RCMP seeks public assistance in locating suspect, Oromocto, N.B.

On January 26, 2010, 45-year old Lonnie Dellas Carr from Fredericton Junction N.B. was charged in Burton Provincial Court with several offences including aggravated assault, discharging a firearm and evading police. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

District 2 RCMP is asking for the public assistance in locating Lonnie Dellas Carr. Anyone with information which would help in his apprehension is asked to contact District 2 RCMP at 506-357-4300 or their local RCMP detachment. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). The RCMP reminds the public to call them immediately if the suspect is seen and not to approach him.

Carr was charged following an incident that occurred in Fredericton Junction around 7:30 a.m. on January 23, 2010. RCMP District 2 Oromocto members responded to a complaint of an assault involving a handgun. The suspect used a handgun in order to gain entry to the residence of an acquaintance and committed an assault with serious injuries before fleeing from the residence.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are continuing to go down following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is almost a cent a litre cheaper at 101.3. It's being sold around St. Stephen for 99.2. The maximum that can be charged for diesel is 105.3. Furnace oil is at 88.7 and propane, 115.5.

David Alward to speak at luncheon

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce is featuring Opposition Leader David Alward as its guest speaker at today's the luncheon at The St. Stephen Legion. Chamber president Shelley McKeeman said all Chamber members, as well as any other interested people, are encouraged to come out and hear what Alward has to say.

New Pediatrician Calais Regional Hospital

Calais Regional Hospital and Calais Regional Medical Services is pleased to welcome pediatrician David Walter, MD, to the active medical staff. Dr. Walter has over 30 years pediatric experience, including general pediatric care and neonatal intensive care. His most recent position was at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. EMMC’s change from physician providers to nurse practitioner providers prompted Dr. Walter’s search for a new place to practice, which led him to Eastern Washington County and Calais Regional Medical Services.

Dr. Walter will begin seeing patients the second week in February. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Walter, contact the CRMS office at 454-8195.

Sudden Death St. Stephen

The District 1 RCMP - St Stephen Post are conducting an investigation into the sudden death of a 77 year old female resident of St Stephen, which occurred on January 24th. At this time, it has been determined that foul play is not suspected to be involved. The matter remains under investigation, pending completion of the post mortem report.

Sara Russell Sentencing

20-year-old Sarah Russell will be sentenced next month for her role in the death her newborn son last year.

She pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in November.

Her boyfriend, Rodney Miller, pleaded guilty in September to first-degree murder for fatally stabbing the child and was given an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Russell's sentencing will take place on February 2nd.
 

Storm Problems

The rain and high winds knocking out power for more than 47 hundred NB Power customers around the province with most in St. Stephen and Fredericton. At this point there are still almost 1000 customers off the grid between St. Stephen and Frederiction. Power is expected to be back within the few hours. Drivers this morning are being warned to beware of pools of water on streets that can cause hydroplaneing if you're going too fast.

Lincourt Manor Gets Funding from Government

Premier Shawn Graham announced funding for Lincourt Manor today in the amount of 1.2 Million. The money will be used to undertake substantial renovations to include work on the parking lot, exterior walls, kitchen upgrades and air quality.

The government is focused on three priorities this year: jobs, learning and health and senior care," Graham said. "The government is committed to ensuring opportunities exist for all New Brunswickers to obtain quality health and senior care."

District 10 gets Funding from Provincial Government

District 10 on the receiving end of $885,000 from the Capital Budget. The Provincial government will nearly double it's investment in building, repairing and modernizing schools in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. In St Stephen the Elementary School receives $75,00 for sound proofing the gym...the middle school will spend $150,000 for foundation drainage and waterproofing.
Fundy High, Sir James Dunn Academy, and the Grand Manan school will each get $40,000 for roof flashing replacement. The Campobello Consolidated school gets a new roof with the price tag of $295,000 and Vincent Massey in Saint Andrews will receive $245,000 for Site development for parking.

Windy Weather For St. Stephen

Wet and windy weather is heading for parts of the Maritime region -- and several warnings are in place.

Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for St Stephen and surrounding area in the overnight hours.

Up to 30 millimetres of rain expected with winds gusting up to 90 km/h along southwestern coastal section these strong winds are expected to produce large seas and pounding surf tonight.

Conditions will improve on Tuesday as the trough moves to lie east of New Brunswick.

New Dialysis Unit at Charlotte County Hospital

The provincial government is investing close to $1.4 million in capital and operating funds to establish a satellite dialysis unit at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen.
The announcement was made today by Premier Shawn Graham at Lincourt Manor .
The new capital and operating funding will support a new dialysis unit with five hemodialysis stations operating three days a week, 12 hours per day, with a capacity to serve 10 patients. The unit is expected to be in operation in early 2011.
Health Minister Mary Schryer on hand for the announcement said the investment will enable St. Stephen-area residents to obtain dialysis treatment closer to home.

The Charlotte County Hospital Foundation has contributed $350,000 for new equipment for the unit.

