Fire On West Side

Fire crews are currently battling a blaze on the west side in Saint John.

Saint John city police telling Tide news they received the call just after 9 am . Police say the fire is at a residence in the Ferry Cove Lane area, no details yet the exact address.

Police say all residents are out safe.

Arts Festival Taking Over King's & Queen's Square

No rain expected today which is good news if you're heading to the 9th annual Harvesting the Arts Festival.

The event at King's and Queen's Square will feature local artists, musicians, community groups and more.

Coordinator Jennifer Waldshutz tells Tide news partnering up with the Queen's Square Farmers Market is new, where they'll have a free horse-drawn trolley ride as a shuttle service between both Square's.

Waldshutz adds they've had as many as two-thousand people in the past.

The free events runs from 9:00am-4:00pm today.

Major Fredericton Fire Destroys Restaurant & Apartments

A major fire in downtown Fredericton leveling a three-story building that contained a ground-floor restaurant, two dozen apartments upstairs and also causing fire or smoke damage to several close buildings.

The Canadian Red Cross says the building at 73 and 75 Carleton Street was nearly a block deep and housed the Isaac's Way restaurant. What was left of the building later collapsed.

The Canadian Red Cross volunteers arranged emergency lodging and food for the 23 tenants. No reports of serious injuries.

Two Car Accidents Sending Three People To Hospital

A couple of noon time car accidents sending three people to hospital.

The first happened yesterday at 12:30pm with two cars at the intersection of Rothesay avenue and Rothesay road where one person was sent to hospital with minor injuries.

Shortly after another accident occurred just before 1:00pm at Somerset street and Milledgeville avenue where two people were sent to hospital with minor injuries.

Fire At East Side Home

An early morning fire on the east side causing some damage at a home in Saint John.

Saint John Fire Platoon Chief Peter Saab says fire crews were called the 27 Todd Street around 4:30 am.

Saab says the fire started in the kitchen, which suffered the most fire, water and smoke damage.

The blaze was extinguished quickly and there were no injuries.

Teenager Girl Struck By Car

A young teenager girl is in hospital after being struck by a pick-up truck and thrown into the air.

Rothesay Police tell Tide news two teenage sisters were walking along Route 119 by the Gondola Point Ferry around 8 o'clock last night when one of them was struck.

Police say the vehicle fled the scene, and with the help of RCMP an 83-year-old man was later arrested.

No word yet on the girls condition.

Threat With Weapon At Uptown Pub

A man is in police custody and facing a court date after threatening people with a weapon at an uptown pub in Saint John early Saturday morning.

City police say the man in his mid-twenties was arrested around 1:30 am outside O'Leary's Pub on Princess Street.

Police say they received the call from bar staff and no one was hurt in the incident. Police would not say what kind of weapon was used.

City Liberal Likes Trudeau In The Race

Justin Trudeau is running for the Federal Liberal leadership and a former Liberal MLA thinks he is just what the Liberal party needs right know.

Roly MacIntyre tells Tide News the Trudeau legacy is still powerful in the Maritimes and will help him in the race. 

He says Trudeau is not hard to support adding the Federal Liberals need renewal and he's the answer.

MacIntyre says he's met Trudeau a few times and finds him knowledgeable and charismatic.

Young Farmers Compete In Pumpkin Contest

Farmers as young as five will be showing off their pumpkin growing skills today.

The Kingston Farmers Market is hosting their annual "Pumpkin Growing Contest", where kids ages five to sixteen compete in two different age categories and are judged on the size of their pumpkins.

Market Manager Lorraine Forbes tells Tide news the contest gives pride to kids in growing their own product.

The young farmers will be bringing in their pumpkins this morning and judging will take place at noon.

Kindergarden Registration Next Week

It's almost time to sign the kiddies up for kindergarden.


Tuesday, October 9th,  through to Friday, October 12th, registration will be held at your local community school during regular school hours for children born in 2008.

