Meteorologists Predict Milder Winter--For Now

You won't have to dig out your car--or your snow-blower--for a while yet this winter. That's the outlook coming from AccuWeather, which just released its 2011-2012 winter forecast. 

According to the weather agency, New Brunswickers should expect a tamer-than-usual winter with less snowfall than average--for now.

In southern Atlantic Canada, says meteorologist Brett Anderson, the winter will start out pretty tame. But things will turn more stormy in the coming months as the coast gets hit by wintry blasts of snow and rain.

For now, however, enjoy the not-so-wintry wonderland while it lasts.

Proposed Amendment Aims to Help Smokers Quit

A new opposition bill is aiming to help New Brunswickers kick the cigarette habit.

The Liberals successfully presenting the bill, which aims to dedicate a percentage of tobacco tax revenues to smoking cessation help and medications.  The province currently spends more that 200-million annually in health care and workplace-related expenses linked to smoking.

Provincial health advocate Bill Fraser says that he "couldn't be happier" and that the Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act will make the province healthier. New Brunswick currently does not have a comprehensive quit-smoking program.

Help Find The Panty Thief

Police want your help finding the panty thief.

There have been 20 reported thefts of undergarments and sex toys in the province, mostly in the Saint-Paul, Sainte-Marie, and Bouctouche areas.

Police are asking for anyone who witnessed someone suspicious around their home or had someone unexpected come to their door in recent weeks and months.

The say even seemingly random encounters can provide vital clues.

If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Man Dead after Fatal Crash in Rollingdam

A fatal crash outside of St. Stephen leaving a man dead.

District 1 RCMP are investigating after a 50-year-old man driving on the Catchcart Road last night in Rollingdam, drove off of the road and hit a tree.

Police say the crash happened about 8pm.

The man was pronounced dead at the Charlotte County Regional Hospital.

He was the only person in the crash.

Civic Center Meeting Cancelled

A Special meeting about the new Civic Center in St. Stephen has been canceled for tonight.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider 3 motions relating to the Garcelon Civic Center Project, including an Expenditure Controls Policy, banking and short term financing, as well as the appointment of Internal Project Manager.

Due to circumstances, the meeting is canceled until further notice.

Toy Drive a success

98.1 The Tide held it's annual Toy Drive today for the Family Resource Center and the Volunteer Center of Charlotte County. In four hours, a completely full cargo trailer of toys were collected. Plus, $271.00 in cash was raised too. This event will sure put some smiles on the faces of boys and girls this Christmas.

Saint John Sea Dogs Release Memorial Cup Book

Sports fans might not always be the biggest bookworms--but the Saint John Sea Dogs are releasing some terrific reading material for fans of the team.

The Sea Dogs are releasing a limited-edition commemorative book called “Hockey Heaven: A Look Inside the 2011 Saint John Sea Dogs, Memorial Cup Champions.” There will be just one print run of 500 copies. 

The books will arrive in time for Christmas, but they're selling fast! Fans are encouraged to place a pre-order make sure they get their copy.

The book is filled with pictures, quotes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the team’s historic journey through the 2010-2011 season.

The 80-page, hardcover book is retailing for $58. It's to commemorate the team winning the Memorial Cup. They're calling it "an exclusive piece of Saint John hockey history."

International Day of Disabled Persons Marked Today

The International Day of Disabled Persons is being observed today. The UN created the day in 1992 to promote the benefits everyone can gain from including people with disabilities.

Christyne Allain, of the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, said in a statement that integrating people with disabilities into mainstream society is important to our political, social, economic, and cultural life.

While a lot of progress has been made, says Allain, there's still a gap between policy and practice that must be addressed.

The slogan chosen this year by the United Nations is, "Together for a better world for all: including persons with disabilities in development."

The Tide's Annual Toy Drive Tomorrow!

Do you have toys your kids don't play with anymore?

If they're still in good condition, head to the St. Stephen Canadian Tire tomorrow for The Tide's Annual Toy Drive, and donate them for local children in our area.

Collecting toys for the Family Resource Centre and the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, The Tide will be in Canadian Tire's parking lot from 10am until 2pm.

