Turbine Will Not Be Moved Today

June 29, 2009

The wet weather isn't only wreaking havoc with golf and vacations so far this year. Word from NB Power this afternoon is the windy and wet conditions has postponed the delivery of one of it's turbines to Point Lepreau. They arrived back from the UK two weeks ago after a refit when they were dropped into the Harbor last fall.
Spokes-person Heather McLean tells Tide News, they hope to get the piece of machinery loaded onto the barge tomorrow and the second turbine before the week is over.

Garbage bylaw approved second reading

June 29, 2009

St. Stephen town council has passed second reading of a new garbage bylaw. Garden ref-use and waste will conduct only three special collections once the final reading is approved.
In the spring and fall this will include bagged leaves, bundled or bagged twigs only and one for the collection of Christmas trees. Third and final reading is expected to take place at the next council meeting on the 20th.

Energy Minister Happy With Progress

June 29, 2009

A huge smile on the face of Energy Minister Jack Keir on news the first LNG Tanker docked over the weekend. Keir tells Tide News, it is wonderful to see:

As for what he see's as the next step in the Energy Hub, Keir says a second refinery would be wonderful to bring other businesses to the Province. No word on when an announcement

Turbines on their Way to Lepreau

June 29, 2009


It has been a long journey, but the final voyage for a pair of huge turbines will take place this week. Re-fitted and ready to be installed after being dropped into the harbor, the first of the two will be loaded onto a barge and taken up the river to Point Lepreau today. NB Power spokes-person Heather McLean tells Tide News, everything is weather dependant:

Mclean says they have been working closely with local fisherman to make sure the voyage didn't interrupt lobster season. The second turbine is expected to make the move tomorrow.

Quispamsis Teen Goes for Top Prize

An experience of a lifetime is within grasp for 19-year-old Quispamsis resident Kelly Daly. She has landed a spot in the finals to become the next summer host for Country Music Television. Daly is among five finalists competing in a national online contest to win the "Superfan" hosting position. She tells CHSJ news her family is offering plenty of support.

Daly moved to Toronto so that she could pursue a career in acting and television. A finale show featuring all five finalists will air tomorrow with the winner to be announced on Tuesday on CMT.

Wild Ride Through the Falls

Two guys were shaken but not stirred after an un-scheduled ride through Reversing Falls yesterday afternoon. City Fire-fighters received a call that an inflatable boat was drifting through the raging rapids. Thats when the the water resuce unit was sent in and towed the boat to shore.

The two men say their vessel lost power and the tide carried them down river.

Rate Hike is Justified

If you were hoping for a reduction in your power bill -- forget it!!! The Energy and Utilities Board has concluded a three percent rate increase by N-B Power back on April Fools Day is necessary. But in its report to Energy Minister Jack Keir -- the Board does question some of the utility's financial forecasting methods and timing of those forecasts related to when final budget decisions are made.

Even with the increase -- the utility is still expected to post a loss of 67-million dollars in the current fiscal year.

First LNG Tanker is Here

It finally arrived late yesterday afternoon -- the first tanker carrying liquefied natural gas for the new Canaport L-N-G terminal in Red Head berthed at the jetty yesterday -- not late Friday as we reported yesterday morning based on Port Authority vessel movement information and original information from the company.

Canaport L-N-G has been advising there may be some extensive flaring activity during the commissioning process for the first storage tank at the terminal. The company says it will begin sending gas through the Emera Brunswick pipeline as soon as the the tank cools down.

SWP gets funding

updated June26/09 8:36


The town of St. Stephen will be keeping 60 jobs thanks to money from the provincial government. The province is giving S-W-P Industries a 1.4 million dollar loan guarantee to be used as working capital. The company produces fencing using eastern white cedar, spruce and Chinese fir-- and-- is a value-added re-seller of vinyl and aluminum fencing products.

Shelf Fish Harvesting off limits

updated June26/09

Fisheries and Oceans Canada advises the public that the harvesting of oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, qua-hogs and whelks, for recreational or commercial purposes is prohibited until further notice.FOC says the foreshore and waters within 1.6 km Canada/United States border and of the Islands of Grand Manan, The Wolves, Bliss, Hills, Frye, Deer and Campobello.
This closure is due to an increase in levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

Missing Boy Found

updated June26/ 7:53

A boy reported missing from Dig-by, Nova Scotia has been found in Saint John. City police say the 13-year old ran away from home yesterday and took the ferry across into Saint John. Sgt. Don Cooper tells us his parents thought he was still somewhere in Digby. Officers found the boy roaming the streets around midnight and have placed him with friends of the family until his parents can pick him up today.

Campobello and Blacksharbor Credit Union closes today

updated June26/09 at 7:52

Today is the last day for the Credit Union on Campobello Island and in Blacksharbor.This was announced back in April to close the banks.The credit union is the only bank on Campobello which means residents will have to travel to the mainland to do their banking.

ATV Victim Identified

updated at 8:46 June25/09


The name of a 10 year old boy killed on Monday in an off road vehicle crash in Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska has been released. Scott Paul Ouellette died in hospital after the off road vehicle he was riding overturned and landed on top of him. Sgt. Marc Violette tells us there were three other children on the vehicle that was being driven by a child. He also says anyone under the age of 16 needs to be surpervised by someone 19 or older.

Violette says the off-road vehicle belonged to a relative of the boy who was killed. A young boy who was driving the vehicle suffered a broken leg.

