Iconic Saint John Company Was Founded By Civil War Vet From Maine

The Simms Company, which will no longer be making its brushes in Saint John, had its beginnings in 1866. That's when Thomas Stockwell Simms, an American civil war veteran, invested his soldier's back pay and bonus in a small brush and broom operation in Portland, Maine. This fledgling enterprise moved  in 1872 to Saint John. 

David Goss knows more about Saint John history than just about anyone else and tells CHSJ News Simms played a huge role in the lives of many people on the west side. He says you will hardly meet anyone over 60 in that part of the city who hasn't had some connection with the company over the years.


Simms Corner used to be known as Avery's Corner and the company, which employed up to 500 workers at one time, had a building across the road on the former Centracare property which was used to house 60 factory girls if they had nowhere else to live.
 
Simms travelled all the way to the far east back in the early 1900's to get the best bristles and established a Baptist church in India which is still standing today.

Public Support For Big Industrial Projects Harder To Come By

The rules of the game have changed when it comes to winning public support for big industrial projects. 

John Herron of the Atlantica Centre for Energy says the old argument of compromising the environment for the sake of jobs and economic growth isn't being accepted as readily anymore. 

Shale gas development has run into strident opposition but Herron tells the Tide other jurisdictions have managed to get their publics on board with energy development.

Herron says protests occur when people feel they're not being listened to and there have been intensified protests in Kent County with arrests being made.

Proposed Pipeline Could Get Rough Ride In Quebec

Provincial Green Party leader David Coon says there might be overwhelming support for the West to East pipeline in Saint John but such is not the case in Quebec. 

He claims there's alot of concern and Quebec Premier Pauline Marois has been hedging on where she stands so as not to alienate her populist base. Coon points out environmental concerns in Quebec have been heightened because of the train disaster with tankers of oil exploding at Lac Magentic last month.

He tells the Tide the pipeline project will increase carbon pollution and that will have unforseen consequences, pointing out not many people around here are aware the Bay of Fundy is becoming more acidified because of climate change and increased carbon pollution. He warns that acidification could damage the fishery over the long term.

Two Young Boys Strangled By Snake As They Slept

Campbellton is in a state of shock........The RCMP say two young boys, aged 5 and 7, are dead after they were strangled by a python that escaped its enclosure at an exotic pet store.   

The RCMP say the boys were sleeping in an apartment above Reptile Ocean and it's believed the snake made its way into the apartment through the ventilation system sometime through the overnight hours.
    
The snake was captured and is in the possession of police.  The boys were visiting the apartment of the pet store's owner at the time.

Autopsies will be performed on the two victims today in Saint John.
  

Order Of New Brunswick Recipients Named

Premier David Alward announcing ten people in the province being recognised with the Order of New Brunswick. 

They are Joanna Bernard, of Madawaska Maliseet First Nation, for her tireless efforts to ensure the well being and economic prosperity of her community as well as of all First Nations communities in the province.

Édith Butler, from Paquetville, for her remarkable contributions to the advancement of Acadian culture and heritage.

Alida Clément, from Dieppe, for her dedication and volunteer efforts to ensure the well being and quality of life of disabled persons, seniors, and her community at large.

Eugène Durette, from Edmundston, for the impact he has had in advancing business in Edmundston and throughout the province, as well as the many ways in which he has given back to his community.
 
Dr. Dana Hanson, from Fredericton, for his outstanding leadership in the medical profession in New Brunswick and around the world. Dr. Hanson is a former President of the Canadian Medical Association.

Jean Irving, from Rothesay, for her passion and commitment to bettering the quality of life of communities throughout the province.

Freeman Patterson, from Shampers Bluff, for his exceptional talents as a photographer and his passion for sharing his skills and knowledge the world over.
  
Gerry Pond, one time head of NB Tel, for his innovative spirit and for being the driving force behind so many of New Brunswick's information technology and telecommunications success stories.

Gordon Porter, from Woodstock, for his efforts in advancing inclusive education and the rights of persons with disabilities in New Brunswick and throughout the world.

Lionel Poitras, from Saint-André, for his contributions to ensuring the sustainability of the potato farming industry in the province.

