Locals Building Shelters For Stray Cats

Stray cats in the city will be getting a cozy home, all thanks to a group in Saint John making cat shelters.

It's the first, "Build a Shelter Campaign," where shelters will be made out of donated supplies such as wood, straw, and rubber totes, and distributed throughout the city.

Yvonne Steeves is the owner of Puddy N' Pooch Palace, a pet resort at 688 Rothesay Avenue. The event is being hosted at the shop today from 10am -5pm.

She tells us "Something needs to be done about the stray and feral cats in the city, and unfortunately all of the shelter and reuses are completely full. There's no way to possibly get all the cats off the street."

Wind Knocks Over Power Pole In Saint John

Saint John Police responding to a power pole being knocked out by the wind this afternoon.

The pole fell at the Milford Trailer Park, early this afternoon.

Police tell us there is minimal damage.

Life Long Journey Of Adoption Conference Being Held Today

A conference being held today called the Life Long Journey of Adoption. The event is designed for those considering adoption, have already adopted, or are working in the field.
 
Suzanne Kingston is the Executive Director of the New 
Brunswick Adoption Foundation. She tells us, the conference will touch on themes such as school, transition from foster care to adoption and the connection with birth families. 

The adoption conference is being held at Future Inns Moncton, from 8:30 to 4:30 today.

Police Respond To Report Of Driver Waving Weapon In Vehicle

Saint John Police responding to a report of a driver waving around a weapon in his car.

They didn't find a weapon when they searched his car.

 However, they did find drugs. A 25-year-old man is being charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Overnight Fire At Shamrock Park

Crews responding to a structure fire at the field house in Shamrock Park early this morning. 

Crews found heavy smoke conditions in the building, and were on the scene for about two hours.  

The fire being contained to the rear section of the building.
The fire is now under investigation by Saint John Fire, and Saint John Police. It's suspected to be a case of arson.

ECMA Award Winner To Give 1st Screening Of New Music Video In St. Stephen

Country Singer Mike Biggar giving a big announcement for his upcoming concert tonight.

He gave the news via Facebook yesterday morning, stating those who come to the show at St.Stephen High School will be the first ever to see the debut of his brand new video for "Feels Like Now".

The song is the title track on his new album, of the same name.

Biggar says before it goes on YouTube or anywhere else online, friends and fans at the show tonight will get a premiere screening.
Biggar won the Music NB Award for Spiritual Recording of the Year in 2011 and an ECMA Awards for Gospel Recording of the Year in 2012.

Tickets are $10 at the door and kids under 12 get in to the concert free of charge with a parent or guardian.
The concert starts at 7:30pm with doors open at 7pm.

UNB Professor Recognized For Sex Research

A professor at UNB getting recognition for her work in sex research.
Dr. Sandra Byers, professor of psychology, is internationally recognized as the most important sex scientist of the last 100 years.  Byers tells Tide News, more communication is needed when it comes to sexuality.


"It became clear to me that there are big gaps in our knowledge of sexuality, that people had sexual issues, sexual problems, sexual concerns that weren't being well addressed. It's really the gaps that drove me into this field," she says.

Byers is recognized for contributing some of the most important information to the understanding of women's and men's social interactions. She's being awarded the 2013 Alfred C. Kinsey Award by the Society of Scientific Research for Sexuality.

Executive Of Alberta Energy Company Talks To UNB About Oil & Gas

A senior executive from an Alberta oil and gas company, giving a lecture at UNB about the evolution of oil and gas.

 Keith Steeves CFO of NAL Resources, tells Tide News, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers are expecting the gas industry will create over 300,000 jobs across Canada. He says this is expected over the next 25 years.

"There's tremendous amount of spinoff  from energy type drilling services," he says. Adding that about 400 people are involved with the drilling of a well.

Steeves  points out that he's not speaking from a political stance, but he expects shale gas development would create many jobs in New Brunswick.

Another Ederly Man Dies Burning Yard Debris

In the second incident of its kind in New Brunswick this year,an elderly man has died while burning debris in his yard.

RCMP in Perth Andover are reporting an 81 year old man was found deceased with some burns to his body after doing some yard work. This happened before back in May in Hampton when another elderly man passed away under similar circumstances.

Foul play isn't suspected in either case. The man's name is not being released.