Romeo LeBlanc

updated at 8:45 June25/09

Premier Shawn Graham says the country has lost an exceptional New Brunswicker and Canadian with the death of Romeo LeBlanc. The former governor general died at his home following a lengthy illness. He was 81. Graham says LeBlanc served his province and country well.
LeBlanc served as press secretary to two prime ministers, then as an M-P, a senator and governor general. A state funeral is being planned.

Gas Prices Drop

updated at 8:44 June 25/09



The price of gasoline has dropped by about 3 cents a litre this morning. The Energy and Utilities Board has released the weekly price schedule and a litre of self-serve has fallen to 100.5 from yesterday's 103.7.
No change in the price of diesel --it remains at 97.6 a litre and propane has inched up 2 cents to land at 86.4.

Bon-Jovi

Work continues at the Magnetic Hill concert site for this weekend's Bon Jovi concert, despite the recent soggy weather. The staging area was dry and firm yesterday as crews began the job of setting up bleachers and the stage. A crowd of up to 20-thousand is expected and a city official says preparations are on schedule. Many trucks loaded with staging, lights and sound equipment are coming to Moncton from various locations, including Halifax .

NB-Hospital-Fundraising

Another successful fundraising campaign is in the books for the Friends of the Moncton Hospital. The Small Bandaid campaign has reached its goal of 700-thousand dollars. The money will be used to purchase and redesign a new, specially equipped surgical suite at the Moncton Hospital. It's expected to open early next year, allowing for quicker recoveries, shorter hospital stays and shortened therapy time

Provinces Population Growing

They have been working on it since their mandate began three years ago and results are showing for the Graham Liberals on boosting the Province's population. The numbers are up for the ninth straight quarter, with the largest growth since 1992. The latest figures from Stats Canada shows this Province led Atlantic Canada in population growth, gaining a net 547 new residents between Jan. 1 and April 1 of this year.
Since January 2007, 4000 people have moved to New Brunswick.

Boy Killed in ATV Crash

A nine year old boy has been killed in an all-terrain vehicle crash in Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska. The boy died in hospital as a result of his injuries after the ATV flipped over on Monday.
His name is being withheld out of respect for the family.

Agent Orange Upd

The deadline has come and gone -- and -- members of the Agent Orange Association of Canada are still waiting for a response from Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson. The group marched on Thompson's office last month demanding a public inquiry by June 15th -- Art Connolly of Agent Orange Alert tells Tide News the limited 20-thousand dollar compensation package which expired this year didn't go far enough:

Meantime -- the last time we spoke with Thompson -- he wasn't budging:

Agent Orange Association co-president Gary Goode tells us plans are being made for a protest march on Parliament Hill.

Border Cafe application approved

Border cafe had their turn to speak at Monday nights council meeting about hosting a karaoke event for July the 1st. Chair of public safety and environment Robert Tinker tells tide news after the council heard what they had to say they approved the event: The Border cafe was shut down previously because of a complaint that the music and noise was to loud. Tinker says the bylaw still has to be followed for any event held in the town of St Stephen and an application has to be approved and complete before any event is allowed to take place or they can be shut down if there is a compliant by the citizens of the town.

Health Warning

Another health warning from the provincial government.Chief Medical officer Dr. Eilish Cleary is reminding everyone to protect themselves against lyme disease.Cleary says people are generally not aware of the seriousness of the disease, and there are indications that blacklegged ticks and lyme disease are spreading in eastern Canada.Those infected generally develop flu like symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue, as well as a bull's eye target rash near the tick bite.For more information on preventing Lyme disease check out www.gnb.ca\health.

Turbines Coming Home

Almost eight and half months after they fell into the Harbor......two turbines which are pieces of the refit project at Point Lepreau, arrive back in the City today. Heather MacLean with NB Power tells Tide News, the rotors will be stored at the Saint port until the end of the fishing season but no confirmed date on when they will be transported.
They were sent to the UK to be refurbished after they were dropped into the harbor in October of last year while being loaded onto a barge for delivery to Point Lepreau.

Increased Tourism Promotion

Provincial Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson is remaining optimistic we will experience a decent year in the tourism sector. Jamieson tells Tide News he's hoping a lot of the business will be home grown.
Jamieson says promotion has been stepped up in Quebec - Ontario - and - the New England states -- and -- he says the web site has been upgraded making it more attractive and user friendly.

Housing Prices in Saint John

Housing prices in the greater Saint John area are on the way up -- the Saint John Real Estate Board says the average price of M-L-S listed homes hit $188,500 last month -- that's the highest average price on record and a 12-percent increase from May of 2008. M-L-S sales in the local area were also up 4.1-percent last month compared to May of last year. Meantime -- Canada Mortgage and Housing reports new housing starts to the end of May are off by a little over two percent compared to the same period a year ago.

Swine Flu Warning

The province has its third confirmed case of the H1N1 virus --or-- the swine flu.The Department of Health says it received confirmation that a 20-year-old woman from the Moncton area has contracted the virus. Chief medical officer of health, Dr. Eilish Cleary, says the woman had recently returned from a trip to the United States.
Back in May, Dr. Cleary warned that additional cases could be expected this summer and even more in the fall. Of the three cases confirmed in New Brunswick since the outbreak began on April 26, none have required hospitalization.

Crash Victim Identified

A woman who crashed into a Moose on Route 114 Wednesday night has been identified. Someone who heard the description of the victim and her 1990 Pontiac car on the radio contacted police with a possible name. As a result, police have confirmed the victim as a 32 year old woman from the Mechanic Settlement area.
She remains in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Moncton.

