NB-Warrant-Arrest

A man wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been picked up in Fredericton. The 45-year-old was arrested without incident. Lonnie Dellas Carr was charged this week with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm and evading police after an incident in his hometown.

RCMP seeks public assistance in locating suspect, Oromocto, N.B.

On January 26, 2010, 45-year old Lonnie Dellas Carr from Fredericton Junction N.B. was charged in Burton Provincial Court with several offences including aggravated assault, discharging a firearm and evading police. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

District 2 RCMP is asking for the public assistance in locating Lonnie Dellas Carr. Anyone with information which would help in his apprehension is asked to contact District 2 RCMP at 506-357-4300 or their local RCMP detachment. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). The RCMP reminds the public to call them immediately if the suspect is seen and not to approach him.

Carr was charged following an incident that occurred in Fredericton Junction around 7:30 a.m. on January 23, 2010. RCMP District 2 Oromocto members responded to a complaint of an assault involving a handgun. The suspect used a handgun in order to gain entry to the residence of an acquaintance and committed an assault with serious injuries before fleeing from the residence.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are continuing to go down following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is almost a cent a litre cheaper at 101.3. It's being sold around St. Stephen for 99.2. The maximum that can be charged for diesel is 105.3. Furnace oil is at 88.7 and propane, 115.5.

David Alward to speak at luncheon

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce is featuring Opposition Leader David Alward as its guest speaker at today's the luncheon at The St. Stephen Legion. Chamber president Shelley McKeeman said all Chamber members, as well as any other interested people, are encouraged to come out and hear what Alward has to say.

New Pediatrician Calais Regional Hospital

Calais Regional Hospital and Calais Regional Medical Services is pleased to welcome pediatrician David Walter, MD, to the active medical staff. Dr. Walter has over 30 years pediatric experience, including general pediatric care and neonatal intensive care. His most recent position was at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. EMMC’s change from physician providers to nurse practitioner providers prompted Dr. Walter’s search for a new place to practice, which led him to Eastern Washington County and Calais Regional Medical Services.

Dr. Walter will begin seeing patients the second week in February. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Walter, contact the CRMS office at 454-8195.

Sudden Death St. Stephen

The District 1 RCMP - St Stephen Post are conducting an investigation into the sudden death of a 77 year old female resident of St Stephen, which occurred on January 24th. At this time, it has been determined that foul play is not suspected to be involved. The matter remains under investigation, pending completion of the post mortem report.

Sara Russell Sentencing

20-year-old Sarah Russell will be sentenced next month for her role in the death her newborn son last year.

She pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in November.

Her boyfriend, Rodney Miller, pleaded guilty in September to first-degree murder for fatally stabbing the child and was given an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Russell's sentencing will take place on February 2nd.
 

Storm Problems

The rain and high winds knocking out power for more than 47 hundred NB Power customers around the province with most in St. Stephen and Fredericton. At this point there are still almost 1000 customers off the grid between St. Stephen and Frederiction. Power is expected to be back within the few hours. Drivers this morning are being warned to beware of pools of water on streets that can cause hydroplaneing if you're going too fast.

Lincourt Manor Gets Funding from Government

Premier Shawn Graham announced funding for Lincourt Manor today in the amount of 1.2 Million. The money will be used to undertake substantial renovations to include work on the parking lot, exterior walls, kitchen upgrades and air quality.

The government is focused on three priorities this year: jobs, learning and health and senior care," Graham said. "The government is committed to ensuring opportunities exist for all New Brunswickers to obtain quality health and senior care."

District 10 gets Funding from Provincial Government

District 10 on the receiving end of $885,000 from the Capital Budget. The Provincial government will nearly double it's investment in building, repairing and modernizing schools in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. In St Stephen the Elementary School receives $75,00 for sound proofing the gym...the middle school will spend $150,000 for foundation drainage and waterproofing.
Fundy High, Sir James Dunn Academy, and the Grand Manan school will each get $40,000 for roof flashing replacement. The Campobello Consolidated school gets a new roof with the price tag of $295,000 and Vincent Massey in Saint Andrews will receive $245,000 for Site development for parking.

Windy Weather For St. Stephen

Wet and windy weather is heading for parts of the Maritime region -- and several warnings are in place.

Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for St Stephen and surrounding area in the overnight hours.

Up to 30 millimetres of rain expected with winds gusting up to 90 km/h along southwestern coastal section these strong winds are expected to produce large seas and pounding surf tonight.

Conditions will improve on Tuesday as the trough moves to lie east of New Brunswick.

