St. Stephen Says Thank You To Former Council

 Today, St. Stephen said their goodbye's and thank you's to it's former Council.


A ceremony being held in Council Chambers to honor some of our hardest working citizens.

Mayor Jed Purcell was presented with a plaque embelished with a gavel.

And Ralph Williams was honored with an official council chair after serving 27 1/2 years in municipal politics.

The ceremony ended with cake, being cut by former Mayor Purcell and Mayor-Elect John Quartermain.



The new Town Council will be sworn in on Wednesday.

Elm Street Park Gets OK To Re-Open

St. Stephen Town Council giving the OK to re-open the Elm Street Park.


President of the Elm Street Park Society, Wilf Torunski tells Tide News he's not sure when the official ribbon cutting will be. He says that is something he would like to address to the new St. Stephen Town Council, as well as get them involved.
The local park came under major damage in recent years, mostly due to the Flooding of 2010.

Torunski says 7500 members of the Society have been cleaning up the south side of the park for re-opening, excluding the dangerous areas north of Billy Weston Brook, where barriers are in place.

Mayoral Runner-Up Is Not Going Anywhere

Robert Tinker may have lost his chance this time for Mayor of St. Stephen -- but we haven't seen the last of him.


Tinker tells Tide News he will be attending future council meetings, asking questions, putting the new council to the test, and making sure the people who voted them in are being represented.

Tinker says he has served 19 years in politics, ten of those being on Town Council, and he will continue to be an advocate for the people.

He adds he doesn't know if he will run for Mayor again in four years, but he will definately run for office.

Two car collision in Lepreau

The Musquash Fire Department was dispatched to a two car collision on Highway 1 in Lepreau at the intersection of Lepreau Village Road on Wednesday evening (May 23, 2012) shortly after 6 p.m.

Firefighters assisted Paramedics with the removal of one of the people from the cars and assisted the RCMP with traffic control.

One person was transported to Saint John Regional Hospital for treatment. Eastbound traffic was diverted thru the village of Lepreau while the scene was cleaned up. Thirteen firefighters responded with two engines, a heavy rescue unit and a utility unit and were on scene for about 90 minutes.

Mayor Purcell Reflects On Last Council Meeting

It was Bittersweet.


Last night was the last regular session of the current St. Stephen Town Council.

Mayor Jed Purcell tells Tide News, "It's a little sad, but I enjoyed it, I'm glad I did it." He says he didn't realize what it would take to do this job (Mayor), but he learned a lot, and he thinks the council brought St. Stephen forward.

After congratulating the new council, Purcell told new members who were present, "You're all very capable, but you have no idea what you're up against."

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Purcell joked, "I was going to sing a couple verses of  'My Way' but I think I'll adjourn."

The new St. Stephen Town Council will be sworn in next Wednesday, May 30th.

(Picture: from left - Current Mayor Jed Purcell, CAO John Ferguson, and new council member Michael Booth. )

RCMP Seek Help On Stolen Bikes

 Two expensive bikes in St. Stephen -- just got hotter.


Crimestoppers and local police in St. George are asking for your help in finding those responsible for stealing two bicycles.

Sometime during the past 2 weeks, the Cannondale Road bikes were taken from a locked shed in St. George.

District 1 RCMP say the bikes are worth over $3000.

If you have any knowledge of the crime, please contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

Highlights Of Royal Visit In Saint John

Quispamsis Man Charged With Sex Crimes

A Quispamsis man is in custody after being charged with sexual assault, uttering threats, and aggravated assault.  The 37 year old's name is being withheld in order to keep the victim anonymous.

Rothesay Regional Police tell us he will appear in remand court later today.

Grow Op Dismantled in Jemseg

A 35 year old Jemseg man has been arrested in connection with an indoor grow up off of Highway 695.

District 2 RCMP searched his home and outbuildings and found hundreds of marijuana plants as well as some dried buds and a weapon. The grow-op was dismantled and the man will appear in court at a later date to face charges.

Dogs Play First Memorial Cup Game

The Sea Dogs are gearing up to defend their memorial cup title. Assistant Coach Greg Leland tells CHSJ News it's going to be a tough contest with 4 of the best teams in Canada competing against one another. He tells CHSJ News a major part of his strategy for helping lead to Dogs to victory in 2012 is preparing ahead. 

He says while they're familiar with Shawinigan they're not quite as knowledgeable about Edmonton and London, so they're in the process of gathering information.

Leland says while every coach wants to know as much as they can about the opposing teams it's also key to make sure your own players are taken care of so they can focus entirely on playing.

