Either Honor Your Promises, Or Admit You Lied

How will the government stimulate the economy?


That's the question from local MLAfor Charlotte The Isles, with the government dropping the new provincial budget next week.

Liberal Rick Doucet tells Tide News so far with our current government, job creation has been off the map.
He says Premier David Alward has some big ticket promiseson the table, and Alward should either start to honor them or admit to New Brunswickers that you lied to them.

Doucet points out Premier David Alward said there would be no new taxes, and yet rural New Brunswick is being driven down because of gas taxes.

Saint Andrews Gets Cut

St. Andrews has been dropped.


The Kraft Hockeyville competition has been narrowed down to the Top 5 Finalists, and the town by-the-sea didn't make it.
St. Andrews had been the last New Brunswick contender in the Top 15.

The winner taking a one-hundred-thousand-dollar grand prize in upgrades for their arena, and an opportunity to host an N-H-L pre-season game.

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia is the only Atlantic Canadian town left vying for the prize.

Voting closes on March 20.

St Patty's Uneventful for Saint John Cops

With the green beer flowing throughout the city yesterday, you might think city police had their work cut out for them last night. But according to Sergeant Callan of the Saint John Police force, people were surprisingly well behaved this year.

Callan tells Tide news that although there were drunks everywhere, there weren't any incidents apart from a few fights and one impaired driver pulled over on Garden Street. He says that's basically a regular Saturday night. Other Canadian cities weren't so lucky, with reports of fires and rioting in London, Ontario.

Callan also said that people should always be aware that drunk driving is a dangerous crime whether it's a holiday or not.

90lbs of Weed Seized From Secret Compartment

A man from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia man has been arrested after his pick-up truck was pulled over near Edmundston. Inside a secret compartment in the truck, police discovered more than 40 kilograms, or 90 pounds, of marijuana.

The discovery was made on Highway 2, where the vehicle was seized and 28-year-old Micheal McNaughton was arrested.

McNaughton was charged at the Grand Falls provincial Court and then released on bail and numerous conditions. 

Photo: RCMP

Woman From Blacks Harbour Says She Is Alive Because Of Health Clinic

After a similar situation in McAdam, a woman from Blacks Harbour is telling her story.


Donna Moses says she had a brain aneurysm back in 1999, and she was taken to the Fundy Health Centre to be stabalized, before heading to the Saint John Regional Hospital.

She says her neurosurgeon called her his "miracle of '99", but she believes that that miracle wouldn't have happened if she had not been brought to the Fundy Health Clinic first.
In February, 4 fire victims in McAdam -- who were only 700 feet away from the McAdam Health Centre -- were made to wait over an hour for enough ambulances, because it is against Ambulance NB policy to take patients to a Health clinic, without a 24 hour emergency room.

A spokesperson for Madeline Dube says the Health Minister will be notified of the situation.

That's A Lot Of Lawyers...

The defamation trial of former Saint John Common Councillor -- and current St. Stephen Town Manager -- John Ferguson has been told the Pension Board's legal fees from 2006 to the end of 2010 surpassed 1.8 million dollars.


Pension Board trustee Bill Buckley of the Canadian Union of Public Employees argues not all of those legal fees are because of the lawsuit.

He told the court it was launched to stop what he calls the slander... It's not about money... It's about knowing we're not crooks.

Buckley also argues the city doesn't have a Cadillac pension plan and testified no one suggested reducing benefits or switching to a defined contributions plan and Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis pointed out most of the pension board members are receiving or will be getting city pensions.

Local MLA Believes Rural Areas Should Have Exceptions

A local MLA is throwing his support behind McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll in hopes of changing an Ambulance NB policy.

The ANB policy states ambulances can only take patients to destination hospitals, not health clinics.

But, after four fire victims -- including a baby -- were made to wait over an hour for enough ambulances to arrive, while only 700 feet away from the McAdam Health Care Centre, residents want the policy changed.

MLA for Charlotte and The Isles Liberal Rick Doucet tells Tide News the situation at hand, makes it clear "we can't put a round peg in a square hole."

He says, "If someone is in serious condition, and there is a doctor available on call, then let's take advantage of it."

Doucet adds there should definately be exceptions to the policy in rural areas, like McAdam, Blacks Harbour, or the Isles, where a health clinic is all they have.

Information Meeting For French Immersion

Are you looking into French Immersion for your child?


There will be a parent information meeting for the SSMS Grade 6 late french immersion program for 2012-2013.

The meeting is for parents of grade 5 students from St. Stephen Elementary, Milltown Elementary , Lawrence Station Elementary, and Vincent Massey.

The meeting gets underway tomorrow night at St. Stephen Middle School, starting at 6:30.

Lawyer Scoffed At Saint John City Manager

Saint John City Manager Pat Woods maintains criticism voiced about the city's pension plan by former Common Councillor John Ferguson implied something was amiss on the Pension Board.


