Gas Prices

The decline in gas prices we have seen over the last three weeks has ended after the weekly setting. Self serve regular has gone up by more than a cent to 97.5 cents a litre. Diesel has risen by more than 2 cents Propane went down by almost a cent and heating oil is at an even 88 cents.
Cross Border gas is selling for 76 Cents Canadian per litre.

One killed, one injured in crash in Nackawic

One Fredericton man is dead and a women has been sent to hospital following a crash early this morning.

RCMP are investigating collision that occurred on the Route 102 near Nackawic.

It appears the driver lost control of the vehicle and went off the road and overturned. RCMP tell us alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

Natural Resources cautions against disturbing fawns

With the increase of disease in Deer and Moose in Canada The department of Natural resourses are reminding people not to approach newborn fawns. Even if a fawn appears to be abandoned, it is best to leave it alone. This is the peak fawning season.

They tell us that handling fawns increases the risk of spreading these diseases. It also violates several provincial and federal laws designed to protect wildlife and animal health.

Female deer only visit their fawns three or four times a day for about 15 minutes at a time to nurse, so it is not uncommon to see a newborn fawn without its mother.

Province provides $11 million to help rationalize East Coast lobster fleet

An Eleven Million dollar loan will be provided by The provincial government to support the East Coast lobster fleet. Premier Shawn Graham says they hve been working towards this for several years.

André Martin, president of the Maritime Fishermen's Union says Once in place, the rationalization plan will make it possible for our industry members to collectively buy back boats and licenses to reduce the number of enterprises vying for limited resources.

The loan program will help about 13 per cent of the lobster fishermen on the province's east coast to sell their fishing licences.

NBCC officially a crown corporation

The province now has two independent community Colleges. The New Brunswick Community College and the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, are now managing separate English and French institutions.

The province says the new system will better represent New Brunswick's bilingual status. Minister of Post-Secondary Education Donald Arsenault says the split will allow for more federal goverment and private sector funding.

Pictured above is the Board running NBBC along with  Charlie Norman from St. George.

Tucker declared Charlotte-the-Isles PC candidate

Sharon Tucker was declared the Progressive Conservative candidate for the riding of Charlotte-the-Isles.
Tucker was named the successful candidate on the second ballot, receiving more votes than Wilfred McAdam and Philman Green.

Wood & Wardrobe to Re-Open

The Wood & Wardrobe Thrift Store is going to be re-opening in a new/temporary location on Thursday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m. The new location at 107A Milltown Blvd.

They are still accepting donations at 129 Union Street – the St. Croix Vocational Centre building.

Cash donations towards the building fund are also being accepted.

Fatal Crash

The RCMP say three young people from the Riverview area are dead and two others are in hospital after a car slammed into a tree in the southeastern part of the province.

Four of the five people were thrown out of the vehicle in the crash Saturday night on Route 905 in Forest Glen.

Police say an 18-year-old woman, a 19-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man died at the scene.

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were rushed to hospital in critical condition. Police say it appears the young people were not wearing seatbelts adding that speed may have been a contributing factor in the crash.

Alward Charges Focus Has Been Lost On Lepreau Refurbishment

It was the previous Lord Government that signed on to the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant. Conservative leader David Alward was in the provincial cabinet at that time. He says Atomic Energy of Canada is responsible for the cost overruns but the issue is who will pay for the replacement power. Alward says the focus appears to have been lost by the Premier and Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir because of the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro Quebec.

Alward says the Legislative Assembly should have oversight of the project and it ought to be the number one priority of NB Power these days.

ATV Accident

A 16-year-old girl from the Buctouche area is in critical condition after two all-terrain vehicles collided with one another on a highway in the southeastern part of the province. The RCMP say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

The girl was a passenger on one of the ATVs that police believed were making their way along Highway 11 near Saint-Maurice when the collision occurred.

Former Eastport City Clerk Helen Archer Honored By Maine Governor Baldacci

A recently retired Eastport City Clerk was honored by Maine Governor John Baldacci, The Maine Legislature and The Eastport City Council at a surprise luncheon on Friday.

Helen Archer  retired last month after 27 years of service to Eastport and The State of Maine.

Governor Baldacci honored Helen Wilson Archer by declaring Friday, May 28th as Helen Wilson Archer Day in Maine in recognition and honor of her long and distinguished career serving Eastport and Maine.