Mill Rats Get Fifth Pick In 2013 NBL Canada Draft

To play on the Saint John Mill Rats, you can’t just play a good game, you’ve got to have a good personality. 

That’s according to the President and General Manager of the team, Ian McCarthy, and the philosophy he’ll be bringing to the National Basketball League of Canada’s draft later this month as they add a few new faces to the team.

McCarthy tells CHSJ News the players have to be willing to be involved in the community, they have to be amiable and willing to sign autographs for the kids. In terms of on-the-court play, he says the top two things they're looking for is athleticism and talent.

The Mill Rats have fifth pick in the 2013 National Basketball League of Canada draft on Monday, August 19 in Markham, Ontario.

Cherry Brook Zoo Seeks Closure After Tiger's Death

As the Cherry Brook Zoo comes to grips with the sudden loss of its young Siberian tiger, their Director of Zoo Development says they’re focusing on the present before they start to think about the future. 

Linda Collrin tells CHSJ News another tiger will be brought into the zoo eventually—she says it would be a dishonour to six year-old Nyla if they didn't—but first, they want to find out exactly what happened to her through a necropsy.

The tiger became sick on July 18, going blind, having seizures and losing weight and the zoo was forced to euthanize her on Wednesday. While results have shown she had an pneumonia, Collrin says she caught it as a result of being in such a weak state. That doesn't tell them why she became sick in the first place. 

Collrin says they'll be working with the SSP Program or International Species Survival Program again when bringing in a new tiger.

Swimmers Brave Northumberland Strait For Charity

A group of swimmers are back on dry land after diving into the frigid waters of the Northumberland Strait. 

The 34 participants in the Big Swim fundraiser swam a 15-kilometre stretch from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island to raise money for people living with chronic illness and disease.

They brought in more than $130,000 dollars during this year's swim, most of which will be split between Cystic Fibrosis Canada and Brigadoon Village. Since it started three years ago, The Big Swim has raised more than $230,000 dollars for charity.

Todd McDonald is the co-founder of the event, and he says they set two records this year: the largest group to swim the Strait at once and the youngest female swimmer to make the crossing—15 year-old Jessica Plummer from Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia finished her swim in four and half hours.

Smoke From Kitchen Fire Wakes Homeowner

A man and woman evacuating their smoke-filled home as a fire burned in the kitchen.

Platoon Chief Eric Garland says crews were called around 5:30am to 401 Churchland Road in Saint John and knocked down the blaze. 

Garland says the woman was woken up by the smoke, and she woke up her husband—the smoke detector didn't go off.

The house has some smoke damage and there is fire damage in the kitchen, but nobody was hurt and the fire is not considered suspicious.

Development Of Former Coast Guard Site in Saint John "Signifcant"

Development of the former Coast Guard site down by Market Square will take 7 years to complete over 4 phases. 

The General Manager of Saint John Waterfront Development Kent MacIntyre predicts this will have a significant impact for the good on the uptown and tells the Tide whenever you have a developer from outside showing confidence in the city, it can build momentum because local businesspeople take note of that.

MacIntyre points out there will be a strong residential component to the development and with more people in a neighbourhood, you tend to get new businesses springing up.

Stock Car Driver Dies During P.E.I. Speedway Race

Tragedy on the race track—a 30 year-old stock car racer from Riverview died after his vehicle flipped onto its roof during the 98th lap of a 100-lap competition. 

He started to take off his own safety equipment while suspended upside down, but the effort somehow strangled him, leading to his death.

The race was hosted Saturday at the Oyster Bed Speedway race track, about 15 kilometres north of Charlottetown.

RCMP say reasonable safety protocols were followed during the race.

New Nature Preserve On Saint John's West Side

A large parcel of land on the West side of Saint John is now under protection. 

Jane Barry of the Nature Trust of New Brunswick says 122 acres of marshland, shoreline and forests in Saints Rest have been donated to the group for preservation. 

Barry tells CHSJ News the land has a rich history—about 300 years ago it was diked by Acadian settlers, and the settlers used the dried-up area for harvesting hay. In the 1940s, the the dikes were washed away and the land became reclaimed by the Bay of Fundy. Now, it's one of the largest salt water marshes in the area.