Fracking Not a Done Deal

With the provincial government rolling out 116 proposed recommendations surrounding shale and natural gas, Karl Wolpin of Hampton Water First tells Tide News it's clear they are not listening to the people of New Brunswick. He says going ahead with fracking shouldn't be treated as a done deal.



According to Wolpin 80% of New Brunswickers disagree with fracking and there isn't enough information available for anyone for have an accurate picture of what the recommendations would look like.

Drug Bust in Saint John

A drug bust on Wright Street in the city's uptown resulting in the arrests of two men. City police tell us a quantity of a controlled substance was found in the home, as well as prohibited weapons.



The men will appear in court today to face charges.

St. Stephen Swearing In New Council - Less Than Two Weeks Away

An almost completely new St. Stephen Town Council will be swarn in, in less than 2 weeks.


The Oath of Office for newly elected Mayor, John Quartermain will take place at the St. Stephen Legion on Wednesday, May 30th.

The results of Monday's Municipal Election are not being contested, so the Town of St. Stephen will go ahead with the oaths.

Jim Maxwell (former Deputy Mayor) is the only member remaining from the former council.

Other members are newly-elected Deputy Mayor John Ames, Marg Harding, Allan MacEachern, Debbie Gullison-MacDonald, and Michael Booth.

The event gets underway at 7 o'clock.

2012 NBCC Chef Competition Winners

The 2012 Chef Competition was held last night at the NBCC Saint Andrews.
The up and coming Chefs had to develop and prepare their menu items using Wild Blueberries, Fresh Atlantic Salmon and delicious Chocolate. 
About 60 people were in attendance to taste test all the Appetizers, Main Dishes and Desserts the Students prepared.
A panel of judges awarded prizes to the top Chefs.

Marco Bernal won for best Appetizer, Anthony Davidson for best Main Dish and Ken Moffatt for Best Dessert.  (pictured above) 

Chef Competition Takes On Local Products

Blueberries, chocolate, and -- Fish?


Tomorrow, three local businesses will be partnering with culinary students from NBCC for the New Brunswick Community College 2012 Chef Competition.

Granite Town Farms, Cook Aquaculture and Ganong Brothers will have their products featured, while the up and coming chefs are challenged to create original recipes using the local products.

A $500 scholarship will be awarded for the best appetizer, entree, and dessert.

A people's choice award will also ge given.
Guests will have the opportunity to mingle, taste and vote for their favorite.

For tickets to the event in St. Andrews, contact Beth at 755-6314.

Canada Wide Warrant For St. Stephen Man

RCMP in St. Stephen and the Charlotte County Crime Stoppers are asking for your help in finding Gary Neil JOHNSTON for his arrest, as the result of a Canada Wide Warrant issued by the Correctional Service of Canada.


In 2008, JOHNSTON was convicted of robbery and other offences and was sentenced to 5 years behind bars.

JOHNSTON qualified for early release to a community residence, but as a result of conditions violations, his release has been suspended, and a Canada Wide Warrant for his Arrest has been issued.

JOHNSTON is from St. Stephen and is believed to have returned to the St Stephen area.

Anyone with information as to JOHNSTON's whereabouts are asked to contact the St. Stephen RCMP at 466-7030 or Crime Stoppers.

Final Election numbers for Grandmanan

Final Election numbers for St. George and Blacks Harbour

Final Election numbers for St. Stephen & Saint Andrews

Latest Municipal Election update

Municipal Election Results

At this time....out of the 459 polls across the province, only 189 are in.
In St. Stephen, John Quartermain is leading for the Mayors race with 813 votes with Robert Tinker in second with 588 votes with only 3 special polls remaining.
In Saint Andrews, Stanley Choptiany leads for Mayor with 452 votes with Chris Flemming at 377 votes.  Six of the special polls remain.
In St. George, Daniel Joseph Henry leads for Mayor with 373 votes.  Incumbent Sharron Tucker trails with 242 votes.
In Blacks Harbour, Terry James is in the lead with 211 votes.  Louise McLaughlin has 137 votes.  There are still 6 special polls left to come in.

Listen to Tide News for the final tally tomorrow morning.

Municipal Election Update for Blacks Harbour

Municipal Election Update for St. Stephen

John Quartermain is in the lead for Mayor of St. Stephen.

The first Election numbers coming from St. George

Listen to 98.1 The Tide for updates "On Air"

Here are the first results for the candidates running for councillors of St. Stephen.  These numbers are from the advance polls.

First results from the Municipal Elections

Here are the first numbers to come in to St. Stephen from the advance polls.

Listen to 98.1 The Tide for "On Air" updates this evening.

