NB Power Is Warning Its Customers Of A Telephone Scam

NB Power issued a press release back in March warning its customers of a telephone scam and warn public the scam is still making it's rounds.

Customers have been solicited by someone offering a device for sale that can save them money on their electricity bills. 

NB Power is not selling such devices, nor has it approved any such device and recommends thatcustomers contacted by persons making such claims report the incident immediately to theirlocal police force, the RCMP or PhoneBusters at 1-888-495-8501.

Fredericton Girl Names RCMP Puppy

Out of 9125 entries in Canada to name one of ten RCMP puppies an 11 year old Frederiction Girl recieved a prize.

Eleven year old Julia Leahy was the only New Brunswicker to receive an award. Julia won for her submission of the name “Cody”.

Sgt. Pierre Gardner of the RCMP New Brunswick Police Dog Service presented Julia with her prize of an 8×10 laminated photograph of “Cody”, an official RCMP ball cap, a plush dog named “Justice” and a certificate. Congratulations Julia!

This contest is a annual RCMP “Name the Puppy” contest held by the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre in Alberta.

Photo : Julia Leahy, Sgt. Pierre Gardner and his Police Dog “Bruno

Impared Driving Charges Over Long Weekend

Over the Labour Day long weekend, the RCMP conducted operations and checked more than 10,000 vehicles across the province.

The focus of that weekend was on impaired driving and even with the poor weather, for District One, 28 provincial tickets were issued for the area.

Three people were charged with impaired driving and 1 other received a 24-hour suspension. In addition nearly 600 provincial tickets and warnings were handed out.

Meet The Candidate's

With the Provincial Election right around the corner it may be time to get to know the people that want to represent us.

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Candidate's Night on Thursday, September 16 from 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. The event will be held at the Milltown Legion.

Maine Company Receives Funding from Federal Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Portland Based Ocean Renewable Power Company $10 million to fund a key part of their commercial-scale tidal energy development project in Cobscook Bay.

The company is partnering with the University of Maine and the U.S. Coast Guard and has received financial support from the State’s Maine Technology Institute.

Governor Baldacci said the success of Ocean Renewable Power Company is important to the entire State as public and private partners in Maine continue to aggressively pursue development of clean, renewable energy.

Maine also continues to explore opportunities with Nova Scotia for collaboration regarding research, technology and deployment of tidal energy. A two-day workshop planned for October in Nova Scotia.

Governor Baldacci and Premier Dexter signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Ocean Energy Development on July 12, 2010 to share information on renewable electricity with a focus on ocean tidal energy.

New Brunswick & Maine Recognized For Awards

Two departments of transportation recognizedThe departments of transportation for both New Brunswick and Maine were co-recipients of the Partnerships Award recently at the second annual Atlantica Champions of Excellence Award ceremony.

From left: Imelda Gilman, president of the Saint John Board of Trade; David Cole, Maine Department of Transportation commissioner; David Johnstone, deputy minister, New Brunswick Department of Transportation; and John Porter, president, Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce.

Marijuana plants seized from roof of home in St. George

Just when you thought you have heard it all RCMP tell us they have found a grop op on a roof of a home.
RCMP seized marijuana plants, as well as a small quantity of prescription narcotics yesterday in St. George.

While only six full-sized, mature marijuana plants were seized, Police estimate that the plants could have produced up to 3000 marijuana joints.

A man and a woman, both in their forties, were arrested at the scene and later released.

The plants were growing in large plastic tubs on the roof visiable for anyone to see driving by.

Graham Takes Aim At Alward

Premier Shawn Graham is on the attack -- Graham is going after Conservative leader David Alward for promising to study and consult on a number of issue instead of laying out concrete plans.

Graham fired the shots during a campaign stop here in the city of Saint John this morning -- the Liberal leader calls Alward's promise to re-study the controversial French immersion issue a turning point in the election campaign.

Graham says test results prove the changes his government implemented are working.

Meanwhile -- Graham is promising to implement an asset management strategy for health care facilities which will lead to automatic upgrades of medical equipment - a move he says will help attract more doctors to our province.

      Photo By Gary MacDonald

Conservatives Told To Shut Down Account

The Conservative Twitter account which presents itself as "NBLiberalParty" has been removed by Twitter for violating their terms of service.

It was last month when Liberal candidate Kelly Lamrock called on the Conservatives to remove the account because they were misleading and irresponsible.

The Conservatives responded by saying it's a great site for people to go on to get the truth.

Police Bust Grow Op in St. George

RCMP in St George has discovered and dismantled an outdoor marijuana grow operation along Mascarene Road. Police tells us about 90 marijuana plants in the final stages of production were seized.

Anyone with information regarding any suspicious activities taking place in their area is encouraged to contact the police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The plants could have produced 45,000 marijuana joints.

Chamcook Lake Algae Information Line

With the recent discovery of the blue-green algae bloom in Chamcook Lake, the Town of Saint Andrews is taking a proactive role to ensure information is readily available to all residents by providing a new Public Information Phone Number that will provide the most up-to-date information on the status of the drinking water in the Town.

Information will be updated as it becomes available. The new phone number is 529-5115.

New Brunswick Music Awards

New Brunswick is getting its first provincial music awards and the general public will have a say in picking the winners.

The awards are sponsored by Music NB and will be held in Moncton on Oct. 9. Your voting has started today and will continue until October 7

Check out this website to vote http://www.musicnb.org/

Irving And Titus To be Recognized By Red Cross

Judith Irving has been selected by the Canadian Red Cross as the recipient of its 2010 Humanitarian Award.