The area is home to the American black duck and the Savannah Sparrow, along with a number of rare plant species.

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is hosting a reception and tour of the new nature preserve, called Saints Rest Marsh-F. Gordon Carvell, on Tuesday from 1-2pm, starting at the Tourism Information Centre.

South End Residents Disgusted By Crude Oil Smell

The stench of crude oil being unloaded near the Courtney Bay train tracks drawing concern and disgust from some residents.

South Ender Julie Dingwell tells CHSJ News the overpowering smell woke up her entire family in the middle of the night last week, and they called the fire department thinking there was a gas leak.

Dingwell says if it's that bad where she lives she can't imagine what it would be like on Bayside Drive.

Irving tells CHSJ News they are investigating but believe it was the result of the type and amount of crude being unloaded at the time, and it won't happen again.

Police Investigating ATV Theft

Police are investigating the theft of an ATV—and they're looking for your help.

The robbery happened overnight on Thursday.

The ATV is a yellow Can Am Renegade with two decals, one the gas tank that reads "Hot Balls" and the other on the front fender that reads "Metal Mulisha". 

If you have any information, you're being asked to contact the Rothesay Regional Police Department by calling 847-6300 or Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.

Siberian Tiger Dies At Cherry Brook Zoo

The staff at the Cherry Brook Zoo are mourning the loss of one of their animals—a Siberian tiger named Nyla.

The zoo saying in a release they were forced to euthanize the six year-old animal on Wednesday. 

After becoming suddenly ill on July 18, Nyla went blind, started having seizures and began losing weight—they consulted with other zoos and veterinarians from across Canada and the U.S., but she didn't respond to any treatments. The cause of death has been labelled a pneumonia.

As to whether or not they'll bring another tiger into the zoo, they say they're waiting on necropsy results first. They say they need to know what happened to Nyla before moving on.

The zoo says tigers can live into their twenties.

Brewery Projects How Much Beer NBers Will Buy This Weekend

It's no surprise New Brunswickers love their suds, but what might surprise you is the number of brews we're projected to buy over this long weekend.

Moosehead Breweries says it's expected that 130 to 140 thousand 12-packs of beer will be purchased during the New Brunswick Day weekend.

NB liquor will be open during regular hours tomorrow, but will be closed on Monday. You can visit their store locator site for the complete list of store locations and services available.

Police Increasing Presence On Roads During Long Weekend

Stay sober, buckle up and don't answer that call. Long weekends mean more traffic on the roadways, and police are heightening their presence to crack down on dangerous driving. 

Sergeant Claude Tremblay of RCMP's Traffic Services tells CHSJ News some people say they don't need to wear a seat belt because they're not driving very far, but Tremblay says statistics show that 80% of people drive within 25 to 30 kilometres of where they live, so that argument doesn't hold water. 

He says if you're not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you'll be knocked around or ejected from the car, and if you're ejected, 95% of the time you'll be seriously injured or killed.

The percentage of fatal crashes where the victims weren't wearing a seat belt has gone up, from 23 per cent last year to 40 per cent so far this year.

Charges Laid In Cochran's Country Market Robbery

All three involved in the armed robbery of a small grocery store in Rothesay have now been charged. 

On July 16, three people with weapons entered Cochran's Country Market on Hampton Road, bound two employees and made away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

27 year-old Blake Andrew Smith, 26 year-old Stephen Corey Richard and 47 year old Keith Oliver Dixon have all been charged with armed robbery, wearing a disguise, and unlawful confinement. 

Smith and Richard will be back in court on Tuesday, and Dixon will be in court again next Monday.

Fire Crews Battling Concession Stand Blaze

An old, vacant concession stand in Quispamsis going up in flames.

Rothesay Regional Police say the stand at the old drive-in near Carpenter's Pit off of Parkside Road was set on fire around 3am.

Fire crews from the KV Fire Department battling the fire were able to get it under control, and nobody was hurt.

Boardwalk Rescue In Saint John

An early morning rescue on the boardwalk.

City police say a woman was brought to the hospital with at least one broken leg after falling off of the boardwalk railing and onto the rocks below.

Crews spent nearly an hour and a half on the scene rescuing the woman.