Conditions After Winter Storm

Yesterday's storm that hit St. Stephen and area turned out to be more intense than predicted with 17 centimetres of snow being reported with totals outside of town higher. Roads in places are slippery this morning with the milder temperatures last night and colder temperatures this morning...St. Stephen RCMP are not reporting any major accident due to yesterday storm...Meanwhile St John City Police saying driving conditions were treacherous yesterday reporting 27 accidents...One of the more serious mishaps occurred late in the afternoon when a car and school bus collided at King Street East and Pitt Street in Saint John. There were 21 young people on board the school bus at the time but none was injured. The airbags deployed in the car and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of a cut.

Gas Prices go down in St. Stephen

 St Stephen and area drivers are getting a break today if you have to fill up. The price of gas has dropped more than 2 cents a litre after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is 102.1 a litre. St. Stephen is selling self-serve for $1.00 a litre. The max for diesel is 106.5 Heating oil is at 89.9 which is four cents cheaper and propane is at 116.7.

New Power Plan released by Shawn Graham

New Brunswick will retain complete ownership and control of its transmission and distribution systems following the conclusion of negotiations of an energy agreement with Québec. The announcement was made in Fredericton by Premier Shawn Graham, Energy Minster Jack Keir and Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau.
A New Brunswick-Government owned NB Power will retain NB Power Transco and NB Power Disco, as well as NB Power Holdco, while the New Brunswick System Operator will continue to operate as an arm's length agency.

As a result of these changes to the proposed energy agreement, NB Power will continue to operate as a New Brunswick-owned and operated Crown corporation, employing approximately two-thirds of the current workforce of the utility.

As the owner of the transmission and distribution companies, NB Power will continue in its roles of customer service excellence, planning, maintenance and development of our transmission system.

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board and the New Brunswick System Operator will continue to have oversight as it applies to all aspects of the transmission and distribution networks in New Brunswick.

New Brunswick will receive $3.2 billion for the assets being sold to Hydro-Québec, projected to be a sum sufficient to retire the debt related to the generation assets of NB Power.

Hydro-Québec will still provide New Brunswick with a 14 terawatt-hour heritage pool of electricity, more than large enough to meet the province' current electricity needs. New Brunswick ratepayers in the residential, commercial and wholesale rate (RCW) category will continue to benefit from a guarantee of no rate increases for the next five years. This will mean those customers will avoid a planned minimum rate increase of 16 per cent over that period.

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte the Isles MLA Honourable Rick Doucet on the resignation of Veterans Affairs Canada Minister

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte the Isles MLA Honourable Rick Doucet on the resignation of Veterans Affairs Canada Minister and New Brunswick Southwest Member of Parliament, Honourable Greg Thompson.


This weekend, I learned that after a career spanning nearly twenty years in federal politics, Greg Thompson had resigned as Veterans Affairs Canada Minister and will not reoffer as Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest in the next federal election.

Since first being elected in 1988, Greg's tireless efforts working for the people of Charlotte County have established his reputation as both a distinguished statesman and representative. The concern and passion he has for his community, province and country has shown a willingness to reach across political lines to move forward on our joint provincial-federal projects in New Brunswick. "Greg's success at the polls show people supported him regardless of party. That's probably because he supported people regardless of party"

" Since my being elected in 2003 to the New Brunswick Legislature and appointment to cabinet in 2006, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Greg on a number of projects for Charlotte County. Our efforts to deliver progress on such things as the funding of the number one highway, countless infrastructure projects in our communities whether it be road work or water treatment facilities along with ones that have been very close to each of us such as the Grand Manan Civic Center , St.George Civic Center the new St.Stephen civic center all certainly show the benefits that come with a productive and collaborative relationship between levels of government."
"I want to sincerely thank Greg for his dedication and support in fostering the positive relationship between New Brunswick and Canada. Together, we have brought forth results for our constituents as two Cabinet Ministers representing Charlotte County.

Honourable Thompson's departure from politics comes after a long and successful career. " He has bridged both political and jurisdictional gaps and I am forever appreciative for his enthusiasm and partnership as we have worked together as cabinet ministers in our respective governments for the people of Charlotte County."

Political Scientist Weighs In On Thompson Resignation

One political scientist suggests the timing of Minister Thompsons resignation may be foreshadowing what is to come.

Don Desserud tells us if you're going to give up a ministerial post, now is the time to do it, to give the new person time to prepare for the opening of parliament.
Desserud says his first reaction was Thompson is stepping aside to be elevated to the upper chamber.
Desserud says if he were a betting person, Thompsons stock in relation to being appointed to the senate just increased.
Earlier last week, Conservative Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaneys name resurfaced as a possible candidate for the Senate, but Desserud says she's been in the game long enough not to get her hopes up.

