Friday, August 28, 2009

National Anthem

A judge has given a New Brunswick man a conditional discharge for threatening a school teacher who stopped the daily playing of the national anthem. Bradley Howland was convicted in July of uttering threats against Erik Millett. During the trial, Millett testified that Howland threatened to assault him over the decision to stop playing ``O Canada.'' Howland was also given eight months probation.

Tropical Storm Danny

Forecasters at the Canadian Hurricane Centre say tropical storm Danny is still taking shape, but it appears at this point as though it will weaken over Canadian waters. At last word, the storm was moving to the northwest at 15 kilometres an hour, south of Cape Hatteras. The storm is expected to produce rain in the Maritimes later this weekend, but the centre says it's still too early to determine amounts.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Maritime Horseshoe Pitching Championships

The St. Stephen Horseshoe Pitchers Club dominated the Maritime Horseshoe Pitching Championships which were held at the Border Arena this past weekend by capturing 12 of the 18 titles at the Championships.

Natalie Steen and Martha Barker captured the Women's A Divisions doubles title and Steen also captured the Women's A Division Singles title.

Krista Beaudry and Diana Grant captured the Women's B Division doubles title and Beaudry also captured the Women's B division singles title.

In Senior Men's action, Earle Fraser and Bill Casey Sr. won the Senior Men's B division championship.

Greg Barry and Albert Melanson captured the Men's B division and the duo of Ray Parks and Allen Parks captured the Men's C division title.

In singles action, Maurice Waycott captured the Senior Men's B division, Paul Lister captured the Men's C division title, Allen Parks captured the Men's D division title, Bob Lister captured the Men's E division title and Ken Montgomery won the Men's F division title.

Eat Locally

Updated Aug25/09

The four Atlantic province's are competing to see who can get the most people to eat locally on September 4th. Agriculture minister Ronald Ouellette says the benefits of eating locally grown food will have environmental and economic spinoffs for New Brunswickers. Ouellette will be joined by his Atlantic counterparts, John MacDonell of Nova Scotia, George Webster of Prince Edward Island and Kathy Dunderdale of Newfoundland and Labrador, who have all pledged to eat only food from the Atlantic region that day.
The provinces are competing to see how many residents sign up for the challenge. To join the competition click here : www.eatatlantic.ca

Monday, August 24, 2009

Diane Ganong receives Humanitarian award

Diane Ganong of St. Stephen has been selected by the Canadian Red Cross to receive its Humanitarian Award for New Brunswick. Ganong has demonstrated a spirit of humanitarianism through her nursing career, global involvement with UNICEF Canada and engagement with many projects and organizations. She is also a director of Ganong Bros. Limited, a chocolate and confectionary manufacturer based in St. Stephen. She will receive her award Wednesday evening, Nov. 18 at the Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian Awards dinner at the Delta Brunswick hotel in Saint John.

Tour for the Cure

Updated Aug24/09

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Tour for the Cure is here in Charlotte County. As part of its five-month trip throughout Atlantic Canada, the Tour will be in the St. George today at the Day Adventure Centre Off Riverview Avenue at 1:30pm – 8pm. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has set a goal to have 85 per cent of eligible women in Atlantic Canada screened for breast cancer by 2010.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Natural Gas

Updated Aug21/09

It looks like Charlotte County homeowners who use natural gas can expect lower heating bills this winter. The price of the fuel has fallen to a seven-year low -- just under three dollars U-S per thousand cubic feet. Prices are down because of the recession, which has seen a drop in the demand for natural gas.

Hurricane Bill

Updated Aug21/09

The Canadian Hurricane Centre in Nova Scotia says hurricane Bill could be a Category 2 hurricane when it sweeps south of Nova Scotia on Sunday night. That means it will be packing winds in excess of 152 kilometres per hour offshore. The centre's supervisor, Peter Bowyer, says it will be tough to determine where the storm is headed as it transforms into a post-tropical storm. TAG: Bowyer says the storm will bring up to 100 millimetres of rain to some areas. Much of Nova Scotia can expect hurricane-force winds at 120 kilometres per hour. The storm's projected track currently takes Bill's eye within 150 kilometres south of Halifax and over the southern edge of Cape Breton before moving on to Newfoundland early Monday.