O CANADA TO BE SUNG IN THE CLASS-ROOM.

The Provincial Giovernment has brought in a regulation requiring the daily playing of O Canada at all schools in the province. The move follows a dispute earlier this year when the principal at Belleisle Elementary banned the daily singing of the anthem and later left his job over the controversy.
Education Minister Kelly Lamrock says it's important to remind students that to be citizens means to be part of something larger than themselves.

Canaport 1st Shipment

The first tanker carrying liquefied natural gas for the new Canaport L-N-G terminal is due Monday. The tank will under go a cooling process once the shipment arrives. The flare will be visible near the seaside of the terminal located off Red Head Road for up to 10 days. Energy Minister Jack Keir says this marks the start of Saint John being the energy hub.

The second natural gas tank will be operational next month with the third and final tank accepting product by the end of the year.

Worker Has Recovered

A 60-year-old man taken to hospital earlier this week after falling into a tub of dis-infectant chemicals at a fish farm is doing just fine. The accident happened Tuesday afternoon at Cooke Aquaculture in St. George.
Fire officials say the chemical is called Foam Force and is used to clean the plant. A spokesperson for the plant tells us, the man was checked over and released from hospital. She says the company is looking at ways to prevent a similar accident from happening again. WorkSafeNB is also investigating.

Police report

St. Stephen Rcmp are reminding residents to make sure your pin number to your debit card is secure and that is not easy to figure out if you lose you wallet. This after someone had lost their wallet and money was withdrawn from their bank account. Officers didn't tell us how much money was taken.

Gas Prices Are Up

For the seventh week in a row......it is going to cost you more to put gasoline in your vehicle. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows the maximum price for a litre of self-serve is $103.6 which is up just shy of four cents from seven days ago. Most station in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 104.4..
Diesel is up just over two cents at 97.6........furnace oil is also up over two cents coming in at 79.7 while propane tops off at 84.3 which is also up two cents.

Mayor speeks on bylaw rules

The St Stephen mayor says there are rules that have to be follow when the bylaw officer gets a complaint.Jed Purcell tell tide news you have to make an applications to organize a event involving loud music or it is not allowed.

Purcell says it does not matter what time of day when music is played if there is a complaint that effects the citizens of the town the law has to be followed.He says the council and outside of the council will look at the bylaw but at this point it has to be followed.

Third Annual Motorcycle show and shine done early

This years Third Annual Motorcylce Show and Shine at the border cafe on Milltown Blvd did not turn out the way they wanted it to.The town bylaw officer told them to shut it down because the music was to loud.Spokeperson John Dillman says Many local businesess help support this event every year. He says and know they are told it is agaisnt the noise bylaw to host this event.He says the town makes up it owns rules.
Dillman says there is no difference in playing music in the town square.He is hoping the bylaw in the town of St Stephen will change.He says Money raised from the event went to the IWK foundation and is hoping they can continue raising funds for many years to come to donate to other organization.He is hoping to meet with the town council in the near future to try and change to bylaw.

MAN FALLS INTO CHEMICALS

New for June17/09
8:48

A 60 year old man was rushed to hospital yesterday after falling into a tub of disinfectant chemicals at a fish farm. The accident happened at 4:30 p.m at Cooke Aquaculture in St. George.
Fire officials say the chemical is called Foam Force and is used to clean the plant. There is no word on the man's condition.

Paving continues on Highway 1

The provincial government is moving ahead with paving the rest of Route 1 approaching the St. Stephen and Calais Border.Transportation Minister Denis Landry tells Tide News, a $1.5 million dollar contract has been awarded for a second seal of asphalt on the new section of highway from Church Street to the Route 3 area.Landry says crews will also pave the shoulder of the road.He says the investment for this stretch totals $11 million when you consider grading work that took place last fall. Two construction companies are involved in the project, which should be completed by mid-July.Landry says his department will be announcing details of other awarded highway contracts for the Charlotte County region in the coming days after the Legislature wraps up its spring session.

Pay Equity

 

 

The provincial Coalition for Pay Equity says the province needs to continue it's movement towards pay equity.  The minister responsible for the status of women, Mary Schryer, has announced the provincial government will begin work in 2010 to achieve pay equity for workers in child-care; home support; nursing home; and transition homes. Coalition Executive Director, Johanne Perron tells Tide news the province needs to implement pay equity legislation:

The Pay Equity Act will take effect April 1, 2010.

Alward Ministers

 

 

Education Minister Kelly Lamrock's days are numbered.
This according to Tory leader David Alward, who tells Tide News, to expect several changes in the Graham government when the legislature closes.

Alward says the Premier is trying to distance himself from the problems by refusing to answer questions at the legislature.
Alward says when it all comes down to it the buck stops with the Premier, and he is respsonsible for all of the decisions that have been made.

Gas Prices

 

 

With sunshine in the forecast for the weekend, it looks like driving weather this weekend, but it will cost you. The price of regular self-serve gasoline has gone up to 99.7 cents a litre, plus a possible 2 cent delivery charge.

The Energy and Utilities Board has released its weekly price schdule showing Diesel fuel has shot up about 4 cents from yesterday to land at 95.09 cents per litre. Propane has remained about the same at 82.35 cents.

