Midnight Madness Hitting St. Stephen Tonight

It's Time to "Spread the Cheer and Shop Right Here"!

Tonight is Midnight Madness in St. Stephen with many businesses staying open late for your convenience with countless sales.
Shop locally in St. Stephen at over 60 businesses and fill out a ballot to win some Christmas Cash.

Tonight will be the first draw with the St. Stephen Retailers Christmas Promotion with $250 up for grabs.

The Doors To Healthcare Will Remain Open... For Now

It came down to crunch-time, but we have the victory.


The people of Charlotte County will not lose their healthcare services at the Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour -- at least for now.

Residents of Charlotte County can breathe easy knowing the Fundy Health Centre will remain open, after doctors threatened to lock-up and protest a policy from the Horizon Health Network that would charge them $1.50 per patient visit.
Doctors were planning to lock the doors and refuse patients after Friday, November 30th, 2012.

MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet tells Tide News Health Minister Hugh Flemming has stepped in and the doctors are talking with Horizon Health. He says, "The doctors are discussing this issue, they are dialoguing. I understand there are some parts of negotiations that are still going on, but at least this gives them some breathing room, the $1.50 is off the table, and now they can continue to do the work that they've been doing, serving the people of this area. After tomorrow (Friday) it's going to be business as usual, and doctors will continue to see patients at the facility."

Doucet says he wants to give credit where credit is due, and says he is grateful for Health Minister Hugh Flemming for stepping in on the matter. However, Doucet says,  "I've discussed this with the mayors of Blacks Harbour and St. George, and we are all very cautiously optimistic because we don't know what is in the future. That's why we'd still like to meet with the minister on this, along with the doctors, so we can talk not only about the short term, but what is the long-term future of this facility."

Town Buying Property, But Quiet On Future Plans

They're buying the property, but won't tell us what they want with it.


St. Stephen Town Council passing a motion during last night's council meeting (November 26th) to purchase a section of land off Route 170, between Car Quest and a private farm, from the Dept of Transportation.

Mayor John Quartermain tells Tide News it's a prime piece of real estate. He said they intend to flip the property and make the town some revenue. However, he wouldn't give any further details on what the town plans on doing with the property. Quartermain says, "There's reasons, there are reasons and I can't go into it right now."

The pricetag on the property is $1700.

Liberal Leader Gets Taste Of Charlotte County

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant getting a good taste of Charlotte County this weekend.


Gallant is touring New Brunswick to gather information on what residents want from their government.

At the Magaguadavic Place in St. George, Gallant tells Tide News he was very happy with the big turn-out of residents. He says, "It was really interesting as it was a good chance to let people know what I'm about, and where I think our party and the province has to go, and it was also a really great opportunity to have some feedback about what is happening here locally and what's happening here in the province. It's very beneficial to me."

In Gallant's speech, he said we need three things in New Brunswick. "We need to change our political culture by putting parties aside and working together to help the economy. We need to be transparent, not only in our information, but in our motives."

He says, "Next is job creation. New Brunswick is 1 of 2 provinces to have lost jobs in 2012, which means our economy is shrinking. That makes job creation our biggest priority. Right now we've seen cuts, and cuts, and cuts, but we can't cut our way to prosperity. One of the reasons we see so many cuts is because we aren't growing the revenue side of things. We have to go to a system that will develop our economy by making conditions that will help businnesses in the long run and not just a quick fix to earn a few extra votes at election time."

Gallant says his third priority is education and training. "If we want to be ready for the knowledge economy tomorrow, we have to invest in education and training today." He says it's not just about university, it's about college, K to 12, pre-school, and life-long learning. It's not just about math and science, it's about putting skilled trades back in our schools."

Gallant also making a stop in Blacks Harbour for the Sunday Jam Session, where he joined local MLA Rick Doucet in a so-called "butchered" version of "You Are My Sunshine".

New Health Coaches To Help Fight Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, you're about to get a new way to fight it.

New health coaches are gearing up here in Saint John and across the province as part of New Brunswick's new Live Well! program. The $1.7 million partnership between the Department of Health, the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Medavie Health Foundation uses a community approach to prevent and manage diabetes.

Lesley Melanson is one of the heath coaches here in Saint John, and she tells Tide news she'll be helping people between the ages of 16-50 fight the chronic disease. She says she'll be a resource and mentor in helping people get healthy. They'll work with community groups that focus on healthy eating, active living and mental health.

Melanson says a big misconception about type 2 diabetes is most people view it as a disease only older people get, and because of this a lot of young people keep living an unhealthy lifestyle.  She says about 10% of people living in Greater Saint John and over 70,000 people in New Brunswick have diabetes. That number is also expected to rise to 128,000 by 2032.

