Halloween safety: Tips for families

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids.
98.1 The Tide wants to keep everyone safe and happy on Halloween.

•Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
•Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material. Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front, so that drivers can better see your child.
•Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses or capes.
•Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.
•Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.

Cuts To Bus Service Will Hurt Low-Income People

The Human Development Council says the upcoming cuts to transit service and hours will hurt those in the low-income bracket.

Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News certain families, students, and the elderly take the bus because it's the only means of transportation they can afford and cuts to the service will mean longer and harder days for them.

He says our transit system is not in a good position as ridership in Canada's ten largest urban areas is up by over 5 percent in the last year while our numbers are stagnant.
 

He says new funding model that does not rely on property taxes will need to be established for cities.

Saint John recently announced a reduction in service and 12 employees will be let go in order to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Nor'easter Hits New Brunswick

It looks like mother nature is giving us the trick rather than the treat.

Saint John and the surrounding areas are under a rainfall warning -- according to Environment Canada, a low pressure system is tracking south of Nova Scotia  is bringing the slushy mess.

Meteorologist Doug Mercer tells CHSJ News the rest of the day will not be fun, saying that we should expect more rain mixed with snow and strong northeasterly winds.

Baby Barn Catches Fire

A baby barn ablaze at 54 Champlain Drive East.

The wood frame structure caught on fire shortly after midnight, and caused damage to a nearby vehicle.

No injuries, but the fire department tells CHSJ News that they are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.

Bay of Fundy Continues Drive To Be One Of The World's 7 Natural Wonders

The crashing tides of the Bay of Fundy receiving some international recognition. The bay could be named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Bay of Fundy Tourism executive Terri McCulloch states that the bay is running against major tourist sites like the Grand Canyon, Dead Sea, and the Galapagos Islands. An important goal of the campaign has been to get some visibility for the Bay of Fundy.

Politicians and celebrities, including comedian Rick Mercer, are getting behind the bid. Mercer recently featured the bay in a segment of his TV show.

Over 440 sites entered the contest: the Bay of Fundy has made it into the final 28. It is the only remaining Canadian entrant.

The winners will be announced November 11.

To vote for the Bay of Fundy, click here.

Community Paper Celebrates 3 Years

The free paper "Around the Block" is a familiar sight to readers in Saint John's priority neighborhoods. The publication is celebrating its third anniversary this week.

Coordinator Juanita Black tells CHSJ News that the paper has taken important lessons from communities throughout the Port City, such as learning from one another.

According to Black, the paper has come a long way since it started in 2008.

The goal of "Around the Block" is to give a sense of pride to priority neighborhoods.

Ten Thousand Villages in 1 Town

The Kirk McColl Church in St. Stephen is hosting the non-profit organization today and tomorrow.

Ten Thousand Villages is the largest fair trade retailer in North America, giving artisans in over 30 countries a chance to sell their handcrafted projects for a fair price.

Moncton Man on Canada-Wide Warrant

RCMP issuing a Canada-wide warrant for a Moncton man in connection with a shooting that occurred last weekend in Moncton.

29-year-old Tyrone Jermain "TJ" Williams is wanted on charges of discharging a firearm with intent, use of a firearm, careless use of firearm, pointing a firearm and assault.

Williams is black about 6 feet tall and 240 lbs with brown eyes and black hair in dreadlocks.

He may be armed and if you see him, contact police immediately.

Trash or Treasure?

Is it Trash or Treasure? You can find out this Sunday in St. Andrews.CHCT-TV, which is St. Andrews Local television station will be hosting the Trash or Treasures event this Sunday at the WC Oneal Arena. The event will go from 1 - 4 as local antique dealers will be on hand to identify your treasures. Proceeds are in support of truly local television for Charlotte County, CHCT.

Ghosts on Ministers Island?

Ghosts in Charlotte County?

In time for Hallowe'en, but this is no joke.

The Maritime Paranormal team has been investigating Sir William Van Horne's summer home on Minister's Island.

They believe they have proof of hauntings in the mansion.

The team is revealing their expert findings at the Fairmont Algonquin Saturday night.

Wear Blue For Justan

Today blue ribbons can be seen on park benches, light posts, and even residents of St. Stephen.

Local teen Justan Rideout, who is now a quadriplegic after a car accident 3 months ago, is undergoing rehabilitation in Saint John.

The ribbons are in support of his struggle.

His younger brother, Braden Rideout, told Tide News that Blue Ribbon Day will give Justan the strength he needs to recover.

Beware Of Scam!

Another scam making the rounds in Charlotte County.

An email is making the rounds in Charlotte County, stating you have a courier parcel to pick up from the Post Office, and then asks you to open a file connected to it.

