Hygiene Council Warns Food Preparation

Preparing just one meal can contaminate 90% of surfaces touched. A new study warns people can become very sick from cross contamination of both raw meat and veggies. Dr. Donald Low of the Global Hygiene Council tells us that everything from the plate used for thawing meat to an ingredient you touched can become contaminated.

"Now your hands are contaminated, now your utensils are contaminated, cutting board is... and what we found from the study is that people inadvertently not realizing this or just having a lapse will take that dirty hand and pick something else up."

Dr. Low adds the solution is simple --- just remember to wash your hands before touching other surfaces like taps and utensils. When barbecuing your meat, cooking hotter and longer is better to kill bacteria.

City Looking At Losing A Big Percentage Of Its Workforce

Saint John wants to become the employer of choice as it faces the loss of almost one-quarter of its workers over the next five years through retirement. Common Council has been told 151 city workers could be retiring over the next five years. 

There has been talk some of those nearing retirement could be leaving early because they're uncertain over what's going to happen to the city's pension plan. Human Resources doesn't know how many of them will actually retire because many times they give very short notice.

The city is making do with 70 fewer workers than it had a decade ago and there is one major job vacancy at City Hall these days.......Commissioner of Water as a decision will have to be made on universal metering and efforts continuing at reaching a funding ageeement with the federal and provincial governments on advanced treatment of drinking water.

Arrests Made At Westfield Establishment

Several arrests made at a venue on Westfield road in Saint John West Saturday night after multiple complaints by neighbours. Saint John City Police tells us there were several violations under the liquor control act. One man is criminally charged with criminal disturbance by swearing. Another man facing charges for drinking and driving and failing a breathalyzer. The venue itself allegedly broke a noise by-law and liquor control act. Police could not confirm how many arrests were made. The incident is under investigation.

Quispam Mayor Says No Fracking

The town of Quispamsis doesn't have a problem with seismic testing for shale gas and that's not why it wants a ban, according to Mayor Murray Driscoll.


"It's when they come to fracturing to find shale gas. That's the difficulty and of in our town, we have 6,000 wells with 3 major ones to look after our water supply for the entire community."


Driscoll says the town opposes anything that would jeopardise the integrity of those wells. Driscoll tells us when they come up with a method for extracting the natural gas which doesn't pose a risk to drinking water from wells, the town will have another look.

St. Stephen Man Gets Highest Mark In Canada

Our former Chamber of Commerce President getting the highest mark in Canada in the STEP Canada Trust and Estate Planning Course.


Jason Rideout of St. Stephen receiving his diploma and TEP designation in April.

He recently received a plaque for his achievment of the top mark in the country.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners has more than 16,500 members in 66 countries, and is the leading international organization for professionals working with trusts and estates.

In New Brunswick, Rideout is one of only 4 accountants with the TEP designation.

( Picture - from left - St. Stephen Mayor John Quartermain, Jason Ridout, and current Chamber of Commerce President Dale Weeks )

Construction On Marks Street Water Main Monday

Get ready for some detours, smack dab in the middle of town.


As part of the annual Streets Rehabilitation Program, St. Stephen will be renewing the water main on Marks Street, from Queen Street West to the Pool Road.

Work starting this Monday, June 25th, and lasting the duration of 2 weeks.

The road will be closed to through traffic between 7am and 4pm, and local access will be maintained during construction.

The Town apologizes for any inconvenience.

For more information call Director of Operations Lee Johnson at 466-7752.

Police Say Arson Behind Old Town Tavern

The Old Town Tavern being the scene of arson over the weekend.


District 1 RCMP tell Tide News a car parked behind the St. Stephen bar was set on fire around 3am Sunday morning.

Police say the car had been parked there for a few weeks, and the blaze caused extensive damage.

Police are asking for your help if you know who is responsible.

If you have any information, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

'Tis The Season For Grads

The Class of 2012 being fairly well behaved.


District 1 RCMP say so far this graduation season, there have been no reports of incidents or tragedies in the St. Stephen area.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight tells Tide News that underage drinking is always a concern this time of year, but most important is safety and supervision, including safe transportation.

Police say most of the parties have been outside of town limits.

Rally In The St. Croix Valley Is A Go!

The Town of St. Stephen saying 'Yes' to a Motorcyle Fest.


In the first scheduled meeting of the new Town Council, the Rally In The St. Croix Valley getting a nod of approval.

The Rally seeking permission to erect a stage for nightly entertainment on St. Stephen's waterfront, as well as set up a vendor village during the festivities.

The Rally In The St. Croix Valley will be running from Sunday, July 1st, to Sunday, July 8th.

Local Police Investigate Sudden Death

District 1 RCMP in St. Stephen are investigating a sudden death that happened in Bocabec last week.


