Thursday, July 16, 2009

Two Vehicles Hit Head On

Update July16/09

A two vehicle accident cause major damage to both vehicles but both drivers walk away with only minor injuries. Calais police tell us Kyamarie Brown 19 of Baileyville was driving a black 1997 jeep and struck a tractor trailer head on driven by Roger Trafton 24 of St David Ridge on Baring Street in Calais. The accident happened around 5:15 yesterday afternoon.The damage to both vehicles is estimated to be $15,000.00.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

More money

Updated July15/09

More great news announced by the Provincial Government. The Government is investing $1.65 million in rural road infrastructure for chipsealing in Charlotte, St. John and Kings counties. This contract, awarded to Northern Construction Inc. includes 6.9 km on Deer Island, eight km in the St. George, Pennfield, Blacks Harbour areas and 26 km around St. Stephen.

The department is investing more than $1.5 million in ferry upgrades and refits along with improvements to wharfs and landings for the Grand Manan, Lady White Head, John E. Rigby and Deer Island Princess II vessels.

Acadia Grows

Updated July15/09

Great news today. A Saint John based broadcasting company is expanding its reach in Northwestern Ontario -- Acadia Broadcasting which is the parent company of this radio station is purchasing two FM stations in Thunder Bay from Newcap Inc. The stations will join Acadia's stations in Dryden - Kenora - and - Fort Frances under its subsidiary company Northwoods Broadcasting Limited. The 4.5-million dollar deal is subject to approval by the Canadian Radio -Television and Telecommunications Commission. Acadia also owns and operates stations in St Stephen and Bridgewater.

King Street Construction

Update July 15/09


The bulk of the work for king street is complete. Director of operation Lee Johnson tells us the seal should be finished by the end of the day. Johnson says there will still be some odd and ends to clean up but the majority of construction will be finished today.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

More than $7.5 million for Charlotte County roads

Update July 14/ 09
12:45

The provincial government is investing more than $7.5 million to improve transportation infrastructure in Charlotte County. The investments were highlighted today by Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. The Town of St. Stephen will receive $1.25 million over a five-year agreement to reconstruct King Street. The Town of St. George is receiving $150,000 for work on Route 172 (Fundy Bay Drive from Mount Pleasant Road to Mascarene Road). The Village of Blacks Harbour is receiving $95,000 for storm sewer upgrades on Route 176.

Car hits utility pole

Update July 14/09

A man is lucky to be alive after hitting a utility pole yesterday afternoon. A man from the McAdam area was travelling north on highway 3 when he went off the road hitting a pole and landing on top of the wires. Rcmp says the man was reaching down to adjust his stereo when he went off the road. NB Power and Fire officials were on the scene to assist with the accident. The man was sent to hosiptal but later released with minor injuries.

Construction Announcement

Updated July 14/09

There will be an announcement today from Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet on the construction activity and infrastructure upgrades in Charlotte County. This will take place at the construction site just west of the Blacks Harbour exit (Route 785) along Route 1.The announcement will be made at noon time.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Missing Person in Musquash

Updated July13/09

The Musquash Fire Department, River-Valley Ground Search and Rescue along with RCMP are combing an area near Musquash. This after the call went out about a missing person last night. No word on how old or whether it is a boy or girl they are looking for.
We have placed a call to RCMP for more details and are still waiting to hear back.

Structure fire

Updated July13/09


Nobody hurt after a house went up in flames yesterday in Upper Mills. St Stephen fire department along with Oak bay and Calais were on the scene for roughly two hours. St Stephen Fire Chief Jeff Richardson tells Tide news the fire started around 3:50 in the afternoon at 1549, 12 smith Rd in Upper Mills. The fire remains under investigation but we do know this is not connected with the rash of arsons that took place 2 weeks ago in the St Stephen area. The house was vacant.

New River Station Bridge

Updated July13/09

The Department of Transportation is closing the New River Station Bridge #2 in the Lepreau area starting tomorrow. The 31 year old structure is getting some repairs.
The bridge is between Lepreau and Lake Utopia on what's commonly reffered to as the Old Saint John Highway. Work is expected to take about 2 weeks.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Bay Of Fundy Moves On

The Bay of Fundy has cracked the top 77 in the global New 7 Wonders of Nature contest.The second phase of voting ended earlier this week narrowing down the original 440 locations down to 77. The next stage of the contest will have the New7Wonders independent panel of experts selecting 28 final candidate to be announced on July 21st.The Bay of Fundy is the only Canadian site to make it into the top 77.

