Doucet Worried About Cuts To Grand Manan Ferry

MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet is questioning why Premier David Alward is calling a vote to end the tolls on the Grand Manan Ferry.


Doucet tells Tide News, people will be voting next week, and they really don't know what they are going to get.

He says he has had conversations with Transportation Minister Claude Williams and the Minister wouldn't give any answers. He says the Minister would not deny cutting services, he would not confirm that the schedule would be maintained, and would not deny that the new $65 million ferry would be tied up in the winter months to save fuel. Doucet says Williams talked about looking for efficiencies with the Grand Manan Ferry service, and nothing would be written in stone without consultation with residents.

Doucet says another issue, is the vote on Monday is for Grand Manan residents only, excluding White Head Island and people from the mainland who also depend on the ferry service.

St. Stephen Flushing Water Lines Next Week

You might get some dirty water next week in St. Stephen.

The St. Stephen Utility Department will be flushing hydrants within Town limits, starting on Monday, May 14th, and for the 2 weeks following.

The flushing might cause dirty water for some residents.

The Town apologizes for any inconvenience this might cause.

Toumishey Says St. Stephen Needs Creativity

Current St. Stephen Town Councillor Gavin Toumishey is putting in his re-offer.


Toumishey tells Tide News even though he is serving council now, there are alot of things he wants to see change.
He says he wants to increase town participation, as well as clear the lines of communication between the council, staff, and people we work for.

Toumishey says he's a family man, who has lived in St. Stephen for the last 23 years because he believes the quality of life here is good. However, he thinks a lot of creativity is needed to reach out to young people. He wants to explore new areas like social media and environment to attract families.


The time to vote is this coming Monday, May 14th.

Sound Barrier Possible Reality For St. George Residents

Peace and quiet may be coming to residents of the Kennedy Court subdivision.


MLA Rick Doucet bringing the issue to the Transportation Minister about having a sound barrier erected to keep the noise at a minimum from the nearby Highway 1.

Mayor of St. George Sharon Tucker tells Tide News the CAO has had discussions with Dexter Construction, and Dexter's has offered 3 choices to residents.

Tucker says, to her knowledge, the options are trees and shrubs, a berm made by displacing soil, or a privacy sound deflection fence like that at Dominion Hill.

No word yet on when the barrier will become reality.

Parker Wants A Transparent Town Council

St. Stephen Mayoral Candidate Kenneth Parker tells Tide News he has already served four terms on council, and he is a strong advocate of transperancy within its chambers.
He says he believes council has to be open to the community, we have to get people involved and working with the council to restore a positive attitude, and if we can do that, we can make St. Stephen prosporous again.
Parker says he's been against the new Garcelon Civic Center since Day 1. He tells us he always thought it was too big, and too expensive for a community the size of St. Stephen.

However, the Civic Center is now a reality, and Parker says if he becomes Mayor of St. Stephen he will be working 110% to make the Garcelon successful, and managed carefully.
 
The elections, for municipal, the Education Council, and Hospital Authority are in one week, on Monday, May 14th.

Fallen Firefighters Honoured

Various services will march in Halifax to honour firefighters and others who have died in the line of duty. The march takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at 1:40 beginning at St. Agnes Church, corner of Mumford Road & Chebucto Road.

Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News they're going to raise donations for the national recognition of fallen firefighters.

He says SAint John has experienced at least 9 deaths in the line of duty and it's important to remember that so best safety practices are at the forefront of everyone's mind.

Wheelchair-Bound Man Stabbed

Few details being released on what's described as a stabbing incident on the streets of the North End of Saint John this morning.

In the early morning hours, a man in a wheelchair reported being stabbed on the corner of Duke and Charlotte

Sergeant Callan of the force confirmed the man was seen at the hospital but described his injuries as minor. No description of the assailant has been released, although police are looking into what happened.

Car Crashes Into Building

A motorist is probably feeling a little red in the face after an accident that left one Hampton business with significant damage.

Police receiving the call around 1:30pm yesterday a driver had confused the brake with the gas and plowed into the window of Crazy Frog secondhand clothing store at 184 Hampton Road.

