Compensation for Agent Orange Victims at CFB Gagetown

The federal government has decided to approve more payouts under the compensation program for those people affected by the spraying of Agent Orange at C-F-B Gagetown.

The Canadian Press has learned approximately 30 people will now receive payments for exposure to the defoliant in the 1960s.

They were eligible for funds but filed an application too late.

Government sources say the rules were reviewed after it received several complaints when a number of families went public with their bureaucratic battles.

Air Miles Will Now Have Expiry Date

Air Miles is imposing an expiry date on reward miles starting today. It says participants in the Air Miles reward program will be required to use their existing miles before December 31st, 2016. 


Reward miles earned after New Year's Eve will only be valid for five years after they're first posted. 

Until now, the miles never carried an expiration date.

911 Hoax Gets Mispec Teen in Hot Water

Don't fool around and make false emergency calls.

That message from the RCMP after an extensive search in Mispec was prompted by a hoax. A teenager who claimed to be wounded at a camp is now facing a charge of making a false 9-1-1 call. 

Corporal George Parisella tells us this is no joke, and that 911 is only to be used for emergencies.

The RCMP say the youth called 9-1-1 and sounded very agitated when he claimed to have injured himself while cutting wood and was not able to give clear directions to where he was.
The teenager was eventually located none the worse for wear in a camp off West Beach Road.

New Year's Message From District 1 RCMP

Don't start the new year, with the wrong foot on the pedal.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight with the District 1 RCMP says the department already charging a number of people this month with impared driving.

New Year's Eve tomorrow night bumping up patrols for the RCMP, alongside MADD's Red Ribbon Project and St. Stephen Citizens On Patrol giving police a better sense of awareness.

If you know of someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are asked to call 911.

ATV Stolen From St. Stephen

Crimestoppers looking for your help in the theft of an ATV in St. Stephen.

District 1 RCMP Constable Arnold Murphy says a black 2002 Yamaha 660 Raptor all terrain vehicle was stolen from Ross Street, sometime between December 10th and 15th.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

Hitch Hiker Charged With Attempted Robbery

A young St. Stephen man giving people a second thought about picking up hitch hikers.

20-year-old Bradley Johnson appeared in court briefly yesterday on a charge of attempted robbery.

District 1 RCMP in St. George responding Wednesday to a man, who claimed he picked up a hitch hiker, who pulled out a weapon and tried to rob him near Seeley's Cove Road in Pennfield.

Johnson is due back in court Tuesday for a bail hearing.

Police respond to Attempted Robbery by Hitch Hiker in Pennfield

A local Good Samaritan was duped yesterday.

District 1 RCMP responding to an attempted robbery in Pennfield, just before 2pm.

A man claimed he picked up a hitch hiker, who pulled a weapon and tried to rob him.

After a struggle, the driver says he was able to pull over and get the hiker out of his vehicle.

A 20-year-old St. Stephen man was later arrested and held in custody for a court appearance this afternoon.

No one was seriously injured.

Police Need Help in Break and Enter in Musquash

Keep an eye out for a 'hot' ring making the rounds.

That word from RCMP in Lepreau and Crimestoppers in asking the public for help in a break and enter.

From a home in Musquash, on December 15th, someone stealing over $1000 in cash as well as jewelry.

A unique gold ring with a Harley Davidson logo, and the name "Franko" engraved in the band was taken in the heist.

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

$30 Grand Reward for Missing Maine Toddler

A $30,000 reward to bring home a missing toddler from Maine.

A group of private citizens putting up the money for information leading to the location and return of 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds.

The toddler from Waterville, Maine reported missing from her bed Dec 17th.

Ayla was last seen the night before when her father put her to bed.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey says the department receiving around 330 leads from across the country-- some as far away as California.


If you have any information about Ayla's whereabouts, please call 911 or the Waterville Police Department.

Boxing Day Sales Draw Crowds

With some retailers cutting prices now that Christmas is over, shoppers throughout the area have been packing stores hunting for bargains.

Shoppers lined up at 80 Consumers Drive, East Saint John at 6am to take advantage of Future Shop's Boxing Day electronics sales.

Some retailers report the lines outside stores appeared a bit thinner than previous years -- but the Retail Council of Canada estimates there will be a three per cent increase in retail sales this Christmas compared to last year.

Photo Credit: Mark McGraw

Spread Out Holiday Cheer, Advistes Counselor

Now that Christmas is over, it's normal to feel a little let down. The post holiday blues are a common phenomena, says Judy Urqhart of Gentle Path Counseling. She tells CHSJ news that people should try to spread out their holiday cheer and this of Christmas as a season--not just one day.

