Halloween safety: Tips for families

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids.
98.1 The Tide wants to keep everyone safe and happy on Halloween.

•Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
•Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material. Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front, so that drivers can better see your child.
•Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses or capes.
•Put your child’s name, address and phone number on his costume.
•Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends.

Cuts To Bus Service Will Hurt Low-Income People

The Human Development Council says the upcoming cuts to transit service and hours will hurt those in the low-income bracket.

Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News certain families, students, and the elderly take the bus because it's the only means of transportation they can afford and cuts to the service will mean longer and harder days for them.

He says our transit system is not in a good position as ridership in Canada's ten largest urban areas is up by over 5 percent in the last year while our numbers are stagnant.
 

He says new funding model that does not rely on property taxes will need to be established for cities.

Saint John recently announced a reduction in service and 12 employees will be let go in order to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Nor'easter Hits New Brunswick

It looks like mother nature is giving us the trick rather than the treat.

Saint John and the surrounding areas are under a rainfall warning -- according to Environment Canada, a low pressure system is tracking south of Nova Scotia  is bringing the slushy mess.

Meteorologist Doug Mercer tells CHSJ News the rest of the day will not be fun, saying that we should expect more rain mixed with snow and strong northeasterly winds.

Baby Barn Catches Fire

A baby barn ablaze at 54 Champlain Drive East.

The wood frame structure caught on fire shortly after midnight, and caused damage to a nearby vehicle.

No injuries, but the fire department tells CHSJ News that they are treating the cause of the fire as suspicious.

Bay of Fundy Continues Drive To Be One Of The World's 7 Natural Wonders

The crashing tides of the Bay of Fundy receiving some international recognition. The bay could be named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

Bay of Fundy Tourism executive Terri McCulloch states that the bay is running against major tourist sites like the Grand Canyon, Dead Sea, and the Galapagos Islands. An important goal of the campaign has been to get some visibility for the Bay of Fundy.

Politicians and celebrities, including comedian Rick Mercer, are getting behind the bid. Mercer recently featured the bay in a segment of his TV show.

Over 440 sites entered the contest: the Bay of Fundy has made it into the final 28. It is the only remaining Canadian entrant.

The winners will be announced November 11.

To vote for the Bay of Fundy, click here.

Community Paper Celebrates 3 Years

The free paper "Around the Block" is a familiar sight to readers in Saint John's priority neighborhoods. The publication is celebrating its third anniversary this week.

Coordinator Juanita Black tells CHSJ News that the paper has taken important lessons from communities throughout the Port City, such as learning from one another.

According to Black, the paper has come a long way since it started in 2008.

The goal of "Around the Block" is to give a sense of pride to priority neighborhoods.

Ten Thousand Villages in 1 Town

The Kirk McColl Church in St. Stephen is hosting the non-profit organization today and tomorrow.

Ten Thousand Villages is the largest fair trade retailer in North America, giving artisans in over 30 countries a chance to sell their handcrafted projects for a fair price.

Moncton Man on Canada-Wide Warrant

RCMP issuing a Canada-wide warrant for a Moncton man in connection with a shooting that occurred last weekend in Moncton.

29-year-old Tyrone Jermain "TJ" Williams is wanted on charges of discharging a firearm with intent, use of a firearm, careless use of firearm, pointing a firearm and assault.

Williams is black about 6 feet tall and 240 lbs with brown eyes and black hair in dreadlocks.

He may be armed and if you see him, contact police immediately.

Trash or Treasure?

Is it Trash or Treasure? You can find out this Sunday in St. Andrews.CHCT-TV, which is St. Andrews Local television station will be hosting the Trash or Treasures event this Sunday at the WC Oneal Arena. The event will go from 1 - 4 as local antique dealers will be on hand to identify your treasures. Proceeds are in support of truly local television for Charlotte County, CHCT.

Ghosts on Ministers Island?

Ghosts in Charlotte County?