Grand Manan Resident facing Arson Charge

Updated Aug21/09

32-year old Henry Harris from Grand Manan has been charged with arson and is due in court to enter a plea next month on the 17th. He was arrested by RCMP earlier yesterday in connection with a fire on Grand Manan back on May.13th.It happened on the Hill Road when a rope and a crate had been torched beside the home and quickly spread. The person living in the home noticed the flames after it burned through the television cable. Harris has been released until his court date .

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Atlantic-Storm

Updated Aug20/09


The Canadian Hurricane Centre in Nova Scotia says hurricane Bill is expected to bring hurricane-force winds to parts of the Maritimes when it arrives late Sunday off the coast of Nova Scotia. Peter Bowyer, program supervisor at the centre, says that means maximum sustained winds over land hitting 120 kilometres per hour.

Environment Canada says it is too early to issue any warnings because the storm is still too far away.

Name of Man Killed Released

Updated Aug20/09 12:24

RCMP have released the name of a man killed yesterday on Highway 128 in Berry Mills. 46-year old Mitchell Lyons of Dieppe was pronounced dead at the scene when the motorcycle he was driving hit a tractor trailer.
The driver of the truck was not hurt and still no word on whether charges will be laid.

H1N1 Flu Update

Updated Aug20/09 12:21

Provincial officials aren't expecting any school closures this fall at the Community Colleges because of the H1N1 virus. But Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr.Eilish Cleary is advising students who feel ill to stay at home. Spokesperson with the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, Dan Fraser, says they will do what they can to ensure students with the flu are able to complete their programs.
Fraser says there is no set percentage of students who would have to be sick before a class would shut down. He says that would depend on each particular course and whether there is a shortage of staff at the community college.

Marijuana plants seized in Charlotte County

Updated Aug20/09

R-C-M-P have rounded up more than 600 marijuana plants from several locations in Charlotte County. The plants, displayed yesterday at R-C-M-P headquarters in St. George will be mixed with lime and buried at an undisclosed location. Investigators found out about the pot grows through tips from citizens. The Mounties say it's not likely any charges will be laid.

Gas Prices

Updated Aug20/09

Good news for drivers heading into another summer weekend. For the first time in five weeks the price of gasoline has dropped. The Energy and Utilities Board has set the maximum retail price for regular self-serve gas at 101.8. That's about a cent lower than yesterday and most stations in St Stephen are showing a pump price of 99.7.
The cost of diesel has also fallen to a dollar-four a litre, while propane has creeped up to 96 cents.

H1N1 School Plans

Updated Aug20/09

Schools around the province are taking extra precautions in the upcoming school year to guarantee students are safe from the H1N1 flu. To make sure students are safe when flu season begins this fall, staff will be asked to review with students the importance of sanitation.
District Officials urge students who feel they may be falling ill this fall to see a doctor straight away.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hampton Woman Sentenced

Updated Aug19/09


46-year old Lenna Rackley of Hampton has been sentenced on two counts of committing fraud over $5,000. Ms. Rackley has received two consecutive four-month conditional sentences and was ordered to pay over $15,000 in restitution to the Court.The charges come from an investigation into Employment Insurance fraud.
It revealed that Ms. Rackley submitted false information online in order to receive employment insurance benefits on several occasions between August of 2005 and December of 2007.

Keeping an Eye on Hurricane Bill

Updated Aug19/09


It looks like are run of hot dry weather is coming to an end this weekend. Environment Canada is keeping a close watch on Hurricane Bill and how close it will come to hitting us here at home. Meteorologist Linda Libby tells Tide News, the current path of the storm makes it tough to figure out what effect we will feel
Libby says at this point.......the highest probability for the Hurricane making land-fall is Sable Island at 25%.

Save Passamquady Bay Meeting

Updated Aug19/09


The annual general meeting of the Save Passamaquady Bay group was held last night. Spokes-person Jessie Davies tells CHSJ News, their message remains the same.........keep up the fight to stop the LNG Terminal from being constructed.

Davies adds they are not asking anyone to write letters of opposistion or make a donation but they continue to get new names for their fight. Premier Graham recently completed a report on the Downeast LNG draft environmental impact statement. He says the project would have major impacts on the lives of those who live and work on Head Harbour Passage and Passamaquoddy Bay.