Save a Life, Give Blood

It's giving a gift that doesn't cost you anything.

The Canadian Blood Services says they need as much help as they can get, because this is a tough time of the year to get blood donations.

The CBS will be holding a blood donor clinic at the Fundy High School tomorrow in St. George, between 1:30 and 4pm, and 5:30 till 7:30pm.

For more information call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Or visit their website at www.blood.ca.

More VLT's in New Brunswick?

Local listeners giving their opinion on our Facebook Page.

We received mixed reviews of the Atlantic Lottery Corporation wanting to install up to 75 more video lottery terminals -- or VLT's -- in our province.

One woman said it wasn't fair to blame the VLT's, comparing the act to blaming bars because people are alcoholics.

However almost 84% of the comments expressed negativity towards the decision, with comments such as "dislike" and "Ridiculous".

According to ALC's latest annual report..... New Brunswick made $91 million from vlt's in 2010-2011 _ down from $100 million the year before.

McAdam Health Care?

What do you think about our Health Care system?

Residents of McAdam and surrounding areas will get their chance to answer that question, at a meeting hosted by the Community Action Committee and the McAdam Village Council.

An opportunity to discuss the current delivery of health care, as well as implications for coping with health emergencies in the area.

The meeting gets underway Monday night at the McAdam High School at 7.

Seeley's Cove Road is Open

The Route 1 Gateway Project is one step closer to being finished.

The entrance to the Seeley's Cove Road was closed for the past 11 days to make way for excavation.

Public Relations Stephanie Bell of Dexter Construction telling Tide News Seeley's Cove Road is now open.

RCMP Called To Mayfield Last Night

A bit of drama outside of St. Stephen last night.

District 1 RCMP responding to a report of a man allegedly uttering threats to another inside a home in Mayfield.

The second resident left safely, but the man proceeded to lock himself inside the home while in possession of a weapon.

About 4 hours later, police took the man into custody without incident.

Noone was hurt.

The 30-year-old man was due in court today.

Stonehammer Geopark Gets National Recognition

Stonehammer Geopark is hammering home New Brunswick's status as a national tourism destination. The park showcasing the fossils and unique geology of the region spans more than 2,500 square kilometres. On Thursday, it received the national tourism association's Deloitte Award for Innovator of the Year.

Chair Bill Merrifield says that the park's unique appeal lies in its diversity. Every site offers something new from a geological perspective, he says--and you can see it all in a day.

The award is given out to tourism or business organizations that develop the most innovative product. The 2,500 square kilometer park includes more than 60 major geological sites across Southern New Brunswick, ranging from Lepreau Falls, Norton, the Irving Nature Park, and the Fundy Trail.

Different Kind of Report Card

St. Stephen High School students getting a different kind of report card today.

Grade 10 students receiving a health report card.

A few weeks ago, testing was done for the students in many areas, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, heart rate, and overall health, in a way to educate students to live a healthy life.

The study found as Body mass index goes up, students marks in school and their self-esteem went down.

The High School's Guidance councilor Don Walker says it occured to him a few years ago, they had testing for everything else school related, but not for the most important -- health.

Mr. Walker can be seen with Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, head doctor in the study.

"Pause Before You Post"

Today the St. Stephen High School held an assembly promoting the "Pause Before You Post" campaign.

An initiative created by Jostens, and driven by students and teachers, to give awareness about cyber-bullying.

Students were on stage this morning, talking about the importance of pausing before posting pictures, videos, and comments on social media sites such as Facebook.

Black Friday

Shop till you drop!.........It is Friday....Black Friday that is.

Lots of people are heading over the border today to take advantage of all the Black Friday deals in the USA.

Also, it will be Midnight Madness in St. Stephen tonight.

Lots of local businesses will be staying open late for your holiday shopping convenience and the local Chamber of Commerce wants you to "Spread the Cheer and Shop Right Here!"

Jerry Seinfeld coming to Harbour Station!

