A Scary Drive For A New Brunswick Couple

The PEI Confederation Bridge was a scary drive on Saturday according to a new Brunswick couple. The couple who lives in Saint John was visiting family members and tells Tide news it was the worst feeling in the world crossing the bridge when the winds were reaching up to 100 km per hour . The bridge, which is 9 miles long felt like 30 miles when the couple was driving along the bridge at a speed of 30km per hour.




The bridge was restricted to only cars since Friday morning and transport trucks were lined up on both sides of the bridge. The bridge was open yesterday morning to all traffic.

Rally To Save NB Power

The fight to keep NB Power from being sold to Hydro-Quebec is in Saint John today. There is a rally along with a news conference scheduled to get started at nine this morning in front of the Energy Building . Following the news conference, those taking part in the rally will then visit three Saint John MLA's offices. Bethany Thorne is a spokesperson for the group and tells us, she would like the Graham Government to look at what the utility can still offer.



Thorne adds they want to know where the yet to be named MLA's stand on this sale and whether they will push for a referendum on this issue.

H1N1 Finishing Up

For anyone still debating whether or not they want to recieve the H1N1 Virus Flu Shot, time is running out. Friday, December 18th, will the be the final day to receive the shot in a mass public clinic. With the provincial government's investment of $17.1 million dollars, the vaccine is free to all New Brunswickers who choose to be immunized.


By the time the clinics close, more than 55 per cent of the province will have been vaccinated against the virus. More then half of those are under 19.

First degree murder charge laid in death of Mary Claire Scott

A charge of first degree murder was laid against 32-year old William David White in connection with the death of 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott.


RCMP have been investigating the death since the evening of November 30 after family members contacted police concerned they had not heard from  Scott in several days. Investigators were following a variety of tips which lead them to Bible Hill, N.S., where  White was arrested without incident on December 10th.   White was living in the Scott residence prior to November 30th.

Mr. White is expected to appear in St. Stephen Provincial Court later this afternoon. He is currently being escorted to St. Stephen from Nova Scotia.

Fire in Seeley's Cove

Damage to a home in Seeley's Cove is being called extensive after fire ripped through it this week. Sargeant Greg MacAvoy with St. George RCMP tells Tide News, they were called to the home on Wednesday night and one woman living there got out safely.




Investigators are still going over the scene trying to figure out what sparked the blaze.

Close Call for Home-Owner

A close call for a home-owner in Maces Bay last night. A firefighter with the Musquash Department was driving past the home and noticed the back deck was on fire. A bucket full of ashes taken from the wood stove was melting around the wood floor. The firefighter used an extinguisher from his vehicle to smother the flames.


He then helped the homeowner and a neighbour put snow and water onto the deck to cool hot spots. Firefighters then used a hoseline to wet down the deck to insure everything had been extinguished and checked that the fire hadn't extended into the house. Damage was minimal and a reminder to use a metal bucket to collect the ashes from your wood stove.

Government Buildings get Top Honors

Three government buildings have been recognized as some of the Provinces most energy efficient new commercial buildings. They are Bayside Middle School, the NBCC St. Andrews Campus and the Provincial Fish Health Laboratory. This is all part of Efficiency NB's Start Smart program.



The design and construction of the buildings were managed by the Department of Supply and Services.

Update on H1N1 Province Wide

Continuing good news on the H1N1 front. Activity around the Province continues to decline with 170 people sent to hospital since the pandemic began back in April. 32 have been set to intensive care and 26 of those had underlying medical conditions. The death toll still stands at seven..........four men and three women. As far as the supply of vaccine, 92,500 doses arrived this week with 70,000 more expected to arrive next week.




Mass clinics will continue until the 18th but some will finish sooner than that. To this point, 55% of the population has received the shot with more clinics today.There is one at Lawrence Station starting at one and running until eight.

Lobster For Sale on Long Wharf

With lobster fisherman finishing up another tough year, they are going to try and close it out on a positive note. With their catch going for four dollars a pound, they hope to bring in some new business along Long Wharf in St John. Boats will tie up in the area and sell off the boat next Saturday on the 19th. John Mcdade is a fisherman and tells us, along with making some money, they hope to bring some awareness to what they do.


The event is being organized by the Fundy North Fishermen's Association which represents inshore fishermen between Saint Martin's and St Stephen for over 20 years. The sale runs between eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon.

Country Rockfest

It appears Halifax is looking to beat Moncton to the punch when it comes to concerts next summer. Country Rockfest is coming to the Halifax Common August 6th and 7th.


George Canyon and Johnny Reid start things off on Friday. On Saturday, Billy Currington, Lonestar, Kevin Costner and Modern West take the stage followed by the headliner-Alan Jackson.

 Tickets go on sale Tuesday at some Atlantic Superstores or you can call 1-902-451-1221.

Superintendent Sits Comfortably In His New Position

Almost two weeks in his new position the Superintendent for District Ten is finding his comfort zone. Derek O' Brien tells tide news he has been busy over the past couple of weeks. He says he is looking forward to the big learning curve ahead of him and hopes to visit all the schools in the district in the new year.

O' Brien was the principal at St Stephen Elementary for the past 10 years.

NB Power Forum in Moncton

Moncton provided the back-drop for Labour groups and political parties who got together yesterday for a summit to discuss the possible sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec. Tom Mann is one of the spokespeople for the groups which is based on the original Face Book group opposed to the proposed sale. He tells Tide News, the savings and benefits in the proposal is in-balanced for every rate payer in the Province.


