Proposed Amendment Aims to Help Smokers Quit

A new opposition bill is aiming to help New Brunswickers kick the cigarette habit.

The Liberals successfully presenting the bill, which aims to dedicate a percentage of tobacco tax revenues to smoking cessation help and medications.  The province currently spends more that 200-million annually in health care and workplace-related expenses linked to smoking.

Provincial health advocate Bill Fraser says that he "couldn't be happier" and that the Act to Amend the Tobacco Tax Act will make the province healthier. New Brunswick currently does not have a comprehensive quit-smoking program.

Help Find The Panty Thief

Police want your help finding the panty thief.

There have been 20 reported thefts of undergarments and sex toys in the province, mostly in the Saint-Paul, Sainte-Marie, and Bouctouche areas.

Police are asking for anyone who witnessed someone suspicious around their home or had someone unexpected come to their door in recent weeks and months.

The say even seemingly random encounters can provide vital clues.

If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Man Dead after Fatal Crash in Rollingdam

A fatal crash outside of St. Stephen leaving a man dead.

District 1 RCMP are investigating after a 50-year-old man driving on the Catchcart Road last night in Rollingdam, drove off of the road and hit a tree.

Police say the crash happened about 8pm.

The man was pronounced dead at the Charlotte County Regional Hospital.

He was the only person in the crash.

Civic Center Meeting Cancelled

A Special meeting about the new Civic Center in St. Stephen has been canceled for tonight.

The purpose of the meeting was to consider 3 motions relating to the Garcelon Civic Center Project, including an Expenditure Controls Policy, banking and short term financing, as well as the appointment of Internal Project Manager.

Due to circumstances, the meeting is canceled until further notice.

Toy Drive a success

98.1 The Tide held it's annual Toy Drive today for the Family Resource Center and the Volunteer Center of Charlotte County. In four hours, a completely full cargo trailer of toys were collected. Plus, $271.00 in cash was raised too. This event will sure put some smiles on the faces of boys and girls this Christmas.

Saint John Sea Dogs Release Memorial Cup Book

Sports fans might not always be the biggest bookworms--but the Saint John Sea Dogs are releasing some terrific reading material for fans of the team.

The Sea Dogs are releasing a limited-edition commemorative book called “Hockey Heaven: A Look Inside the 2011 Saint John Sea Dogs, Memorial Cup Champions.” There will be just one print run of 500 copies. 

The books will arrive in time for Christmas, but they're selling fast! Fans are encouraged to place a pre-order make sure they get their copy.

The book is filled with pictures, quotes, and behind-the-scenes looks at the team’s historic journey through the 2010-2011 season.

The 80-page, hardcover book is retailing for $58. It's to commemorate the team winning the Memorial Cup. They're calling it "an exclusive piece of Saint John hockey history."

International Day of Disabled Persons Marked Today

The International Day of Disabled Persons is being observed today. The UN created the day in 1992 to promote the benefits everyone can gain from including people with disabilities.

Christyne Allain, of the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, said in a statement that integrating people with disabilities into mainstream society is important to our political, social, economic, and cultural life.

While a lot of progress has been made, says Allain, there's still a gap between policy and practice that must be addressed.

The slogan chosen this year by the United Nations is, "Together for a better world for all: including persons with disabilities in development."

The Tide's Annual Toy Drive Tomorrow!

Do you have toys your kids don't play with anymore?

If they're still in good condition, head to the St. Stephen Canadian Tire tomorrow for The Tide's Annual Toy Drive, and donate them for local children in our area.

Collecting toys for the Family Resource Centre and the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, The Tide will be in Canadian Tire's parking lot from 10am until 2pm.

Save a Life, Give Blood

It's giving a gift that doesn't cost you anything.

The Canadian Blood Services says they need as much help as they can get, because this is a tough time of the year to get blood donations.

The CBS will be holding a blood donor clinic at the Fundy High School tomorrow in St. George, between 1:30 and 4pm, and 5:30 till 7:30pm.

For more information call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Or visit their website at www.blood.ca.

More VLT's in New Brunswick?

Local listeners giving their opinion on our Facebook Page.

We received mixed reviews of the Atlantic Lottery Corporation wanting to install up to 75 more video lottery terminals -- or VLT's -- in our province.

One woman said it wasn't fair to blame the VLT's, comparing the act to blaming bars because people are alcoholics.

