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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

3 Saint Johners Face Fraud Charges

The RCMP say three people from Saint John have been charged with fraud against the federal government after a four-year investigation.
 
61-year-old Herman Thompson, 62-year-old Cecile Bernier and 52-year-old Richard Howe have all been charged with fraud over $5,000.

The Mounties tell CHSJ News the charges stem from an investigation that started in 2008 following an unspecified complaint from the Canada Pension Plan office.  

Howe and Thompson are due before a judge on September 19th while Bernier has a court date in October.

Young Man On Trial For Sexual Assault

A 25-year-old man charged with sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and unlawful confinement appearing in court in connection with an incident at Buccaneer's Pub that left a bartender with a broken leg other and injuries.

Bradley Scott Wilson was seen on a surveillance video struggling with the 46-year-old woman and at one point removing his pants.

The alleged assault happened back in January. The trial continues tomorrow.

Motorcycle Crash Kills Man

A motorcycle crash has killed a 23 year old man whose name has not been released yet.

City Police tell CHSJ news the man was found next to his motorcycle off the highway going southbound about a kilometer away from the Ocean Westway exit.

Police are trying to determine the circumstances of the fatality with the help of accident reconstructionists.

Transit Union President Calls Acadian Closure "Devastating"

Students, parcels, blood for hospitals, machinery parts and people with disabilities are all going to be adversely affected by the closure of Acadian Coach Lines.... that coming from Amalgamated Transit Union President Glen Carr.

Carr tells CHSJ news it's bad business done by management of Quebec company Group Orleans Express that drove Acadian Lines to the ground by doing no advertising and only doing runs that were deemed profitable.

Carr adds the bus service should've serviced needs in Rothesay, Quispamsis and Grand-Bay Westfield. But in a release from Acadian Vice President Denis Gallant, he states the company exclusively operated on profitable routes to compensate for less sustainable ones with low passenger volume.

The bus service will stop running November 30th.

Park Plaza Motel Robber Pleads Guilty

Guilty pleas from a 25 year old east side man following two robberies at the Park Plaza Motel on Rothesay Avenue last February. Corey William Landry will be back in court September 11th for sentencing after pleading guilty to three theft charges and one of assault. One of the theft charges dates back to last November when Landry worked at Costco. The prosecution told the court it appears Landry got into trouble because of his drug addiction. When arrested by City Police, he had cocaine on him. The court will hear victim impact statements prior to sentencing.

MLA Doesn't Want Lobster Protests To Escalate

NB lobster fishermen still looking for a fair price to protect their way of life...with Maine lobster going for just $2 a pound, the lobster crisis is causing tension in many Maritime communities.

Shediac Cap-Pele MLA Victor Boudreau says he understands the reasoning behind the truck blockades and protests but doesn't want things to escalate.

Boudreau says it's incumbent on the Premier and fisheries minister to create both a short and long-term solution.

Athletes Prepare For International Tournament Tomorrow

Athletes from Saint John and around the world are warming up for an international track event being held right here in Port City!
The North American, Central American and Caribbean Masters Championship starts tomorrow at the Canada Games Stadium.
Organizer Bill MacMackin tells CHSJ news they're busy setting up the field, passing out race kits and setting up 17 flags representing different countries.

About 70-80 athletes are from the province, and about 50 of them are from Saint John.

Athletes ages thirty to early nineties are competing in the events that will run until Sunday. Admission is free and goes from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

For more information,  click here.

Earth Moves In Charlotte County


It wasn't very big, but the locals still felt it.
A 2.6 magnitude earthquake being reported shortly after midnight yesterday.
Natural Resources Canada confirms the areas hit hardest were Pennfield and St. George.

Sexual Assault Trial Underway

Testimony is being heard at the trial of a 25 year old man accused of sexually assaulting a 46 year old bartender at the Buccaneer's Pub last January. 

Bradley Scott Wilson was also charged with unlawful confinement. 

The court was told police were called to the pub and began collecting evidence which included buttons, a cellphone case, video from the bar and beer bottles. 

They also talked to the owner of the bar and a cleaner.

Health Minister Announces Primary Healthcare Framework

The provincial department of health announcing its primary care framework.


Health Minister Madeline Dube says the ten year plan will include 10 community needs assessments across the province.

The government will work with the provincial medical society to set up an electronic medical record system.

In touring 9 communities this summer, Dube says she heard that New Brunswickers on how to improve the health care system.
She says most people want things done differently based on needs and they do not want more money invested.

Dr. Ray, President of the Provincial Medical Society, says this announcement is good news for patients.     The provincial nurses union is also endorsing the idea.

Acadian Coach Lines Closing

Acadian Bus Lines will no longer be running in a few months time.
 
The announcement has been made that intercity bus service will end on November 30th.

Acadian Coach Lines operates in New Brunswick, P.E.I. and  Nova Scotia but claims it has lost almost 12 million dollars since 2004 because of unprofitable routes.

A lockout over the winter suspended the company's bus service for five months before a contract agreement was reached in May..