MLA Praises Efforts Of Emergency Personnel

Charlotte-Campobello M-L-A Curtis Malloch is singing the praises of emergency personnel in the wake of last week's flash flood in the St Stephen area.
Record rainfall dumped on the area causing road washouts and flooded basements - and - Malloch can't say enough about the efforts of volunteers and first responders trying to help those affected by the rising water levels.
Malloch says he toured a number of businesses and homes in the area - the flooding wasn't near the disastrous levels experienced in the December 2010 flooding - but - he says it did cause damage and upset for a lot of people.

Liberal Leader Comes To See Flood Damage First Hand

"It really opens your eyes when you see someone's driveway ripped apart."

That word from Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant after touring the devastation in St. Stephen caused by Friday's flood. On July 26th, 2013, St. Stephen was drenched under 165mm of rain.

Gallant meeting in Border-town with St. Stephen Mayor John Quartermain, Deputy Mayor John Ames, and MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet to tour the devastation in flood-prone areas.

Gallant tells Tide News it's imperative that we find out exactly why this happened. "You hear people talking all over the community and they keep saying, 'We thought last time was a once-in-a-hundred-year storm and we'd never get it again,' and obviously two and a half years later having something very similar happen raises concerns."

Gallant tells Tide News he supports local MLA Rick Doucet in his push for amending the Emergency Measures Act. "As Liberal leader, if there is ever anything we think we can push in the legislature, we'll be glad to do so. Rick Doucet, he is obviously very attuned to this, and he has proposed many legislations and many ideas as to how we can make sure that this doesn't happen again and doesn't affect communities in the future, so we will continue to do that as a Party."

Gallant says they are working with Doucet to organize public consultation so everyone can fully understand the impact of the situation from engineers and other officials.

A public meeting has been scheduled in St. George at the Magaguadavic Place on Tuesday, August 13th.

Poverty Seen As The Key Factor Affecting Your Health

A newly released report concludes how much you earn, what sort of housing you have, early childhood development and how well you eat are viewed as key factors that affect your health. 

Those conclusions were reached after the Canadian Medical Association held a series of town hall meetings and heard from something like a thousand people.

The provincial co-ordinator of the Common Front for Social Justice Jean-Claude Basque isn't surprised at the extent of food insecurity in New Brunswick. He says the main problem is that people in the province on the lower end of the income ladder just don't make enough money.
 
He claims if you're working, you should not be in a position where it's tough to eat well because you're not making enough money.

Basque tells Tide News if you have to rely on food banks, as more and more people in the province are doing, you likely won't have access to fruits and vegetables.

Pension Coalition Hires Lawyer

The New Brunswick Pension Coalition is pulling out the legal big guns in their fight to get the provincial government to adopt the Shared Risk Model for its pension plan on a go-forward basis only. 

Coalition spokesperson Clifford Kennedy tells Tide News their goals haven't changed since they've hired Toronto lawyer Ari N. Kaplan, who has a track record of successfully counseling public sector pensioners. He says they simply want the existing agreement to be respected.
 
Kennedy says they decided to hire a lawyer now because the government has been clear that they want to go ahead with the Shared Risk Model---and the Coalition wants to make sure the plan members are protected.

Pair Arrested In Norton Home Invasion

The RCMP have arrested a man and woman who allegedly forced their way into a home in Norton and threatened the owner.

The 25 year old homeowner fired a shot into the floor of the house, after which the pair took off in a car. He was arrested but later released.

Police say this was an isolated incident. The homeowner and one of the suspects knew each other.

Another Attempt Finding Common Ground On Shale Gas

The Atlantica Centre for Energy taking another step toward trying to find common ground on the energy future of the province with the release of another video. 

Opinion is divided right down the middle on shale gas and it doesn't appear as if minds can be changed. Atlantica's John Herron tells Tide News the videos will be offering up different perspectives on how the province should proceed.

He says neither industry nor the government should lead the discussion and believes it could be the Energy Institute through Louis LaPierre with a citizens roundtable.

Herron warns protests happen when people don't think they're being listened to.

Green Party Leader Unimpressed With Plans To Protect More Wilderness

The Alward Government plans to double the percentage of protected wilderness in the province. 

