.

He points out the Atlantic team of volunteers also provided help to those displaced after the Wabush forest fire in Labrador and another in northern Quebec.

You can donate to the Red Cross to provide help to those impacted by Alberta flooding and the aftermath of the Lac Megantic train derailment.

To make a donation, call 1-800-418-1111.

St. Stephen Wins Bid To Host 2015 Horseshoe Championships

Horseshoe Canada is putting a ringer on Chocolate-Town.

St. Stephen winning the bid to host the Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships in 2015.
Local Club President Jason Rideout says Horseshoe Canada was very impressed with with the club's bid and believe St. Stephen is an excellent host town.

Rideout tells Tide News this is a great opportunity for our economy because some 200 pitchers will come here with most of their friends and family and think of it as a vacation.

He says pitcher's will only compete for about 3 hours a day and that leaves another 21 hours people will be scoping Charlotte County for things to do and things to buy. Rideout predicts the 4-5 day event will bring between 200-250 people to St. Stephen.

Rideout tells Tide News they now have two years to raise the money to cover the budget, which he estimates will be between $30-$40,000. "Through fundraising and trying to get some grants, business sponsorships, bake sales to ticket drives to fundraising within the Blub and using some of our tournaments. It's nothing we can't handle, but it was a big decision for the Club to make."

Rideout was also elected as President of Horseshoe Canada for the next two years.

Man Killed In Train Incident Identified

The Saint John Police Force are confirming that the victim of July 6th, 2013 train incident involving a 48 year old man, who was killed on the train tracks is Paul Kenneth Lorne Hayward of Saint John. 

The incident occurred at or near Marsh Creek at approximately 5:45 AM.

Little NB Restaurant Getting Major National Attention

A little restaurant in the countryside outside of Sussex is going to be getting some national attention.

Giermindl's  Old Bavarian Restaurant is being featured in the reality show "You've Gotta Eat Here". Founders Adolf and Olga Giermindl along with 9 of their 11 children immigrated to Canada in 1976. They chose the Knightville, Kings County property to settle on because the rolling hills reminded us of their native Bavaria region in Germany.

Manager Claudia Giermindl tells Tide News it was quite the experience working with show host John Catucci -- even though she had a thing or two to teach him about traditional German cusine

The family-owned restaurant raises all their beef, lamb and pork on their own farm and specializes in traditional dishes like cabbage rolls, pork hocks, and schnitzel. To check out the website click here

Child & Youth Mental Health Services Research Gets $2.5 Million

A group of researchers from the Maritimes trying to make life a little easier for parents of children and youth suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses, getting a financial boost.

The group getting $2.5 million from the Department of Health to identify gaps in services available for kids and young people who have mental illnesses. Dr. Scott Ronis is a professor at UNB and the team's provincial representative, and tells Tide News their end goal is to make it easier to get help.

Part of the project is creating a web portal, where people can find and contribute information about the services they're getting. Ronis says that will change over time, so the idea would be to follow what is happening on the ground.

The funding announcement was made by Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq on June 26.

Will St. Stephen Be The Horseshoe Host?

We could find out by tomorrow if St. Stephen will host the 2015 Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships.

St. Stephen Pitcher's Club President Jason Rideout tells Tide News Horseshoe Canada's Annual General Meeting is tonight and our town's bid to host will be discussed.

St. Stephen Town Council has already offered to cover costs for rental space in the new Garcelon Civic Centre, should the club be successful in their bid.

The championships would last between 4 and 5 days and bring up to 200 people to Charlotte County.

Our local club is the largest east of Montreal, with more Provincial and Maritime titles than any other maritime horseshoe club since it began in 2006.

NB Premier Sends Condolences To Victims Of Train Derailment

Premier David Alward expressing his condolences to the people of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, and says the province stands ready to offer any material support that may be helpful.

The small town east of Montreal devastated after a train derailment over the weekend. When the train went off the tracks on Saturday, it caused explosions, destroying buildings and killing at least 13 people.

To read Alward's message in its entirety, click here.

Cardy Says Tories Are "Tone Deaf" On Womens' Issues

Women looking for alternatives to a traditional hospital birth are out of luck in New Brunswick---at least for now. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy tells Tide News cutting funding to the Midwifery Association of New Brunswick is a backward move which fundamentally infringes on a woman's right to give birth where she chooses. 

According to Cardy, the $10,000 the association needs to function is about equal to the cost of a single ministerial car--and the potential savings associated with midwifery are significant in light of the province's struggling healthcare system.

Using a midwife is $800 cheaper per hospital birth and $1800 cheaper per home birth according to the Ontario Department of Health. Cardy says with doctors in the province already overtaxed it makes no sense to cut a program we already promised to implement back in 2010.

Derailed Train In Quebec Carrying Oil Destined For Saint John Refinery

The train that derailed and exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, killing at least five people, was hauling cars filled with crude oil destined for the oil refinery in Saint John. 

Irving Oil issuing a statement confirming that Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway was transporting the product to the Port City and offering emergency response assistance to authorities. 

About 40 people are missing and 30 buildings have been demolished after the tanker cars, covered in oil, caught fire.

It's not yet completely clear how the train, which was parked for a crew change, somehow slipped its brakes, rolled downhill and left the tracks. Transportation Safety Board investigators are waiting to investigate the train wreckage.

Province Cuts Funding To Midwives

The President of the Midwives Association of New Brunswick calls a funding cut by the provincial government a shameful loss.

Citing financial constraints, the government is suspending the work of the council in implementing policies and standards necessary for the implemention of midwifery services.
 
Association President Nathalie Pambrun tells Tide News cutting funding is short-sighted and makes no sense at this time.

She says they have some good momentum with the work the council has already done and she finds it very unfortunate that it should close for such a small amount of money.

Pambrun says they are disappointed by the government's decision adding people have been waiting for access to these services since the government announced the implementation of the Midwifery Act in 2010.

Parking Lot Being Expanded At SJ Airport

An increase in business is prompting an upgrade of the long term parking area at the airport.
 
Work is underway until July 19th on expanding and reconfiguring the parking lot with the addition of 90 spaces. 

Airport President and C-E-O David Allen says the current lot is at capacity thanks to unprecedented growth in the winter seasonal flights by Sunwing and growing numbers for Air Canada. 

If you have to use the long term lot, access to it may be relocated temporarily but Allen says when it's all done, moving about will be a lot easier.

St. Stephen Man Wins 2013 Harley Draw

The Rally In The St. Croix Valley has come to a close after a very hot weekend in Charlotte County made for a successful fundraiser.

The International Motorcycle Festival hosted many events such as the Hub City Stunt Riders Show from Moncton and the Annual Harley Draw.

Johnny Connick of St. Stephen was this year's winner of the 2013 Harley Davidson Street Glide.

Troy and Zoe Weeks won $1,000 for second place.  Ron O'Brien of Calais won the leather Harley jacket in third place. Profits from the Harley Draw and the Best In Show Competition will go to the Ridgewood Veteran's Wing.

Canadian Chair of the Rally,  Bob Hamel tells Tide News they are still counting the total amount of money  raised from the even and will deliver a cheque to Ridgewood by the end of next week.

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.