Maine Senator Kevin Raye (R.-Perry) presents Eastports new Honorary Chief of Protocol Helen Wilson Archer with Proclamation from Governor Baldacci that declared Friday May 28 as Helen Wilson Archer Day in Maine - Chris W. Brown Photo

Saint John Man Sentenced To Prison For Robbery And Abduction

13 years in prison the sentence for a Saint John man convicted of attempting to kill a woman who was bartending at a Quispamis pub.
55-year-old Adrian John Lepage also pleaded guilty to robbing and kidnapping the woman from the Barnwood pub last November. It was revealed in his trial last month that he left the victim in a Lepreau gravel pit with a plastic bag taped over her head.

New Ferry For Grand Manan

The provincial government announcing a new five million dollar ferry will be plying the waters off Grand Manan from White Head Island sometime next year. Provincial Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News the ferry will be larger than what has been used since 1976.
A contract has been awarded to the same shipyard in Gaspe, Quebec which constructed the Henry Nase ferry which runs between Grand Bay-Westfield and Harding's Point. The new ferry will be able to carry 12 cars and 32 passengers

White gets life

A 32-year-old St. Stephen man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 59-year-old Mary Claire Scott.

William David White will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years and he is banned from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition for life.

New Bistro Opens in St. Stephen

The Grand Opening of The "Bistro On The Boulevard",was held this morning. It's owned and operated by Diane Ganong. The Bistro is located at 73 Milltown Blvd. Hours of operation are Monday to Sunday, 9:00am-9:00pm although this Friday you can expect to see them open to 11 as they will be hosting Peter Fitch for some Acoustic live entertainment.
The Bistro sells a wide variety of special coffees and teas, with homemade soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, and main course.

Photo compliments of Judy Lowery
Mayor Jed Purcell shown here at The Official Ribbion cutting.

Costco Saint John opens doors

People began lining up as early as 6am to be the first ones into the store.  Warehouse manager Mike Briere says he decided to open a Costco in Saint John because of the booming economy.  He says he knew a lot of Saint Johners were already going to the Moncton store, and he wanted to take advantage of the excellent location at East Point.

The City of Saint John  is taking steps to prepare for more traffic today.


Signals, markings and signage have been improved and motorists are being reminded not stop on the railroad tracks at the exit. All available officers from the traffic enforcement division will assist with traffic today

Fire Damages House outside of Harvey Station

The Harvey Volunteer Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a single family residence outside of Harvey Station yesterday.

The house suffered heavy smoke damage. No one was home at the time of the fire.

Firefighters were on the scene for approximately 3 hours and were assisted by firefighters from the McAdam Fire Department. There were 23 firefighters and 7 departmental vehicles attending to the scene. Highway 635 was closed for a short period of time and some area school buses were re-routed.

The fire is under investigation at this time by the Provincial Fire Marshal's office and the cause has not been determined at this time.

Lake Utopia Update

There will be a public meeting tonight to update us about The Lake Utopia algae. It's been an ongoing problem for sometime now.
The Dept of Health & Dept of Environment will be giving presentations. Cookes Aqua, Irving and Eastern Charlotte Waterways will also be in attendance. The meeting is open to the public and gets underway at 7 at the new St. George Community Centre.

Gas Prices still going down

For the third week in a row, gas prices have fallen in the city following the weekly setting. Self Serve regular is being sold for 98.5 around town with diesel going for 98.7. Heating oil is also cheaper this week at 85.8 and propane stands at 102.3 a litre.

Meanwhile Cross Border gas price are coming in at 78 cents per litre Canadian.

Marijuana plants seized from a home Elgin

A marijuana grow operation was discovered over the weekend by Caledonia RCMP.  Members were called to the Hillside Road in Elgin to initially respond to a complaint.
Police seized approximately 425 marijuana plants and growing equipment and could potentially produced over 212,500 joints.

A 43-year-old woman will be appearing in Moncton Provincial Court at a later date to face related charges.

Lottery-Win

A couple from Saint John has won the $1-million grand prize in the Atlantic 49 lottery draw on the weekend.
Linda DeFazio and Gary King say they plan to buy a new car and go on a cruise.

