Maritime Storm

Blowing snow has made for treacherous driving conditions across parts of the Maritimes.


There were reports that scores of cars had slipped into ditches across Prince Edward Island yesterday.

Powerful westerly winds gusted at more than 70 kilometres per hour in and around Charlottetown and Summerside.

On the Confederation Bridge, certain vehicles were temporarily restricted from crossing, including high-sided vehicles, automobiles towing trailers, tractor trailers and buses.

The deteriorating conditions eventually forced the closure of all government offices and agencies, including liquor stores.

Meanwhile, in southern New Brunswick, heavy wet snow blanketed the region, leaving many roads slippery.

Police reported a number of accidents in the Fredericton region.

With the temperatures dropping and the wind picking up, the wind chill was expected to drop to about -30 C.

New Brunswick's full fleet of 515 snowplows and graders was out on the roads.

Died from Swine Flu Virus

After spending nearly a month in intensive care, a 27 year old Quispamsis man has died from the swine flu virus. Doctors had treated him with the anti-flu drug Tamiflu no to avail. The province's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Paul Van Buynder says the man had been suffering from a number of underlying medical conditions and its unlikely he had received an H-1-N-1 flu shot.

EnBridge Gas Is Denied Rate Increase

Residential and large customers of Enbridge Gas are feeling victorious. The company has been denied an interim increase on its delivery rate for natural gas by the Energy and Utilities Board. A day long oral hearing was held at the EUB office in City Hall Monday which heard from several companies and municipalities opposed to the hike that would have taken effect January,1st.



If approved delivery rates for residential customers would have risen by ten per cent and large corporate clients would have seen their delivery rates double.

Gas Prices Back Up

If filling up the tank is one of your last minute chores before shutting down for the holiday, get ready to dig deeper. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows gasoline at a maximum total price of 98 cents. Most stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self-serve for 95.9. Diesel has a maximum total price of $105.6 with most stations selling a litre for $103.6


Furnace oil has maxed out at 88.3 for a total price but the retail number comes in at 82.6 and the maximum total price for propane is $109.2.

Clean-Up Continues From Latest Storm

Charlotte County residents will be busy cleaning up after yesterdays snow storm . Environment Canada Meteorologist Mike Campbell tells Tide News, Fredericton is cleaning up just over 23cm's while Woodstock and area's north are reporting 25 and even 30cm's of snow on the ground. He says  here at home we recieved in-between 20 to 25 cms of snow.




In Moncton.....it was nothing but rain with 25mm's falling.

Groomer For ATV Club Approved

The Eastern Charlotte ATV club in Pennfield will be purchasing a new machine....At their monthly meeting Monday night the club had a unanimous vote to purchase a Groomer.


This will make the ATV club one of the first in this part of province to be running 12 months out of the year.

The club is asking anyone that is interested in attending there meeting to join them at the Royal Canadian legion in St George on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm

Slippery Driving and Walking

The roads are wet and icy this morning. That's why police are urging drivers to take it slow. If you're walking, you should be also take care because the sidewalks are icy with temperatures not expected to get much above the freezing mark today. Mike Campbell of Environment Canada tells Tide News snowfall warnings have been issued for St. Stephen , Grand Manan, Saint John, coastal and northern Charlotte County as well as Fredericton.


Campbell goes on to say they expect another five will fall before it ends with higher totals outside St John towards Fredericton.

Income Tax Reductions

If your trying to keep all your paper-work in order for tax time, here is something else to consider. As of January.1st, the province's tax brackets and non-refundable amounts for personal income tax will be indexed by two per cent. That means there are several scenario's which can save you money including a one-earner family earning $25,000 per year will pay no provincial income tax, and will save $219 next year or 100 per cent of the tax paid in 2008.




The Province says the four year plan for lower taxes will deliver $380 million dollars in savings over that time.

Victim Identified

RCMP have released the name of a young woman killed on the highway in Lorne on Monday.

22-year-old Christine Ouellette lost control of her vehicle and collided into on oncoming truck.
Ouellette was originally from Campbellton but was living in Moncton.
The investigation into the crash continues.

iPhone App

A lot of people will be finding new Apple iPhones and iPod Touch players under the tree Friday morning.

And for those lucky people who do -- you can now take along 98.1 The Tide with you thanks to leading edge technology.
We now have an app for the iPod Touch and iPhone which gives you instant access to our station and access our web site directly from the app.
Blackberry users aren’t being left out in the cold – a similar app for their phones is currently in the development stage.
Just go to thetide.ca and click on the Acadia iPhone - iPod button to download the fee app.