Fundy Bay Keeper Concerned Over Bridge Repair

Repair work on the Mispec River Bridge is causing concern for the Conservation Council. It has reported to the Coast Guard and Environment Department that work crews on the bridge are sweeping concrete and old paint into the mouth of the river. Spokes-person Dave Thompson tells us, has hasn't been to the site but has received plenty of calls.

The endangered species Thompson is speaking of is one of the inner Bay of Fundy salmon populations. Thompson hopes if there is some wrong-doing, action will be taken before work on the bridge resumes on Monday.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Local Take on General Motors Bankruptcy

A business professor at the University of New Brunswick says the General Motors soap opera is about to begin.Barry Boothman tells us, GM has been able to emerge from bankruptcy protection much faster than anticipated, but is unsure what the public is going to think about it.Boothman says eliminating brands now, and experimenting with greener automobiles is coming a little late. He says brands such as Pontiac should have been phased out 10 to 15 years ago.Boothman says it's going to be hard for GM to pay back their government loans quickly because their debt was in the area of $172 billion dollars including assets

Small Optimism Dipped Slightly In New Brunswick

Business optimism among Canada's small business owners dipped last month despite hopeful signs earlier this year.The Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows decreases in provincial business optimism for the month of June.New Brunswick only slipped slightly going from 66.9 percent in May to 66.4.This province is showing the third highest level of optimism in the country coming in behind Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan.

Hache Getting Used to New Position

Still new to the porfolio, Education Minister Roland Hache says he's easing his way into the position.Hache tells us, he spent a long time as Minister of the Environment, and is enjoying the challenges with his new post.Hache recently announced $2.9 million dollars going towards reinstating educational support staff, and says next on the agenda is the transportation file.Hache says he is confident a solution can be figured out.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Public meeting tonight about CCCC

Updated July9/09

A public meeting is being held today by The Town of St. Stephen to answer questions on the environmental report of the proposed Budd Avenue Civic Centre . An independent assessment report released June 29 said the preferred Budd Avenue site is suitable for construction. The report concludes the site has traces of environmental con-tamination but falls within the environmental guidelines for commercial construction.The meeting will be at the St. Stephen Legion from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Moose Licenses

Updated July9/09


There's a call to allow the killing of more moose in the province. The provincial wildlife federation wants the government to offer more tags for the three-day hunting season. Federation president Roland Michaud says the Department of Natural Resources has under-estimated the moose population. He says the possibility might be there to increase the quota significantly in some management zones.

This week, just over 34-hundred hunting licences were granted for the season.

More Swine Flu

Updated July9/09

The Health Department is confirming the first hospitalized case of the so called swine flu in the province. This is the seventh case of the H1N1 virus announced in two days.Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Van Buynder says they received confirmation that a woman in her 30's from northern New Brunswick is currently recovering in the hospital.
This brings the total number of cases in the province to 17.

Gas Prices

Updated July9/09

Drivers heading into another summer weekend will be happy to hear this. The price of gasoline has dropped by nearly 3 cents a litre. The Energy and Utilities Board has set its maximum price schedule with a litre of self-serve gasoline coming in at 99.3. Gas stations in St Stephen are posting a pump price of 97.2 cents a litre.
Diesel fuel has also dropped to land at a maximum of 97.4, while propane is about the same as yesterday at 97.4 cents a litre

Bear Warning

Updated July 9/09

A family In St John got quite a surpise last night while cooking when they saw a bear with its nose pressed up against their kitchen window.There have been several sightings of bears over the past couple of weeks.Nobody was hurt but the bears are hungry this time of year and they are looking for food.
Just last week here at home the Calais Police Department had reported bear sightings in the Calais area. Calais Police is reminding residents to keep garbage indoors, bring in birdfeeders and grills as these will attract bears.So far we've had no reports of any beer incidents around the Charlotte County area.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

How Much Rain Have We Had

Updated July8/09


So just how much rain has Charlotte County been soaked with over the past three weeks? With three days of sunshine in the forecast this week, we can look back and see just how miserable things have been. Since the 15th of last month, 135 millimeters has fallen since this past Sunday with the average being just over 60 millimeters. Evironment Canada Meteorologist Claude Cote tells Tide News, he has been doing this for awhile and can't remember this soggy of a start to the summer season. If the rain-fall amount didn't depress you.....this probuably will.........we haven't seen a full day of sunshine since June.17th.