Domtar pulpmill in Baileyville re-opens

 

 

Some great news today for employees in  Baileyville and surrounding areas. The Governor of Maine announced today that the Domtar pulp mill in Woodland will resume production. Since the first week of May the pulp mill had been shut down because of the economic slowdown. The governors says starting June 22 the mill will be up and running calling back employees from the area and in Eastport. The mill employees over 300 people including some residents here in St Stephen and Calais.

Council speaks on Gas leak

 

 

The Chair of Public Safety and Environment says that everything was done that could be done and there was no immediate danger from last nights gas leak.
 Councillor Robert Tinker tells Tide news  a lateral was inadvertently snagged that goes into Steve Backmans House as they were digging up asphalt on the King Street project.
  It appears that there was no immediate danger and everything was done that could be done and the system worked to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Embridge Gas responds to Gas leak

 

 

Many residents concerned over the natural gas leak here in St Stephen last night.Tim Horton's had to be evacuated for about an hour. Dave Charlson General manager of Embridge Gas tells Tide news in a situation like this evacuation of a 90 meter radius is procedure.Rcmp and Fire officals were on the scene to close off the road on 130 king street around 8:30 to monitor the area.

 Charlson says no one was in any danger but they never want to take any chances in this type of situation. He says gas leaks are very minimal in the province.

NATURAL GAS LEAK IN ST STEPHEN

 

 

2009-06-10

06:25:46

SOME TENSE MOMENTS LAST NIGHT AFTER EMERGENCY OFFICIALS WERE ON SCENE TO A NATURAL GAS LEAK HERE IN ST STEPHEN. Evacuation of Tim Horton's AND A 90 METER RADIUS HAD TO BE  EVACUATED WHILE EMERGENCY CREWS CLEANED UP AND MONITORED THE AREA.RCMP, AMBULANCE AND EMBRIDGE GAS WAS ON THE SCENE DEALING WITH A GAS LEAK. The ROAD WAS CLOSED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS 

Rcmp keeping busy in Charlotte County

 

 

RCMP in St. Stephen responded to a report of an assault which occurred on Milltown Blvd. Complainant did not wish to pursue criminal charges.

RCMP in St. Stephen assisted local fire departments with a structure fire on Highway 750 near Heathland. Matter is under investigation.

RCMP received a report of a break and enter into a residence on the St. David's Ridge Road. Matter is under investigation.

RCMP in Grand Manan responded to a report of a fight in progress on the Brownville Road. Upon police arrival all parties were spoken to and those involved stated it was a consensual fight - no charges pending.

RCMP in St. Stephen apprehended two young males who had stolen a bicycle from the Milltown Elementary School. The Youths were turned over to their respective guardians.

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program - Checkpoint conducted on Harriet Street in St. Andrews with approximately 60 vehicles being checked. One seatbelt ticket and two written warnings were issued.

Movie Gallery re-opening

 

 

2009-06-09

09:05:18

A very exciting day for the manager of Movie Gallery here in St Stephen. Chrystal Cooke tells tide news after a miscommunication the doors will be open by mid-day today. Since the last weekend of May movie gallery at the charlotte Mall was closed. The landlord had posted a sign on the  door that the place was closed until further notice. 

NB Liquor Bags

 

2009-06-09

07:28:00

NB Liquor will begin charging 5 cents a bag for new environmentally friendly plastic bags.
100 per cent of the proceeds will go to MADD Canada.
Spokesperson Nora Lacy tells Tide News, the company has been looking into more biodegradable bags for a while, but could only find ones made on foreign markets.Lacy says the 45 per cent recycled material bags were a long time coming, because they could only find manufacturers in the Asian markets---meaning the bags could not be recycled in the province.

NB Liquor will continue to supply free brown paper bags, as well as new 4 bottle canvas bags.

Dog Charges

 

2009-06-09

07:23:02

 

Two men from St Stephen  are facing charges in connection with the death of a dog last month.
 R-C-M-P say the two are facing charges of animal cruelty after a large dog was left in a parked vehicle overnight.
 Police say the driver and a friend crossed over to the U-S and when they returned -- the dog was dead after suffering from excessive heat and lack of nourishment.
 The two are scheduled to appear in St Stephen court August 4th.

Fundy High School project taking shape

 

 

2009-06-09

07:22:13

Two students are exciting about a project taking shape at Fundy High School in St. George. With the assistance of staff from NB Power and District 10, two grade 12 students   are conducting a school-wide energy audit with the aim of reducing the energy  by 10%.
 They are now beginning the process of conducting a comprehensive inventory of the entire electrical load within the school. 
 The students will create a list of recommendations of how the amount of energy being used by the school can be reduced and then present their recommendations to District and NB Power with an estimation of how much energy can be saved.

Aliant Email Scam-

   

 

An email scam involving Bell Aliant is still popping up in some people's email inbox. The e-mail refers to the company doing an upgrade to the web-mail and requiring your address and pass-word to keep you from losing service. The email is actually a phishing email designed to trick people into giving out their personal information. They are not legitimate emails from Bell Aliant, NBNet or Sympatico. We first reported on the problem back in February.

Aliant has published information on Email safety on its website.

Grand Manan fire

 

 

A man was arrested after  RCMP responded to a fire at a storage building in the Woodward’s Cove area of Grand Manan.  The storage building was destroyed by the blaze. A 46 year old man from Grand Manan will appear in court .He is also facing a charge  of uttering threats against a police officer. No one was injured.