Ferguson's lawyer, Rod Gillis scoffed when Woods told the court the Pension Board knew what it's doing saying how can that be, considering the city's pension plan is running a deficit of 191 million dollars.
 
Woods also testified benefits have not been reduced but worker contributions into the pension plan have increased.
 
Ferguson also was concerned senior staff who receive city pensions would not recommend cutting benefits. Woods concedes the concern is legitimate but unfair.
 
Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.

Aftershocks Confirmed In McAdam

McAdam is shaking and quaking.


The Canadian Earthquakes Centre confirming earthquake aftershocks, felt this morning at 3:28 and 3:44am.

The approximate location of the 2.4 magnitude earthquake was 2 kms south-west from McAdam on Saturday.

One resident says the aftershock was strong enough to knock a picture frame and knick-knacks off of her wall.

To see a recent list of all earthquakes in Canada, go to http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/index-eng.php.

"F" Word Used Often By Saint John Common Councillors

The decorum or lack thereof at Saint John Common Council coming up at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor, and current St. Stephen Town Manager John Ferguson, as City Manager Pat Woods told the jury the language used by Ferguson about the city's pension plan was unusual.

Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis quoted Councillor Bruce Court from last night's Council meeting saying alot of the stories about the pension plan are a crock of crap and went on to tell the court Councillors use the "F" word alot in Committee of the Whole.

Gillis used the city's own figures showing 70 thousand dollars was spent in 2000 and 87 thousand in 2001 to send Pension Board trustees to conferences including one in Maui.

Gillis also questioned whether the money was well spent.

Boston Smells Fishy

Fish from the Bay of Fundy are making a fresh impression over the border.

Companies from all over the world are gathering for the International Boston Seafood Show.

Nell Hulse, V-P of Communications for Cooke Aquaculture tells Tide News about the True North Salmon theme this year.

She says when you are talking about fish, freshness is the most important quality, and that is one of the biggest assets from our region.

Hulse also mentioned a chance True North Salmon had to talk with big names such as Premier David Alward and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Keith Ashfield at the show.

She says it was a great opportunity to talk about common issues like how important seafood is to our area,  how many people work in the sector, and how important that both of those sectors remain healthy.

Aftershocks in McAdam

More rumblings being felt in McAdam over night.
Aftershocks are still being felt from the earthquake that happened on Saturday. 
One McAdam residents telling Tide News, it woke them up out of a dead sleep at around 3:30 this morning.

One Year 100 Men hits half way point

Big Brothers Big Sisters launched the One year 100 men campaign back in September to find mentors for the 88 young boys currently on the waiting list.
As of today the program has matched 48 boys with mentors.
Although One year 100 Men is geared toward male volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters is still actively recruiting Big Sisters too.
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website.

http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/saintjohn/en/Home/default.aspx

Earthquake in McAdam

A shock for residents in the McAdam area Saturday as a small earthquake rolled through the area.

The quake was centred about 2-kilometres southwest of the village - and - Earthquakes Canada says it registered a magnitude of 2.4.
Some residents report pictures falling off their walls while others thought something had hit the side of their house.

Woods Says Ferguson Had An Unknown Agenda

Former Saint John Common Councillor -- and current St. Stephen Town Manager -- John Ferguson did not offer any proof to back up allegations of gross negligence on the part of the Pension Board.

That testimony delivered by City Manager Pat Woods, who's also a Pension Board trustee.


Woods telling the jury he felt Ferguson had some sort of agenda, the objective of which was unclear and his constant requests for third party reviews of the city's pension plan left the impression something was amiss, even fraudulent.

Woods says if Ferguson was told by former Pension Board trustee David Gould of illegal activity then he should have passed that along to fellow Council members or City Police. Woods maintains the Pension Board had to take action in the face of Ferguson's allegations.

Spring Ahead

This is the weekend most Canadians switch from standard time to daylight saving time.
Before going to bed tomorrow night, turn your clocks and watches ahead one hour.
   
The major Canadian exception is Saskatchewan, which is on standard time year-round.

Lawyer Suggesting City Officials Are Behind Ferguson Lawsuit

The lawyer for former Saint John Councillor John Ferguson is suggesting city officials are behind the Pension Board's defamation lawsuit.

Ferguson is currently the Town Manager of St. Stephen.


Rod Gillis went over each of Ferguson's statements asking Pension Board trustee Fred Slipp which words were defamatory. Slipp admitted Ferguson's criticism of the early retirement programme and the the workplace culture was not directed at the Pension Board.
 
Slipp also conceded it's permissible for members of Common Council to criticise city staff and agreed with Gillis there appeared to be a conflict between Ferguson and City Solicitor John Nugent, who's also a member of the pension board.

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.