Jerry Seinfeld may be best known for his epic television sitcom, described by TV Guide as the greatest program of all time. But, Seinfeld’s first love has always been stand-up comedy. And.....here is your chance to see Jerry Seinfeld at Harbour Station on Friday, Feb. 3rd.Tickets for the show will go on sale Saturday Dec. 3, beginning at 10 a.m at Harbour Station.

Stay Off The Roads!

Cancel your appointments and delay your travel plans.

That word coming from Sergeant Bob MacKnight of District 1 RCMP.

He says they are responding to numerous reports of collisions and vehicles going off the road because of extremely poor driving conditions.

No word yet on fatalities related to the storm.

Stay tuned to The Tide's Storm Central for updates on cancellations, closures, and late buses.

Get Your Shovels Ready!

After a warm and pleasant fall in the Maritimes, the reality of wintry weather is fast approaching.
   
Environment Canada has posted snowfall warnings for southern New Brunswick.
  
 Snow, at times heavy is forecast to begin in our area tomorrow morning, spreading east to Moncton by the afternoon.
   
Our bottom half of the province could see between 15 and 25 centimetres.


Listen to The Tide's Storm Central on 98.1, for any cancellations, closures, late buses, and anything else storm related.

Make Holiday Shopping Easier at the Border

Waiting in line at the border is not how you want to start your holiday shopping.

The Canadian Border Services Agency wants to keep traffic running smoothly this Friday, when Black Friday overtakes Calais.

A reminder to have your proper identification, such as a passport or Nexus card when crossing.

And have any shopping receipts ready in hand when coming back to St. Stephen.

"Pause Before You Post"

St. Stephen High School taking a different approach to bullying.

This week is the launch  of "Pause Before You Post", a campaign designed by Jostens to bring awareness of the dangers in cyberbullying.

They want to encourage students to "pause" before posting pictures, videos, or comments on social media sites like Facebook, or texting others.

Photo by SSHS student Blair Hamilton.

RCMP Release Name of Man Who Drowned

The name of a man who died over the weekend in a boating incident has been released.

Police believe 45-year-old Norman Parker from Back Bay was with his 10-year-old son Saturday afternoon, when the engine in their boat suffered problems in Blacks Harbour.

The pair were forced to abandon their boat, but only the boy was able to make it to shore.

Parker's body was found later by local fishermen.

An autopsy was done yesterday, confirming he died from drowning.

St. Stephen Goes Country!

The Border Town was a Country Town this weekend.

Canadian Country Music Stars Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings, with special guest host Mike Biggar performing at the St. Stephen Middle School Saturday night.
A great turn-out from the community to hear some of their favorite chart-toppers.

For more pictures, check out The Tide's Facebook Page.

Christmas Parade Success in Cold Weather

Santa Claus drew a good crowd over the weekend.

Friday evening, The St. Stephen Christmas Parade took place, bringing many onlookers to the streets in minus 3 degree weather.

However, the chilly temperature didn't put a damper on the celebration.

Following the parade, Town Square was packed with people for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Halifax Irving Shipbuilding Contract Will Have Spinoffs for NB

The Irving Shipbuilding contract for building combat vessels in Halifax will have tremendous spinoffs for this Province.

The Conference Board Of Canada estimates over the twenty-five years of the contract this Province could see at least $275 million in economic activity.

Fred Bergman of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council tells CHSJ News the economic spinoffs extend to the skilled trades here and in other sectors as well. The project would necessitate the hiring of project managers, human resource managers, and other white-collar positions.


Bergman says New Brunswick has the most suppliers with eight contracts at $1 million dollars or more and 27 contracts at $100,000 or above.

Fires in Saint John and Fredericton

Two fires this weekend in Saint John and Fredericton.--

A mobile home catching ablaze at 7 Kingfisher Road on Saint John's east side last night.

Fire officials getting the call close to 11 o'clock. They say the electrical fire started in the ceiling. After the blaze was under control, power in the home was disconnected. The couple who lives there were evacuated to a motel for the night.

In Fredericton, a firefighter was treated for burns after a blaze at a six-unit apartment building.  Fire officials responding to the call around 1am. It's believed the fire started in the basement of the three-storey building in the downtown area.

In both cases, the Red Cross says it's assisting tenants with emergency shelter, clothing and food.