A call to Canada Post confirms they would never send emails about packages to customers, and assume the file is a virus.

If you recieve one of these emails, please report to the local police.

Get Your Hunting Permit

There's still a chance to get  your hunting license at Moosehorn.

The Moosehorn National Wildlife refuge in Baring, Maine,  is giving hunters the opportunity to get their permit outside of office hours.

The refuge will be open tomorrow evening from 6 to 8 pm Eastern Time.

Hunting is allowed on over half of the Wildlife refuges in the United States.

Demolition Has Started!

Budd Avenue will never be the same again.

Demolition has started on the empty buildings that occupy the lower part of the street.

St. Stephen's new Civic Centre will be filling the spot in the coming years.

A completion date for the Civic Centre has not been confirmed.

Vandalism In St. Stephen

CrimeStoppers wants you in handcuffs... or on the phone.

A car was damaged sometime last night, while parked outside of St. Croix Auto in St. Stephen.

The 2001 Ford Mustang now has a smashed rear window.

Call 1-800-222-TIPS if you have any information.

You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

Wear Blue For Rideout

The town of St. Stephen is coming together to help one if its own.

After a car accident, local Justan Rideout was left a quadriplegic and has been undergoing rehabilitation in Saint John.

Various businesses, like the RBC Royal Bank in St. Stephen are holding a Blue Ribbon Day, or Jean Day, this Thursday.
They are asking other businesses to take part.

If you are interested, please call Patty Mills at 466-9153.

Find Answers To Your Shale Gas Questions

The province is going online to answer your questions about shale gas exploration and development.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup will be holding a live webcast next Thursday where he will answer your questions.

You can submit questions via email and you have until 5pm Tuesday.

For a link to the email address, click here 

Liberals Sound Off On The Government's Energy Blueprint

Liberal Energy Critic Brian Kenny is sounding off on the new energy blueprint released by the Alward Government.

He tells CHSJ News there was no mention of the Point Lepreau cost overruns or the Mactaquac retrofit.

He says those two projects could cut into the projected 8 to 10 million dollar savings when NB Power gets put back together into one company.

Kenny adds when the Premer was in Ottawa this week there was no mention of him talking to the Prime Minister about the cost overuns relating to Point Lepreau.

He says although it's a 10 year plan, the provincial Tories has flip-flopped on their policies before.

Big Names In Our Small Town

Some Big names in Country are coming to St. Stephen.

98.1 The Tide presents Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings on Saturday, November 19th.
They will be taking the stage at the St. Stephen Middle School as part of their Big Hits, Small Towns Tour.

With special guest host Mike Biggar, the tour raises money for local schools.
Tickets are $29.95 at the door, or you can get them in advance at Miss D's Convenience or The Red Rooster Country Store.

Boil Water Order Lifted

The Passamaquaddy Water District released a statement today, confirming that - for the most part - the Boil Water Order has been lifted.

Residents of Eastport will no longer need to boil their drinking water before consumption.

However, if you are on temporary service because of the water main construction, you will still need to boil your water for at least a minute.

Car Rolls Off St. Andrews Wharf

Let's hope they rolled their windows up.

Late last night, a car rolled off the end of the wharf in St. Andrews, and into the harbour.

District 1 RCMP telling Tide News there were no injuries or loss of life, and noone was inside the car, that was thought to be parked.

A crane was seen earlier today, trying to bring the car out from the water.

The driver reported the incident.

Business Recognition

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce held it's 21st Annual Business Recognition Dinner & Awards last night. The award for New Business of the year went to the Charlotte County Hearing Health Care Centre. The award for Business of the year was presented to Gerald and Raymond Disher of Disher Homes.
Young Entrepreneur Award went to Alec and Jenny Hawn at Savor Restaurant.
Female Entrepreneur Award went to Velma Hossock of Carmens Diner.

Paving is Half Done

It's Day 3 in the new paving project on the Ferry Point Bridge in St. Stephen.

Monday, the Calais entry was shut down on Milltown Boulevard, so construction could begin.

Anyone wanting to cross the border into the U-S, is being directed to the Milltown or International Avenue Bridges.

Saturday is still the completion date for the bridge to re-open.

A Bully-Free Community

Is a Bully-free community one of your priorities?

The Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick is holding it's annual conference this year in St. George at the Magaguadavic Place..

Presenters will talk about a number of issues such as cyber-bullying and harassment in the workplace.



To register, contact CPO Lisa Williams, at 755-1130.

St. Stephen Retailers Christmas Promotion

The Town of St. Stephen is quickly planning this years annual Retailers Christmas Promotion.