M-P Thompson Resigns

[MP Greg Thompson---File Photo]

The Minister of Veterans Affairs is stepping down from his post but retaining his MP's status for now. 62-year old Greg Thompson tells us, he told Prime Minister Harper leading into the last election this would be his last kick at the can:

Thompson says after surviving a battle with cancer two years ago and being on the road travelling most of his career, it is time stay closer to home with his wife Linda and family. As for a replacement for the portfolio, Thompson adds he has no indication who the Prime Minister will choose and when the next Federal election is called, he will not re-offer.

Red Cross Looking for Donations

Several Red Cross offices in Atlantic Canada will be open today to accomodate those who want to donate funds to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

In this province, offices will be open from 10 am to 4pm in Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Bathurst.

Another Business Outgrows Location

Another business leaving the downtown area of St. Stephen to expand to a bigger location. The Clothesline located on Budd Avenue is moving to The Old Frenchy's building along Route 170. It's expected the move to be final by February according to some staff member at The clothes line. Tide News has made numerous attempts to contact the owner of to see if this would create any new jobs for St. Stephen but have yet to hear back.

Food Needed at Charlotte County Volunteer Centre

Shelves are depleting as we end the second week of January...Over 2500 hundred pounds of food has been distributed since 4th and Donna Linten with The Charlotte County Volunteer Center say food is needed along with baby supplies and of course pets food.

Linton says income wise some family's are operating with little dollars people whom were working before Christmas may not be working now due to cut back in hours and job losses in the St. Stephen and surrounding area.

Manager of The Year Washington County's

It's a first for The Washington County Sheriff's Office!
Chief Deputy Mike St Louis will on the receiving end of The Manager Of The Year Award. This award is presented every year by the Maine's Sheriff's Association.

The award will be given at the Maine Sheriff's Association Conference in Portland in February. Sheriff Donnie Smith said words could not express how proud he is of Chief  St. Loius.

NB Liqour Collecting for Haiti

NB Liquor will be collecting donations for the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund at all 47 NB Liquor corporate stores across the province.

Gas Prices On The Rise

Gas prices this morning in the St. Stephen area after the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is up almost 2 cents a litre to 104.8 but most stations are selling it for 102.8 a litre. The maximum price for diesel has also risen by less than a cent to 110.7 furnace oil is 93.9 and propane is at $1.17.

Grand Manan gets new Ferry

The provincial government will invest just over four hundred million dollars in the transportation infrastructure. That announcement made yesterday by Transportation Minister Denis Landry.


The budget includes a major investment to benefit residents of Grand Manan with the delivery on its promise to build an 82 vehicle vessel ferry.

Landry says construction has started and the name has been selected.

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte Isles MLA Rick Doucet will hold a conference in the coming days to announce the name.

Ghost Road upgrades Saint Andrews

The 2010-2011 transportation budget released included upgrades of Route 127 with a five kilometer section to be paved from Chamcook Road area to to the Ghost Road area. Rick Doucet Charlotte Isles MLA said this will be well revceived by area motorists and tourist who visit the region.

NBCC Saint Andrews helps Local Food Bank

You've heard of a cook off but have you heard of a weight off? NBCC's student Life Coordinator Justin Sweeney has taken a unique approach to raise food for the Charlotte County Food Bank.

Each Program and each staff are actually required as much no perishable food items as possible. On Friday when they are all weighted and then they groups that bring in the most pounds of food per person in group are going to be the winning groups.

Sweeney say making it a completion between the programs students and faculty seems to work out a lot better for everybody. The winners will recieve a full dinner put on by the Student Council.

Nuclear-Lawsuit

The Premier is threatening to take legal action against the federal government over the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.


Shawn Graham says his government will sue Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, unless Ottawa takes care of the cost overruns of the 1.4-(b)-billion-dollar overhaul. The project is 18 months behind schedule.

Snowmobile-Death

Sixteen-year-old Devon O'Donnell and his father were riding snowmobiles Saturday when they hit a barbed-wire fence in a field in Williamstown.


Both were taken to hospital, where the teenager died.

Canada Post Increases

Canada Post are increasing the cost of sending a first class letter within the country to 57 cents from 54, while letters going to the US will cost a dollar, which is an increase of two cents.


Letters heading outside North America will rise by five cents to $1.70.

Canada Post is attributing the rate increases as a measure to raise funds to buy new machinery.

Register Your Dogs!

The race is on for licence number one. Mayor John Craig reminds residents that your dog renewals are up and how important its not only for you but your dog to have it's licence. A lost dogs can be easier returned home when registered.

A dog licence helps protect your pet by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration. Craig says it's funny how many people race to be the first owner of that number 1 tag for their dogs....but reminds all that The first step to responsible dog ownership is licensing your dog.

Crown Land Users Not Subject to Rent Rates for 2010

Rent Rates for 2010 will not be implemented for crown land users.The Department of Natural resources plans to hire an independent third party to conduct a market Value study to see if there is a need to adjust the regulated rates .. although one has yet to be picked.
Matt Jones with The Department of Natural Resources say currently this will affect just over 300 people in Charlotte County.