Mann adds with no mandate or public discussion....this proposal should never have seen the light of day.

Gas Prices

Drivers in St Stephen who use self serve regular are getting a bit of a break this morning after the weekly setting with just slight changes in the maximum prices that can be charged. The maximum price for self serve regular is 100.4 a litre, which is a drop of two cents from last week. Most gas stations here at home are now selling it for 98.3. The maximum price for diesel rose from 104.9 to 105.8 a litre.


As of early this morning, there had been no change with diesel still at 103.2. There has been a slight increase in the maximum price of furnace oil as it went from 88.2 to 88.4 a litre.

Storm Clean Up

The cleanup is well underway in St Stephen after yesterday's storm which didn't turn out to be as bad as many people feared. Jean March with Enviroment Canada tells Tide news St Stephen recieved 10 cm of snow last night. NB power is  reporting no outages after the high winds last evening


The roads are slushy this morning and drivers are being reminded to drive carefully heading to work.

Airport Getting Ready for Storm

There is a lot of things winter weather can throw a wrench into but it really impacts the routine at the Saint John Airport. President and CEO Bernie Leblanc tells Tide News, the challenge with any storm isn't just how it impacts us here at home but from coast to coast.


Leblanc reminds anyone due to catch a flight or has someone arriving at the airport, to call ahead at 696-0200.

St Stephen Fire Department Warns Residents to Be Careful

In the meantime , if your power goes out the St Stephen Fire Department is warning residents not to be careless when burning wood. Fire Chief Jeff Richardson tells tide news when you have high winds and snow together don't overload your wood stove.


Richardson says when overloading your wood stove your can create carbon dioxide so it is important to have a carbon dioxide detector. He says if your power goes out, keep in mind if you are using a portable genarator or a propane Bbq use it out side never inside a home.

NB Power On Standby

NB power crews are watching the winter storm and high winds as it moves towards Charlotte County today (tonight). Spokesperson Heather Mclean tells tide news residents should be prepared just in case the power goes out.


Mclean says make sure to have extra batteries for your flash light, have a heat source, a power radio and pay very close attention if your using a genarator. She says if the power goes out, Nb power will try their best to get to you as fast as the can.

Storm

A major winter storm is headed for the St Stephen region. Jeremy March of Environment Canada tells Tide News the weather maker is developing along the eastern seaboard.


March says you can expect something like 15 centimeters of snow with gusty winds before turning to rain around midnight. 

Kidney Dialysis Machine Still A Hot Topic

( Minister Of Health Mary Schryer, Photo by Kim Hall )


Don't give up hope that's what the Minister of Health says about a kidney dialysis machine for Charlotte County residents. Mary Schryer was in St Stephen and tells tide news she knows how important this is it just take a little time.


Schryer says it is still on the table about a kidney dialysis machine and as soon as she knows more information the people of Charlotte County will be the first to know.

Ganong Brother Ltd Backs Up Wage Gap Between Men And Women

( President of Ganong Bros Ltd. Photo by Kim Hall)


Mary Schryer Minister responsible for the status of women launched a provincial project this week that will try to reduce the wage gap between men and women in the workplace. Ganong brothers in St Stephen is one out of seven organizations that supports this project. Doug Ettinger The present of Ganong Brothers tells tide news this is a very significant announcement from the minister and he backs it up 100%.


 Ettinger says they might not be perfect on this file but they are starting on a journey and overtime they want to make sure Ganong is a fair working environment for all their employees.

St. Andrews residents urged to donate blood

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply.


A blood donor clinic is scheduled for December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus.

Wage Gap

Men and women must be considered equal in the workplace says the minister responsible for the status of women. Mary Schryer has launched a provincial project which will try to reduce the wage gap between men and women in the workplace. Schryer tells tide news women are just as important to a company as men are.



Ganong brothers in St Stephen is one of seven organizations participating in this project.

Point Lepreau

Hydro Quebec is warning there will have to be another major shut down of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant within the next five years. That word coming from Hydro Quebec's President and C-E-O Thierry Vandal.


Vandal says he looks upon what's going on at Lepreau as a learning experience in preparation for the refurbishment of a nuclear power plant in Quebec.

Toy Drive

( 2nd Annual Toy Drive At Canadian Tire In St Stephen )

The Toy drive held over the weekend was a great success. The Family Resource Center and 98.1 the Tide, teamed up to collect toys for the children for Christmas. Over three hundered dollars was donated and two trucks were filled with toys for the kids.

H1N1 Clinics For Today

December 7


12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island

Consolidated School

1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public


December 8

9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre

11 J.O. Spinney Dr.

General public


December 9

9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion

43 Queen St. West General public


December 10

10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove

Church of Christ

227 Route 772

(*This clinic will be held in the

Church Hall) General public


December 11

1pm - 8pm Lawrence Station Lawrence Station Elementary School

6227 Route 3 General public

The Fight Against NB Power Proposal

A rally is set for this week as the voice opposing the NB Power-Hydro-Quebec proposal continues to get louder. Following a rally at 9:30am in Moncton, there will be a summit to include the many voices and experts who believe NB Power should not be sold. Tom Mann is spokesperson and tells Tide News, this is an extension of the original FaceBook group opposed to the deal which had grown to 25,000 people.