NB Southern Railway Boost

Updated July8/09


Ottawa and Fredericton are investin $18 million dollars into New Brunswick Southern Railway for an upgrade. The company will provide the remainder of the funding for the project which is expected to create 35-40 jobs. The money will be used to replace, upgrade and improve the ties, steel rail, rail bed and bridges and upgrade the railway's terminals in Saint John and McAdam.
There will also be an upgrade to the mainline track from Saint John West to the border and from McAdam to St. Stephen.

Down-East LNG Report is Done

Updated July8/09

There is no mincing of words from Premiers Graham's office concerning the proposed LNG Terminal in Maine. Graham has completed and sent in a report on the Downeast LNG draft environmental impact statement. It says the project would have major impacts on the lives of those who live and work on Head Harbour Passage and Passamaquoddy Bay. The environment would be negatively affected, tourism- and environmental-based economy would suffer and the safety and security of the region could be compromised.
Graham will share the report with Prime Minister Harper in light of Ottawa's opposition to LNG vessel traffic through Head Harbour Passage.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

MORE CANADIAN SOLDIERS ARE DEAD.

Updated July7/09
Compliments of the Canadian Press


Two Canadian soldiers, along with a British soldier, have been killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance identified the Canadians as 38-year-old Master Corporal Pat Audet and 25-year-old Corporal Martin Joannette. Vance says the incident was not related to insurgent activity.

The latest deaths bring to 124 the number of Canadian soldiers who have died as part of the Afghan mission since 2002.

CHILD PORN CASE HITS ANOTHER ROADBLOCK.

Updated July7/09

A 38 year old man accused of several sexual offences has once again been denied legal aid. Michael Gary Gilbert of Tracyville faces counts of sexual assault, possession of child pornography and making child pornography. He appeared briefly in Burton provincial court yesterday so the court could hear of the results of his latest application to legal aid.
He was initially denied when facing three charges, but when several new counts were laid, a judge urged him to apply again.

Saying Goodbye to Michael Jackson

Update July7/09

A Saint John man is re-living memories of Michael Jackson as the world prepares to say goodbye today. Artist Norm Jackson saw Michael perform with his brothers on the Ed sullivan show forty years ago. Jackson tells Tides News, he knew there was something special about him at that time.
Jackson says when he first heard the news that the King of Pop was dead, he was shocked. A memorial service for Jackson will be held this afternoon in Los Angeles.

Infrusture Announcement

Updated July7/09

A significant infrastructure announcement is planned for this morning in McAdam. Premier Graham, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson and James Irving will make the announcement at the former train station.
A spokesperson for the province says this announcement is going to affect all of Southern New Brunswick.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Moose Draw

updated July6/09


Hunters eagerly waiting to hear if they can hunt moose this season should listen up.The results of the 2009 moose licence draw are now available.To find out if you're successful call 1-800-459-3729, or check online at the Natural Resources website.There were over 60 thousand applications for just over 34 hundred licences for the season starting September 24th.

Latest on Arson case in St. Stephen

Updated July6/09


The search continues for a suspect or suspects following a rash of arsons in St. Stephen last week. RCMP tell us they are still reviewing the files and there were no blazes over the weekend. 12 vehicles were torched at a body shop, the fire chief's vehicle in Rollingdam was stolen from the fire hall, driven to another location and torched.
Another vehicle was lit up at the local curling club and a pair of buildings were also destroyed. Nobody was hurt.

Two Men Arrested in Arson Investigation

updated July6/09


Two 19-year old men have been arrested in connection with a string of mischief and arsons in the Charlotte County area. During the last week of June, homes in the Utopia and St George areas suffered various damages to property including broken mail boxes, broken vehicle windows, smashed flower pots, stolen and broken garden lights, damaged above ground pools and several fires, including two vehicles that were attempted to be set on fire.
No word on when the two men from St. George will appear in court.

Accident on Highway 170

Update July6/09

A elderly man from from the United States is facing charges after an accident late last week. St George Rcmp tell us a vehicle ran through a stop sign at the intersection of highway 127 and 170. The vehicle hit another with a women and her daughter in it. Both were taken to hosiptal and have been released. No word on when the driver will be in court.

