Health Care Worker Denied Vaccine

There is lots of frustration and anger in the region about the provincial swine flu vaccination program.

Our newsroom has received many calls this week of long lines at clinics only to be refused once you reach the front.
A front line health care worker in Saint John told us last night they were refused the H1N1 vaccine yesterday.
It happened at a clinic at St. Joseph's hospital that was supposed to be for health care workers only. The employee says members of the general public were receiving the shot yesterday before it was cancelled.
The 12-hour clinic was cut off 4 and a half hours early.

Speech From Justin Trudeau in Saint John Tomorrow

[MP Justin Trudeau----File Photo]
A series of speeches from MP Justin Trudeau will arrive in Saint John tomorrow. He is the guest speaker at the Loch Lomond Villa's annual fund-raising dinner. Former Saint John MP Paul Zed tells us, Trudeau is certainly one of the up and coming members of the Liberal party.

Trudeau's speech gets started at seven o'clock and tickets are available at the door of the Villa tomorrow night or by emailing paulzed@zed.ca.

Goodbye to Daylight Savings

Along with remembering to pick up some treats for all the ghosts and goblins, also a reminder tonight we say goodbye to daylight savings time. Before you go to bed, make sure you switch the clocks in your home back one hour. Dr. Rachel Morehouse is a sleep specialist with the Horizon Health Network and tells us, this is a great opportunity to get the body some much needed rest:

Morehouse adds with the days getting shorter, it takes the body some time to get used to the change of season so don't push yourself to hard.

Let Your Voice be Heard

Whether it's positive or negative, the Graham Government wants your feedback on yesterday's announced proposal between Hydro-Quebec and NB Power. You can call 1-800-533-3086 or visit www.lowerratesnb.ca to get more information and then leave a message on how you feel about the situation.


Premier Graham is also encouraging voters to contact their MLA's and let them know what you think about the proposal. The wording of the proposal has been given to a legislative committee for review and feedback.

H1N1 Vaccine Top Priority List

(St Stephen Elementary School Line Up , Photo by Mark Downey)


Public Health officials are advising that the priority groups for H1N1 vaccination clinics are now restricted to the following, Children 6 months to 5 years, School Children 18 years and under Pregnant women 20 weeks plus, Pregnant women less than 20 weeks with underlying medical conditions, Household contacts for children under 6 months and First Nations (on reservation only)



This restriction is in place to ensure that the highest priority groups are vaccinated immediately until a new shipment of vaccine is received next week.

St. Stephen Town Council to freeze wages

St. Stephen Town Council will freeze wages when the current contract for unionized employees expires.

Wages will also be frozen for non union staff and the Mayor and Council.
Management and St. Stephen Town Council will review this quarterly and if possible wage freezes will be removed. In the meantime wage increases will be honored until the contract expires.

This Province has a wide wage freeze on employees and the Government of New Brunswick is encouraging all Municipalities to do the same.

A Local Resident Receives The Order of New Brunswick

Shirley Downey of St. Stephen received the Order of New Brunswick for her efforts in fostering early childhood development . Downey was instrumental in spearheading the Born to Read Program in New Brunswick , a program which ensures a bag of books is presented to parents along with information on the importance of reading to children from birth .




The Order of New Brunswick is the highest honour that can be conferred on anyone in the Province .

Priority List For H1N1 Vaccines Has Changed

The priority list for those receiving the swine flu vaccination has changed. Pregnant women more then 20 weeks along, school children and pre-school children, kids from 6 months to 18 years of age are on the top of the list. For more information go to the Department of Health website at www.gnb.ca/flu .

Late Bus

Late bus this morning in District Ten Bus number 23 serving St Andrew is running 90 mins late.

School Closures in District 10

High number of students not showing up to class has forced some school closer in district Ten.Fundy High and St. George Elementary are closed today, Monday and Tuesday.


Back Bay school is closed today and Monday.

Black's Harbour and Pennfield Elementary are closed today only.

Reports indicate so many staff are out the district is having trouble finding enough bus drivers and staff.

For a complete list of school closures call the District Ten school cancellation line at 466-7559..

Get Your Shot

If you want an H1N1 vaccination, you will get one but, you do have to wait your turn.


The Province's Department of Health is reminding the public that the clinics currently underway in the province are only for the priority groups.

The people included in those groups are pregnant women, anyone under 65 with chronic conditions, children from 6 months to 5 years old and health care workers.

Clinics for the general public begin next month.

NB Power Future

The future look of NB Power will become much clearer today but, it appears the secret it out. Premier Shawn Graham, Quebec Premier Jean Charest, CEO of NB Power David Hay and the CEO of Quebec Hydro will all take the podium. This is for a news conference being referred to as an energy related announcement.




Reports say Hydro-Quebec will buy a majority stake in NB Power worth just under 5 billion dollars. Hydro-Quebec would assume almost all assets of N-B Power including the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.

Gas Prices

The Energy and Utilities Board has released its weekly price schedule and regular self-serve gasoline is now 101.5. Most stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 102.3 thats up from 98.3 last week.


Diesel fuel has increased by nearly 4 cents a litre to 103.7, while furnace oil has climbed two-and-a-half cents to 85.3. Propane is also up, and is now selling for a maximum of 89.9 cents per litre.