There are a wide range of people and organizations taking part in the forum including the Conservative and Green Parties, Council of Canadians and the Federation of Labor. Mann says each organization can do it's own thing, they are just encouraging the message stay clear that the utility not be sold.

Hydro-Quebec Boss in Saint John

We have heard what the Graham Government thinks about the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec and later today, we get a different perspective. The President and CEO of Hydro Quebec Thierry VanDal is the guest speaker at a Saint John Board of Trade Luncheon. Energy Minister Jack Keir tells Tide News, this is a wonderful opportunity.

Keir says he continues to speak at every luncheon, dinner and breakfast function he can to make sure as much information about this proposal is brought forward before the final vote in March.

More NB Power

The proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec will also be up for discussion in Halifax this afternoon.


Finance Minister Greg Byrne will be addressing the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies today concerning the proposed energy deal, and to discuss details of the 2010 provincial budget.

Things get underway at noon at the Halifax Marriot Harbourfront.

H1N1 Update

H1N1 continues to be widespread in Maine, though there is evidence that it may be declining. Four people have died of the disease this past week, bringing the total to 11 since July. A news release from the Department of health says all deaths have been among adults with serious underlying medical conditions. However, hospitalizations, school absenteeism, and outpatient visits have all declined this past week.
There will be a clinic for the H1N1 next Wednesday in Calais starting at 8 in the morning until 1 pm Calais Elementary School
For more information, visits www.maineflu.gov

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

"All I Want For Christmas" That is the theme of this year Santa Parade in St Stephen. The Parade kicks off today starting off at the Ganong Factory Parking Lot on Chocolate Drive and ends at St. Stephen’s University. After the parade Santa will be sticking around to visit the kids and hot chocalate and cookies will be available.
The parade starts at 1:00 this afternoon.
Meanwhile St Andrews will be kicking of their Fireman's Santa parade today also. The children will get to see Santa and Mrs Claus at 5:30 tonight. The parade starts at NBCC along water street to the WC O'Neill Arena complex.

Toy Drive

The family resource centre and 98.1 the tide is teaming up to collect toys for children for christmas. Last year was a great success collecting a huge amount of gifts for the kids this time of year. You can drop off a toy in the sleigh to send to the kids for Christmas. The Tide will be broadcasting live at Canadian Tire this morning from 9:00 until 1:00 out side in the parking lot .

Request for Blood Donors

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, inclement winter weather and declines in donations during the approaching holiday season, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply now, prior to potential drops in donation levels.

A blood donor clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus.

Woman's death deemed a homicide

The death of 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott at her Queen Street residence in St. Stephen has been deemed a homicide based on autopsy results and other evidence gathered by police at the scene.

The RCMP’s Major Crime Unit has been investigating the death since the evening of November 30 after family members contacted police concerned they had not heard from Mrs. Scott in several days.

Forensic identification experts are currently processing the crime scene and the residence remains under police control.

Investigators are following up on a variety of leads and tips, and would ask that anyone with information about this crime contact St. Stephen RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Q-Flex Docks at LNG Terminal

After waiting a few days for the weather to improve.......the Q-Flex is ready to dock at the Canaport LNG facility. It is one of the largest and innovative LNG ships in the world. If everything stays on schedule, she will tie up by 12:45pm this afternoon and Saint John will be the first city to welcome the vessel to the East Coast of North America.


The arrival of the Q-Flex marks the 10th ship to arrive at the LNG Terminal with cargo since it came on line back in June.

Poley Waiting for the Snow

Officials at Poley Mountain continue to wait patiently for more seasonable weather to show up. Mild temperatures and rain make for a bad mixture for the hill but General Manager Bill Anderson tells us, he isn't losing any sleep. Anderson says they aren't panicking at this point saying this is New Brunswick, wait ten minutes this time of the year and the weather will change.


He says they hope to turn on the snow making machines with-in the next two weeks.

Trying to Lure a Child

They say it is important to watch what your children are doing on a computer and this next story proves it. 41-year old Robert Vanbuskirk of Moncton is facing several charges in connection with luring a child over the internet. He was arrested yesterday in the hub city as part of an ongoing investigation by the RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit.

Their investigation began on June 21 when Moncton RCMP received a complaint. The child was not physically harmed and did not come in contact with the suspect. He will be back in court tomorrow afternoon for a bail hearing.

St. Andrews residents urged to donate blood

Canadian Blood Services is asking St. Andrews and area residents to donate blood in the coming weeks. Faced with the risk of the H1N1 virus, inclement winter weather and declines in donations during the approaching holiday season, the organization is hoping to build up the blood supply now, prior to potential drops in donation levels.




A blood donor clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 17 at the St. Andrews NBCC Campus from 12:30 to 3:30 and 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

Major OverHaul for Nursing Homes

An exciting day for Nursing Homes in Charlotte County. The province is providing a total investment of $400 million dollars and means 297 new nursing home beds will be created around the Province. MLA for Charlotte the Isle Rick Doucet tells tide news   Lincourt manor in St Stephen is getting 1.2 million , Passamaquoddy Lodge is a 3 million dollar investment for rooms and Grandmanan will be getting 9 million.


Doucett says construction work will get started in the spring with completion dates set for between 2016 and 17.

H1N1 Flu clinic In St Andrews

The H1N1 clinic will held today in St Andrews for the general public starting at 9 this morning  until 9 tonight . This will take place at the community college.