Planning activities throughout the long cold months can help you beat the post-holiday let-down. Seeking the support of faith communities, family and friends is also important to feeling good all winter long.

Gentle Path offers counseling at locations in Saint John and Hampton Road.

Jack Layton Named Newsmaker of the Year

Jack Layton has been named Canada's Newsmaker of the Year--by a long shot. The late NDP leader receiving the accolade by one of the largest margins in the 65-year history of the Canadian Press poll at 90 per cent.  

Canadian Press Ottawa correspondent Stephanie Levitz tells CHSJ that Layton's landslide in the poll didn't come as a surprise to people in the media, since he was unequivocally the person who consistently made the most headlines nationwide.

Layton, who died of cancer in August, has been credited with leading the NDP to the most successful result in the party's history, winning 103 seats, enough to form Canada's Official Opposition.

Murder Suspect Found

The Saint John Police force got their man.

The police arresting 50-year-old Stephen Wallace Martin in the city's uptown yesterday. There had been a Canada-wide warrant issued for Martin in connection with the death of Robert Ryan.

Ryan's body was found earlier this week in a fire on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Martin remains in police custody.

Christmas Eve Ferry Run To Deer Island

Attention all residents of Deer Island!

The last ferry on Christmas Eve will be leaving a little earlier than normal.

Conrad Cline of the John E. Rigby Ferry says the last run tomorrow from the mainland to Deer Island will leave at 7:30pm.

Canada-Wide Warrant for Murder in Saint John

Tuesday's fire death on Mount Pleasant Avenue North in Saint John is a being called a homicide by police.

70 year old Robert Ryan was killed but police have not released the cause of death.

A Canada-wide warrant has been released for 50 year old Stephen Wallace Martin.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

You can contact city police or Crimestoppers if you have any information on the crime.

Toddler Still Missing From Maine

It's almost been a week since a toddler from Maine was last seen.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey said the search area had expanded for missing 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds, to include the Kennebec River, and more wooded areas and ponds.

Searchers have been spotted looking through garbage dumpsters, while the FBI continues to go door to door, asking anyone for information on the child's whereabouts.

The department confirmed they have received over 160 tips from the public and are investigating each one.

Help Find Ayla!

Wardens have been spotted searching through dumpsters, in search of a toddler from Maine.

Searches by boat and plane also continue for 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey says, "Everything is open. Everything is on the table. We have not recovered any information that has sent us in any direction."

Ayla was reported missing from her home in Waterville, Maine, Saturday morning.

It's now 5 days later -- and still no results, and police are asking everyone to keep a look out.

Club Asks For NO More Donations

We have exceeded the amount of donations we needed -- and can hold!

That word from Karen Tracy, treasurer at the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club in Pennfield.

They started collecting food and toys for local families at the beginning of November, kicking off the drive with a Christmas Telethon.

Tracy sending a big thank you to everyone who donated, including Cooke's Aquaculture, who made the closing donation this morning with $500.

28 familes with 34 children receiving toys, turkeys, the rest of Christmas dinner.

Rally in the St. Croix Valley 2012

News of Atlanticade changing locations to PEI this summer, dampens spirits like driving in the rain for local bikers.

However, a new event is being planned for St. Stephen and Calais.

A week-long bike fest to honor Veterans and active service members getting the nod from both sides of the border.

Local biker Bob Hamel and Calais Police Chief Dave Randall bringing the "Rally in the St. Croix Valley" to reality.

Hamel says both towns have stepped up with start-up funds, and the committee is currently working on event planning and other funding.

The rally is scheduled from July 1st - 8th 2012.

Theft in St. Stephen

If you get a new set of chrome rims for Christmas, be careful, they might be hot!

Sometime during the night between Sunday and Monday, 4 tires and rims were stolen from a parked truck at the Olde Carr Auto Sales car lot on Highway 170 near St. Stephen.

District 1 RCMP and Crimestoppers asking for help from the public on finding who is responsible for the theft.



The 4 tires are new Goodyear Wranglers and the "Mamba" rims are chrome with 5 thick spokes.

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

Bikinis in Winter

With the cold weather baring down on us, it's time to think about -- bikinis?

Eastport's Annual Hearts Warming Hearts Bikini and Speedo Run takes place each year on Valentine's Day, with a brave group of men and women, including children and seniors, doning their favorite swimwear and dashing down the street.

Every dollar raised for the event going to provide fuel assistance for the poor.

Organizer Jeff Starling says he can't think of a better way to say "I Love You", than by helping your neighbours stay warm.

If you would like to participate, pledge sheets are available at the Happy Crab Restaurant in Eastport (207) 853-9400.

Day 4 - Toddler Still Missing

Ayla Reynolds is still missing.