Peaceful Parade in St. Stephen

Students from St. Stephen Elementary School hosted a Peaceful Schools Parade today to celebrate participation as part of a global network of peaceful schools.  The students, teachers and parents were escorted by the RCMP as they paraded from SSES down King Street to the Kirk McColl Church and then back to the school.  At the end of the parade was the Peace Dove which was made by the staff and students at SSES.  Here are some pictures of the parade.

School Locations For Vaccination Of The H1N1

October 28, 2009

9am - 3pm  Vincent Massey Elementary School age

 4pm - 9pm  Vincent Massey Elementary 6mo-5yr


October 29, 2009

9am - 3pm   St George Elementary School age

 4pm - 9pm   St George Elementary 6mo-5yr

 
 
October 30, 2009

9am - 3pm  St Stephen Elementary School age

4pm-9pm  St Stephen Elementary 6mo-5yrs


You are reminded to visit the goverments website at www.gnb.ca/flu   for more information.

Swine Flu Hotline

The Provincial Department of Health's Swine Flu info line is overwhelmed with callers.

Spokesperson Alissa Lee tell Tide news they are aware of the problem.
She says the numbers increased when Ottawa granted regulator approval of the H1N1 vaccine last week.
Lee says by Thursday, more H1N1 vaccines clinics will be listed on the Department of Health Website. 

Fish Audit At The Oak Bay Hatchery

(Photo by Chuck Brown , Communications Manager for Cooke's Aquaculture)



Workers at a fish hatchery near St Stephen are preparing for an audit - not the financial kind - but - one which looks at the hatchery's environmental footprint and quality of breeding stock and eggs.

Brian Donnelly is manager of the Cooke Aquaculture salmon hatchery and  he says the market is beginning to demand it.
Donnelly says the food the salmon are fed is free of chemical growth enhancers although he says it does contain a synthetic color enhancer which mirrors the salmon's natural agents.
An auditor representing European based Global Trust Certification will be at the hatchery next month to see if it will continue with its quality and eco certifications. 

Peaceful Parade

Students from the St. Stephen Elementary School will be hosting a Peaceful School Parade , to celebrate participation as part of a global network of peaceful schools. At 12:45 pm, SSES students will parade down King Street, from the Border Arena to the Kirk McColl Church and back to the school.

 Your are reminded to drive careful while the students are walking during the parade.

Oak Bay Salmon Hatchery Tour

H1N1 Confirmed Here At Home

  District Ten acting superintendent has confirmed the H1N1 virus has hit home. Jenny McDougall tells us three students in the St George area have been tested and they have the virus. McDougall says letters will be sent home to let parents know there is a confirm case of the virus and a consent form for your child to have the H1N1 shot. Vaccination begins this week. She says if a parent or younger sibling accompanies their child, they may receive the vaccine. The general public is to receive their shot during the after school hours at designated schools or community locations. This process will follow a first come, first serve approach. Appointments will not be taken so please refrain from calling the schools. Milltown elementary was a success today with no one turn away. St Andrews will begin vaccinations tomorrow.

No Horse On West Street

The proposal by a resident to place a horse on west street in St Stephen will not be allowed to take place. The farm animal by-law was defeated last evening by Town Council.


Individuals wishing to have a farm animal within the community will only be able to do so in areas under the towns resource zoning by-law.

Maine Railway Shut Down

A Maine railway has plans to shut down a large swath of track in the state and that has some industrial firms in this province worried. Both Fraser Papers and J.D. Irving are among the larger customers of the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway. The line says it is losing millions of dollars on its service between the Maine communities of Madawaska and Millinocket.


The railway is proposing to sell or abandon the 387-kilometre stretch of track. Fraser Papers C-E-O Peter Gordon says the route loss would mean significant added costs for the company, which is undergoing restructuring. Since the railway is the only one to run north and south through Maine, Fraser Papers would likely have to ship most of its products by C-N Rail, which heads west to Montreal before sending products south to key markets.

Council of Canadians Conference

[Maude Barlow----File Photo]
The Council of Canadians are holding it's 24th annual meeting and conference in the port city this weekend.

National Spokesperson Maude Barlow tells us the provincial government needs to start iniaitives that help the local economy, and needs to stop developing resources just to export them elsewhere.
Barlow says citizens and the governments need to take care of the land, air and waters, because those resourches are not going to remain sustainable on it's own.
The conference is open to the public and is being held at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Cruise Lines Prepare for H1N1

As public health begins its swine flu vaccination program - cruise lines are also preparing for any outbreak of flu onboard.

Dr Mark Mason is the chief medical officer aboard the "Crown Princess" which has made regular stops in the city this year -- and -- he says they begin reporting cases when one to one-and-a-half percent of the passengers exhibit flu like symptoms:
Mason says the ship stocks flu vaccine and will step up sanitation levels by increasing the amount of chemicals and cleaning carried out on a regular basis -- he says the strict onboard protocols have actually stopped outbreaks onboard Princess Cruises over the past couple of years.

Tanks of Salmon Coming to the Magaguadavic River

It’s been 17 years since anglers have been able to cast a line into Charlotte County’s Magaguadavic River in hopes of landing a salmon.The Magaguadavic River Salmon Recovery Group hopes, with Cooke’s help, that they will gradually boost stocking in the river to a point where 1,500 adults would return annually to spawn on their own.

A new outbuilding opened in the summer at the Thomaston Corner Hatchery near Harvey. Manager Mike Watson says it will soon be filled with tanks full of salmon.The project is in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Federation dedicated to protecting and enhancing wild Atlantic salmon populations.