511

If you are travelling during the holiday season and wonder how the roads are there is a number to call.


The Department of Transportation launched a 511 service and are now the fourth jurisdiction in Canada to offer this number that provides you with information on road and weather conditions.

The 511 service also reports any disruptions to ferry operations.

You can check it by dialing 511 or visiting .....www.gnb.ca/roads.

Window Decorating Contest Results Are In

The window Decorating Contest Results are for St Stephen and the winners are, for the most whimsical is the Family Resource Centre and Roger's Stove Shop. Most Creative is Briggs Plumbing and Hyland Clipper, Traditional Holiday Spirit is Ganong Chocolatier and Sears and for the best Christmas lighting is Wool Emporium and Mayfield Gardens.

Natural Gas Rate to High

An interim increase on the delivery rate of Natural Gas has the temper of the town administrator officer up. John Ferguson was in Saint John yesterday for an Energy and Utilities Board hearing on whether the increase should be granted and says if approved, this will affect the bottom line of Ganong and the Flakeboard company.

Enbridge would like to see the rate increase take effect on the first day of next month. A final decision by the energy and utilities board still hasn't been made.

Spanking-Dad

An Oromocto man who spanked his five-year-old's bare buttocks so hard until they were bruised has been sentenced to house arrest.

The 36-year-old was given a conditional sentence of 20 days when he appeared in court on a summary assault charge after a judge determined the punishment was excessive.
The man's identity is being withheld to protect the identity of his child.
The court was told the child had been misbehaving and the father had been called by the day care to take him home.
The father must remain inside his house from 6 at night to 6 in the morning until his sentence is completed.
He's also on probation for a year and has been ordered to attend any courses or programs asked of him dealing with parenting or anger issues.

Never Abducted

A woman from Noonan who claimed to be abducted back in August and taken to Ontario was in court yesterday.

44-year-old Marcia Simmons was charged with public mischief with the intent to mislead police back in October.
In court today in Burton, Simmons recieved a conditional discharge and probation for two years and she must pay a victim fine surcharge of $100.

One Woman Killed in Crash

A 22-year old woman from Moncton is dead after an accident Monday morning on Highway 11. RCMP say the vehicle the woman was driving north-bound, lost control and hit an on-coming truck. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.


Her name will not be released until family have been notified and no word at this point on what caused her vehicle to lose control.

Donor Clinic In St Andrews A Success

(Photo Courtesy of Canadian Blood Services )

St. Andrews and area residents who faced the frigid temperatures yesterday to come out and give their life-saving gift was very much appreciated. The blood donor clinic which was held at NBCC campus welcomed 55 donors collecting 48 units for 74% of target.

Man in Serious Condition

One man is at the Regional in serious condition after a bizarre accident in Lepreau. The Musquash Fire Department arrived at the man's home to find both his arms pinned by a brick chimney. Officials believe the man was trying to remove layers of bricks when the weight of the chimney caused it to slide straight down which in turn, pinned his arms.


One firefighter used a crowbar to try and lift as much of the chimney off the man's arms before paramedics arrived.

Update on Lepreau Work

With the future of NB Power still up in the air......an update today on how the refit at Point Lepreau is coming along. Several inspections by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited have taken place and officials have given the reactor a clean bill of health and that it is good to run for the next 25-30 years.


Workers are now in the process of putting the reactor back together and work also continues on the installation of 760 upper feeders. As far as the turbine and generator is concerned, the rotor has been re-installed and final assembly activities are underway. AECL announced back in September, the project is 16 months behind schedule and isn't expected to go back on-line until February of 2011.

Provinces Latest Wind Farm Is Operational

The Province's second wind farm is now operational. Turbines are turning at Caribou Wind Park about 70 kilometers northwest of Bathurst. The 99 mega watt facility will provide all of its power to NB Power to fulfill a 20-year power purchase agreement with the utility.
The turning of the turbines is producing enough electricity to supply electricity to 30,000 homes. It will provide about 2 percent of the electricity needs in the province. The Kent Hills wind farm in Albert County has a capacity of 96 mega watts which went on line back in the spring.

Taxes

If you want to save some money on your taxes, there are some things you should keep in mind as we end the year. Cleo Hamel, a senior tax analyst with H and R Block tells Tide News there isn't alot of time left to take advantage of the home renovation tax credit.


Hamel also telling us charitable donations must be made before the end of this month in order to count.

St Stephen Elementary Has A New Principal

There is a new principal at the St Stephen Elementary School. Colleen Winchester takes over the job after 23 years working at the school. Winchester has taught for many years in the classroom then moved on to teaching literacy and now the principal.