Two Fire Stations Become One

With a New Year what was two now becomes one. The Blacks Harbour Fire Department and the Pennfield Fire Department have amalgamated. Blacks Harbour fire department now consists of two buildings now known as station 1 and station 2. Station one in located on Wallace Cove road in Blacks while station 2 is located on Highway 1 in Pennfield. Combined membership numbers is around 30 volunteers.

Work Has Begun at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

It’s started! Geophysical survey work is already being done on the lower campus at the Huntsman Marine Science Center in St. Andrews to prepare for the construction.

Support for the project totalling 5 million dollars has been received from the federal and provincial governments... This multifunctional project will integrate and show case missions of education, research, and innovation around the diversity of the Bay of Fundy, a natural wonder of the world.

The Health Minister is Re-Offering in the Fall Election

[Health Minister Mary Schryer---File Photo]
Expect to see Mary Schryer's name on the ballot in the fall Provincial Election. The Health Minister and MLA for Quispamsis tells us, she is ready to re-offer and stands behind the record of her government since 2006.

As for concern about any backlash from the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal, Schryer adds it is a work in progress and the Graham Government continues to listen to feedback.

New ATV Trail Hotline

Safety is the number one priority for the Eastern Charlotte ATV club in Pennfield and a hotline has been set up to help keep track of individuals on the trail, by doing so people may call the line with an estimated time of departure and arrival...Bill Mennie the club's treasurer says it's a good idea to know who and how many and what area to be searching in the event of an emergency. You can reach the hotline by calling 456-3767.

Skidder Fire in Basswood Ridge

RCMP in St. Stephen are investigating a skidder fire that took place in Basswood Ridge. Police say two individuals were spotted leaving the area on an ATV. Police are asking the public to come foward with any information that will lead to an arrest in this case by call 466-7030 or call crime stoppers at 1-800-222- Tips.

St. Stephen Animal Shelter Not Excepting Cats

The St. Stephen Animal Shelter is temporarily not excepting any cats due to an illness at the shelter. Board Member Evie Gagne say the cats are experiencing upper respority infections.

Gagne says the infections are common in shelters, because most of the cats are strays, and are probably not vaccinated.
Gange says the cats are doing well and all are up for adoption.

US Ambassador Thinks New Border Crossing Should be Used As Model

[New Border Crossing ----Photo by Lisa Gullison]
The United States Ambassador to Canada says all border crossings should follow the St. Stephen/Calais
example.

David Jacobson says the new state of the art building should be looked at as a model for other crossings.
He says other borders should look at the environmental standards used as well.
The crossing was built of natural wood products, and recycled materials, and produdes zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Officially Opens New Border

[Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Border---Photo by Dave Briggs]
The Prime Minister was in chocolate town to inaugurate the new border crossing. The new St. Stephen Port of Entry is located on the new international bridge connecting to Calais. Stephen Harper says this helps to ease traffic between the border towns.

Harper says since the crossing opened in November residential traffic has eased, and commerical traffic has increased by 20%.

Stephen Harper officially opens New Bridge in St. Stephen

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in St.Stephen today to officially open the new border crossing. Premier Graham and several of his cabinet ministers will join the PM along with officials from the State of Maine.


The Province has invested $60.5 million dollars in the project which includes 23 km's of new highway which stretches from Waweig to the new border crossing. The ceremony is expected to get started at 1:30pm. The new crossing and highway opened back on November.16th. Following the ceremony in St. Stephen, Harper will travel to Saint John where he is hosting a roundtable at the Delta at 5:30pm.

Gas Prices

The price of gas on the rise this morning in the St Stephen area following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular has been set at 102.9 a litre and 110.1 for diesel. Diesel is selling for 107.5.

The maximum price for furnace oil is 92.6 and 114.7 for propane.

NB-Aboriginal-Education

The New Brunswick government is spending more than $1 million to encourage more aboriginals to pursue post-secondary education.

The money will be used to hire recruiters and aboriginal co-ordinators at the province's universities and community colleges.

The University of New Brunswick will offer a bachelor's degree in First Nations governance and management the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada.

Post-secondary education minister, Donald Arsenault says the programs will ensure more New Brunswickers have an opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education.

Minimum wage will rise to Atlantic average by 2011

The minimum wage in New Brunswick will increase to meet the Atlantic average by Sept. 1, 2011, as part of a long-term plan announced today. The minimum wage will increase in four steps:
April 1, 2010: an increase of 25 cents to $8.50 per hour;
Sept. 1, 2010, an increase of 50 cents to $9 per hour;
April 1, 2011: an increase of 50 cents to $9.50 per hour; 
Sept. 1, 2011: an increase of 50 cents to $10 per hour.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault said it is important to outline a long-term plan for increasing the minimum wage.
The recommended increases will fulfil the provincial government's commitment to raise the minimum wage to the Atlantic average by Sept. 1, 2011, which is expected to reach $10 per hour.

