David Ganong Releases Panel's Findings

A protest against the proposed sale of NB Power held late yesterday afternoon started at the corner of King and Queen streets made it's way to The St. Stephen Legion as David Ganong released his recommendation on the Sale of NB Power's asset to Hydro Quebec...

A six member independent panel who evaluated the proposed NB power deal with Hydro-Quebec has concluded the deal is good for this province.

The panel, chaired by Ganong and which included former Provincial NDP Leader Elizabeth Weir, was commissioned to study the proposed $3.2 billion sale of 10 NB Power plants, including the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.

Ganong says the deal would result in lower power rates in the near and long-term and would reduce the financial risks associated with the aging facilities.

The panel is recommending the Energy and Utilities Board be given more authority to eliminate any government interference in its decisions.

Russell Verdict Handed down in St. Stephen Court

Sara Russell, 19 at the time she gave birth to her son at home in Moores Mills in January has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for her role in the death of her son today in St. Stephen court. Prosecution Lawyer Jim McAvity says the judge in this particular case was forced to show thru his sentence society imporance to this particular crime and had no other option but to sign Russell to a term of imprisonment. McAvity say the sentence was in the range the Crown suggested to the court that was between 2 and 5 years... Rodney Miller was charged with first degree murder and is currently serving a sentence of 25 years..

Groundhog-Day-Canada

Canada's most famous weather prognosticating rodent has disappointing news for those who've had enough of winter.

Wiarton Willie is predicting six more weeks of winter, having seen his shadow when roused from his slumber today.

Folklore has it that if a groundhog sees his shadow on Groundhog Day he'll flee to his burrow, heralding six more weeks of winter _ if he doesn't, it means an early spring.

The origins of the tradition aren't clear, but it's likely related to the fact that Groundhog Day falls midway between the start of winter and the beginning of spring.

Earlier today, both Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam and Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania also saw their shadows, heralding six more weeks of winter.

David Ganong to release NB Power Report

The St. Stephen Development Board and the St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the Advisory Panel Special Briefing this evenging at the St. Stephen Legion at 5.

David Ganong will be presenting his Panel’s report on the sale of NB Powers assests to Hydro Quebcec in a private session for members and guests.

Mr. Ganong will provide context to the report and engage in a dialogue as to the background of their recommendations.

Grand Manan Ferry to be Named

A news conference is scheduled for today that will give us an update and a name for the new Grand Manan ferry. $65 million dollars was set aside for the new vessel back in the spring of last year by a boat building firm in Florida. The new ferry will have a capacity for 82 vehicles and will replace the current 25 vehicle ferry.  The 60 vehicle vessel will remain on the water with the new ferry to be finished by next year. The news conference gets started at ten o'clock with Premier Graham, Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet taking part.

The Tide's 8th Annual Marathon Food Drive

The 8th Annual Tide's Marathon Food Drive held over the weekend with our live broadcast from the Alantic Superstore brought in more than 1300 pounds of food and almost 900 dollars in cash.... This food will help feed the families that count on The Charlotte County food bank. Local community groups and businesses and town officials all came together to make the Food Drive a “huge success... Last year's years drive collected more than nine hundred pounds of food and over seventeen hundred in cash.

High Tides in St. Stephen

With the recent full moon on Saturaday night brought tides reaching the top of the wharf in St. Stephen over the weekend. Tides are influenced by the regular fluctuations in gravitational pulls caused by the sun and moon. One hundred billion tonnes of water flows into and out of the Bay on an average tide, twice a day, creating rip-currents, seething up-wellings, swirling whirlpools and a tidal range reaching 16m (53 ft) at the head of the Bay.

NB-Warrant-Arrest

A man wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been picked up in Fredericton. The 45-year-old was arrested without incident. Lonnie Dellas Carr was charged this week with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm and evading police after an incident in his hometown.

RCMP seeks public assistance in locating suspect, Oromocto, N.B.

On January 26, 2010, 45-year old Lonnie Dellas Carr from Fredericton Junction N.B. was charged in Burton Provincial Court with several offences including aggravated assault, discharging a firearm and evading police. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

District 2 RCMP is asking for the public assistance in locating Lonnie Dellas Carr. Anyone with information which would help in his apprehension is asked to contact District 2 RCMP at 506-357-4300 or their local RCMP detachment. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). The RCMP reminds the public to call them immediately if the suspect is seen and not to approach him.

Carr was charged following an incident that occurred in Fredericton Junction around 7:30 a.m. on January 23, 2010. RCMP District 2 Oromocto members responded to a complaint of an assault involving a handgun. The suspect used a handgun in order to gain entry to the residence of an acquaintance and committed an assault with serious injuries before fleeing from the residence.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are continuing to go down following the weekly setting. The maximum price for self serve regular is almost a cent a litre cheaper at 101.3. It's being sold around St. Stephen for 99.2. The maximum that can be charged for diesel is 105.3. Furnace oil is at 88.7 and propane, 115.5.