No one was injured but according to eyewitness reports the driver also dented her car. Rothesay Police tells us insurance will pay for the damages.

Farmer's Market Opens Today

Over 90 vendors are registered at The Kingston Farmers Market, which is will be opening for its 15th season today. It's open from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm, with Breakfast from 8:00 am until noon.

Rothesay's Mike Biggar, a recent ECMA winner for Gospel Recording Album of the Year, will be performing starting at 9:30 am.  A fire truck will also be there for the kids to enjoy, and donations to the Peninsula Fire Department will be accepted,.

Fresh herbs and perennials will be available with some fresh produce farmers scheduled for return on the May long weekend.

Vote Early Today

If you're going to be too busy or otherwise engaged when it comes time to vote on May 14th, you're in luck. Advance polling for the May 14 municipal, education council and health authority elections will take place today, and on May 7th. Polls will be open on both days from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Mike Quinn Tells CHSJ News you should already have been mailed the information you need on which polling station to go to with your voter card.

Voters also have the option of voting by special ballot, which are available at the 23 returning offices and satellite offices around the province up to and including election day.

NB Highway Of Heroes Still Just A Dream

The dream to have one of the highways in the province designated a Highway of Heroes remains just that - a dream.
The idea was first floated almost a year ago by some military veterans to honour our fallen soldiers - but - Premier Alward tells Tide News there is still work to be done before a final decision can be made.
Alward says he realizes it's an important issue to a lot of people.
The military vets want to see the Trans-Canada highway running through our province receive the designation -- a number of other provinces have designated stretches of roads or complete highways as a Highway of Heroes.

More Money For Wellness And Sports

It appears the Alward government is getting more serious about investing in preventative measures as a way to reduce future health care costs.
The wellness and sports branches are getting a 25-percent increase in each of their budgets this year.
Healthy Living Minister Trevor Holder says his department will be working closely with anti-poverty groups - for example - providing grants for things like community gardens getting people outdoors - close to the land - thinking about their food and their own well being.
And Holder says studies show that can pay big dividends with every dollar spent on wellness will net between eight and twelve dollars in savings on health care in the future.

Local Coach Wants To Bring Fresh Perspective To Town Council

One of our local High School coaches is running for St. Stephen Town Council.


John Ames says he believes the town needs fresh ideas and a new perspective.

"As the youngest, and possibly the poorest, I understand the struggle of keeping young people in St. Stephen."

But the answer is simple -- he says we need jobs.

Ames agrees with the construction of the Garcelon Civic Center, saying "anything that is an outlet to our youth is a positive thing to me."

The municipal elections are May 14th.

Water Leak Construction On Milltown Blvd.

Look out for construction on Milltown Blvd.


The Town of St. Stephen telling Tide News of a water leak that needs to be repaired.

Water lines will be shut off from King Street to the Customs building starting at noontime.

The Town says they are working diligently and efficiently, and the lines will be turned back on after a short period.

Ferguson Found Not Liable In Defamation Trial

After 12 long weeks and eight hours of deliberation, a verdict has been reached at the John Ferguson defamation trial in Saint John.

The former Common Councillor has been found not liable for defaming the city's Pension Board over statements he made about the city's financially beleaguered pension plan.

Outside the court, Ferguson became emotional.
His voice breaking Ferguson said it was a long road, he thanked his team of lawyers adding David Rogers worked for 5 years on this case. He also thanked everyone who stood with him.

Ferguson's lawyer, Rod Gillis, tells CHSJ News Saint Johnners know alot more about how the Pension Board operates than they did before the trial began.
He says the public is much informed and intelligent and they know the problems of the pension board.

The jury found only one of Ferguson's statements to be defamatory because it implied deceit but because, as a Common Councillor he had qualified privilege, Ferguson was shielded from liability.

Pension board lawyer Barry Morrison declined to comment.

Tourism Minister Looking For Banner Year

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is predicting a good year for the tourism sector this season.
Holder is proud of his department's new web site with links to social media like FaceBook and YouTube - in addition we've received some positive ink in respected international publications like National Geographic and recognition with the bid to have the Bay of Fundy named as one of the top 7 natural wonders in the world.
And he's quick to dismiss a popular myth that we are basically just a drive through province - Holder says this is a place that people want to come - they want to experience.