Funding for Harvey and McAdam

Updated Aug19/09

Residents of Harvey and McAdam are benefiting from joint federal and provincial funding to upgrade water and wastewater systems and restore village property. These projects will enhance local facilities and services and create local job. The Federal and Provincial will each invest a total of $294,000. These projects are among 32 across the province

Tropical-Weather

Updated Aug19/09

Forecasters are keeping an eye on Hurricane Bill. They say the storm is moving on a track that could take it close to Bermuda and Eastern Canada by the end of the week. Bill is the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.

(Canadain Press)

Baby in Truck

Updated Aug19/09


Community Services officials in Haliafx are investigating after a concerned citizen saw a seven-week old baby boy left inside a pickup truck in yesterday's sweltering heat. Apparently the mother, who was trying to get her four-year old into emergency dental surgery, didn't realize the baby was inside the vehicle. RCMP say the baby was in good condition after spending about 15 minutes inside the truck and was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Shooting Incident

Updated Aug19/09

St John Police have arrested two men in their 20's early this morning who are facing assault with a weapon charges. A 41 year old man was attacked with a shovel around three this morning while walking home with his 15 year old son. Police say the man was jumped by three men--two of which are in custody.
Meanwhile, Police in St John are looking for the man responsible for firing a shot gun in the uptown around one this morning. A witness says the man was firing into the air . Police found spent shotgun shells on the street but officers aren't sure what the man was shooting at.

NB-Herring-Disappear

Updated Aug/19/09


Apparently Herring have left the Bay of Fundy for deeper water. Scientists are trying to figure out why the fish have gone deeper into the ocean. The fish were abundant in May and June, but now Connor's Brothers sardine cannery in Blacks Harbour can't guarantee full shifts through the peak summer season, and the company can't plan production. The three purse seiners that deliver herring to the company are going 20 nautical miles south of Grand Manan, to the mouth of the bay, but are still having trouble finding the fish.

Funding for St Andrews

Updated July19/09

Great news for the Town of St Andrews. The town has received cash to make upgrades to it's waste-water treatment plant. The Federal and Provincial government contributed just over $976,000 each towards the total eligible cost of the project with the town contributing the balance. The plant, located on Prince of Wales Street, is over 25 years old with outdated equipment and reaching capacity.
Improvements will create a modern plant capable of meeting the Town’s current and future treatment needs. No word on what the total cost of the project is or when work will get started.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Water Shut Off

The Town of St. Stephen would like to advise the residents of Pleasant Street between Milltown Blvd. and Riverside Drive that there will be no water starting at 10am today (Aug 18th).
This is due to the replacement of valves in that area. The water will be turned back on once the valves have been replaced. The Town of St. Stephen would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Vandals Hit Church

Just a few months after the congregation of a New Brunswick church held opening ceremonies, vandals have attacked the Anglican house of worship, causing more than $10,000 in damage. The vandals threw rocks through five exterior windows and two interior stained glass windows at the Church of the Resurrection, which is home to members of the parish of the Nerepis and St. John.Police are looking for those responsible for the desecration of the church. Sgt. Gary Fournier, of Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP, said the first call of vandalism was made to police just after 10 a.m. on Friday, then two days later police were called back again to investigate damage that was more severe.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Break and Enter

Updated Aug17/09

A 21 yr old man from Grand Manan was arrested by Rcmp after a confession to a break and enter. Last Friday morning a business was broken into and $200 in cash was taken. The suspect was released on conditions and will appear in Grand Manan court in November. No money was recovered.

NB-Fatal-Crash

Updated Aug17/09

Police still aren't saying what caused a weekend accident that claimed the lives of three young Fredericton men. The victims have been identified as 19 yr old Joe Bourque, Matthew Swan, 20, and Jesse Schur 23. They died Saturday when the car they were in jumped the curb and plunged into the St. John River. A woman who was in the vehicle managed to escape and has since been released from hospital. The vehicle is undergoing a full mechanical inspection.

Jail Death

Updated Aug17/09


A 35 year old convict at the Correctional Centre in Saint John has died after falling from a window. Officials say Michael Saccary--who was serving nearly six years and four months for various crimes--died on Saturday. Police suspect he was trying to escape and foul play has been ruled out.
Correctional Service Canada will join the city police department in launching an investigation.