ATV Club in Pennfield Gets Groomer

A new year and a new Trail Groomer for The Eastern Charlotte ATV Club. The machine arrived on New Years Eve and is being stored in the St. George area until it can be fully checked over mechanically. Three people will need to be trained to operate this Snow Cat compared to the size of a bulldozer...Bill Mennie the clubs treasure says this is a positive step for All Terrian Vechiles drivers in Charlotte County. Mennie says members are always needed for the financial help to keep the club up and operating and ensure the safety for the trails in Charlotte County.

Dredging contract awarded for Deer Island Ferry

A $1.7-million underwater dredging project aimed at enhancing ferry service between Letete and Deer Island has been awarded to R.J.MacIsaac Construction Ltd. Work will begin this month in the Goat's Point area. Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet made the announcement today on behalf of Transportation Minister Denis Landry. Doucet said that the department will work closely with the contractor to co-ordinate a project work schedule. "This investment will not only enhance day-to-day ferry operations, it also ensures the service can function safely in emergency situations," said Doucet. "We are pleased to be delivering a project that strengthens the island's connection to the mainland, which is a major priority for the people of Deer Island."
Funding for this project, which is to be completed this winter, will come from the department's $385.8 million capital budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Dementia News Conference

A news conference is scheduled for Fredericton this morning and the topic is Dementia. New statistics about the projected economic and social costs of the disease will be released by the Provincial Alzheimer Society to mark Alzheimer Awareness month. It warns the health care system could be overwhelmed. Twelve thousand people in this Province are living with a form of dementia and it is estimated that close to 15% are baby boomers under the age of 65. The news conference gets started at ten.

Maritime Storm

There's more snow and rain in the forecast for the Maritimes today --but nothing as severe as the weekend.
Up to 30-centimetres of snow fell on parts of the region yesterday and high winds knocked out power to 45-thousand customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P-E-I. Rain and flurries are predicted for St. Stephen and surrounding area today..

Time to dig out.

Maritimers will be digging out today from the first major storm of the winter.


The region was lashed yesterday and overnight with combinations of snow, ice pellets, rain and high winds.

Nearly 45-thousand hydro customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and P-E-I were blacked out yesterday as gusts brought down power lines.

By early this morning, all but about 13-thousand in New Brunswick had their lights and heat back on.

Rain and flurries are forecast throughout most of the region today.

Winter storm warning in effect.

Issued at 9:30pm Jan 2, 10


tonight..snow at times heavy becoming mixed with periods of rain overnight. snowfall amount 15 to 25 cm. blowing snow this evening and after midnight. wind northeast 30 km/h gusting to 50 becoming north 40 gusting to 70 early this evening then northeast 60 gusting to 90 after midnight. temperature rising to plus 2 by morning.

sunday..periods of snow. snow at times mixed with rain in the morning. snowfall amount 2 to 4 cm. wind northeast 40 km/h diminishing to 20 in the afternoon. temperature falling to zero in the afternoon.

sunday night..flurries. amount 2 to 4 cm. wind north 20 km/h. low minus 1.

Happy New Year from 98.1 The Tide

Maritime Storm

Blowing snow has made for treacherous driving conditions across parts of the Maritimes.


There were reports that scores of cars had slipped into ditches across Prince Edward Island yesterday.

Powerful westerly winds gusted at more than 70 kilometres per hour in and around Charlottetown and Summerside.

On the Confederation Bridge, certain vehicles were temporarily restricted from crossing, including high-sided vehicles, automobiles towing trailers, tractor trailers and buses.

The deteriorating conditions eventually forced the closure of all government offices and agencies, including liquor stores.

Meanwhile, in southern New Brunswick, heavy wet snow blanketed the region, leaving many roads slippery.

Police reported a number of accidents in the Fredericton region.

With the temperatures dropping and the wind picking up, the wind chill was expected to drop to about -30 C.

New Brunswick's full fleet of 515 snowplows and graders was out on the roads.

Died from Swine Flu Virus

After spending nearly a month in intensive care, a 27 year old Quispamsis man has died from the swine flu virus. Doctors had treated him with the anti-flu drug Tamiflu no to avail. The province's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Paul Van Buynder says the man had been suffering from a number of underlying medical conditions and its unlikely he had received an H-1-N-1 flu shot.

EnBridge Gas Is Denied Rate Increase

Residential and large customers of Enbridge Gas are feeling victorious. The company has been denied an interim increase on its delivery rate for natural gas by the Energy and Utilities Board. A day long oral hearing was held at the EUB office in City Hall Monday which heard from several companies and municipalities opposed to the hike that would have taken effect January,1st.



If approved delivery rates for residential customers would have risen by ten per cent and large corporate clients would have seen their delivery rates double.

Gas Prices Back Up

If filling up the tank is one of your last minute chores before shutting down for the holiday, get ready to dig deeper. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows gasoline at a maximum total price of 98 cents. Most stations in St Stephen are selling a litre of self-serve for 95.9. Diesel has a maximum total price of $105.6 with most stations selling a litre for $103.6


Furnace oil has maxed out at 88.3 for a total price but the retail number comes in at 82.6 and the maximum total price for propane is $109.2.

