NB Liquor To Help New Brunswick Rivers

Local rivers will soon be getting a big boost from NB Liquor.

The corporation has launched an in-store initiative to donate some of the proceeds from 40 different brands to the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation.

Executive director Stephen Chase tells Tide News they're excited about the partnership. He says this is a great new partnership that will help community groups who are working to protect New Brunswick rivers.


NB Liquor estimates the month-long campaign will raise $50,000 or more to be distributed among various community groups.

Bucket Sit Goes Up Next Week

It's a bird, it's a plane, no - it's a firefighter.


The St. Stephen Fire Department announcing the 8th Annual Bucket Sit next weekend at the Atlantic Superstore.

The fundraiser sees local firefighter Merton Lewis sitting in the bucket of a bucket truck, 50 feet in the air, for 50 hours.

Dwayne Richards from the department says they have finally raised enough money from past bucket sits, to buy specialized rescue equipment, however, they will continue the fundraiser as a way to keep up with the demands of the ever-changing rescue equipment.

Lewis hits the skies next Thursday ( Sept 6th ) at 4pm until Saturday ( Sept 8th ) at 6pm.

Blueberry Festival Revived!

After 25 years - Pennfield has brought back it's Blueberry Festival.


Saturday ( August 25th ) being filled with blueberry-themed events at the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club, including the Miss Blueberry Pageants.

Miss Blueberry Pre-teen Queen was awarded to Sarah Henry, Pre-teen 1st Princess was Cailey Patterson, 2nd Princess to Emily Rogers, and 3rd Princess to Breanna Barrio.

Megan Lyons earned the title of Miss Blueberry Queen, 1st Princess to Shyann Leavitt, and 2nd Princess was Kayla Pitre.

(Picture - Miss Blueberry Queen contestants with The Tide's Jessi Smith )

Missing Woman Found Dead In St. Andrews

A local woman reported missing yesterday has been found dead.


67-year-old Leng Guznzhi was thought to have gone on a walk and become lost/disoriented in St. Andrews.

She was reported missing last night ( August 26th ) around 8:30pm.

District 1 RCMP tell us a Ground Search and Rescue crew was called in this morning ( August 27th ) and found the woman's body around 7am.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight says foul play is not suspected.

No other details are available at this time.

Freedom Fest At The Farm A Success

 "A tentative success."


That from Organizer Sarah McAdam-Parker on FreedomFest at the Farm.

McAdam-Parker tells Tide News she wanted to throw a music festival in a place where there has never been one before - in Heathland.

She says countless live bands, DJ's, fire-spinners, painters, comedians, as well as a number of unique workshops like belly dancing and tye-dying took part in the festivities.

She says the 3 day event raised money for the Angel Fund at the St. Stephen Animal Hospital and Eco-Fredericton, with 40% of the weekend's profits going to each organization.

McAdam-Parker says the festival did as well as she hoped, with only a few technical glitches.


District 1 RCMP reports the event was well organized, and despite a traffic stop on the Heathland Road, there were no reports of impaired driving or problems related to the festival.

Dogs Save Lives In Fire

Saved by the dog.

Two women are safe after being woken up by their barking dogs after an overnight fire in their home on the lower west side.

The Canadian Red Cross say there was extensive fire damaged on the older wood-frame duplex at 158 Winslow Street, Saint John that occurred around 3:00 am.
Canadian Red Cross disaster volunteers arranged emergency lodging, food and other help for the two women, who have three dogs and five cats.
City Police believe arson to be the cause.

Women Protest For Right To Go Topless

This one would be sure to raise a few eyebrows here in the province.... protests are being held in more than 30 cities worldwide to give women the right to go topless. The movement, called Go Topless, says that women aren't truly free as long as they have to wear clothes when men can bear their chests.

A Go Topless co-ordinator who goes by the name Freedom tells Tide news the double standard is society's fault and women's breasts should be as socially acceptable as men's.

Protests are being held in Toronto, LA, and elsewhere. Freedom says women in New Brunswick can contact them for information if they want to start up the movement here.

Break & Enter On West Side

City Police are investigating a break & enter on the West Side early this morning. Police are not saying the name of the business or what was stolen, but no arrests have been made. We hope to know more details later this morning.