Members Of The St Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce Will Be At Tonight H1N1 Session

The President of the St Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce Shelly McKeeman tells Tide news the H1N1 session tonight will be a learning curve for all. She says they encourage all members to attend to have a better understanding about the virus if an outbreak should happen in the area. She says she's never had a flu shot but when the H1N1 is available she will get the shot. Dr. Eilish  Cleary, chief medical officer of health says the H1N1 flu vaccination clinics will open in New Brunswick on Monday.

Public Health Information Session On The H1N1 Influenza

Town of St. Stephen will be hosting a Public Health information session tonight on the H1N1 influenza. This will take place at the St. Stephen Legion located at 43 Queen Street West.




This will give you an opportunity to have your questions answered. The session takes place between 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Premier Pays A Visit To St Stephen High School

Premier Shawn Graham paid a visit to St. Stephen High School yesterday to celebrate Skilled Trades and Technology Week . During S-T and T Week which runs from Nov 2-9, MLAs will participate in classes to see how the return of these types of classes are helping students.  Funding from the Department of Education has enabled School District 10 to upgrade the welding shop. More than $2 million in new funding has been invested in the trades.

US Coast Guard suspends Its Search For Missing Men

The US Coast Guard suspended its search about 5:30 last evening for the crewmen of the Bottom Basher who have been missing since Tuesday night . The search for Joseph Jones, Norman Johnson, and Daryl Cline lasted for about 52 hours.

The body of Daryl Cline was recovered in Cobscook Bay Wednesday.

H1N1 Shot Ready

Public Health Officials in this Province are ready to begin H1N1 vaccinations today for those in higher-risk groups. Health Canada announced approval yesterday.
Federal Health Minister is encouraging all Canadians to get vaccinated.
Health care workers, First Nations people and school-age children are first on the list for the swine-flu vaccine.

Gas Prices

The price of gas has climbed five cents a litre today. The Energy and Utilities Board has released its maximum price schedule, with regular self serve gas selling for up to a dollar point-four. Gas stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 98.3 thats up from 93.1 yesterday.


Diesel fuel also costs five cents more, selling for up to a dollar-four cents a litre. Furnace oil is up to 88.3 cents and propane is about the same as yesterday at 98.2.

Awards Presented At The 19th Annual Recognition Dinner

A very large crowd last night at the Milltown legion to celebrate the 19th Annual Recognition Dinner. The St Stephen area chamber of commerce presented awards to the New Business of the year, Young Entrepreneur, and Female Entrepreneur from St Stephen.
David Densmore web Design won Business of the year, New Business of the year was Laura Porter's Law office, Young entrepreneur was a tie between Shane McGregor owner of McGregor's Construction and Erin Shea owner of Registered Massage Therapy and the award for Female Entrepreneur was presented to Shawna Lambert owner of Sea of Tranquility.

Search Continues For Two Men

The search continues by the Canadian and American Coast Guard looking for 3 boaters from Lebec, Maine. One body has been recovered so far with the men reported missing on Tuesday night.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson says the initial search resulted in a piece of debris with the boat's name on it and three life jackets floating in the water. Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax, has also been helping in the search.

Three boaters Missing From Lubec Maine

Three boaters remain missing since last night near Lubec, Maine. Spokesperson Randy Bucklin with the US Coast Guard tells tide news they are still searching the area. Bucklin says they found the name of the boat and three life jackets floating in the water. The Coast Guard confirms three men were on board the boat but the ages of the men are not released. The name of the boat is the Bottom Basher.

Sunny Morning In St Stephen

A beautiful fall morning as you are heading through Milltown Blvd this morning. The sun is just starting to peak through shining down on the town.

Sports Page

Morning Sports :


Last night in preseason hockey action the st.stephen high school mens hockey team beat st.anne school 7-6
SSHS Varsity Boys Soccer defeated Hampton 6-1 in league quarter-final play.

SSHS will host a league semi-final tomorrow at 4:30.

Tonight, the Varsity girls soccer host Hamton in a Southern conference quarter final game at SSHS at 4:30

New York clubbed the Angels 10-1 in Game Four of the American League Championship Series. The Yankees lead the series 3-1

Over in the NHL, the winners are: Montreal, Calgary and Pittsburgh

Among the NBA winners are: Charlotte, Cleveland, New York, Denver, Utah, Phoenix, the Lakers and the Clippers
   
Afternoon Sports :
 
Tonight, the Varsity girls soccer host Hamton in a Southern conference quarter final game at SSHS at 4:30



SSHS will host a league semi-final tomorrow at 4:30.

H1N1 Information Sessions

Have you made up your mind yet about whether or not to get the shot to protect you against the H1N1 influenza virus? If the answer is no and you still have some questions, public health is hosting a series of seminars to answer any concerns.




On Friday, public health officials will travel to St Stephen and will be a the St. Stephen Legion on Queen Street at 6:30pm.

Home Support Service

(Phote by Kim Hall)

(Excecutive Director Trudy Higgins, Photo by Kim Hall)

Charlotte County's Home Support Service is waiting for the H1N1 vaccine shot to become available says the Executive Director. Trudy Higgins tells tide news the care of their clients and staff is valuable. She says when the vaccine become available they will encourage their staff to get the shot.


Higgins says the board of directors has discuss the pandemic plan and they are prepared. She says they also encourage their staff to get the regular flu shot which is paid for if full.Home support Service attends to 180 clients in the area.