Sgt. Bob McKnight confirms to Tide News that no foul play was involved, however, no other details are being released.

Blacks Harbour To Refrain From Washing Clothes

Today, Connors Bros will be completing their repairs to the water system in Blacks Harbour.


Officials tell Tide News, during the switch over, residents could get a disruption in their water service, or discolored water.

They are encouraging residents not to wash clothes today, and apologize for the inconvenience.

If you notice any issues with your water, you are asked to contact the Village of Blacks Harbour Office at 456-4870.

400 Advance Votes In Rothesay

Rothesay will soon have a new face around the council horseshoe---Just over 400 votes were cast during the first day of advance voting in the Rothesay by-election. Reports from the local returning office indicate a steady stream of votes being cast at the Lady of Perpetual Help polling location. Advance polling continues on Monday. The election happens on June 25th.

Three Young Men Arrested For Drugs Near Q-Plex

Some young men getting arrested over the weekend for using drugs in the area of the Q-Plex. Police getting the call around 11pm that there were 3 young people hanging around using drugs. No word yet on what that drugs were or what, if any charges will be laid--although two 18 year old and 1 youth were busted.

Human Remains Found In Nash Creek

The RCMP in New Brunswick are investigating after human remains were found following a house fire in Nash Creek. Police responded to the fire at 52 Hickey Road around 11 p.m. on Friday. The house was completely engulfed in flames and it wasn't until the fire was extinguished that the remains were discovered. Police say an autopsy is scheduled for today to determine cause of death. They don't believe anyone else was in the home at the time. Police say the fire is not suspicious in nature and investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze.

Fire In Saint John's North End

Five apartment residents are back in their building after a fire occurring last night.

Saint John City Police tells CHSJ news they received the call to 228 Brittain Street 20 after 12.

Police are unsure what caused the blaze. There were no injuries.

The incident is under investigation.

Local MLA Pointing Finger At Alward For Allowing Coast Guard Cuts

A local MLA speaking out against Premier David Alward for not standing up to the Prime Minister on cutbacks to the Coast Guard.


MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet tells Tide News the closure of the marine and traffic services centre in Saint John will jeopardize safety in the Bay of Fundy.

Doucet says the Coast Guard Marine Centre in Saint John controlled all of the traffic in the Bay of Fundy. Now, he says, if a boat is in trouble, they will now be speaking with someone in Nova Scotia, compared to the people in Saint John who know every nook and crannie of the Bay of Fundy.

Rick Doucet says just like our blood supply leaving the province -- Nova Scotia will now be our only marine link as well.

Maine Toddler Missing For 6 Months

Tomorrow will mark 6 months since the disappearance of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed toddler.


20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported missing from her crib in Waterville, Maine, December 16th, 2011.

Waterville Police say Justin DiPietro -- Ayla's father -- sticks to the claim his daughter was abducted in the middle of the night, even after police confirmed they found a "significant amount" of Ayla's blood in DiPietro's basement.


Spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, Steve McCausland says it is "highly unlikely" the toddler will be found alive, but investigators remain determined to solve her disappearance.

There is a $30,000 reward for information about Ayla's disappearance.

If you have any information, please contact Waterville Police at 1-207-680-4700.

A Few Words With A Gold Medalist

In her first International Competition -- and being the youngest girl competing -- Allyssa Cleaves returns home to St. Stephen with a gold medal.


The 18-year-old St. Stephen High School student spent a week in Guatemala for the Junior Pan-American Wrestling Championship.

Cleaves tells Tide News she was in shock when she received gold. She says they went into the competition with hopes of a podium finish, but never expected to finish in first place.

She says she is very proud to bring a gold medal back to her hometown, especially after representing Team Canada. Cleaves says she has only been to competitions representing her school (SSHS) or New Brunswick.

Local Coach Pat Zwicker also attending the Championship as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada.

Knife-Wielding Suspect breaks Into St. George Home

It was a scary weekend for one St. George resident.


District 1 RCMP tell Tide News they are investigating an armed break and enter that happened on Main Street, in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Police say a man wearing a balaclava entered the home with a knife, demanding items from the resident.

There was a struggle and the suspect left on an all-terrained vehicle.

The resident's hand was injured.

Officers with help from RCMP Police Dog Services searching the area, but were unable to find the suspect.

Anyone with knowledge of this crime is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or District 1 RCMP in St. George at 755-1130.

Multiple Property Damage on Campobello Island

Someone is vandalizing properties on Campobello Island.


RCMP tell Tide News, around June 9th, someone broke into a garage on Head Harbour Road, and damaged the grounds of the residence.

Police say this is the latest in a pattern of targeted damage to private and governmant property.

If you have any information about this crime, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).