Local Student To Open For Country Singer Tomorrow Night

One local young lady is ready for a bigger stage to perform her music.

15-year-old Jenna Carson is one of the opening acts for Country Singer Mike Biggar tomorrow night at the St. Stephen High School.

Jenna's Mom, Stacey Carson tells Tide News she's been playing guitar since she was 7, and resembles another big-time songstress -- Taylor Swift. Carson says her daughter is "kinda country, kinda alternative" and sounds like Swift.

Carson also says her daughter has performed at the Ganong Nature Park Fall Fair and at Chocolate-Fest in St. Stephen.

Jenna will be performing one of her own original songs, titled "Butterflies"  at the concert, and country duo "Dashboard" will also be opening.
Tickets are $10, and are still available at Stuart's Gifts in St. Stephen. Kids 12 and under get in free of charge. The concert will begin at 7:30pm.

Boudreau: Pensioners Being "Forced" To Accept Shared Risk

A heated exchange in Question Period today between Shediac—Cap-Pelé MLA Victor Boudreau and Finance Minister Blaine Higgs over whether the Shared Risk model is the only option for the public service pension plan.

Higgs responded that there have been actuarial reports done from the get-go and they've done their due diligence--but Boudreau argues there's been a lack of transparency and the model has been "forced" on the retirees and current pensioners.

Boudreau says if there is an actuarial plan on the Shared Risk model, the finance minister should table it in the legislature.

Party Leaders Butt Heads Over Shale Gas

Premier David Alward and Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant clashing over shale gas.

 Gallant says the Conservatives are jumping ahead too fast without giving enoough consideration to the effect on human health and the environment. 

He points to a document from the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. which talks about the potential hazards to human health of fracking. He charges the Alward Government decided to press ahead without giving due consideration to human health, the environment and royalties.

The Premier dismisses the Liberals as "the moratorium party", accusing them of having no plan for growing the provincial economy.

Demolition Starting On Simm's Factory

The Simm's brush factory in announced back in the summer it would be closing down its Saint John operations and laying off 35 employees--and now JDI has confirmed the iconic glass building itself will be demolished in the new year. 

Mary Keith of JDI explains demolition has already begun on the wooden building that is behind the iconic glass-fronted factory on Simm's Corner--and by the new year, the factory itself will be levelled and the site used for heavy industrial purposes.

Keith says they're looking at all the options when it comes to traffic calming on Simm's Corner, but the solution won't necessarily involve a divestiture of any of that land.

Simms has been a family business since it was founded in 1866. 

The glass building was built in 1912.

Shared Risk Pension Model Called "Irresponsible"

" Policy development on the fly".........That's what provincial government retirees are calling the shared risk pension model and have their own expert criticising what's being proposed. 

The Pension Coalition calls Bernard Dussault one of the original architects who reformed the Canada Pension Plan as well as being actuary for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada. 

Dussault is denouncing the shared risk model as irresponsible because it lacks the standard actuarial projections on how much it will wind up costing along with what the short, medium and long term financial effects will be on the provincial pension plan itself.

Shared Risk Pension Model Getting The Thumbs Up

New Brunswick is ground zero in the pension crisis. So says Jim Leech, the C-E-O of the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. 

He tells Tide News the shared risk model that was adopted by the city and is being embraced by the Alward Government is the right thing to do. He says it is the only solution to the demographic time bomb with public pension plans that have defined benefits.

Leech says to exclude retirees and put the entire risk on current provincial government employees is unfair. 

Leech has praise for Premier David Alward and those labour leaders in the province who realised the seriousness of the problem.

Mental Health First Aid Offered In Saint John

You can take advantage of another kind of first aid that's available in the port city. Mental Health First Aid courses are being offered in Saint John.
 
The courses are part of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. The training offers techniques to help people dealing with mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, mood, psychotic, and substance-related disorders. There are also specific classes offered for adults who interact with youth.

A panic attack is an example of a mental health problem, emerging as a crisis. In that instance, crisis first aid skills are taught, to provide effective first aid to somebody having a panic attack.

Sjors Reijers is manager of national program promotions and business development at the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He tells Tide News, the courses are intended to start a conversation about mental health.


"The real challenge is being aware and tuned in to changes in behavior. It's not to assume that every change in behavior is because of an emerging mental health problem, but rather to be able to start a conversation about mental health."