This is to recognize Irving's commitment to charitable work and philanthropy. The Red Cross has also announced that Amanda Titus from Sussex will receive its 2010 Young Humanitarian Award.

The awards will be handed on November.17th at the Delta Brunswick.

Earl For Most Is A Non-Event

(Waves Hitting The Shore At Saints Rest Beach In Saint John)
                (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

They only clean up going on for most of the Province following Tropical Storm Earl is putting all of your patio furniture back back where it belongs.


Except for kicking up a few waves, bringing some rain and knocking out power for close to 4000 people, the storm turned out to be a non-event.


As of 7:30am this morning, NB Power was still working to get six of it's customers in Passekeag and one in Summerville back on the grid.

NB Power And Saint John Energy Helping Out

Crews from Saint John Energy and NB Power are in Nova Scotia looking to reconnect homes and businesses to the grid following Tropical Storm Earl.


Both utilities received a call from Nova Scotia Power for some help yesterday afternoon with a combined 21 crews in that Province.


No word on how long the crews will be needed but both utilities say they will stay with the job until it is done.
 

Getting Young Voters To Cast A Ballot

Signs on milk cartons along with a Facebook page.


Just two of the initiaves launched by Elections NB to get young voters out to cast a ballot.


The average for this Province is around 67% which is high compared to other Provinces.


Chief Electoral Officer Michael Quinn tells CHSJ News, the 18-25 demographic has always been the tough bracket to crack but they are working to change that pattern.


Earlier this week, Elections NB announced they are teaming up with Northumberland Dairy with side panels on cartons of milk reminding young people to cast a ballot.

NB Power/ Winds

Power crews are ready to go if we receive any power outage due to the high winds in the forecast today. At this hour NB Power is reporting 24 unplanned outage on Deer Island.

They expect to have power restored to Island residents by 10:30 this morning. Winds are anticipated to continue all day and over night tonight .

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) In Chamcook Lake

With The Recent blue-green Algae found in Chamcook Lake all users of that municipal water supply are being advised that the Department of Health and the Department of Environment have been notified by Saint Andrerws Town officials that they had received a few complaints about the smell of tap water and that the algae bloom at Chamcook Lake with the increased winds that have  pushed the algae down to the intake end of the lake.

A visual inspection at the plant indicated that a small number of colonies were in the raw water, however, no colonies were observed in the treated water.

As a precautionary measure the Department of Health is asking users who notice a change in the color, taste or odor in their water supply or who are a dialysis patient or dialysis treatment provider to seek an alternative source of water for consumption and dialysis until we are in receipt of test results from the samples taken in the past two days.

The Department of Health, Department of Environment, and the town of St. Andrews are working together to ensure your water supply is not affected by this blue green algae bloom. The department of Health will issue advisories to the public where necessary to protect public health.

Towns Ready For Earl

Hurricane Earl's potential impact on Atlantic Canada is broadening. Tide News Spoke with Charlotte The Isles MLA and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet and he tells us he took time off of the campaign trail yesterday to speak with members of municipality's in the area to go over their action plans..
Doucet was on Grand Manan yesterday and spoke with member from their EMO and The Department Of Public Safety and says they are prepared for Earl.

Lee Johnson Director Of Operation for The Town Of St. Stephen says we are prepared as the fire department will be on hand 24, generator's are in place for back up water and St. Stephen Public works are on call for anything flooding or downed trees the weather may bring our way...

The Chief Administrative & Development Officer for The Town Of Saint Andrews tells us they have emergency plans in place and reminds they can call the emergency line at 529-5120.

The Mayor of Blacks Harbour is reminding everyone to do their part in the community by checking on your neighbours or seniors in the area before and after the storm. Emergency plans are in place and ready to go if needed for Blacks Harbour.

People's Alliance Kickoff

The People's Alliance Party officially kicked off its campaign for the September 27th provincial election by focusing on what it calls the financial crisis facing the province.
Party Leader Kris Austin says nothing or very little has been mentioned so far about the growing provincial debt and string of budget deficits.

Austin says the People's Alliance is not proposing any tax increases but modest tax cuts for small businesses to stimulate economic growth.

The Provincial New Democrats are accusing both the Liberals and Conservatives of being irresponsible with all of their campaign promises.

Gas Prices Take A Rise

Gas prices have taken a hike after the weekly setting with maximum prices rising by a couple of cents. Self serve regular is now selling for 97.0 cents a litre around town with diesel up to 105.9.

The maximum price for propane is listed at 101.7 a litre.

Air Quality Alert for Ozone Today

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is warning people that the air quality in Maine over the next several days will likely be the worst we have seen in several years.

Ground-level ozone concentrations are expected to reach unhealthy levels along the entire coast of Maine . The high levels will continue into Thursday and likely move inland.

In addition to the heat and humidity, several pollutant levels will be on the rise; these factors combined create a more severe situation. For more info http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Citizen+Alert+System&v=Article-2004

Horizon Health Network Appoints Three New Members

Madeleine Drummie from Oak Bay has been appointed one of three new board members for the Horizon Healh Network Board Of Directors.

Drummie retired in 1997 from her 33-year career in the federal public service as the senior liaison officer in the Office of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

She has held positions in the Unemployment Insurance Commission and the Departments of Manpower and Immigration and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

She has served as a former member and chair of the Board of Hospice of Charlotte and co-chair of the Lead Fundraising Division for the Charlotte County Civic Center Project and is currently a director of the Board of Algonquin Properties.

