Liberals Sound Off On The Government's Energy Blueprint

Liberal Energy Critic Brian Kenny is sounding off on the new energy blueprint released by the Alward Government.

He tells CHSJ News there was no mention of the Point Lepreau cost overruns or the Mactaquac retrofit.

He says those two projects could cut into the projected 8 to 10 million dollar savings when NB Power gets put back together into one company.

Kenny adds when the Premer was in Ottawa this week there was no mention of him talking to the Prime Minister about the cost overuns relating to Point Lepreau.

He says although it's a 10 year plan, the provincial Tories has flip-flopped on their policies before.

Big Names In Our Small Town

Some Big names in Country are coming to St. Stephen.

98.1 The Tide presents Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings on Saturday, November 19th.
They will be taking the stage at the St. Stephen Middle School as part of their Big Hits, Small Towns Tour.

With special guest host Mike Biggar, the tour raises money for local schools.
Tickets are $29.95 at the door, or you can get them in advance at Miss D's Convenience or The Red Rooster Country Store.

Boil Water Order Lifted

The Passamaquaddy Water District released a statement today, confirming that - for the most part - the Boil Water Order has been lifted.

Residents of Eastport will no longer need to boil their drinking water before consumption.

However, if you are on temporary service because of the water main construction, you will still need to boil your water for at least a minute.

Car Rolls Off St. Andrews Wharf

Let's hope they rolled their windows up.

Late last night, a car rolled off the end of the wharf in St. Andrews, and into the harbour.

District 1 RCMP telling Tide News there were no injuries or loss of life, and noone was inside the car, that was thought to be parked.

A crane was seen earlier today, trying to bring the car out from the water.

The driver reported the incident.

Business Recognition

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce held it's 21st Annual Business Recognition Dinner & Awards last night. The award for New Business of the year went to the Charlotte County Hearing Health Care Centre. The award for Business of the year was presented to Gerald and Raymond Disher of Disher Homes.
Young Entrepreneur Award went to Alec and Jenny Hawn at Savor Restaurant.
Female Entrepreneur Award went to Velma Hossock of Carmens Diner.

Paving is Half Done

It's Day 3 in the new paving project on the Ferry Point Bridge in St. Stephen.

Monday, the Calais entry was shut down on Milltown Boulevard, so construction could begin.

Anyone wanting to cross the border into the U-S, is being directed to the Milltown or International Avenue Bridges.

Saturday is still the completion date for the bridge to re-open.

A Bully-Free Community

Is a Bully-free community one of your priorities?

The Crime Prevention Association of New Brunswick is holding it's annual conference this year in St. George at the Magaguadavic Place..

Presenters will talk about a number of issues such as cyber-bullying and harassment in the workplace.



To register, contact CPO Lisa Williams, at 755-1130.

St. Stephen Retailers Christmas Promotion

The Town of St. Stephen is quickly planning this years annual Retailers Christmas Promotion.

This year there will be some changes with not be as many draws held as in the past.

However, the same amount of money will be given out.

This year there will be three major Christmas Cash Draws, $500 on Dec 2nd, $500 on Dec 9th and $1000 on Dec 16th.

Christmas Parade comes early to St. Stephen

Two events on the same night!
This years St. Stephen Christmas Parade will be an evening parade and will be held in November this year, not December. This year, the St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce has decided to hold the Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa's visit with the children on the same evening, Friday, November 18th.

Higher Minimum Wage For NB

Old promises are making their way back into our pockets.

After the government postponed the increase to minimum wage for New Brunswickers back in June, a new Employment Standards Act is making its rounds in our mail boxes.

As of April 1st, 2012, minimum wage in New Brunswick will be raised to $10 an hour.

Flushing Starts Today!

No, all that water running across the road, is not from a broken water line.

The St. Stephen Utility Department has started to flush hydrants today.

They were seen earlier near the Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, and will move elsewhere throughout town for the next 2 weeks.

You may get some dirty water coming from your taps.

The town apologizes for any inconvenience.

Why You Have Dirty Water...

Expect some darkness in your water glass.

The St. Stephen Utility Department will be flushing hydrants for the next two weeks, starting tomorrow.

It may cause some residents to have dirty water.

The town apologizes for any inconvenience.

Crossing to Calais Will Soon Be A Smooth Ride

You may still pay duty, but your car won't bottom out.

During the week of October 17th, The US Customs and Border Protection will be closing the Ferry Point Bridge Calais entry for a paving project.

Anyone wanting to cross to the United States will be directed to the Milltown or International Avenue border crossings.

Are You Prepared?

Are you prepared for the next natural disaster?

After the flood last December,  the Canadian Red Cross is partnering with Kent stores to raise funds for disaster relief, and to raise awareness for families to get prepared.