New Dialysis Unit at Charlotte County Hospital

The provincial government is investing close to $1.4 million in capital and operating funds to establish a satellite dialysis unit at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen.
The announcement was made today by Premier Shawn Graham at Lincourt Manor .
The new capital and operating funding will support a new dialysis unit with five hemodialysis stations operating three days a week, 12 hours per day, with a capacity to serve 10 patients. The unit is expected to be in operation in early 2011.
Health Minister Mary Schryer on hand for the announcement said the investment will enable St. Stephen-area residents to obtain dialysis treatment closer to home.

The Charlotte County Hospital Foundation has contributed $350,000 for new equipment for the unit.

Conditions After Winter Storm

Yesterday's storm that hit St. Stephen and area turned out to be more intense than predicted with 17 centimetres of snow being reported with totals outside of town higher. Roads in places are slippery this morning with the milder temperatures last night and colder temperatures this morning...St. Stephen RCMP are not reporting any major accident due to yesterday storm...Meanwhile St John City Police saying driving conditions were treacherous yesterday reporting 27 accidents...One of the more serious mishaps occurred late in the afternoon when a car and school bus collided at King Street East and Pitt Street in Saint John. There were 21 young people on board the school bus at the time but none was injured. The airbags deployed in the car and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of a cut.

Gas Prices go down in St. Stephen

 St Stephen and area drivers are getting a break today if you have to fill up. The price of gas has dropped more than 2 cents a litre after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is 102.1 a litre. St. Stephen is selling self-serve for $1.00 a litre. The max for diesel is 106.5 Heating oil is at 89.9 which is four cents cheaper and propane is at 116.7.

New Power Plan released by Shawn Graham

New Brunswick will retain complete ownership and control of its transmission and distribution systems following the conclusion of negotiations of an energy agreement with Québec. The announcement was made in Fredericton by Premier Shawn Graham, Energy Minster Jack Keir and Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau.
A New Brunswick-Government owned NB Power will retain NB Power Transco and NB Power Disco, as well as NB Power Holdco, while the New Brunswick System Operator will continue to operate as an arm's length agency.

As a result of these changes to the proposed energy agreement, NB Power will continue to operate as a New Brunswick-owned and operated Crown corporation, employing approximately two-thirds of the current workforce of the utility.

As the owner of the transmission and distribution companies, NB Power will continue in its roles of customer service excellence, planning, maintenance and development of our transmission system.

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board and the New Brunswick System Operator will continue to have oversight as it applies to all aspects of the transmission and distribution networks in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick will receive $3.2 billion for the assets being sold to Hydro-Québec, projected to be a sum sufficient to retire the debt related to the generation assets of NB Power.

Hydro-Québec will still provide New Brunswick with a 14 terawatt-hour heritage pool of electricity, more than large enough to meet the province' current electricity needs. New Brunswick ratepayers in the residential, commercial and wholesale rate (RCW) category will continue to benefit from a guarantee of no rate increases for the next five years. This will mean those customers will avoid a planned minimum rate increase of 16 per cent over that period.

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte the Isles MLA Honourable Rick Doucet on the resignation of Veterans Affairs Canada Minister

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte the Isles MLA Honourable Rick Doucet on the resignation of Veterans Affairs Canada Minister and New Brunswick Southwest Member of Parliament, Honourable Greg Thompson.


This weekend, I learned that after a career spanning nearly twenty years in federal politics, Greg Thompson had resigned as Veterans Affairs Canada Minister and will not reoffer as Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest in the next federal election.

Since first being elected in 1988, Greg's tireless efforts working for the people of Charlotte County have established his reputation as both a distinguished statesman and representative. The concern and passion he has for his community, province and country has shown a willingness to reach across political lines to move forward on our joint provincial-federal projects in New Brunswick. "Greg's success at the polls show people supported him regardless of party. That's probably because he supported people regardless of party"

" Since my being elected in 2003 to the New Brunswick Legislature and appointment to cabinet in 2006, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Greg on a number of projects for Charlotte County. Our efforts to deliver progress on such things as the funding of the number one highway, countless infrastructure projects in our communities whether it be road work or water treatment facilities along with ones that have been very close to each of us such as the Grand Manan Civic Center , St.George Civic Center the new St.Stephen civic center all certainly show the benefits that come with a productive and collaborative relationship between levels of government."
"I want to sincerely thank Greg for his dedication and support in fostering the positive relationship between New Brunswick and Canada. Together, we have brought forth results for our constituents as two Cabinet Ministers representing Charlotte County.

Honourable Thompson's departure from politics comes after a long and successful career. " He has bridged both political and jurisdictional gaps and I am forever appreciative for his enthusiasm and partnership as we have worked together as cabinet ministers in our respective governments for the people of Charlotte County."