To find out how to get involved with Mental Health First Aid courses check out the course listing at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca

Liberals Call For Review After Grow-Op At Senior's Home

The Opposition Liberals calling on the Province to review special care homes following the discovery of a grow-op in Clark's Corner last week.
 
Victor Boudreau asking the Minister of Social Development Madeleine Dube when the home in question was last inspected.

Dube says the government does have a program of inspection in place across the province.

She says the province has about 400 care home in the province where they do annual inspections and spotchecks. 

 Dube adds Public Health and Public Safety are also involved with these homes as well.

After a fire in the Clark's Corner senior care home, a grow-op was discovered where police seized 550 pot plants.  

Boudreau says 6 seniors were displaced because of the fire and bust so he questions why Dube can't speak about this case since it's been widely reported in the media.

Gallant & Alward Tangle In The Leg

Some lively debates in the legislature on changes to employment insurance. 

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant asking the Premier again if the government to going to release a completed report from last June on EI changes.

Gallant says the report is on their own civil service speaking to what impact employment insurance changes might have.

Premier Alward rose to say he is confident the work will get done on the goverment side of the house.

He attacked Gallant and the oppostion calling them a moratorium party and a do-nothing party.

Police Release Names Of Those Wanted On Warrants

The Rothesay Regional Police looking for the public's help finding 9 men and 1 woman wanted on warrants for a variety of offenses from suspending driving to fraud, and break and enter.

The Kennebecasis Crime Stoppers have pre-approved rewards of $500 for any information that leads to the arrest of any of the wanted individuals.

Paul Thomas Romanoff, age 50       (Pre-Approved Reward $500)
Warrant of arrest for fraud and failure to appear


Phillip Anthony CURTIS, age 39       (Pre-Approved Reward $500)
 Warrant of arrest for breaking & entering


Jordan Stephen Paul ROWE, age 20
    Warrant of arrest for breaking & entering  (Pre-Approved Reward $500)
 Warrant of committal for suspended driving, $960 or 23 days
Warrant of committal for suspended driving, $600 or 15 days


William Henry MARTIN, age 42
 Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $1200 or 27 days
 Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $500 or 13 days


Ernest William ANDREWS, age 39
Warrant of arrest for Impaired Driving


Kevin Stanley SAUNDERS, age 33
Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $1200 or 27 days


Kyle Anthony SMITH, age 21
  Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $510 or 27 days 


Stephen Joseph MATTSON, age 32
 Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $1001 or 24 days


Tara Alexandra HICKS, age 24
Warrant of committal for driving while suspended, $560 or 15 days


Shawn Adam DAY, age 36
Warrant of committal for driving while prohibited, $500 or 6 days
Warrant of committal for theft under $5000, $250 or 3 days

Snook Is Considering An Appeal

Former Saint John Common Councillor Donnie Snook reportedly has filed a notice of appeal, saying the 18 year sentence he received for more than 40 charges of child abuse and exploitation is unreasonable. 

At the time, his lawyer Dennis Boyle called the sentence approriate. Prosecutor Karen Lee Lamrock told the court if you were looking at sentencing on each individual charge, you would be talking about 75 years in prison. 

Snook is expected to plead guilty to four more sex charges on November 28th from his time in Newfoundland before coming to Saint John.

Students From New Brunswick Bringing Concerns To Parliament Hill

This group could have some tough questions for Senators and MP's in Ottawa.

Over 60 New Brunswick students are in the nation's capital this week for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations conference.

Some U-N-B Saint John students are in the group and will be on hand for Ottawa Hill day where they can meet with Ministers, MP's and Senators.

They are also there with a mission. The students want lobby the government to remove earnings penalties for students and increase the proportion of up front needs based financial assistance.

They also plan to speak with government members about reforming study permit policies to make Canada an international education destination.

Companies Recognised For Innovation

A high-energy crowd in Saint John celebrating innovation in the province with an awards ceremony. 

Eight New Brunswick companies getting awards for their work in one of the province's six strategic sectors at the Innov8 Awards. 

Economic Development Minister Bruce Fitch presenting the winning companies with their hardware. He tells CHSJ News innovation is one of the areas that's very important to the province with the government has committed 80-million-dollars over the next five years towards innovation as part of a bigger plan to grow the province's economy.
 
Mycodev Group winning the most Innovative Start-Up of 2013, while Propel ICT took home the award for Excellence in Fostering Innovation.