Winchester says she is very excited and looks forward to the future serving as principal. She replaces Derek O'Brien who has moved on to be the new Superintendent for District Ten.

Deer Island Ferry

The Ferry service was disrupted this morning to and from Deer Island. A private vessel began operating at 8 but the Princess Two was off its run because of a steering problem. The D O T is hoping it will be back in operation this afternoon. The John E. Rigby was also off its run because of a leak to its fuel tank. It's hoped that it will be fixed by tomorrow. A toll free number is available anytime for ferry disruption at 1-888-747-7006.

Fire in St. George

More details on the fire at the new Keith's Building Supplies. According to a spokesperson it was a small fire and their is no damage to the building. 

Robbery At Dunkin Donuts In Calais

(Photo by Kim Hall, Dunkin Donuts in Calais Maine)


Three men from Calais have been arrested after police picked them up in connection with a robbery at Dunkin Donuts. Police got a search warrant at 12 Lowell Street and there was enough evidence found at the home from the robbery police arrested two 23 year old men and 30 year old man. All three will appear in court on January 25. The robbery happen early wednesday morning.

Fire at Keith's Building Supplies

Fire crews are on the scene to a fire at the new Keith's Building Supplies in St George. A caller to our news line 466-2222  tells us  blacksharbour fire department has just arrived and there is smoke coming from inside the building.

St. Andrews Residents Urged To Donate Blood

The Canadian Blood Services is asking St Andrews are area residents to donate blood today . During the holiday season they are hoping to build up the blood supply.

A blood donor clinic is scheduled at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus from 12:30 to 3:30 and 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Gas Prices

Drivers in the St Stephen are getting a price break with gas this morning. The energy and utilites board release the weekly setting and the maximum price for self serve regular is 96 cents a litre. Gas station in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 93.9.


The maximum price that can be charged for diesel is 103.4 which is more than 2 cents lower than yesterday and furnace oil is also less expensive at 86.3, down from 88.4 this past week.

Update On Fire That destroyed Home In Seeley's Cove

More details released on a home that was destroyed by fire in Seeley's Cove last Wednesday. Rcmp tells us the couple's home lost power during the storm and high winds that evening so they decided to go out in the trailer, which was parked in the garage, to keep warm. Police say the owner had some clothes on a clothes rack and the heater vent from the trailer was to close to the clothes and caught fire. The home was worth 1.9 millions dollars.

Break and Enter at Milltown Pool Building

St. Stephen RCMP are asking for your help in finding the person or persons that is responsible for breaking in and damaging the Milltown pool building. Police say there was extensive damage to the inside of the building and they say it happened between November 2 and November 23. Anyone with any information is asked to contact St Stephen RCMP at 466-7030 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS .

Trails and ATV Clubs Find Peace

The New Brunswick Trails Council and Eastern Charlotte ATV Club have entered a new era of understanding. The groups have signed a memorandum of understanding for a co-operative trail development in the Province. The MOU says both groups will recognize several principles for the development of trails and the paper-work will act as the first step in setting up a working relationship.



The trails council has also sent a letter to the Provincial ATV club asking for a similar agreement but so far the riders have refused.

Airport Wants Your Feedback

The Saint John Airport wants your feedback as officials go over the paperwork for it's strategic and 20-year master plan. They want to hear from residents in Saint John and all points in between Sussex and here in St. Stephen in putting the final document together. Input and comments can be forwarded to fly@sjairport.ca by January 08.


Results of the planning effort will be released at the Airport's Annual General Meeting in May.

Hospital Lottery Winners

A husband and wife from Gagetown have won the 750 thousand dollar luxury home in Drury Cove which was the top prize in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery. Micheal and Lynn Barley bought three tickets. The winning ticket was selected from almost 22 thousand that were sold. Micheal Wallace of Moncton took the second prize, a 2010 Toyota truck.

Teenager Killed in Crash

No name is being released after a A 19-year old girl from Fredericton Junction was killed following a single vehicle crash yesterday. RCMP were called to the Back Tracy Road to find the vehicle she was driving left the road and hit a pole. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.


A 19-year old man in the vehicle suffered a few cuts and bruises but officers believe alcohol, speed and slippery road conditions all contributed to the accident happening.

New Incentives for Nurses

Talk is being replaced with action in the drive to bring more nurses to the Province. The Graham Government has announced a $10,000 incentive to nursing graduates who accept positions targeted as being hard to recruit. Health Minister Mary Schryer says this is a necessary tool to continue boosting the ranks.
President of the Provincial Nurses Union Marilyn Quinn says this is another positive step in recruitement.