DeFazio says she brought the ticket into the store to be checked Sunday morning and the cashier ran it through the machine twice, thinking it was broken when it showed the big win.

DeFazio says she loves her job at the Value Village discount store and has no plans to quit.

Huntsman Marine Temporary Aquarium

A temporary aquarium has been set up at The Huntsman Marine Science Centre until Labour Day weekend.

It will house the harbour seals Loki and Snorkel, all of the lobsters, sturgeon, touch pool and tanks will be in place on the same site for the public to visit.

The temporary aquarium is open daily until Labour Day in September. Seal feedings still take place at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and there will be a Meet the Lobsters event at 1 p.m. daily.
Photo compliments of Jim Cornall

Additional $1 million for agriculture industry

An added one million dollars has been added by The provincial government under two initiatives to support land development and enhancement of livestock genetics.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Minister Ronald Ouellette announced the funding today.

This assistance is an increase to the programming already available through the Canada-New Brunswick Growing Forward agreement.

Crime Compensation Raised

People who have been a  a victim of a violent crime will soon be able to file for $5,000 more in compensation. Public Safety Minister John Foran announced today that as of June 1st, the maximum amount of compensation for crime victims is going from $5,000 to $10,000.
He says this includes money used for councelling, medication, eye wear, transportation, relocation expenses, and funeral expenses.

Fire

Fire in St. Stephen destroys local business early Saturday morning. Wood and Wardrobe was totally gutted be the flames. A spokesman for the fire department tells Tide News it looks like the fire started in the pile of donations left outside the front door.Wood & Wardrobe Fire

Tammy Parks says while they may not be open for business the are still excepting donations. Donations can be dropped off at 129 Union Street or call 466-4977

Town Clean up May 25

Residents of the Town of St. Stephen are reminded that the Town will be conducting it's pick-ups of bagged leaves and bundled or bagged twigs the week of May 25.
Make sure you have you leaves and twigs out at the curbside by the 25 and remember all leaves must be in plastic bags and securely tied in order for Town pick-up.

NB Liquor: store hours for Victoria Day weekend

If your looking for a liquor store open this Holiday Monday you'll only find a few in the area. The One in the Parkway Mall in St. John and in Fredericton the one on Prospect Street will be open. The remaining 42 stores will be closed on Monday.

Maine Joins Nationwide Licensing System

Maine will make it easier for mortgage lenders to apply for and manage their licenses by joining the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

The change will protect Maine consumers by increasing oversight of the mortgage activities of loan originators in other states.  The transition will begin October 1st.

All mortgage loan originators doing business with Maine consumers will be able to obtain licenses from the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

Lieutenant-Governor to mark Victoria Day with royal salute

A celebration to mark Victoria Day will kick off with a 21 gun solute at noon time on Monday. Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas is will be on hand and invites New Brunswickers to come out and mark this day on the grounds of Government House, in Fredericton.

Nicholas will also inspect the reserve soldiers who are part of the Royal Canadian Artillery. The salute will consist of four, 105-mm howitzer guns, firing a 21-gun salute over the St. John River.

Investment made in Lake Utopia energy efficiency

The provincial government is providing a $10.8-million repayable loan and a $500,000 grant to help J.D. Irving Ltd. improve the environmental performance of its Lake Utopia paper mill. The project will cost $32.9 million.

The boiler will provide enough steam to fulfil the energy needs of the mill and lowering its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 66,000 tonnes per year.  The federal government is contributing $22 million.

Van Destroyed By Fire

A van was destroyed by fire at the corner of Mark and Union street earlier today.

Fire Crews, RCMP and Paramedics were called to the scene. RCMP are investigating.

Gas Prices down after weekly setting

Another decline in the price of gas after the weekly setting. The price of self serve regular around town has gone down to stand at 99.3. Diesel is also lower at 102.1 a litre. Heating oil is listed at 89 cents a litre and propane is at 103.7.
If your Travelling to Calais gas is .80 cents per litre Canadain.

Fundy North Award

The Fundy North Fishermen's Association has been awarded the 'Gulf of Maine Industry Award' by the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment for their efforts in ghost lobster trap recovery in Saint John Harbour.

Members John McDade, David Thompson  and Roger Hunter accepted the hardware earlier this year in Maces Bay.

 The high volume of ship traffic in the harbour accounts for lost lobster gear each year in the area.

