Rider Federation Encourages Safety

After 8 ATV deaths in the province this year, many considered preventable, the Provincial federation is echoing the RCMP's call for safety and better decision making. Many of those deaths involved drinking alcohol and not wearing a helmet or both.

The Provincial ATV Federation President Daniel Boucher tells Tide News these issues are covered in the safety courses they offer.

Boucher says in their ATV rider course they educate the riders on the proper techniques to use.
He says they spend time on the laws and regulations in the province and the good driving ethics like not drinking and driving and the impact it has on other riders.

Lower Power Restart A Success At Lepreau

After being approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Point Lepreau has successfully completed the low power reactor restart.

This comes after extensive testing and refurbishments. More test will be done in the future to make sure the reactor components and plant systems are working properly. It'll involve raising and reducing reactor power, along with shifting down and restarting.

The reactor power will gradually be increased to certain levels to warm up the heat transport system, run turbines and sync the generator to the province's electricity grid.

Neglected Pot Causes Fire

When they say a watched pot never boils, that's not exactly true.

A neglected pot on a stove was the reason fire crews cleared out a 7-unit apartment building at 101 Elliot Road, Saint John just after 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Crews had to force their way into the apartment and quickly put out the small fire, but stayed an hour to ventilate the smoke.

Fire crews were also busy looking for the source of a propane smell at Canadian Tire West in Saint John yesterday afternoon. Crews couldn't find the source of the smell, and after everything was deemed safe the store and gas bar opened back up.

Assaults Send Two Men To Hospital

Two separate overnight assaults leaving two men in hospital and another appearing in court tomorrow.

Saint John City Police tell Tide news in the first incident a group of people assaulted one man outside his home on Saint James Street West around 1:15am.

Almost an hour and a half later on Catherwood Street, a 30-year-old man was sent to hospital with head injuries after being assaulted by a 40-year-old man with what police say appeared to be a baseball bat.

World Championship Cancels Saint John

A year after Saint John was announced as the host city for the 2013 IFAF Women's World Championship, it finds out it will no longer be hosting the football tournament.

Football Canada and the IFAF says the decision to pull the tournament was due to liability, lack of suitable fields and international travel costs.

President of Football New Brunswick Lisa Harlow tells Tide news there are plenty of fields in Saint John and 68% of the budget was already covered, so the decision to pull was a surprise. Harlow says they tried to having meetings to make changes but were unsuccessful.

Harlow adds one concern was having Canadian sized football fields instead of American, but they were working with companies to get them changed over.

She says despite the disappointment, women's football is growing. There's still no word yet on where the new host city will be.

Blind Driver's Behind The Wheel For MIRA

Bet you've never 'seen' this before... a car race with drivers who are blind.

That's exactly what's happening today at 7 o'clock at the Centre for Speed in Shediac. The first blind driver stock car race in the Atlantic provinces will have 10 blind drivers competing in a 10 lap race.

Participant Brian Thorne tells Tide news each driver will have a co-pilot to give instructions, but they won't be allowed to touch the brakes or steering wheel.

All the money raised goes to the MIRA foundation, who train seeing-eye dogs.

For more information on tickets and to donate, you can call Brian Thorne at 672-5574 or e-mail atlantique@mira.ca.

Tickets are $10 each or $25 for a family pass.

Liberals Slam Decision To Cut N-B Day Merit Awards

The Alward government is taking it on the chin over its decision to can the N-B Day Merit Awards this year -- a move the Opposition Liberals are calling lame.
The government says the awards - which recognize individuals contributions to their communities - are on hold while departments figure out various programs and initiatives following a restructuring process -- although there's no date as to when they will resume.
Liberal M-L-A Donald Arsenault says the awards were a nice pat on the back for individuals making contributions to their communities - and - he says it was simply a matter of signing one certificate and copying the rest.
Arsenault says Premier Alward should be ashamed especially after handing out what would be the biggest merit award this year with the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to head up Efficiency N-B with a salary in the 175-thousand dollar range.