Until the end of November, all Kent stores, including the one in St. Stephen, will offer free Red Cross checklists,  of items every family should have in a kit in case of evacuation.

You can also include a donation for the Disaster Fund with your purchases.

John Howard introduces New Learning Centre

The John Howard Society introduces the New Imagine Learning Center for Charlotte County.

Kelly Wilson, executive director for John Howard tells Tide News, the center is for students from kindergarden to grade 12 who need a little extra help.

Wilson says they also have programs for students with test anxiety.

An Open House will be held this Monday evening from 6-8 at the John Howard Society in St. George, to introduce the new center.

A Big Birthday for an Old War

The War of 1812 is rounding it's 200th anniversary, and the Harper government wants to raise awareness to Canadians over the next 4 years about our defining moment in history.

Charlotte County MP John Williamson says Canada as we know it, would not be here, if it weren't for the heroic efforts of many Canadians.

The Harper government has invested $20.8 million dollars into historic sites, like the St. Andrews Blockhouse, to boost tourism and strengthen the economy.

Storytime for Kids

Imagination and Creativity for Pre-schoolers!

The St. Croix Public Library in St. Stephen is hosting Storytime.

Kids ages 3-5 can enjoy stories, crafts, songs and games on Friday mornings from 10:30 until 11:15am.

For details, head to the Library on  King Street.

Local Business Tradeshow Tonight!

Would you like to learn more about business?

The Women in Business Charlotte County networking group is hosting a tradeshow tonight at the Masonic Hall in St. Stephen.

Open to the public to find out about local businesses and how women play diverse roles in the community.

Admission is free, doors open at 5:30.

Evening Registration for Kindergarden

It's time to send the munchkins packing.

Tonight is kindergarden registration for any child born in 2007.

Head to the District 10 Office, on School Street in St. Stephen, tonight between 4-8pm to sign up your little one.

Registration can also be done at your local school, for the remainder of this week, during school hours.

Long Weekend Breaks Temperature Records

The warm Thanksgiving long weekend breaking some temperature records here in Saint John and in Fredericton.

Sunday's high of 28 degrees broke the temperature record set back in 1970.  The previous high was 21 degrees. 

Fredericton also broke the record set back in 2006 when the mercury in the capitol city reached almost 29 degrees.

Saint John broke another record on Saturday when the temperature soared up to 21 degrees.

Saint John Mayor Says Students Need More Gym Time

The latest community report card shows an increase in the obesity rate in the greater Saint John region -- and -- that has Mayor Ivan Court suggesting our schools have to do a better job at keeping our kids active.
    
Court tells CHSJ News they're spendng a lot of time on buses and not getting enough gym time in school.
 
The Vital Signs community report card released last week shows our obesity rate sitting just over 24-percent in 2010 -- up from 23.7 in the previous year.

Mental Health Program Gets Funding Boost

A program designed to train people to recognize signs of distress in others and encourage them to get professional help is getting a shot in the financial arm.

MindCare New Brunswick recently receiving 19-thousand dollars from Bell and 5-thousand dollars from RBC for their Mental Health First Aid Program.

Dr. Pam Forsythe with Mindcare tells CHSJ News they have one trainer in the program so far and the program has been taught to staff at schools in both Districts 6 and 8.

Today is World Mental Health Day as well as Mental Health Awareness Week.

Company With Local Ties Makes Top 100 List

An engineering and design company with an office right here in the city getting some major kudos.

Edmonton-based Stantec has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Mediacorp.

Stantec was singled out because of its continued growth across the country and because it advocates designing sustainable projects and buildings.

This is the second year in a row that Stantec has won the honour.

Fireworks Alarms Fredericton Area Residents

People in Fredericton and the outlying communities getting spooked by a celebration for the Currie Centre

Fireworks were launched last night celebrating the Currie Centre but according to the chatter on Facebook and Twitter, many residents weren't expecting such a loud celebration.

The online reactions ranging from the annoyed to the surprised.

The fireworks could be heard in the communities of Rusagonis and Lincoln outside the city.

Mural Honouring Fallen Soldiers Makes Stop In City

The Portrait of Honour making a stop in the Port City today while it continues on a cross-Canada tour.

The mural shows the faces of every Canadian solider, sailor, and aircrew who have lost there lives during the war effort in Afghanistan.

Wayne McQuarrie with the Charlotte-Fundy Kin Club tells CHSJ News the memorial will be coming down from its tour stop in Fredericton.
 
He says the parents of Saint Johner David Greenslade, who as killed in Afghanistan back in 2008, will be at the base when the mural arrives.

The mural will be on public display until 3pm down at the Barrack Green Armouries on Broadview Avenue.

Province Releases Survey For Disability Action Plan Strategy

The Alward Government is looking for input on the Disability Action Plan Strategy. 