The fishermen designed the study to clean-up the seafloor and to learn more about the effects of ghost fishing on both the environment and the fishery.

An investment of $480,000 will be made in the establishment of a senior’s housing project.

Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement this week with Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet, and chair of the board of Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens’ Homes Inc., and Steven Campbell, executive director of Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens’ Homes Inc.
Funding provided through the Regional Development Corporation will be used to defray the costs of constructing a three-level, 28-unit senior’s apartment building.

The Provincial Government is investing in Sound Proofing for the SSES GYM

Premier Shawn Graham was at the Elementary School this week to make the announcement that The provincial government will be investing $75,000 in Sound proofing the School's Gym for sound proofing to address the issue of the sound from the gym going throughout the rest of the school.
Graham participated in gym class with the kids.

Manslaughter among charges laid in death of child who ingested methadone

A Havelock man has been charged in connection with the death of his daughter in January. Charges were laid in Moncton Provincial Court today.

Back in January RCMP were called to a home where a baby had ingested methadone. She was taken to the IWK hospital where she passed away.

Anthony Linfield has been charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. His next court appearance is the 25th of this month.

New Brunswick becomes Canada's leader in providing high-speed Internet access

Premier Shawn Graham has announced New Brunswick has become the fisrt for high speed Internet access in all of Canada. The announcement was made earlier today at Loon Bay Lodge.
The company Xplornet is offering access to high-speed Internet through a network of 161 towers throughout the province and by satellite in some of the most difficult to reach areas.

The government's investment means that new customers pay $99 for installation, regardless of where they live or the type of technology offered. Customers then pay $44.99 a month for fixed wireless service or $49.99 for satellite access to the Internet for the basic package.

Province renews Partnership with Bell Alliant.

The provincial government recently renewed its partnership with Bell Aliant to provide broadband network in cities throughout the province.
Bell Aliant is developing a Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) network to Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst, Miramichi and Greater Moncton, making it the first telecommunications company in Canada to offer citywide coverage with FTTH technology.

New Brunswick will be honoured for its investments in the broadband economy on Friday, May 21, when Graham accepts an award for Visionary of the Year from the Intelligent Communities Forum in New York City.

New transit operations centre to be built in Fredericton

Ground was broken in Fredericton today for the city of Frederiction's new transit operations centre.

The Transit operates eight bus routes throughout the municipality. The transit centre will provide a storage and service facility for the fleet of 28 transit buses and three para-transit buses and allow for future growth of services.

The total cost for this project is $6.1 million with a federal contribution of $5.7 million from the 2006 Public Transit Capital Trust and $423,000 from the City of Fredericton.

Calais Regional Hospital Named a Top Performer

Calais Regional Hospital has been recognized with four awards for healthcare service quality for 2009 by Avatar International. The Hospital was one of 18 hospitals to receive the Overall Best Performer award, which represents the top 5% in Avatar's National Database.

Representing CRH staff in receipt of the Avatar International Overall Best Performer Award are some staff from various departments of the hospital. Front, l to r: Mary-Jo Burgess, Terry Brownlee, Brenda Prout; seated, l to r, Debbie Kinney, Carmela Diffin-Dewitt, Sonja Carter; standing, l to r, Beth Maxwell, Luann Reppert, John Stanley, Karen Childs, Fran Holst, Jan Sullivan, Peter Yates, Bonnie Sprague.

Moose License

You have until June.11th to fill and send in your application. The number of licences is increasing this year as well, going up by close to 150. There is a three pool structure for the moose license draw, based on the number of times people have applied unsuccessfully. Pool A consists of hunters who have applied unsuccessfully at least 12 times since 1994 or since they were last drawn.
Pool B is hunters who have applied between five and 11 times without being drawn and Pool C consists of new hunters, infrequent applicants and hunters who have applied one to four times since they were last drawn. The three-day moose season begins on Sept. 23rd and finishes up on the 25th. 3,554 licences for people living in the Province are up for grabs and 100 for people who don't call New Brunswick home.

Projects supported by Environmental Trust Fund

An investment of $54,200 from the Environmental Trust Fund will be made in 5 environment friendly projects in Charlotte County.

Maxwell Crossing Wellfield will recieve $5000.00 for Improvements. South West Solid Waste Commission Public Outreach is getting $14,200.