The program is available to nurses who graduated after March 3 of this year and to nursing students in their fourth year of studies who accept positions identified as hard to recruit. Since October of 2006, 357 nurses have been recruited to the Province.

A Special Gift To The Huntsman Marine Science Centre In St Andrews

( Photo ,Courtesy Of The Huntsman Marine Science Centre )


The Huntsman Marine Science Centre received a special gift from a little girl. Having just launched a ‘Seal the Deal’ campaign to raise the final $2 million needed for the new Bay of Discovery Centre, a donation came in from a 6 year old of Fredericton. Kayley Clark who decided that friends shouldn’t bring her gifts for her birthday party, but instead bring cash to help the seals move in to their new home. And to top it off, not con-tent with raising just over $126 from the party itself, Kayley added the money she was given for her birthday, to make the total amount she donated $186.85.




On Saturday, Kayley and family present Muriel Jarvis, Huntsman Director of Business Development, with the donation. In return for her thoughtful gift, Kayley received a toy seal with a personalized name tag, some postcards and a one-of-a-kind seal poster, along with an invite to visit the new centre when it is opened in 2011.

NB-Bus-Route-Cuts

The Energy and Utilities Board is not ready just yet to give Acadian Coach Lines permission to make cuts to its bus routes in the province.


The Board wants more information about the ridership and costs of the two routes the bus line wants to chop.

Acadian is asking get rid of its routes from Saint John to Bangor, which also serve Charlotte County as well as the Fredericton to Miramichi routes, which also stop in communities along Route 8.

While asking for those cuts, Acadian has plans to increase the number of express buses that operate between Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Halifax.

Supply and Services Likes NB Power Proposal

Nothing but praise about the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal from the Minister of Supply and Services. Ed Doherty says as more details are rolled out, he believes more people are on board with making it reality.


Minister Doherty adds for anyone who is concerned about escalating energy rates, this proposal should take aware any worries.

Martina McBride at Harbour Station

98.1 The TIDE is proud to present Country music superstar Martina McBride at Harbour Station. McBride’s March 16 performance in Saint John will be her only New Brunswick date. McBride is a four-time Country Music Association "Female Vocalist of the Year" winner ,tied with Reba McEntire for the most wins. She has also won the "Top Female Vocalist" award three times from the Academy of Country Music. McBride will be supported in her Harbour Station appearance by country artist and songwriter Gord Bamford.

Awards and nominations Bamford have received include the 2008 "Top New Male Talent of the Year" from the Canadian Country Music Association.
Tickets for the March 16 concert go on sale this coming Saturday (Dec. 19) at 10 a.m.

They’ll be available online at www.harbourstation.ca, by calling 657-1234 or 1-800-267-2800 and in person at the Harbour Station Box Office.

3rd annual Cop's for Kid's

( Photo Courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office)


 
The 3rd annual Cop's for Kid's campaign was a great success this year thanks to many citizens of Washington County.


They received over 300 stuffed toy's from various groups and individuals from all over the county this year.

They were able to send 125 to an orphanage in Cambodia and are in the process of distributing them to local groups so they can get them to needy families.

A Scary Drive For A New Brunswick Couple

The PEI Confederation Bridge was a scary drive on Saturday according to a new Brunswick couple. The couple who lives in Saint John was visiting family members and tells Tide news it was the worst feeling in the world crossing the bridge when the winds were reaching up to 100 km per hour . The bridge, which is 9 miles long felt like 30 miles when the couple was driving along the bridge at a speed of 30km per hour.




The bridge was restricted to only cars since Friday morning and transport trucks were lined up on both sides of the bridge. The bridge was open yesterday morning to all traffic.

Rally To Save NB Power

The fight to keep NB Power from being sold to Hydro-Quebec is in Saint John today. There is a rally along with a news conference scheduled to get started at nine this morning in front of the Energy Building . Following the news conference, those taking part in the rally will then visit three Saint John MLA's offices. Bethany Thorne is a spokesperson for the group and tells us, she would like the Graham Government to look at what the utility can still offer.



Thorne adds they want to know where the yet to be named MLA's stand on this sale and whether they will push for a referendum on this issue.

H1N1 Finishing Up

For anyone still debating whether or not they want to recieve the H1N1 Virus Flu Shot, time is running out. Friday, December 18th, will the be the final day to receive the shot in a mass public clinic. With the provincial government's investment of $17.1 million dollars, the vaccine is free to all New Brunswickers who choose to be immunized.