Political Scientist Weighs In On Thompson Resignation

One political scientist suggests the timing of Minister Thompsons resignation may be foreshadowing what is to come.

Don Desserud tells us if you're going to give up a ministerial post, now is the time to do it, to give the new person time to prepare for the opening of parliament.
Desserud says his first reaction was Thompson is stepping aside to be elevated to the upper chamber.
Desserud says if he were a betting person, Thompsons stock in relation to being appointed to the senate just increased.
Earlier last week, Conservative Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaneys name resurfaced as a possible candidate for the Senate, but Desserud says she's been in the game long enough not to get her hopes up.

M-P Thompson Resigns

[MP Greg Thompson---File Photo]

The Minister of Veterans Affairs is stepping down from his post but retaining his MP's status for now. 62-year old Greg Thompson tells us, he told Prime Minister Harper leading into the last election this would be his last kick at the can:

Thompson says after surviving a battle with cancer two years ago and being on the road travelling most of his career, it is time stay closer to home with his wife Linda and family. As for a replacement for the portfolio, Thompson adds he has no indication who the Prime Minister will choose and when the next Federal election is called, he will not re-offer.

Red Cross Looking for Donations

Several Red Cross offices in Atlantic Canada will be open today to accomodate those who want to donate funds to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

In this province, offices will be open from 10 am to 4pm in Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Bathurst.

Another Business Outgrows Location

Another business leaving the downtown area of St. Stephen to expand to a bigger location. The Clothesline located on Budd Avenue is moving to The Old Frenchy's building along Route 170. It's expected the move to be final by February according to some staff member at The clothes line. Tide News has made numerous attempts to contact the owner of to see if this would create any new jobs for St. Stephen but have yet to hear back.

Food Needed at Charlotte County Volunteer Centre

Shelves are depleting as we end the second week of January...Over 2500 hundred pounds of food has been distributed since 4th and Donna Linten with The Charlotte County Volunteer Center say food is needed along with baby supplies and of course pets food.

Linton says income wise some family's are operating with little dollars people whom were working before Christmas may not be working now due to cut back in hours and job losses in the St. Stephen and surrounding area.

Manager of The Year Washington County's

It's a first for The Washington County Sheriff's Office!
Chief Deputy Mike St Louis will on the receiving end of The Manager Of The Year Award. This award is presented every year by the Maine's Sheriff's Association.

The award will be given at the Maine Sheriff's Association Conference in Portland in February. Sheriff Donnie Smith said words could not express how proud he is of Chief  St. Loius.

NB Liqour Collecting for Haiti

NB Liquor will be collecting donations for the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund at all 47 NB Liquor corporate stores across the province.

Gas Prices On The Rise

Gas prices this morning in the St. Stephen area after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is up almost 2 cents a litre to 104.8 but most stations are selling it for 102.8 a litre. The maximum price for diesel has also risen by less than a cent to 110.7 furnace oil is 93.9 and propane is at $1.17.

Grand Manan gets new Ferry

The provincial government will invest just over four hundred million dollars in the transportation infrastructure. That announcement made yesterday by Transportation Minister Denis Landry.


The budget includes a major investment to benefit residents of Grand Manan with the delivery on its promise to build an 82 vehicle vessel ferry.

Landry says construction has started and the name has been selected.

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte Isles MLA Rick Doucet will hold a conference in the coming days to announce the name.

Ghost Road upgrades Saint Andrews

The 2010-2011 transportation budget released included upgrades of Route 127 with a five kilometer section to be paved from Chamcook Road area to to the Ghost Road area. Rick Doucet Charlotte Isles MLA said this will be well revceived by area motorists and tourist who visit the region.

NBCC Saint Andrews helps Local Food Bank

You've heard of a cook off but have you heard of a weight off? NBCC's student Life Coordinator Justin Sweeney has taken a unique approach to raise food for the Charlotte County Food Bank.

Each Program and each staff are actually required as much no perishable food items as possible. On Friday when they are all weighted and then they groups that bring in the most pounds of food per person in group are going to be the winning groups.

Sweeney say making it a completion between the programs students and faculty seems to work out a lot better for everybody. The winners will recieve a full dinner put on by the Student Council.

Nuclear-Lawsuit

The Premier is threatening to take legal action against the federal government over the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.


Shawn Graham says his government will sue Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, unless Ottawa takes care of the cost overruns of the 1.4-(b)-billion-dollar overhaul. The project is 18 months behind schedule.