The service is free but you'll need to be refereed to the health coach by a physician or another health care provider.

Most Canadians Like Their Job

Turns out most Canadians are pretty satisfied with their jobs, that's according to a recent study by the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling.

Jeff Landine -- an assistant professor in the faculty of education at UNB -- has reviewed the study and found that we also have a better balance between work and our personal lives than most countries.

The study shows a whopping 81% of Canadians are satisfied with their jobs, 86% like the work they do and 78% are happy with their overall life. It also found 88% like their coworkers and 62% are content and don't plan to switch jobs. Landine isn't surprised by the numbers, and says the more control people feel they have in their job the happier they are.

The downside? 39% of people felt they aren't paid fairly. Landine says when you look at pay, perks or interest in work, that can lead to dissatisfaction.

Fires Destroy Homes In Shediac & Bathurst

Five people in are temporarily homeless after a fire yesterday afternoon that destroyed their duplex. No one was hurt in the blaze at 115 Smith Avenue in Shediac.

The Canadian Red Cross provided emergency aid with blankets, food and shelter.

Firefighters were on the scene for several hours. No word yet no the cause of the blaze.

The second fire happening in Bathurst around 8 o'clock at night.

The Canadian Red Cross says two families are without a home after a fire broke out on Assaff Drive.

Fire crews say the blaze destroyed a row house and caused smoke damage in several other nearby row houses. No one was injured.

Point Lepreau Is Finally Running Again

It's been a long time coming, but the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is back online as of today.

The facility is expected to provide 25 to 30 years of power to both New Brunswickers and export customers.Gaeten Thomas, president and CEO of NB Power, tells Tide News the customer rates will level out in the long term despite the project's widely-broadcast cost overruns.

There have been seemingly endless delays in the refurbishment project, which began in 2008. Tests and monitoring will continue during the early weeks of the plant's operation.

Honouring Our Vets Beyond Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has passed, but our veterans aren't forgotten.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston announcing a contribution of up to over $20,000 dollars to restore a memorialhonouring those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, peacekeeping operations and modern missions.

The monument will be cleaned and polished, and various parts of it will be updated and replaced.

Inquest Into Smith's Death Will Be "Broadly Based"

A coroner ruled Friday that an inquest into the prison death of a New Brunswick teenager will be broadly based despite objections raised by several doctors who treated her.

The three Ontario doctors argued the inquest should focus only on the last days of Ashley Smith's life at the Grand Valley Institution in Kitchener, Ontario.

Smith's family, backed by other parties, wanted the coroner to examine much more, including how Smith was treated at other prisons in other provinces long before her death.

The 19-year-old Smith choked to death in October 2007 as guards essentially stood by.

(Courtesy of the Canadian Press)

Irvings Rank #3 As Canada's Wealthiest

It may not come as a surprise, but the province's oil giants the Irvings are among the wealthiest Canadians.

That's according to Canadian Business magazine's annual ranking of Canada's wealthiest, putting industrialists James, Arthur and the late Jack Irving at # 3 on the list.

The trio have a combined net worth of about 8-billion dollars.

Topping the list was the Thomson family, owners of Thomson Reuters, at more than $20-billion dollars.

Making Science Less Intimidating & More Fun

Making physics a little less intimidating and a lot more fun.

That's the goal of Physics–Ploration, a series of exciting physic presentations and experiments at the Saint John Free Public library. 

UNB Saint John physics professor Dr. Li-Hong Xu sets up and explains the experiments to get students from elementary to high school curious about the science. She says very few people get into physics because they think it's hard, but Xu stresses that anything is hard and just like anything you have to work on it. She says physics is part of our everyday life and it's interesting to understand the world you're living in.

The experiments are designed as hands on activities for students. Today's session will focus on forces. Xu describes some forces as visible -- such as push and pull -- while others are invisible like electromagnetic and gravity. Other sessions in the past have even focused on physics in the kitchen, like how a microwave can measure the speed of light.

Today's presentation will run from 1:00 until 2:00 pm in the multipurpose room on the second floor in Saint John.

Renovated Algonquin Will Help Economy Year Round

The famous Algonquin Hotel and resort is receiving a major face-lift.


New Castle Hotels and Resorts doing renovations on the property in St. Andrews, which will include a new roof, windows, and warmer, energy efficient wings that will allow marketing for all seasons.

Vice President of New Castle Guido Kerpel tells Tide News its a unique and very iconic property. He says, "We are going to restore it to the way it was but with some modern slants. That as well as the fact that we are now going to be operating 365 days of the year, full steam ahead to bring guests to the property."