There will also be an evening registration Wednesday, October 10th from 4-8pm at the St. Stephen Education Centre on School Street -- formerly known as the District 10 building.

You will need to bring your child's birth certificate, medicare card, and immunization record.

Silent Witnesses Bring Message To NBCC

Allowing women without a voice to speak their message.


Right now at NBCC in St. Andrews, life-size silhouettes -- representing women who were murdered in New Brunswick at the hands of their intimate partners -- are set up on display.

The Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network bringing The Silent Witness Project for the public to view today until 6:30pm.

Organizer Carol Lynn Gamblin tells Tide News it's important these women are remembered and honored. She says, "...we have been robbed of these women, of their potential, of their love, of their humour, of their warmth, of their presence. They are gone, they will not be forgotton, we will not allow that to happen."

Some of the silhouettes are wearing shawls, scarves, brooches, or necklaces ( like the one seen in the bottom picture of 28-year-old Melanie Davis from Saint John, who was brutally stabbed and murdered in 2010).

Gamblin says we need to continue to work on awareness and education when it comes to domestic or family vilence. She adds, "We hope at some point that this will be in the history books. We hope that one day, this (domestic abuse) will be behind us."
Kelly Kurtz-Johnson with the Network says a new silhouette of Karen Buchanan-Frost from Charlotte County -- who died in 2007 -- will be added in the Spring.

She says they are currently looking for friends, family, and co-workers of Karen who would like to participate in her dedication ceremony and help with creating her shield.

If you are interested in helping with the Silent Witness Program, contact Carol Lynn Gamblin at 469-5544.

Gas Prices Predicted To Go Up Tomorrow

Get set to pull an extra nickel and two pennies as we look for a 7 cent hike in gas prices tomorrow (Thursday).


Kevin McCann of Wilson Fuels says speculators like bad news and the Irving Oil Refinery did have an incident last week.

McCann tells Tide News there are many contributing factors to an increase, including the incident at the Saint John Oil Refinery with an explosion on site.

Hoping to dodge the increase, many motorists are filling up today.

Prosecutor To Decide On Charges In Serena Perry Death

The Prosecutor's office now has all the evidence gathered by Saint John City Police in the strangulation death of 22 year old Serena Perry at the Regional Hospital.


And the prosecutor will make the final decision about whether anyone will be formally charged.

Perry was a psychiatric patient who was found dead in the amphitheatre at the hospital last February.

Police have said all along they had a suspect in her death but no arrest has ever been made.

Perry's family has been critical about the length of time this is all taking and the lack of information they have received on what's going on.

Perry's mother recently was asking people to sign a petition outside the hospital calling for better security inside.

Saint John Gets "Art-Bombed"

It might be what is known as an "art bomb" where local artists put up new art in the dead of night.


That appears to be the case with a rendition of Mona Lisa on the cement of an Uptown parking lot in Saint John that has popped up overnight.

The one major difference with this Mona Lisa is she has a nose ring.

You can check it out in person in behind the RBC parking lot on Charlotte Street, or by walking up the laneway on Germain Street between Princess and King Streets.

Route 1 Gateway To Be Completed 1 Year Early

That stop and go routine you have been enjoying in Charlotte County is nearing an end.


The massive $540 million Route 1 Gateway project which includes twinning 55 kilometres between Waweig and Lepreau will be complete by October 25th.

Dexter Design Manager Pat Chouinard was asked how they are able to finish the work a year early. He says innovation, a lot of value engineering with the department and staff, and by by using more people at one time made the job go faster.

Transportation & Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams tells Tide News when the job is done on October 25th, Dexter will begin a 30 year maintainence contract on the roadway. He says the New Brunswick economy will certainly benefit from having the highway open one year sooner than predicted.

About two years ago an archeaological site was found that forced changes in the construction plans.
Artifacts believed to be 10,000 years old found near Pocologan will one day be seen in a provincial museum.

