Financial Skills For Women

Whether you're a woman taking care of elderly relatives or saving for your first home, good personal finance skills are important. A new program called I'm Worth It from the NB Securities Commission is teaching women more about managing their money.


Education Coordinator Marissa Rignanesi says the program is useful to women of all ages and walks of life, because statistics show that many women lack a full understanding of how to make the most of their personal finances.

The free program, which includes interactive worksheets and an online money management guide, is available for download tomorrow.The release coincides with International Women's Day, which is observed on March 8th.

Get your copy of the I'm Worth It materials at www.investinknowingmore.ca

"Who Was Trying To Silence John Ferguson?"

Lawyer Rod Gillis put the question directly to Pension Board trustee Fred Slipp......."Who was trying to silence John Ferguson" as the defamation trial of the former Common Councillor, and current St. Stephen Town Manager continues.


Slipp replied to the question by saying "I don't know".

He was also questioned about whether Ferguson's comparison of what was happening with pension plan in San Diego with the situation in Saint John was defamatory.

Slipp told the jury he didn't know what was going on in San Diego, where there was an investigation into possible fraud, until told by Saint John's former finance commissioner Andrew Beckett.

Slipp couldn't find any direct reference to fraud in Ferguson's statements but still maintains there was the innuendo of wrongdoing.

Damage at the Ganong Nature Park

Crime Stoppers and the St. Stephen RCMP are asking for your assistance in the identification of the person responsable for causing damage to a wooden foot-bridge in the Ganong Nature Park.

Police tell Tide News the person(s) responsible drove a vehicle through the park, then onto the foot-bridge, causing significant damage to the structure.


The incident would have occurred between the evening of the 4th of March, and the earlier hours of the 5th of March.
Any one with knowledge of the offence is asked to contact Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

More Testimony From Slipp At Ferguson Trial

“If you're going to make statements, you're going to have to back them up” --that from lawyer Rod Gillis to Pension Board trustee Fred Slipp, who testified former Common Councillor John Ferguson's comments were full of defamatory inferences and innuendo against the board.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.


Slipp testifying comments from Ferguson about three trustees suggested they were creating a paper trail to cover wrong-doing and that harmed the reputation of the whole board.

In an excited back and forth, Gillis said, “Beckett, Nugent and Totten are three members of the pension board--they might also be three members of the YMCA! Are you capable of answering my question?”

Slipp responding Ferguson's comments carried connotations the trustees were quote, "covering their butts", to which Gillis responded it was only reasonable for employees of the city to do that.

More Details On Blaze In Milltown

It was an accidental kitchen fire that took out an entire house in Milltown.
911 was called last night, just shortly after 7 to 36 Church Street.

Fire crews were dispatched from St. Stephen, Calais, Moores Mills, Western Charlotte and Oak Bay.

The St. Stephen Fire Department says there was heavy smoke and fire on arrival.

The homeowner was slightly injured.

Big Donation For Motorcycle Festival

Another big step towards the Rally In The St. Croix Valley.


St. Andrews Town Council passing a motion to donate $1000 to help with the international biker festival scheduled for this summer.

Canadian Chair Bob Hamel says the committee greatly appreciates the generous donation and the funds will go a long way toward making the festival a reality.

The Rally In The St. Croix Valley is set to run from July 1st to the 8th.

House fire on Church Street in Milltown, NB

Fire Crews from St. Stephen and Calais are now cleaning up after a house fire on Church Street in Milltown this evening. Fire crews were called just after 7:30 to a house at 36 Church Street in Milltown.  The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

More From Sleep In Ferguson Defamation Trial

The defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson is continuing with the cross examination of Pension Board trustee Fred Slipp.


Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis questioned Slipp about a letter another pension board trustee, Glen Tait wrote in 2006 calling for an independent audit of the city's pension plan while adding the pension board trustees don't fully comprehend what has happened to the plan.
 
Tait went on to say the silence of the Pension Board could be seen an an admission of mismanagement.
 
Gillis also pointed out that criticisms of the pension plan were being made by other people besides Ferguson.

Saint Andrews For Hockeyville!

It's just a slapshot away from #1.


Saint Andrews has made it to the Top 15 for the title of Hockeyville.

Passionate hockey communities across the country have sent in their submissions to the Kraft Hockeyville 2012 contest.