That might sound like a good thing to most people but not to the leader of the Provincial Green Party David Coon who tells Tide News there's less to this than meets the eye.

Coon argues the areas that will be protected are those where companies have been restricted to select cutting which is more expensive than clear cutting which he claims is continuing on an unimaginable scale.

He claims New Brunswick is facing a crisis when it comes to protecting habitat and the province is caving in to pressure from the forestry industry.

Parking Meter App Gaining Ground In The Province

After getting the green light from Fredericton for a pilot project, the founder of a parking app has set his sights on Saint John. 

Phillip Curley is a student at UNB and the CEO of Hot Spot Parking, a program that lets you pay for on-street parking through your smartphone.

It works like this: when you sign up for the app online, you register your phone number, and when that number phones the Hot Spot Parking system, it will deduct money from your existing balance.

Curley tells Tide News he's been in talks with Uptown Saint John to set up meetings with retailers to get them on board. Through the app, retailers can choose to pay for their customers' parking.

The pilot project in Fredericton starts on Thursday, and Curley says he wants roll out the app in Saint John by September. He says installing the app in the city may come with an integration fee.

Secret Shopper Scam Targeting New Brunswickers

If you get a suspicious cheque in the mail, beware. A secret shopper scam is targeting New Brunswickers.

The Financial and Consumer Services Commission says a 13 year-old Minto girl received a cheque in the mail for $3,900 saying she qualified as a secret shopper. Her parents intervened by calling police, sharing their story on social media and reporting it to the commission. 

The commission says scams like this one have been making the rounds across the country. At least three other people have been approached.

The scheme starts when you get a cheque and letter from a company asking you to spend the money at a certain store, then asks for a certified cheque or a money transfer in return telling you that you can keep the rest of the money as compensation.

If you've been the target of a scam, get in touch with the Financial and Consumer Services Commission by calling (866) 933-2222.

RCMP Identify Man In Bus Crash

The Mounties have identified the man killed in a crash between a coach bus and a car on Friday as 31 year-old Jean-François Audrain.

They say Audrain is originally from Montreal, but was living in Welsford. He was the driver and only person in the car that collided with the bus on Highway 7, about halfway between Saint John and Fredericton. 

They're still investigating the cause of the crash, however, heavy rains are believed to have been a factor.

Local MLA Calls For Changes To Emergency Measures Act

A carbon copy of the flood of the century is how one local MLA describes what happened in St. Stephen over the weekend. 

With the devastating 2010 flood still fresh in the minds of residents, MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet is calling on the Alward government to do more when it comes to preparing for floods and helping people avoid flood damage.

Doucet tells Tide News he'll be re-introducing an amendment to the Emergency Measures Act to provide better coordination of emergency measures for those in charge of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas. 

Many people have voiced their frustration to him about the dam in particular. He says they want more communication coming from the operators of the dam so that people are aware of what they're doing and when.

In an effort to get input from residents, he's organized a public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 7pm at the Magaguadavic Place in St. George.

Residents Urged To Report Flood Damage

Residents in Charlotte and York Counties whose properties were damaged during the latest flood this past weekend are being asked by the Department of Public Safety's New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization to report the damage to Service New Brunswick.

On Friday, July 26th, St. Stephen was hit hardest in New Brunswick with 165 mms of rain falling on the town.

To report damage, you can call toll-free at 1-888-298-8555. Phone lines are open Mon-Fri from 8:30am-8pm, Saturday until 5pm, and Sunday from 9am-5pm.

The EMO says these reports will help officials assess the damage.

Mayor Says Changes Needed After 2nd Flood

Despite washed out streets and over 40 waterlogged basements, St. Stephen's mayor says with more than 165mm of rain falling onto our town, the situation could have been much worse.

Mayor John Quartermain tells Tide News he was on his way back from his lakeside cottage when he first heard about the flooding. On his way back into town, he says he pulled off of the new highway onto King Street and saw the road was completely covered in five or six feet of water.

He says they're trying to arrange meetings with the provincial government next week to find out how to handle the flooding issue. He says it's happened before, referencing the devastating 2010 flood, and chances are it will happen again. 