Man Seriously Injured After Fall

A dramatic rescue taking place last night at Black River Wharf off Garnett Settlement Road on the outskirts of east Saint John. 

Platoon Chief Peter Saab says a man was climbing down a ladder when he slipped and fell thirty feet to the deck of a boat below. 

The fire department's high angled rescue team was then called into service. A patient lift system had to be constructed by using ropes, pulleys and an aerial ladder in order to lift the man from the deck from where he was taken to the Regional Hospital with what are described as substantial injuries.

Province Announces Union Support For Pension Changes

Most of the unions that represent the civil service are now on board with proposed changes to the public pension plan, according to a release by the provincial government.

Those changes include the controversial move to the shared risk model, which it is hoped will redress the $1 billion deficit for the public service plan. 

The government claims the the pension legislation will make sure retirees will never see their pensions reduced from their current level and will continue to get cost of living increases; however, the Pension Coalition of New Brunswick has protested the changes all along as unjust and potentially actionable. 


Provincial Liberals say they will vote against the legislation introduced by the Alward Government.

Marilyn Quinn of the New Brunswick Nurses Union has said they're confident it's the best solution to provide pension security.

Dennis Oland In Court Again

If anyone was expecting a speedy resolution to the Richard Oland murder investigation now that charges have been laid against his son Dennis, they might be sorely disappointed.  

Dennis Oland made a brief court appearance this  morning in connection with his second degree murder charge in his father's death over two years ago.

On January 21st, a date will set for a preliminary hearing that will determine if there's enough evidence to go to trial. The adjournment was requested due to the amount of documentation according to Oland's lawyer--and the trial might not happen until late 2014.

Richard Oland was found dead in his Canterbury Street office in July, 2011.

SJPD Warn Of Credit Card Scam

The fraud section of the Saint John police are warning the public of a credit card scam.
 
Back on November 12th, three people were arrested and found with many fake i.d.'s and credit cards. Sgt. Jay Henderson says police believe it is part of an organized credit card fraud ring operating in this province and in PEI for the last two months.

He says the suspects would enter a business, pick an item and present a credit card to the cashier saying the magnetic strip was not working. Then then ask the store's employee to enter the number manually to make the item go through. The card given to the employee was counterfeit and the number on the card was stolen.   

The SJPD Fraud section advises businesses owners to speak to their employees and see if this happened to their business. To contact police call 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or click here.

Fund To Support Start-Up Community Announced

Those aspiring entrepreneurs who think they've got the next big idea can apply for some help through a newly announced fund. 

The Executive Director of the Pond-Deshpande Centre at UNB, Karina LeBlanc tells Tide News the Saint John True Growth Innovation Fund is designed to spur early stage innovators into action.

The fund is between $1000 and $5000 and the money is meant to help the entrepreneur build a case so they can go out and pitch to those who can then give them more funding. Click here for more information on the fund.

The launch of the fund at the Creative Soup Building uptown also kicking off Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Man Facing Charges In 2004 Crime

A 29 year old man from the Island is facing 6 charges relating to a home invasion more than 9 years ago in Petitcodiac.

Michael Arthur Gaudet of Charlottetown was in Moncton court charged with forcible confinement, assault, robbery, and break and enter into a home.

Two men wearing masks entered a home in Petitcodiac in May of 2004 demanding money. A woman living at the house was assaulted and tied up. Her son arrived home and was assaulted before the pair took off.

A positive DNA match with the National DNA Data Bank allowed the Mounties to confirm the identity of one of the two men involved in the home invasion.

Gaudet is being held in custody until his next court appearance at December 5. RCMP are still looking for another man involved in the crime.

Dennis Oland Granted Bail

Dennis Oland, who is facing a charge in his father's murder more than two years ago, has been granted bail.

The 45-year old in court today for the bail hearing. This marks Oland's second court appearance since his arrest last week. During his first appearance, he was formally charged with second degree murder in Richard Oland's death. Oland was found dead in his Canterbury Street office back in July of 2011.

Dennis Oland is scheduled to be back in court tomorrow morning at 9:30 to set a date for a preliminary inquiry.

Local Principal Receives Award

One of our local principals being given an award for being a great teacher.

10 teachers from the Anglophone south school district winning the Excellence in Teaching Awards from Minister of Education Marie-Claude Blais.