St Stephen fires

Updated July6/09

St Stephen RCMP are Still looking for the publics help in the rash of arsons last week. Officers tells us they are still reviewing the files and there were no fires reported over the weekend. Last week 12 vehicles were torched at a body shop, the fire chief's vehicle in Rollingdam was stolen from the fire hall driven to another location and torched and vehicle at the Curling Club was set on fire. A pair of buildings were also destroyed in the fires. Nobody was hurt.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Human Remains Found in East Saint John

Details are still limited on the human remains found in East Saint John yesterday.An autopsy is scheduled for today to identify the decomposed body found in the swamp area behind the Best Western Hotel.The area is still blocked off, and police spent most of the day yesterday on site after receiving the tip from a ground and rescue team conducting a training exercise.The police are expecting the Major Crimes Unit to release a statement later today with more information.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Opposition Urges Provincial Governmet to Save School Support Jobs

The New Brunswick Teacher's Association and Provincial opposition are optimistic some of the school support jobs that were cut earlier this year can be saved. Both the Union president and opposition leader are urging Education Minister Roland Hache to use the province's Innovative Learning Fund to save some positions. Haché recently froze the 3.4 million dollar program, initially budgeted at 5 million dollars. Opposition Leader David Alward says the frozen funds should be used to relieve some of the damage.

WorksafeNB Stakeholders Report

WorkSafe NB's has released its stakeholders report for 2008. The agency boasts exceeding its targets for service, staff satisfaction and reduced accident frequency last year. Also, for the fourth consecutive year, assessment rates decreased from $2.10 in 2007, to $2.05 in 2008--- the lowest in Eastern Canada.
President and CEO Doug Stanley says the report recaps a year of successes and challenges amid a year of change. Last year, the agency adopted its new name, changed its industry classification system, and changed the composition of its board of directors.

Calais Regional Hospital Tobacco Free

Calais Regional Hospital is completely tobacco-free. The tobacco-free status applies to all hospital buildings, physician offices, parking lots and property that make up the hospital campus.The Calais Regional Hospital Board of Directors voted to make CRH a tobacco free campus in August 2008.The announcement was made July 1st of this year.

Streets Causing Damage to Vehicles

Many residents living in St Stephen are raising concerns over some damage done to their vehicles from driving through King Street construction. Roger Madsen tells tide news the pots holes were so bad along King street that it tore his muffler off his 1995 Ford Taurus.
Madsen says there were no signs posted to let the public now back on June 12th that the roads were in bad shape.The cost for the parts is almost $200.00. Another resident is saying her rocker panel had been torn off costing roughly $250.00 dollars in damage.Tide news placed a call to Thomspon Construction voicing concerns and received no comment.

Friday, July 3, 2009

St Stephen Fires

update July3/09

St Stephen Rcmp are investigating a rash of fires that occurred over the past few days. St Stephen fire department tells us there was another car set on fire at the curling club parking lot this morning around 3:24. This is the 14 car to be set on fire over the past 3 days. Also on July 2nd a structure fire at a Camp Waweig in Waweig had been destroyed by fire. Rcmp believe that the fire started sometime through the night. St Stephen Rcmp think the fires may be contected.

Cars damage from King Street

updated July3/09

Many residents that live in St Stephen are raising concerns over some damage done to their vehicles from driving through King Street construction. Resident Roger Madsen tells tide news the pot holes were so bad along King street that it tore his muffler off his 1995 Ford Taurus:
Madsen says cost for the parts is almost $200.00 and another residents say's her rocker panal had been torn off costing roughly $250.00 dollars in damage.Tide news place a call to Thomspon construction voicing concerns and at that time no comment was made.

Over 2600 NB power customers knock off grid

Update July03/09

NB power is reporting Outages around the Charlotte County area. Over 2600 NB power customers are without electicity this morning. The hardest hit area is Grandmanan with over 1800 residents without power. Wilson Beach has 740 customers knock of the grid.Winds are suppose to pick up this morning with heavy rain. Full weather details are coming up shortly.

Gas Prices Down

updated July3/09

It's down......but you could probuably use an eye-dropper to fill up your tank with the savings it is showing on the big board. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's latest price schedule which shows the maximum price for a litre of self-serve is going for 99.8 which is down percentage points from last week.
Diesel has held the line coming in at 97.6.....furnace oil is down percentage points to come in at an even 79 cents and propane is down almost a penny at 85.8.

Liquor Store update

updated July3/09

More information released this morning on a new liquor store in St Stephen.Spokeperson for NB liquor Nora Lacey tell tide news they are hoping for the end of January 2010 for the new liquor store .Lacey says the new store will be at the end of the charlotte mall next to Sobeys with an enclose walk way between Sobeys and the NB liquor store.