Clean-Up Continues From Latest Storm

Charlotte County residents will be busy cleaning up after yesterdays snow storm . Environment Canada Meteorologist Mike Campbell tells Tide News, Fredericton is cleaning up just over 23cm's while Woodstock and area's north are reporting 25 and even 30cm's of snow on the ground. He says  here at home we recieved in-between 20 to 25 cms of snow.




In Moncton.....it was nothing but rain with 25mm's falling.

Groomer For ATV Club Approved

The Eastern Charlotte ATV club in Pennfield will be purchasing a new machine....At their monthly meeting Monday night the club had a unanimous vote to purchase a Groomer.


This will make the ATV club one of the first in this part of province to be running 12 months out of the year.

The club is asking anyone that is interested in attending there meeting to join them at the Royal Canadian legion in St George on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm

Slippery Driving and Walking

The roads are wet and icy this morning. That's why police are urging drivers to take it slow. If you're walking, you should be also take care because the sidewalks are icy with temperatures not expected to get much above the freezing mark today. Mike Campbell of Environment Canada tells Tide News snowfall warnings have been issued for St. Stephen , Grand Manan, Saint John, coastal and northern Charlotte County as well as Fredericton.


Campbell goes on to say they expect another five will fall before it ends with higher totals outside St John towards Fredericton.

Income Tax Reductions

If your trying to keep all your paper-work in order for tax time, here is something else to consider. As of January.1st, the province's tax brackets and non-refundable amounts for personal income tax will be indexed by two per cent. That means there are several scenario's which can save you money including a one-earner family earning $25,000 per year will pay no provincial income tax, and will save $219 next year or 100 per cent of the tax paid in 2008.




The Province says the four year plan for lower taxes will deliver $380 million dollars in savings over that time.

Victim Identified

RCMP have released the name of a young woman killed on the highway in Lorne on Monday.

22-year-old Christine Ouellette lost control of her vehicle and collided into on oncoming truck.
Ouellette was originally from Campbellton but was living in Moncton.
The investigation into the crash continues.

iPhone App

A lot of people will be finding new Apple iPhones and iPod Touch players under the tree Friday morning.

And for those lucky people who do -- you can now take along 98.1 The Tide with you thanks to leading edge technology.
We now have an app for the iPod Touch and iPhone which gives you instant access to our station and access our web site directly from the app.
Blackberry users aren’t being left out in the cold – a similar app for their phones is currently in the development stage.
Just go to thetide.ca and click on the Acadia iPhone - iPod button to download the fee app.

511

If you are travelling during the holiday season and wonder how the roads are there is a number to call.


The Department of Transportation launched a 511 service and are now the fourth jurisdiction in Canada to offer this number that provides you with information on road and weather conditions.

The 511 service also reports any disruptions to ferry operations.

You can check it by dialing 511 or visiting .....www.gnb.ca/roads.

Window Decorating Contest Results Are In

The window Decorating Contest Results are for St Stephen and the winners are, for the most whimsical is the Family Resource Centre and Roger's Stove Shop. Most Creative is Briggs Plumbing and Hyland Clipper, Traditional Holiday Spirit is Ganong Chocolatier and Sears and for the best Christmas lighting is Wool Emporium and Mayfield Gardens.

Natural Gas Rate to High

An interim increase on the delivery rate of Natural Gas has the temper of the town administrator officer up. John Ferguson was in Saint John yesterday for an Energy and Utilities Board hearing on whether the increase should be granted and says if approved, this will affect the bottom line of Ganong and the Flakeboard company.

Enbridge would like to see the rate increase take effect on the first day of next month. A final decision by the energy and utilities board still hasn't been made.

Spanking-Dad

An Oromocto man who spanked his five-year-old's bare buttocks so hard until they were bruised has been sentenced to house arrest.

The 36-year-old was given a conditional sentence of 20 days when he appeared in court on a summary assault charge after a judge determined the punishment was excessive.
The man's identity is being withheld to protect the identity of his child.
The court was told the child had been misbehaving and the father had been called by the day care to take him home.
The father must remain inside his house from 6 at night to 6 in the morning until his sentence is completed.
He's also on probation for a year and has been ordered to attend any courses or programs asked of him dealing with parenting or anger issues.

Never Abducted

A woman from Noonan who claimed to be abducted back in August and taken to Ontario was in court yesterday.

44-year-old Marcia Simmons was charged with public mischief with the intent to mislead police back in October.
In court today in Burton, Simmons recieved a conditional discharge and probation for two years and she must pay a victim fine surcharge of $100.

One Woman Killed in Crash

A 22-year old woman from Moncton is dead after an accident Monday morning on Highway 11. RCMP say the vehicle the woman was driving north-bound, lost control and hit an on-coming truck. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.


Her name will not be released until family have been notified and no word at this point on what caused her vehicle to lose control.