In time for Hallowe'en, but this is no joke.

The Maritime Paranormal team has been investigating Sir William Van Horne's summer home on Minister's Island.

They believe they have proof of hauntings in the mansion.

The team is revealing their expert findings at the Fairmont Algonquin Saturday night.

Wear Blue For Justan

Today blue ribbons can be seen on park benches, light posts, and even residents of St. Stephen.

Local teen Justan Rideout, who is now a quadriplegic after a car accident 3 months ago, is undergoing rehabilitation in Saint John.

The ribbons are in support of his struggle.

His younger brother, Braden Rideout, told Tide News that Blue Ribbon Day will give Justan the strength he needs to recover.

Beware Of Scam!

Another scam making the rounds in Charlotte County.

An email is making the rounds in Charlotte County, stating you have a courier parcel to pick up from the Post Office, and then asks you to open a file connected to it.

A call to Canada Post confirms they would never send emails about packages to customers, and assume the file is a virus.

If you recieve one of these emails, please report to the local police.

Get Your Hunting Permit

There's still a chance to get  your hunting license at Moosehorn.

The Moosehorn National Wildlife refuge in Baring, Maine,  is giving hunters the opportunity to get their permit outside of office hours.

The refuge will be open tomorrow evening from 6 to 8 pm Eastern Time.

Hunting is allowed on over half of the Wildlife refuges in the United States.

Demolition Has Started!

Budd Avenue will never be the same again.

Demolition has started on the empty buildings that occupy the lower part of the street.

St. Stephen's new Civic Centre will be filling the spot in the coming years.

A completion date for the Civic Centre has not been confirmed.

Vandalism In St. Stephen

CrimeStoppers wants you in handcuffs... or on the phone.

A car was damaged sometime last night, while parked outside of St. Croix Auto in St. Stephen.

The 2001 Ford Mustang now has a smashed rear window.

Call 1-800-222-TIPS if you have any information.

You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.

Wear Blue For Rideout

The town of St. Stephen is coming together to help one if its own.

After a car accident, local Justan Rideout was left a quadriplegic and has been undergoing rehabilitation in Saint John.

Various businesses, like the RBC Royal Bank in St. Stephen are holding a Blue Ribbon Day, or Jean Day, this Thursday.
They are asking other businesses to take part.

If you are interested, please call Patty Mills at 466-9153.

Find Answers To Your Shale Gas Questions

The province is going online to answer your questions about shale gas exploration and development.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup will be holding a live webcast next Thursday where he will answer your questions.

You can submit questions via email and you have until 5pm Tuesday.

For a link to the email address, click here 

Liberals Sound Off On The Government's Energy Blueprint

Liberal Energy Critic Brian Kenny is sounding off on the new energy blueprint released by the Alward Government.

He tells CHSJ News there was no mention of the Point Lepreau cost overruns or the Mactaquac retrofit.

He says those two projects could cut into the projected 8 to 10 million dollar savings when NB Power gets put back together into one company.

Kenny adds when the Premer was in Ottawa this week there was no mention of him talking to the Prime Minister about the cost overuns relating to Point Lepreau.

He says although it's a 10 year plan, the provincial Tories has flip-flopped on their policies before.

Big Names In Our Small Town

Some Big names in Country are coming to St. Stephen.

98.1 The Tide presents Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings on Saturday, November 19th.
They will be taking the stage at the St. Stephen Middle School as part of their Big Hits, Small Towns Tour.

With special guest host Mike Biggar, the tour raises money for local schools.
Tickets are $29.95 at the door, or you can get them in advance at Miss D's Convenience or The Red Rooster Country Store.

Boil Water Order Lifted

The Passamaquaddy Water District released a statement today, confirming that - for the most part - the Boil Water Order has been lifted.

Residents of Eastport will no longer need to boil their drinking water before consumption.

However, if you are on temporary service because of the water main construction, you will still need to boil your water for at least a minute.