Public Speaks On NB Liquor Closure In St. George

With NB Liquor closing their stores in St. George and Bristol, replacing them with much smaller agency stores, employees -- including 7 in St. George -- are being given the option to relocate to other corporate stores in different towns.

Tide News spoke with two employees from the St. George location who said they were told by their employer not to make any comments to the media.

So we asked the general public.

It was a mixed opinion with some people making comments, "I don't really care about the closure."
One man noted, "This would be cheaper for taxpayers in the end."

Most residents we asked about the closure paid concern to the employees.
One women says, "To put people out of work who live around here, to place them in other positions around the province, it's not right. They (provincial government) need to look at the people in this community."

Another man says, "It's sad really, because this community needs the stability of this business. We strive off of that store and not having it will have a big impact on the community."

Between the two stores, six full-time, permanent jobs will be lost in the small towns. The closures are slated for the end of 2012.

CUPE Asking NB Liquor To Reconsider

The union representing NB Liquor store employees is asking the corporation to reconsider closing the stores.


CUPE Local 963 President Martha Thompson says this decision is another blow to the economy of these communities, that these communities are not only losing good paying jobs, they are losing tax revenues as well.

The NB Liquor stores in St. George and Bristol are slated to be closed by the New Year. They will be replaced with much smaller agency stores, and employees are being given the option to transfer to another corporate store.

Thompson says the agency stores will offer a much smaller selection with practically no customer service, adding, it seems New Brunswickers don't deserve the same level of services and selection from NB Liquor than people living in larger centres.

Thompson says they believe this is part of a scheme by the Alward government to privatize NB Liquor, and instead of facing the public backlash by privatizing all at once, the government is privatizing the corporation, piece by piece.

Run For The Cure Today

Today is the 21rst annual Run for the Cure. The major breast cancer fundraiser kicks off in Saint John at 1:30 this afternoon, and will also be a BBQ and events for the kids, weather permitting.

 Karen McCumber tells Tide News they're hoping to raise a lot of money in this big push: they have already raised close to $80,000 with the goal being $235,000.

Individuals can still come sign up to run 5k or walk 1k. For more information, click here

Historic Saint John Church To Close

The bells toll for the last time today at St Jude's as a separate congregation...as of October 1, parishioners at Saint John's historic West Side church will join the nearby congregation at Saint George's Church.

Reverend Rob Salloum tells Tide news while it's sad to see the church close after over 100 years, it makes sense in the face of a declining church population  and both congregations need to look toward the future.

Saint George's final non-combined service will be held tonight.

Major Crime Investigates Blaze on Winslow

Another abandoned building has been destroyed by fire: this time, on Saint John's West Side. Fire crews responding to the call around 2:30 in the afternoon to reports of a fire at 158 Winslow Street.District Fire Chief Joe Armstrong tells Tide News the fire was already somewhat advanced by the time they arrived.

Smoke and fire were visible in the rear of the wooden building on both the first and second floors.

Crews performed an aggressive interior attack and managed to knock the fire down, but remained on the scene for over 3 hours. The blaze is under investigation by the city's Major Crime Unit.

Pot Seized After Truck Tips Over

A 31-year-old man is in hot water after a car accident resulting in the seizure of several marijuana plants.

Police responded to a call around 6pm of an accident on the East side of Saint John. When crews arrived, a pickup truck was tipped over on the median at the intersection of Barnesville Road and Loch Lomond Road.

After examining the scene police found a number of marijuana plants in the vehicle. As a result, the suspect is expected to appear in court at a late date.

Over 50 Trucks & Cars At Long Wharf Today

A new event and fundraiser will be rolling into Saint John today.

"Touch A Truck" will feature over 50 trucks at Long Wharf today, and proceeds go towards First Steps Housing Project which helps young mothers.

First Step's Sharon Amirault tells Tide news kids will be able to climb in many of the vehicles, which range from antiques, to construction, and military. Amirault hopes to raise between $10,000-$20,000.