Van Flips In Musquash

The Musquash Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle flipped over on Highway One in Musquash. The collision occurred in the east bound lane close to mile marker 94 shortly after 4 pm on yesterday afternoon.

One man was transported by ambulance to hospital. Eastbound traffic was reduced to one lane while emergency responders were on scene.

The Musquash Fire Department urges motorists to reduce their speed as they approach emergency vehicles on the side of the highway, and to be prepared to stop if directed.

A major change is coming to the way Enbridge Gas does business. The company is going to install automated meter reading devices on all of it's exsisting and future meters. Jamie LeBlanc, Manager of Finance and Control for Enbridge Gas New Brunswick tells Tide News this will improve efficiency and customer service.

 The new gear will allow the company to read up to 10,000 meters on a single route by driving through a neighbourhood with the equipment mounted on a vehicle.

Enbridge says it will begin converting it's exsisting meters in October with the complete over-haul of the system to take two years.  The company services just  over 300 customers in the St. Stephen and St. George area.

RCMP Seek Public Assitance

RCMP is asking the assistance of the general public to locate the following vehicle, that was stolen last week on Route 172 in L'Etang from a driveway.

Police tell us its a 2002 Jeep Cherokee black in colour with New Brunswick plate numbers GVW 846

Anyone with any information on this stolen vehicle is asked to call District 1 RCMP at (506)755-1132 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Humidex Weather Warning

It's going to be a hot one in the Bordertown today. Humidex values of near 40 c /104 F thru out this afternoon.

The department of health recommends that you stay in shaded or air conditioned areas as much as possible, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing and take breaks often if you are exercising or working outdoors. Outdoor sports should be taken into consideration and if possible postponed to a cooler time of day.

The elderly, babies and young children, or people with heart or lung problems are most at risk of serious heat-related illness along with people taking medications, especially for mental health conditions, should check with their doctor or pharmacist to see if they are more at risk from high temperatures.

Keep posted to 98.1 The Tide for future weather warnings.

Powered Seating At Saint John Airport

Convenience is coming to the Saint John Airport in the form dual power-USB outlets.

Twenty spots with-in the terminal will allow passengers to use these seats to power up their electronics in the arrivals, departures, restaurant, and public waiting areas.

Airport officials expect the work to be finished by the middle of next month.

Body Found in Saint John River

(The Water Rescue Unit heads out to look for the body)
(Photo by Doug Epton)

City police retrieving a body from the water yesterday afternoon.

Police got word a body was floating in the Saint John River near Highland Road just after 4 o'clock.

The Water Rescue Unit was sent out and the Major Crime Unit is investigating.

The body has not been identified yet.

Alward On Business New Brunswick

(Conservative Leader David Alward)
(File Photo)

If elected in September, Conservative Leader David Alward says he'll attract new jobs to the province by making real changes at Business New Brunswick.

Alward says Liberal Leader Shawn Graham has used BNB as his personal political piggy-bank and he spent taxpayer’s money on failing businesses like ATCON, luxury golf courses and bailouts.

Alward says he'll create a new crown corporation called InvestNB, that's led by a private sector board of business leaders, to develop the economy.

New Appointment At Irving Oil

(Mike Ashar)
(File Photo)

News from Irving Oil, the company has announced that Mike Ashar has been appointed President of Irving Oil Limited.

He is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day management of the company.

Arthur Irving Sr. will continue in his role as Chairman.

Prior to this, Ashar was in charge of several operating units at the Refinery.

Is A Federal Election Looming

(Saint John MP Rodney Weston)
(File Photo)

Now that they ""official"" campaign is underway for the Provincial vote next month, there continues to be chatter about a Federal Election in the spring.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News, since being elected back in 2008, the rumblings of an election haven't stopped.

He says a lot of the speculation comes from political pundits but when it comes from the opposition, then it needs to be taken seriously.

Weston adds if and when the Federal election writ is dropped, he is ready to stand by his record and let voters be the judge of the service provided.

Independant Firm To Look Into Allegation

An independent firm will be responsible for looking into allegations stemming from the 2006 provincial election.

Mike Quinn, the province's chief electoral officer says there's an allegation that someone may have breached the Political Process Financing Act by making unreported cash payments during the previous campaign.

Quinn made the decision to hand the case over to a third party after meeting with the auditor general.

He says he doesn't want his office to loose focus on delivering a voter-oriented election, and says the investigation should be done by an independent team in a timely manner.

Shining a light on alcohol & minors.

The Province's Crimestoppers program is working with NB Liquor to shine a light on the problem of giving alcohol to minors.

Under the Liquor Control Act, the fine for a first offence is $292.50 and repeat offenders can be fined over $5,000.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrest of a person supplying alcohol to anyone under 19.

For more info, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
 

Liberal Leader Shawn Graham Promises...

Liberal Leader Shawn Graham says he would complete the restoration of the Petitcodiac River and work towards the completion of the Fundy Trail if he wins next month's election.

Graham says he would promote ecotourism and the province's clean environment to help grow the economy over the next four years.

In April, Graham's government began restoring the Petitcodiac River when it opened its causeway gates between Moncton and Riverview.

Built in 1968, the causeway caused the river below the structure to become almost completely plugged over the years with silt, reducing the famous tidal bore to a muddy ripple.

RCMP Seeking Public's Help

Police are on the look out for a vehicle that may have some damage to it after this past weekend.