By the time the clinics close, more than 55 per cent of the province will have been vaccinated against the virus. More then half of those are under 19.

First degree murder charge laid in death of Mary Claire Scott

A charge of first degree murder was laid against 32-year old William David White in connection with the death of 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott.


RCMP have been investigating the death since the evening of November 30 after family members contacted police concerned they had not heard from  Scott in several days. Investigators were following a variety of tips which lead them to Bible Hill, N.S., where  White was arrested without incident on December 10th.   White was living in the Scott residence prior to November 30th.

Mr. White is expected to appear in St. Stephen Provincial Court later this afternoon. He is currently being escorted to St. Stephen from Nova Scotia.

Fire in Seeley's Cove

Damage to a home in Seeley's Cove is being called extensive after fire ripped through it this week. Sargeant Greg MacAvoy with St. George RCMP tells Tide News, they were called to the home on Wednesday night and one woman living there got out safely.




Investigators are still going over the scene trying to figure out what sparked the blaze.

Close Call for Home-Owner

A close call for a home-owner in Maces Bay last night. A firefighter with the Musquash Department was driving past the home and noticed the back deck was on fire. A bucket full of ashes taken from the wood stove was melting around the wood floor. The firefighter used an extinguisher from his vehicle to smother the flames.


He then helped the homeowner and a neighbour put snow and water onto the deck to cool hot spots. Firefighters then used a hoseline to wet down the deck to insure everything had been extinguished and checked that the fire hadn't extended into the house. Damage was minimal and a reminder to use a metal bucket to collect the ashes from your wood stove.

Government Buildings get Top Honors

Three government buildings have been recognized as some of the Provinces most energy efficient new commercial buildings. They are Bayside Middle School, the NBCC St. Andrews Campus and the Provincial Fish Health Laboratory. This is all part of Efficiency NB's Start Smart program.



The design and construction of the buildings were managed by the Department of Supply and Services.

Update on H1N1 Province Wide

Continuing good news on the H1N1 front. Activity around the Province continues to decline with 170 people sent to hospital since the pandemic began back in April. 32 have been set to intensive care and 26 of those had underlying medical conditions. The death toll still stands at seven..........four men and three women. As far as the supply of vaccine, 92,500 doses arrived this week with 70,000 more expected to arrive next week.




Mass clinics will continue until the 18th but some will finish sooner than that. To this point, 55% of the population has received the shot with more clinics today.There is one at Lawrence Station starting at one and running until eight.

Lobster For Sale on Long Wharf

With lobster fisherman finishing up another tough year, they are going to try and close it out on a positive note. With their catch going for four dollars a pound, they hope to bring in some new business along Long Wharf in St John. Boats will tie up in the area and sell off the boat next Saturday on the 19th. John Mcdade is a fisherman and tells us, along with making some money, they hope to bring some awareness to what they do.


The event is being organized by the Fundy North Fishermen's Association which represents inshore fishermen between Saint Martin's and St Stephen for over 20 years. The sale runs between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon.

Country Rockfest

It appears Halifax is looking to beat Moncton to the punch when it comes to concerts next summer. Country Rockfest is coming to the Halifax Common August 6th and 7th.


George Canyon and Johnny Reid start things off on Friday. On Saturday, Billy Currington, Lonestar, Kevin Costner and Modern West take the stage followed by the headliner-Alan Jackson.

 Tickets go on sale Tuesday at some Atlantic Superstores or you can call 1-902-451-1221.

Superintendent Sits Comfortably In His New Position

Almost two weeks in his new position the Superintendent for District Ten is finding his comfort zone. Derek O' Brien tells tide news he has been busy over the past couple of weeks. He says he is looking forward to the big learning curve ahead of him and hopes to visit all the schools in the district in the new year.

O' Brien was the principal at St Stephen Elementary for the past 10 years.

NB Power Forum in Moncton

Moncton provided the back-drop for Labour groups and political parties who got together yesterday for a summit to discuss the possible sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Tom Mann is one of the spokespeople for the groups which is based on the original Face Book group opposed to the proposed sale. He tells Tide News, the savings and benefits in the proposal is in-balanced for every rate payer in the Province.


Mann adds with no mandate or public discussion....this proposal should never have seen the light of day.

Gas Prices

Drivers in St Stephen who use self serve regular are getting a bit of a break this morning after the weekly setting with just slight changes in the maximum prices that can be charged. The maximum price for self serve regular is 100.4 a litre, which is a drop of two cents from last week. Most gas stations here at home are now selling it for 98.3. The maximum price for diesel rose from 104.9 to 105.8 a litre.