Tickets are $5 which can be purchased at Harbour Station or at the event. Children under 2 are free. The vent is rain or shine and runs from 10:00-3:00 pm.

Test Drive & Help School Programs

You can take a car for a test drive and Ford will donate $20 for Samuel de Champlain school.

Called "Drive One 4 UR School" program, the fundraiser hopes to raise $6,000 to help pay for sports, arts and technology programming.

Ford sales manager David Brown tells Tide news there will be 15 vehicles to test drive at the school.

There will also be a car wash, BBQ and soccer tournament from 9 until 3 today.

Anti-Bullying Advocate Paints Fundy Pink

It's time to paint the school Pink!


Today, Fundy High School in St. George welcoming an anti-bullying advocate who made headlines 5 years ago by creating "Pink Shirt Day".

In 2007, Travis Price and friend David Shepherd decided to stand up for a fellow student who was being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. Overnight, they bought pink shirts from a women's clothing store, and through Facebook, were able to get much of the student body to wear pink the next day to class.

Price tells Tide News he never expected his actions to spread so far. He says it was one of those things he didn't think would fly because bullying had gone for so many years without a face, nobody to inspire kids. He says he really feels that he and David were able to do this, where kids could point and say "I'm going to be like them, I'm going to stand up for myself."

Price is now working with the Canadian Red Cross on the "Beyond The Hurt" program, which gives kids a place to find information and resources about bullying. Price says he really wanted to expand on more than just a "pink shirt", and the "Beyond The Hurt" program gives him that option. He says the Red Cross are a great group of professionals and he is very excited to be working with them.

( In Picture: Fundy High School Principal John Tanner with Travis Price )

Local MLA Against NB Liquor Closure

NB Liquor announcing the closure of two stores by the New Year leaving St. George feeling dismal.


The corporate-owned stores in St. George and Bristol will be replaced with privately owned agency stores.

Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet says the net gain by opening the agency store would be minimal. He says the jobs would be amalgamated with another location so therefor you wouldn't see any net gain in jobs. As well, residents will be left with about an eighth of the selection of booze available now.

Doucet adds this is another slap in the face to rural New Brunswick, with the government basically saying "Go move out west where there are more jobs."

NB Liquor president Daniel Allain says the stores are no longer efficient, each are more than 50 years old, and staff will be moved to other locations.

In total, Doucet says 7 local jobs will be taken by the closure.

Murphy Wants To Help Young People Stay In NB

"Help with university loans and tax credits for businesses that hire local grads."


That's what Provincial Liberal leadership candidate Mike Murphy would like to see.

Murphy, who made a stop in St. Stephen this week tells Tide News he's concerned students have a mind set they have to move out of the province once they graduate because there are "no jobs".

He says it's very difficult to ask people from outside of New Brunswick, or even young people inside New Brunswick, to come and stay in the province when we don't even invest in ourselves.

Murphy adds he'd create a youth investment bank to help with student loans.

The liberal leadership election will be held next month.

Local CEO Going Undercover

Ever wonder how your boss would make out if he did your job?

Now you can see for yourself!

Cooke Aquaculture CEO Glenn Cooke worked undercover in this season of Undercover Boss Canada.

The hit TV show invites CEO's to go undercover and work with their employees at a base level, to learn more about their workers and to find what is lacking in the business.

Cooke spent a week with the men and women who care for his fish, and hearing their remarkable stories.

The Cooke episode debuts tomorrow night ( September 27th, 2012 ) at 10 pm on W Network.

Teen Faces More Charges After Multiple Car Thefts

A teen from Wards Creek, near Sussex, will re-appear in Hampton Provincial Court later this month to face an additional 22 charges for a rash of car thefts and thefts from vehicles.


Five vehicles in Kings, Saint John, and Charlotte Counties were reported stolen between September 11-15.