The winners include retired teacher Paul Holder of St. Mac's, Dean Grattan of Oromocto High, Jean Anne Green of Forenceville Middle School, Kathy Young, Principal at Glen Falls School and locally, John Tanner, Principal at Fundy High School in St. George.

The awards handed out in a ceremony over the weekend in Fredericton.

Police Bust Man With 7 Alberta Warrants

The Saint John City police media report detailing a West side arrest for a man facing a several charges out west. 

On Sunday morning, Sgt. Jay Henderson says officers assisted police in Red Deer, Alberta by arresting a 36 year old man on the Manawagonish Road.

He tells us he was wanted on seven Canada-wide warrants for offences in Alberta and was arrested without incident and is being held until he can be transferred back to Alberta to face the charges.

Officers are arresting a 35 year old man after a fight at an uptown bar about 930 on Saturday night. While officers were trying to restrain him, one of them was assaulted.

He is facing charges of obstruction, uttering threats and assaulting a peace officer and he was held pending a court appearance.

Liberal M-P Predicts P-M Will Continue To Be Hounded On Senate Scandal

Despite the suspensions from the Senate of Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy and Patrick Brazeau, the Senate expense scandal isn't over by a long shot. Prime Minister Minister Harper is expected to face more grilling during Question Period in the House of Commons which resumes this week. 

Beausejour Liberal M-P Dominic Leblanc tells Tide News the Prime Minister won't be able to put this behind him because most people don't buy his version of events. Leblanc goes on to say Harper is known as the most controlling Prime Minister in a generation so it defies belief to think he didn't know what was going on in his own office.


Leblanc also points out it is not out of the realm of possibility that Harper could be called to testify under oath at a criminal trial if charges are laid.

The Conservatives, meantime, have begun a new attack campaign against federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau. Federal Justice Minister Peter McKay is comparing Trudeau to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford both of whom he says used drugs while in office.

Climate Change Protestor Calls For Green Component To Energy East Pipeline

One of the climate change rallies across the county was staged outside the office of Saint John M-P Rodney Weston on King Street. 

One of the protestors was Christian Tschirhart of the North-South Institute in Ottawa. Surprisingly, he's not against construction of the Energy East pipeline provided the project which includes a green energy industrial park which Tschirhart predicts will last longer than the pipeline with unlimited solar and wind power. 

He warns the oil sands and shale gas are putting our water resources in jeopardy.
 
At the present time, global subsidies for fossil fuels are five times higher than for renewable forms of energy, according to former Irish President Mary Robinson who now heads a climate change foundation.

Police Chief: About Three People Are Reported Missing Every Day In Saint John

About three people are reported missing in Saint John every day, according to police chief Bill Reid. While the majority of them turn up safely, some people in the community have been voicing concerns about a potential link between the cases of a handful of people who have been found deceased. 

Police Chief Bill Reid says, "There's nothing to alarm our community," he adds, It's hugely unfortunate and traumatic for families." 

Reid says it's important to keep in mind that, "this goes on all the time and the media will pick and choose who they're talking about and what the issue is."

He says whenever someone is reported missing they investigate thoroughly and try to re-establish contact between the person and their loved ones, but tragically some people come into harm's way.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil In Saint John

A ceremony recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance is being held in Saint John next week.  The memorial is bringing attention to the violence against people who are transgender. 

The ceremony is a part of the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, that started in San Francisco back in 1999.
 
Taylor Bissnette is organizing the event, they tell CHSJ News,  people are being attacked just for being who they are, and not fitting into social norms.

The memorial will be held on November 20, meeting at King's Square at 7:30, leading to a Vigil at the Boardwalk.

Mind Care Hosts One Nite Wonders Fundraiser

One Nite Wonders coming up next week in support of mental health.

The fundraiser is being organized by Mind Care. Community leaders will be dancing the night away, and dressing up as some well-known musicians. 

Some of the performers include Wayne Long as Bob Dylan, Dr. Greg MacLean, as Elton John, and Kids at Heart performing ABBA.
 
Yennah Hurley is manager at Mind Care, she tells CHSJ news, the event is putting the performers out of their comfort zone, similar to the experience of those dealing with mental illness.

"When someone has a mental illness, they get out of their comfort zone everyday," says Hurley.