Snowmobile-Death

Sixteen-year-old Devon O'Donnell and his father were riding snowmobiles Saturday when they hit a barbed-wire fence in a field in Williamstown.


Both were taken to hospital, where the teenager died.

Canada Post Increases

Canada Post are increasing the cost of sending a first class letter within the country to 57 cents from 54, while letters going to the US will cost a dollar, which is an increase of two cents.


Letters heading outside North America will rise by five cents to $1.70.

Canada Post is attributing the rate increases as a measure to raise funds to buy new machinery.

Register Your Dogs!

The race is on for licence number one. Mayor John Craig reminds residents that your dog renewals are up and how important its not only for you but your dog to have it's licence. A lost dogs can be easier returned home when registered.

A dog licence helps protect your pet by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration. Craig says it's funny how many people race to be the first owner of that number 1 tag for their dogs....but reminds all that The first step to responsible dog ownership is licensing your dog.

Crown Land Users Not Subject to Rent Rates for 2010

Rent Rates for 2010 will not be implemented for crown land users.The Department of Natural resources plans to hire an independent third party to conduct a market Value study to see if there is a need to adjust the regulated rates .. although one has yet to be picked.
Matt Jones with The Department of Natural Resources say currently this will affect just over 300 people in Charlotte County.

Two Fire Stations Become One

With a New Year what was two now becomes one. The Blacks Harbour Fire Department and the Pennfield Fire Department have amalgamated. Blacks Harbour fire department now consists of two buildings now known as station 1 and station 2. Station one in located on Wallace Cove road in Blacks while station 2 is located on Highway 1 in Pennfield. Combined membership numbers is around 30 volunteers.

Work Has Begun at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

It’s started! Geophysical survey work is already being done on the lower campus at the Huntsman Marine Science Center in St. Andrews to prepare for the construction.

Support for the project totalling 5 million dollars has been received from the federal and provincial governments... This multifunctional project will integrate and show case missions of education, research, and innovation around the diversity of the Bay of Fundy, a natural wonder of the world.

The Health Minister is Re-Offering in the Fall Election

[Health Minister Mary Schryer---File Photo]
Expect to see Mary Schryer's name on the ballot in the fall Provincial Election. The Health Minister and MLA for Quispamsis tells us, she is ready to re-offer and stands behind the record of her government since 2006.

As for concern about any backlash from the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal, Schryer adds it is a work in progress and the Graham Government continues to listen to feedback.

New ATV Trail Hotline

Safety is the number one priority for the Eastern Charlotte ATV club in Pennfield and a hotline has been set up to help keep track of individuals on the trail, by doing so people may call the line with an estimated time of departure and arrival...Bill Mennie the club's treasurer says it's a good idea to know who and how many and what area to be searching in the event of an emergency. You can reach the hotline by calling 456-3767.

Skidder Fire in Basswood Ridge

RCMP in St. Stephen are investigating a skidder fire that took place in Basswood Ridge. Police say two individuals were spotted leaving the area on an ATV. Police are asking the public to come foward with any information that will lead to an arrest in this case by call 466-7030 or call crime stoppers at 1-800-222- Tips.

St. Stephen Animal Shelter Not Excepting Cats

The St. Stephen Animal Shelter is temporarily not excepting any cats due to an illness at the shelter. Board Member Evie Gagne say the cats are experiencing upper respority infections.

Gagne says the infections are common in shelters, because most of the cats are strays, and are probably not vaccinated.
Gange says the cats are doing well and all are up for adoption.

US Ambassador Thinks New Border Crossing Should be Used As Model

[New Border Crossing ----Photo by Lisa Gullison]
The United States Ambassador to Canada says all border crossings should follow the St. Stephen/Calais
example.

David Jacobson says the new state of the art building should be looked at as a model for other crossings.
He says other borders should look at the environmental standards used as well.
The crossing was built of natural wood products, and recycled materials, and produdes zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Officially Opens New Border

[Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Border---Photo by Dave Briggs]
The Prime Minister was in chocolate town to inaugurate the new border crossing. The new St. Stephen Port of Entry is located on the new international bridge connecting to Calais. Stephen Harper says this helps to ease traffic between the border towns.

Harper says since the crossing opened in November residential traffic has eased, and commerical traffic has increased by 20%.

Stephen Harper officially opens New Bridge in St. Stephen

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in St.Stephen today to officially open the new border crossing. Premier Graham and several of his cabinet ministers will join the PM along with officials from the State of Maine.


The Province has invested $60.5 million dollars in the project which includes 23 km's of new highway which stretches from Waweig to the new border crossing. The ceremony is expected to get started at 1:30pm. The new crossing and highway opened back on November.16th. Following the ceremony in St. Stephen, Harper will travel to Saint John where he is hosting a roundtable at the Delta at 5:30pm.