Kerpel adds both sections of the hotel will now match, with the same color white paint, and the tudor-style trim will reach from end to end.

The renovations are also bringing some new -- and old -- ideas to the buildings. Private balconies along the second floor, which were included with the original design in 1889, but were not rebuilt after the fire in the early 1900's, will be put back in place.  The outdoor pool will remain as it is at the request of many returning summer guests, however, to accomodate the winter guests, a new indoor pool is being built where a former garden was situated. The indoor pool will be approximately 6000 square feet and will have a two-story, indoor/outdoor spiral water-slide.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells Tide News an overwhelming majority of the contractors involved come from New Brunswick. He tells Tide News, "It's another example of what we are doing, during tough, fiscal and economic times, make sure there is opportunities for the local economy here in St. Andrews and Charlotte County, but also continue to build a world-class tourism product for the whole province."

Local MLA for Charlotte-Campobello Curtis Malloch tells Tide News the bottom line in the project is the employment factor. Malloch tells us, "We have upwards of 10 or more local contractors and sub-contractors right out of the riding of Charlotte-Campobello. Just one contract that I know of, the roof contract, it is worth over a million dollars, and it is a local company that has that contract." Malloch says not a single penny has been spent outside of New Brunswick.
The completion date is June 1st. ( Top Picture - The Algonquin showing boarded up windows. The private balconies will be built along the second floor. Bottom Picture - From Left; MLA Curtis Malloch, Tourism Minister Trevor Holder, and Construction Manager for Avant-Garde Construction and Management Inc. Rob Clinch, looking over the area where the indoor pool will be built. )

Gallant Responds To Alward Bashing His Party

Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant is speaking out after getting slammed by Premier David Alward.


In an interview with our sister station, CHSJ, Gallant said he wanted to put politics aside and work with the Tories to build the economy.

Alward then responded at the Conservatives' Annual General meeting over the weekend. Alward spend 8 minutes of his 24 minute speech dedicated to bashing Gallant and why he didn't believe the Liberal party.

Gallant tells Tide News its not going to be easy to change our political culture. Gallant says, "I know its going to take a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of patience. I know its new to hear an Opposition party saying they want to collaborate, they want to offer pro-active, positive ideas, so we are just going to go ahead and keep doing that."

Gallant tells us he has the political will to keep trucking with his message of doing it differently. "Its the way that politics is supposed to be. We're not simply there to criticize everything the government does, we are there to offer solutions as well. We are there to say if we think the idea is good, but also to ask questions and keep the government accountable, and to let them know if they are saying things that can be tweaked or done better."

Gallant will be coming to Charlotte County on Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

He will be attending a "Jam Session" with the locals at the Stella Maris Hall in Blacks Harbour at 2pm, in which Gallant says -- quote -- "Where I will be singing terribly."

At 3pm, Gallant will head to the Magaguadavic Place in St. George for a "Meet & Greet".

CBS Getting Donors From St. Stephen

It's in you to give.


Canadian Blood Services is trying to get local donors from St. Stephen.

CBS Community Development Coordinator Thomas Bishop tells Tide News the blood is used for many different ailments and diseases. He says, "There's lots of different kinds of cancers that require blood transfusions, there are people who have blood disorders, some infants when they are born need blood, and trauma victims from car accidents." Bishop adds, "The biggest units are needed for trauma victims."
Bishop says the need for blood is constant. "We see our hardest times to collect are during the summer months and Christmas, when people are preoccupied with other things and it's not top of mind. So as we're heading into the winter months, it's a really critical time."

Bishop says every minute of every day - somebody needs blood. He tells us, "Currently in Canada, 1 in 2 people are eligible to give blood, but only 1 in 60 do." He encourages everyone if they are healthy and are feeling up to it on the day of the clinic to come and give it a try.
He says to make sure you eat a meal and drink lots of fluids on the day of the donation prior to giving your blood.


The Blood Donor Clinic will be at the St. Stephen Legion, located at 43 Queen Street in St. Stephen, tomorrow ( Thusday, November 22nd ) from 2 to 4, and again from 5:30 to 7:30.
To book an appointment call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or go online at www.blood.ca.

Stolen Artwork Found On Chapel Steps

Artwork that was stolen from a home in St. Andrews over the weekend has been found.


Around 9:00 this morning, RCMP received a call from volunteers at St. John the Baptist Anglican Chapel in Chamcook, just outside of St. Andrews.