N-B Day Merit Awards Missing This Year

The New Brunswick Day holiday weekend is just around the corner - but - there will be something missing from this year's celebrations.
The Alward government has confirmed to CHSJ News the annual N-B Day Merit Awards won't be handed out this year to residents of various municipalities - the awards recognize achievements and contributions by local residents.
A spokesperson tells us the awards are "on hold" this year as the government works through a reorganization of departments and agencies.
The awards are certificates with the provincial logo signed by the Premier and either the mayor of the municipality or the local M-L-A.
The "official" New Brunswick Day celebration is still a go - this year it's being hosted by the village of Saint Andre in the northwestern part of the province.
For more information on the official celebration click here.

"No Flowers" Policy for Saint John?

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart suggesting the city adopt a "no flowers" policy when it comes to honouring the memory of people who pass.

 Rinehart says common council is expected to pay its respects to a lot of former staff and others, and charitable donations are a better use of funds. 

She points out while flowers are beautiful, they're temporary, and  donations to worthy causes in the community live on for much longer. The matter will be discussed at Monday's council meeting.

Seawolves Gear Up For Another Season

It's time to start thinking about dusting off the pom-poms and gearing up for a new football season at UNBSJ. Seawolves coach Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News the team has been growing and expanding as a force in Atlantic Canadian varsity football.

Ogden says the Seawolves aren't just a football team, but a reason for students to be proud of their school. The first game is on September 8th and you can get up to date information at seawolvesfootball.ca

Clean-Up On Pendleton Island Success

The Nature Conservancy of Canada celebrating a successful cleanup of Pendleton Island.

According to Shawna Wallace, their crew of 35 volunteers managed to clear the entire beach of styrofoam, rope, and plastic debris.

She tells Tide News the strong Fundy tides can take floating trash a long way before landing on our beaches.

She says they found a few neat things like toys, and even part of a sign from the Irving Nature Park in Saint John.


Wallace says even if you can't make it to a big clean-up, every piece of litter you pick up at your favourite beach helps.

Police Say Fire Started In Basement Utility Room

Local police say they've found the cause of a house fire outside of St. Stephen.


District 1 RCMP say the blaze originated in the basement of the home, in the utility room.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight says they believe it was accidental and no foul play is suspected.

Monday afternoon ( July 16th ), fire services were called from both Calais and St. Stephen, to 436 Ledge Road in Crocker Hill.

RCMP say the home is a complete loss.

Local RCMP Receive Medals From The Queen

Four members of our local District 1 RCMP receiving a special award.


Sgt. Larry MacDonald, Sgt. Larry Burden, Sgt. Bob MacKnight, and Cpl Jeff Cosgrove, along with over 100 other provincial RCMP employees being awarded Diamond Jubilee Medals from the Queen in Fredericton.

The medal recognizes outstanding service to fellow citizens, the community, or the country.

Corporal Chantal Farrah tells Tide News a wide range of contributions were celebrated.

She says the medals are given for foreign missions, outstanding investigations, and dedication to the community.

2,300 Diamond Jubilee medals have been awarded across the country.

Local Police Investigate Diesel Theft In McDougall

District 1 RCMP are investigating a case of stolen diesel fuel and want your help.


Police in St. George say between July 6th and 8th, someone stole approximately 1500 litres of diesel fuel from a tanker truck.

The truck was parked on the Lepreau Road in McDougall.

If you have any information on this crime, you are urged to call District 1 RCMP in St. George at 755-1130, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

Outstanding warrant of arrest.

Crime Stoppers New Brunswick and the St. Andrews RCMP are looking for your assistance in locating, John Elvis O’DELL, who is believed to

be residing in Saint John.

The individual has an outstanding warrant of arrest for Arson out of Saint Andrews from 2010.

Any one with knowledge of his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

*

Police Investigate Animal Cruelty In Musquash

St. George RCMP are looking into a case of animal cruelty in Musquash.


The Mounties got a call Saturday that a pitbull cross was left abandoned trapped in a steel cage at a gravel pit without food, water or shelter.

Police believe the dog would not have survived long due to the 30 degree heat because the cage was wired shut and couldn't easily be opened.

RCMP believe the dogs was dumped in the pit sometime on Friday.

The Provincial SPCA provided assistance and the dog is now in the care of the Saint John Animal Rescue League.

If you can provide the RCMP with any information on thiscrime, contact the St. George RCMP at 506-755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Try NOT To Have A Heart Attack

It's foggy out, so try NOT to have a heart attack.
MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet sending this warning for residents of Grand Manan.

In a statement today, Doucet says it is foggy on the Island, so try to avoid having a heart attack, an accident, or any other medical emergency, because the Moncton-based Air Ambulance won't be able to land and take patients to a hospital on the mainland.