Tourism Numbers

Updated Aug 17/09


Despite the soggy weather so far this summer -- provincial tourism numbers are holding their own according to Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson. He tells Tide News the tighter security rules at the border have produced a twist. He says numbers are up by 45-percent over last year in Campbellton thanks in large part to the Acadien Congress -- but -- he says the passport requirements at the U-S border have kept a lot of American visitors away.

Jamieson says numbers are down at some of the outdoor attractions but up in other areas like historic sites.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Registration Reminders

The Oppositon Public Safety critic says New Brunswickers are paying double for registering their vehicles because often times they forget to renew it since the province stopped sending out reminders.Carl Urquhart tells CHSJ News, people will pay their bills if they come, but since they are creatures of habit will forget if not reminded.He says when the province decided to stop sending out reminders back in April it was to save money.
Urquhart says seniors are the ones most likely to forget their registration has expired, and if they are on a fixed budget cannot afford to pay a $180 dollar fine, and then the cost of registering their vehicle.

Regional Health Authority B

Stakeholders at Regional Health Authority B want to know where you think the organization should be heading in the future.The health authority is putting out the call to all community members, staff and physcians to participate in surveys, interviews and focus groups about it's strategic direction.The results of the information gathered is expected to be released by the late fall, outlining the future of the organization.

Anyone interested in participating in the RHA B strategic planning process can visit the RHA B website at www.rhab-rrsb.ca

Canada Games Stadium Funding?

We may soon be getting some positive word about federal and provincial funding for the upgrade of the Canada Games Stadium in Saint John. We asked Saint John M-P Rodney Weston if a deal is near -- and -- he remains optimistic we will be hearing in the not too distant future:\.
Premier Graham tells us his government is working its way through a long list of priorities.
The Stadium and track need a six million dollar make over -- proponents are hoping to have it finished before hosting the Acadien Games next summer.

Isotope Prices Go Up

The Department of Health is confirming the price of medical isotopes is rising.Minister of Health Mary Schryer tells us, the Regional Health Authoritys are mandated to deal with the supply, and she says they are doing a good job handling the cost increase.
Schryer says the higher rate went into effect on August the 1st.
The price increase comes as Ontario's Chalk River reactor has gone offline, causing health authorities to try and secure isotopes.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Athlete Funding

The Provincial government is giving more than 98 thousand dollars to 83 athletes in the province to compete at the provincial and national levels. The funding will help top amateur athletes make the senior or junior national team and will come from the New Brunswick Athlete Assistance Program.Athletes must be competing in a recognized sport in a major event such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Canada Games. The grants range from $500 to $3,000.

Hit By Lightning update

A three-year-old boy hit by lightning in a Brampton, Ont., park continues to improve in hospital.The unnamed boy, five-year-old Kyus Caines and Kyus' 26-year-old mother Dulce Caines were struck Wednesday afternoon as they were leaving the park.Oral Caines says his son Kyus, who is in critical condition in hospital, bore the brunt of the lightning strike, while the other two were hit more indirectly.Kyus' grandmother told the Toronto Star the little boy was carrying a metal scooter over his shoulder at the time.A spokeswoman for the Hospital for Sick Children says the three-year-old boy's condition has been upgraded from serious to good.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

St. Stephen RCMP request assistance

The St Stephen RCMP is requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the person(s) responsible for damage that was committed to Milltown Pool, during the evening or early morning hours of July 31st and August 1st. During this time, culprit(s) managed to gain access to the fenced in portion, which surrounds the pool and intentionally cut out a portion of the pool liner. Anyone having knowledge of this matter or the person(s) is requested to contact the RCMP(466-7030) or Crime Stoppers 1 800 222-8477. Persons providing information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible do not have to reveal their identify and may be eligible for a cash award.

Hampton Murder Update

The 15 year old girl charged with first degree murder in the death of an elderly New Brunswick man is going to be facing a judge and jury on January 12th. She had previously elected trial by judge alone, but will be facing the jury as well.78-year-old Frank Tonge of Damascus died in his home from a single stab wound to his upper body. A pre trial will be taking place on October 9th, and the January trial is expecting to last 9 days.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Big Valley Jamboree

If it hadn't been for his bass guitar, there's a chance the injuries Billy Currington's bass player suffered in that stage collapse at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta could have been worse. As it is, Alex Stevens had to have surgery on his left arm for a severed artery and nerves. Stevens tells the Edmonton Journal he had put his bass guitar on his back and it protected him. He says he's convinced that if he hadn't been wearing his bass, his pelvis or back would have been crushed.One person died and 75 others were injured on August 1st when a powerful wind roared through the popular country music festival with no warning, causing the main stage to crumble.