The volunteers found 11 pieces of the stolen art, including the portrait "Angel" by Herzl Kashetsky, pottery,  and blown glass, on the steps leading to one of the entrances to the chapel.


Police say the break-in happened between Friday night and early Saturday morning on Parr Street.
None of the artwork was damaged.

Man On Canada-Wide Warrant Arrested By Police

Police in Saint John reporting they have arrested a 42 year old man who was wanted on a Canada wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.


William Wayne Cummer was last seen on Tuesday and has an extensive criminal rap sheet that includes numerous violent offenses and police warned not to approach him.

Cummer will be appearing in court today.

Charlotte County Is Linked To Life

Green ribbons are decorating the main streets of many communities in Charlotte County -- including the Islands -- for the Link To Life Campaign.


Roz Allen from the Charlotte County Suicide Prevention Committee tells Tide News they felt compelled to do something in response to events that have been happening the last few months in our area.


Allen says the purpose of the campaign is about encouraging people in distress to reach out and get help, as well as educating the public on recognizing the warning signs of suicide.


She says the campaign will run until November 30th.

Allen will be hosting free "SafeTalk" information sessions for the public. The first session will be held tonight  ( November 19th ) in St. Stephen at the Education Centre on School Street (formerly known as the old District 10 building), tomorrow night in St. Andrews ( November 20th ) at NBCC, and in St. George on November 27th at the Magaguadavic Centre.

All talks are from 6pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register call 755-4044.
(Picture: Allen hosting a "SafeTalk" session with students from St. Stephen High School.)

Saint John Firefighter Dies From Fall In Ottawa

A 39-year-old man from Saint John has died after falling from a hydraulic lift in Ottawa early Friday morning.

Emergency crews were called to a construction site at around 2:30 a.m.

Dale Clinton was rushed to hospital where he later died of his injuries. He fell about 4 1/2 meters off the lift, and friends quickly called 911.

There was no construction scheduled overnight, and police are not treating the incident as an industrial accident.

Saint John Fire Department confirms he was a firefighter, but no other details have been released.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

The streets in Saint John are filled with lights and holiday decorations in preparation for tonight's 60th annual Santa Claus Parade.

This years theme is "children's dreams, wishes and imaginations," which Leslie Keating from Uptown Saint John says will bring out some favorite childhood characters. She says this year has some pretty creative entries, plus lots of bands and walking groups. Kids are encouraged to write letters to Santa and are reminded to include their return mailing address so the big guy can write back.

Lightly used coats and donations will be collected for the food bank before the parade starts, which Keating says is the biggest single day pick up for the charity.

Local artist Fred Ross is this year's marshal for the 45 minute event, which will follow the same route as last year. 

The parade will leave the Causeway, go onto Union St., left on Sydney St., right on King’s Square North, left on Charlotte St., down King St. and on to St. Patrick, on to Main St., right on Lansdowne Ave., and right at Wellesley Blvd.  These streets will be closed off during the parade. 

People are also asked not to park on King Street after 5pm, or risk being towed. All 4 lanes of the Causeway will be blocked off beginning at 3:30pm for the parade line-up.

The whole show starts at 6pm. For more information, click here.

Police Looking For Man Unlawfully At Large

Saint John City Police are looking for your help in finding a man who's currently unlawfully at large and a Canada Wide Warrant has been issued for his arrest.
   
42 year old William Wayne Cummer was last seen on November 13th. He has an extensive criminal background that involves numerous violent offenses and shouldn't be approached.  He's described as being 6' tall, 181 lbs., with brown hair or a shaved head, hazel eyes, with tattoos on face, neck and body.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cummer is asked to contact the Saint John Police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

3rd Arrest Made In Connection With Stabbing

Saint John City Police arresting a third man in connection with the home invasion that left one 18 year old dead earlier this month.

The 16 year old teenager, whose name can't be released, was arrested Thursday in Moncton. The young offender appeared in court Friday to answer to appropriate charges.

On November 3rd police were called to a home on Prince Street West, in regards to a home invasion where two young men had been stabbed. 

A warrant still exists for 22-year-old Bradley Saia.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Chocolate Town!

Santa Claus is coming to Chocolate Town!


The Annual St. Stephen Christmas Parade hitting the streets tonight with over 40 float participants.

Watch for your local postal workers because CUPE will be collecting "Letters to Santa" from children during the parade.

The parade will start tonight at 6:30 from the Ganong Factory, with the annual Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa immediately following in the St. Stephen Town Square. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the Town Square.

Students Speak Out On Health Report Cards

The teachers think it's great, and so do the health professionals -- but what about the kids?