The forecast is calling for more rain for Charlotte County this week.
(Picture - The King Street traffic circle in December 2010)

Queen Square Farmers Market Gets Electricity

The Queen Square Farmers Market in Saint John is getting plugged in. Organizer Jody Kliffer tells CHSJ News the market is finally getting an electrical hook-up.

Kliffer believes it's going to have a positive impact on the market. He says electricity means the market can offer a wider variety of hot food items for sale.

The market occasionally used generators in the past, but Kliffer says they're clunky, noisy and emit gas fumes. He says it wasn't in the spirit of the market.

Now, he says, vendors only need to bring an extension cord to get electricity flowing to their stand

Maritime Delegation On Mission To Save Oyster Industry

A group of Maritime delegates are visiting New England for a week to learn how they've dealt with a deadly oyster disease that could have devastating consequences for Atlantic Canada's aquaculture industry. 

MSX, or Multinucleate Sphere X, is caused by a microscopic parasite that kills oysters. The disease decimated Nova Scotia's aquaculture industry in 2001. Executive Director of Nova Scotia's aquaulture industry, Bruce Hancock, says New England has developed fast-growing oyster strains that are also MSX-resistant. Hancock says the cost of the disease in Atlantic Canada is about a million dollars a year.

The aquaculture associations of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are leading a group of about 16 researchers, industry delegates and government officials. The group will travel to Maine, Massachuetts and Rhode to talk about technology and policy approaches against MSX.

The disease poses no threat to humans.

Residents advised to report damages from Heavy Rainfall

Persons whose properties have sustained damage as a result of the heavy rainfall on July 26, 2013 in South-western NB (Charlotte and York counties) are requested by the Department of Public Safety’s New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization to report the damage to Service New Brunswick.

They may do so by calling toll-free, 1-888-298-8555(today, from 3:30pm – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm and regular hours Mon. to Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m) or online.  These reports will help officials assess the damages.

Health and safety information, and tips for flood clean-up, are available on the River Watch website.

LINKS:

•

Service New Brunswick (forms): www.snb.ca/emo

•

River Watch: www.gnb.ca/RiverWatch

 

One Dead In Highway Crash Between Coach Bus And Vehicle

A man is dead after a fatal crash between a car and a coach bus on the highway. 

RCMP say it happened at 5:20pm on Highway 7 near Petersville, which is located about halfway between Saint John and Fredericton. 

The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, died at the scene. Three of the nine people on the Maritime Bus coach were treated for minor injuries. 

What caused the crash isn't yet known, however, the Mounties say heavy rain may have played a role in the collision. They don't believe speed or alcohol are factors.

A collision re-constructionist is helping with the investigation.

Vehicle Flips On Highway

One person brought to hospital after a vehicle flipped over on the highway. 

It happened at noon on Highway 1, near the Fox Farm Road exit. Division Chief Mark Wilson of the Saint John Fire Department says when fire crews arrived, the person was out of the vehicle and being checked out by EMS. 

He says the person's injuries are not life-threatening.

Basement Blaze On Millidge Avenue In Saint John

Fire crews battling a basement blaze for over two hours.

Acting Platoon Chief Roy Byers of the Saint John Fire Department says they received the call of a structure fire at 876 Millidge Avenue just before 6pm, and the first firefighters on the scene reported seeing smoke. 

Byers says they were able to keep the fire from spreading, nobody was hurt and the cause of the fire has been deemed accidental.

Stay Off Roads

Motorists asked to stay off roads

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization has issued the following public alert:

Due to localized flooding, motorists are asked to stay off the roads in St. Stephen and other areas that have recently received high amounts of rainfall.  

The public is reminded that the best way to access emergency services is to call 9-1-1.

All residents should continue to monitor conditions and local forecasts, as conditions could worsen.

A list of weather warnings is available from Environment Canada. A variety of self-help advice is available at the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization public alerts site.

LINKS:

●    Environment Canada http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/?prov=nb

●    New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/public_safety/emo.html

Traffic Delays For Some Islanders Starting Today

Traffic delays starting today for some islanders.

The Campobello-Lubec International Bridge at the island will be reduced to one lane and stay that way for the summer.