Municipal Election Polls Close

As the various polling stations around New Brunsick tally the votes from the Municipal Election, St. George has two people seeking the Mayors chair.
Incumbent Sharon Tucker is running against Daniel Joseph Henry.
There are six councillor seats available with 9 candidates seeking one of those seats.
In Blacks Harbour, incumbent Terry James running against Louise McLaughlin for the Mayors position.  There are five councillor seats to be filled with six candidates running.
In McAdam, incumbent Frank Carroll will remain the Mayor of the village as he had no one to run against.  There will be an election for 4 councillor seats available.  There are six candidates seeking those seats.
In Harvey there is no election.  By acclimation, Winston Gamblin has become Mayor with Richard Corey, Ronald Goodine and Floyd Thompson as councillors by acclimation.

Municipal Election Polls Close.

The 2012 Municipal Election Polls have now closed in New Brunsick and results will be tallied throughout the evening.
In St. Stephen, Current Mayor Jed Purcell did not re-offer for the Mayors position.
In the race for Mayor of St. Stephen is Kenneth Parker, John Quartermain and Robert Tinker.
19 candidates are trying for one of the six councillor positions available for St. Stephen.
In Saint Andrew, current Mayor John Craig did not re-offer for the Mayors position.
The candidates for Mayor of Saint Andrews are Stanley Choptiany and Chris Flemming.  There are 6 councillor positions to be filled with 10 candidates in the election.

St. Stephen Flushing Hydrants For 2 Weeks

You might be seeing some dirt in your crystal clear today.


The St. Stephen Utility Department starting to flush hydrants within Town limits.

They will be flushing for the next two weeks.

The process might cause dirty water for some residents.

The Town apologizes for any inconvenience.

Awards Ceremony Coming Up

A unique recognition of the Port City's best and brightest coming to the Imperial Theatre at the end of this month. The Originals Awards are the brainchild of Artistic Director Judith Mackin, who tells CHSJ News there are over a dozen categories ranging from singer/songwriter to social contributions.



Leading up to the ceremony on May 31, local galleries, bars, and restaurants will be putting on special events as a lead up to the Awards. Categories include Music, New Media, and visual arts.

Pennfield Residents Concerned

Pennfield citizens raising their concerns about wastewater from a fish processing plant leaching into their water. There has been talk of J Smith Excavating Company building a pit for wastewater, but local citizens say they're not prepared to accept that in their neighbourhood. Lester MacKay tells CHSJ News there's been a lack of public consultation, because people weren't aware there might be ash with arsenic dumped near local water supplies until just two weeks ago.



MacKay tells us they've decided not to build the pit in Pennfield, but a new location has not been decided yet. He says wherever it is there will concerns about the smell as well as animals like bears and seagulls being attracted to it.

Romeo and Juliet Coming to Saint John

The Saint John Theatre Company putting a new spin on a Shakespearen classic. Romeo and Juliet will run at the Imperial Theatre from May 17th to 19th. Director Stephen Tobias tells CHSJ News they've taken a uniquely local approach to the tragedy, with the warring Montague and Capulet families being portrayed as Anglophone and Francophone.



Some of the dialogue will be in a French translation with English subtitles playing simultaneously on a screen. The actors playing the title roles are local teenagers, just like in the original. Tickets are available at the Imperial Theatre Box Office.

Drug Bust on West Side of Saint John

City Police seizing cash and drug paraphernalia after a raid on the West Side.

Staff Sergeant Tanya Leblanc tells CHSJ News city police raided a home on the lower West Side yesterday (Friday) evening close to 9pm.

No word on what kind of drugs were involved. Three males ages 49, 34 and 19 are expected to appear in court to face charges at a later date.

Mugging in Saint John

Watch yourself when you're walking out in Saint John, especially in the early morning hours. City Police are searching for a mugger after an early morning incident on Landsdowne avenue.

A 23 year old man was walking in the North End  around 1:30am when he was approached by another man in his teens or early 20s wearing a dark hat and a hoodie.

The mugger managed to take some property off the man and fled. Police are looking for the person in question.

3 Locals Charged After Police Find Large Quantity Of Cocaine

Two women and a man are facing drug charges after their vehicle was stopped on Highway 1 near Pennfield with police seizing what is described as a large quantity of cocaine.


25-year-old Dana Hanley of Elmsville, 34-year-old Amy Mae Bryant of St. George, and 22-year-old Candice Jolene Cleghorn of Oak Bay appeared in St. Stephen Provincial Court on charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Hanley has been remanded to jail until his next court appearance.

Both Cleghorn and Bryant were released on conditions.

All three are scheduled to return to court on Friday.

The RCMP, Saint John City Police and Rothesay Regional Police are all involved in the ongoing investigation.

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.