St. Stephen High School students receiving their Health Report Cards this week after being tested in various areas like cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and body mass, as well as self-esteem and mental health.

Grade 10 student William MacKnight tells Tide News the program is a positive thing for the school. He says, "I think it's a good idea, a lot of students can use the eye-opener and it's a very good opportunity to get to know where we are at."

Grade 10 student Lexi Brisley tells Tide News she thinks some students will ignore the interventions being offered by the school, but she won't be. She says, "I think it's a really good idea because a lot of people just don't know what is going on with their bodies, whether they are actually healthy or not, and this project really gives you the right idea."

Grade 11 student Alesha Baxter tells Tide News she was tested last year and was shocked to see what her results looked like. She says she decided to take the matter into her own hands and change her lifestyle. Baxter says over the course of the summer, she cut out bad foods from her diet, and became involved in many more physical activities. She says she was able to lose around 30 lbs. She says, "It was something I thought I needed to do to make myself happier. I've noticed a big change in my confidence and self-esteem, and I feel a lot happier these days."

Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial -- who oversaw the project -- says it's not about comparing the statistics of one class to another, but comparing the progress of one student throughout their high school years.

( Picture: Grade 10 Student Lexi Brisley )

Health Report Cards Sees Bright Future For Struggling Students

It's Health Report Card Day at St. Stephen High School.


Grade 10 students were tested in areas such as cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index, as well as mental health and self-esteem. Today the students receive their results.

The initiative started 3 years ago at SSHS as a way to help unhealthy kids, before they become unhealthy adults.


Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, a heart specialist who is overseeing the Health Report Card Day says, "Our kids are the first generation that will live a shorter lifespan than their parents." He says, "Today is all about educating the kids. That's why we realized we have to start where the kids are, which is in school, and not try to drag them out of their environment to a hospital or clinicto try an learn about their health. It should happen here."

Last year's results showed 10% of the students, aged 15, had 5 or more risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Dr. Lutchmedial says, "It's not about comparing the statistics of one class to another, but comparing how one student is doing throughout their high school years. Are they getting healthier as they get better educated? Are they starting to make better choices? With the interventions this year, are they actually going to be feeling better?"

Vice-Principal Krista Amos tells Tide News it is now time to focus on the intervention process. She says, "There will be opportunities during our Academic Intervention, which is a period students currently use to do homework during their school day. We are also going to open up the gym for some after school slots. We know the dietition will be coming to the school to work with students, mental health will be here to look at students who may have scored low on self-esteem. All sorts of good things are about to happen at St. Stephen High School."

The initiative started 3 years ago as a way to help unhealthy kids before they become unhealthy adults.

Amos says the entire program is voluntary and parents are sent a copy of their child's report card in the mail -- as opposed to the bottom of a bookbag.
(Picture: Dr. Lutchmedial (left), Nurse Practitioner Yvonne Bartlett (centre), and Vice Principal Krista Amos (right) explaining the Health Report Cards to the first class to receive them.)

Skilled Trades A Focus In Anglophone South District

Skilled Trades are becoming a popular item in our local high schools.


Coordinator of Technology & Skilled Trades for Anglophone South Moira Sherwood making a presentation to the District Education Council last night on the importance of skilled trades to our students and the connection between co-op courses and apprenticeship.

Sherwood tells Tide News the need for skilled trades workers across New Brunswick is very evident. She says the labour shortage in the province identifies why this is an opportunity to show the students all of their choices for a career.
Sherwood says many courses the students can take now will give them hours that can count towards an apprenticeship later, such as Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Framing & Sheathing.   Sherwood says not all of the schools in the Anglophone South School District have every course, but there is a wide variety of careers to choose from at each school. She says they want students to see all of their possibilities.

Pennfield Prepares for Annual Christmas Telethon

Pennfield being filled with the Christmas Spirit this weekend.


The Eastern Charlotte Lions Club will be hosting the 18th Annual Christmas Telethon this Saturday, November 17th from Noon to 6pm.

One of the organizers, Karen Tracy tells Tide News the Telethon will be taped this weekend, and played on Rogers Channel 10 on December 1st. She says everyone is welcome to come to the Lions Club on Saturday to pledge and enjoy the entertainment. She says anyone can make a pledge both days,  November 17th or December 1st, and they will accept any donations or pledges in between those days.

Some donations Tracy says the club is looking for are food, winter clothing and home-made items like knitted socks, hats, mittens and scarves as well as Christmas gifts. She adds that children's storybooks were a top item on this year's wish list.

Any money or donations from the event go to help local families in Charlotte County who are struggling during the holiday season. Tracy says last year they were able to help twenty-eight families with forty-six children.