First Shipment of H1N1 Vaccine

The province has received about seven per cent of its H-1-N-1 vaccine. Provincial officials say the first shipment of 41-thousand, 500 doses has arrived. The province has ordered a total of 600-thousand doses.

The vaccine is undergoing approval before Ottawa gives the green light to start the H-1-N-1 flu shots.

Innovation Awards

The 2009 Innovation Recognition Awards have been handed out to 15 companies in the province. Premier Shawn Graham and Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau were in Bathurst last night to announce the recipients. They include Sticks and Stones Fabricating in St. Stephen ,Advanced Publishing Corporation in Saint John,  and Energy Systems and Design Limited in Sussex.




The winners represent the best examples of the 26 thousand small businesses in the province that create and adopt innovative practices in the workplace.

Flushing Hydrants

The Town of St.Stephen will be flushing hydrants beginning today for approximately the next  two weeks. The town says you may have some discoloration of your water.

Peaceful Parade

(File Photo SSES)

Stephen Elementary School will be hosting a peaceful schools parade, to celebrate as part of a global network of peaceful schools. The students will parade down King Street from the Border Arena to the Kirk McColl Church and back to the school. The walk begins at 12:45 October 28.

H1N1 Influenza Information Session

Town of St. Stephen will be hosting a Public Health information session on the H1N1 influenza at the St. Stephen Legion located at 43 Queen Street West on Friday.

This will give you an opportunity to have all your questions answered. The session takes place between 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

New Candidate

More than 800 card holding Tory members have voted in fisher Curtis Malloch as the Conservative candidate for the riding of Charlotte-Campobello during the next provincial election. The Conservative party of New Brunswick held its nomination convention over the weekend. Malloch beat out John Craig and Joseph Moffatt for the riding and Malloch tells us he's honoured:


The riding had been held by Conservative MLA Tony Huntjens since 1999.

New Border Crossing

(Photo Courtesy of Facebook)

In just over a month from now you could be crossing the new border into the United States. Minister of Veterans affairs Greg Thomspon tells Tide news depending on schedules the new St Stephen and Calais border will open November 21st.



Thomspon says the opening of the new border crossing will be the first in Canada in the last 75 years.

Conservative Candidate Has Been Chosen to Represent Charlotte/Campobello

Curtis Malloch of Campobello Island has been elected by the Charlotte Campobello Conservative Party membership over the weekend to stand as the Conservative Candidate in the next Provincial election. Malloch tells tide news it has been along time waiting to see the results and he can not say enough what it means to him to have won. Malloch give his thanks to the people of St Stephen and St Andrews  for the support over the past few weeks.




The date for this election has not yet been called. He was vying to become the candidate against John Craig of St. Andrews and Joe Moffat of St. Stephen. Other parties have not yet chosen their candidate in the run up to the election.

Money for the Huntsman Science Center

(Starting from Left, Minister Rick Doucet, Minister Greg Thompson, Chairman Fred Whoriskey, Executive Director Bill Robertson, Architect Richard Graydon - Photo by Kim Hall)

The Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews has received some funding. The centre is building a 20,000 square-foot Discovery Centre to replace its existing aquarium. Premier Shawn Graham

and Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thomspon announced the contribution of 2.5 million dollars from both levels of government.
The old building will be torn down and a new one will be built on the lower campus property of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. This completes the $20 million capital renewal campaign. The centre is putting $3 million toward its project valued at over $8 million.

Border Closed

 RCMP are releasing few details about the St. Stephen-Calais border crossing being shut down last night. The bomb squad was on the scene and people were questioned as the Ferry Point Border Crossing was isolated from 6pm until 1:30 this morning.



All the mounties will say at this point, is that information discovered by the Canadian Border Services Agency regarding a vehicle and its occupants led to the border crossing being closed. However, RCMP say an investigation has determined there was no evidence of any explosive device.

Green Party Okay With Sharing Ideas

Green Party ideas being borrowed by other political parties is not an issue with it's leader.

Elizabeth May tells Tide News, it shows other parties are thinking about the environment.
May says it's great that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is retaining a lot of the green iniatives put forth by former party leader Stephane Dion.

Contract Details Still Not Known

The wording on a final contract between doctors and the province continues to be ironed out. This after both sides reached a settlement in principle back on the 22nd of last month. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells us, she is thrilled this dispute didn't get dragged into court.
Schryer expects the final wording of the deal and signatures will take place in the near future.

Bomb Threat At St Stephen High School Turns Out To Be A Hoax

A student at St. Stephen High is facing some serious trouble. A note was found in the building yesterday that read.....""There is a bomb in the School"".


RCMP tell us officials took the appropriate steps to handle the situation with-out causing students to panic. Officers know who left the note and confirm it was a hoax. No word on specific charges against the student.

Premier and Minister To Announcement

Premier Shawn Graham and Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson will be in St Andrews today. The premier and minister will make an announcement in the aquarium theatre of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre at 3:30.

MooseHead Light Lime Stays

Beer drinkers in Charlotte County will be happy to hear this. Due to how popular Moosehead Light Lime has become in such a short time, the company has decided to make it available year round. In its first month, over 50,000 cases were sold here and on the Island.


This makes it Mooseheads third-best selling brand behind Alpine Loger and Moosehead Light.