However almost 84% of the comments expressed negativity towards the decision, with comments such as "dislike" and "Ridiculous".

According to ALC's latest annual report..... New Brunswick made $91 million from vlt's in 2010-2011 _ down from $100 million the year before.

McAdam Health Care?

What do you think about our Health Care system?

Residents of McAdam and surrounding areas will get their chance to answer that question, at a meeting hosted by the Community Action Committee and the McAdam Village Council.

An opportunity to discuss the current delivery of health care, as well as implications for coping with health emergencies in the area.

The meeting gets underway Monday night at the McAdam High School at 7.

Seeley's Cove Road is Open

The Route 1 Gateway Project is one step closer to being finished.

The entrance to the Seeley's Cove Road was closed for the past 11 days to make way for excavation.

Public Relations Stephanie Bell of Dexter Construction telling Tide News Seeley's Cove Road is now open.

RCMP Called To Mayfield Last Night

A bit of drama outside of St. Stephen last night.

District 1 RCMP responding to a report of a man allegedly uttering threats to another inside a home in Mayfield.

The second resident left safely, but the man proceeded to lock himself inside the home while in possession of a weapon.

About 4 hours later, police took the man into custody without incident.

Noone was hurt.

The 30-year-old man was due in court today.

Stonehammer Geopark Gets National Recognition

Stonehammer Geopark is hammering home New Brunswick's status as a national tourism destination. The park showcasing the fossils and unique geology of the region spans more than 2,500 square kilometres. On Thursday, it received the national tourism association's Deloitte Award for Innovator of the Year.

Chair Bill Merrifield says that the park's unique appeal lies in its diversity. Every site offers something new from a geological perspective, he says--and you can see it all in a day.

The award is given out to tourism or business organizations that develop the most innovative product. The 2,500 square kilometer park includes more than 60 major geological sites across Southern New Brunswick, ranging from Lepreau Falls, Norton, the Irving Nature Park, and the Fundy Trail.

Different Kind of Report Card

St. Stephen High School students getting a different kind of report card today.

Grade 10 students receiving a health report card.

A few weeks ago, testing was done for the students in many areas, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, heart rate, and overall health, in a way to educate students to live a healthy life.

The study found as Body mass index goes up, students marks in school and their self-esteem went down.

The High School's Guidance councilor Don Walker says it occured to him a few years ago, they had testing for everything else school related, but not for the most important -- health.

Mr. Walker can be seen with Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, head doctor in the study.

"Pause Before You Post"

Today the St. Stephen High School held an assembly promoting the "Pause Before You Post" campaign.

An initiative created by Jostens, and driven by students and teachers, to give awareness about cyber-bullying.

Students were on stage this morning, talking about the importance of pausing before posting pictures, videos, and comments on social media sites such as Facebook.

Black Friday

Shop till you drop!.........It is Friday....Black Friday that is.

Lots of people are heading over the border today to take advantage of all the Black Friday deals in the USA.

Also, it will be Midnight Madness in St. Stephen tonight.

Lots of local businesses will be staying open late for your holiday shopping convenience and the local Chamber of Commerce wants you to "Spread the Cheer and Shop Right Here!"

Jerry Seinfeld coming to Harbour Station!

Jerry Seinfeld may be best known for his epic television sitcom, described by TV Guide as the greatest program of all time. But, Seinfeld’s first love has always been stand-up comedy. And.....here is your chance to see Jerry Seinfeld at Harbour Station on Friday, Feb. 3rd.Tickets for the show will go on sale Saturday Dec. 3, beginning at 10 a.m at Harbour Station.

Stay Off The Roads!

Cancel your appointments and delay your travel plans.

That word coming from Sergeant Bob MacKnight of District 1 RCMP.

He says they are responding to numerous reports of collisions and vehicles going off the road because of extremely poor driving conditions.

No word yet on fatalities related to the storm.

Stay tuned to The Tide's Storm Central for updates on cancellations, closures, and late buses.

Get Your Shovels Ready!

After a warm and pleasant fall in the Maritimes, the reality of wintry weather is fast approaching.
   
Environment Canada has posted snowfall warnings for southern New Brunswick.
  
 Snow, at times heavy is forecast to begin in our area tomorrow morning, spreading east to Moncton by the afternoon.
   
Our bottom half of the province could see between 15 and 25 centimetres.


Listen to The Tide's Storm Central on 98.1, for any cancellations, closures, late buses, and anything else storm related.