Gas Prices

(File Photo)

A slight increase in the price of gasoline this morning.

The maximum price for self serve regular is 102.4 but is selling around St Stephen for 100.3.

The maximum price for diesel is 104.9 but it's going for 103.2 a litre, which is just over a cent higher. Heating oil is listed at 88.2 and propane is at 105.0.

Acadia Broadcasting Keeps Growing

Acadia Broadcasting is growing again, the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission has granted approval for the purchase of two radio stations in Thunder Bay from Newcap Inc.


The stations will join the company's existing stations in Kenora - Dryden - and - Fort Frances in northwestern Ontario.

Saint John based Acadia Broadcasting also owns radio stations in Bridgewater and the here in Stephen.

The latest purchase will be finalized within the next thirty days.

( Photo by Kim Hall )



Members of the general public can get the swine flu shot here in St Stephen today at the legion on queen street starting 9 this morning until 5 tonight.

Royal Canadian Legion, 43 Queen St. West, St. Stephen, December 2, 9am - 5pm



NBCC St. Andrews, 99 Augustus Street, St. Andrews, December 3, 9am - 9pm


St. George Community Center, 11 J.O. Spinney Dr., St. George, December 4, 9am - 5pm


For more updated information on the clinics go to www.gnb.ca/flu or call 1-800-580-0038.

Suspicious Death in St. Stephen

 St. Stephen RCMP are releasing few details but do confirm they are investigating a suspicious death. Monday night, officers were called to a home on Queen Street east after family members called police concerned they had not heard from the woman living in the house for a few days.


When police arrived they discovered the body of a 59-year old woman. The death at this point is considered suspicious and no name is being released.

Suspicious Death In St Stephen

(Photo by Kim Hall)

A 59 year old women has been found dead at a home in St Stephen. Last evening around midnight the Rcmp were called after family members were concerned they had not heard from the women in a few days. Rcmp say do not believe the women died of natural causes. Major crime unit has been called in. The name of the women is not being released at this time.

RCMP Still On The Scene In St Stephen

(Photo by Kim Hall)


Yellow police crime scene tape surrounds a house on Queen Street here in St Stephen at this hour.


So far - the Mounties are tight lipped about why they are at the home -- but -- neighbors say police have been at the scene since around three this morning.

Deer Island Ferry Passage to be Dredged

 A tender is being issue  by the Department of Transportation for the dredging of the Deer Island Ferry Channel.


Rick Doucet The Minister of Fisheries and Charlotte The Isles MLA says once the ledge is removed this will no longer effect the ferry schedule due to low tides.

Assurance has been given that the removal of the ledge will be no threat to the environment or marine populations.

Flu Clinics For The General Public

 The H1N1 clinic will held today in St Stephen at the legion on Queen street until 9 tonight . If you did not make it to the H1N1 clinic on Grandmanan yesterday there is another one today on the Island until 3. A full listing of the clinics can be found on our web site, thetide.ca and click news.
A full listing of the clinics can be found on the goverments website   www.gnb.ca/flu  .


December 1

9am - 3pm Grand Manan Grand Manan Community Centre (Gym)
1021 Route 776 General public


December 1
9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion
43 Queen St. West General public


December 3
9am - 9pm St. Andrews NBCC - St. Andrews Campus
99 Augustus St. General public

December 4
9am - 5pm St George St George Community Centre
11 J.O. Spinney Dr.



General public
December 7
12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island
Consolidated School
1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public

December 8
9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre
11 J.O. Spinney Dr.
General public

December 9
9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion
43 Queen St. West General public

December 10
10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove
Church of Christ
227 Route 772

(*This clinic will be held in the
Church Hall) General public

List of the H1N1 Clinics

 
November 30

9am - 8pm Grand Manan Grand Manan Community Centre (Gym)

1021 Route 776 Priority groups

 
December 1

9am - 3pm Grand Manan Grand Manan Community Centre (Gym)

1021 Route 776 General public


 December 1

9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion

43 Queen St. West General public

 


  
 
December 3

9am - 9pm St. Andrews NBCC - St. Andrews Campus

99 Augustus St. General public


December 4

9am - 5pm St George St George Community Centre

11 J.O. Spinney Dr.

General public


December 7

12pm - 8pm Campobello Campobello Island

Consolidated School

1722 Route 774, Wilson's Beach General public


December 8

9am - 9pm St George St George Community Centre

11 J.O. Spinney Dr.

General public


December 9

9am - 9pm St Stephen Royal Canadian Legion

43 Queen St. West General public


December 10

10am - 8pm Deer Island Lord’s Cove

Church of Christ

227 Route 772

(*This clinic will be held in the

Church Hall) General public

Graham Remains Optimistic

Is the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro-Quebec the end of the political line for Shawn Graham and his Liberal Government? Many political observers says yes but Graham tells Tide News, he isn't losing any sleep.



Premier Graham says they could have taken the road less travelled and coasted through the final year of the mandate but is ready to run through the campaign on this transaction.

H1N1 Open to the Public

After waiting for weeks to roll up their sleeve, H1N1 clinics for the genral public get started today.There is one in Grand Manan at the Community Center between nine and eight. So far, seven people have died from H1N1 around the Province but public health officials are quick to point out all had underlying conditions that complicated the virus and the recovery.