Gas Prices

The price of gas on the rise this morning in the St Stephen area following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular has been set at 102.9 a litre and 110.1 for diesel. Diesel is selling for 107.5.

The maximum price for furnace oil is 92.6 and 114.7 for propane.

NB-Aboriginal-Education

The New Brunswick government is spending more than $1 million to encourage more aboriginals to pursue post-secondary education.

The money will be used to hire recruiters and aboriginal co-ordinators at the province's universities and community colleges.

The University of New Brunswick will offer a bachelor's degree in First Nations governance and management the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada.

Post-secondary education minister, Donald Arsenault says the programs will ensure more New Brunswickers have an opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education.

Minimum wage will rise to Atlantic average by 2011

The minimum wage in New Brunswick will increase to meet the Atlantic average by Sept. 1, 2011, as part of a long-term plan announced today. The minimum wage will increase in four steps:
April 1, 2010: an increase of 25 cents to $8.50 per hour;
Sept. 1, 2010, an increase of 50 cents to $9 per hour;
April 1, 2011: an increase of 50 cents to $9.50 per hour; 
Sept. 1, 2011: an increase of 50 cents to $10 per hour.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault said it is important to outline a long-term plan for increasing the minimum wage.
The recommended increases will fulfil the provincial government's commitment to raise the minimum wage to the Atlantic average by Sept. 1, 2011, which is expected to reach $10 per hour.

ATV Club in Pennfield Gets Groomer

A new year and a new Trail Groomer for The Eastern Charlotte ATV Club. The machine arrived on New Years Eve and is being stored in the St. George area until it can be fully checked over mechanically. Three people will need to be trained to operate this Snow Cat compared to the size of a bulldozer...Bill Mennie the clubs treasure says this is a positive step for All Terrian Vechiles drivers in Charlotte County. Mennie says members are always needed for the financial help to keep the club up and operating and ensure the safety for the trails in Charlotte County.

Dredging contract awarded for Deer Island Ferry

A $1.7-million underwater dredging project aimed at enhancing ferry service between Letete and Deer Island has been awarded to R.J.MacIsaac Construction Ltd. Work will begin this month in the Goat's Point area. Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet made the announcement today on behalf of Transportation Minister Denis Landry. Doucet said that the department will work closely with the contractor to co-ordinate a project work schedule. "This investment will not only enhance day-to-day ferry operations, it also ensures the service can function safely in emergency situations," said Doucet. "We are pleased to be delivering a project that strengthens the island's connection to the mainland, which is a major priority for the people of Deer Island."
Funding for this project, which is to be completed this winter, will come from the department's $385.8 million capital budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Dementia News Conference

A news conference is scheduled for Fredericton this morning and the topic is Dementia. New statistics about the projected economic and social costs of the disease will be released by the Provincial Alzheimer Society to mark Alzheimer Awareness month. It warns the health care system could be overwhelmed. Twelve thousand people in this Province are living with a form of dementia and it is estimated that close to 15% are baby boomers under the age of 65. The news conference gets started at ten.

Maritime Storm

There's more snow and rain in the forecast for the Maritimes today --but nothing as severe as the weekend.
Up to 30-centimetres of snow fell on parts of the region yesterday and high winds knocked out power to 45-thousand customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P-E-I. Rain and flurries are predicted for St. Stephen and surrounding area today..

Time to dig out.

Maritimers will be digging out today from the first major storm of the winter.


The region was lashed yesterday and overnight with combinations of snow, ice pellets, rain and high winds.

Nearly 45-thousand hydro customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P-E-I were blacked out yesterday as gusts brought down power lines.

By early this morning, all but about 13-thousand in New Brunswick had their lights and heat back on.

Rain and flurries are forecast throughout most of the region today.

Winter storm warning in effect.

Issued at 9:30pm Jan 2, 10


tonight..snow at times heavy becoming mixed with periods of rain overnight. snowfall amount 15 to 25 cm. blowing snow this evening and after midnight. wind northeast 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming north 40 gusting to 70 early this evening then northeast 60 gusting to 90 after midnight. temperature rising to plus 2 by morning.

sunday..periods of snow. snow at times mixed with rain in the morning. snowfall amount 2 to 4 cm. wind northeast 40 km/h diminishing to 20 in the afternoon. temperature falling to zero in the afternoon.

sunday night..flurries. amount 2 to 4 cm. wind north 20 km/h. low minus 1.

Happy New Year from 98.1 The Tide