There were also four impaired drivers overnight. Three were charged with drinking and driving while another had their license revoked for a week.

Run In Memory & Raise Funds

They'll be more runners than usual at Rockwood Park in Saint John this morning.

The third "Fido & Friends" run and fundraiser will be kicking off at 10am. Runners and their dogs will be tackling 1, 5 or 10 kilometres in honour of runners who've been hurt or killed while raising money for the Animal Rescue League.
Organizer Cindy Loiser tells us news it's not about the race, but about the donations. Loiser says runners who haven't signed up can still participate on the day for a $25 registration fee, and 100% of the fees go straight to the Animal Rescue League.

Arson Believed To Cause Fire In Saint John

Another suspicious fire in Saint John, this time on the lower West side.


A house on Winslow street was in flames around 3:30 this morning. The Canadian Red Cross was on scene to help.
City Police believe arson to be the cause.

Car Off Road Off Highway 1

A call from a loyal listener telling us a car was off the road on Highway 1, westbound, near Hampton early this morning.
The listener says he also saw a dead moose on the side of the road covered in glass.

RCMP confirm there was a collision with a car and deer in that area around 4:00 am, but no other details have been released.

9 Km Stretch On Route 1 Gateway To Open Monday

A new section of the Route 1 Gateway opening on Monday, August 27th.


A 9 kilometer stretch between Bethel and St. George will be operational to the public.

There will still be some traffic disruptions in the St. George area as work is completed on highway interchanges.

The disruptions will only affect those accessing Route 1 until October 1st.

Signage will be in place to guide traffic.

Burning Car Victims Identified In Bangor, Maine

 Police have identified three victims in a triple homicide in Bangor, Maine.


A Bangor Police Department spokesman tells Tide News Daniel Borders of Hermon, Nicolle Lugdon of Eddington, and Lucas Tuscano of Bradford were found dead inside a burning car in a parking lot on Target Industrial Circle on Monday, August 13th.

Police say the three were last seen at an apartment around 1 am, when they left with a man in a white Pontiac sedan.

The car fire was called in to authorities around 3:30am.

Police say they currently do not have any suspects and the causes of death will not be released until the homicide investigation is over.

(Top Picture - Nicolle Lugdon, Middle Picture - Lucas Tuscano, Bottom Picture - Daniel Borders)

Concrete Poured This Morning For Garcelon Civic Center

The first section of concrete for footings being poured this morning.


That word from St. Stephen's Chief Administrative Officer John Ferguson on the Garcelon Civic Centre.

Ferguson tells Tide News the surcharge for the pool is now complete, as well as water and sewer connections have been installed.
  The next step is completing the wooden forms for footings and rebar, which are about 90% done.

Ferguson says this part of the construction is scheduled to be completed for the end of October 2012.

BIG Bike Ride For Heart Pedals St. Stephen Today

It takes alot of heart to drive that bike.


The Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick's BIG Bike Ride for Heart taking the streets of St. Stephen today.

Staff from Sobeys, the Charlotte County Hospital, and Exit Realty taking their turn to Ride the multi-passenger bike through town.

The Big Bike Ride for Heart supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick.

St. George Going Wild For Wild Blueberries

Singing the Blues and eating them too!


The 4th Annual Granite Town Wild Blueberry Festival taking place over the weekend in St. George.

The rain held off long enough for a full 3 days of activities including demos and taste-testing of blueberries, chocolate, and pork sirloin with Chef Dave from NBCC and salmon with Celebrity Chef Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet.
A successful fundraiser Community Run and Walk were also held Saturday morning, raising over $650 dollars for 4-year-old Leukemia patient Zackary Shaw.

( Top Picture - Noah Hill was all smiles at Granite Town Farms on Saturday, Bottom Picture - Chef Dave from NBCC cooking up tasty dishes in a demo and taste-testing. )

No Thru-Traffic On Seeley's Cove Road

Another detuor coming to the Pennfield area today.

Through traffic will be closed starting today at the new Route 1 Gateway site on Seeley's Cove Road.

The excavation will last approximately 7 days.