Judges narrowing the list to 15 communities that best exemplify community spirit, passion for hockey and originality.

The Saint Andrews youth center will have their doors open, today and tomorrow from 2-9, with computers open for the public to vote for the only New Brunswick finalist left.

The public is welcome to help out in voting, making posters, and flyers.

The winner gets the title of Hockeyville, as well as the opportunity to host a 2012-2013 NHL Pre-Season Game.

To vote for Saint Andrews, go to http://www.krafthockeyville.ca/.

Missing Girl from Saint John

The Saint John Major Crime Unit looking for the public's help in finding a missing 20 year old girl. Casey Lloyd was was last seen about 11am on Monday February 20 at her home in the city's south end. She's described as being 5'0" tall, weighing about 100 lbs with a slim build, hazel eyes and shoulder length blonde hair. When last seen, she was wearing a 3/4 length red jacket, blue jeans and knee high black boots. If you have seen her call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Spray-Painter Caught!

Crimestoppers and RCMP in St. Stephen are thanking the public for help in finding the person responsible for spraying grafitti on the side of Greco Pizza on Milltown Blvd.

The grafitti was painted sometime early Tuesday morning.

Town Councillor Robert Tinker commenting on Facebook saying, "Have people nothing better to do than this crap?"

Police say they recieved at least 2 tips on the same person, who then admitted to the offence.

Names have not been released.

Totten Is No Pension Expert

Former Saint John City Manager Terry Totten being questioned at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson about whether he ever recommended the city move from a defined benefits to a defined constributions plan.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.


Totten told the jury he recommended Common Council investigate the option but couldn't get approval.
 
Former Common Councillor Glen Tait, a member of the pension board, was pressing Totten to make the specific recommendation saying it only required intestinal fortitude.
 
Totten says he did recommend Council get outside advice on the pension plan and its rising deficit.
 
Totten concedes he's not a pension expert even though he has some knowledge.
 
Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis questioned what value there was in sending pension board trustees to meetings in Vegas, Hawaii, San Francisco and Florida when they could have spent the money hiring a pension expert.

Police Want Help Finding Grafitti Culprit

Who has the spray-paint?


Crimestoppers and RCMP in St. Stephen asking the public for help in finding who is responsible for spraying grafitti on the side of Greco Pizza on Milltown Blvd.

Police believe a red Jeep TJ or Wrangler style SUV, with a ragtop and aggressive tires is associated with the suspect.

The grafitti was painted sometime in the early hours of Tuesday morning, February 28th.

If you have any information, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Power Back On After Big Rig Roll-Over

The lights are back on after a big rig crash this morning in Harvey.


Spokesperson for NB Power Melissa Morton says power was cut to approximately 964 customers in Harvey and Lake George today, so the utility could replace 3 damaged poles.

Around 8:30, a transport fell on its side, spilling the load on the porch of a local barbor shop, and blocking traffic on Route 3.

District 2 RCMP say noone was hurt and it appears the truck hit a snowbank before crashing.

Those 'BIG' Tires Are 'HOT'

Who's got the 'Super Swampers'?


RCMP in Lepreau and Crimestoppers asking for your help in finding the culprits responsible for stealing four 38 inch "Super Swamper" tires from a vehicle on Lepreau Village Rd.

The tires were taken sometime between last night (Feb 29) and this morning (Mar 1).

If you have any information, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Crimestoppers will pay up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest.

Totten Calls Ferguson Claims "Bull Something"

Former City Manager Terry Totten is calling allegations made by former Common Councillor John Ferguson about the Pension Board "Bull something" and believes he aspired to higher office.


Totten testifying there was no member of the pension board laughing at Common Council or the taxpayer and he has no knowledge of anyone getting a disability pension because they didn't get along with their boss.

Totten says he believes Ferguson gave the impression the pension board was trying to deceive and that's why his allegations are defamatory. Totten does admit there was a communication breakdown between city staff and Common Council telling the court he was disheartened that trust was undermined.
 
Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Big Rig Crash In Harvey Closes Route #3

Power is expected to be turned back on in Harvey and Lake George by 1pm today.


This morning a tractor trailer carrying wood chips, rolled on it's side, crashed into a local barbor shop, completely blocking traffic on Route #3.

District 2 RCMP say traffic is being re-routed.

NB Power cut the juice at 11am this morning to replace poles that were destroyed in the crash.