The search for the toddler from Waterville, Maine, expanded yesterday, with police searching the Messalonskee Stream by land, boat, and plane.


Today, searchers were seen looking through garbage dumpsters a few miles from the home.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey says the stream is only an eighth of a mile away from the home where Ayla was last seen.

The 20-month-old was reported missing from her crib Saturday morning.

Simple Tips to a Safe Holiday

Be careful with what you post on Facebook.

That warning from New Brunswick police on crime prevention over the holidays.

The RCMP sending out a few simple tips to keep you and your loved ones from becoming the victims of crime.

Along with a warning about social media sites, they recommend locking your doors while shopping, and keeping friends from driving impaired.

Police Need Help In Arson Case on Grand Manan

Crimestoppers and the RCMP in Grand Manan are looking for who is responsible for multiple arsons on Grand Manan Island over the last three years.

Between 2008 and August 2011, Police and local fire fighters have responded to several suspicious fires.

The culprits are targeting abandoned buildings and storage sheds.

Thousands of dollars in damage has been reported.

If you have any information, you could earn up to $4500 in rewards between Crimestoppers and the village of Grand Manan.

Call 1800-222-TIPS (8477)

Missing Child From Maine

A toddler is missing from Waterville, Maine.

20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported missing Saturday morning from her bed.

She has short blonde hair, blue eyes, and was last seen wearing a soft cast on her left arm, and green polka dot pajamas reading "Daddy's Princess".

If you have any information, call the Waterville Police Department at (207) 680-4700.

If you see Ayla, call 911 immediately.

Body Found in Parking Garage

A man found dead in an uptown Saint John parking garage.

On Friday evening, police responding to reports that someone appeared to be laying trapped beneath some furniture in the garage.

When city police arrived on the scene, they found the body of a 50 year old man behind some items which were being stored there.

Police are looking into what happened. They also say they're not treating the death as suspicious at this point.

More Controversy Over Prescription Drug Co-Payments

More controversy in the provincial legislature about the Alward government's decision to charge seniors more for their prescription drugs.

Cecile Cassista, Executive Director of the Coalition for Seniors, says that there are other options out there.

She says they're urging government to work with pharmaceutical companies, and seniors, to find different solutions. Seniors in the province are often over-medicated, says Cassista.

The coalition presented its series of recommendations to health minister Madeline Dube when the changes were first announced earlier this month.The Alward Government has proposed doubling yearly prescriptions costs for seniors from $250 to $500 per year.

According to the health minister, the change will save the province $3 million per year.

Saint John Ranked Sexual Assault Capital of Canada

According to the magazine, Saint John has the highest rate of reported sex crimes in the country.

The rate in the city is 132 per cent above the national average at 97 per 100,000. And our provincial capital, Fredericton has the third-highest rates in the country after Belleville, Ontario. 

The numbers don't necessarily mean that Saint John and Fredericton have more sex crimes. It does suggests that more people report the crimes here compared with other places.

Extra Patrols Over The Holidays

Is saving on cab fare, really worth a court appearance?

Sgt Bob MacKnight says District 1 RCMP have already arrested and charged a number of people this month with impaired driving.

And more help is on the way for the holidays.

MADD Canada and their Red Ribbon Project, running alongside St. Stephen Citizens On Patrol, giving police a greater level of awareness for drunk drivers.

Anyone knowing of - or suspecting - a driver under the influence is urged to call 911.

Christmas Card Controversy

So much controversy over 1 Christmas Card.

Prime Minister Steven Harper is being criticized for his 2011 Christmas Card -- doning a photo of his family infront of a fireplace.

When compared to last year's Christmas Card, Harper and the kids seem to be wearing the exact same clothes - right down to daughter, Rachel's bracelets.

With critics blasting the Prime Minister for possibly photo-shopping a picture from last year, our Facebook friends think different.

One of The Tide's followers posted " We ask our politicians to stop spending our tax dollars needlessly, and when they do , we complain?"

Another said, "Don't people have better things to complain about, other than what they are wearing?"

See both Christmas Cards on The Tide's Facebook page.

Schools Shut Down Water Fountains

There's too much lead in our schools -- and it's not from pencils.

After recent testing, 9 out of 15 schools tested in District 10 were found to have lead levels in the water system that were above the Health Advisory Limit.

All 4 schools in St. Stephen (SSHS, SSMS, SSES, and MES),  Sir James Dunn and Vincent Massey in St. Andrews, as well as Back Bay Elementary, Fundy High and Campobello Island Consolidated have their water fountains deactivated and will remain on bottled water until the situation is fixed.

7 of those schools -- including all in St. Stephen -- also found elevated levels of copper.