Bob MacKnight with the RCMP tells us there was damage done to a large section of chain link fence at the NB Power property/dam site in Milltown.

They believe the damage was caused by a vehicle.

Police are asking anyone that may have information to contact the St. Stephen RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Quake Wakes Local Early This Morning

Residents in the Charlotte County are may have been a little shaken early this morning as Earthquake Canada has reported an Earthquake off Saint Andrews.

It happed around 5am this morning about 11 km South East of Saint Andrews.

Tide News spoke with Janet Drysdale of Earthquake Canada and she tells us it registered on the scale as a 2.4 magnitude. Its the second one in the area in just over a month.

Milltown International Bridge to be Closed for Three Weeks

The Department of Transportation is advising the motoring public that the Milltown International Bridge in St. Stephen will be closed to thru traffic commencing Monday, August 30th for three weeks to carry out repairs on the structure. Detour signage will be in place.

Drivers are encouraged to use the new St. Stephen Third Bridge or the St. Stephen Ferry Point Bridge as alternate routes.

Road Construction In Bayside

If your travelling to and from Saint Andrews in the coming weeks you may want to give yourself some extra time as paving construction has begun in Bayside. 

It's an estimated cost of just over $800.000 that is being be funded jointly by the provincial and federal governments. Remember fines are doubles for those speeding in construction areas. 

Dexter Construction Company was awarded the tender for this project.

Border Cafe Will Fight Back

You can't help but to notice the Menu sign on the side of the road that reads Mama's By Law Burger ... The Border Cafe in St. Stephen has been fined twice now for their weekly Karaoke event and anticipates two more fines this weekend as Karaoke will go on.

John Dilliam of Border Cafe tells Tide News they are not hurting no one and have even set up a jar inside the cafe titled Mama's bail money for anyone that's in a would like to make a donation. Dillman tells us his mother Brenda Vanhorne was rejected her Entertainment Licence from the Provincial Government with no explanation.

Many locals are up in roar over this and some enjoy the Karaoke and some don't. Tide news has a call into the St. Stephen By Law enforcement officer Mark Fleming but have yet to hear back.

 


#

The Tale Of A Whale

An update for you today on the story we reported on recently where a whale went under a boat off Campobello causing the boat to capsize. Tide News has learned not only was the Sardine Vessel responding to the scene but also the Campobello Whale rescue team. Mac Green and Robert Fitzsimmons got the call to respond to the scene where they rescued two people out of the cold water, one of them who could not swim.

The two had been in the water for about twenty minutes and didn't have the energy to climb aboard The Michael Eileen Sardine Fishing Vessel. The Whale rescue Zodiac is the only rescue vessel in the area to respond to incident at sea .. Normally if a boat has sank or is sinking a rescue team would be sent from Nova Scotia. All 5 members aboard the boat are home and doing well.

They had been out whale watching for the day and were headed home when a fin back whale swam under their boat just off of the Head Harbour Light House that caused the boat to leave the water and fly about thirty feet in the air before in smashed back down. The Campobello Whale Rescue Team is still continuing the search for the whale, but it is believe the whale is ok.

Vandalism On Hall Road

RCMP want to hear from you if you have any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for throwing rocks thru a local women's window over the weekend. It happened late Saturday night on The Hall Road just outside of St. Stephen .

The women was home at the time of the incident. Tide News spoke with the women's daughter Deneca Calhoun and she tell us her mother can't understand as to why anyone would do this to her home.

Bob MacKnight tells Tide news they have no witnesses's or suspects at this time.

Small Vessel Swamped By Whale

Over the weekend RCMP responded to a call reporting that a small boat capsized when a whale a swam underneath the vessel. There were five people aboard the boat, which was out on the water observing a pod of whales in Passamaquoddy Bay near Campobello Island.

All five people were thrown overboard into the water. A crew on a sardine fishing vessel were close by to recovering the people.

Two of the boaters were transported to the Charlotte County Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

At the time of this incident, personal floatation devices were available but were not being worn.

Tucker Says Ferry Toll Is Unfair

With the Liberals saying tolls can't be removed from the Grand Manan Ferry without services being lost, the Conservatives are singing a different tune.

Sharon Tucker is the PC Candidate for Charlotte the Isles and tells CHSJ News, her party is committed to removing the tolls without creating an additional cost to taxpayers and without eliminating ferry runs.

She says the people of Grand Manan are the only people in New Brunswick who have to pay to travel within their own province and this decision is about fairness.

Tucker says getting rid of the tolls will help kick start the economic engine of the island, and bring new jobs and businesses to the area.

Remembering A Crash

70-year old Lawrence Cummings and an old friend are going to get together this week to remember what could have been a tragic accident.

The Salt Spring resident was working on his farm back on May.19th, 1958 when a plane crashed into his field and he rescued the pilot.

Cummings tells us, he doesn't consider himself a hero.

Cummings says the pilot, who now calls British Columbia home, is eighty years old and he is looking forward to seeing him.

RCMP Going To The Ball Game

If your going to be checking out the Blue Jays Red Sox game on the tube this afternoon, keep an eye out for three RCMP officers from home.

Corporal Jean-Marc Paré, Corporal Greg Lupson, Constable Ian Grassman and Staff Sergeant Jamie George of Prince Edward Island will carry the Canadian and American flags prior to the game.

Red Sox management made the request to the Mounties back in July about serving as the Colour Guard for the game.