Late last week, Dr. Eilish Cleary, Chief Medical Officer of Health says the intensity of the activity has gone down but warns people not to let their guard down. Health officials strongly urge everyone to get the shot as soon as they can. Clinics that are running between now and Dec.10th are all posted on the government web site at gnb.ca 

List Of H1N1 Clinics In Calais

Scheduled Flu Clinics


Dec 1 -    5 pm- 6:30 pm CRMS Pediatrics Office

37 Palmer St, Calais H1N1 Any 3-18 year old, Parents of an infant less than 6 months of age.



Documentation Required: If not a patient of the CRMS practice must have ID showing Maine residence or US insurance card.

Documentation Required: If not a patient of the CRMS practice must have ID showing Maine residence or US insurance card and present the infant's US birth certificate.



Dec 1 - 5 pm- 6:30 pm CRMS OB/GYN Office

37 Palmer St, Calais H1N1 Anyone who is pregnant



Documentation Required: If not a patient of the CRMS practice must have ID showing Maine residence or US insurance card and statement from Obstetricians office confirming pregnancy.



Dec 9 8 am- 1 pm Calais Elementary School H1N1 Calais Elementary students requiring the second shot booster for 8 and under for seasonal flu vaccine.

Guy's Frenchy's Closing In St Stephen

Less the month to go before Christmas a local business will be closing it doors in about 2 weeks. Manager of Guy's Frenchy's in St Stephen tells tide news they found out Monday that the store will be closing. Marlene Duplessis says this is very upsetting news to her. She says she will miss her customers and staff members very much. When ask if she would take over the business she doesn't see it in the near future. 11 employees work for the company

Phone Scam Hits Bellisle Creek

Some luck and help from the Sussex RCMP helped save a senior from losing $500 dollars. It was back on Wednesday, a Bellisle Creek woman received a call from a man saying it was her grandson, he was in trouble and needed to be wired some cash for a lawyer. The woman went to her bank but they were suspicious and asked for a fax number from the lawyers office before sending the money.


She went back home, the man called back and was furious and told her to go to another bank but they would not deal with her either. She went back to her bank and they called the RCMP. An officer went home with the senior and when the phone rang, he answered. As soon as he identified himself as RCMP, the man said he had the wrong number and hung up. The call was tarced to a cell-phone in Quebec. Between January and August of this year, 317 similar calls have been made to homes around the country.

H1N1 Vaccine Available To The Public Soon

The Province is ready to open H1N1 clinics to the general public, some as early as this weekend but most on Monday. This as the intensity of the activity of those people getting sick has subsided. To date, 158 people have had to be hospitalized because of the swine flu and seven around the Province have died. Dr. Eilish Cleary is the Chief Medical Officer of Health and says even with clinics opening to everyone, you will still have to stand in line to roll up your sleeve.


Dr. Cleary adds even with the amount of new cases on the decline, she is still encouraging everyone to get immunized for your safety and everyone else in the Province.

Chemical Spill Update At Fundy High School

Students at Fundy High got an unexpected day off because of a chemical spill yesterday. Several chemicals got mixed together when a shelf they were on collapsed. The Saint John Fire Department's Hazard-Materials Unit set up a command post and worked with St. George fire officials and 5 other agencies including the RCMP and Public Safety.




Deputy Fire Chief Mark Gillan tells Tide News, no one was hurt and the school was turned back over to District Ten officials late yesterday afternoon.

Fundy High remains closed today.

Schedules For The H1N1 Clinics In Charlotte County

 Here are the priority groups :

 Children 6 months to 18 years (first dose)

Children 6 months to under 36 months (second dose and are at least 21 days following first dose)

Children 3 years to 9 years with a chronic medical condition (requiring second dose and are at least 21 days following first dose)

Individuals with a respiratory medical condition

Individuals with lung disease that requires ongoing medical care, such as: asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis.

Individuals with breathing difficulties related to a physical, neurological or muscular disorder (e.g. ALS, multiple sclerosis, quadriplegia, paraplegia).

November 26

9am - 8pm Grand Manan Grand Manan Community Centre (Gym)


November 27

10am - 5pm St George St George Community Centre

11 J.O. Spinney Dr.

Priority groups

November 28

9am - 5pm Old Ridge St. Stephen High School

9372 Route 3

(* Use front entrance) Priority groups

 
November 29

11am - 5pm Campobello Campobello Health Centre

640 Route 774, Unit 1

Priority groups

November 29

11am - 5pm Deer Island Deer Island Health Centre

999 Route 772 Priority groups

 
November 29

10am - 4pm St Stephen St. Stephen Middle School

11 School St. Priority groups

A light in Memory Of A loved One

Home Support Services will be having there 6th annual festivals of light ceremony tonight. You can purchase a light in memory of a love one. Family members will speak on behalf of their love one to explain the experience they've had with Home Support Services over the years. The light ceremony will take place at 41 Budd Avenue at 7:00pm.

Chemical Spill Caused School to Close

Fundy High Students had to be sent home today due to a chemical spill in the school. Acting superintendent Jenny McDougal tells tide news the head Custodian was walking in the school and discovered a smell in the lab. When the Custodian entered the lab there was a shelf that broke and quit a few chemicals got mixed together. The fire department along with the hazard material team recommended the school to close for the day for safety reason.

Nobody was hurt.

Two more Deaths In Maine

Two more people have died in Maine due to the H1N1 virus. That brings the total to nine since August.