Grand Re-opening of the Chocolate Museum

 

 

Canada's Chocolate town had plenty to smile about today after the re-opening of the Chocolate museum in St Stephen. Dignitaries were on hand to cut the ribbon for the new addition of chocolate museum .Chairman David Ganong says this provides a unique state-of -state tourist attraction in the heart of downtown St Stephen.Ganong says it was the hard working team that put this all together. It took Ten years for the planning and detail of the musuem.The museum also  celebrates there Ten Anniversary this month.

 This expansion will give the Chocolate museum more flexibility and space for school trips, tour bus and group visits. The Government of Canada invested $411,216 in the project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, while the Province of New Brunswick has contributed $200,000 through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Wellness, Culture and Sport.The Town of St. Stephen invested $152,429 through loan guarantees while Ganong Bros. invested $112,200 (in kind) for a total project valued at $875,845.

  

High Speed Exp

 

 

2009-06-08

07:22:55

Charlotte county residents will be happy to hear this story.Construction is beginning immediately on a new series of towers to provide wireless high speed internet to rural areas of the province.
 The work is being done under an agreement between the province and Barrett Xplore Inc -- and -- will be carried out in a number of areas including  - St Stephen -  Hampton and - Oromocto -- completion is set for the end of the summer.
 

Chocolate Museum expansion Grand Re-opening

 

2009-06-08

07:22:02

The official re-opening of the expanded Chocolate Museum will take place  this morning in St. Stephen. Finance Minister Victor Boudreau, Mayor Jed Percell, David Ganong,  and a representative of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will attend.The event kicks off a Ten this morning .

Unemployment Numbers

2009-06-07

10:15:09

This province is boasting the smallest unemployment rate increase in the country last month as compared to the same month last year.
This is being attributed by the strong labour force and employment growth.
The unemployment rate for the province is 8.8 per cent, which is up slightly from last May when it was 8.7 per cent.

---

Pay Equity Forum

2009-06-07

10:14:38

The Coalition for Pay Equity is holding an open forum to discuss recent changes to pay equity for provincial employees.
President Huberte Gautreau tells Tide News, this is something her group has been expecting for about 10 years, and it's good the province is recognizing pay equality.

Gautreau says achieving pay equity in the public sector is winning half the battle---now it's time for the public sector.
Social Development Minister Mary Schryer will be speaking at the forum at 1 o'clock at the Delta about pay equity.

---

Funding Announcement at UNBSJ Tomorrow

2009-06-07

10:14:09

M-P Rodney Weston says the University of New Brunswick Saint John is going to be getting some funding next week.
Weston says the feds are investing $8 million dollars into expanding the campus

Weston wouldn't get into details about what work is being done, saying he needs to save it for the official announcement.
Things get underway at UNBSJ tomorrow morning at 9:30

---

Ambulance NB Responds to Highway Crash Delay

2009-06-06

08:15:54

A spokesperson for Ambulance NB says there was a bit of confusion at a highway accident near exit 137 last night because dispatch in Moncton only received a call for one accident--when in fact there were two. Sophie Cormier tells Tide news there was a crash on each side of the highway at the same exit--but--they were not visible to each other.

Cormier says they were only notified of the second accident by police at 8:45pm and were asked to respond with an ambulance by the fire crew at 9:05pm. She says the entire call and response logs will be reviewed.

---

Ambulance Takes Over One Hour to Respond to Crash

2009-06-06

08:15:14

One Rothesay Man is thanking his lucky stars after walking away from a serious truck crash last night on the MacKay Highway.  Ben Scholten lost control of his truck while trying to avoid a deer and flipped end over end several times before landing in the woods.  Scholten is especially thankful he wasn't seriously hurt because he says it took an ambulance more than an hour to arrive on the scene--and-- that has left him asking a lot of furious questions.

Scholten says he crashed the truck just after 8pm and RCMP were the first to arrive on the scene at 9pm, followed by fire trucks and finally an ambulance. He says the paramedics told him that they had only received the call five minutes before arriving. We have placed a call into Ambulance NB and have been told they will look into the incident.

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Free Pass to Provincial Parks

2009-06-06

08:14:24

Looking for something to do today, all admission fees at provincial parks will be waived to celebrate Tourism Week.
Tourism and Parks Minister Stuart Jamieson says all New Brunswickers should take advantage of the free entry to get away and explore our parks.
The Department of Tourism is responsible for nine provincial parks including Mactaquac and New River Beach.

---

Canadian dollars is down

 

2009-06-04

After picking up strength for most of last month, the dollar has gone into a bit of a slump. It dropped 2.3 cents on Wednesday, and is down almost a-fifth of-a-cent in Thursday's after-hours trading. The loonie is trading at 90.01 cents U-S.

Traders say the American dollar is getting stronger, making the loonie and some other currencies appear weaker.

Gas Prices climb in St Stephen

 

 

2009-06-04

The first week of June and already another increase for the price of gasoline. The Energy and Utilities Board Board has released it's weekly price schedule showing the maximum for a litre of self serve is 98.3 cents. That is up exactly two cents from seven days ago with most stations here at home showing a pump price of 99.1 cents.

Diesel is up just under two cents at 90.9. Furnace Oil tops off at 74 cents which is up three cents and propane is 82.3 which is down just under a penny.

Disability week celebrated in St Stephen

 

 

2009-06-03

11:39:29

 

 

(Residents walking Miltown Blvd celebrating Disability week, Photo by Kim Hall )

 

To celebrate disability week many St Stephen residents walked the streets today in support of people with disabilities.