Picture provided by Justin Cole and Josh Cornell .

Health Minister Takes Notice Of McAdam Incident

A conflicting incident in McAdam, finally being noticed by the provincial Health Minister.


A spokesperson for Madeline Dube cites the Ambulance NB policy, saying ambulances are required to take their patients to the closest destination hospital.

She says the regional health authorities and the Department of Health are involved in deciding what constitutes a hospital, and a full-time emergency room is needed.

McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll raised the issue after four fire victims were made to wait for ambulances Monday morning, rather than be treated at the McAdam Health Care Centre which was only 700 feet away.
 
Carroll says this policy doesn't work for McAdam, as it is an isolated area, with bad travelling conditions, and they need to be able to use the best available services, at any given time.

SSHS - The Bullying Stops Here!

Roses are red -- T-shirts are Pink?

Today is the 5th annual National Pink Shirt Day, with businesses and schools all over Canada wearing pink, creating awareness and taking a stand against bullying.

SSHS Student Danielle Mann says Pink Shirt Day means a lot to her because she has been bullied in the past, and Pink Shirt Day really shows that you are not alone, giving everyone a chance to show you really care about Bullying.

Premier David Alward is also promoting the event, asking everyone to wear pink and show support for respect and tolerance within families, homes, workplaces and schools.

Pink Shirt Day began in 2007, when two Nova Scotia teenagers encouraged fellow students to wear pink T-shirts in support of another student who was being bullied.

McAdam Mayor Frustrated With ANB Policy

Four fire victims from McAdam were made to wait over an hour for ambulances to arrive -- while they looked upon a health clinic 700 feet away.


A mother and 3 children -- including a baby -- were not allowed to be taken to the McAdam Health Care Centre yesterday after a fire in a home, because it is against Ambulance NB's policy to take a patient to a clinic rather than a hospital.

McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll is frustrated with the policy.

He says they are a rural community, with bad travel conditions, and that makes it difficult in emergency situations.

He says what is not acceptable, is not using the best possible services available, to respond in the best possible way.

ANB confirms the policy, however the decision to change it is in Health Minister Madeline Dube's hands, not theirs.

The minister was unable to be reached for comment.

Fundy Discovery Aquarium Makes Trade With Biodome

It's a unique kind of business trade.


The Fundy Discovery Aquarium in St. Andrews is the new home for 2 animals, an Atlantic wolffish, and a much rarer kind in the Bay of Fundy, a spotted wolffish.

Employees from the Biodome in Montreal, in trade took a couple of Atlantic sturgeons back to Quebec.

As a tradition at our local aquarium, names are needed for the fish, who are temporarily and unoriginally being called "Spot" and "Stripes".

Visitors can submit their ballots for the new names until St. Patrick's Day.

Tait Says Many Times Ferguson Got Under His Skin

Saint John East M-L-A Glen Tait continuing to testify at the defamation trial of former Saint John Common Councillor John Ferguson.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Tait, a former common councillor, pulls no punches telling jury there were many times Ferguson got under his skin.

Tait told the court he was frustrated with Ferguson making allegations without providing any proof to back them up.

Tait, was receiving a city pension while serving on Council and the pension board.

He sought a legal opinion on whether he was in a conflict of interest, but says his pension benefits did not change or increase.

City Solicitor John Nugent calls the allegations reckless.

Harbour Bridge Gets More Closures

Get ready for the temporary closures of one eastbound lane on the Saint John Harbour Bridge over the next eight weeks.


The closures are necessary to allow crews to prepare for the final phase of bridge work, which will close both eastbound lanes from April 15 until the fall.

Transportation Minister Claude Williams says in a release that up until April 15, they are committed to keeping at least three of the four lanes open at all times. Williams notes it will be necessary to close one lane at times to allow crews to do preliminary work in advance of the closure of the eastbound lanes.

The temporary lane closures will only take place during non-peak hours between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m Monday through Saturday and the closures are

dependent upon the weather.

Police Search For Two Suspects In Saint John Weekend Robbery

The Saint John Police Force looking into an armed robbery on Saturday night at the Garnett Shell Service Station on Wellesley Ave.


Police are looking for two white men in their twenties who left the area on foot with some cash.

No one was hurt in the robbery.