May Lepreau

The leader of the federal Green Party says delays in the refit project at Point Lepreau are completely predictable. Elizabeth May tells Tide news, her party warned the project would run behind schedule.


She says the crown corporation is unable to be transparent with how it spends it's money.

May says there needs to be a massive energy retrofit program implemented across the country.

H1N1 Parent Consent

The Department of Health is encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus. An information pamphlet and parent consent form will be sent home with students in the coming days. Deputy chief medical officer of health, Dr. Paul Van Buynder says it's important that parents protect their children.



Aborginals and pregnant women are among the most likely to get H1N1, but Dr. Van Buynder says outside the key targets, young children are by far the most likely to get sick.

Gas Prices

After a sharp increase in gas prices last week, pump prices are back on the decline as the Canadian loonie soars. The Energy and Utilities Board has set the maximum price for regular self-serve gasoline at 92.3 plus a possible two cent delivery charge. That's down about one cent from yesterday. Diesel fuel is the same at 96.6 cents a litre.


Meanwhile, furnace oil is up half a cent to land at 78.3 and propane remains the same at 86.8

Flu Clinic Held Throughout Charlotte County

Campobello Island will be holding there Season Flu Clinic today. The clinic will be at the Campobello Health Centre starting at 9:30am until 4:30 this afternoon. No appointment Necessary.


And Fundy Health Center will be having their Annual Flu Clinic tomorrow at the Wesleyan Church in Blacks Harbour. This will take place for 10:00am until 5:00pm.

Loonie Continues To Climb

The loonie gained another full cent in North American trading yesterday to close at 97.48 cents U-S, another half-cent higher in overseas trading this morning.


As the loonie edges ever closer to parity with the U-S dollar, some Canadian retailers fear Canadian consumers will cross the border in search of more bang for their holiday-shopping buck.

Canaport Construction Stops

Despite their best efforts to keep out of work local unionized trades-people from dis-rupting their everyday routine, work at the Canaport LNG has been anything but normal. In a two sentence statement, the company says construction has slowed due to some delays with protests occurring near the Terminal site. On Tuesday construction was suspended for the day for the safety and security of employees travelling to and from the Terminal site.


Construction has resumed but in a news release, RCMP say they have been dealing with protests since late last week near Lepreau. Several out of work local unionized trades-people have been slowing down buses believed to be transporting workers to and from the site. Officers tell us charges could be laid.

Food Stolen From Grocery Store

Rcmp tell us three men were arrested on Monday for stealing food from a local grocery store in St. Stephen. While officers interviewed the three men, it was learned that one of the men had made an explosive device and it was at his home. Rcmp Explosives Disposal Unit from Fredericton attended the scene and safely removed the device. No one was hurt and charges are pending.

Protestors on Highway

The weather wasn't the only thing police had to deal with in Charlotte County. Police tells us they responded to Highway 1 near Lepreau yesterday with regards to several vehicles and people gathered on the shoulder of the highway protesting regarding the LNG workers. Due to the weather conditions and poor visibility the vehicles were moved from the highway.
Officers tell us charges might be laid against some of the protestors who made an appearance before council in Saint John last night. Mayor Ivan Court says City Hall will do what it can to make sure a resolution can be found for both sides.

Awards Presented in St Stephen

To celebrate this year’s Small Business Week, the six development officers with the NB Association of CBDCs will host award galas across the province to highlight the success of women in business. The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award will be presented in St. Stephen,Woodstock, Sussex, Hampton, Grand Falls, Bathurst and Miramichi.


The development officers provide women business owners with information, network opportunities and help them receive the available support services that will enhance their business planning and growth.

Propane Leak

A few tense moments for emergency officials in Calais this morning. Around 9:30 there was a propane Tanker leaking next to the border. Calais police tell us the fire department was quick to respond. No one was hurt.

First snow fall didn't affect Washington County

Calais police tell us the first sight of snow last night in Washington county was not a major factor. Officers tell us there was one roll Over near Day Hill that the State Police Covered and another that the Sheriffs Office covered on the other side of Machias. No one was hurt but they remind motorists when there is frost and snow mixed together to take your time.

St. Andrews artist takes Cooke Aquaculture prize

(Photo courtesy of Chuck Brown/Cooke Aquaculture)


A St. Andrews artist is all smiles after earning the $300 Cooke Aquaculture Award. Simone Ritter took first prize at The Art of Food Juried Art Exhibit at Sunbury Shores on Friday. Ritter’s winning painting, Our Love of Food, Serving You, was inspired by her husband, Master Chef Markus Ritter, and his staff at Europa Restaurant. Second prize – the Nautical Nancy’s Restaurant Award - was won by Philip Savage, of Quispamsis, and third prize – the Honeybeans Coffee Tea & Treats Award - went to David Reeves, also of Quispamsis. The exhibit attracted entries from around the Maritimes.The exhibit is open until Nov. 4

Accident on Highway

Due to slippery roads this morning a caller to our news line says a small pickup went of the highway in St George . RCMP were on the scene and they confirmed no one was hurt but there is some property damage.

St. Stephen Minor Hockey

St Stephen minor hockey gears up for the upcoming season. The video was taken at last nights practice at the border arena. In Atom division there is roughly Twenty eight players getting ready to be divided into two teams.