All four officers are thrilled with the opportunity and are paying their own way to take part.

The game gets started at 2:35pm.

Blaney Reacts To Keir Comment

(Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney)
(File Photo)

Finding Minister Keir's comment amusing, Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney tells us, there is a good reason why David Alward did not attend the party's open forums on energy.

She says there are two capable and knowledgeable people running the summits.

She also says he has taken part in her door to door campaign and has been in every corner of the province.

Blaney believes Minister Keir is running scared and that is what prompted the comment.

Is Alward Hiding?

Is Conservative Leader David Alward in hiding?

Energy Minister Jack Keir believes the party has been keeping him under wraps and wants to know why he hasn't been front and center to discuss the issues.

One of them is energy and Keir tells us, the Liberal Government has taken steps to protect the assets of NB Power and it rate-payers.

Keir adds Alward didn't even bother to show for his party's open house forums recently to discuss energy.

Liberals Not Too Fond of Ferry Toll Removal

(Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucett)
(File Photo)

A Conservative promise to remove the toll on the Grand Manan ferry if elected to power next month has left the MLA for the area shaking his head.

Rick Doucett tells us, with no public consultation on the matter with Mayor and council or the operator of the ferry, he believes this idea was put together on the back of a napkin.

Doucett adds the Conservative proposal will cost roughly two and a half million dollars which means a ferry run would have to be lost.

Alward says it's the only ferry service of its kind in the province that charges a toll and it's unfair to island residents.

Truck Found Destroyed

A Theft of a 1994 pickup that was stolen from a yard in  Chamcook was located today the same area, abandoned and destroyed by fire.

RCMP tell us they continue to Investigation if you have any information contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Meanwhile Police continue to look for the truck that was stolen from St. George this week.

Alwards Promise To Remove Toll On Grand Manan Ferry

Progressive Conservative party leader David Alward making a promise to the residents of Grand Manan today as a part of his party's platform.

Alward tells Tide News he is promising to remove the toll on the ferry to Grand Manan Island if they are elected next month. He's also committed to retaining the current ferry operating schedule.

Over the past few decades, the population of Grand Manan has declined year after year and many island residents have been complaining for years that the cost to take the ferry has made it difficult for them financially.

Attempted Assault On Premier Graham

A local man has a date set for court after an incident yesterday that landing him in the back of a police car.
Phillip Williams of Upper Mills has been charged with uttering threats and resisting arrested after he showed up at Town Square where Premier Shawn Graham was set to make an announcement.

Corp. Davis Tells Tide News they were tipped off by a phone call prior to yesterday events that lead to Williams actions.

Williams tells Tide news he wanted to speak directly to The Premier about his issues concerning his land, welfare and medical documents. Williams has a court date set for September 3 to answer to charges.

Kingston Man Found

The search for a missing senior from the Kingston Peninsula has a happy ending. Hampton RCMP tell us the search for 63-year old Fred Drew has been called off after he was picked up near his home by a relative last night.
Drew had been missing since yesterday when he left for his daily walk. Concern was raised because Drew is an insulin dependent diabetic but RCMP say he will be fine.

Williams to Appear in Court

A court date has been set for a local man after an incident in town square involving the Premier. Phillip Williams says he was driven by anger in getting help about losing his land along with his medical records being withheld by his previous doctor.

He Tells Tide News he went to Town Square to speak with The Premier about his issues. The Premier’s speech was delayed fifteen minutes after the RCMP received a tip that a man was looking for Graham.

Williams was arrested before the Premier’s arrival and has a September 3rd court date to answer to charges of uttering threats and resisting arrest.

Tide news has placed a call to the RCMP for their comment and have yet to hear back.

New Board Members At The Airport

Two new board members have been selected to sit at the Saint John Airport. Michael Walton and former Saint John mayor Norm McFarlane begin their terms right away.

Walton has held numerous positions with community boards and is a long time member of the Board of Trade.

Along with holding the title of the Mayor of Saint John, McFarlane is as former MLA, cabinet minister and accountant.

Missing Man From Kingston Peninsula

The search is on for a missing senior from the Kingston Peninsula.  Hampton RCMP tell us 62-year old Fred Drew has been gone since yesterday when he left for his daily walk.

He is five seven, 300 pounds white hair and a short beard. He was wearing a beige long sleeve shirt, jeans and white sneakers.

Drew is also an insulin dependent diabetic and officers don't know if he took his medication before leaving for his walk.

Gas Prices In St. Stephen

Your trip to the gas pump won't hurt as much today.

The price of gas is down this morning after the weekly setting, the maximum price for regular self-serve is 95.4.   Diesel is also down at 103.0 while the cost of propane is up slightly to 102.8.

The price for home heating oil is selling for 86.7

Stolen Truck In St. George

RCMP are investigatingafter a pickup truck was stolen sometime between late Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning from Brunswick Street in St. George

Police say the 2005 Ford F-650 truck was stolen from a parking lot. The truck is white and black in color and has white mud flaps on it with the wording "Gator Ford Florida." The New Brunswick license plate is F-18256.

If you have information about this crime or if you see this stolen truck contact the St George RCMP at 755-1130

Minimum Wage Set To Rise

Our minimum wage will be boosted by 50 cents September 1st. That will bring the pay rate to nine dollars an hour.

Two more 50-cent increases are scheduled for next year to bring the minimum wage up to the Atlantic average of 10-dollars an hour by next fall.