Wheelers Stolen Near St. Stephen

Two royal blue four-wheelers were stolen near St. Stephen last night.


District 1 RCMP says the bikes were last seen parked beside the Schoodic Motel on Route 170, around 10 last night ( Sunday, April 29th ).

Cst. Julie Messina tells Tide News one is a 2000 KODIAK 400 Ultramatic 4x4 and the other is a 2001 model KODIAK Ultramatic 4x4.

She says the liscence plates are J4922 and XK6000, however, the plates may be removed by now.

You are asked to contact District 1 RCMP ( 466-7030 ) if you know the whereabouts of the four-wheelers, or who is responsible for the incident.

Morrison Calls Ferguson "Callous And Reckless"

In his closing arguments, Pension Board Lawyer Barry Morrison portrays former Saint John Common Councillor John Ferguson as being callous and reckless by misrepresenting reality in his campaign to discredit the pension board.

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

Morrison contends in that campaign, decency and respect for others played no role.


Morrison repeatedly pointed out to the jury, Ferguson missed many opportunities to reveal his alleged conversation with a pension board trustee about disability pensions being illegally approved, which would would be breach of trust to his fellow council members.

The pension board argues that the conversation never took place.

Morrison also telling the jury Ferguson never produced any documentation to back up his criticisms because it was all smoke and mirrors.

Elm Street Park Getting A Clean-Up

The President of the Elm Street Park Society is preparing for a cleanup tomorrow.


Wilf Torunski says the Society wants to get the park ready so the Town can declare it safe.
He says they want to open the south side where all the trails are, hoping by the end of this weekend the park will be safe enough for Town Council to rule it open again.

The clean-up starts at 10am Saturday (April 28th ).

Torunski is also running as a candidate for St. Stephen Town Council.

Let's Get This Dam Issue Resolved!

There is alot of anxiety for residents in the St. George area.


Liberal MLA for Charlotte and The Isles, Rick Doucet says many people are worried they will lose their homes to flooding again.

He points out we had a tremendous rainfall this past week and we need to look at the question, "What can be done differently with the dam situation in St. George?"

Doucet says he was turned down by the government last year, when he tabled a petition with over 800 signatures from local residents, asking for a review into flooding and prevention for the Magaguadavic River.

The reason he was turned down? Doucet says the provincial government didn't think a review in our area was necessary.

He says now, the Alward government has announced, they WILL be doing a review for Perth-Andover.

Doucet says Charlotte County residents are being treated as second-class citizens by not getting the same treatment.

Doucet sending a message to Premier David Alward, quote "might I suggest the Premier put on his big boy pants and get this dam issue resolved."
Premier Alward was unable to be reached for comment.

Closing Arguments in Ferguson Trial

The John Ferguson defamation trial resuming today with the closing arguments. First up is Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis, who was scathing in his criticism of senior city staff.


He tells the jury the Pension Board launched lawsuit to stifle discussion of what had to be done to get a handle on rising pension plan deficit. Rod Gillis also points out each senior city staff member who served on Pension Board has a pension worth more than a million dollars.

Gillis says no one on the Pension Board had an obligation to taxpayers and senior city staff frustrated Common Council on the city pension plan's rising deficit -- even though solutions to erase deficit were known in 2005.

John Ferguson, as a member of Common Council, had a duty to pursue issue.

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

Premier Says Shale Gas Being Handled In Responsible Manner

It may be a controversial issue - but - Premier Alward isn't making any apologies for exploring the possibility of developing a shale gas industry.
In an exclusive interview with Tide News - Alward says his government has a responsibility to see what future opportunities may exist if the resource is developed and how any revenue will be shared.
And the Premier says New Brunswickers will have a say on new regulations being developed for shale gas exploration -- deflecting any comment on how that will happen by saying the process will be up to Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup.

Thursday is Candidates Night In St. Stephen

St. Stephen is getting prepared for a big election next month.


Tomorrow ( Thursday, April 26th ) is Candidates Night, with 22 candidates vying for 7 positions on the St. Stephen Town Council.