St. Croix International Waterway Commission, Implementing Classification in the St. Croix Watershed will get $15,000.

Quoddy Futures, Youth Experiential Education, is on the receiving end of $20,000 and Quoddy Futures Charlotte County Vernal Pool Inventory and Field Assessment will get $10,000.

Each year, the ETF provides support to community-based initiatives to restore, improve, preserve and protect air, land and water resources in New Brunswick

Training Interrupted by Accident Call

Firefighters training in Lepreau got hands on experience this past weekend as they responsed to an accident that left one women trapped in the vechile after it left the road and flipped upside down.
Firefighters who were participating in a Boat Rescue training session being instructed by the Musquash Fire Department as part of the training day. The women was takeing to hospital.

Photo compliments of Capt. Andrew A. Sanojca

Gas Prices Lower

Self serve regular is now going for 100.1 cents a litre. Diesel is also lower at 103.7 a litre, which is a reduction of about 4 cents a litre. Heating oil is listed at 90.5 cents and propane is at 103.8 a litre.

Truck Found - RCMP still looking for Maguire

RCMP located the truck believed to be driven by Stephen Patrick Maguire. The vehicle was found concealed area in Quispamsis. A search warrent was executed on the home but no sign of Maguire.
The 44-year-old remains a person of interest in the suspicious death investigation of a 45-year-old Moncton woman. Mr. Maguire is shown in this photo however he now has a shaved head. He is described as being of average height, has green eyes and has a freckled complexion.

RCMP is asking the public to contact police immediately if they see Stephen Patrick Maguire and not to approach him. Police believe he may possibly be a danger to himself or others.
Anyone having information on Stephen Patrick Maguire’s whereabouts is asked to contact the RCMP at 857-2400 or your local police immediately.

RCMP looking for missing women

Hampton RCMP is looking for a 28-year old woman. They received a call yesterday from a person in Lakeside that Sarah Leger has not been in touch with her family since April.27th. Officers believe she may be in Saint John.

Leger is five eight, 124 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. If you have seen her, your asked to call Hampton RCMP at 832-5566.

ATV Accident

The Musquash Fire Department responded to a report of an all terrain vehicle accident on the Seven Mile Lake Road yeaterday.

Firefighters arrived on scene at the same time as the ambulance, and assisted paramedics with one male patient. The man was transported to hospital by ambulance.

Robbery at Riverside Grocery

Riverside Grocery was robbed last night just around 10:30. Rcmp tell us a male wearing a disguise, entered the Store armed with a knife. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

The suspect is of slim build, less than 6 ft tall, wearing dark clothing and his face covered with a mask.

Any person with information on this crime are asked to call District 1 RCMP - St Stephen Post at (506) 466-7030 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477.

Local Fishermen Win Environmental Award

The Gulf of Maine Industry Award has been handed to the Fundy North Fisherman's Association for their efforts in ghost lobster trap recovery in Saint John Harbour.

The award was presented by Department of Fisheries Development Officer Tom McEachreon to Fundy North members Roger Hunter, John McDade and David Thompson.

This project was funded by Canaport LNG through Department of Fisheries and Ocean's Harmful Alteration and Disruption or Destruction (HADD) program, as compensation for the damage to the seafloor with the construction of the LNG pier in Mispec.

The award was the first of its kind to be granted by the council which is comprised of five Gulf of Maine jurisdictions, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Saint Andrews Town Wide Yard Sale

As the old saying goes one man's trash is another man's treasure... Locals will puting that phrase to good use today as they take part in the Annual Saint Andrews Town Wide Yard Sale.

After the sale, a perfect way to relax and get back to nature would be to attend the Huntsman Marine Science Centre’s bird walk.

Director of Education Tracey Dean, who runs a successful bird-banding project at the Huntsman, will be leading the walk again this year

The meeting point for the walk will be on the Salt Marsh Road in St. Andrews, at the walking trail. Those attending are asked to meet at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge for the event.

For more information on the walk, call 529-1200 or email huntsman@huntsmanmarine.ca.

St. George man runs in Ultra Marathon

A native to St. George will run 355 km today and thru the weekend to help raise Money for Multiple Sclerosis. Brad Holmes originally from St. George left Edmundston at 6am this morning and is expected to land in at the Heritage Center in St. George on Tuesday May 11th. Residents along the way are encouraged to join the run.