St Stephen & Charlotte County Go High Speed

Rogers Communications announced today St. Stephen and surounding area of Charlotte County will recieved new enhanced television service as well as news services for high speed internet and home phone services.

Locals in the area will now recieve up to 450 new channels with over 1000 on demand movies. Rogers is offering sic levels of hi speed service and residental home phone service with unlimited local calling thru New Brunswick.

 Rogers will be hosting an open house today in St. Stephen at The St. Stephen Legion from 12 to 7 and tomorrow from 12 to 7 at The Saint Andrews Legion.

Regional President For Rogers Communications
Ken Marshall

RCMP Request Public Assistance

RCMP are requesting help from the public in identifying those responsible for the theft of a 1998 4 wheel ATV from School Street in St Stephen. It happened between August 15 and 17th.

Police have secured evidence from the scene and will be examined by the RCMP Forensic Identification Section. Anyone with info leading to the arrest of those responsible may be eligible for a cash award.

Anterless Deer Draw

Almost 5000 hunters around the Province have been given the green light to hunt anter-less deer this fall. Anyone who has been awarded a validation sticker should receive it from the Province by the end of next month.
You can find out if you've been successful in the draw by visiting gnb.ca or checking the last two digits of your current hunting license against the two-digit numbers listed for the wildlife management zone in which you applied.

More Talk on Lepreau

With the tab growing at one million dollars a day for replacement power at Point Lepreau, the Energy Minister says negotiations with Ottawa continue to pick up the tab for replacement power. Jack Keir tells us, he met with MP Keith Ashfield late Friday night and Ottawa is still reviewing the file:

Our news-room asked Minister Keir if this issue could cost the Liberal Party re-election in the Provincial vote next month and says he doesn't see how the Graham Government can be pinned down when it was the Conservative Party that signed the contract which put all cost responsibilities on the Provincial Government.

Man Goes For A Run.....In The Nude

Man Goes For A Run.....In The Nude
No charges will be laid after a man decided to "bare all" and go for a run last night.
Hampton RCMP say they were called to the Midland area last night to find a 63-year old man out for a run as naked as the day he came into the world.
As you can guess, officers tell us the man was drinking . No charges will be laid.

Careful When Choosing A Credit Agency

A warning from the President of Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada on choosing an agency.

John Eisner tells us there are some companies making claims right now they can't back up.

He says some agencies are promising to cut interest rates before even looking into a client's financial situation.

Eisner warns about one agency that is calling homes of people who are not having financial problems and he says they have made a complaint about it.

Man Found In Rubble Of Home

(Smoke coming from the rubble after the explosion)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

53-year old James Harvey Goddard has been found in the rubble of what used to be a home in Sussex Corner.

The body was found late yesterday afternoon after the home was destroyed by an explosion Friday night just after six o'clock.

A 51-year old woman who escaped the blast has been released from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

The quiet neighbourhood was rocked when a huge explosion demolished the home which was for sale.

Residents we spoke with in the area of the house tell us Goddard was an explosive expert who worked in the mines in both Pennobsquis and Sussex.

RCMP still don't know what caused the explosion.

Community Marches For Gay Pride

(The gay pride flag flaps in the wind in front of Saint John City Hall)
(Photo by Sherry Aske)

Fans, friends and family that support the City's gay community will be out in force for the Pride parade today.

Mack Mackenzie of Port City Rainbow Pride says many of the candidates running in the fall election are taking part this year.

He tells CHSJ News it's not too late to take part.

Parade participants are asked to gather in Queen's Square at two this afternoon with the parade starting at 3.

The parade route is Queen Square to Sydney Street to King Square down King Street up St. Patrick Street across the viaduct and end on Main Street in the North End.

NB Business Hall Of Fame Gets Four Inductees

Four business leaders have been named to the Province's Business Hall of Fame.

The 2010 inductees are Former Premier Frank McKenna, Bill and Ed Barrett and Jean-Claude Savoie.

Bill and Ed Barrett are Co-CEOs of Barrett Corporation while Jean-Claude Savoie is the President of a hardwood processing company.

All four will be inducted into the Business Hall of Fame at the gala dinner in November at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Sussex Home Flattened In Explosion

One man is missing and a 51-year old woman is recovering in hospital after a home in Sussex Corner has been destroyed by an explosion.

Emergency crews were called to the home on the Post Road just after six o'clock to find it flattened.

RCMP Sargeant Bruce Reid tells CHSJ News, they continue to interview people who were in the area when the explosion happened.

Crews were on the scene until after midnight and the fire marshall will inspect the area to try and piece together what triggered the explosion today.

Neighbours are still in shock and waiting to find out what rocked their homes.

Melanie Hawthorne lives around the corner from where the home was destroyed and tells CHSJ News, the explosion was heard miles from her front door.

Hawthorne tells CHSJ News, the owner of the destroyed home is Harvey Goddard who works with explosives for a living at the mines in Sussex and Pennobsquis but has had the home up for sale.

Save Passamaquoddy Bay Maintains Calais LNG Fails State Permitting Threshold

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection  granted Calais LNG an additional delay in the permitting process.

In response, Save Passamaquoddy Bay researcher Robert Godfrey tells us they continue to believe that Calais LNG, by its own admission in multiple filings to the State of Maine, has not adequately completed its permit applications and cannot demonstrate financial capacity that is a legal prerequisite for state environmental permitting.

St. Stephen Native Releases Book

St. Stephen native Larry Crompton has released a new book about his hunt for the elusive California Serial Killer known as "The Original Night Stalker". Both Larry and his wife Barbara are St. Stephen natives with friends and neighbors still in the vicinity.