As of early this morning, there had been no change with diesel still at 103.2. There has been a slight increase in the maximum price of furnace oil as it went from 88.2 to 88.4 a litre.

Storm Clean Up

The cleanup is well underway in St Stephen after yesterday's storm which didn't turn out to be as bad as many people feared. Jean March with Enviroment Canada tells Tide news St Stephen recieved 10 cm of snow last night. NB power is  reporting no outages after the high winds last evening


The roads are slushy this morning and drivers are being reminded to drive carefully heading to work.

Airport Getting Ready for Storm

There is a lot of things winter weather can throw a wrench into but it really impacts the routine at the Saint John Airport. President and CEO Bernie Leblanc tells Tide News, the challenge with any storm isn't just how it impacts us here at home but from coast to coast.


Leblanc reminds anyone due to catch a flight or has someone arriving at the airport, to call ahead at 696-0200.

St Stephen Fire Department Warns Residents to Be Careful

In the meantime , if your power goes out the St Stephen Fire Department is warning residents not to be careless when burning wood. Fire Chief Jeff Richardson tells tide news when you have high winds and snow together don't overload your wood stove.


Richardson says when overloading your wood stove your can create carbon dioxide so it is important to have a carbon dioxide detector. He says if your power goes out, keep in mind if you are using a portable genarator or a propane Bbq use it out side never inside a home.

NB Power On Standby

NB power crews are watching the winter storm and high winds as it moves towards Charlotte County today (tonight). Spokesperson Heather Mclean tells tide news residents should be prepared just in case the power goes out.


Mclean says make sure to have extra batteries for your flash light, have a heat source, a power radio and pay very close attention if your using a genarator. She says if the power goes out, Nb power will try their best to get to you as fast as the can.

Storm

A major winter storm is headed for the St Stephen region. Jeremy March of Environment Canada tells Tide News the weather maker is developing along the eastern seaboard.


March says you can expect something like 15 centimeters of snow with gusty winds before turning to rain around midnight. 

Kidney Dialysis Machine Still A Hot Topic

( Minister Of Health Mary Schryer, Photo by Kim Hall )


Don't give up hope that's what the Minister of Health says about a kidney dialysis machine for Charlotte County residents. Mary Schryer was in St Stephen and tells tide news she knows how important this is it just take a little time.


Schryer says it is still on the table about a kidney dialysis machine and as soon as she knows more information the people of Charlotte County will be the first to know.

Ganong Brother Ltd Backs Up Wage Gap Between Men And Women

( President of Ganong Bros Ltd. Photo by Kim Hall)


Mary Schryer Minister responsible for the status of women launched a provincial project this week that will try to reduce the wage gap between men and women in the workplace. Ganong brothers in St Stephen is one out of seven organizations that supports this project. Doug Ettinger The present of Ganong Brothers tells tide news this is a very significant announcement from the minister and he backs it up 100%.


 Ettinger says they might not be perfect on this file but they are starting on a journey and overtime they want to make sure Ganong is a fair working environment for all their employees.

St. Andrews residents urged to donate blood

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply.


A blood donor clinic is scheduled for December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus.

Wage Gap

Men and women must be considered equal in the workplace says the minister responsible for the status of women. Mary Schryer has launched a provincial project which will try to reduce the wage gap between men and women in the workplace. Schryer tells tide news women are just as important to a company as men are.



Ganong brothers in St Stephen is one of seven organizations participating in this project.

Point Lepreau

Hydro Quebec is warning there will have to be another major shut down of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant within the next five years. That word coming from Hydro Quebec's President and C-E-O Thierry Vandal.


Vandal says he looks upon what's going on at Lepreau as a learning experience in preparation for the refurbishment of a nuclear power plant in Quebec.

Toy Drive

( 2nd Annual Toy Drive At Canadian Tire In St Stephen )

The Toy drive held over the weekend was a great success. The Family Resource Center and 98.1 the Tide, teamed up to collect toys for the children for Christmas. Over three hundered dollars was donated and two trucks were filled with toys for the kids.

H1N1 Clinics For Today

December 7


12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island

Consolidated School

1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public


December 8

9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre

11 J.O. Spinney Dr.

General public


December 9

9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion

43 Queen St. West General public


December 10

10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove

Church of Christ

227 Route 772

(*This clinic will be held in the

Church Hall) General public


December 11

1pm - 8pm Lawrence Station Lawrence Station Elementary School

6227 Route 3 General public

The Fight Against NB Power Proposal

A rally is set for this week as the voice opposing the NB Power-Hydro-Quebec proposal continues to get louder. Following a rally at 9:30am in Moncton, there will be a summit to include the many voices and experts who believe NB Power should not be sold. Tom Mann is spokesperson and tells Tide News, this is an extension of the original FaceBook group opposed to the deal which had grown to 25,000 people.