Holmes is expected to be in our area on Tuesday at Highway 127 to Rollingdam Rd and be turning left on the McMinn Road leading to highway 1 to St. George.....Holmes tells us he has 6 years of experience as a ultramarathon runner and is planning to take part in the Costa Rica 6 day expedition run in 2011.. 

Saint Andrews Paddlefest

The 16th annual Paddlefest Music Festival is underway in Saint Andrews this weekend.
Originally organized by Periwinkle Productions' Jamie Steel and passed down to local business owner Kevin Simmonds and music promoter/adventure recreation alumni Stacey MacLean.

Paddlefest continues to be a highlight in the small town, and its first true sign of spring.

Over the years Paddlefest a major attraction to people from across the province and beyond.

This year's event features a wide range of music, both from local performers and acts from across Canada, with a mixture of outdoor activities today and a songwriters circle as well as a Farmer's Market.

Paddlefest corresponds today with the yearly Town Wide Yard Sale.

For more information http://http://www.standrewspaddlefest.ca/

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is proud to support the official declaration of May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Lyme disease is the second most commonly reported reportable infectious disease in Maine, with nearly
1,000 people reported with it each year the past two years.

 Carried by the deer tick and is most infections in Maine during the summer months.

The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is an expanding red rash that occurs at the site of the tick bite within 3-32 days. after being bitten. Fever, join and muscle pains and other flu-like symptoms may also occur,” said Dr. Sears.

 For more information: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/epi/vector-borne/lyme/index.shtml

Service Canada Centers open for youth

The Service Canada Centres for Youth are now open to the public. The offices are ready to assist businesses and young workers with their summer employment needs. Service Canada Centres for Youth link youth and employers.

This year, employers interested in using our services and youth looking for summer employment can visit or contact their local SCCY between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Job postings are available online at http://www.jobbank.gc.ca./, under "Student Job Search". For more information on Service Canada services for youth call 1 800 O-Canada or visit servicecanada.gc.ca.

Traffic Growth at the Moncton Airport

The Moncton Airport has reported an increase of 12 percent in traffic for it's first Quarter.
This growth in air travel is attributed to a very successful winter charter season, in addition to all our airline partners regaining much success in Greater Moncton.

Cooke Aquaculture is Growing

As the stock markets take a hit, there is some good news in the business world. Cooke Aquaculture has purchased the processing facility of Ocean Choice International in Newfoundland. Ocean Choice says the decision to sell the facility was made because of the declining raw material base to support the operation.
Officials with Cooke Aquaculture says it will be business as usual at the processing plant on the rock and no word on what this means for the people already working there. The deal is expected to be finalized near the end of next month.

May is Asian Heritage Month

The May has been proclaimed Asian Heritage Month.

Recognized throughout Canada since 1993, Asian Heritage Month is a unique opportunity for all of us to reflect on the long and rich history of Asian Canadians as well as their lasting contributions to our country.

The announcement was made earlier today by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also the minister responsible for the Population Growth Secretariat.

Town Pride Clean-Up

Motorists in St. Stephen.....drive with extra caution today as an increased number of people will be on the streets taking part in Our Annual Town Pride Clean up day...Local's wanting to participate can drop into Chocolate Park here on Milltown Blvd. and pick up Gloves and Garbage bags until 1 pm today... Last year hundreds of bags full of trash from around Town were collected and the St Stephen High School Students alone collected 140 bags of trash last year.
98.1 The Tide encourage you to get out and take part and keep our town clean!

Power Outage

NB Power tells Tide News that 629 customers in the Old Ridge area of St. Stephen are without power.
NB Power says that this is an un-expected outage and crews are working on the problem.
They say power should be restored to all customers by 10 this morning.

Further contracts awarded for highway maintenance facility

The New Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility in St. Stephen is one step closer to reality today as the Provincial Government has awarded about $4.7 million in contracts fro the completion of phase 2 and 3.

This state-of-the-art, 12-bay building will house the vehicle repair, carpentry and signage operations as well as the highway maintenance division in the region.

The St. Stephen highway division is responsible for more than 400 km of roads and the repair facility is responsible for a fleet of 120 vehicles.

The announcement was made this morning by Premier Shawn along with accompanied by Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty, Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet.