The book tells a story the crimes of California’s Most Prolificerial Offender- the East Area Rapist/ The Original Night Stalker.

Although the hunt still continues, the results remain the same; no closure. Larry Crompton wrote this book.

The book can be purchased through Authorhouse,

http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookStoreSearchResults.aspx?SearchType=smpl&SearchTerm=larry%20crompton

Doucet Refutes MLA's Claim On Church Suppers

Fisheries Minister and Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucet is refuting a Conservative MLA's claim that new health rules could spell the end of church suppers in the province.

Wayne Steeves, the Conservative M-L-A for Albert says the Liberals are waiting until after the election to bring the new regulations into being.

Doucet tells Tide News there is absolutely no truth to this.

He says it's irresponsible and misleading and calls this move typical of the Conservatives.

Meanwhile, The Province's Chief Medical Officer of Health says there are no plans to prevent churches from holding suppers.

Dr. Eilish Cleary tells us safety procedures need to be followed closely at these events. Cleary says these suppers are good for public health

Ganong Elected Chair Of NBBC

David Ganong has been elected Chair of the New Brunswick Business Council. Ganong is replacing Derek Oland of Moosehead Breweries.
In a release, Ganong says he is focused on areas of concern including a 'greying' population putting more pressure on us to grow a skilled population to offset lower tax revenues and higher health costs.

He also says despite good efforts the province continues to depend on Ottawa's transfer payments for over 40% of its public spending leaving us vulnerable to economic downturns or changes in the revenue sharing formula in the Canadian Federation.

RCMP Alert Public of Scam

Local RCMP have received several complaints, in the past few days that locals are receiving calls from someone claiming to be working for a communications company. During the course of the conversations, the caller requests a Social Insurance Number. This is an obvious attempt to collect and unlawfully use personal information. Everyone is reminded to be cautious with callers requesting personal information/identification. If it sounds too good to be true - It probably is.

Peewee AAA Hockey Team Starting In Charlotte County

Charlotte County communities have recently been given an opportunity to start a Peewee AAA hockey team starting this fall of 2010.
The EDZA (Elite Draw Zone Area) committee, who is the governing body that looks after all elite AAA hockey in New Brunswick, has expanded the number of Peewee AAA teams in the province from 11 to 23, because of this Charlotte County has been designated as an area that will host one of these expansion teams. Jeff Dempsey has been named head coach of this new team.

There will be six AAA teams in our district . In addition teams will see an average of 3-4 hours of ice per week, allowing players to develop individual and team skills necessary to play a fast exciting level of hockey. Practices and games will be held at arenas from our three Charlotte County associations, Black’s Harbour, St. Andrews and St. Stephen allowing all communities to share a commitment to our young athletes.

This fall will be the first time our new team hits the ice and preparations are being made to make this happen. Commitments to the team coaching and managerial staff have been made from all three hockey associations, providing staff representation from New River Beach to Washington County Maine.

The team name (Charlotte County Riptide) and jersey colours have been selected and a team logo has been designed by a local artist that incorporates elements of our common coastal heritage .

The EDZA committee is holding an NB AAA Hockey information event on August 15 2:00pm at Simonds High School in Saint John to provide information about peewee, bantam and midget AAA programs .

NB EMS To Issue Requests For Proposals For New Ambulance Stations

NB EMS have announced they have made a requests for proposals to construction a new ambulance stations in Lepreau along with Dalhousie, Hillsborough, and Hartland.

The Lepreau Station will be a one Bay Station along with Hartland and Hillsborough while the Dalhousie station will be a two bay ambulance station.

International Festival 2010 Parade Awards

International Festival has wrapped up once again between Calais Maine & St Stephen, New Brunswick and now that the festivities have ended you may be wondering who the recognized entrants in this years parade are...The tide has the results:

Best over all entry went to Ganong Bros. for their chocolately float. Most humours entry goes to The Huntsman Marine Science Centre with their umbrellas made into jumping jellyfish. Best Parade Theme was awarded to Johnson Hardware.

Taking the spot for best non-commercial entry was the Luxor Shriners and best commercial entry danced into the hands of Barbara's School of Dance. Calais Mack picked up the outstanding antique award for their fire truck, and taking the spot for the greatest community effort was Calais Class of '55.

Progressive Conservative candidate for Charlotte-the-Isles, Sharon Tucker Says The People Of St. George Deserve Better

Progressive Conservative candidate for Charlotte-the-Isles, Sharon Tucker, is furious at the government’s inaction in dealing with the impending closure of the St. George Food Bank and tells us if she's elected MLA for this riding, this injustice will not happen, and that she will work with the people of the riding to address this issue and fix it immediately.

The last time that the province’s food banks received an increase in funding was under the former PC government in 2005, who pledged an increase of two per cent for three consecutive years.

Provincial Energy Minister Says Ottawa Is Listening To Idea Of Mediation On Lepreau

With the Point Lepreau refurbishment delayed by at least another year, the Province is looking at mediation to determine who is going pay for the cost overruns.

Energy Minister Jack Keir says they want Ottawa to appoint a mediator to look at the contract to find a way to lessen the burden on provincal taxpayers.

Keir says the Federal Government are listening to them on this idea of mediation.

The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant is delayed by at least another year, putting the project 2 1/2 years behind schedule.