Binge Drinking

A new study suggests the effects of binge drinking may go beyond that next-day hangover.
It could also affect how your brain and memory work.
Researchers found healthy, young university students who engaged in heavy drinking required more attention to complete a given task.
They also say the adolescent brain is more sensitive to the effects.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Thompson's Spending Spree

Brian Murphy, MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe is criticizing MP Greg Thompson for the ministers recent office move from Mocton to Fredericton which cost $700,000.
Murphy finds the decision highly irresponsible for Thompson to spend that much taxpayer's dollars in the middle of an economic crisis. Brian Murphy says it's unbelievable to see the conservatives throwing money our the window when the number of unemployed Canadians keeps rising.

St. Stephen Vandalism / Stolen Van

St. Stephen RCMP are investigating a quite a bit of vandalism and a stolen vehicle in the
St. Stephen Area. On Friday, police received a complaint of property damage on the McKnight Road where road side mail boxes and solar lights were damaged. Also a complaint of a vehicle being operated carelessly on Princess Street in St. Stephen. The vehicle was described as a black minivan and was responsible for colliding with mail box and traffic signs and striking a shopping cart which was then pushed though a local business window.
Even more vandalism was reported at the Dover Hill Park where extensive damage was done to tree limbs and the flower beds.
The same vehicle was reported stolen from a residence on the valley road and was later found destroyed by fire. RCMP believe all these incidents are connected.
Persons having witnessed any of this activity or knowing of the identities of the occupants of the vehicle are requested to contact the St. Stephen RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Mourners have filled a church in Sydney, Nova Scotia, for the funeral of Donald Marshall.The native rights activist is being remembered as a reluctant hero who helped change Nova Scotia's justice system as a result of his wrongful murder conviction.Tributes were also paid to his role in a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case that granted limited fishing rights to aboriginals.

______________________________________________________________
Canada's military will begin taking delivery of new Chinook helicopters between 2013 and 2014.Defence Minister Peter MacKay made the announcement this morning in Halifax after awarding a 1.2 (b) billion dollar contract to acquire 15 Chinook helicopters.U-S aircraft giant Boeing will build the CH-147 Chinooks, a model of helicopter that the military says will allow it to reach remote regions.

_____________________________________________________________
The town of Gander in Newfoundland will be getting some international attention at the time of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.An N-B-C television crew has been in the town, doing a profile on the Gander area's contributions in the days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Residents welcomed hundreds of airline passengers from overseas flights that were forced to set down when U-S airspace was closed.Mayor Claude Elliot says the town will see up to 30 minutes of prime time before the closing ceremonies.
___________________________________________________________
A Nova Scotia man is dead after crashing his motorcycle in Waverley Sunday in one of several road-related accidents around the province.The 48-year-old man, from Lawrencetown, N.S., and a 46-year-old woman, who also crashed the motorcycle she was driving in the same direction, were rushed to hospital where the man died a short time later.RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott Warnica says the woman is in serious condition.In another crash, a woman was trapped inside her Chevrolet after rolling it near Mount Uniacke on Highway 101.Police say firefighters freed her from her smashed vehicle.And officials say another woman who crashed her motorcycle in the Kentville area was airlifted to a Halifax hospital, where she is listed in serious condition.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Man Biking into Saint John

One man will bike his way through Saint John Tuesday as part of a bicycle campaign to raise awareness about Mental Health. Mel Thompson has biked all the way from Vancouver after learning that his daughter Lindsay was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Anita Connolly with the Canadian Mental Health Association tells us Thompson will be presented with a cheque for 16 thousand dollars.Thompson is hoping to educate people about mental health and raise money to improve treatment as he bikes all the way to St. John's, Newfoundland.