Lacey says the liquor store will be about 7000 square feet that will include retail space, warehouse space and staff space.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Thirteen cars destroyed by fire

updated July2/09

Thirteen cars and a building were destroyed by fire last night. Fire crews were busy trying to attend to three separate fires in the Oakbay and Rollingdam area.Oak Bay Fire Chief tells us the first fire was a structure fire on the intersection of highway 127 and highway 1. The building was vacant at the time but fully engulf in flames by the time the fire department got there. George Mcleod tells tide news 12 cars were destroyed in garage at a Danny Higgins residents in Tower Hill:

Mcleod says the third fire was a car stolen from the Rollingdam area and set on fire in the elmsville area. Mcleod says they think arson may be involved.

Also Nobody hurt after a vehicle got fire at Kent building supplies this morning. St Stephen fire department was on the scene to contain the blaze for roughly an hour cleaning up after the fire. Tide news was told the fire started around 9:30 this morning. Not sure how the fire started .

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Canada Day Festivities

Residents will be Celebrating Canada Day throughout Charlotte County today.St Andrews Mayor John Craig says celebrating Canada's 142nd Birthday is a special time in St Andrews by the sea.
Craig says there will be activities throughout the day. To end the day there will be fire works for the whole family to see.Others that will be celebrating with festivities are St Stephen and McAdam for families to enjoy the Holiday.
Also to keep in mind the Border line ups may be busy over the next few days with our friends across the border as the holiday approaches for July the 4th .Your reminded to drive safe and enjoy the holiday.

Drugs Seized

A 42-year old man has been arrested following a drug bust on the Tobique First Nation Monday. More than two pounds of marijuana were seized from a home on the Lagoon Road, along with scales, packaging materials, 12 hundred dollars in cash and eight weapons.
The suspect is being held until his court appearance.

Lower Taxes, Lower Money

The province's Opposition Finance Critic says despite a tax reduction to take effect today, taxpayers will actually have less money than before the March 2009 budget. Bruce Fitch says taxes are still not down to the level they were in 2007 and new fee increases means taxpayers will see less money than before the tax cuts.
Among the hikes are increased fees for vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. Fitch says the Graham government is trying to make itself out as a hero by cutting taxes when New Brunswickers will have a deeper hole in their wallet than before. The Plan for Lower Taxes includes personal income tax savings of about 124 million dollars this year.

10th Case of the Swine Flu

The Department of Health is confirming yet another case of the H1N1 virus. This brings the number of cases in the province to 10 since the outbreak began in April. Chief medical officer of health, Dr. Eilish Cleary, says the latest victim of the virus--also known as the swine flu-- is a woman in her 50's from the Fredericton area.
So far, none of the reported cases in New Brunswick have required hospitalization.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hit and run

updated June30/09 7:56

Police tells they are investigating a hit and run in the Charlotte County area. The accident happened in the early morning hours on Sunday. RCMP says that a vehicle crossed the center line and struck another vehicle on Route 127 near Chamcook and the vehicle driver fled the scene.

Water shut off On Porter Street and Nesbitt Avenue

updated June30/09 7:55

The Town of St. Stephen tells us they will be shutting the water off today on Porter Street and Nesbitt Avenue. The water will be shut off on those two streets from noon until until 2 this afternoon.

Change to Gas Price Set-Up

updated June30/09

It will be Friday this week before we find out whether the price of gas is going up or down. Tomorrow is of course a Holiday, so that means the Energy and Utilities Board won't release it's new price schedule until Midnight Thursday.
Normally, we find out what we will be paying at the pumps at midnight Thursday but under certain circum-stances, the legislation prescribes changes to the schedule.

Lower Taxes-

updated June30/09

You will see a bigger pay cheque after Wednesday. That's when provincial residents will begin to benefit from The Plan for Lower Taxes, released as part of the 2009-10 budget. The plan includes more than 380 million dollars in annual tax savings by 2012-13. Personal income tax savings this year will be about 124 million dollars.
For example: A single individual making 25,000 dollars per year will save 202 dollars this year and 473 dollars every year by 2012.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Engineering Report Confirms Suitability of

June 29, 2009


A new engineering report will help move the Charlotte County Civic Centre on to the next phase. Chair of the Board of Directors Richard Fulton says an independent assessment from engineering firm Jacques Whitford shows the preferred Budd Avenue site is suitable for construction. The report concludes the site has traces of environmental con-tamination but falls within the environmental guidelines for commercial construction.
The Town will hold an open house to discuss this latest development next Thursday at the St. Stephen Legion.

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.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

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.

Friday, June 26, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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.

Friday, June 19, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

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.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

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.