This year there will be some changes with not be as many draws held as in the past.

However, the same amount of money will be given out.

This year there will be three major Christmas Cash Draws, $500 on Dec 2nd, $500 on Dec 9th and $1000 on Dec 16th.

Christmas Parade comes early to St. Stephen

Two events on the same night!
This years St. Stephen Christmas Parade will be an evening parade and will be held in November this year, not December. This year, the St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce has decided to hold the Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's visit with the children on the same evening, Friday, November 18th.

Higher Minimum Wage For NB

Old promises are making their way back into our pockets.

After the government postponed the increase to minimum wage for New Brunswickers back in June, a new Employment Standards Act is making its rounds in our mail boxes.

As of April 1st, 2012, minimum wage in New Brunswick will be raised to $10 an hour.

Flushing Starts Today!

No, all that water running across the road, is not from a broken water line.

The St. Stephen Utility Department has started to flush hydrants today.

They were seen earlier near the Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, and will move elsewhere throughout town for the next 2 weeks.

You may get some dirty water coming from your taps.

The town apologizes for any inconvenience.

Why You Have Dirty Water...

Expect some darkness in your water glass.

The St. Stephen Utility Department will be flushing hydrants for the next two weeks, starting tomorrow.

It may cause some residents to have dirty water.

The town apologizes for any inconvenience.

Crossing to Calais Will Soon Be A Smooth Ride

You may still pay duty, but your car won't bottom out.

During the week of October 17th, The US Customs and Border Protection will be closing the Ferry Point Bridge Calais entry for a paving project.

Anyone wanting to cross to the United States will be directed to the Milltown or International Avenue border crossings.

Are You Prepared?

Are you prepared for the next natural disaster?

After the flood last December,  the Canadian Red Cross is partnering with Kent stores to raise funds for disaster relief, and to raise awareness for families to get prepared.

Until the end of November, all Kent stores, including the one in St. Stephen, will offer free Red Cross checklists,  of items every family should have in a kit in case of evacuation.

You can also include a donation for the Disaster Fund with your purchases.

John Howard introduces New Learning Centre

The John Howard Society introduces the New Imagine Learning Center for Charlotte County.

Kelly Wilson, executive director for John Howard tells Tide News, the center is for students from kindergarden to grade 12 who need a little extra help.

Wilson says they also have programs for students with test anxiety.

An Open House will be held this Monday evening from 6-8 at the John Howard Society in St. George, to introduce the new center.

A Big Birthday for an Old War

The War of 1812 is rounding it's 200th anniversary, and the Harper government wants to raise awareness to Canadians over the next 4 years about our defining moment in history.

Charlotte County MP John Williamson says Canada as we know it, would not be here, if it weren't for the heroic efforts of many Canadians.

The Harper government has invested $20.8 million dollars into historic sites, like the St. Andrews Blockhouse, to boost tourism and strengthen the economy.

Storytime for Kids

Imagination and Creativity for Pre-schoolers!

The St. Croix Public Library in St. Stephen is hosting Storytime.

Kids ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, crafts, songs and games on Friday mornings from 10:30 until 11:15am.

For details, head to the Library on  King Street.

Local Business Tradeshow Tonight!

Would you like to learn more about business?

The Women in Business Charlotte County networking group is hosting a tradeshow tonight at the Masonic Hall in St. Stephen.

Open to the public to find out about local businesses and how women play diverse roles in the community.

Admission is free, doors open at 5:30.

Evening Registration for Kindergarden

It's time to send the munchkins packing.

Tonight is kindergarden registration for any child born in 2007.

Head to the District 10 Office, on School Street in St. Stephen, tonight between 4-8pm to sign up your little one.

Registration can also be done at your local school, for the remainder of this week, during school hours.

Long Weekend Breaks Temperature Records

The warm Thanksgiving long weekend breaking some temperature records here in Saint John and in Fredericton.

Sunday's high of 28 degrees broke the temperature record set back in 1970.  The previous high was 21 degrees. 

Fredericton also broke the record set back in 2006 when the mercury in the capitol city reached almost 29 degrees.

Saint John broke another record on Saturday when the temperature soared up to 21 degrees.

Saint John Mayor Says Students Need More Gym Time

The latest community report card shows an increase in the obesity rate in the greater Saint John region -- and -- that has Mayor Ivan Court suggesting our schools have to do a better job at keeping our kids active.
    
Court tells CHSJ News they're spendng a lot of time on buses and not getting enough gym time in school.
 
The Vital Signs community report card released last week shows our obesity rate sitting just over 24-percent in 2010 -- up from 23.7 in the previous year.

