Upgrades Coming To St. Andrews Wharf For Cruise Lines

Get ready for the Cruise Lines!


New upgrades for the wharf being announced today in St. Andrews in order to bring in more traffic from cruise ships.

South-West MP John Williamson tells Tide News about the upgrades coming to the wharf in St. Andrews in preparation for more cruise ships. He says pontoons will be put in place, a bathroom, and dredging in the harbour so the larger ships can get in.

Charlotte-Campobello MLA Curtis Malloch tells Tide News when he took on the responsibility of MLA he wanted to see our communities become closer. He says today that 47 travellers from the current cruise ship docked at the wharf had taken a trip to Campobello Island.

St. Andrews Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi tells Tide News this will bring more tourism to our area. She says it will make a big difference  to local businesses like whale watching tours and kayakers.
A combined federal, provincial, and municipal investment of approximately $900,000 will be used for improvements and upgrades to the wharf.

The 4th Annual Granite Town Wild Blueberry Festival Kicks Off Today

Let's paint the Town Blue!


St. George starting up the 4th Annual Granite Town Wild Blueberry Festival today.

There are dozens of events taking place throughout the weekend, BBQ's, a car show, pet pageant, children's games, and even a demo and tasting with Chef Dave from NBCC.

The "Home of the Big Blueberry" celebrating from today ( Friday, August 17th ) through to Sunday ( August 19th ).

Ferguson Awarded $600,000 After Being Found Innocent Of Defamation

A lump sum of $600,000 has been awarded to John Ferguson, the former Saint John common councillor (and currently the Chief Administrative Officer for St. Stephen)  found innocent in May of defamation against the city's pension board.

Mr Justice William Grant referred to both the pension board and Ferguson as increasingly "entrenched and inflexible" as the trial progressed.

Further, he said the pension board's claim they sued Ferguson on principle meant less given it was not at their own expense.

Lawyer Matt Pearn tells Tide News it's up to Ferguson whether he accepts the amount.


Justice Grant said the total legal costs in the case exceeded $2 million dollars.

Glenn Cooke on Undercover Boss Canada

Corus Entertainment has announced the schedule for the upcoming season of the hit television show UNDERCOVER BOSS CANADA.
This is the show that invites CEOs to work in the field so that they can learn more about their companies and their people.

Cooke Aquaculture CEO Glenn Cooke is one of the 10 Canadian CEOs who went undercover for the upcoming season.
Glenn Cooke spends a week working undercover at the Canadian leader in salmon farming, encountering the East Coasters who nurture his fish and their remarkable stories.

The Cooke episode debuts on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 pm on W Network.

Three Bodies Found In Burning Car In Bangor, Maine

The state medical examiner's office beginning autopsies today on three bodies found burning in a car in Bangor, Maine.


Early yesterday morning (August 13, 2012), a car with Rhode Island plates was discovered burning in a parking lot on Target Industrial Circle in Bangor.

Firefighters found the 3 bodies after putting out the flames.

A Bangor Police Department spokesman says the deaths are suspiscious, but will give no other details at this time.

Large Crowds For International Fest Despite Rain

The rain putting a damper on festivities, but not on everyone's spirit.


The 2012 International Festival closing weekend wrapping up last night with a fireworks display over the St. Stephen / Calais waterfronts last night.

A huge crowd attending, despite the drizzly weather.

The International Festival Parade on Saturday also getting wet, but the streets were still packed.

The best overall entry in the parade was awarded to the Ganong Nature Park.

The Best Commercial Entry went to Lawrance Lord and Sons, and best Non-Commercial entry was Barbara's School of Dance.

Sexual Assault Suspect Drank 19 Beers, Did Cocaine

The plot thickens in a case of alleged sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and unlawful confinement at Buccaneer's Pub in Saint John back in January....25-year-old Bradley Scott Wilson saying he never laid a hand on the 46-year-old bartender, and she initiated all the sexual contact in exchange for cash.

Wilson claims he only scuffled with the woman after she stole $100 from a jacket he left in the washroom...contradicting her testimony that he cornered her and intimidated her into performing sex acts. Another woman also at the bar last night claims he hassled her for a kiss after offering her drugs. Wilson's version is after the bartender stole the money, she offered him oral sex in exchange for keeping it.