There were also a number of thefts from vehicles and break and enters around the same time. It's believed the teen was stealing cars in order to travel around committing more thefts.

All of the vehicles had their doors unlocked and keys inside, say Corporal Pat Cole--which should be a lesson to drivers.

Ousted Conservative MLA Overwhelmed With Support

The independent M-L-A for Fundy River Valley, Dr. Jim Parrot says he wouldn't join the Liberals even if they called him and will remain a Tory until they throw dirt on him.

Dr. Parrot tells Tide News he was told of his expulsion from the Conservative caucus by the Premier over the phone.

As for the reaction he's getting, Parrot says it takes him about half a day to clear his Blackberry from messages of support, and people telling him he is doing the right thing. Judging by the support he's receiving, Dr. Parrot tells Tide News maybe large numbers of people are getting fed up with a government that doesn't listen.


He vows to continue speaking out on the issues, and denies the Premier's accusations of taking cheap shots and not speaking up about healthcare.

Two St. Stephen Men Busted For Drugs

Two St. Stephen men in their 50's are in hot water after a Bordertown bust.


Mounties doing a search at a home yesterday (Sunday, September 23rd, 2012) found marijuana, pills, cocaine and cash.

Both men were arrested, released on conditions and are due before a judge at a later date.

St. Stephen Man New Leader Of The Provincial Greens

He's pumped and ready for a new challenge. After leading the Conservation Council for 28 years, David Coon is embracing his new role as leader of the Provincial Green Party.


Coon was elected at a leadership convention held on the weekend in Fredericton.

He tells Tide News the transition is not bittersweet. He thinks if we go down the road towards greater local economic alliance and a green economy, we are going to attract young people from across the country because -- in his words -- it's going to be exciting.

Coon tells us his short and long term goals range from learning the Green Party's office number to getting out on the road and meeting more people in the province.

Local Man Getting Creative With An Old Fundraiser

One local man putting a beautiful edge to a dull fundraiser.


Instead of collecting recycled pop tabs to have made into whellchairs, Todd Larsen, a brain injury survivor from St. George is making the tabs into unique jewelery, collecting, cleaning and reconstructing the tabs to sell and raise money to buy whellchairs and other specialized needs for -- as Larsen puts it -- the "Awesome People of Charlotte County".

Larsen says he wants to give back to the community who helped him, not just by buying wheelchairs, but by helping anyone who really needs it with a specialized case.

Todd's Assistant, Mary Rogers tells Tide News Larsen raised $144 at the St. Stephen Fall Fair on Saturday ( September 22, 2012 ), and since they started the project back in May of this year, they have raised around $4000.

Rogers says each wheelchair they intend to buy can range between $2000 to $2500, and with the money raised so far they can buy around one and a half wheelchairs. She says Todd's goal is to get at least five wheelchairs.

If you would like to help Todd with his goal, you can buy your own "Pop Tab Jewels". To place an order call 529-3404.

Missing Man's Body Found In River

The body of a missing man has been found in a car in the St. John River near Aroostook road.

43-year-old Robert Ernest Durost of Aroostook had been missing since Tuesday. RCMP's Underwater Recovery Team recovered his body in his vehicle at the bottom of the river yesterday.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, foul play is not suspected.

Auction To Save A Friends Life

A family benefit auction is being held next weekend to help save a friends life.

42-year-old John Phillippe has a form of brain cancer that can only be stopped by a drug called Avastin, which costs $10,600 a month and isn't covered by the province or a medical plan.

Friend Janet Holt is gathering gift cards and items for the auction which, she says, is the only way friends and family know how to help him. Holt says one prize they have is a 7 day vacation and RV rental in Hampton. She says the drug has greatly helped John, who was partially paralyzed on one side and is now walking and talking.

The auction is taking place on Saturday, September 29th at the Aquarius Pub & Restaurant. Tickets are $20, a meal is served at 4:30, and the auction starts at 7:00pm.

