EMO Says Lots Of Rain, But No Major Flooding

There's no doubt Hurricane Sandy is making a mess of Charlotte County.


But, our local Emergency Measures Organization says there's not much of a threat for major flooding.

Director of the NB EMO Greg MacCallum tells Tide News he understands people's concerns for flooding -- especially in the Boney River and St. George areas. He says, "We're not saying this won't be a wet and rainy event with a lot of water moving around quickly, but there is no cause for great concern the capacity of the ( Magaguadavic ) river being able to move the water away.

MacCallum says the EMO is keeping a close watch on rivers -- especially the Magaguadavic -- but he assures residents that major flooding is not much of an issue.

MacCallum says to keep your own home from flooding, make sure eavestroughs and culverts are clear and your downspouts are free so water can flow away from your property. He says the best thing is to do a walk around your property to make sure everything is working properly for drainage.   MacCallum tells Tide News that a power outage may be an issue with high winds tonight. He says it's just common sense how to prepare your home, make sure you have food that can be cooked without electricity, lots of water, batteries and flashlights or candles on hand. He adds, something many people don't think about until it is too late, is make sure you have enough medication to last you a few days.

Health Report Cards Project In 3rd Year At SSHS

St. Stephen High School is getting ready for a different kind of report card.


This is the 3rd year the school has participated in testing Grade 10 students on their health.

Today, students were tested on things such as Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, as well as self-esteem and mental health. They should receive their health report cards by the end of this week or next.

Educational Champion and Vice-Principal Krista Amos tells Tide News health and education go together. Amos says we know what the research says, we know that kids have to be healthy, alert, sleeping well and eating well in order for education to have results. We have 10% of our kids who can't be learning.

Amos says they will provide interventions to students during school hours after the report cards are issued.

She says she feels very passionate that if they can help look after the student's bodies, health, and mental health, that numeracy and literacy ratings will go up.

Nurse Practitioner Yvonne Bartlett tells Tide News they want to stear the kids away from unhealthy dieting.


Bartlett says we want to talk about weight discrimination and what happens. She mentions one thing they found over the past two years was that as BMI -- or Body Mass Index -- goes up, self-esteem goes down. She says this is something these students will carry their whole life and we must be very careful with how we work with them.
Bartlett says last year, they found that 10 % of the students, aged 15, already have 5 or more risk factors for coronary heart disease.

She adds that everything is completely voluntary.
( Picture - left: Nurse Practitioner at SSHS Yvonne Bartlett, right: Vice Principal at SSHS Krista Amos )

Keep Storm Drains Clear For Sandy

The Town of St. Stephen issuing a release while we bunker down for Hurricane Sandy.


Rain and high winds are expected to affect St. Stephen, and to prevent flooding, residents are being asked to keep storm drains around their homes free and clear of debris.

Also, residents are being asked to put away or secure any garden furniture or other items that could blow away in the storm.

The Town says to make sure you have extra batteries and food on hand.

Local Police Looking For Youth In Stolen Pickup

St. Stephen RCMP are looking for a stolen 2000 Ford Pickup that is blue/green in color.


The Mounties tell us the suspect is a youth, 5'9, with a thin build, brown or dirty blonde hair, with acne on his face.

Cst. Dave McClarty tells Tide News the truck has New Brunswick plates CJD 091, however, McClarty says they could be removed or altered.

Any suspicious vehicles are asked to be reported to local police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers will pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest.

Case Adjourned For St. Stephen Man With Gun Charge

A brief appearance this morning in St. Stephen Provincial Court from a man charged with careless use of a firearm.


Judge David Walker adjourned the case until the lawyer for 22-year-old Michael Kenneth Hanley could be present.

RCMP say in the wee hours of September 12th, they received a report of gunshots being fired in the direction of a car with people inside on Spring Street.

Hanley was arrested and charged later that same day.

Hanley returns to court November 8th.