The Chance Harbour man admitted to a drinking problem saying he had 19 beer and several lines of cocaine the night of the incident. He had previously been barred from the pub for fighting.

Chocolate Lover Of The Year 2012

Chocolate Town has found it's "Chocolate Lover of the Year".


Evan McBride earning the beloved title today on his 6th birthday.

McBride being presented with a plaque this afternoon ( August 10th) and a basket full of chocolate goodies during Chocolate-Mania festivities at the St. Stephen High School.

Local MLA Worried Over Acadian Bus Closure

A local MLA blaming the provincial government of having mixed-up priorities.


With the coming closure of Acadian Bus Lines, Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet tells Tide News the government doesn't want to spend money on public transit.

He argues "...if the Alward Government can purchase the Harbour Bridge at a cost of over $150 million a year, if they can create a $200,000 a year position for Margaret-Ann Blaney, and have our Deputy Premier and CEO of NB Liquor having a nice vacation in France on the tax-payers dime, then I think they should at least consider playing a role in maintaining an essential service such as this."

Doucet tells Tide News the people of New Brunswick - particularly in rural areas - depend on this service, and the Alward government needs to consider that.

He says he hopes that the Alward Government is looking at all of it's options on the table. He says there are other bus lines that are interested, and New Brunswick needs to create an environment that will offer a province-wide service, so places like St. Stephen will not be left out.

Doucet says Acadian makes stops in Pennfield, Blacks Harbour, St. George, as well as St. Stephen, connecting residents to stops all over the Maritimes.

Premier Holding Cabinet Meeting In St. Stephen Today

There will be a few extra Ministers in Chocolate Town today.


Premier David Alward and Cabinet Ministers from across the province holding a meeting in St. Stephen.

This is the first time any such meeting has been held locally.

Communications Director Jesse Robichaud tells Tide News Alward is holding meetings around the province as a way to get closer to New Brunswickers.

Robichaud adds, it's also a chance for local MLA Curtis Malloch ( as seen in picture ) to address concerns and opportunities specific to Charlotte County.

Earthquake In Pennfield

It wasn't very big, but the locals still felt it.


An earthquake, with the magnitude of 2.6 on the Richter Scale being reported this morning (August 7, 2012), shortly after midnight.

The Natural Resources of Canada website confirming the areas hit hardest were Pennfield and St. George.

There have been no reports of injury or damage.

Tourism Minister Confident This Season Will Be A Good One

The weather's been good but we'll have to wait awhile before seeing how good tourism has been this summer in the province.

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says he won't have the numbers until the summer is over but from what he's been told by operators and seen for himself, he's confident the numbers will be up.

Holder says he's amazed that wherever he goes in the world to promote the province, everyone, it seems, wants to see the Bay of Fundy and that has to be pushed more because you can't over promise when selling New Brunswick to potential visitors.

Holder says the sculpturing taking place down at the Coast Guard site will boost tourism because there is a growing number of people who want to experience the culture of the place they're visiting.

Warning For Shellfish Cooking

If you're planning on cooking some shellfish for a long-weekend meal, you might need to take a second look at where you're buying it from and how you're cooking it.

The province's deputy chief medical officer of health warning New Brunswickers' when you buy your shellfish, make sure it's from an approved vendor, since some areas are closed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans due to levels of bacteria and toxins.

Dr. Denis Allard tells Tide news you also need to cook your seafood properly and the sooner you eat it, the better, if you don't cook right away it will start to spoil and bacteria will multiply.

Allard adds consequences range from vomiting to even loosing memory or becoming paralysed.

Click here for more information on shellfish food safety.

New Exhibit & Celebrations At Fundy Aquarium

As your planning how to enjoy your long weekend you can catch the end and start of exhibits at the Fundy Aquarium in St Andrews.

Event coordinator Janie Jones tells Tide news they have plenty of events planned for tomorrow including a cash BBQ from 11:30-1, mini Olympics from 1:30-3:00, and a puppet show 3:15. They'll also be a craft table where kids can make their own New Brunswick flag.