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

Fastest Lobster Boat In The World Title Will Be Decided In The USA vs. Canada Grand Finale Race At Eastport Pirate Festival

The Eastport Pirate Festival is seeking entrants from Maine, New Brunswick and beyond for the first International Lobster Boat Race to be held in the waters off Eastport on Sunday, September 12 as part of the 5th Annual Eastport Pirate Festival.

The Eastport Pirate Festival Lobster Boat Race will have multiple categories for Race Day on Sunday, September 12th. Every Boat that enters will have a shot at the $1000.00 Grand Prize. Each race category will offer a prize of either cash or product and all entrants will go into the drawing for the $1000.00.

 The grand finale will be for the title of Fastest Boat In The World to be determined in the USA vs. Canada Race. That race also comes with a $1000 cash prize. The Race Committee is seeking working boats of all kinds, as well as pleasure boats.

The 10 sanctioned races on the Coast of Maine have as many 35 races in a day in as many categories. The Eastport Pirate Festival Lobster Boat Race will have about 12 race categories to cover all boats that enter. There is a $20.00 entry fee.

The Eastport Pirate Festival runs September 10-12. It has become one of the top summer events on the Coast of Maine drawing thousands of people to the historic island city way Downeast. I

For more race information or to register your boat for one of the races you can contact Chris Brown at 207-853-4343 or visit the Pirate Festival website at http://www.eastportpiratefestival.com/

Photo by Don Dunbar

Musquash Accidents

The volunteer firefighters in Musquash responding to a pair of serious accidents. Shortly after 4 in the morning, a car overturned on Highway One near the Gilmore Subdivision. The driver managed to get out of the car on her steam and appeared to be unhurt.

She was taken to hospital to be checked out. Around 10:30 last night, a car struck a moose on Highway One near Mink Brook Road. The car left the highway and was discovered upright in the bushes. The driver was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

 In between, they also had to lend some help to a boater who got stranded in the East Branch Musquash River because of mechanical problems.

 
 
 
 
 

Graham Wants Mount Carleton As National Park

Premier Shawn Graham is pressing Ottawa to designate Mount Carleton as a national park.

Graham and Tourism and Parks Minister Brian Kenny hiked up the mountain yesterday as part of the 75th anniversary of New Brunswick's provincial parks.

Graham says making Mount Carleton a national park would give Parks Canada more of a presence in Atlantic Canada.

Mount Carleton is the highest point in the Maritimes and the province has spent 2.5 million dollars on upgrades to the park since 2008.

Bridge Open Again

Commuters and summer travellers can breath a sigh in Fredericton now that the Princess Margaret Bridge is open again.

The city challenged commuters to use alternate modes of transportation during the close, in hopes more people would embrace car-pooling, biking and walking.

While the bridge is now open, the area around it remains a construction site so a speed reduction is in place on the bridge until late fall.

Facebook Helps New Amber Alert Program

More than 14-thousand people in the province have signed up to get online alerts when a child is abducted.

This after the Amber Alert Program was launched late last month with the help of the social networking site Facebook.

Amber Alert coordinator, Corporal Todd Chadwick of the Miramichi police, says he's pleased with the response.

Chadwick says while the Amber Alert program in New Brunswick has yet to be used, the chance of finding an abducted child increases with each person who joins the Facebook group.

More Delays At Point Lepreau

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant is delayed by at least another year, putting the project 2 1/2 years behind schedule.

The latest delay today is caused by problems sealing the ends of tubes inside the reactor.

Energy Minister Jack Keir tells us he wants an independent mediation process with Ottawa to examine the contract and decide who pays for the cost overruns. 

He says of the 380 tubes-- 80 failed the pressure test, 80 passed and 220 haven't been tested yet.

Retired Senator Receives Award

A retired Senator from the province is travelling to Hartford this weekend to get an award for her efforts in promoting local adoption.

Erminie Cohen tells us the award is from the North American Council on Adoptable Children.

Cohen heads the province's Adoption Foundation that has helped over 800 children in the province find families.

Candidate Upset With Closure Of Food Bank

Sharon Tucker, the Conservative candidate running in the riding of Charlotte-the-Isles, is furious that the Liberal government is ignoring the closure of the St. George food bank.

She says MLA Rick Doucet's suggestion of hosting a forum to promote donations is not enough.

Tucker is promising to immediately fix the issue if elected in the September provincial election.

RCMP Seize Drugs & Cash In Blacks Harbour

RCMP making quite a find yesterday after conducting a search warrant on a home in Blacks Harbour.
Police seized a quantity of marijuana which could have potentially produced an excess of 5000 joints. They also seized drug paraphernalia and over $4000 in cash.

A 33-year-old-man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested and later released.

The warrant was executed as a result of several weeks of investigation into drug trade activities.

They will be appearing in court at a later date to face drug trafficking charges.

Newcomb Cuts hair For Charity

One little girl with a big heart did a big thing today.Kneviah Newcomb cut her hair today to donate it Angel Hair for Kids Foundation. She's originally St. Stephen but now lives in Eastport Maine.

Newcomb is only ten old and tells Tide News she was inspired by a friend in the past who had cancer and at that time offered her hair.

Since then kneviah has only received trims to her hair and has grown it long and today with the help of Tammy Mersereau from Talk Of The Town in St. Stephen Newcomb cut her hair and will donate about 12 inches to the foundation.

In addition this ten year old girl has managed to also raise just over $400.00 dollars to send to the Angel Hair for kids foundation. It takes about 10 hair cuts to make one wig for a child in need.