Video by Kim Hall

First Snow Fall

That four letter word no one wants to hear made its way to Charlotte and Washington County yesterday. Most of the area received snow last night and made roads a little tricky to drive on. A Caller to our 466-2222 news line tells us in UpperTower Hill there was plenty of snow falling on the ground to share with the rest of the county. 
Rcmp tell us due to slippery roads there were numerous accidents reported but no major injuries. Police say the majority were in the east section of the County, St George and Lepreau area.

Rcmp remind drivers to take you time heading to work.

A Free Workshop Held In St Stephen

(Photo by Kim Hall)


The NB Coalition for Pay Equity will be holding a free workshop today at Humphreys’ Funeral Home in St Stephen. The workshop will provide individuals who work in predominately female jobs with information and tools to promote pay equity in their workplaces, and to gain a better understanding of the pay equity process. It starts at 6:30 tonight.

Big Winning Coming Soon

Loyal listeners of 98.1 The Tide will soon be able to win
some very big prizes. The Tide's Country Club is now up and
running on our website at www.thetide.ca.
Only Country Club members will be able to win the big monthly
prize. Become a member today.

Improved Marks for Francophone Students

The report cards are in for Francophone Schools around the Province and the numbers show plenty of promise. In Grade 2, 72 per cent of francophone students are reaching or exceeding the oral reading standard and 73 per cent have achieved the objective in reading comprehension.




In math, 64 per cent of Grade 5 students, 58 per cent of Grade 8 students, and 53 per cent of Grade 11 students attained or exceeded the standard. In science and technology, 65 per cent of Grade 5 students reached or exceeded the standard. Report cards will be sent home with students in the coming days.

High Speed Chase

A High Speed Chase Between A Car and SUV was the start to a long weekend for two women. According to a witness a car came flying out of West Street across the road into someone's yard then back out on the streets on Milltown Blvd. A caller to our 466-2222 news line tells us a driver was being chased by a gray SUV along the streets on Friday. The witness says the driver of a car hit the curb and almost hit two women and their three month old babies. 
Rcmp tells us the driver of the car had just been witnessed of hitting and killing a dog on Milltown Blvd. The driver was in the process of fleeing from the scene and that's when the driver of the SUV chased the car to identify the vehicle. The driver of the SUV was a off duty officer.

Construction on Milltown Blvd.

Traffic may be a little slower this morning heading to work. St Stephen Works Department are replacing a damage water line on Milltown Blvd.

19th Annual Business Recognition Dinner

St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce will hosts the 19th Annual Business Recognition Dinner on October 21 at the Milltown Legion . The New Business of the year and Business of the year will be announced at the Dinner. The Guest speaker will be David Garcelon , Executive Chef of the Fairmont Royal York. The dinner starts at 6:00pm.

Harlem Rockets Game

Tonight will be the night to see the Charlotte County Stars take on the Harlem Rockets. Local celebrities will be at the Fundy High School playing basketball to see who will be the champs. John Craig, Rick Doucet, Mark Talor, and Andrew Foley plus many more will be the stars in tonight game. The doors open at 5:30 game time is at 7:00pm

Insurance Website

The Insurance Brokers Association of New Brunswick will launch an online insurance service next week to help consumers find home and auto insurance that fits.



Insurance brokers from St. Stephen and other parts of the province will be on the streets dressed in purple T-shirts.They will hand out information on the new www.myinsuranceshopper.ca website.


The purple blitz is part of a larger effort to improve recognition of the role brokers have in finding home, auto and commercial insurance in their communities.

Canada Post Makes Top 100 List

For the fourth year in a row.......Canada Post has made the list of the country's Top 100 employers. Compiled by Mediacorp, the corporation was selected from 16,000 companies invited to participate. Yesterday, we learned that NB Power has made the list as well.


Canada Post has more than 6600 offices across the country and processes a staggering 45 million pieces of mail every day.

Fire Destroys Home

Not a great way to start off a long weekend. Lawrence Station and Rollingdam Fire Department responded to a structure fire this morning in the Tryon area. Fire officials tells us nobody was home at the time but the house was destroyed by the blaze.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Top Honor for NB Power

NB Power has been named by Media-Corp as one of country's top 100 employers for 2010. This is the third consecutive year the public utility has been in the top 100. President and CEO David Hay says they are very honoured to be recognized nationally and for three consecutive years is significant.


NB Power employs 2500 people.

Service New Brunswick Closed On Monday

Charlotte County residents are reminded that All Service New Brunswick service centres and offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Service New Brunswick TeleServices call centre will also be closed. Regular hours resume on Tuesday.

Who Will Be The 2009 Business Of The Year

The President of St Stephen area Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for the 2009 Business and New Business of the year. Shelley McKeeman says the votes have been tabulated and the nominees for Business of the year are, The Chocolate Museum, Dave Dinsmore Web Design, and the Saint Croix Printing and Publishing. For New Business of the year the nominees are Apple Auto Glass, Laura Porter Law Office, and East Coast Air Heating.


The awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual dinner Oct. 21 at the Milltown Legion.

Gas Price Back Up In St Stephen

It was nice while it lasted, but after five straight weeks of price drops for gasoline, it is now back on the up-swing. The Energy and Utilities Board has set the maximum pump price for regular self-serve gasoline at 93.1, plus a possible two cent delivery charge. Most station in St Stephen are selling a pump price for 93.9 thats up from 90.5 yesterday.



The price of furnace oil has also gone up about three cents to land at 83.5, including the delivery charge--but--propane has dropped percentage points to 98.1.