It has released a survey and is looking for your input on the current level of services available in the province.

The province wants your input by November 11 and plans to have town hall meetings throughout New Brunswick on the issue.

To take the questionnaire, click here.

Fire Prevention Week Encourages Family Fire Safety

The Saint John Fire Department urging area residents to keep their families safe from fire. This in time for Fire Prevention Week, which runs October 9th to 15th.

Captain of Fire Prevention and Investigation Roy Nolan says the public is encouraged to tip off the fire department to rental properties or public places that they may think is a hazard.

Saint Johners are also advised to test smoke alarms, maintain heaters and chimneys in time for the heating season, and sleep with bedroom doors closed.

Ready To Work Tourism Program Rolls Out Graduates

The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick celebrating the success of a new program.

15 people recently graduating from the program and some of them will be working in the Saint John area.

The Ready-To-Work Program trains unemployed New Brunswickers in a range of tourism-related skills. Participants get a chance to improve their chances of re-entering the work force.

The program boasts a 60% success rate for graduates launching careers in tourism. 

It is delivered free of charge.

Bare Necessities Campaign Is Undeway

The Women In Business Forum at the Saint John Board of Trade are keeping up their good works this year through the Bare Necessities campaign.
 
It sees people contribute travel-size toiletries at a variety of locations around the city all to benefit over 20 local charities.
 
President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News it came out of a discussion about how many business people have a drawer full of toiletries from their various trips.

She says the idea came about to collect the toiletries and let people donate them to help people in our community.

The 10th annual Bare Necessities campaign runs until November 25th.
Gilman says they will be distributed to various groups in early December.
 
For a list of the items they are looking for, click here

Don't Get Sick On The Holiday!

Cook your turkey well, because you'll have a longer drive if you get sick.

The Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour will be closed Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th, and re-open Tuesday.

Horizon Health network apologizes for any inconvenience.

For emergencies, call 911.

Women in Business Tradeshow

Are you trying to make it in business?

The Women in Business networking group is putting on a showcase for Charlotte County on Wednesday.

The tradeshow is open to the public, giving you an opportunity to learn more about local businesses, as well as see how women play a part in diverse roles.

Head to the Masonic Hall in St. Stephen Wednesday evening.

The event is free.

Boil Water Order!

Attention all residents of Eastport and Pleasant Point!

Another Boil Water Order has been issued.

The Passamaquaddy Water District is asking everyone to boil their water for at least a minute before drinking, making ice, washing foods, or brushing teeth.

The order will remain in effect until further notice.

Have You Registered Yet?

Was your child born in the year 2007?

Kindergarden registration for the 2012-13 school year, will be held at your local school next week.

Register your child during school hours, or Wednesday night at the District 10 Office in St. Stephen.

Join St. Stephen's Newest Club!

Do you like to catch bugs and frogs in your spare time?

St. Stephen has started a new club for kids ages 6-12, called the Young Naturalists Club.

Meeting once a month to explore the outdoors, the expeditions are completely free.

Head to the St. Croix Public Library in St. Stephen this Saturday for the next adventure.

Future of Campobello Grocery?

Attention all residents of Campobello Island!

There will be an important information meeting tomorrow night, concerning the future of your local grocery store.

All of the general public is asked to attend.

The meeting gets underway at the high school at 7pm.

Fuel Installation At Point Lepreau Reaches Half-way Mark

NB Power releasing their latest update on the refurbishment of Point Lepreau.

According to their latest release, they are about halfway through installation of their new fuel channel.  They expect that process to be complete by December

Point Lepreau is also gearing up for a 5 year license renewal with public hearings to be held on December 1st and 2nd here in Saint John.

The plant is expected to begin generating electricity by the fall of 2012.

Thousand Expected To Run In Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Despite the rainy weather, as many as 3 thousand people are expected to participate in today's CIBC Run for the Cure in Saint John, the annual fundraiser for breast cancer research.

Director Karen McCumber tells CHSJ News there is usually one common thread between all of the runners - they or someone they know has been affected by cancer.

The route begins at Harbour Station at 2pm.

Saint John Celebrates Arrival Of Rick Hansen Relay

The Rick Hansen cross-Canada Relay arrives in town today and a slew of activities is on the go today at the Lily Lake Pavilion to celebrate the event.

Beginning at 1:30pm there will be free games and music, followed by a barbeque.

The Rick Hansen Relay is scheduled to arrive at around 3:30pm, with the official ceremony beginning at 4pm.

Local disability advocate Jeff Sparks is being honoured as the final medal bearer.

Citizens Group On Lookout For Speedsters

Consider this a fair warning for lead-footed drivers in the St. Stephen area: the members of the  St. Stephen Citizens On Patrol will be conducting a speed watch over the next few weeks.

The group will be at school zones and other areas where speeding is an issue.