Mental Health Program Gets Funding Boost

A program designed to train people to recognize signs of distress in others and encourage them to get professional help is getting a shot in the financial arm.

MindCare New Brunswick recently receiving 19-thousand dollars from Bell and 5-thousand dollars from RBC for their Mental Health First Aid Program.

Dr. Pam Forsythe with Mindcare tells CHSJ News they have one trainer in the program so far and the program has been taught to staff at schools in both Districts 6 and 8.

Today is World Mental Health Day as well as Mental Health Awareness Week.

Company With Local Ties Makes Top 100 List

An engineering and design company with an office right here in the city getting some major kudos.

Edmonton-based Stantec has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp.

Stantec was singled out because of its continued growth across the country and because it advocates designing sustainable projects and buildings.

This is the second year in a row that Stantec has won the honour.

Fireworks Alarms Fredericton Area Residents

People in Fredericton and the outlying communities getting spooked by a celebration for the Currie Centre

Fireworks were launched last night celebrating the Currie Centre but according to the chatter on Facebook and Twitter, many residents weren't expecting such a loud celebration.

The online reactions ranging from the annoyed to the surprised.

The fireworks could be heard in the communities of Rusagonis and Lincoln outside the city.

Mural Honouring Fallen Soldiers Makes Stop In City

The Portrait of Honour making a stop in the Port City today while it continues on a cross-Canada tour.

The mural shows the faces of every Canadian solider, sailor, and aircrew who have lost there lives during the war effort in Afghanistan.

Wayne McQuarrie with the Charlotte-Fundy Kin Club tells CHSJ News the memorial will be coming down from its tour stop in Fredericton.
 
He says the parents of Saint Johner David Greenslade, who as killed in Afghanistan back in 2008, will be at the base when the mural arrives.

The mural will be on public display until 3pm down at the Barrack Green Armouries on Broadview Avenue.

Province Releases Survey For Disability Action Plan Strategy

The Alward Government is looking for input on the Disability Action Plan Strategy. 

It has released a survey and is looking for your input on the current level of services available in the province.

The province wants your input by November 11 and plans to have town hall meetings throughout New Brunswick on the issue.

To take the questionnaire, click here.

Fire Prevention Week Encourages Family Fire Safety

The Saint John Fire Department urging area residents to keep their families safe from fire. This in time for Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 9th to 15th.

Captain of Fire Prevention and Investigation Roy Nolan says the public is encouraged to tip off the fire department to rental properties or public places that they may think is a hazard.

Saint Johners are also advised to test smoke alarms, maintain heaters and chimneys in time for the heating season, and sleep with bedroom doors closed.

Ready To Work Tourism Program Rolls Out Graduates

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick celebrating the success of a new program.

15 people recently graduating from the program and some of them will be working in the Saint John area.

The Ready-To-Work Program trains unemployed New Brunswickers in a range of tourism-related skills. Participants get a chance to improve their chances of re-entering the work force.

The program boasts a 60% success rate for graduates launching careers in tourism. 

It is delivered free of charge.

Bare Necessities Campaign Is Undeway

The Women In Business Forum at the Saint John Board of Trade are keeping up their good works this year through the Bare Necessities campaign.
 
It sees people contribute travel-size toiletries at a variety of locations around the city all to benefit over 20 local charities.
 
President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News it came out of a discussion about how many business people have a drawer full of toiletries from their various trips.

She says the idea came about to collect the toiletries and let people donate them to help people in our community.

The 10th annual Bare Necessities campaign runs until November 25th.
Gilman says they will be distributed to various groups in early December.
 
For a list of the items they are looking for, click here

Don't Get Sick On The Holiday!

Cook your turkey well, because you'll have a longer drive if you get sick.

The Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour will be closed Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th, and re-open Tuesday.

Horizon Health network apologizes for any inconvenience.

For emergencies, call 911.

Women in Business Tradeshow

Are you trying to make it in business?

The Women in Business networking group is putting on a showcase for Charlotte County on Wednesday.

The tradeshow is open to the public, giving you an opportunity to learn more about local businesses, as well as see how women play a part in diverse roles.

Head to the Masonic Hall in St. Stephen Wednesday evening.

The event is free.

Boil Water Order!

Attention all residents of Eastport and Pleasant Point!

Another Boil Water Order has been issued.

The Passamaquaddy Water District is asking everyone to boil their water for at least a minute before drinking, making ice, washing foods, or brushing teeth.

The order will remain in effect until further notice.

Have You Registered Yet?

Was your child born in the year 2007?

Kindergarden registration for the 2012-13 school year, will be held at your local school next week.

Register your child during school hours, or Wednesday night at the District 10 Office in St. Stephen.