For More info www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/ss/2010e0663ss.htm

Premier in St. Stephen

The Premier and three of his cabinet ministers will be in the Bordertown this morning.


Shawn Graham along with Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty, Transportation Minister Denis Landry and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet will be in St. Stephen for an infrastructure announcement.

The details will be unveiled at 10 this morning on Church Street in St. Stephen.

Advance polling for municipal byelections, plebiscite

Advance polling will take place this Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as part of byelections to fill vacant council positions in nine municipalities.
Regular polling day is Monday, May 10. Voters may contact the returning office in their area to arrange to vote by special ballot. For more information, visit http://www.electionsnb.ca/ or call 1-888-858-VOTE.

Canada Post seeking proposals for 2012 Stamps

Canada Post today announced its stamp line-up for 2011. The 20 stamp issues and two commemorative envelopes will feature a wide variety of topics and people, including baseball Hall-of-Famer Fergie Jenkins, singers such as the McGarrigle Sisters and Ginette Reno, hydroplane Miss Supertest III and much more. More than a billion Canadian stamps are sold yearly in Canada and worldwide.
Each year hundreds of proposals for the stamp program come in. More than 600 proposals were submitted by Canadians this year and has been narrowed the program to 50 individual stamps on 20 wide-ranging topics. Moya Greene, President and CEO of Canada Post says they are now kicking off the 2012 campaign and inviting Canadians to submit their ideas.

Canadians to submit their ideas for the 2012 Stamp program, Canada Post has created a new stamp page on Facebook www.facebook.com/canadapost

The United States Bureau Of Indian Affairs Ends LNG Agreement

The United States Bureau of Indian Affairs cancelled the lease to build the LNG terminal at Split Rock. This decision was made after five years of litigation.
Groups have been battling the proposed natural Gas Terminal on Tribal land at Split Rock since the original approval in 2005.

The Oklahoma based company has 30 days to vacate the property or file an appeal.

Gas Prices slightly Rise

There has been just a slight increase in gas prices around town after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is one cent a litre higher at 103.3 while the max that diesel can sell for self serve at the pumps for 107.3. Heating oil is at 92.1 cents a litre and propane is listed at 102.9.

RCMP arrest two men and seize drug in Moncton

Two Men from Moncton under arrest after RCMP watch a drug transaction go down in the City.

Police seized a variety of drugs prepackaged for resale such as marijuana, drugs believed to be ecstasy, prescription medication and cash.

Both have a court date set for July to face the charges of possession and trafficking.

ATV crash sends three men to St. John Regional Hospital

One man remains in critical condition and another is in stable condition after their All Terrain Vehicles collided over the weekend in Canterbury. A third man involved in the accident was treated and released from hospital.

RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the collision but do tell us it appears all three riders were wearing their helmets.

River Levels Around the Province Are Good

With little or no rain expected over the next three days, River Watch believes water levels along the St. John River basin will continue to drop over the weekend.


All areas are presently well below flood stage and should remain so for the foreseeable future.


River Watch will not issue any further bulletins unless there is a major change to the weather pattern that might bring a threat of flooding.

Hospital Beds at The Regional Are Not Closing

Acting Health Minister Greg Byrne disputes Rothesay Conservatiove MLA Margaret Ann Blaney's claim that despite a new nursing home opening in Quispamsis, 40 beds will close the Regional Hospital.


Byrne says there is no truth to that and the beds will be available. He finds it disconcerting that Blaney would mislead the public this way.


Blaney told us earlier this week that despite the new nursing home opening in Quispamis making 60 beds available in hospital, 40 beds would close at the Regional.

Calais regional Hospital has new OB/GYN

The Calais Hospital has a new OB/GYN. Dr. DeMasi says he was drawn to the Calais area because the hospital is welcoming and he was impressed with the technology available.

DeMasi earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from The Philadelphia College Osteopathic Medicine and is currently taking patients.

Dr. DeMasi OB/GYN

Maine Wins $30 Million Energy Efficiency Grant

Governor John E. Baldacci announced that Maine has received $30 million dollars in a federal grant from The Recovery Act to fund energy efficiency upgrades in Maine.

The grant will establish a revolving loan fund called the Maine Home Performance Fund to make buildings more energy efficient. Maine’s aging housing stock and high cost of fuel is proof that there is potential value of retrofitting homes and businesses to improve energy efficiency.