The fundraiser will be at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre on November 22nd, at 7. You can get your tickets by calling Mind Care at 635-1454 or 648-6296.

The Santa Claus Parade Winners

The Santa Claus Parade Committee announcing the winning entries: Best in Parade awarded to  Harbourview High School, Best Commercial Entry won by BellAliant,  Best School awarded to Simonds High school, 

Best Cheerleaders  were the Champion Spirit Athletics, Best Band was the161 CK Beveridge RCAC, Best Association/Church awarded to the Kennebec Manor. The Chairperson’s choice given to The Salvation Army. Honourable Mentions: DanceZone Dance School,The Cherry Brook Zoo, Saint John Transit, Key Industries, and Saint John Nissan.

Hit & Run In Saint John

A man is being charged for a hit and run after crashing an SUV on Highway 1, near Harbour Bridge in Saint John. The accident happening around 2:30 this morning.  The man was impaired and fled the scene. 

He was found shortly after, hiding between the bridge and the highway. The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. He's also being charged with refusal of blood demand.

Human Rights Commission Marks International Day Of Tolerance

 The Human Rights Commission marking today as the International Day of Tolerance.

The commission says its seen an increase in complaints, that people with mental heath issues are being discriminated at work.

 Randy Dickinson, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission tells CHSJ News, 55 per cent of the annual complaints reported to the commission are around discrimination based on disability.

 "Unfortunately, there are still many individuals and situations where people are blatantly discriminated against, in terms of being denied an opportunity for employment or people making racist comments," says Dickinson.

He says that although we've made a lot of progress, there's room for improvement.

Protest Against Climate Change Inaction

In Saint John, protesters gathering outside of MP Rodney Weston's office opposing the Harper government's inaction on climate change.

The protest being organized by locals that make up various environmental and indigenous community groups.

Andrew Graham is a member of local chapter of the Council of Canadians. He tells CHSJ news, the group is tired of misguided direction in the government.

Graham says the government is being led by industry. He adds, "We'd like to have more leadership because climate change is not just coming, it's here."

Santa Claus Parade Street Closures

All four lanes of the causeway will be blocked off starting at 3 for the parade line-up. The Courtney Bay causeway will re-open right after the parade.

The parade route will be the same as last year. The Parade will leave the Causeway, to Union St., a left onto Sydney St., right on King's Square North, left on Charlotte St., down King St, to St. Patrick, to Main St., right on Lansdowne Ave., and right at Wellesley Blvd. All of these streets will be closed during the parade.

 Citizens are asked not to park on King Street starting at 5 pm. Cars parked anywhere along the parade route after 5:30 will be towed. Everyone is asked to be mindful of all signage along the parade route.

Three Men Sentenced For Armed Robbery In Rothesay

Three men who were charged in the Cochran's Country Market armed robbery back in July, have received their sentences.
In Saint John Provincial Court, Stephen Corey Richard was sentenced to a total of six and a half years in prison for an armed robbery, forcible confinement and having a face disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence. Keith Oliver Dixon also being sentenced for the same offences, and will serve six years in prison.

On November 8th, Blake Andrew Smith was sentenced to eight years in prison for armed robbery, forcible confinement and having a face disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence.

All three men have lifetime bans for owning or possessing firearms.They also had to give DNA samples for the DNA Data Bank. The court ordered the firearms used during the robbery be destroyed, and that the money seized  be returned to Cochran's Country Market.

Hit And Run In Saint John

City police responding to a hit and run early this morning at 2:30 am, on Main and Chesley.

Police later found the driver at the Reversing Falls. The person hit was not injured, and neither was the driver. The driver was impaired, and will appear in court on charges of impaired driving.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!

Santa Claus is on his way to St. Stephen!

The Annual Santa Claus Parade will begin promptly tomorrow evening at 6:30 at Chocolate Drive, and ending at St. Stephen's University.

Heather Donahue with the BIA tells Tide News this year they have 64 entries, including 98.1 The TIde, as compared to only 42 entries last year.

She says there are so many entries, some will be directed to line up at the Charlotte County Mall.


Donahue says St. Stephen Town Council members will be gathering non-perishable food items along the parade route to donate to the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, and Canada Post officials will be gathering letters to Santa from kids as well.

Following the parade, Santa will head to the Town Square for the tree lighting and to visit with kids.