Saturday Sports

The Saint John Sea Dogs made the most of their power play opportunities on the way to a 2-1 win over the Prince Edward Island Rocket

The Saint John Mill Rats three game road winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Halifax Rainmen, 122-104 at the Metro Center.

In university football....at the Utek Bowl in Moncton, it turns out that the underdog McMaster Marauders will be going to the Vanier Cup in Vancouver. McMaster whipped the Axemen 45-21.

In Midget Major Hockey, Vito's Beat Rothesay-Netherwood 4 - 2

In NHL action, Calgary got past Chicago 5-2 for their highest-scoring game of the season.

Today's Games (Courtesy of the Canadian Press)
    (All times Eastern)
    NHL
    Philadelphia at Winnipeg, 3 p.m.
    Detroit at Los Angeles, 4 p.m.
    Washington at Toronto, 7 p.m.
    N.Y. Rangers at Montreal, 7 p.m.
    Phoenix at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
    Boston at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.
    New Jersey at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
    Pittsburgh at Florida, 7:30 p.m.
    Columbus at Nashville, 8 p.m.
    St. Louis at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
    San Jose at Dallas, 8 p.m.
    Chicago at Edmonton, 10 p.m.
    --
    AHL
    Rochester at Toronto, 3 p.m.
    Norfolk at St. John's, 6 p.m.
    Springfield at Bridgeport, 7 p.m.
    Milwaukee at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.
    Albany at Hershey, 7 p.m.
    Wilkes-Barre/Scranton at Manchester, 7 p.m.
    Providence at Portland, 7 p.m.
    Peoria at Lake Erie, 7:30 p.m.
    Adirondack at Syracuse, 7:30 p.m.
    San Antonio at Chicago, 8 p.m.
    Abbotsford at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
    Houston at Texas, 8 p.m.

Province Rolls Out New Pediatric Insulin Pump Program

Parents of diabetic children may soon be getting a break thanks to the provincial government.

Health Minister Madeline Dube announced yesterday that the province is establishing a Pediatric Insulin Pump Program. That means that families may be entitled to receive pumps and supplies at reduced rates.

Parents of children 18 or younger with diabetes are welcome to apply. An online calculator will be available to help people determine their share of the program.

Dube said that she hopes the program will reduce the impact of diabetes on the lives of young people.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Highway 1

A fatal collision in Prince of Wales last night.

The Musquash Fire Department responding to calls about a pedestrian hit by a car on Highway One near Exit 103. 

The west bound lanes of the highway were blocked by firefighters, who assisted bystanders with performing first aid on the man. He later died of his injuries. No name has been released.

Firefighters remained on the scene for 90 minutes.

Chris Cummings and Aaron Pritchett Play in St Stephen

The Town of St. Stephen is going country (more than usual, that is...)
 
Canadian Country stars Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings will be performing at the St. Stephen Middle School.

Pritchett tells Tide news it's a win/win for everybody to play smaller towns and raise money for a good cause.
The concert will be at the St. Stephen Middle School tonight at 7:30.

For details, go to thetide.ca.

St. Stephen Goes Country!

The Town of St. Stephen is going Country tomorrow!

Canadian Country music stars Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings will be performing at the St. Stephen Middle School.

It's all part of the "Big Hits, Small Towns" Tour, playing in Sussex last night, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia tonight, and St. Stephen tomorrow.

The show starts at 7:30.

Tickets are available at Miss D's Convenience, the Red Rooster Country Store, and at the door.

Deliver Santa Letters During Tonight's Parade

Don't forget to have your letter to Santa written!

Tonight during the Christmas Parade in St. Stephen, the Canadian Union of Postal Employees will be collecting Santa's mail.

Letter carriers will be hitting the pavement, looking for kids with envelopes.




The parade starts at the Ganong Factory tonight at 7pm, following King Street and Milltown Boulevard, and ending at the Masonic Hall.

Christmas Parade Tonight!

Santa Claus will be making an appearance tonight.

The St. Stephen Christmas Parade will be in the evening this year, starting at the Ganong's Factory.