According to a press release from the Department of Health this past week 31 Maine people have been hospitalized, including eight children. The H1N1 clinic will be held in Calais on December 9 from 8- 1pm at the Calais elmentary school.



For more information you can visit www.maineflu.gov

Fundy High Students Sent Home

Fundy High Students in District Ten will be sent home shortly. School officials tells us further details will be released as soon as the information is available.

Province's Toll-Free H1N1 Flu Line

The next time you call the Province's toll-free H1N1 flu line it shouldn't take as long. Call volumes increased shortly after media reports of the deaths of two teens in Ontario from the swine flu but the information line didn't have enough capacity to handle the increase so that resulted in long wait times.


More operators have been added and a new automated voice-activated system for callers has been put in place. The 24-hour information line is 1-800-580-0038.

Gas Prices Are In

The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows a litre of self-serve going for a maximum of 99.2.  Gas stations in St Stephen are selling a pump price of 99.9.

Diesel is up percentage points at $101.8. Furnace Oil also up a few percentage points, coming in at 82.4 with not much movement in propane either at 93.6.

Information sessions On Campobello Island

Two open houses will be held in early December for the public to discuss whether to establish a rural community on Campobello Island.


The open houses are being organized along with a survey to determine the degree for establishing a rural community. Information kits about the proposal and the survey will be mailed to all Island residents .  For more information click the link:  www.gnb.ca/localgovernment .  The survey will end Jan. 31, 2010.

Deer Island Ferry

 The ferry service will not change in January says the Fisheries minister and Local MLA. Rick Doucett tells us the ferry will continue to run every half hour ensuring this important service continues. He says this is the back bone of the community and this is great news for Deer Island.

Deer Kill Numbers Are In

Less than ideal weather is one of the factors for a low number of deer being killed during this hunting season which closed over the weekend. Matt Jones with the Department of Natural Resources tells Tide News, the early estimate for the entire province is 5860. Jones adds the warmer than normal temperatures certainly didn't help hunters in their search for some meat to tuck away in the deep freeze.



Jones adds this years total is down 24% from last year which is close to what they expected. The final number should be comfirmed over the next two weeks.

Graham Continues to Defend Decision

Would you sell something that posted a profit of $70 million dollars? That is the latest question for the Premier surrounding the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec. The public utility posted that huge number for it's bottom line but Shawn Graham tells Tide News, you have to take into account the over $200 million dollars borrowed and booked as revenue to pay for replacement power costs due to the upgrade at Point Lepreau.


 President and CEO of NB Power David Hay has declined an interview with our newsroom to discuss the proposal saying this is a decision for politicians. Graham agrees saying Hay is busy enough with the refurbishment at Point Lepreau and remains focused on his job.

Baby Crib Recall

More than two million drop-side cribs are being recalled in Canada and the U-S, in the two countries' biggest crib recall ever.


The cribs affected are made by Stork Craft Manufacturing of British Columbia, and date back all the way to 1993.

The U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are reports of four babies that have suffocated and 110 others who've been injured, due to the drop-sides detaching from the cribs and leaving a dangerous gap between the side and the mattress.

A free repair kit is available from Stork Craft that will convert the dropside to a fixed side.

Getting Geared Up For Flame

The torch begins it’s trek through the Province today, coming through Greater Saint John by tomorrow. Things get started with a huge celebration in Sussex during the noon hour. It will then arrive in Hampton just after three o’clock, make it’s way to Quispamsis and then make a short trek down the old Hampton Highway for a stop and ceremony in Rothesay. This is the only community stop between Sussex and Saint John. It will be glowing in the parking lot of the Rothesay Arena between 4-5:00pm o’clock.

Health Care Announcement

The new work week gets off to a fast start for the Department of Health. Its Minister, Mary Schryer will be joined by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty for a news conference at eleven this morning.


No word on whether cash or new equipment will be rolled out.

ATV Accident

One person was taken to hospital after a ATV accident last evening in the Bonny River area. Ambulance New Brunswick requested an ATV to help get the injured person out of the woods. The extent of the injuries is not known.

Chief Assaulted In Baileyville

Chief of police in Baileyville was rough up while trying to serve a man with legal papers. Early yesterday morning officers arrived at 307 Main Street in Baileyville. While entering the home the chief was attack by a 49 year old man. The Chief was taken to Calais hosiptal to be look at and was later released. No word on specific charges.

Day 2 at the Legislature

The second day of the new fall session in Fredericton was a lot like the first. A proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec dominated question period. Saint John-Portland Conservative MLA Trevor Holder tells us , the Graham Government doesn't have answers for their questions.



 Premier Graham defended the proposal saying it was too good to refuse because it will lower power rates and reduce the provincial debt by 40 per cent.

Gas Prices Slide Again

The price of gasoline has taken a slide for the third straight week. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule showing a litre of self-serve going for 97.8 cents.Gas stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 98.6.


Diesel is down as well coming in at $101.6, furnace oil tops off 82.2 which is down almost two cents and propane saw the only increase, just under a penny at 93.3.

Costco Construction Looking Good

St Stephen and area residents wondering when Cosco is opening in St John ask no more. Construction  is moving right along with the walls for the building just about complete. Troy Northrup is with East Point Shopping and tells Tide News, they are looking at a ribbon cutting in May.


  Northrup adds they will have some more announcements  in the coming weeks.