Tickets can be purchased at Cox Electronics & Communication (843 Fairville Blvd) or by calling Janet Holt at 652-1889.

Quispamsis Is Moving Forward On Lift Station

Quispamsis isn't sitting still on their lift station.

Quispam Mayor Murray Driscoll tells Tide news the idea of them moving the station in 5 to 10 years is simply not true. Driscoll says they have agreed to move their lift station which, according to Rothesay council, has been leaking sewage into Rothesay brooks whenever it rains. Driscoll admits that lift stations do occasionally overflow in various areas across the province, and Quipamsis isn't immune to that.

Driscoll adds if Rothesay does not go forward with the retention pond, it would give Quispam more breathing room in moving the lift station, which could mean inserting a force main first then moving the station second.

Driscoll says Quispam is right on schedule, the design is 80% done and there's no reason to think they're not moving the lift station.

Earlier this month at Rothesay Council Mayor Bill Bishop said their council was writing a letter to Quispam addressing the lift station being moved immediately. Driscoll says he has yet to receive that letter.

Global Protests Against Fracking

More than 100 protests against the natural gas drilling process known as fracking are planned around the world today, and organizers are using a simple message to draw people out and spur outrage.

The Global Frackdown website that's promoting the protests claims the process ``pollutes water and makes people sick.''

There is, however, disagreement among scientists about the risks.

The US Environmental Protection Agency and many state regulators contend that fracking can be done safely.

Green MP Elizabeth May will be speaking at an anti-fracking rally in front of the leg in Fredericton at noon today.

Protests are planned in cities that include Pittsburgh, New York, Paris and Madrid.

Teenager Pleads Guilty To Car Theft

A 16-year-old Wards Creek boy will be back in court Monday where police expect to lay more charges of car thefts and break and enters from incidents across Kings, Charlotte, and Saint John Counties.

RCMP say the teen appeared in Provincial Court in Saint John yesterday and pleaded guilty to theft of a pickup truck from a few weeks ago.

Corporal Pat Cole reminds people to keep any items and money in your car out of of sight and to lock your doors.

Walk The Fundy Trail & Fight Cancer

Rain or shine, people who've been affected by cancer will be taking part in the 13th annual Fundy Trail Cancer Walk today.

Proceeds from the walk goes towards cancer treatment centre at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Organizer Nancy Maynard tells Tide news the event started small and has since grown, with people from Greater Saint John and Fredericton participating. Maynard says the fundraiser was started by cancer survivors to recognize cancer and the people it affects.

Registration starts at 10:00 am until noon. There will also be a BBQ, entertainment, and a 50/50 draw.

The walk is at the Big Salmon River on the Fundy Trail Parkway.

Workplace Accident Sends Man To Hospital

A man is in hospital after a workplace accident in Saint John.

According to the Saint John Fire Department, the accident occurred just before noon at the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill.

No other details have been released.

Doucet Speaks Out On Conservatives Ousting Their Own

"I think it's wrong."


That word from local Liberal MLA Rick Doucet on Fundy River Valley MLA Dr. Jim Parrot being ousted by his fellow Conservatives.

The former heart surgeon used a written commentary to accuse his government of not listening to doctors about health-care and then spoke out about the cost of language duality in healthcare a couple of days later.

Doucet tells Tide News the real team is the people who elect you. He says "..as an elected official you have to be the voice of the people, you have to stand up and fight for what you believe is right. Quite frankly, Alward has thrown the notion of true consultation out the back door, where you don't listen to your own elected member. All he (Dr. Parrot) was doing was echoing the concerns that he is hearing."

Doucet adds, "Alward was elected under the veil of openness and transparency, and his plans were that he was going to listen to the people."
  Parrot will now sit as an Independent in the legislature.

Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle By Old Town Tavern

A pedestrian being struck by a moving vehicle last night in St. Stephen.

District 1 RCMP being called just before 8pm to King Street, infront of the Old Town Tavern, where the man was hit.

