Severe Weather Warning For St. Stephen

Charlotte County might be in for a real big storm tonight.

Environment Canada issuing a weather bulletin that states conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

The Network says the storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large hail stones.

St. Stephen and Northern Charlotte County as well as areas around Fredericton are included.

Rally In The St. Croix Valley Gets Nod Of Approval

Our International Motorcycle Festival getting the official nod from St. Stephen Town Council.

Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley, Bob Hamel tells Tide News he is greatful for the support -- even if it's not financial. "I hope to come back next year and convince them that funding would be an appropriate thing for us."

This year the Town decided not to contribute financially to the Rally as well as a number of other organizations as a way to save money in the community deficit.



The festival will have events for all ages, including the Parade of Lights, themed rides, and outdoor concerts.

The Rally in the St. Croix Valley will run next weekend, from July 5th through to the 7th.

City Taking Proactive Approach To Release Of Sex Offenders

Controversy has been swirling around the release of three sex offenders into the community in recent months, an issue that hasn't been lost on council. 

They voted to begin work that would result in them getting a heads up in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says the city is very vulnerable right now, and answers are needed to understand how the numbers of sex offenders are distributed across Canada, the reasoning behind the decision to release those individuals into particular communities and whether or not the context is taken into account.

They'll also be setting up a meeting with various officials to talk about the best way to resolve the problem in a way that protects the interests and safety of the community.

Snook's Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

Donnie Snook's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 29th and could last more than one day. 

Judge Alfred Brien also says the actual sentencing itself may not take place then. 

He has also ordered a sex offender assessment to be part of the pre-sentence report on the likelihood of re-offending.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle is not ruling out further charges being laid. 

Boyle also suggested Snook is not being housed in the local jail but would not say where he is being held.

Judith Meinert was a member of the Board at the Inner City Youth Minister when Donnie Snook was the Director and also volunteered at the Chicken Noodle Club when he was there. 

She admits to being left speechless at what has come to light since early January.

Meinert says she and Snook often went to evening prayer together but obviously his life was not all it seemed with alot of compartmentalisation.

Radio Strikers Mark One Year

As of today, seven radio personalities have been on strike for 365 days. The Maritime Broadcasting strikers rallied in King's Square during lunchtime to mark a year since their strike began.

Ron Oldfield of the Saint John District of Labour Council was there, and he tells Tide  News they're asking local businesses to withdraw support from the station. He says by them advertising on the station, they're financing a strike and allowing the employer to continue on with bad practices. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy also voiced his support for the strikers. He tells Tide News he hopes the strong show of support gets things moving so the strikers can get a first collective agreement.

Patrick Colford, the president of the provincial Federation of Labour tells Tide News the situation is a disgrace. He says they're not asking for the moon, they're asking for a fair wage.