There are a wide range of people and organizations taking part in the forum including the Conservative and Green Parties, Council of Canadians and the Federation of Labor. Mann says each organization can do it's own thing, they are just encouraging the message stay clear that the utility not be sold.

Hydro-Quebec Boss in Saint John

We have heard what the Graham Government thinks about the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec and later today, we get a different perspective. The President and CEO of Hydro Quebec Thierry VanDal is the guest speaker at a Saint John Board of Trade Luncheon. Energy Minister Jack Keir tells Tide News, this is a wonderful opportunity.

Keir says he continues to speak at every luncheon, dinner and breakfast function he can to make sure as much information about this proposal is brought forward before the final vote in March.

More NB Power

The proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec will also be up for discussion in Halifax this afternoon.


Finance Minister Greg Byrne will be addressing the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies today concerning the proposed energy deal, and to discuss details of the 2010 provincial budget.

Things get underway at noon at the Halifax Marriot Harbourfront.

H1N1 Update

H1N1 continues to be widespread in Maine, though there is evidence that it may be declining. Four people have died of the disease this past week, bringing the total to 11 since July. A news release from the Department of health says all deaths have been among adults with serious underlying medical conditions. However, hospitalizations, school absenteeism, and outpatient visits have all declined this past week.
There will be a clinic for the H1N1 next Wednesday in Calais starting at 8 in the morning until 1 pm Calais Elementary School
For more information, visits www.maineflu.gov

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

"All I Want For Christmas" That is the theme of this year Santa Parade in St Stephen. The Parade kicks off today starting off at the Ganong Factory Parking Lot on Chocolate Drive and ends at St. Stephen’s University. After the parade Santa will be sticking around to visit the kids and hot chocalate and cookies will be available.
The parade starts at 1:00 this afternoon.
Meanwhile St Andrews will be kicking of their Fireman's Santa parade today also. The children will get to see Santa and Mrs Claus at 5:30 tonight. The parade starts at NBCC along water street to the WC O'Neill Arena complex.

Toy Drive

The family resource centre and 98.1 the tide is teaming up to collect toys for children for christmas. Last year was a great success collecting a huge amount of gifts for the kids this time of year. You can drop off a toy in the sleigh to send to the kids for Christmas. The Tide will be broadcasting live at Canadian Tire this morning from 9:00 until 1:00 out side in the parking lot .

Request for Blood Donors

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, inclement winter weather and declines in donations during the approaching holiday season, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply now, prior to potential drops in donation levels.

A blood donor clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus.

Woman's death deemed a homicide

The death of 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott at her Queen Street residence in St. Stephen has been deemed a homicide based on autopsy results and other evidence gathered by police at the scene.

The RCMP’s Major Crime Unit has been investigating the death since the evening of November 30 after family members contacted police concerned they had not heard from Mrs. Scott in several days.

Forensic identification experts are currently processing the crime scene and the residence remains under police control.

Investigators are following up on a variety of leads and tips, and would ask that anyone with information about this crime contact St. Stephen RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Q-Flex Docks at LNG Terminal

After waiting a few days for the weather to improve.......the Q-Flex is ready to dock at the Canaport LNG facility. It is one of the largest and innovative LNG ships in the world. If everything stays on schedule, she will tie up by 12:45pm this afternoon and Saint John will be the first city to welcome the vessel to the East Coast of North America.


The arrival of the Q-Flex marks the 10th ship to arrive at the LNG Terminal with cargo since it came on line back in June.

Poley Waiting for the Snow

Officials at Poley Mountain continue to wait patiently for more seasonable weather to show up. Mild temperatures and rain make for a bad mixture for the hill but General Manager Bill Anderson tells us, he isn't losing any sleep. Anderson says they aren't panicking at this point saying this is New Brunswick, wait ten minutes this time of the year and the weather will change.


He says they hope to turn on the snow making machines with-in the next two weeks.

Trying to Lure a Child

They say it is important to watch what your children are doing on a computer and this next story proves it. 41-year old Robert Vanbuskirk of Moncton is facing several charges in connection with luring a child over the internet. He was arrested yesterday in the hub city as part of an ongoing investigation by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.

Their investigation began on June 21 when Moncton RCMP received a complaint. The child was not physically harmed and did not come in contact with the suspect. He will be back in court tomorrow afternoon for a bail hearing.