Drivers are asked to take the alternate Seeley's Cove Road entrance until construction is complete.

Dexter's Construction says when the road is re-opened there will be signage put in place to help guide traffic.

Upgrades Coming To St. Andrews Wharf For Cruise Lines

Get ready for the Cruise Lines!


New upgrades for the wharf being announced today in St. Andrews in order to bring in more traffic from cruise ships.

South-West MP John Williamson tells Tide News about the upgrades coming to the wharf in St. Andrews in preparation for more cruise ships. He says pontoons will be put in place, a bathroom, and dredging in the harbour so the larger ships can get in.

Charlotte-Campobello MLA Curtis Malloch tells Tide News when he took on the responsibility of MLA he wanted to see our communities become closer. He says today that 47 travellers from the current cruise ship docked at the wharf had taken a trip to Campobello Island.

St. Andrews Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi tells Tide News this will bring more tourism to our area. She says it will make a big difference  to local businesses like whale watching tours and kayakers.
A combined federal, provincial, and municipal investment of approximately $900,000 will be used for improvements and upgrades to the wharf.

The 4th Annual Granite Town Wild Blueberry Festival Kicks Off Today

Let's paint the Town Blue!


St. George starting up the 4th Annual Granite Town Wild Blueberry Festival today.

There are dozens of events taking place throughout the weekend, BBQ's, a car show, pet pageant, children's games, and even a demo and tasting with Chef Dave from NBCC.

The "Home of the Big Blueberry" celebrating from today ( Friday, August 17th ) through to Sunday ( August 19th ).

Ferguson Awarded $600,000 After Being Found Innocent Of Defamation

A lump sum of $600,000 has been awarded to John Ferguson, the former Saint John common councillor (and currently the Chief Administrative Officer for St. Stephen)  found innocent in May of defamation against the city's pension board.

Mr Justice William Grant referred to both the pension board and Ferguson as increasingly "entrenched and inflexible" as the trial progressed.

Further, he said the pension board's claim they sued Ferguson on principle meant less given it was not at their own expense.

Lawyer Matt Pearn tells Tide News it's up to Ferguson whether he accepts the amount.


Justice Grant said the total legal costs in the case exceeded $2 million dollars.

Glenn Cooke on Undercover Boss Canada

Corus Entertainment has announced the schedule for the upcoming season of the hit television show UNDERCOVER BOSS CANADA.
This is the show that invites CEOs to work in the field so that they can learn more about their companies and their people.

Cooke Aquaculture CEO Glenn Cooke is one of the 10 Canadian CEOs who went undercover for the upcoming season.
Glenn Cooke spends a week working undercover at the Canadian leader in salmon farming, encountering the East Coasters who nurture his fish and their remarkable stories.

The Cooke episode debuts on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 pm on W Network.

Three Bodies Found In Burning Car In Bangor, Maine

The state medical examiner's office beginning autopsies today on three bodies found burning in a car in Bangor, Maine.


Early yesterday morning (August 13, 2012), a car with Rhode Island plates was discovered burning in a parking lot on Target Industrial Circle in Bangor.

Firefighters found the 3 bodies after putting out the flames.

A Bangor Police Department spokesman says the deaths are suspiscious, but will give no other details at this time.

Large Crowds For International Fest Despite Rain

The rain putting a damper on festivities, but not on everyone's spirit.


The 2012 International Festival closing weekend wrapping up last night with a fireworks display over the St. Stephen / Calais waterfronts last night.

A huge crowd attending, despite the drizzly weather.

The International Festival Parade on Saturday also getting wet, but the streets were still packed.

The best overall entry in the parade was awarded to the Ganong Nature Park.

The Best Commercial Entry went to Lawrance Lord and Sons, and best Non-Commercial entry was Barbara's School of Dance.

Sexual Assault Suspect Drank 19 Beers, Did Cocaine

The plot thickens in a case of alleged sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and unlawful confinement at Buccaneer's Pub in Saint John back in January....25-year-old Bradley Scott Wilson saying he never laid a hand on the 46-year-old bartender, and she initiated all the sexual contact in exchange for cash.