Update on Movie Gallery

 

2009-06-03

06:10:39

(Photo by Kim Hall )

As you are well aware Movie Gallery at the Charlotte mall is closed for the time being. The manager Crystal Cooke tells tide news they will have the doors back open as soon as possible. In the meantime , if you have a movie rental you are to drop it off in the drop off box and no late charges will be on your account. Cooke says there was a miscomunication and Movie Gallery will reopen in St Stephen.

Movie Gallary closed

 

 

 Movie lovers might have to find another place to rent movies. According to a letter on the door Movie Gallery at the Charlotte Mall is closed. The landlord has closed the doors due to not paying their rent. No word on what your suppose to do with movie rentals or how long this will be in effect for.

Car hits garage near Ossie's

 

 

2009-06-02

10:17:24

No serious injuries after a two vehicle accident last night on highway 1. Sgt Greg MacAvoy tells tide news  both vehicles collided around 9pm in front of Ossie's restaurant.One of the vehicles ran off the road from the impact and went through a garage . The driver got out without serious injury but the motorcycle in the garage got the worst of the it .MacAvoy says both drivers were taken to hospital to get look over. One of the drivers was a man from St Andrews and the other was a women from Nova Scotia.

Counterfeit bills

 

 

2009-06-01

07:24:02

 RCMP  is warning residents and merchants to beware of counterfeit $5, $10 and $20 bills circulating throughout the province. There have been several counterfeit note seizures in recent weeks.

Both merchants and the public are encouraged to routinely check their money, not only to protect themselves against loss but also to prevent counterfeit bills from remaining in circulation. Bank note security features are easy to recognize by touching, tilting and by holding the bill up to the light, or comparing it to a bill known to be authentic.

 

Minister attends Fiddling Championship

 

 

2009-06-01

07:21:44

Veterans affairs Minister Greg Thompson paid a visit to St Stephen over the weekend.The minister attended the first Annual Fiddling Championship at the St Stephen middle school  Saturday. To launch the event and competition  a tribute involving military colours parties and pipers was held to honour Veterans and currently serving members from both sides of the border.Also the Minister  announce funding for $2,100.00 dollars from the  Canada's Community Engagement Partnership fund in the support of the event.The partnership fund provides funding for events and activities across the country.

NB-Licence-Rules

 

 

2009-06-01

06:53:49

 Starting today the New graduated driving rules are now in effect in the province .
    Among the changes ,drivers under the age of 21 must follow a midnight to 5 a-m curfew, unless it's for work or education.
    Those same drivers would not be able to have more than three passengers in a vehicle.

    Students have been holding demonstrations at the legislature in recent weeks, claiming the new rules discriminate on the basis of age.
 

NEW PASSPORT LAW

 

 

2009-06-01

06:51:23

As of today, people crossing the Canada-U-S border will need a passport or some other secure piece of I-D -- and business won't be exempt. Businesses that travel cross-border by boat, train or truck say they have been preparing their customers and staff for months about the new rules.

Some business groups worry that people who still may not know about the new regulations could cause tie ups at the border.
 

Pay Equity for Provincial Civil Servants

2009-05-30

06:41:54

All provincial civil servants will soon have the benefit of pay equity. The provincial government has introduced new legislation to extend pay equity to schools, hospitals and Crown corporations. Rosella Melanson of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women tells us this is great for employees in government.

The minister responsible for the Status of Women, Mary Schryer wouldn't comment on pay equity for the private sector, but hinted she would have an announcement next week. The legislation will take effect next April.

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Firefighter Compensation

2009-05-30

06:41:05

The provincial government has introduced new legislation that will provide compensation for firefighters that get a certain type of cancer. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault put forward the Firefighters' Compensation Act yesterday in the legislature.  The new legislation will provide coverage to active and retired firefighters who are diagnosed with a specified cancer-- or-- suffer from a heart attack within 24 hours of an emergency response. The must also have served a required number of years of service.

The bill was prepared in keeping with a June 2007 commitment to address the need for cancer coverage for firefighters.

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Summer home destroyed

 

 

2009-05-28

The Grand Manan Fire Department responded to a fire at an unoccupied summer home on Hill Road last night. The home suffered smoke and fire damage to a front room.

 RCMP tells us they believe the fire is  suspicious.

 

Chief Administrative officer steps down in St Stephen

 

 

06:44:28

The search is on for a new Chief Administrative officer here in St Stephen.Hendrick Slegtenhorst is moving on to another opportunity out west.No word on who is replacement will be.

Change in Traffic for St Stephen residents

 

 

2009-05-26

11:32:58

 They will be a change in Traffic pattern Tomorrow here in St Stephen.The Department of Transportation tells us that a traffic pattern change will occur at the rotary located at the junction of Route 3, Route 170, and King Street starting at Ten.DOTs says new signing will be in place for the traffic pattern.In the meantime you are reminded to reduce speed and drive safely.  

Missing man located from Grandmanan

 

2009-05-26

11:07:31

A sigh of releaf from family members who thought one of their own was missing.RCMP have located  52-year old Ritchie Wilson from Grand manan, who was reported missing on May 15.Rcmp says Wilson made some preparations at home prior to leaving that were consistent with leaving for a trip, but did not tell his family on where he was going. Police tells us Wilson is safe and sound and was located in Quebec .