St John Mayor Says Moving The CBS Is Not A Good Move

St John Mayor Ivan Court is calling it a dark day for the city and the province. Court says the decision to move the Canadian Blood Services distribution centre doesn't make sense, especially with Saint John having a trauma centre and a medical school about to come online. Court says bigger doesn't necessarily mean better.



Court says there should be two sites, one in the city to service New Brunswick and PEI, and the one in Dartmouth to service Nova Scotia.

Premier Graham on Blood

Feeling their deal was adequate to keep CBS in it's current facility, Premier Graham is disappointed to hear they will move the center to Dartmouth. He tells us, there is no set direction they will take from this point:



Graham adds he wants the service to be maintained out of New Brunswick and the offer to pay for renovations to the exsisting set-up was a good deal. The man who held the Health portfolio when the deal was signed for CBS to make the move, Mike Murphy, tells Tide News, it wouldn't be appropriate to make comment concerning another Minister's file.

CBS Is Closing Distribution Center

The fight would appear to be lost for Saint John retaining it's blood distribution center. Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Blood Services Dr. Graham Sher  says the decision made last year to move to Dartmouth is final. Sher adds this move will in no way affect the number or distribution of blood products in this Province.
Dr. Sher  says they continue to work with the medical community to discuss options surrounding distribution of product. He admits there was a delay in consulting with the medical community which shook their trust but he wants to earn it back.

Team Cooke Raises $9,300 For Charlotte County Cancer

Cooke Aquaculture employees and their families were the top team fundraiser for this year’s walk cause we care in support of charlotte county cancer. Team cooke raised $9,314. These funds were raised primarily by employees through payroll deduction a corporate sponsorship from Cooke Aquaculture for $5,000 and other draws and pledges. All money raised stays in Charlotte County to support individuals and families dealing with cancer. The grand total raised at the event was $79,853. 

Ferries to Undergo Maintenance

The Deer Island Princess ferry and John E. Rigby are set to undergo regular fall maintenance. Work on the Deer Island got started on Sunday and is expected to finish this Sunday. Maintenance on the John E. Rigby is scheduled to last a week as well starting on the 18th.


The Island Hopper, an 18-vehicle replacement vessel will be used at both sites while maintenance work is carried out.

Severe weather bulletin issued

A low pressure system approaching the maritimes from the great lakes will bring rain to new brunswick today. rain will begin over southwestern new brunswick late this morning and reach northeastern new brunswick by this evening. the rain is forecast to taper off to showers thursday morning as the low moves out to sea. heavy rain is expected for the southern half of new brunswick with rainfall totals for the event exceeding 50 millimetres.

Water Shut Off Notice

The Town of St. Stephen would like to advise that the town water will be shut off today (Tuesday, Oct 6th) from 9:30am to 4pm on Pleasant Street, from Milltown Blvd. to Green Street, Including Green Street and Eaton Street. 

This work will be done as quickly as possible and the town will have the water turned back on as soon as possible.  The Town of St. Stephen apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Charlotte County man in serious condition

An industrial accident late last week has left one man at the Regional in serious condition.
St. George RCMP tell us they were called to a barge near a salmon cage on Friday afternoon around one o'clock. Officer's confirm the man is from the Charlotte County area but no name is being released. Worksafe NB tells Tide News, they are investigating an industrial accident in Charlotte County that happened on Friday afternoon but no other details at this point.


An official does tell us how-ever it is vital when working with equipment to hoist heavy materials, that they equipment is working properly and is inspected on a regular basis.

Bishop Sex

The Archbishop of Halifax says it's important for parishioners to realize that priests can also be sinners. Anthony Mancini read a two-page letter at Sunday mass yesterday in Halifax. It was the first time parishioners had been in church since it became public that Bishop Raymond Lahey had been charged with importing and possessing child pornography.



Lahey, who resigned a week ago as bishop was charged on September 25th after his laptop was seized at the Ottawa airport and alleged to contain pornographic images of children. He is due back in court on November 4th.
(Courtesy of the Canadian Press)

The Graham Government are celebrating it's Third Anniversary

The Graham Government are celebrating it's third anniversary of being sworn in.
Premier Shawn Graham is looking back on the governments accomplishments, and says it's greatest achievement to date is job creation.
The provinces employment growth was 3.9 per cent between September of 2006 and August 2009, the highest east of Ontario.
Graham also says the Population Growth Secretariat is reporting the population has increased for the 10 straight quarter which means there are nearly 46 hundred more people in the province since the beginning of 2007.
Graham says there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure the province is self sufficient by 2026.

Fire Prevention Week

To kick off fire prevention week , the Fire Departments in Charlotte County are reminding children the importance of Fire Safety. The official launch took place Saturday at the St. Andrews Fire Department, 80 Reed Ave.

Town receives application to Re-Zone Tax and Duty Free Shop

St Stephen Town Council has received an application to re-zone property at 23 St. Stephen Drive near the third bridge crossing off highway one to construct a new tax and duty free shop. The Old building in Milltown Building Boulevard is currently up for sale.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 Want to decorate a bra for a great cause? Curves in Calais, Maine is doing a fundraiser in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event is called Bras for the Cause. Members or non-members can submit a decorated bra that will be hung on the wall at Curves in Calais. It costs $1 to submit a decorated bra and $1 to vote. The winning submitter wins a free month's membership at Curves. All money raised goes to the hospital's fundraising campaign.