Wilson claims he only scuffled with the woman after she stole $100 from a jacket he left in the washroom...contradicting her testimony that he cornered her and intimidated her into performing sex acts. Another woman also at the bar last night claims he hassled her for a kiss after offering her drugs. Wilson's version is after the bartender stole the money, she offered him oral sex in exchange for keeping it.

The Chance Harbour man admitted to a drinking problem saying he had 19 beer and several lines of cocaine the night of the incident. He had previously been barred from the pub for fighting.

Chocolate Lover Of The Year 2012

Chocolate Town has found it's "Chocolate Lover of the Year".


Evan McBride earning the beloved title today on his 6th birthday.

McBride being presented with a plaque this afternoon ( August 10th) and a basket full of chocolate goodies during Chocolate-Mania festivities at the St. Stephen High School.

Local MLA Worried Over Acadian Bus Closure

A local MLA blaming the provincial government of having mixed-up priorities.


With the coming closure of Acadian Bus Lines, Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet tells Tide News the government doesn't want to spend money on public transit.

He argues "...if the Alward Government can purchase the Harbour Bridge at a cost of over $150 million a year, if they can create a $200,000 a year position for Margaret-Ann Blaney, and have our Deputy Premier and CEO of NB Liquor having a nice vacation in France on the tax-payers dime, then I think they should at least consider playing a role in maintaining an essential service such as this."

Doucet tells Tide News the people of New Brunswick - particularly in rural areas - depend on this service, and the Alward government needs to consider that.

He says he hopes that the Alward Government is looking at all of it's options on the table. He says there are other bus lines that are interested, and New Brunswick needs to create an environment that will offer a province-wide service, so places like St. Stephen will not be left out.

Doucet says Acadian makes stops in Pennfield, Blacks Harbour, St. George, as well as St. Stephen, connecting residents to stops all over the Maritimes.

Premier Holding Cabinet Meeting In St. Stephen Today

There will be a few extra Ministers in Chocolate Town today.


Premier David Alward and Cabinet Ministers from across the province holding a meeting in St. Stephen.

This is the first time any such meeting has been held locally.

Communications Director Jesse Robichaud tells Tide News Alward is holding meetings around the province as a way to get closer to New Brunswickers.

Robichaud adds, it's also a chance for local MLA Curtis Malloch ( as seen in picture ) to address concerns and opportunities specific to Charlotte County.

Earthquake In Pennfield

It wasn't very big, but the locals still felt it.


An earthquake, with the magnitude of 2.6 on the Richter Scale being reported this morning (August 7, 2012), shortly after midnight.

The Natural Resources of Canada website confirming the areas hit hardest were Pennfield and St. George.

There have been no reports of injury or damage.

Tourism Minister Confident This Season Will Be A Good One

The weather's been good but we'll have to wait awhile before seeing how good tourism has been this summer in the province.

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says he won't have the numbers until the summer is over but from what he's been told by operators and seen for himself, he's confident the numbers will be up.

Holder says he's amazed that wherever he goes in the world to promote the province, everyone, it seems, wants to see the Bay of Fundy and that has to be pushed more because you can't over promise when selling New Brunswick to potential visitors.

Holder says the sculpturing taking place down at the Coast Guard site will boost tourism because there is a growing number of people who want to experience the culture of the place they're visiting.

Warning For Shellfish Cooking

If you're planning on cooking some shellfish for a long-weekend meal, you might need to take a second look at where you're buying it from and how you're cooking it.

The province's deputy chief medical officer of health warning New Brunswickers' when you buy your shellfish, make sure it's from an approved vendor, since some areas are closed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans due to levels of bacteria and toxins.

Dr. Denis Allard tells Tide news you also need to cook your seafood properly and the sooner you eat it, the better, if you don't cook right away it will start to spoil and bacteria will multiply.

Allard adds consequences range from vomiting to even loosing memory or becoming paralysed.

Click here for more information on shellfish food safety.

New Exhibit & Celebrations At Fundy Aquarium

As your planning how to enjoy your long weekend you can catch the end and start of exhibits at the Fundy Aquarium in St Andrews.

Event coordinator Janie Jones tells Tide news they have plenty of events planned for tomorrow including a cash BBQ from 11:30-1, mini Olympics from 1:30-3:00, and a puppet show 3:15. They'll also be a craft table where kids can make their own New Brunswick flag.