Updates On The H1N1 Clinics In Calais

The next clinic for Calais area will be on December 9th at the Calais Elementary School from 8-1. For more information click the link   http://www.calaishospital.com/  .............

Canadian Red Cross presents 2009 Humanitarian Awards

The Canadian Red Cross will honour Diane Ganong of St. Stephen with its 2009 Humanitarian Award during a fund-raising dinner tonight in St John. Ganong is being recognized for her volunteer work in the community, serving on numerous boards Ganong also served as president of UNICEF Canada.


Leah Secord, a high school student from Saint John will receive the Young Humanitarian Award from the Red Cross for her dedication to helping others. She is raising funds to build a school in Africa and is active in her school's bullying prevention program and volunteers in her community.Award presentations and acceptance speeches is between 8:15 - 9:00 p.m. at the Delta Brunswick.

Swine Flu Update

The next priority group can get their H1N1 vaccine in St Stephen today at the Middle School. The people in this group are St Stephen middle School students , Children 6 months to 5 yrs of age and Parents of infants under 6 months old.


The clinic will be held today at the St Stephen Middle School located on 11 School.

Blacks Harbour Municipality Fined

The Mayor of Blacks Harbour appeared in court yesterday answering to a provincial charge from the Department of Health. Terry James tells Tide News, 18 months ago, the town's chlorine readings were low and according to provincial officials guide lines were not followed.


James adds the water source is owned by Connor Brothers but the municipality owns most of the distribution network. The private company is in charge of chlorination procedures and town officials don't have a key to the locked facility. The fine is $1000 dollars and James would like to see the company pay at least half. James adds the public wasn't in any danger at any time. Tide news has place a call to Connor Brothers but still no response.

Refinery Project Complete

It took 1.4 million working hours and at peak times, a workforce of 2300 people but, the maintenance project at the Irving Oil Refinery is finished. Spokesperson Lesley MacLeod tells Tide News, the $220-million dollar project is a combined maintainence and investment in the facility.



MacLeod adds this project is the largest of its kind for the refinery and there was no lost time during the project due to injury.

Provincial Conversatives Spin Site

The Provincial Conversatives are taking to YouTube and the web to get their views out on the proposal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec. Leader David Alward says they want to offer the people of the province straight talk on the issue and says these sites serve as tools to help New Brunswickers get the real facts about the deal.


Alward adds these outlets allow everyone in the province to get information that hasn’t been tainted by the Liberal spin machine. The website is STOPSHAWNNOW.CA and the party also has a YouTube channel.

A Family Loses Home Due To Fire

A family of four is left without a home due to a fire over the weekend in Andersonville. Brian Gardner Fire Chief of Lawrence Station tells Tide news the fire started between 11:00 and 11:30 Sunday morning. He says nobody was home at the time of the blaze. Fire department from Moores Mills assisted to try and safe the mobile home. Gardner adds the fire started from a wood stove and was a total loss.

Nursing Home workers Want Deal Finalized

Nursing home workers are asking the provincial government to step forward and finalize a tentive deal they been asking for. Since march 12th they been without a contract and Minerva Porelle  President of Lincourt nursing home tells tide news they are not asking for much. Porelle adds they are asking for a fair wage, top up on maternity leave and benifits for employees.



Porelle says Cupe local 3392 says a deal is a deal and they want there's finalized. Workers from 46 nursing homes lobbied their MLA offices around the province yesterday asking them to bring their issue to the Legislature. Porelle adds if this does not go through their looking at further action.

Infant Death

A St Stephen women facing charges in the death of her baby.   Sarah Russell has pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death.


Russell had been charged with manslaughter, accessory after the fact and disposing of the body of a newborn.

Last month,  Rodney Stuart Miller of Moores Mills , pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of the baby boy.

ATV Accident Sends Teenager To Hosiptal

One man is in hospital nursing his wounds, this after a ATV and pickup truck collided. Rcmp tell us it happened on route 755 Friday evening. The teenager driving the ATV wasn't wearing a helmet . The driver of the pickup didn't see the bike coming at him until it was to late. Rcmp are still working out what or if any charges will be laid.

Heavy Rain Around the Province Yesterday

The good news is there was no major flooding but most of the Province saw a lot of rain fall yesterday from the left overs of Hurricane Ida. The light rain began early morning but transformed into a down-pour by noon and left most areas with a good soaking. The most rain was reported in Meadow Brook with 92.2mm's, St. Stephen collected 62.1 and Fredericton received just over 60 mm's in just over an hour.

Canada Post Building Gets A New Roof

Driving along Milltown Boulevard this morning it's easy to see construction crews are doing some work at the post office. The building is getting a new roof and a Spokesperson with Canada Post tells tide news, construction is expected to take between 3 and 4 weeks to finish.




They also remind their customers to be careful when coming and going from the building.

New Bridge at the Border is Open

After three years of construction, a new four-lane section along Route 1 opens to traffic this morning at ten. It runs from Church Street in St. Stephen to the New Brunswick/Maine border and Transportation Minister Denis Landry tells Tide News, he remembers asking St. Stephen Mayor Jed Purcell in a recent meeting how happy he will be when this project is finished.



Events to officially open the new international bridge linking Route 1 to Calais, Maine will happen later.