Claim Being Made That A City Police Officer Is Being Persecuted

A key witness at the trial in August of 2012 of Constable Chris Messer has admitted to not telling the truth, according to an arbitrator's report obtained by Tide News. 

Brett McAdam testified Messer accused him of breaking into his home on Westfield Road and threatened to blow his head off.
 
Arbitrator George Filliter dismissed that allegation, writing that he did not find McAdam's testimony to be convincing. Filliter goes on to say McAdam admitted to not telling the truth before the Court or at the arbitration hearing. 

Messer also comes in for criticism with Filliter saying he should not even have spoken to McAdam about a break-in that happened at his own home and was warned against doing that but it would be unfortunate if City Police were to lose his services. Messer has an honours degree in criminology and sociology from St. Thomas University.

Messer's lawyer Brian Munro questions why a perjury charge has not been laid if the testimony given at a criminal trial is false. 

The other witness against Messer was Randy King who has a criminal record including a stretch in prison. His credibility is being questioned by Messer's lawyer Brian Munro. Messer is scheduled to stand trial in late April for common assault against King.

The Police Association says it appears Messer is being persecuted and the wrong message is being sent to criminals in the city.......All you have to do to take the heat off is to file a criminal complaint against a cop.

Donnie Snook In Court Again For Forfeiture Hearing

Former Saint john Common Councillor and youth leader, Donnie Snook appearing in court today to sit in on a forfeiture hearing, which essentially decides what happens to his possessions. 

The possessions in question include electronics he used to record his crimes against children. 

 A few heated exchanges occurred between Judge Alfred Brien and the crown regarding missing paperwork and a lack of specificity about what exactly was seized.

Snook appeared gaunt and tired and expressed through his lawyer, Dennis Boyle, that he does not want to be present at the continuation of the forfeiture hearing on January 8th and Boyle can represent his interests.

The Newfoundland charges against Snook have been transferred to New Brunswick and will be dealt with here on November 28th.

Dennis Oland's Family Releases Statement

Dennis Oland's family releasing a statement to the media professing his innocence adding they are devastated this nightmare is going to continue for him and all of them.

It adds they know he will be found innocent in an objective and fair process in a court of law. 

They want the police to turn their attention to finding out who is really responsible for Richard Oland’s death.

The statement closes by thanking friends and family for their support.

It was released by the family's attorney Bill Teed. 

Clements Pleads Guilty To Arson

40 year old Timothy Edward Clements pleading guilty to two counts of arson on the Dever Road in Saint John.

Police getting calls to the west side on October 22 and November 7 with a transport truck and a garage being destroyed in separate fires.
There had been a number of calls to the site before about suspicious fires.

The court heard Clements emerged from the woods soaking wet and smelling of smoke and told officers on the scene he was walking to work.
He eventually admitted setting the fires by stuffing paper into the bunk of the truck and set it ablaze and lighting the garage on fire with a shredded tire.

The damage is estimated to be well into the tens of thousands of dollars....Clements said all of his problems are the result of alcohol and traumatic events in his childhood and he wants to get help so he can get married & take care of his loved ones.

He will reappear for sentencing on December 18th.

Businessman Fined For Failing To Pay The Tax Man

A businessman getting slammed with a $2000 fine for not complying with two court orders from a previous conviction.

John William Beairsto was convicted last year on six charges of failing to file his 2009 and 2010 corporate income tax returns for his three businesses in Fredericton: The Grille on York, Queen Street Restaurant and Hannah's Foods. He was also convicted for failing to file five HST returns for those businesses and fined a grand on each of the eleven charges for a total of $11,000 and given a year to pay up.

The judge ordering him to file his outstanding returns within six months or face jail time. When he didn't pay back the money, the CRA laid charges against him and he plead guilty.

Saint John Teacher On Jeopardy! Tonight

You might see a familiar face if you tune into Jeopardy! tonight.

Saint John High School teacher Mary Ann Lewell will appear on the iconic quiz show. She is the only Canadian teacher ever to be featured on the Teacher's Tournament. Lewell tells Tide News she's been asked to keep it a mystery whether she won or lost until the show airs--but she says she was certainly thrilled with the experience.

Lewell says the most difficult part was getting the hang of the infamously tricky buzzer and brushing up on her US history to compete alongside teachers from south of the border. 
She teaches history and social studies at the uptown high school.