H1N1 Flu Measurements

Local emergency management organizations are making plans to deal with any major outbreak of the H-1-N-1 flu this fall. Brian Shanks of the Ken Valley E-M-O group tells us they're planning a series of public information sessions to talk about things like the impact of the flu on home life. Shanks says more details will be available within a couple of weeks regarding the information sessions. Public health officials predict absenteeism rates could hit as high as 25-percent if the so called "swine flu" pandemic outbreak gains a foothold in the province this fall and winter.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Van Burnt Last Night

Add another burnt vehicle to the list in St. Stephen.
A tip to our newsroom tells us several stop signs were damaged, and a van was set on fire.RCMP confirm a van was burned, and an investigation is underway.
No word on if there is any connection to the 13 cars destroyed at a garage early last month.

Update on Dog Charges

Updated July7/09



No new court date has been set for two men facing animal cruelty charges. R-C-M-P say the St. Stephen area men are facing the charges after a large dog died when it was left in a parked vehicle overnight.Police say the driver and a friend crossed over to the U-S and when they returned -- the dog had died from excessive heat and lack of food and water.
The two were scheduled to appear in St. Stephen court last Tuesday but RCMP did not receive a report which was needed the day before. The file still needs to be reviewed and approved by the Crown Prosecutor before charges can be laid in provincial court.

Stop Signs Destroyed in St Stephen


[Stop sign turned over on the cornor of Princess Street and Queen Street East-----Photo submitted by listener]

St Stephen RCMP are investigating what you call a lot of Vandalism in the area last night. A caller to our news line tells tide news around 5:45am along princess and Queen street East there were about 15 stops signs destroyed. Tide news has place a call to the RCMP but waiting to hear back.

Maple Leaf Recall

Updated Aug7/09

Certain brands of Maple Leaf, Shopsy's and Hydrade wieners may contain the listeria bacteria. The provincial Department of Health is advising people to check their fridges and freezers and dispose of any affected products.
So far there have been no reported cases in the province, and the Health Department will continue to monitor the situation.

For a complete list click here: www.foodinspectionagency.ca ...

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Algal Bloom Alert

Updated Aug6/09

The Health Department is warning Charlotte County residents who like to take a dip in the lake or other recreational bodies of water to be aware of the potential health risks posed by algal blooms. An algal bloom should be avoided if it appears to have a thick, blue-green or green, paint-like scum. When present in the water, these blooms may cause skin, eye or throat irritation.

Milltown Pool Vandalized

Updated Aug6/09


While kids are enjoying swimming in the pool some are out to destroy it. Someone has damage the Milltown Pool cutting a piece out of the liner. Assistant Director for Recreational and Parks Leah Nixon tells tide news someone crawled under the fence and sliced a rectangle piece out the liner of the pool right along the water line. Nixon says the cost of damage is not none at this time. She says they will have to wait until next summer to see how much water, if any went inside the liner. She says after the winter months that's when they will see if there is more damage to the pool. The pool is repaired.

Energy Demand

Updated Aug6/09

Energy Minister Jack Keir says even though a lot of future energy generated in the province will be sold to the United States, we will feel the benefits at home.

Keir says people living near the nuclear generating station are hopeful plans for a second reactor at Point Lepreau will become a reality. Keir says the province has a strong advantage being next to one of the largest energy demand markets in North America---the New England States.

AC/DC-Concert

Updated Aug6/09

Up to 80-thousand people are expected for the AC/DC concert at Magnetic Hill site tonight. Organizers say it will be the largest show on the Australian band's North American tour. Regional Health Authority B will have an emergency medical building and two secondary tents around Magnetic Hill. There will also be paramedics patrolling the grounds looking for injuries or illness and an ambulance fleet will be available if needed.

Teenager Hit by Train

Updated Aug6/09

A 15 year old teenager was struck by a train on the Main Street overpass in Moncton earlier this morning . A group of teenagers were near the tracks when the collision occurred. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Gas Prices

Updated Aug6/09

The Energy and Utilities Board has set the maximum price schedule for the province this week and the total maximum price for regular self-serve gasoline is a dollar-two. Yesterday is was 99.1 cents a litre. Most station in St Stephen are showing a pump price 99.9.
Diesel fuel is about the same at 98.8 cents a litre and propane hasn't moved an inch still coming in at 93.2 cents.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Fredericton resident competing in i Factor finale