The parade will follow King Street and Milltown Blvd, ending at the Masonic Hall.

Everyone is invited to the Town Square afterwards, for hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Santa.

Seeley's Cove Excavation Starts Today

Listen up if you travel in the Seeley's Cove area.

Starting today, access through the Seeley's Cove Road by the Route 1 Gateway will be closed.

The closure is needed for excavation, until Monday, November 28th.

Residents are asked to take the alternate Seeley's Cove Road entrance.

No Power in Bayside

NB Power says over 900 homes are without power this morning in the Bayside / Chamcook area as a result of a transformer fire.

The fire department was notified just after 6 this morning and then received another call about shed being on fire on the Frye Road.

Have You Written Your Letter To Santa?

Are you on the nice list -- or the naughty?

Either way, kids -- have your letters to Santa written and ready for this Friday night.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers will have their letter carriers collecting Santa's mail during the Christmas Parade in St. Stephen.

The parade starts at the Ganong's Factory at 7pm.

People getting Dirty For Animals

This time it wasn't the animals playing in the mud... or was it?

Over $1100 was raised on Saturday, as well as litter and food donations, for the Charlotte County SPCA.

The Charlotte County Offroaders hosted their first annual Mud Bog.

Big trucks from St. Stephen, St. Andrews, Saint John, and even Oromocto came to put on a dirty show for spectators and help our local shelter.

Construction on Seeley's Cove

More construction headed our way.

Starting this Thursday, November 17th, access through Seeley's Cove Road will be closed for the construction at the Route 1 Gateway.

Excavation is expected to be finished Monday, November 28th.

Residents are asked to take the other existing entrance to Seeley's Cove Road.

Help Us Help Kids

Every child deserves to be warm this winter.

The 5th Annual "Coats for Kids" drive starts today at the NBCC campus in St. Andrews.

They are looking for winter clothing in good repair, to help children in our local communities.

The drive goes until December 23rd.

They will also be collecting coats during the Christmas Parades in St. Stephen and St. Andrews.

Oak Haven Man Fatally Shot Sunday

Police say a 35-year-old man from Oak Haven is dead after a fatal gunshot wound.

RCMP say they responded to a call yesterday afternoon, that a man accidently discharged a loaded rifle while climbing down from an all-terrained-vehicle, in a wooded area near St. Stephen.

The man's 7-year-old son was with him when he was shot, and ran approximately 3 kms to his grandparents home.

After calling police, the man was found deceased a short time later.

His name is not being released pending notification of the family.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Police Looking for Arsonist in Clair

Police are looking for the culprit in an arson case in Clair, NB. Fire and RCMP responding to the call around 3am yesterday at a construction site. They found a dump truck totally consumed by fire, and evidence of a few smaller fires.

Someone had tried to ignite several utility trailers nearby, but didn't succeed.

The fires were set on purpose, say officials. Anyone who knows anything about the fire should contact the RCMP or Crimestoppers.

ONE INJURED IN MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION

The Musquash Fire Department responded to a single vehicle collision on Route 790 in Dipper Harbour on Friday afternoon. Firefighters assisted Paramedics in removing one person from a car which had left the road, landing on its wheels in the ditch. He was transported by ambulance to hospital.

​

Former St. Stephener on TV

One of our local boys has hit the TV screen.

Formerly from St. Stephen, Justin Breault was a funeral director and a police officer before taking on his acting career.

You can check him out on an episode of "Fringe" next Friday, November 18th, airing on Fox.

He plays a K-9 Police officer.

Local author releases first book

Author Shirley Blanchard of Pennfield, NB is releasing her first book, The Colors of Karlee. The childrens book teaches kids about emotions and helping others. The colors of Karlee, which follows a white-winged butterfly as she tries convincing the fello woodland creatures that she is not a moth, is itself a story of triumph. The book is illustrated by Terry Leavitt Jr of St. Stephen.

Construction on Route 1

Leave early if your taking the Route 1 highway.

Construction on the new Route 1 gateway began today, for the stretch between Waweig and the Bonaparte Lake area.

Intermittent traffic delays will continue for the next 2 weeks, opening again on November 21st.