Police tell Tide News the driver of the vehicle did stop and was questioned by police.

According to family members, the man struck received a cut on his head and nose, plus has a broken pelvis.

No word yet if any charges will be laid against the driver of the vehicle.

Police Search For Thief From Local Business

Police are still looking for a local thief and are asking the public for help.


District 1 RCMP tell Tide News between the 23rd and 25th of May (2012), someone broke into Southwest Concrete and Construction in St. Stephen.

Police say a "Mastercool" hydraulic flaring tool was taken, which is valued at over $400.

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

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

"Take Back The Night" March This Friday

Shatter the Silence. Stop The Violence.


The 2nd Annual "Take Back The Night" walk will be taking place this Friday ( September 21st, 20120 ) in St. Stephen.

The Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network hosting the walk to raise awareness of violence against women in our communities.

The Walk will go from 7pm to 9pm, marching from the Border Arena on King Street to St. Stephen's University on Main Street.

"Don't Be A Victim Of Car Theft" - District 1 RCMP

If your car is locked, most culprits would rather move on than cause damage trying to get in.


That coming from Sgt. Bob MacKnight from District 1 RCMP on how to keep yourself from becoming a victim of car theft.

MacKnight points to a number of thefts from vehicles -- and a theft of a vehicle -- in St. Stephen last week, and says in nearly every instance, the cars were unlocked, with keys inside, and valuables in the open.

He says most of the culprits he deals with will not cause damage to a car that is locked, they will simply move on to another unlocked vehicle.

MacKnights wants to remind our listeners (and readers) that they should "lock it and pocket the key". As well, with respect to valuables and cash, you should take them inside the house, or in the very least, placed out of sight. He says this is the easiest way to keep yourself from becoming a victim.

Conservative M-L-A Lambasts His Own Government On Health Care

One of Premier David Alward's own M-L-A's has some blistering criticism of the provincial government when it comes to health care. 

In a written commentary, Fundy River Valley M-L-A Dr. Jim Parrot charges the Alward Government is not listening to doctors and no effort is being made to engage them on any real issue. 

Dr. Parrot goes on to write the ball was dropped on Canadian Blood Services which is transferring blood production from Saint John to Dartmouth and almost was on the M-R-I issue.

He also complains of not being asked in his two years as an M-L-A for his input on any health related issue in spite of his many years in the health care system and being recognised as one of the top heart surgeons around.

School Water Fountains Removed With More To Follow

More than 250 water fountains in schools throughout the province have been removed because they contained high levels of lead and copper with another 180 water fountains to be replaced and 26 water treatment systems installed to fix the problem. 

That word from Provincial Education Minister Jody Carr following tests last fall that found many school water fountains had levels of lead that exceeded Health Canada guidelines and the greatest problems were in the Saint John area. 
 
More than $50,000 has been spent to provide bottled water in schools and another $320,000 has been set aside to replace water fountains but it will be December before everything is installed.
  

Grow Op Found Because Of Traffic Violation

Two men, aged 36 and 58, have been busted after the RCMP discovered a marijuana grow op by chance on Grand Manan.
 
The grow op was found after an RCMP officer followed up on a possible traffic violation when an all terrain vehicle failed to stop for police along Route 776.
 
The officer tracked the ATV to a residence on Route 776. Police got a search warrant and confiscated a quantity of marijuana plants as well as six firearms.
 
The two are scheduled to appear in court  November 15th to face drug charges.

Funeral Service Tomorow For High School Student Killed Tragically

Friends and relatives will get a chance today to say their goodbyes to 14 year old Blake Sherwood of Apohaqui who died tragically earlier this week after his dirt bike collided with a pickup truck on Route 121.  

Blake's family will be receiving relatives and friends at the Wallace Funeral Home in Sussex from 1 to 3 this afternoon and from 6 to 8 tonight. 

A funeral service will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 at St. Paul's United Church in Sussex.