Christmas Tree Farm destroyed in St Stephen

 

 

2009-05-26

 11:04:40

A farmer is not to happy after waking up to his Christmas Tree farm destroyed.St. Stephen RCMP  tell us they were called to the Cleland Road near Dufferin to find someone hot-wired a tractor on the property. They then drove it through a Christmas Tree farm destroying roughly 350 trees and then crashed the tractor into a ravine.

No word on what the loss of the tree's adds up to.

 

 

 

Energy Effiency Award Given to Flakeboard

 

 

2009-05-26

07:28:08

The Flakeboard Company here in St. Stephen is recongized by the premier for being energy efficient.Recipients in 13 different categories were presented with the Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency by Shawn Graham last night. The awards were developed by Efficiency NB to recognize best practices in energy efficiency.

 

Achievement Awards handed to Sticks and Stones

 

 

 

 

 

Seven New Brunswick companies were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the area of trade and exporting at a ceremony in Fredericton.Premier Shawn Graham and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters presented an Export Achievement Awards to Sticks and Stones Fabricating Inc last Friday. Sticks and Stones of St. Stephen, has manufactured custom-finished stone products since 2007. The company has penetrated the Bermuda market by focusing on quality and incorporating unique characteristics into its stone and quartz products. The company has also achieved sales in New England during an extremely challenging period.

 

Update on Costco in Saint John

2009-05-24

11:26:33

It won't be long now before construction of the Costco store of Retail Drive begins. Mayor Ivan Court says the company hopes to pour the foundation this July.  He adds, Saint John is certainly a good place for the store.

Court says the new Costco will hopefully bring people to the city from the outlying areas as far away as St. Stephen.

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Traffic Change

2009-05-24

11:26:06

The Department of Transportation is advising  the traveling public that a traffic pattern change will occur at the rotary located at the junction of Route 3, Route 170, and King Street in St. Stephen.DOTs tell us that all vehicles entering the rotary will be required to yield to traffic flowing within the rotary. These changes will take place on Wednesday. New signage will be in place for the traffic pattern 
 You are reminded to reduce speed and drive safely.  

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2nd Annual Food Bank Golf Tournament

2009-05-24

11:25:43

It’s time to hit the fairway and come together to
support a great cause.The Second annual golf Tournament is coming up to support the local food bank.There will  be a silent auction,a light meal for the golfers after the game .All proceeds go to support the St Stephen Food Bank.To support the food bank all of the players  are ask to bring a nonperishable item 
This take place June 12  at 12:00 pm  
 

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Disability Awareness Week

2009-05-24

11:25:13

St Stephen Mayor Jed Purcell and councilors have proclaimed they are all in favour of Disability Awareness Week. At Tuesday nights council meeting, Mayor Purcell says he urges all citizens to support and respect residents with Disabilities. Purcell adds they are doing what they can at the Town Hall to make it more accessible to those with a disability.

Construction is underway at the side door of the building to have wheel chair access. Disability Awareness Week gets started next Sunday and runs until the following Saturday.

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Chocolate Museum

2009-05-24

11:24:35

The Chocolate Museum in St Stephen has increased its space by 65% with their present expansion. The Ganong hand crafted production facility is now on site at the Museum as well as 38 new exciting exhibits.
 Chocolate has been a big part of St. Stephen since 1873, when two brothers, James and Gilbert Ganong, started to make their own candy to sell in their grocery store. The Chocolate Museum celebrates the historic Ganong family business located in the old red brick factory building in the heart of downtown St. Stephen .June 8 will be the official launch of the New Chocolate Discovery Centre. 

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Councilor Supports Civic Centre

2009-05-24

11:24:04

One man who is fully supporting the Charlotte county Civic Center is Councillor Ralph Williams. Williams says the Center setting up shop in the border town is the best thing for St Stephen and surrounding areas.He  says for example the size of the meeting room can be used for plenty of services.

Williams says if you look at other municipalities like Woodstock it has benefited the town substantially.

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Celebration at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

2009-05-24

11:23:31

   Huntsman Marine Science Centre is celebrating early this year.The trips into Passamaquoddy Bay will include an educational plankton tow, and a drag to see – and touch – some of the creatures that make their home in the bay.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will also be on hand, with a patrol boat and a dog-handling demonstration, as well as information on the Species at Risk Act, conservation and Marine Protected Areas.The whole day will have many events and take place on Saturday, June 6 starting at 9:00am

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Gm Dealer in St Stephen

 

 

2009-05-22

12:46:03

Another New Brunswick G-M dealer has dodged a bullet -- the Charlotte County G-M dealership has escaped General Motors closure list. A spokesman tells us it will be business as usual while G-M continues its restructuring process. The automaker sent out closure notices to over 200 Canadian dealerships earlier this week. The two G-M dealerships in Saint John also escaped a closure notice.

Scam under way in Charlotte County

 

 

2009-05-22

10:15:18

 Rcmp are on the lookout for a paving contractor or company, operating in the Charlotte County area that is scamming the Elderly or the vulnerable persons. The company may not be licensed and anyone who may be contacted or approached, to have their driveway or your dooryard paved, is asked to contact the  RCMP at 466-7030 or 755-1130.

Downeast LNG

 

2009-05-21

09:07:31

 The provincial government will  review and assess the draft environment impact statement for the Downeast LNG terminal project. The paper-work was issued last Friday by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The province has also announced they will take appropriate action as a formal intervener in the FERC proceeding. In a statement, Premier Graham says the release of this paperwork does not come as a suprise and as an intervenor, the Province was aware this step was imminent for the Downeast LNG project.