NB Power and Hydro Quebec Hot Topic

The proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec is going to be a hot topic at tomorrow's opening of the legislature according to Saint John Portland M-L-A Trevor Holder. Holder tells Tide News, he has never experienced an issue this big in all his time as a politician and the decision needs to be given to the public.




Holder adds as a member of the opposition it is his job to ensure the Graham Government is held accountable for this decision.

Province Plans to Reduce Poverty

The final forum on poverty is over, and the plan established is aiming to reduce income poverty by 25 per cent, and deep income poverty by 50 per cent by 2015.

Premier Shawn Graham says this plan has been put together by government, the business sector, and non profit groups, with an incalculable value.
Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock says major changes are coming to the social assistance program, with a rate increase of almost 80 per cent for those earning less than $300 dollars a week. He says there is also a plan in motion for an affordable, universal prescription drug plan.

Province Reports Two Deaths Related to H1N1

The province has its first deaths related to the H1N1 virus, they are two men-one in his early 60's and the other in his 70's.

The Department of Health says testing confirmed that both men had the H1N1 virus. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eilish Cleary says both men had an underlying condition that increased their risk of complications from the flu.
Health Minister Mary Schryer offered sympathies to the men's famillies for their loss.
Schryer said the deaths highlight how important the need to be vigilant and protect ourselves and others.

New Superintendent for District Ten

Tide News has obtained a document which tells us who the new superintendent of school district ten is going to be. Derek O’Brien has accepted the position and will begin his new duties at the end of the month. O’Brien is currently the principal of St. Stephen Elementary School.


Colleen Winchester will take over his duties as acting principal until the position is advertised for a full time replacement.

Civic Center Project

St Stephen Town officials are busy crossing there T's and dotting there I's with the construction of the Charlotte County Civic Center project. CEO John Furgeson tells tide news there are some steps to follow  before they begin construction. He says there is a point of transition that has to occur in any major project and a part of the transition is to confirm everything to date and then to make sure the proper oversite and accountability is there from start to finish.



This phase of the project is costing $31,000.00 as still no word on when construction will get started.

Canada-Mexico Meetings

For the first time since it's inception back in 1975, the Congress of the Union of the United Mexican States will meet outside of Ottawa. The two day conference gets started today in Saint John and MP Rodney Weston tells us, Senator Noel Kinsella played a huge role in making this happen.


Both delegations will be made up of 35 members and will wrap up tomorrow afternoon at 5:30pm.

Gas Prices Fall

The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows the price of gasoline down by close to two cents. Most stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self-serve for 99.2 cents.




Diesel comes in at $102.6, Furnace Oil is down close to two cents as well at an even 84 cents and propane is at 92.6 cents a litre.

No New Gas Prices Today

If your checking out the sign at your local gas station this morning wondering where the price of fuel stands, don't bother. Due to the holiday yesterday, the Energy and Utilities Board will not let us know if the price for gasoline, furnace oil, propane and diesel is going up or down until tomorrow.




EUB officials tell us wholesalers will be notified of the price changes later today. The price for a litre of self-serve fuel is selling for just over a loonie in St Stephen.

Saint John M-P Agrees with Minister

[Saint John M-P Rodney Weston----File Photo]

Jack Keir's request isn't falling on deaf ears. Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells us, he and the Energy Minister are on the same page when it comes to this topic.
Weston adds this is something that needs to be dealt with by the people that know best like the people who put this contract together.

Province Can't Take All the Blame for Point Lepreau Refurbishment Cost

[Energy Minister Jack Keir----File Photo]

If the proposed deal between NB Power and Hydro Quebec goes through there could be some energy rate increases during year six. That according to energy minister Jack Keir--- who says the replacement fuel costs at Point Lepreau may increase energy rates after the 5 year freeze. Keir says Atomic Energy of Canada and Ottawa need to take responsibility for some of the cost. He adds AECL has said the project schedule was too optimistic, there wasn't enough prep work done and hindsight is 20/20:
As of right now the refurbishment is 18 months behind schedule.

Remembrance Day

Veterans from coast to coast will take time today to remember the sacrifice paid by them and those who never made it home. It's Rememberance day and ceremonies will take place in all communities across the province. Lloyd Marshall served in the second world war between 1943 and 45 and tells us, his tour included France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and Holland.
A Remembrance day parade forms this morning at 10:30 at the branch 48 legion, with the ceremony being held at the Cenotaph at 11

Lobster Season Starts Tuesday

The fall Lobster season begins on Tuesday with 308 boats ready to set sail.

Local fishermen make approximately 35 per cent of their income in the first week of the season.
The season continues until January 15th but, most fishermen finish up by the Holidays.
The fleet sets sail from 22 fishing wharves from St. Martins to Seal Cove on Grand Manan Island on Tuesday at 6am. The fishing communities are not all small coastal villages, Saint John is home to 13 lobster boats.

Salmon Hatchery Not Worried About Swine Flu

The manager of a major salmon hatchery near St Stephen says he's not worried about the threat of the H-1-N-1 flu.

Brian Donnelly of Cooke Aquaculture says he doesn't think it poses any danger to his valuable salmon stock -- he says he's not aware of warm blooded pathogens mixing with cold blooded species and Donnelly says the hatchery has a very strict disinfection program in place a 13-year old cat in the U-S was confirmed having the H-1-N-1 virus earlier this week.
Meantime -- earlier this week a 13-year old cat in the U-S was confirmed as having the H-1-N-1 flu.