Doucet says Island-based Atlantic Charters safely flew patients from Grand Manan -- even in the fog -- for 30 years, but their contract expired last month, and ANB has taken over from Moncton.

The MLA says in the past, Atlantic Charters could take off from the Island in foggy weather, but may have to wait for clear weather to return. But, Doucet adds, the most important flight is accomplished.

Doucet has been crusading for the return of Atlantic Charters, and has accused the government of playing "Russian Roulette" with the lives of people on Grand Manan Island.

Warnings On Heat-Related Illnesses

On a hot day like today, not only is the temperature up but so is the UV index, and risks of getting heat-related illnesses.

Provincial deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Denis Allard warning New Brunswicker's to take care by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sun exposure and limiting outdoor activities when the UV index is high. Symptoms of heat-related illness are fatigue, headaches, nausea and muscle cramps, and if those symptoms worsen, you should seek medical help.

Allard adds what may start as a mild form of heat might turn into heat stroke, which could be life-threatening.

Neighbours Speak About Saint John Shooting

Major Crime Unit called onto Pitt Street in Uptown Saint John last night after a shooting around 8 o'clock.

Police blocked off the areas around King Street East, Leinster, Crown and Pitt Street. There were about five police cars on scene.

Bill Lapp lives in the area and spoke with us last night.

He says someone was on the street shot multiple times and he made it around the corner which is where he is lying right now.

Shelly McCready who lives in the neighborhood says she heard gun shots and sirens. She tells us the police are often in the area so it's not unusual to see their lights.

Police have yet to release any details but Pitt Street between King Street East and Leinster Street are still blocked off with yellow caution tape and two police cruisers on either end.

Man Swims Across Northumberland Strait

One Nova Scotia man is making the most of swimming in the summer heat!

45-year old Chris Dawson swam 13 km through the Northumberland Strait in just over 6 hours to raise money for a good cause.

Dawson raised about $8,400 for the HomeBridge Youth Society, which provides residential care for high-risk youth.

Provincial Organ Donation Is Restored

It was a brief suspension and now organ donation in the province is back in business.

Health Minister Madeleine Dubé says the provincial program is again compliant with the national regulations but will have to improve their documentation practices.
Dube adds they are relieved they did not have to refuse a donation in the week that the system was suspended.

Last week, Health Canada inspectors found problems with the way the program collects and manages its documentation including one case in which a piece of information was not obtained about a donor who had a tattoo.

5 Displaced In North Street Fire

No one was hurt in a North end fire in Saint John but five people are without a home.

Several crews with many firefighters battling the blaze at 121 Victoria street in a two story stone building for 5 and a half hours.

It's believed the blaze began in the basement spreading to the ceiling and the walls.

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells  says the turbulent black smoke adding significant danger as that indicates ignition was coming. The first floor suffered smoke and water damage.

The Salvation Army and The Red Cross providing help at the scene to the displaced tenants.

Council Says, "It Could Be The Next Fukishima."

The Conservation Council accusing NB Power of worshipping the almighty dollar when it comes to Point Lepreau.

Sharon Murphy of the Council tells Tide News Point Lepreau has many of the same risk factors as the plant at Fukishima and they can back that up with hard science.

She says it has already been studied and written down by the CNSC and NB Power, that Point Lepreau can not withstand a seismic event.

Murphy says the group has been met with a lack of respect from pro nuclear authorities -- but that won't stop the group from trying to keep the plant from reopening.

Beach Clean-Up For Passamaquaddy Bay Island

"Pendleton Island is a natural gem in the Passamaquoddy Bay."


The nature Conservancy of Canada helping keep it that way with a beach cleanup tomorrow (Saturday).

Volunteers will head over by boat and spend the day cleaning up debris that's washed up on the beach.

Shawna Wallace tells Tide News most people probably wouldn't have been to the Island before, as it's smaller than Deer Island.
Registration for that trip is full, but for more information on the NCC's next green day trip go to:
http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-you-can-do/conservation-volunteers/

Meeting Tomorrow For Chamcook Lake Property Owners

For residents living at, or near Chamcook Lake:


All property owners are asked to attend a meeting tomorrow at the Bayside Hall, by the Chamcook Watershed Landowners Steering Committee.