Donor Clinic In St Andrews A Success

(Photo Courtesy of Canadian Blood Services )

St. Andrews and area residents who faced the frigid temperatures yesterday to come out and give their life-saving gift was very much appreciated. The blood donor clinic which was held at NBCC campus welcomed 55 donors collecting 48 units for 74% of target.

Man in Serious Condition

One man is at the Regional in serious condition after a bizarre accident in Lepreau. The Musquash Fire Department arrived at the man's home to find both his arms pinned by a brick chimney. Officials believe the man was trying to remove layers of bricks when the weight of the chimney caused it to slide straight down which in turn, pinned his arms.


One firefighter used a crowbar to try and lift as much of the chimney off the man's arms before paramedics arrived.

Update on Lepreau Work

With the future of NB Power still up in the air......an update today on how the refit at Point Lepreau is coming along. Several inspections by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited have taken place and officials have given the reactor a clean bill of health and that it is good to run for the next 25-30 years.


Workers are now in the process of putting the reactor back together and work also continues on the installation of 760 upper feeders. As far as the turbine and generator is concerned, the rotor has been re-installed and final assembly activities are underway. AECL announced back in September, the project is 16 months behind schedule and isn't expected to go back on-line until February of 2011.

Provinces Latest Wind Farm Is Operational

The Province's second wind farm is now operational. Turbines are turning at Caribou Wind Park about 70 kilometers northwest of Bathurst. The 99 mega watt facility will provide all of its power to NB Power to fulfill a 20-year power purchase agreement with the utility.
The turning of the turbines is producing enough electricity to supply electricity to 30,000 homes. It will provide about 2 percent of the electricity needs in the province. The Kent Hills wind farm in Albert County has a capacity of 96 mega watts which went on line back in the spring.

Taxes

If you want to save some money on your taxes, there are some things you should keep in mind as we end the year. Cleo Hamel, a senior tax analyst with H and R Block tells Tide News there isn't alot of time left to take advantage of the home renovation tax credit.


Hamel also telling us charitable donations must be made before the end of this month in order to count.

St Stephen Elementary Has A New Principal

There is a new principal at the St Stephen Elementary School. Colleen Winchester takes over the job after 23 years working at the school. Winchester has taught for many years in the classroom then moved on to teaching literacy and now the principal.

Winchester says she is very excited and looks forward to the future serving as principal. She replaces Derek O'Brien who has moved on to be the new Superintendent for District Ten.

Deer Island Ferry

The Ferry service was disrupted this morning to and from Deer Island. A private vessel began operating at 8 but the Princess Two was off its run because of a steering problem. The D O T is hoping it will be back in operation this afternoon. The John E. Rigby was also off its run because of a leak to its fuel tank. It's hoped that it will be fixed by tomorrow. A toll free number is available anytime for ferry disruption at 1-888-747-7006.

Fire in St. George

More details on the fire at the new Keith's Building Supplies. According to a spokesperson it was a small fire and their is no damage to the building. 

Robbery At Dunkin Donuts In Calais

(Photo by Kim Hall, Dunkin Donuts in Calais Maine)


Three men from Calais have been arrested after police picked them up in connection with a robbery at Dunkin Donuts. Police got a search warrant at 12 Lowell Street and there was enough evidence found at the home from the robbery police arrested two 23 year old men and 30 year old man. All three will appear in court on January 25. The robbery happen early wednesday morning.

Fire at Keith's Building Supplies

Fire crews are on the scene to a fire at the new Keith's Building Supplies in St George. A caller to our news line 466-2222  tells us  blacksharbour fire department has just arrived and there is smoke coming from inside the building.

St. Andrews Residents Urged To Donate Blood

The Canadian Blood Services is asking St Andrews are area residents to donate blood today . During the holiday season they are hoping to build up the blood supply.

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

Gas Prices

Drivers in the St Stephen are getting a price break with gas this morning. The energy and utilites board release the weekly setting and the maximum price for self serve regular is 96 cents a litre. Gas station in St Stephen are selling a litre of self serve for 93.9.


The maximum price that can be charged for diesel is 103.4 which is more than 2 cents lower than yesterday and furnace oil is also less expensive at 86.3, down from 88.4 this past week.

Update On Fire That destroyed Home In Seeley's Cove

More details released on a home that was destroyed by fire in Seeley's Cove last Wednesday. Rcmp tells us the couple's home lost power during the storm and high winds that evening so they decided to go out in the trailer, which was parked in the garage, to keep warm. Police say the owner had some clothes on a clothes rack and the heater vent from the trailer was to close to the clothes and caught fire. The home was worth 1.9 millions dollars.

Break and Enter at Milltown Pool Building

St. Stephen RCMP are asking for your help in finding the person or persons that is responsible for breaking in and damaging the Milltown pool building. Police say there was extensive damage to the inside of the building and they say it happened between November 2 and November 23. Anyone with any information is asked to contact St Stephen RCMP at 466-7030 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS .

Trails and ATV Clubs Find Peace

The New Brunswick Trails Council and Eastern Charlotte ATV Club have entered a new era of understanding. The groups have signed a memorandum of understanding for a co-operative trail development in the Province. The MOU says both groups will recognize several principles for the development of trails and the paper-work will act as the first step in setting up a working relationship.



The trails council has also sent a letter to the Provincial ATV club asking for a similar agreement but so far the riders have refused.

Airport Wants Your Feedback

The Saint John Airport wants your feedback as officials go over the paperwork for it's strategic and 20-year master plan. They want to hear from residents in Saint John and all points in between Sussex and here in St. Stephen in putting the final document together. Input and comments can be forwarded to fly@sjairport.ca by January 08.


Results of the planning effort will be released at the Airport's Annual General Meeting in May.

Hospital Lottery Winners

A husband and wife from Gagetown have won the 750 thousand dollar luxury home in Drury Cove which was the top prize in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery. Micheal and Lynn Barley bought three tickets. The winning ticket was selected from almost 22 thousand that were sold. Micheal Wallace of Moncton took the second prize, a 2010 Toyota truck.

Teenager Killed in Crash

No name is being released after a A 19-year old girl from Fredericton Junction was killed following a single vehicle crash yesterday. RCMP were called to the Back Tracy Road to find the vehicle she was driving left the road and hit a pole. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle.


A 19-year old man in the vehicle suffered a few cuts and bruises but officers believe alcohol, speed and slippery road conditions all contributed to the accident happening.

New Incentives for Nurses

Talk is being replaced with action in the drive to bring more nurses to the Province. The Graham Government has announced a $10,000 incentive to nursing graduates who accept positions targeted as being hard to recruit. Health Minister Mary Schryer says this is a necessary tool to continue boosting the ranks.
President of the Provincial Nurses Union Marilyn Quinn says this is another positive step in recruitement.

The program is available to nurses who graduated after March 3 of this year and to nursing students in their fourth year of studies who accept positions identified as hard to recruit. Since October of 2006, 357 nurses have been recruited to the Province.

A Special Gift To The Huntsman Marine Science Centre In St Andrews

( Photo ,Courtesy Of The Huntsman Marine Science Centre )


The Huntsman Marine Science Centre received a special gift from a little girl. Having just launched a ‘Seal the Deal’ campaign to raise the final $2 million needed for the new Bay of Discovery Centre, a donation came in from a 6 year old of Fredericton. Kayley Clark who decided that friends shouldn’t bring her gifts for her birthday party, but instead bring cash to help the seals move in to their new home. And to top it off, not con-tent with raising just over $126 from the party itself, Kayley added the money she was given for her birthday, to make the total amount she donated $186.85.




On Saturday, Kayley and family present Muriel Jarvis, Huntsman Director of Business Development, with the donation. In return for her thoughtful gift, Kayley received a toy seal with a personalized name tag, some postcards and a one-of-a-kind seal poster, along with an invite to visit the new centre when it is opened in 2011.

NB-Bus-Route-Cuts

The Energy and Utilities Board is not ready just yet to give Acadian Coach Lines permission to make cuts to its bus routes in the province.


The Board wants more information about the ridership and costs of the two routes the bus line wants to chop.

Acadian is asking get rid of its routes from Saint John to Bangor, which also serve Charlotte County as well as the Fredericton to Miramichi routes, which also stop in communities along Route 8.

While asking for those cuts, Acadian has plans to increase the number of express buses that operate between Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton and Halifax.

Supply and Services Likes NB Power Proposal

Nothing but praise about the NB Power-Hydro Quebec proposal from the Minister of Supply and Services. Ed Doherty says as more details are rolled out, he believes more people are on board with making it reality.


Minister Doherty adds for anyone who is concerned about escalating energy rates, this proposal should take aware any worries.

Martina McBride at Harbour Station

98.1 The TIDE is proud to present Country music superstar Martina McBride at Harbour Station. McBride’s March 16 performance in Saint John will be her only New Brunswick date. McBride is a four-time Country Music Association "Female Vocalist of the Year" winner ,tied with Reba McEntire for the most wins. She has also won the "Top Female Vocalist" award three times from the Academy of Country Music. McBride will be supported in her Harbour Station appearance by country artist and songwriter Gord Bamford.

Awards and nominations Bamford have received include the 2008 "Top New Male Talent of the Year" from the Canadian Country Music Association.
Tickets for the March 16 concert go on sale this coming Saturday (Dec. 19) at 10 a.m.

They’ll be available online at www.harbourstation.ca, by calling 657-1234 or 1-800-267-2800 and in person at the Harbour Station Box Office.

3rd annual Cop's for Kid's

( Photo Courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff's Office)


 
The 3rd annual Cop's for Kid's campaign was a great success this year thanks to many citizens of Washington County.


They received over 300 stuffed toy's from various groups and individuals from all over the county this year.

They were able to send 125 to an orphanage in Cambodia and are in the process of distributing them to local groups so they can get them to needy families.

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.