If you would like to make a pledge, call the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club at 755-3713.

New & Old Saint Johners Remember

People from across Saint John coming out in droves and filling Harbour Station with gratefulness, respect and remembrance for our veterans.

10-year-old girl guide Rebecca Crosby tells Tide news she earned a Remembrance Day badge for helping in the ceremonies. She says through girl guides she's met and talked to veterans, and her great-great grandparents fought for Canada.

Lynn Stevens tells Tide news her father and uncles were vets, and her mother was a war bride who immigrated to Canada from England while the war was happening. She was on a boat with two young children while her husband was fighting. Stevens says if you think about everybody from that time, there's so many examples of courage.

Saint Johner Stephen Duggan has been going to cenotaphs all of his life, and tells Tide news he's always had an inner conflict that we might be glorifying war, but know it's to support our veterans. He says Remembrance Day is also a way to celebrate and keep world peace.

Sue Murray's parents were veterans who served over in England and her son served in Afghanistan. She says she does miss outdoor services but loved the ceremony at Harbour Station, saying it's better for people who are getting older and it brings more people out.

Sisters Madeline & Theresa Frauley have been attending Remembrance Day ceremonies for over 60 years. They say they first hated when the ceremony moved inside, but now say it's the best thing they could've ever done. They say it brings in more crowds and it's more comfortable for people both young and old.

Foreign students also experiencing their first Remembrance Day at Harbour Station. 16-year-olds Kwang Cho from Jamaica and Minhquan from Vietnam came with their school friend Adam Teskey. Teskey tells Tide news they're staying at his house over the long weekend and brought them out to the ceremony.
Minhquan says in Vietnam their Independence Day remembers their vets. But no matter when or where the ceremony is, it's important for the younger generations to know their soldiers who fought for their freedom.

TV Star And Comedian Talks About Teaching

Comedian Gerry Dee recently put on a show at the Imperial Theatre and you might remember him from his TV show "Mr. Dee" where he plays a teacher.

It shouldn't be that much of a stretch since Dee worked as a teacher and lived to write about it in a book entitled "Teaching.......It's Harder Than It Looks" and parents need to learn your kids are not angels.

Dee tells Tide News he was bullied at school and he just laughed it off which left his tormentor with nowhere else to go but there are alot of mean kids out there.

Dee has another message for parents.......Don't expect your child's teacher to be a superhero. Keep your expectations low and you might be pleasantly surprised.

As a teacher, Dee says he always tried to make the students laugh while knowing the subject matter well and maintaining order in the classroom. That, to him, is about as good as it gets.

Premier Says Lepreau Compensation Is Not Forgotten

Even though the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant is on the verge of generating power again, Premier David Alward has not given up the quest to get compensation from Atomic Energy of Canada for the billion dollars in cost overruns.

He calls it a high priority and he brings the subject up whenever he meets with the Prime Minister.  

When asked about the liklihood of Ottawa going along with compensating the province, Alward says he doesn't answer hypothetical questions but the number one priority right now is to ensure Point Lepreau returns online without any more problems.

Charlotte County Remembers

The weather looks good for outdoor Remembrance Day ceremonies in St. Stephen with the traditional service taking place at the Milltown Cenotaph. 

In St. Andrews, there will be a march from behind the RCMP headquarters to a service in All Saints Anglican Church.

In St. George, the service will start in the Branch 40 headquarters. 

The commemoration in Blacks Harbour will be held at Stella Maris Church Hall and you should arrive by 10:30. 

Grand Manan Community School will host the service as will Campobello Island Consolidated School.

Fatal Shooting Outside Saint John

A 35 year old Baxter's Corner man has been arrested after a shooting late yesterday afternoon that has left one man dead and two others injured outside a home on Raymond Street in Baxter's Corner.
 
Three men had gone to the house and while there they got into some sort of an altercation with a man who was there.
 
All three men who had gone to the house were shot. A 31 year-old man from Baxter's Corner was killed while the two others were taken to the Regional Hospital with serious injuries.
 
There were other people in the home at the time of the shootings but they were not injured. 

The name of the man who was killed has not been released.

Prisoner Released From Jail By Mistake

The Provincial Government is conducting a review of what went wrong after the early release of an inmate last month from the Regional Jail on the Old Black River Road in Saint John.
    
The Department of Public Safety reports the inmate was released October 15th before being arrested by Saint John Police on an unrelated matter November 4th.
    
Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors said the unidentified inmate was let out by mistake but he didn't offer any further details.

Man Stabbed In Saint John

Another stabbing in Saint John is under investigation by police.