Upated July 5/09

A 25 year old women now a Fredericton resident is one of the top ten finalist in i Factor. Becka DeHaan born in St Stephen will travel to Ontario this week to compete in the i factor, a musical competition in search of Canada's favourite musician with vision loss. DeHaan will compete against nine other Canadians in three rounds of live performances. She began playing piano at age 5 and started singing at 14. The competition is Aug 8 at CNIB Lake Joseph Centre.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Mayor Apologizes Over Milltown Bridge Comments

St. Stephen mayor Jed Purcell has faced a fire storm lately with his comments relating to his lack of objection to any future closing of the Milltown Bridge. Purcell made a comment to a reporter regarding the possible closure of Milltown Bridge. In a press release the mayor says it is clear that the statement he made was a personal opinion and in no way reflective of the wishes of the St Stephen town Council. He say he now realizes such a closure would cost the two communities over thirty much needed job and deprive the local economy.

Minimum Wage To Increase Next Month

Minimum wage in the province is getting it's second increase this year starting Septemeber 1st.Back in April an extra quarter was added taking it to an even 8 dollars, and at the start of next month it will increase another quarter.At the $8.25 wage people working 40 hours a week are expected to earn $330 dollars a week, up from $268 at the $7.75 rate.

Bridge Repair Work Postponed

The Deparment of Transportation has postponed the repairs that were going to be carried out to the Magaguadavic River # 2 Upper Bridge in St. George.Spokeperson for the Department Andrew Holland tells tide news repairs will take place but at a later date.
Holland says with blueberry season in full bloom it was the best decision for blueberry business. The bridge was supposed to have been reduced to one lane starting last Wednesday but has been postponed the until further notice.

St. Stephen Resident Receives Order of New Brunswick

Shirley Downey of St. Stephen was one the 10 latest recipients of the Order of New Brunswick.The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000 to recognize New Brunswickers who have demonstrated excellence and achievement and who have made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural, or economic well-being of the province.The premier Shawn Graham revealed the recipients' names during the official New Brunswick Day celebration held in McAdam.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Provincial Parks Free Today

Looking for something to do today? Admission to all provincially operated parks are free to celebrate New Brunswick Day.Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson says this is an opportunity for residents to take in the scenery and recreational activities the parks have to offer.The Department of Tourism and Parks operate 9 provincial parks including New River Beach, and Mount Carleton.

The Masks Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good

You may have seen pictures of people wearing surgical masks in areas where there have been severe cases of the so called "swine flu" -- but -- our deputy chief medical health officer - Dr Paul Van Buynder - says people using masks when they don't need to can actually infect the masks and transmit the virus when normally they may not have.Van Buynder says public health strongly believes people ill with the flu should not go to work and should stay home in isolation to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

RCMP Spot Checks

Another Long Weekend is upon us and that means RCMP are beefing up patrols. Officers will keep an eye out for all violations but in particular drinking and driving and getting behind the wheel if you are high. Staff Sgt. Stephane Caron admits to us, it can be tougher to find those who have been smoking a joint or taking some pills compared to those who have had to many drinks,
So far this year, 20% of serious collisions RCMP have responded to have involved an impaired driver.

New License Plates

The provincial government has rolled out a series of new license plates yesterday, including one with the slogan "Be...in this place". Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau says the new slogan seeks to inspire New Brunswickers to recognize and pursue the natural advantages of this province.
The newly designed plates will be available on August 4th for $25. New conservation plates with three new designs will be available for $32. Also new, owners of seasonal or antique vehicles will now have a single licence plate for their vehicles. Getting a new license plate is optional.

Casino Construction Update

Construction of the province's first casino near Magnetic Hill in Moncton is on target. President of Suncor Gaming New Brunswick, Mike Novac, tells us they are still slated for completion by next spring.
Novac says at this point they are in range of their projected budget of 89 million dollars. He also says the project will create a boon for the city when they hire four hundred more workers in the next few weeks.

Swine Flu Vaccine On It's Way

New Brunswickers will be receiving at least one dose of the anti-H-1-N-1 vaccine when it becomes available later this year. Deputy chief medical health officer Dr Paul Van Buynder says the vaccination program will begin with at risk groups like those under 20 or those with chronic diseases.
Van Buynder says most people will receive two doses of the vaccine -- but -- seniors may only receive one shot because studies have shown they have built up a natural immunity to the virus -- the shots will be given free of charge.