Graham adds safety, security, environmental and economic impacts of these facilities for people who live along Passamaquoddy Bay will not be dismissed.

Charlotte County Civic Centre name is out

 

 

2009-05-21

06:52:34

 

 

The official announcement was released yesterday at the St Stephen elementary School.

Charlotte County Civic Centre closing ceremonie

 

2009-05-21

06:38:49

  The  Charlotte County Civic Center committee is very pleased to say it believes this is the first time a community of the size of St Stephen has raised 3.5-million dollars for a civic project.
 The chair of the board of directors -- Richard Fulton -- says pre-liminary site work for the 18-million dollar complex will begin in late summer and be completed by 2011.

 Last Tuesday the federal and provincial governments announced just over 12-million dollars in funding for the project while St Stephen council is committed to 2.1-million dollars.The name of the Center is Garcelon Civic Center.

MS Walk in St Stephen

 

 

2009-05-20

13:55:32

 Atlantic Canadians in 13 communities will join together on one single day to make every step matter.
Funds raised from the MS Walk support local services as well as research efforts that are coordinated on a national basis.
The 5km and 8 km routes for the St. Stephen walk begin and end at the St. Stephen High School. The  Walk take place on  Sunday, May 24 at 9:00am

Councilor speaks on Civic Centre

 

 

2009-05-20

11:53:08

After the fact Councilor Ralph Williams tells us he will do what he can to give the residents the answers he can at this point.Williams says there should be more public meetings to let the public know what is taking place.At this time he says there is no money spent from the town and we have to wait until the final assesments are done on the site.

 Williams says if the proposed site is not suitable then thats when it will be discussed on what to do next.

Residents wants answers

 

 

2009-05-20

11:50:47

  Residents want more details on the Civic centre location and why this is costing so much to build and prepare.Had Tapley spoke up at last nights council meeting in St Stephen saying this is a waste of tax dollars to build the centre.

 Tapley wants the council to stand up for the people of the town and have more public meetings about the ongoing process of keeping it up to code and preparing the site.  Tapley handed a letter to council to let them know some of the citizens in the town are againts building the new Charlotte county Civic Centre.

In the meantime Many questions are going unanswers says one man that spoke his mind last night about the civic centre.Tony Reader says the facitities that we have now are enough for the town:

Reader says on the other side of the border they had facilities that cost millions and  went bankrupt after two years.He says it would be a shame if this happen here at home.

Agent Orange American

 

And the Canadians are getting support from American veterans -- Richard Pelletier Jr marched with the group to Thompson's office.
 Pelletier tells Tide News,  American vets who trained at Base Gagetown while the spraying was conducted are being ignored by Washington.

 Pelletier says he will muster more support for the Canadians if they are forced to march on Parliament -- he says it's a crime shared by both the American and Canadian governments.

Civic Centre closing ceremonies

 

 

The Charlotte county civic centre fundraising campaign will have their closing ceremonies today.The 3.5 million dollar campaign will be concluded at the st stephen elementary school.The provincal and federal goverment announced last week, both will contribute 6.2 million dollars towards the Centre.The facilities new home will be at Bud Avenue here in St Stephen.

Widows on a war path

 

 

One group demanding the public inquiry is Widows on the Warpath and spokesperson Betty Hudson tells Tide News they're seeking justice for their dead military husbands who served at Gagetown during the spraying.

 Hudson says they want the government to admit it made a mistake by excluding them from the compensation package which expired March 31st.

 

Demands for Agent Orange Inquiry

 

 

2009-05-19

16:05:17

They came knocking today but minister of Verterain affairs Greg Thomspon was not home.Military vets and civilains are looking for a public inquiry into the sparying at Base Gagetown. Gary Good from British Columbia is one of the organizers and he delivered a letter to one of thomspon's aids demanding an inquiry.

  Thomspon is on his way home from Afganistan .Agent orange was a chemical defolant that was spayed in the 50's and 60's in Base gagetown.

 

 

 

 

 

Travelers Using Saint John Airport

2009-05-18

06:18:50

 Some significant progress is being made in the battle to have Saint Johners fly out of the local airport -- airport president Bernie LeBlanc says shrinkage to other airports has been reduced by 50-percent over the past two years.
 And LeBlanc tells us it's no easy task with 5-airports within a four hour drive of the city.

LeBlanc says the latest stats show 65-percent of the passengers through our airport are travelling to Canadian destinations -- 25-percent are headed state side -- and -- ten percent are travelling to international destinations.

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Gas Prices Reflect Rebounding Economy According to Minister

2009-05-18

06:18:16

Energy Minister Jack Keir, like most of us is watching as the price for crude oil, slowly, but surely continues to climb. We still have a long way to go before we return to $1.40 for a litre of self-serve like last summer but many wonder how much longer? Keir tells CHSJ News, crude climbing back up means the economy is on the rebound.

Keir says he wants to see the economy booming again for several reasons and one is so revenues can return to where they were so budgets don't have to be cut. 

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MP Supports Change to Legislation

2009-05-17

13:21:47

A proposed bit of tweaking to criminal law in the country is receiving praise from Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore.
Moore is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, and says proposed changes to legislation will allow police to become more effective, and efficient.
Some of the changes include allowing police to fingerprint and photograph people taken into custody before being charged or convicted of a crime, introducing a new offence to prevent people from fleeing to avoid prosecution, and changing the application procedure for search and seizure warrants.
Moore says updating the laws will improve Canada's justice system.

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