Three men are running for Mayor, Robert Tinker, John Quartermain, and Kenneth Parker.

Current Mayor Jed Purcell did not re-offer.

The event will take place in the St. Stephen High School Auditorium between 7-9pm.

The municipal elections are May 14th.

French Immersion Information Meeting Tonight

There will be a meeting tonight for those interested in French Immersion for next year.


Parents and students in Grade 2 from St. George, Back Bay, Blacks Harbour, and Pennfield can find out more about the program.

The meeting starts at 6:30 at St. George Elementary School.

Grand March Scholarship Deadline Is Tonight

Today is the last chance for Graduates of SSHS to apply for a special Prom Scholarship.


Shannon-May Photography partnering with other businesses in St. Stephen, offering a prize package with goodies for Grand March to girls graduating this year.

The winner will be someone who has been a voice of encouragement to friends and classmates, to be positive and confident in who they are, and let their inner beauty shine.

The deadline to apply is tonight at midnight.

Here is the link to apply for the scholarship: http://seniorportraits.shannonmayphotography.com/#/grand-march-scholarship/

Candidate Wants To Help Jobs Stay In St. Stephen

Jamie White is running for St. Stephen Town Council.


In an interview with Tide News, White says we need to show the community that we are ready to bring in new business.

White says St. Stephen has sidewalks that are falling apart, roadways that need to be repaired, a Civic Center that needs to be paid for, businesses that start up and close down, a lot of small things that are great, but St. Stephen needs to think a little bigger and really bring the community together.

He says we need to help businesses that are already here, so they can make money and the jobs we do have can stay in the community. You can't have a community without jobs for people, or places for people to spend their money, and if St. Stephen is lacking in those areas, then everything else doesn't matter.

The municipal elections are on May 14.

Earth Day Activities Abound

In honour of Earth Day, some special events planned throughout the region.

The NB Museum in Market Square will be screening topical environmental documentaries from 2-3:30pm in coordination by the Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada and Planet in Focus.

At the Marine Museum in Saint Andrews, kids can do crafts and check two touch tanks, lobsters and seal feedings at 4 p.m. There will be a screening of Free Willy 3 at 1pm.

In Fredericton Green Matters will be commemorating Earth Day this year with a special screening of the Disneynature film “Chimpanzee” on April 22, 12 noon at the Empire Theatres. With a donation of a non-perishable food item or toy donation, admission will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

Fire in Saint John's South End

An evening blaze on Saint John's Princess Street caused smoke damage to an entire apartment building.

Police and fire officials responding to 178 Princess Street around 8 o'clock found smoke spreading throughout the multi-unit building.

The residents were evacuated and the source of the fire was traced to a kitchen on the second floor. The blaze was knocked down, but the people living there are still displaced from their homes.

Boat Catches Fire

A fire on a power boat partially loaded with fuel causing a scare at the Saint John Power Boat Club.

Fire officials responding to the call at 339 Kennedy Street saying a boat in winter storage had caught fire.

The blaze was contained to the 35 foot power boat where it started, but other vessels moored nearby sustained damage as well. District chief Joe Armstrong wouldn't say the boat was a write-off, but it did sustain major damage. No word yet on the cause of the blaze.

Irving Seeks Greener Image

Folks around the province will be celebrating our planet on Earth Day, which is April 22. The province's biggest corporation, Irving, wants to get the word out it's making some steps to reduce the amount of pollution it dumps into our air and waterways.

Mary Keth of JDI tells CHSJ News fossil fuels are one major contaminant, and since 2007 they've reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 346,000 tonnes annually.

Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch reminds citizens protecting the environment is a year-round endeavor.

Missing St. Stephen Man Found Dead

A missing St. Stephen man has been found dead over the Border.


Yesterday morning (April 19th), District 1 RCMP in St. Stephen recieving a call from police in Baileyville, Maine.

They said a local fisherman had found a car submerged in the Woodland Flowage area of the St. Croix River.

The body of 60-year-old Kenneth Lee, who has been missing since March 18th, was found inside the car.

Police say an autopsy is being done in Augusta, Maine.