Today is the last day to check out shark week featuring a wide variety of rare sharks to make room for tomorrow's beginning of "Water Week". It'll focus on celebrating fisherman and display fishing techniques.

 

For more information, click here.

Woman Stuck On Elevator

It's the kind of story that makes you want to take the stairs.

One woman is free after being stuck in an elevator for about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon in Saint John.

Around 1:30pm the employee of Rocmaura Nursing Home was freed with the help of Saint John Fire crews and maintenance staff.

Fire crews stayed on scene for 55 minutes to make sure she was OK -- especially because it was a hot day and warm in the elevator.

New Rules, Tips For Crossing The Border

It's the long weekend--and many of us are heading south for shopping and fun across the border. Dwayne Ingraham of Canadian Border Services says to make your trip as hassle-free as possible, you might consider using the Third Bridge border crossing out of St Stephen instead of the downtown crossing most people use.


Of course, you should always bring proper identification like your passport of Nexus Card. Igraham also reminds travelers the personal exemption limits were bumped up in June to $200 for absences of 24 hours or more, and $800 for absences of 48 hours or more.

Beware of Scammers

The Rothesay Regional Police Force warning people about two different scams making the rounds...the first involves purchases made off auction sites like Ebay and Kijiji.

Detective Sergeant Craig MacDougall explains one involves fake email confirming money has been sent for items being sold online. The emails use PayPal's logo to make it seem official. The sellers then send off the items--but the money isn't actually there when they log in.
MacDougall also warns of a second scam that's been going on for a while in which the caller claims to be from Microsoft and needs access to your computer to fix a virus. He says it's most likely both of the scams originate from overseas.

Prices Go Up At Tim's

Your Tim's fix has just gotten more expensive.....Timmie's says the price of a muffin is now five cents higher, and sandwiches have gone up by about 10 cents. The new prices will affect most locations.
The price of coffee is staying the same.

The price jump comes after Maple Leaf Foods warned drought conditions will drive up food prices. Tim's has more that 3,700 restaurants throughout North America.

Cookie & Spice Recall From CFIA

A couple of warnings from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
One warning is not to consume, sell or serve the Spice Kingdom brand dried Egyptian Basil because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Spice Kingdom brand BASIL - EGYPTIAN, 30M, Whole, Fancy, bearing Lot No. 4685/E, was sold in bulk 25 kg (55 lbs) bags to cash & carry outlets, restaurants, bakeries and food service establishments in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba. So far there's been no reported illnesses. The importer, Shah Trading Co. Ltd., Scarborough, ON is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
In another case CFIA is warning people with allergies to milk not to consume the Crispy Just Baked, Crispy, and Sunrize Oven Fresh brands of Cookies described below. The affected products contain milk which is not declared on certain labels.
All codes of the following Cookies which do not clearly declare milk on the labels are listed below:
Brand Product Size UPC
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 380 g 6 27265 00153 7
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00152 0
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00151 3
Crispy Just Baked Almond Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00120 9
Crispy Just Baked Coconut Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00121 6
Crispy Just Baked Pistachio Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00601 3
Crispy Just Baked Salted Khari
Biscuits 200 g 6 27265 00247 3
Crispy Butterfly Cookies
Baqar Khani 340 g 6 27265 00132 2
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00602 0
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00262 6
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00272 5
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00116 2
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00216 9
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00274 9
Sunrize Oven Fresh Zeera Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00865 9

Three Vehicle Crash Sends Three People To Hospital On Highway 1

Police sending out a warning after a three-vehicle crash on Highway 1.


Around 2pm yesterday (July 31st), District 1 RCMP responding to a massive collision on a 2-lane stretch of highway in Bethel.

Police tell Tide News a car had stopped on the highway, preparing to make a left turn, and was hit from behind by a second vehicle.

The first vehicle was then sent into the opposite lane, colliding with a third vehicle.

Three people were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight warns drivers, when making a left turn, keep your wheels straight until you can make the turn safely.

This way, MacKnight adds, if you are hit from behind, your car won't be sent into oncoming traffic.