The purpose is to vote on the formation of an official Chamcook Watershed Landowners Association.

The meeting gets underway at 2pm.

22 Year Old Drowns After Jumping From Bridge

A fun afternoon of swimming coming to a tragic end.

A body being pulled from a local swimming area in Musquash this morning, known as "the gorge".


District 1 RCMP responding yesterday to a report of a man who jumped from a road bridge, and didn't resurface.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight tells Tide News the body of a 22-year-old man from Nigeria was found this morning by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Teams from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

MacKnight adds foul play is not suspected.

The man was attending University in Saint John.

His name has not been released until the family has been properly notified.

Section Of Route 1 Gateway To Open Friday

It will be an easier commute tomorrow for travelers on Highway 1.


A new section of the Route 1 Gateway will be opened Friday, July 13, to motorists between Waweig and Bethel.

Dexters says intermittent lane closures may be needed to install guardrails.

Also, the new Route 127 interchange to and from St. Andrews will be operational with permanent signage in place to help motorists.

Police Search For Stolen Bikes From St. Andrews

Crimestoppers are looking for 4 stolen bicycles.


RCMP tell Tide News the bikes were stolen last Friday night from the Bar Road in St. Andrews.

Police say 2 dark colored adult bikes were taken, a pink "Strawberry Shortcake" child's bike, and a purple tricycle.

If you have any information on the crime, please contact local police, or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

Concerns Over Air Ambulance Service To Grand Manan

The Alward Government being accused of playing Russian roulette with the lives of people who live on Grand Manan.
The charge is being made by Liberal M-L-A Rick Doucet of Charlotte-The Isles about the change with air ambulance service.

Doucet tells Tide News the provincial government's contract with Atlantic Charter expired July 1st and the island is now being served by Ambulance New Brunswick's Air Care plane which has to fly in from Moncton. He warns the plane will find it difficult to land at times because of poor weather conditions especially when Grand Manan is shrouded in fog.

Doucet argues Atlantic Charter is based on the ground in Grand Manan and just last week an Air Care plane was unable to land because of poor weather conditions.

Large Rock Smashes Woman's Face & Windshield

Rothesay Regional Police are looking for your help after a giant rock smashed a women's car windshield and face.

Police say the 64-year old woman was heading North bound on Route 111 towards the Rothesay Fire Station at around 3:20 yesterday afternoon when a large rock bounced off an unknown dump truck heading South.

The rock that Police describe as "bigger than a baseball, but smaller than a volleyball" then broke her windshield and hit her in the face, resulting in deep cuts on her hands, blood on her face, and a possible broken jaw.

The incident occurred near the Rothesay Baseball field.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rothesay Regional Police.

Parent Locked Out Of Underage Party

A parent being locked out of their home after an underage house party got out of control.

Saint John City Police tell Tide news they responded to two house parties full of underage drinkers in Central and West Saint John.

Police warn that when once a party announcement is made on social media like Facebook, parties can easily have a large group of unexpected guests.

Multiple charges were made for underage drinking.

Canada Hockey Tournament/Fundraiser In SJ

You can get a free game of ball hockey today plus help a food bank. Five Hole For Food is inviting Saint Johnner's to bring their hockey sticks and food donations to Smythe Street by Harbour Passage trail. Today is Five Hole For Food's fourth stop on their coast to coast venture to play ball hockey and raise 100,000 pounds of food in communities across Canada. Founder Richard Loat tells Tide news this is their third annual tour.

"It's just exciting to be back on the road, to put on these drop in games for everyone to participate in."

Loat adds out of the 13 stops last year, Saint Johnner's raised the second highest amount of food. The fundraiser takes place from 3 o'clock until 7pm.

For more information on Five Hole for Food, click here.

Oland Case One Year Later

One year ago today Saint John was shaken by the murder Richard Oland. The son of a maritime dynasty, Oland was reportedly a shrewd businessman with a wide range of connections in the Port City and beyond. Police Chief Bill Reid has said the investigation is ongoing but they do have a suspect they've been zeroing in on from the beginning.
The family recently releasing a statement remembering Oland as a father, husband and friend.

Provincial Court Judge Leslie Jackson has ruled the search warrants will remain sealed until a second hearing set for July 31.

It's Been A Busy Rally In St. Croix Valley

 As the Rally in the St. Croix Valley nears the end, the fun is just beginning.