Deadline Approaching For SSHS Prom Scholarship

St. Stephen High School Grads have an opportunity to win some great prizes for Grand March.

Shannon May Photography has partnered with other businesses in town to make a scholarship full of goodies for prom, including photos, accessories, nails, flowers and a cash prize.

The winner will be a girl who has been a voice of encouragement to friends and classmates, to be positive and confident in who they are, and let their inner beauty shine.

The deadline to enter is this Monday, April 23rd, at midnight.

You can apply through this link: http://seniorportraits.shannonmayphotography.com/#/grand-march-scholarship/

Premier Alward says drug policy is fair to pharmacists.

Premier Alward says his government's changes to the generic drug policy is fair to pharmacists.
The Pharmacists Association says they will be forced to cut staff and services thanks to government caps on mark-up and dispensing fees - but - in an interview with Tide News - the Premier says the new policy recognizes the challenges faced by pharamcists after consultations with them.
Alward says the new generic drug policy is good for New Brunswickers - however - he says pharmacists are private business owners and they will ultimately make business based decisions. 
The new policy takes effect June 1st.

10 Year Celebration For Relay For Life

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Relay for Life in St. Stephen.


In appreciation, the Charlotte County Relay for Life Committee is inviting all participants and volunteers to a celebration of gratitude.

The event will be held tomorrow evening ( April 19th ) at 7:30 in the St. Stephen Town Square.

There will be live music, refreshments and a mini luminary service.

Chocolate-Fest Meeting Tonight

The next meeting for Chocolate Fest is tonight.


Anyone who would like to host a Chocolate Fest event, or volunteer is welcome to attend.

The Annual Festival will run in St. Stephen this summer from Monday, August 6 until Sunday, August 12.

The planning meeting gets underway at 7 at the St. Croix Public Library.

Local Fisherman Found Dead

No foul play is suspected after a 50-year-old Blacks Harbour man has been found dead.


District 1 RCMP in St. George say Ralph Bradley Ramsey was reported missing last night after he didn't come home from a fishing trip to Bonny River.

RCMP found Ramsey's truck, and his body was found roughly 120 metres away, next to the canoe he was using.

An autopsy has been ordered.

Lawyer Says Ferguson Only Concerned With His Own Selfish Interests

Former Saint John Common Councillor -- and current St. Stephen Town Manager -- John Ferguson and Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison clashed at the defamation trial.


Ferguson testified no one at Common Council asked him who on the Pension Board told him disability was being approved improperly with taxpayers in the city being laughed at. When Morrison suggested the conversation with Pension Board trustee David Gould was complete fiction, Ferguson disagreed saying his fellow Council members just dismissed what he had to say as if they didn't care.
 
Ferguson was also accused of going negative by Morrison.


The Pension Board lawyer is suggesting Ferguson was laying in wait to launch an attack on senior city staff about the pension plan and misled his fellow Council members. Ferguson denied that claiming he wanted consensus when seeking outside legal advice. Morrison charged Ferguson didn't give a hoot about the city but was only concerned with his own selfish interests.
 
Ferguson admitted he was intimidated when he found out the Pension Board was going to launch the defamation lawsuit against him.


Ferguson testified the prospect of being sued was so intimidating, he was reluctant to say anymore about the pension plan but considered it too important. Ferguson claims Common Councillor Chris Titus, who's a criminal prosecutor, said there was no insinuation of wrongdoing in what Ferguson presented to Common Council about the city's pension plan. Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison disagreed saying Titus mean't there was no substance to what Ferguson was claiming.

Facebook Outrage Over Bullying To SSHS Student

A local bullying incident has sparked outrage on Facebook.

A story circulating on the popular social media website, describes a student from St. Stephen High School who's belongings were spit on in a locker room last Friday, while the student was helping a teacher in the Gymnasium.

Vice-Principal of SSHS Krista Amos tells Tide News the school is investigating the situation and will deal with it accordingly.

The story can be found in the "Love Is Louder" category on Facebook.

Ferguson Begins Cross-Examination At Defamation Trial

Former Saint John Common Councillor John Ferguson has begun to be cross examined at his defamation trial.