David Alward to speak at luncheon

The St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce is featuring Opposition Leader David Alward as its guest speaker at today's the luncheon at The St. Stephen Legion. Chamber president Shelley McKeeman said all Chamber members, as well as any other interested people, are encouraged to come out and hear what Alward has to say.

New Pediatrician Calais Regional Hospital

Calais Regional Hospital and Calais Regional Medical Services is pleased to welcome pediatrician David Walter, MD, to the active medical staff. Dr. Walter has over 30 years pediatric experience, including general pediatric care and neonatal intensive care. His most recent position was at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. EMMC’s change from physician providers to nurse practitioner providers prompted Dr. Walter’s search for a new place to practice, which led him to Eastern Washington County and Calais Regional Medical Services.

Dr. Walter will begin seeing patients the second week in February. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Walter, contact the CRMS office at 454-8195.

Sudden Death St. Stephen

The District 1 RCMP - St Stephen Post are conducting an investigation into the sudden death of a 77 year old female resident of St Stephen, which occurred on January 24th. At this time, it has been determined that foul play is not suspected to be involved. The matter remains under investigation, pending completion of the post mortem report.

Sara Russell Sentencing

20-year-old Sarah Russell will be sentenced next month for her role in the death her newborn son last year.

She pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in November.

Her boyfriend, Rodney Miller, pleaded guilty in September to first-degree murder for fatally stabbing the child and was given an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Russell's sentencing will take place on February 2nd.
 

Storm Problems

The rain and high winds knocking out power for more than 47 hundred NB Power customers around the province with most in St. Stephen and Fredericton. At this point there are still almost 1000 customers off the grid between St. Stephen and Frederiction. Power is expected to be back within the few hours. Drivers this morning are being warned to beware of pools of water on streets that can cause hydroplaneing if you're going too fast.

Lincourt Manor Gets Funding from Government

Premier Shawn Graham announced funding for Lincourt Manor today in the amount of 1.2 Million. The money will be used to undertake substantial renovations to include work on the parking lot, exterior walls, kitchen upgrades and air quality.

The government is focused on three priorities this year: jobs, learning and health and senior care," Graham said. "The government is committed to ensuring opportunities exist for all New Brunswickers to obtain quality health and senior care."

District 10 gets Funding from Provincial Government

District 10 on the receiving end of $885,000 from the Capital Budget. The Provincial government will nearly double it's investment in building, repairing and modernizing schools in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. In St Stephen the Elementary School receives $75,00 for sound proofing the gym...the middle school will spend $150,000 for foundation drainage and waterproofing.
Fundy High, Sir James Dunn Academy, and the Grand Manan school will each get $40,000 for roof flashing replacement. The Campobello Consolidated school gets a new roof with the price tag of $295,000 and Vincent Massey in Saint Andrews will receive $245,000 for Site development for parking.

Windy Weather For St. Stephen

Wet and windy weather is heading for parts of the Maritime region -- and several warnings are in place.

Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for St Stephen and surrounding area in the overnight hours.

Up to 30 millimetres of rain expected with winds gusting up to 90 km/h along southwestern coastal section these strong winds are expected to produce large seas and pounding surf tonight.

Conditions will improve on Tuesday as the trough moves to lie east of New Brunswick.

New Dialysis Unit at Charlotte County Hospital

The provincial government is investing close to $1.4 million in capital and operating funds to establish a satellite dialysis unit at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen.
The announcement was made today by Premier Shawn Graham at Lincourt Manor .
The new capital and operating funding will support a new dialysis unit with five hemodialysis stations operating three days a week, 12 hours per day, with a capacity to serve 10 patients. The unit is expected to be in operation in early 2011.
Health Minister Mary Schryer on hand for the announcement said the investment will enable St. Stephen-area residents to obtain dialysis treatment closer to home.

The Charlotte County Hospital Foundation has contributed $350,000 for new equipment for the unit.

Conditions After Winter Storm

Yesterday's storm that hit St. Stephen and area turned out to be more intense than predicted with 17 centimetres of snow being reported with totals outside of town higher. Roads in places are slippery this morning with the milder temperatures last night and colder temperatures this morning...St. Stephen RCMP are not reporting any major accident due to yesterday storm...Meanwhile St John City Police saying driving conditions were treacherous yesterday reporting 27 accidents...One of the more serious mishaps occurred late in the afternoon when a car and school bus collided at King Street East and Pitt Street in Saint John. There were 21 young people on board the school bus at the time but none was injured. The airbags deployed in the car and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of a cut.