Canadian Chair Bob Hamel tells Tide News, so far over 500 bikes have registered in the Rally, and they are hoping to register over a thousand bikes this weekend.

Many events will be taking place in the last days, including the Vendors Village behind the Royal Bank, live music on the waterfront from 7-10 pm, and a stunt bike show.

Hub City Stunters will be performing at the St. Stephen Airport tonight from 5pm -7pm. (As seen in picture)

Hamel says his favorite moment so far in the Rally was escorting the Veteran's Wall over Route 9 and into Calais. He says it was an amazing sight with 100 bikes and border patrol, customs, fire and police departments taking part.

Hub City Stunters To Perform At Airport

A big event for the Rally in the St. Croix Valley has been rescheduled.


Tomorrow, Hub City Stunters will be changing the time of their stunt show and burn-out competition to 5pm at the St. Stephen Airport.

Canadian Chairman Bob Hamel tells Tide News many residents were upset they wouldn't be able to make the show because of working conflicts.

The event put on by the award winning team is family friendly.

Half Way Point Of The Rally In The St. Croix Valley

Hear those engines revving!


Today is Day 3 of the Rally in the St Croix Valley, celebrating all things motorcycle!

Tonight there will be live music on the waterfront, as well as the Miss Rally in the St. Croix Valley Bikini Contest.

Headquarters for the Biker Festival is located at the Border Arena in St. Stephen.

All proceeds raised from the rally go to veterans and active service members.

House Fire Kills Two People

A deadly house fire near Oromocto has left two people dead.

Officials are investigating the incident that occurred near yesterday morning on Highway 102 in the Burton-area. Firefighters discovered the bodies of a man and a woman. Their names have not been released. One victim, an 87 year old man, has been identified as a resident of the home. Autopsies are scheduled for today.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials say foul play is not suspected at this time.

Canadians Optimistic On Economy

A Canada Day study done by the Bank of Montreal shows we are an optimistic lot about our future economic prospects. Paul Taylor is Chief Investment Officer with B-M-O Harris Private Banking and he tells Tide News 83% of us are proud of how this country's economy has performed.

"Half of Canadians expect their investment portfolios to grow by Canada Day 2013, which is kind of interesting given the mackerel head winds we see out there in the financial press."

Taylor is surprised at the level of optimism which hasn't been dampened by the cutbacks announced of late by the Harper Government.

Pollution In Fundy Better & Worse

There's been a significant reduction with large industrial debris (such as styrofoam, large pieces of pipe and nets) in the Bay of Fundy, so says Fundy Bay Keeper Matt Abbott. The Bay Keeper has been keeping the waters of Fundy clean since 2003. He tells us there's still problems with ocean acidification, nets and rope garbage and waste from salmon aquaculture, but he's seen some major clean up of the Saint John sewer system.

"We've got a long, long way to go but at the same time there's a lot of people working on this and we certainly hope we can continue to harness that energy and keep our Bay vibrant and give it it's best shot against these big changes that are coming down the pipe."

Abbott would like to see more clean up of municipal waste, which overloads and spills into the Bay during heaving rain. He adds that his advocacy works has paid off, finding that many people bring waste to shore.

The Bay Keeper patrols the Fundy coastline from Alma to St. Stephen.

Skin Cancer Rising In NB

The provinces Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning New Brunswickers' to take care when in the sun. Doctor Eilish Cleary tells Tide news the number of skin cancer cases in the province is increasing.

"We had over a 100 cases in 2000, and a 168 cases in 2009, so it is an issue which can cause serious illness and death."

Cleary adds tanning and sun exposure also ages skin. She advises people to avoid sun rays when they're highest between midday and 4:00pm, to wear a hat and loose clothing, and most importantly... put sunscreen on before exposure. She says children and people with fair skin are most at risk.

The province introduced voluntary tanning guidelines two years ago including an age limit of 18 and limiting of one tan every 48 hours.

Lumber Mill Destroyed

A lumber mill in the province was destroyed by fire Friday night. Woodstock fire crews received the call near midnight and more than 30 firefighters responded to the blaze.

Woodstock Fire Chief Ricky Nicholson says the W.K. Lumber Mill near the Canada-U.S. border is a ``total loss.''The investigation continues, but Nicholson says they're focusing on lightning as the probable cause.

No one was injured.