Ferguson told the court he knew it was a long shot when he ran for Mayor in 2008 but felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders when he lost because of the pension plan's financial problems. The court was also told the Pension Board put a lien on Ferguson's home in the city and that's why he and his wife decided to move away.
 
He's now the Town Manager in St. Stephen.
 
Lawyer Barry Morrison for the Pension Board questioning Ferguson about his math skills, asking him to multiply 52 times 11 and accused him of craving attention.


Morrison questioned Ferguson about the Free Ferguson tee shirt making the rounds and about rallies being held in his support. Ferguson testified he has no knowledge of either and denies being a publicity hound.

He also told the court no one asked him to serve on the Pension Board. Morrison suggested if he had, this media circus could have been avoided to which Ferguson replied there were some members of the Pension Board who didn;t know what was going on prior to 2003.

Ferguson testified Common Council had no real information about the city's pension plan while the deficit was rising. That's why he wanted a committee formed with broad representation. He maintains that would have shown the wider community that best practices would be brought to bear on the problem. Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison suggested it was an effort to set up a shadow pension board but Ferguson replied he wanted to find a solution after first identifying what the problem was.

Town Council To Approve Contract - Without Contract To Approve

It seems St. Stephen Town Council was counting their eggs before they hatched.


Over the weekend, a special meeting was called to approve two motions concerning the Garcelon Civic Centre, the first to authorize the signing of the Design Build contract with DORA Construction.

But there was no contract to authorize at the meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer, John Ferguson tells Tide News it's a requirement for the Town to have any contract legally vetted.
 
He says Council went to have certain language changed in the contract, and when the meeting came to order, they had not yet heard back from DORA's legal council.
 
The second motion -- which did get approved -- was to adopt the governance model for the Advisory Commission of the Civic Centre.

NDP Leaders Outline Vision

Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair making his first visit to Saint John since assuming the leadership. He told the provincial NDP convention about his goal to win in the province and elsewhere, saying New Brunswick is the province he's visited the most.

Meanwhile, the provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy saying the NDP will topple the Tories and Grits by appealing to the working class. Cardy gave a rousing speech in which he claimed Liberals and Conservatives don't care about ordinary folks.

The NDP convention is being  held at the Delta until Sunday, and was concerned with the party's economic strategy, shale gas,and job creation.

Ferguson Tells Court, Tait Told Him To "Bite His Arse"

Former Common Councillor -- and current Chief Administrative Officer of St. Stephen -- John Ferguson defends his comparison of Saint John's pension woes with those of San Diego which the Pension Board claims is defamatory.


Ferguson told the defamation trial the pension plan in San Diego was not properly funded and neither was Saint John's with the city not making its contributions in 2004 and 2005. In San Diego there was a lawsuit launched by some of the pension plan members which resulted in a 178 million dollar settlement. As for his reference to a desperate gambler, Ferguson says he was talking about Common Council transferring the financial burden of early retirements to the city's pension plan when it was tanking.
 
Ferguson also told of a nasty meeting of Vision 2015 that was held.


He told the court then Pension Board member and Common Councillor Glen Tait didn't call him a scumbag at that meeting... That happened later during a Council meeting, but did tell him to quote " bite his arse".

Ferguson found out, just before that meeting, the Pension Board was told it would have to lower its rate of return assumption which would result in a significant increase in the pension's plan's deficit. Ferguson also denies grandstanding, telling the jury he was concerned about the rising deficit which he says is to the point of being catastrophic.

Grand March Scholarship For Lady Spartan Grads

St. Stephen High School female Grads have an opportunity to win some great prizes for Grand March.


Shannon May Photography has partnered with other businesses in town to make a scholarship full of goodies for prom, including photos by Shannon-May Photography, accessories from Terri Jordan - Stella & Dot, nails from Sea of Tranquility, flowers by Mehan's, and a cash prize of $250 donated by Kindred Home Care.

The winner will be a girl who has been a voice of encouragement to friends and classmates, to be positive and confident in who they are, and let their inner beauty shine.