The RCMP is providig an assist by lending the group equipment that can capture the speed of vehicles.

Barrack Green Armoury Celebrates 100 Years

A south end staple is celebrating a milestone: today is the 100th birthday of the Barrack Green Armoury.

Several regiments will be joining in on the celebrations today, which include an open house and various activities like tug-a-truck, stretcher relay race, and tent set up.

The armoury is home to several regiments and battalions.

Things get underway at 10am at 60 Broadview Avenue.

Airport Tries To Secure Direct Flight To USA

Trying to secure a new airline with direct flights to the U.S. remains a top priority for the Saint John airport.
 
President and CEO Bernie Leblanc tells CHSJ News that remains #1 on the wishlist of their customers.
 
Leblanc says they get a lot of traffic from the U.S. Northeast and people also travel a lot to Washington and Las Vegas.
 
He adds by securing a direct flight to the U.S., it would help the airport recapture some of the leakage of traffic to other centres.

Electrical Workers To Be Honoured At Memorial

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will be unveiling their memorial to Fallen Members this morning. 

The ceremony is open to the public and widows and families will be laying wreaths in rememberence to those lost on the job.  One family is traveling from as far as Ontario for the event.

Things are just getting underway at 26 Kiwanis Court.

A Babysitters' Education

The Canadian Red Cross wants to give babysitters an education.

They are offering a babysitters course in St. Stephen, at the St. Croix Public Library on October 15th.

Teaching sitters ages 11 and up, how to care for children from infancy to school-age.

Register at the Library by Monday, October 3rd, and the cost is $30.

Charlotte County Walks for Cancer Tomorrow

It's walking for a cause, because we care.

Tomorrow the 9th Annual Walk Cause We Care march will take over Charlotte County.

Three communities are taking part, with participants meeting at the WC O'neil Arena in St. Andrews, Fundy High School in St. George, and the St. Stephen Guardian Drug.

All moneys raised at the event will stay in Charlotte County to help cancer patients.

Head on crash in Musquash

St. George RCMP responded to a head-on collision between two vehicles on Wetmore Creek Road in Musquash.

The incident occurred when one of the vehicles reportedly crossed the centre line into the path of the other. Ambulance New Brunswick paramedics and members of the Musquash Fire Department also attended the scene.

Both female drivers, a 20-year-old woman from Chance Harbour and a 27-year-old woman from Lepreau, were transported to the Saint John Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. An 18-month-old child, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, was also taken to hospital for observation.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this incident. Investigation into the cause of the collision continues.

Successful Fundraiser for NB Railway

It's a successful fundraiser, even before the train leaves the station.

New Brunswick Southern Railway hosting a fall train ride tomorrow in support of UNICEF.

The ride going from McAdam to St. Stephen and back, sold every ticket available.

100% of the proceeds are going to specific UNICEF projects, helping children all over the world.

Get Rid of Your Old Computers this Weekend

Do you have a mouse that eats dust and not cheese?

Eastern Charlotte Waterways and the Solid Waste Commission are holding an E-Waste Collection this weekend in St. Stephen.

You can recycle your unwanted computer parts at the Border Arena Saturday.

The collection goes from 10 am until 2pm.

Local Church goes Digital for Good Cause

A local benefit is going digital.

The Seaview Full Gospel Assembly in Back Bay is hosting a benefit concert this Friday, that will be broadcast live on seaviewfullgospel.com.

Donations can be placed over the internet, with proceeds going to Walk Cause We Care.

The music kicks off at 7pm.

SSMS hits the Streets for Food Bank

If there's a kid on your doorstep begging for food, he's not reciting lines from Oliver Twist.

The St. Stephen Middle School is hauling in their annual food drive for our local food bank in St. Stephen, with students going door to door, asking for donations.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and many people in our community depend on the Bank each month, just to make ends meet.

The Food Drive ends October 4th.

Public Warning

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Compliments brand Sensations Old-Style Smoked Ham because the product may be contaminated with listeria.
The affected product is sold in 175 gram packages with a best before date of Nov. 13, 2011.
The product was distributed in New Brunswick.

Watch Your Speed

St Stephen Citizen's On Patrol members are going to be again conducting speed monitoring in St Stephen and surrounding area.

The RCMP will be providing the volunteer group use of the RCMP portable roadside system which displays the speed of approaching vehicles along with messages.

This unit will be used as a prevention tool, as opposed to enforcement, which will be first placed near our local St Stephen and area schools zones. It will be a friendly reminder to tell drivers to pay closer attention to what speed they are driving. As seen last year, we should see an increase in voluntary compliance near school areas where youth may be present and the first location will be the St Stephen High School.

The unit will later rotate around various areas where speeding is an issue. This would be another example of the value of the Citizens on Patrol Program and the citizens who have committed themselves to it.