One man is described as between 5 feet and 5 foot 5 weighing 220 pounds and the other is between 6 feet and 6 foot 5 with a skinny build.

Both men were wearing blue jeans, sneakers and a black jacket with a hood.

If you know anything call the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Hiking Trails Need Protection

With 30% of New Brunswickers considered obese, it's time to take a hike. But Sentier Trails NB, the organization responsible for developing and promoting  the province's trails, saying tough economic times are taking their toll on outdoor recreation.

Jorgensen tells Tide News the question is how to keep the trails well-maintained and accessible.
 

He says funding was cut last year by 40-thousand dollar. Sentier Trails NB calling for the government to get behind the province's greenways and trail systems despite the downturn.

MLA Discusses Changes to Old Age Security

The government wants you to know that any upcoming changes to Old Age Security won't effect people who are about to collect, or collecting now. MLA Rodney Weston says despite Stephen Harper's talk about raising the eligibility age from 65 to 67, those changes won't be happening for a long time,

Weston tells CHSJ News there's no cause for alarm yet--despite the fact that he's been inundated with calls and emails from worried citizens--because there will be enough consultation for people to make changes in their retirement plans.

The proposed changes wouldn't happen until at least 2020. Weston says it's being considered to make sure that OAS will be there for people in the long run.

Family Cat Alerts Owners Of Fire In Pennfield

A family pet coming to the rescue during a fire Tuesday morning.


District 1 RCMP say a trailer caught fire shortly after midnight at 11 Millie Lane in Pennfield.

The family said the cat alerted the household of the blaze.

The family of four say they were renting and most of their belongings were destroyed in the fire.

There's no word yet on how that fire got started.


The Red Cross is helping out the couple and their two school-aged children with emergency lodging, food and clothing.

Cpl. Jason Anderson says there were no injuries and foul play is not suspected.

St. Stephen Goes Smoke-Free

Here is the smoke-free policy approved by St. Stephen Town Council on Monday, February 20th, 2012.

The following locations will be designated as "Smoke-Free."
a) a park on Town property or property the Town is licensed to maintain;
b) an outdoor recreational facility on Town property, including but not limited to a grandstand, seating area or bleacher;
c) the grounds of a Town building;
d) the grounds of an event on Town property that is open to the public, including but not limited to a festival, market or concert, whether admittance to the event is free or for a fee;
e) a cemetary on Town property;
f) a trail or path on Town property or property the Town is licensed to maintain;
g) a street along a parade route while the parade is in progress.

Beckett Frustrated By Ferguson Case

More testimony from Former City Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson.


Beckett told the jury he was frustrated and bewildered by Ferguson's charges as well as being embarrassed then Mayor Norm McFarlane felt it was necessary to come to the former finance commissioner's defense.

More video from Common Council was played during which Ferguson charged the early retirement programme cost the city more money that was thought and there were errors in the city's audited financial statements. Beckett told the court Ferguson never presented any documentation he claimed to have.
 
Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Plans For Chocolate Fest Start Tonight

Are you craving Chocolate?


Tonight is the first planning meeting for Chocolate Fest 2012.

The public is invited to learn more about the new vision for the festival, and how you can host an event or volunteer.

The meeting will be held at the St. Croix Public Library, at King Street in St. Stephen at 6pm.

Chocolate Fest is scheduled to run from August 6-12th.

Ferguson Lawyer Says Council Minutes Don't Amount To A Hill Of Beans

Former finance commissioner and pension trustee Andrew Beckett taking to the stand once again in the defamation trial of former city councillor John Ferguson.


Pension board lawyer Barry Morrison pulling out emails, council minutes, and other documents from 2004-2005 as background for Ferguson's allegedly defamatory comments about the pension board.

Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis tells Tide News all that doesn't amount to a hill of beans, because in a defamation trial the actual words are what's important. A 2005 video clip played in court showed Ferguson saying he was advised by senior legal counsel the pension board comitted gross negligence.

Morrison argued those statements were unsubstantiated.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Dexter Working In Musquash and Prince of Wales

More construction zones starting on Monday.


Dexter Construction tells Tide News construction on the Route 1 Gateway is starting in Musquash.

Musquash, week of February 20 - Eastbound lane will be reduced to one lane.

Musquash, week of February 27 - Westbound traffic will be diverted to the eastbound lane creating two way traffic until August 2012.