The Department of Transportation says there will also be at least 3 full bridge closures during low traffic times.

DOT says structural repairs will be made as well as pier reinforcement and the work will be completed by September 30th.

Extra Funding Will Make Playground Wheelchair Accessible

Many dreams coming true with a huge donation.

A whopping $41,000 being donated to the St. Andrews Community Playground Restoration.

Chair of the Fundraising committee Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News with the extra funding they can now make the playground wheelchair accessible.

She says the wood chips will be changed to a rubber surface and equipment will be installed that children with mobility issues can use.

Save-Easy Owner Joey Craswell presenting a cheque of $20,000 yesterday to Vincent Massey Principal Leslie O'Leary and the St. Andrews Community Playground Restoration Fund. He says, "This is a community project and everybody really pulled together on this. I'm just so happy that PC Children's Charity has stepped up with a donation." Craswell says that PC usually chooses only one child to help and this time they've picked an entire community.

Another $20,000 was matched by St. Andrews resident Joe Clark and the Huntsman Marine donated $1460.

Two Arrested In Quispam Break & Enter

Rothesay Regional police are looking for a 29 year old man after 3 people tried to steal items from a home under construction in Quispamsis.

A neighbour across the street alerted police around 1130 last night and officers surrounded the home arresting a man and a woman while a second man took off.

A 26 year old man has a court appearance this morning while a 49 year old woman has a future court date.

Small Savings At The Pump

A teeny tiny break at the pump for some drivers this morning.

Regular self serve is down nearly two pennies to 135.7.

The cost of diesel is up more than a cent a litre to 137.4 and home heating oil is also up to 117.4 a litre.

Propane is also more expensive at 97.8 cents a litre at the weekly setting.

Vets And Many Other Benefit From Biker Festival

Our international biker festival being very beneficial to our veterans.

Canadian Chair of the Rally In The St. Croix Valley,  Bob Hamel tells Tide News they delivered a couple cheques worth $15,500 to the Ridgewood Veteran's Wing in Saint John on Saturday. He says $500 came from the 2nd CAV mambers with the other $15,000 being raised by events such as the annual Harley Draw.




Hamel says on top of raising the money for Ridgewood, other charities benefited. He tells us the Red Knights MC made $820 from the Peter McBride Memorial Poker Run to be donated in Peter's name to a charity. The 2013 Fundy Rugby team made over $950 to fund a trip to compete in a major tournament.

 Hamel says 1951 bikers registered this year and the St. Stephen Legion reported the biggest event fund total in 10 years.
He estimates that over the course of the two and 1/2 day rally, over $250,000 was spent locally on food, fuel, housing and goods.

Apartment Building Destroyed By Fire In Milltown

Seven tenants are temporarily homeless after a fire in an older two-storey wooden building in St. Stephen on Sunday afternoon around 2:30pm.

Red Cross disaster volunteers providing help for six tenants.

One woman was checked briefly at hospital due to a pre-existing medical condition and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters from St. Stephen, Calais, Moores Mills, and Oak Bay responding to the blaze at 57 and 59 Queensway.

A cause is not yet known.

Ben & Marcia Will Wed By The Sea

Tell them congrats next time you see them....Ben Vienneau and Marcia Belyea are the grand prize winners of Win & Wed by the Sea.

The couple found out this morning they are the winning couple who win a wedding in St. Andrew's By the Sea worth more than $20,000.

Courtney and Chris from St. Stephen don't go away unhappy winning $2500 dollars for second place.

Crimestoppers Looking For Who Damaged Lot In Elmsville

Two vehicles spinning out causing some serious damage to a parking lot in Elmsville. 

St. George RCMP and Crimestoppers looking for any information the public may have about the incident, which happened on the evening of July 20.

The first vehicle is a newer model white, four-door, Ford 150 with a chrome push bar, side-steps and dark tonneau cover. The second vehicle is a white, two-door, Chevrolet Cobalt with a spoiler. 

You can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

BREAKING NEWS : It's A Boy For Will And Kate

Duchess Catherine has given birth to a son weighing 8lbs 6 oz. The birth occurred at 4:24pm.

The baby will be third in line for the British throne after Prince Charles and William.