This one happened on the east side shortly before 2:30 this morning on Ellerdale Street. One man is in hospital where he had to undergo an operation while another man was arrested.

Rothesay Regional Police reporting they arrested two men after a high speed chase along the McKay Highway. It came to a conclusion on the Dolan Road and no one was injured. Police say the pair will be facing lots of charges. 

Police in the Kennebecasis Valley also arresting two men and one woman for possession of drugs at the end of Gondola Point Road.

St. Stephen Man Goes For Bodybuilding Championship

Is that a 6-pack... an 8-pack... or a 12-pack?


St. Stephen native Randy Madsen is all trained and ready to go to the 2012 NB/PEI Bodybuilding & Figure Championships tomorrow in Fredericton.

Madsen tells Tide News he graduated at St. Stephen High School in 2004 and sports were his passion. He says he got to meet and work with a lot of fantasic people, most notably the late Nick Desilets, who coached football at SSHS. Madsen says Desilets molded his mind and his outlook on reaching for higher goals. He adds Desilets was one of the best people he could ask for as a role-model, especially coming at a time when he suffered a great loss in his family.

Madsen tells us he decided to enter his first-ever competition and train for the 2011 Bodybuilding Championship last year. He says he put all of his effort into training, stayed with his meal plans, and really worked his tail off at the gym. He ended up winning the Men's lightweight bodybuilding category.

Tomorrow's championship will take place at the Fredericton Playhouse, but, Randy says, the show has been sold out for week's. He adds, "If you can get to Fredericton by 10am, you may be able to get tickets for pre-judging."

Madsen says his next goal is the 2013 Canadian National Bodybuilding Championships in Halifax next July.
He says it will be a very costly endevour so he will be opening up an online donation page for anyone who would like to contribute to his journey. He says every bit of money goes to training and nutrition, and he will be giving credit where it is due.

Randy encourages everyone and anyone to follow him personally on Facebook or Twitter ( handle is @MadsenRandy), or you can subscribe to his updates and follow his team's progress on the Blueprints Athletics Fan Page on Facebook.

Madsen says, "The support that I get from people is the strongest motivator that I have because I really enjoy being able to share my story, share my tips and tricks and hopefully I'm able to help people by doing what I do and with the information that I learn."

Woman Is Safe After Fire Dept Rescue In St. Stephen

One of St. Stephen's finest rescuing a woman from an apartment fire this week.


The St. Stephen Fire Department receiving a call to a fire at 80 Union Street at around 1:20pm on Tuesday, November 6th.

Lt. Mike Theriault tells Tide News when he arrived at the scene, he started to get the hose lines ready when a resident told him a woman was still trapped in the burning building. The resident said he was unable to get the woman out. Theriault says he went inside the apartment building, and noticed smoke coming from under the woman's door. He says the door was locked and it took a few tries before he could bust through it using his shoulder.

He says once the door opened, heavy black smoke poured out, making it extremely difficult to see. Theriault says he took a few steps into the woman's apartment with his hands out infront of him. He grabbed what he thought could be an arm and it turned out to be the woman. He describes the woman as covered in soot and ash and her hair was sizzled.

He brought the woman outside and asked her if anyone else was inside the building, which she replied, "Yes." He asked her again and the woman said, "Well, my cat is inside." He agreed the department would try to recover the cat after she was out of harm's way. Theriault says he handed the woman over to paramedics and she was treated with smoke inhalation.

Theriault says he started working with the St. Stephen Fire Department in 1992, and in Pennfield four years before that.

The department has not yet determined the cause of the fire.
Theriault says the woman's cat made it out safely as well.

Police Search For St. Stephen Arsonist

Police are looking for an arsonist in St. Stephen.


District 1 RCMP tell Tide News early Monday morning, someone set fire to the St. Stephen University.

The Mounties say the building was evacuated and there was damage to a portion of the building.

If you have any knowledge of this crime, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Crimestoppers will pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest.

MLA Speaks Out On Doctor Protest At Fundy Health Centre

The people of Charlotte County are taking another hit to healthcare.


As of November 30th, four doctors from the Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour will be walking out in protest against a policy that charges the doctors $1.50 per outpatient visit.

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet tells Tide News the doctors received a letter from the Horizon Health Network which gave them a "take it or leave it" option. He says, "I think it would have been an opportune time for them to sit down with all of the doctors that work in that facility, and say 'Here's what's happened over the past number of years, and here is what we have to do,  how can we work together on this?' But instead, 'this is it, bottom line, we're going to start collecting this fee', and the doctors are rightfully very upset about it."