Prince of Wales, week of February 27 - Eastbound and westbound lanes will be reduced to one lane until September 2012.

Dexter reminding drivers to slow down and drive safely in construction zones.

The Route 1 Gateway is expected to be completed by July 31, 2013.

Beckett Testifies In Ferguson Trial

Saint John's former Finance Commissioner is continuing to testify at the defamation lawsuit launched by the pension board against former Common Councillor John Ferguson.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.


Andrew Beckett told the jury the city's pension plan had an estimated surplus of 29 million dollars at the end of 2000.
 
A year and a half later there was a significant deficit.
 
By 2003 there was the realisation that investment returns were so low, the plan would not get back on track by a rebound in the stock market alone.
 
Both Beckett and Councillor Chris Titus, a pension board member at the time, raised concerns over the cost of disability pensions and approvals.
 
Beckett says there was no reluctance to keep Common Council informed.

Biker Festival Gets Funding For Music Events

Help for music events is coming in the form of $2000.


The Canadian Committee for the Rally in the St. Croix Valley making the announcement today.

The Charlotte Coastal Region Tourism Association providing the funds and joining forces with the Rally for the event this summer.

The biker-fest is scheduled to run from Canada Day through to July 8th.

A Nickel Mine In St. Stephen? Maybe.

A nickel mine in the town of St. Stephen is still a possibility -- but that's all it is.


Manager of Geophysics and Project Generation for Continental Nickel, Sharon Taylor tells Tide News the project in St. Stephen is not a done deal, with many stages left to complete before a decision to build a mine can be made.

She says they have just finished a drilling program, drilling seven holes. She says the plan for 2012 is to evaluate the size of those discoveries, as well as having a lot of untested marks left.
Taylor gave the update last night at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.

Gas Leak Causes Evacuation In St. George

A police officer with a good nose may have saved lives today in St. George.


Shortly after midnight, a member of District 1 RCMP detected a foul smell while patrolling near the intersection of Main and Portage Streets.

The St. George Fire Department and Enbridge Gas were called to the scene to discover the smell was a leaking natural gas meter running to a business.

An apartment building housing ten people was evacuated as a precaution, but they were allowed to return after about an hour.

There were no injuries.

Police do not suspect foul play.

Pension Board Treasurer Takes Stand In Ferguson Case

Saint John's former Finance Commissioner for the city Daryl Wilson taking the stand in the defamation lawsuit between former common councillor John Ferguson and the city's pension board.


Wilson also served as treasurer on the pension board.

He told jurors during his time with the board, he had no knowledge of any illegal activity on the board or anyone abusing long-term or permanent disability benefits.

But he did concede the number of employees who were out on long-term or permanent disability seemed abnormally high.

The point was also made by an actuary who suggested the city had to redefine what constituted long-term and permanent disability.

John Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Sketches Of Suspects In B & E's Around MacDougall Lake

 Police releasing sketches of two men they think broke into over a dozen local camps.


District 1 RCMP say two men were spotted by a neighbour on Route 785, near MacDougall Lake.

The men assaulted the neighbour and left in a blue Pontiac Grand Am.

One suspect is described as caucasian, in his early 20's, with sandy color hair, one pierced ear, and a thin build.

The other is also in his late teens or early 20's, and unknown ethnicity.

Both wore camoflage clothing.

Between December 15th and 16th, over a dozen camps in the MacDougall Lake and Seeley Lake areas were broken into.

If you have any information please contact St. George RCMP at 5-6-755-1130 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Merrill Sheds Light On Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is nothing new.


Stephanie Merrill of the New Brunswick Conservation Council says there are seven companies in the province, all in different stages of shale gas exploration.

She says there is actual production in Penobsquis, and they have been producing gas there for almost 10 years.

However, Merril adds, people are just starting to realize now that it's not new and the exploration has been around for awhile.

Merril giving Charlotte County residents the pros and cons of fracking at a meeting last night in St. Stephen.

She wants everyone to have all the facts, before deciding to go for or against the controversial issue.

RCMP Need Witnesses To Collision In St. George

District 1 RCMP in St. George are looking for witnesses.


Last Thursday, an accident between a silver Nissan truck and a grey Ford Focus happened on Route 1 around 5pm.

The crash was located just off the entrance ramp coming from St. George towards Saint John.