Today is the last day to check out shark week featuring a wide variety of rare sharks to make room for tomorrow's beginning of "Water Week". It'll focus on celebrating fisherman and display fishing techniques.

 

For more information, click here.

Woman Stuck On Elevator

It's the kind of story that makes you want to take the stairs.

One woman is free after being stuck in an elevator for about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon in Saint John.

Around 1:30pm the employee of Rocmaura Nursing Home was freed with the help of Saint John Fire crews and maintenance staff.

Fire crews stayed on scene for 55 minutes to make sure she was OK -- especially because it was a hot day and warm in the elevator.

New Rules, Tips For Crossing The Border

It's the long weekend--and many of us are heading south for shopping and fun across the border. Dwayne Ingraham of Canadian Border Services says to make your trip as hassle-free as possible, you might consider using the Third Bridge border crossing out of St Stephen instead of the downtown crossing most people use.


Of course, you should always bring proper identification like your passport of Nexus Card. Igraham also reminds travelers the personal exemption limits were bumped up in June to $200 for absences of 24 hours or more, and $800 for absences of 48 hours or more.

Beware of Scammers

The Rothesay Regional Police Force warning people about two different scams making the rounds...the first involves purchases made off auction sites like Ebay and Kijiji.

Detective Sergeant Craig MacDougall explains one involves fake email confirming money has been sent for items being sold online. The emails use PayPal's logo to make it seem official. The sellers then send off the items--but the money isn't actually there when they log in.
MacDougall also warns of a second scam that's been going on for a while in which the caller claims to be from Microsoft and needs access to your computer to fix a virus. He says it's most likely both of the scams originate from overseas.

Prices Go Up At Tim's

Your Tim's fix has just gotten more expensive.....Timmie's says the price of a muffin is now five cents higher, and sandwiches have gone up by about 10 cents. The new prices will affect most locations.
The price of coffee is staying the same.

The price jump comes after Maple Leaf Foods warned drought conditions will drive up food prices. Tim's has more that 3,700 restaurants throughout North America.

Cookie & Spice Recall From CFIA

A couple of warnings from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
One warning is not to consume, sell or serve the Spice Kingdom brand dried Egyptian Basil because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Spice Kingdom brand BASIL - EGYPTIAN, 30M, Whole, Fancy, bearing Lot No. 4685/E, was sold in bulk 25 kg (55 lbs) bags to cash & carry outlets, restaurants, bakeries and food service establishments in Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba. So far there's been no reported illnesses. The importer, Shah Trading Co. Ltd., Scarborough, ON is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
In another case CFIA is warning people with allergies to milk not to consume the Crispy Just Baked, Crispy, and Sunrize Oven Fresh brands of Cookies described below. The affected products contain milk which is not declared on certain labels.
All codes of the following Cookies which do not clearly declare milk on the labels are listed below:
Brand Product Size UPC
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 380 g 6 27265 00153 7
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00152 0
Crispy Just Baked Punjabi Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00151 3
Crispy Just Baked Almond Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00120 9
Crispy Just Baked Coconut Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00121 6
Crispy Just Baked Pistachio Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00601 3
Crispy Just Baked Salted Khari
Biscuits 200 g 6 27265 00247 3
Crispy Butterfly Cookies
Baqar Khani 340 g 6 27265 00132 2
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00602 0
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00262 6
Crispy Just Baked Cashew Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00272 5
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00116 2
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 800 g 6 27265 00216 9
Crispy Just Baked Zeera/Cumin Cookies 1.135 kg 6 27265 00274 9
Sunrize Oven Fresh Zeera Cookies 400 g 6 27265 00865 9

Three Vehicle Crash Sends Three People To Hospital On Highway 1

Police sending out a warning after a three-vehicle crash on Highway 1.


Around 2pm yesterday (July 31st), District 1 RCMP responding to a massive collision on a 2-lane stretch of highway in Bethel.

Police tell Tide News a car had stopped on the highway, preparing to make a left turn, and was hit from behind by a second vehicle.

The first vehicle was then sent into the opposite lane, colliding with a third vehicle.

Three people were sent to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight warns drivers, when making a left turn, keep your wheels straight until you can make the turn safely.

This way, MacKnight adds, if you are hit from behind, your car won't be sent into oncoming traffic.