Doucet says there are about 30 thousand people per year that use the facility. He says many residents do not have family doctors. He adds there are also many transit workers for the fish plants, they may be from Newfoundland, Romania, or the Phillipines, but they've relied on this service that has been open to them for a number of years. He says everyone will now be cut off.   Doucet wants Health Minister Ted Flemming to intervene and assure the people of Blacks Harbour that outpatient care will continue at the Fundy Health Centre. He adds that a long discussion is needed between the doctors and Horizon to settle this matter.

Police Investigating Property Damage In Scotch Ridge And St. Andrews

Local police still busy from the Hallowe'en season.


District 1 RCMP is investigating damage to property on Route 735 in Scotch Ridge.

Police say between the 24th and 25th of October, a number of windows were shot out of a camp.

The owner is now faced with an extensive cleanup, and a costly repair fee for the damage.

Police also looking into property damage in St. Andrews.

Between the 27th and 28th of October, the Vincent Massey Elementary School had a number of windows broken to the amount of $500.

Police are asking if anyone has any knowledge of these crimes, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Crimestoppers will pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest.

Police Say No Foul Play In Fatal Crash

An autopsy concluding no foul play was involved after a fatal car crash in Charlotte County.


District 1 RCMP tells Tide News on Friday afternoon (November 2nd, 2012), a vehicle headed north in Lawrence Station crossed the yellow line and rolled into the ditch.

The driver, and only occupant, died at the scene.

Police say there were no witnesses and foul play was not involved.

Hockey Returns To Fundy High With Big Rival Game

Hockey fans worldwide are waiting for the lockout to end -- but here in Charlotte County we have our own comeback.


After 7 years without a team, the Fundy High School Mariners are returning to play their long-time rivals -- the St. Stephen Spartans.
Coach Matt Murray tells Tide News reasons the Mariners team ended were from a lack of interest, a lack of coaches, and because players wanted to play in a midgit league, instead of a high school league, where they couldn't play both.

Murray says one of the best things for this season is it is a trial season for the Mariners. The team is not yet registered with the NBIAA until the school can determine where the kids' interests are. Because of this trial, Murray adds, the boys team is able to play in both leagues and the kids are getting a lot of hockey.


Unfortunately, the Mariner's first home game is still up in the air. Murray says it is because the Blacks Harbour rink still doesn't have ice. He says the rink needed to order new parts for a piping issue and they have told Murray the ice will hopefully come in December. Until then, Murray says, "right now, it's kind of us going out there saying 'Hey, we have a team, we can play you, but we can't quite reciprocate just yet.'"

Coach Murray says the last game the Mariners played was in 2006 -- and he was one of the players.

Murray tells Tide News he's not the only one who is excited for the big game. He says he recently put up the roster for the season and the entire school is buzzing with excitement for the big game.

  The game will take place at the Border Arena tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 7th) in St. Stephen.   Gametime is 7:20.

Stolen Tools from NBCC

RCMP in Saint Andrews, are asking for your assistance into the investigation of stolen tools.

Between the 12th - 19th of October, approximately $500 worth of tools were taken from the Refrigeration Shop at NBCC in St. Andrews.

The tools are each engraved with the unique markings “JJ” and “AT” and were held in a black/beige coloured electrician-style bag.

Police are asking anyone with knowledge of this crime to please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Police Block Off Saint John Street

City police and forensic services are blocking off 80 Princess Street in uptown Saint John with yellow tape.

Police are tight lipped about the situation, but have been on scene since 9:30 this morning.

Blood can be see on the entrance of the building. We've attempted to contact City Police for more information.

Good Cruise Season For Aquila Tours

It's been a very good cruise season for Aquila Tours.

The tourism company saw over 70,000 passengers on their tours, celebrated their 30th and their 1 millionth guest.

Beth Kelly Hatt of Aquila Tours says those are major milestones for the company. She says they've shown around 200,000 tourists our city and region in the past 4-5 years.

This years cruise season saw 74 cruise ships over a period of 146 days. We've had about 190,000 visitors, boosting our local economy by about $30 million dollars.

Police Unsure Who Was Home Invader In Stabbing

Photo Courtesy of Doug Epton

Police are interviewing people from the scene of a weekend double stabbing that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old teenage boy in Saint John.

The second stabbing victim -- a 21-year-old man -- is still recovering in hospital. City police say it's still unclear who invaded or lived in the home on Prince Street West where the stabbing occurred.

Police were called for aid at 4:30 am on 348 Prince Street West, where the 18-year-old headed for help after the stabbing that occurred at a different location.
 
Police don't believe this is a random act and say the two knew each other.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact police.