Police are requesting anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the accident to call the St. George RCMP at 506-755-1130.

Jurors Picked In Ferguson Case

Over the next six weeks, a jury of 5 men and 4 women will be hearing testimony at the defamation lawsuit launched by Saint John's pension board against former Common Councillor John Ferguson back in 2007.


The jurors have been told there's a lot of documentation that will be presented along with the playing of excerpts from meetings of Common Council.
 
The lawsuit was launched after Ferguson voiced criticisms of how the city's pension plan was being managed.
 
Since that time, Ferguson ran for the Mayoralty but lost and is now serving as the town manager in St. Stephen.
 
The city's pension deficit, meantime, has increased to 190 million dollars.

Office Open For Civic Center

If you have questions concerning the future of the new Garcelon Civic Center in St. Stephen, the Civic Center Office is open this week to give you answers.

Here are the hours of operation for this week.

Tuesday 11am-1pm


Thursday 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm

Friday 11am-1pm and 4-6pm

The office is located at 103 Milltown Blvd in St. Stephen.

Rally In Support For John Ferguson

The Saint John pension board's lawsuit against former Common Councillor John Ferguson goes to court starting today.

Six weeks set aside to hear testimony.

Ferguson is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of St. Stephen.

The Pension Board launched the suit back in 2007, after criticisms voiced by Ferguson about what he saw as the mismanagement of the pension plan.

John Campbell, who has already announced he's running for a seat on Common Council, tells Tide News this is a complete waste of time and money, calling it frivalous, and says the only people making money from this is the lawyers.
A rally is also being organised for in front of the provincial courthouse on Charlotte Street where the trial is being held.

Illegal Smokes Seized

A man getting burned in a sting on illegal smokes.

At approximately 7pm on Thursday, the RCMP n arrested a Moncton man on the Trans Canada Highway near Salisbury for being in possession of contraband cigarettes.  


Police stopped the truck he was driving and seized approximately 220,000 contraband cigarettes. 

A 26-year-old man was arrested and is facing charges under the  Provincial Tobacco Tax Act.

Photo Credit: RCMP

Dragonfly Centre For Autism To Open This Weekend

The Dragonfly Resource Centre for Autism will celebrate their Grand Opening  tomorrow between 1-4pm.

Everyone is welcome.

The Dragonfly Centre is located at 36 Milltown Blvd in St. Stephen.

Civic Centre Office Now Open

All questions from the community about the new Civic Centre -- can now be answered.


The Grand opening of the Garcelon Civic Centre office taking place today.

The Town of St. Stephen inviting everyone to check out the office at 103 Milltown Blvd, filled with plans and information about the project.

Deputy Mayor Jim Maxwell says the office will stay open during the construction process as an information centre.

Family Of 6 Burned Out

A fire yesterday in St. Stephen put a family of six out in the cold.

The Canadian Red Cross has stepped in, providing temporary accommodations and food for the couple and their four children.

The kids range in age between 2 and 13.

No word yet on the cause of the fire.

No Support From Town At Elm Street Park Meeting

'Frustrating' was the word of the night at a meeting for the St. Stephen Elm Street Park Society.

Wilf Torunski, President of the Society tells Tide News the resurrection of the park has not drawn the interest of the town council.

He says they are trying to re-open the southern section of Elm Park, which is mostly wooded areas, at little or no cost to the town.

Torunski says the society has received a $1000 grant from the provincial government to get started on the park.

With exception to Mayor Jed Purcell being out of town, all town officials were invited to the meeting, however, not a single one showed up.

St. Stephen Town Manager John Ferguson was unable to be reached for comment.

Endangered Species Only Home In Charlotte County

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is spreading the awareness about an endangered species found only in Charlotte County.

Program Manager of the NCC, Paula Noel, tells Tide News of a delicate plant with purple bell shaped flowers, called Van Brunt's Jacob's Ladder.


She says there were records of the plant being seen in New Brunswick in the 1880's, but there had been no record of it since then, so everyone assumed it was extinct.

Jacob's Ladder was re-discovered in 2005 by Dwayne Sabine and Stephen Clayden in Dipper Harbour.

The plant has also been found in Utopia.

The NCC is asking anyone to report their sightings of Jacob's ladder.

You can email them at atlantic@natureconservancy.ca or by phone at 1-877-231-4400.


Photo by Stephen Clayden.