 Here is the link and contest rules for the scholarship: http://seniorportraits.shannonmayphotography.com/#/grand-march-scholarship/

( Picture provided by Shannon-May Photography )

Nominations Close Tomorrow For Municipal Election

So far, 22 candidates are vying for 7 positions in St. Stephen Town Council.


As of today, 3 people putting their offer in for Mayor -- John Quartermain, Kenneth Parker, and Robert Tinker.

Thus far, the 19 candidates going for St. Stephen Town Council positions are : John B Ames, Robert Michael Booth, Kenneth C Chase, Patrick L Cummins, Barbara Ellen Donovan, Peter J Giddens, June Elizabeth Greenlaw, Glen D Gregory, Margaret (Marg) Harding, Debbie (Gullison) MacDonald, Allan L MacEachern, Jim M Maxwell, Michael K McVay, Richard Rogers, Wilfred Robert Torunski, Gavin G Toumishey, Jamie White, Ralph Williams, and Ed P Zammit

Nominations close tomorrow at 2pm for municipal elections, Hospital Authority, and the District Education Council.

Special Meeting Concerning Civic Center

A special meeting being held this weekend concerning the Garcelon Civic Center.


St. Stephen Town Council will be considering two motions.

The first is to authorize the signing of a contract for the design build of the Garcelon with DORA Conctruction Limited.

The second is the adoption of the governance model for the Advisory Commission of the Town of St. Stephen's Garcelon Civic Center.

The meeting is Saturday morning, April 14th, at 10am, in Council Chambers at 73 Milltown Blvd, Suite 112.

Elderly Man Dead After Grand Manan Crash

District 1 RCMP in Grand Manan are investigating a fatal pedestrian motor vehicle crash, in the early morning hours of April 4, 2012, on White Head Island.


A 75-year-old man died as a result of the collision.

Police are not giving any other details at this time.

Defamation Trial Shown Video Of Council Meeting

Saint John City Solicitor John Nugent tells the defamation trial of former Common Councillor -- and current St. Stephen Town Manager -- John Ferguson, under the Municipalities Act, he was not required as a Pension Board member to quantify the extent of his own personal interest in the city's pension plan.


Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis estimates Nugent's pension is worth 1.7 million dollars which the City Solicitor has not disputed.
 
Gillis also suggested the pension board could have reduced benefits 9 years ago for the future retirees but that would have adversely affected Nugent's own pension and that of now retired City Manager Terry Totten.
 
The trial has been shown video of a Common Council meeting that shows other Council members were also concerned about the early retirement buyouts and city pension plan.


Then Common Councillor Ivan Court is shown agreeing with some of the things Ferguson was saying about the cost of the early retirement packages.
 
Councillor Bill Farren expresses support for Ferguson saying there was mass confusion, mixed messages, walls being put up and city staff not wanting to give information to the extent he was beginning to suspect things and those raising questions were accused of nit picking.

NB Girl Goes For Miss Universe Canada

A close-to-home beauty is throwing her hat in the ring to become the next Miss Universe Canada.


26 year old Seena Love is a trained opera singer and performer who originally hails from Quispamsis although she now lives in Fredericton.

She'll strut her stuff onstage next month at a televised pageant in Toronto

Love tells Tide News she's thrilled to be taking part.


The winner of the pageant will travel to Nicaragua to do relief work among other duties.

ATV Crash Sends SJ Man to Hospital

An ATV Accident on the west side has sent one man to hospital.

Police and fire officials responding to the call close to 1am. An ATV had crashed on Riding Way and Miller Robertson Road causing considerable injuries to the driver.

According to early reports, a firefighter ended up driving the ambulance.

Investment Scammers Busted

A pair of scammers getting their comeuppance after being busted by the provincial securities commission. An Alberta couple named Steven Weeres and Rebekah Donszelmann came to New Brunswick in 2009 and struck up a relationship with a woman here, who they defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars by spinning lies about false investment opportunities

Rick Hancox of the commission tells TideNews they scammed their victim by pretending to have bought a hotel and courting investment in it

The panel ordered the two to pay out a total of 2 hundred twenty five thousdand dollars and Donszelmann was banned from the NB capital markets for 20 years. Hacox says it's important that people report frauds of this sort because that's the only way justice can be reached.