St. Andrews residents urged to donate blood

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, inclement winter weather and declines in donations during the approaching holiday season, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply now, prior to potential drops in donation levels.




A blood donor clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus from 12:30 to 3:30 and 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

Major OverHaul for Nursing Homes

An exciting day for Nursing Homes in Charlotte County. The province is providing a total investment of $400 million dollars and means 297 new nursing home beds will be created around the Province. MLA for Charlotte the Isle Rick Doucet tells tide news   Lincourt manor in St Stephen is getting 1.2 million , Passamaquoddy Lodge is a 3 million dollar investment for rooms and Grandmanan will be getting 9 million.


Doucett says construction work will get started in the spring with completion dates set for between 2016 and 17.

H1N1 Flu clinic In St Andrews

The H1N1 clinic will held today in St Andrews for the general public starting at 9 this morning  until 9 tonight . This will take place at the community college.

Gas Prices

(File Photo)

A slight increase in the price of gasoline this morning.

The maximum price for self serve regular is 102.4 but is selling around St Stephen for 100.3.

The maximum price for diesel is 104.9 but it's going for 103.2 a litre, which is just over a cent higher. Heating oil is listed at 88.2 and propane is at 105.0.

Acadia Broadcasting Keeps Growing

Acadia Broadcasting is growing again, the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission has granted approval for the purchase of two radio stations in Thunder Bay from Newcap Inc.


The stations will join the company's existing stations in Kenora - Dryden - and - Fort Frances in northwestern Ontario.

Saint John based Acadia Broadcasting also owns radio stations in Bridgewater and the here in Stephen.

The latest purchase will be finalized within the next thirty days.

( Photo by Kim Hall )



Members of the general public can get the swine flu shot here in St Stephen today at the legion on queen street starting 9 this morning until 5 tonight.

Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Queen St. West, St. Stephen, December 2, 9am - 5pm



NBCC St. Andrews, 99 Augustus Street, St. Andrews, December 3, 9am - 9pm


St. George Community Center, 11 J.O. Spinney Dr., St. George, December 4, 9am - 5pm


For more updated information on the clinics go to www.gnb.ca/flu or call 1-800-580-0038.

Suspicious Death in St. Stephen

 St. Stephen RCMP are releasing few details but do confirm they are investigating a suspicious death. Monday night, officers were called to a home on Queen Street east after family members called police concerned they had not heard from the woman living in the house for a few days.


When police arrived they discovered the body of a 59-year old woman. The death at this point is considered suspicious and no name is being released.

Suspicious Death In St Stephen

(Photo by Kim Hall)

A 59 year old women has been found dead at a home in St Stephen. Last evening around midnight the Rcmp were called after family members were concerned they had not heard from the women in a few days. Rcmp say do not believe the women died of natural causes. Major crime unit has been called in. The name of the women is not being released at this time.

RCMP Still On The Scene In St Stephen

(Photo by Kim Hall)


Yellow police crime scene tape surrounds a house on Queen Street here in St Stephen at this hour.


So far - the Mounties are tight lipped about why they are at the home -- but -- neighbors say police have been at the scene since around three this morning.

Deer Island Ferry Passage to be Dredged

 A tender is being issue  by the Department of Transportation for the dredging of the Deer Island Ferry Channel.


Rick Doucet The Minister of Fisheries and Charlotte The Isles MLA says once the ledge is removed this will no longer effect the ferry schedule due to low tides.

Assurance has been given that the removal of the ledge will be no threat to the environment or marine populations.

Flu Clinics For The General Public

 The H1N1 clinic will held today in St Stephen at the legion on Queen street until 9 tonight . If you did not make it to the H1N1 clinic on Grandmanan yesterday there is another one today on the Island until 3. A full listing of the clinics can be found on our web site, thetide.ca and click news.
A full listing of the clinics can be found on the goverments website   www.gnb.ca/flu  .


December 1

9am - 3pm Grand Manan Grand Manan Community Centre (Gym)
1021 Route 776 General public


December 1
9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion
43 Queen St. West General public


December 3
9am - 9pm St. Andrews NBCC - St. Andrews Campus
99 Augustus St. General public

December 4
9am - 5pm St George St George Community Centre
11 J.O. Spinney Dr.



General public
December 7
12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island
Consolidated School
1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public

December 8
9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre
11 J.O. Spinney Dr.
General public

December 9
9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion
43 Queen St. West General public

December 10
10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove
Church of Christ
227 Route 772

(*This clinic will be held in the
Church Hall) General public