First Anniversary of Charlotte County Flood

It's been a long year for residents of Charlotte County.

Today is the 1st anniversary of the major flood that rocked small communities such as St. Stephen and Bonny River, as they prepared for Christmas.

On December 13, 2010, warm temperatures and torrential rains pounded southern New Brunswick, hiding roads under feet of water, and causing millions of dollars in damage.

One of our Facebook followers posted a "Thank you" to everyone who helped his family when his Lake Utopia home filled with water.

New Directions for Frye Road

One more step for the Route 1 Gateway.

Dexter Construction tells Tide News, this Thursday, the new Frye Road re-alignment will be open for traffic, connecting the Frye Road to Access Road 1B, north of Route 1.



To get to Route 1 from the Frye Rd, drivers will travel north across Route 1 on the new overpass to Access Road 1B. Turning left, motorists will drive until the hit the Murray Road. Turning left again will bring motorists to the Route 127 interchange with Route 1.

To access the Frye Road from Route 1, motorists will use exit 25 and travel north on Route 127, driving along the Murray Road and Access Road 1B, crossing south over the new overpass to Frye Road.

Signs will be in place to direct motorists.

Dexter says the project will be completed by July 31, 2013.

Another Step Completed on Civic Center

Bare and Empty.

Those are the first words that come to mind when looking at the future spot of St. Stephen's New Garcelon Civic Center this afternoon.

Construction work is completed for the time being, with workers and equipment nowhere in sight.

A special meeting concerning the Center was canceled last week, with no new date set.

The meeting was to consider 3 motions, including the appointment of Internal Project Manager.

Police Need Help After Firewood Theft on Campobello

Crime Stoppers and Campobello Island RCMP need your help!

An investigation looking into the theft of firewood from a private cottage.

On or around the 18th of November, on Lighthouse Road in Wilson's Beach, someone stole a large quantity of firewood from private land.

Police say an unknown vehicle was used to move the wood.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Campobello Island RCMP directly at 1-888-506-7267, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Elderly Woman Safe After House Burns

This time of year seems to bring an increase in house fires.

The Canadian Red Cross has stepped in to help an elderly woman, after her Tower Hill home saw major damage last night in a fire.

The blaze was reported about 7 o clock last night.

The woman and her 2 dogs escaped the blaze uninjured, and Red Cross volunteers have arranged lodging, food, and clothing.

No word yet on the cause of the fire.

Seussical a Success!

Sold Out!

That's what the sign read Saturday, at the first performance of "Seussical The Musical".

The St. Stephen High School Drama Club dressing up as famous characters of Dr. Seuss books for this year's play.
They also had cutouts of "The Grinch" and "The Cat in the Hat" for fun photo opportunities displayed in the lobby.
More performances coming this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 15th, 16th, and 17th.


Tickets are $10, available at the school, from any cast member, or at Stuart's Gifts.
(In Photo) Audience member, Jordyn Day having fun with the Seussical displays.

138-Year Old Church Destroyed in Kingsclear First Nation

A historic church in New Brunswick was destroyed by a fire early Sunday morning.

Volunteer firefighter Rick Hunter says the blaze started at the 138-year-old catholic church on the Kingsclear First Nation reserve near Fredericton at about 1 a.m.

He said about 30 firefighters were able to save two stone walls and the church's cross, and the flames were extinguished within 15 minutes.

Hunter says the cause of the fire is not known and could not say if it is suspicious.

He says community members are grief stricken and have been gathering outside the church to look upon the rubble.

On Saturday, the century-old Victoria Presbyterian Church in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, was also destroyed in a fire.

Alleged Workplace Bullying at NB Power

Are NB Power supervisors a little power-mad? Bullying Canada drawing attention to an alleged spate of Workplace bullying at NB Power.

Rob Frenette, the director of the anti-bullying association, says that they've received 15 complaints from employees of NB Power who say they were bullied at by higher-ups at work.

According to one employee, the company "doesn't like it when employees speak their minds," and that nepotism is also a concern.

NB Power responding in an email that they aim to provide a workplace environment in which employees are treated with respect. They say they will schedule a meeting with BullyingCanada to further address the concerns.

Meteorologists Predict Milder Winter--For Now

You won't have to dig out your car--or your snow-blower--for a while yet this winter. That's the outlook coming from AccuWeather, which just released its 2011-2012 winter forecast. 

According to the weather agency, New Brunswickers should expect a tamer-than-usual winter with less snowfall than average--for now.

In southern Atlantic Canada, says meteorologist Brett Anderson, the winter will start out pretty tame. But things will turn more stormy in the coming months as the coast gets hit by wintry blasts of snow and rain.

For now, however, enjoy the not-so-wintry wonderland while it lasts.

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."