St. Stephen Elementary School Terry Fox Run

Today students and teachers from St. Stephen Elementary School along with parents and guardians took part in their annual Terry Fox Run in St. Stephen.  Students walked through the streets of St. Stephen holding signs and banners that they made themselves in support of Terry Fox.

 

Who Bagged a Swamp Donkey

Now that Moose Hunting Season is done for another year, how many people are or already have some meat tucked away in their deep freeze. The Department of Natural Resources tells us, preliminary figures show that 2436 moose were shot during the third week of last month. Just over 3500 hunters were awarded a license through a lottery.




Total moose numbers are up in all 4 regions, with Region 1, the Northern Half of the Province, showing the greatest increase. In Region 3 which covers the St. George, Sussex and Welsford area's to name a few, the number of animals shot is up one per cent. Deer hunting season starts Oct.26th and finishes up Nov.21st.

St Stephen Man Gets Life

A Moores Mills man on trial for first-degree murder in the stabbing death of an infant has changed his plea to guilty. Twenty-eight-year-old Rodney Miller entered the plea yesterday and was given an automatic sentence of life in prison with no chance for a parole for 25 years.

Cooke Aquaculture of Black's Harbor is ranked number 15

(Photo ,Courtesy from Cooke Aquaculture )

Four Saint John based companies and one in Black's Harbor are in the ranks of the top 101 businesses in Atlantic Canada.


The rankings are published in the latest edition of regional business magazine "Progress."

Cooke Aquaculture of Black's Harbor is ranked number 15 while Stellarton based Empire Company holds the number one spot

Tender Called For New DOT Office in St. Stephen

(Transportation Minister Denis Landry, File Photo)


Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced yesterday that a tender has been called for Phase II of the project to Start this fall the Construction on the new Department of Transportation office and repair shop in St. Stephen.


Landry says they plan to award the tender this fall, with construction to start immediately. This facility, which will serve Charlotte County, will be located in the St. Stephen Industrial Park. It will be completed over three phases.”

The former office and repair shop in St. Stephen were condemned in 2002 and demolished in 2004.

Phase one is complete, Fundy Contractors Ltd. of St. George won the contract worth almost $2 million . The company undertook site preparation and utility construction. It also built an access road to the site.

Superintendent Moving On

(Superintendent Keith Pierce, File Photo)


After eleven years working in the same office his last day is today. School District Ten superintendent Keith Pierce will continuing working with the education department in the Improvement Services Branch. He will help over-see the school review and improvement process. Pierce tell tide news the position will be filled until they hire someone.


Pierce says he will miss the staff he has worked with for many years. He says he will continue to live in St Stephen. Pierce starts his new position on Monday.

Man Pleads Guilty To First Degree Murder

A man accused of fatally stabbing a newborn in the heart has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Rodney Miller entered the plea today after the Crown finished its closing arguments. The 28-year-old man's defence lawyer conceded that his client killed the baby boy,  but had argued it was second-degree murder.




Miller and his girlfriend, 20-year old Sarah Russell were arrested Jan. 29 on suspicion they had concealed the birth of a baby boy. Russell is charged with manslaughter but her case has yet to be heard. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Animals Are Looking Elsewhere For A Meal

A cool, wet summer has resulted in fewer fruits and berries than normal in the province -- and that means many animals are looking elsewhere for a meal. There have been a number of reports of bears, foxes and coyotes near homes in the Fredericton area and in some areas of Saint John.




 A Caller to our 466-2222 news line tells us there has been some citing's of foxes in the Rollingdam area and Bears in the old Ridge area.

Murder Trial Continues In St Andrews

Lawyers are down to their final arguments in the trial of 28-year-old Rodney Miller who is accused of murder in the death of newborn baby boy. Yesterday in St. Andrews, a videotape of a police interr-ogation of Miller was played in court.


On the tape, Miller said he and his girlfriend Sarah Russell talked about killing the baby, three months before it was born. Miller told police he stabbed the newborn, and then burned the remains in woods near their home in Moore's Mills.

A Non-Confidence Motion To Be Voted On In The House of Commons

(Southwest MP Greg Thomspon, File Photo )



With all the speculation about another election this fall, South West MP Greg Thompson tells Tide news it makes no sense to have an election when we just had one less then a year ago:

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff has introduced a non-confidence motion in the House of Commons to try to topple the government.

But the minority Conservative government will likely be propped up with support from the N-D-P. It's expected to go to a vote later today.

Gas Prices Drop

Good news for drivers heading into the first weekend of October. The price of gasoline has taken another tumble--this time by nearly four cents a litre. The Energy and Utilities Board has released its maximum price schedule with regular self-serve gas coming in at 89.8--plus a possible two cent delivery charge. That's down from 94.5 yesterday. Most stations in St Stephen are selling a litre a gasoline for 90.5.




Diesel fuel has taken a 3 cent drop for a maximum price of 92.7 and furnace oil has also dipped to 74.5 cents a litre. Propane is holding yesterday's maximum price at 87.5

RCMP Cars on Fire

(Photo Courtesy of the Rcmp)


Two RCMP cars have been torched while mounties from Nova Scotia were in Oromocto on business Tuesday. Oromocto RCMP say the vehicles were in the parking lot of the Days Inn Hotel when the local Fire Department responded to the call at one in the morning. Both cars were already engulfed in flames when they arrived and were a total loss.




The Fire Marshall has joined the RCMP in their investigation.