Maine has one of the highest rates of homeowners in the country.

Tour for the Cure in St. Stephen

The Big Pink Bus is in town today to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. Caet Moir and Deanna Jones have been traveling across the province to promote awareness to both men and women about breast cancer.

Breast Cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Atlantic Canadian women.

The girls on the bus encourage everyone to get out today and learn how to give yourself an exam for early detection.

The Tour for the Cure will be in St. Stephen today at Sobey's till 6 then they are off to Fredericton.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Enbridge Gas New Brunswick celebrates Earth Day with St. George clean up

In honor of Earth Day, Enbridge Gas is organizing a community clean up in the Town of St. George on Thursday, April 22.
Employees from Enbridge Gas New Brunswick are partnering with Environmental Science students from Fundy High School, as well as other members of the community to clean up litter and debris throughout the Town.

The clean up will begin at the Civic Center at 10:30 a.m. and will end at approximately 2:30 p.m.

A rain date has been scheduled for April 29.

Lieutenant-governor named honorary patron of heritage fairs

A stop in St. Stephen today for Lt - Gove Graydon Nicholas as he has been named honorary patron for heritage fairs in New Brunswick, Wellness, Culture and Sport. Today's Hertiage Fair  will be at the Kirk-McColl United Church Hall.

As honorary patron, Nicholas will be the presiding dignitary at all 15 regional heritage fairs taking place this April and May.
Organized at the provincial and district level by elementary, middle and high schools, the regional heritage fairs provide an innovative learning opportunity for social studies students wishing to study their provincial and national history.

Fifteen students will be selected to attend the provincial showcase taking place at the Village Historique Acadien June 25-27.

Lawn care pesticide ban in effect

Residents around the province are reminded that the sale and use of more than 240 over-the-counter lawn care pesticide products, and the use of all 2,4-D products, on domestic lawns in the province has been banned by the Department of Environment.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

A woman from Nova Scotia is dead after a two-vehicle crash yesterday afternoon. It happened at the intersection of Highways 170 & 127 outside St. Andrews.


The driver of the vehicle, the woman's husband was injured but nothing serious and was taken to hospital. RCMP tell us the vehicle failed to stop at the intersection when it hit a tractor trailer

Give-A-Day, Get-A-Disney-Day

The St. Stephen Volunteer Centre recently adopted the Give-A-Day, Get-A-Disney-Day program in partnership with Volunteer Canada and Disney World.

The Give-A-Day, Get-A-Disney-Day program offered one ticket per person for free admission to Disney World in Florida. Participants were required to complete a day of verified volunteer service with a participating non-profit organization.

The program was open to adults and children. One million free passes were presented by Disney to volunteers across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada in two months in 2010, fulfilling the goal of the program for this year.

The Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, established in 1982, encourages volunteerism and the sharing of information about community needs.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may contact a centre at 506-466-4995 in St. Stephen.

Highway Website

With the summer months quickly approaching, those leisurely Sunday drives can quickly become a pain with lots of road construction going on around the province.

Well the provnicial government is launching a website to help alleviate those concerns.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry says the tool will allow commuters, tourists and businesspeople the opportunity to take a look at all road work being done aroudn the province to help plan their trips.

The website will feature a project map, with icons giving information on current construction, future projects, as well as recently completed jobs.

For More Information http://www.gnb.ca/0113/Projects/proj-list-e.asp

Forest Fire Season Starts Tomorrow

Forest fire season around the Province gets started tomorrow and runs until Halloween. Charles Beaulieu is a wild-fire prevention officer and tells us, grass and brush fires started by home-owners are a huge problem.

Last year, 251 hectares of wooded area were lost because of 195 forest fires but Beaulieu calls that a slow year due to all the rain. To find out if your in an area that does allow burning, you can call 1-866-458-8080.

Deadline for Taxes Quickly Approaching

The end of the month is a little less than two weeks away -- and -- that should ring a bell.
We have until April 30th to file our tax returns -- and -- Roger Haineault of Help 4 Taxes tells us  the home renovation tax credit is proving to be a popular deduction this year:
Haineault says about half of the 25-million Canadians who should file an income tax return will do so over the next two weeks.

Teen Convicted Of Murder Sentenced

A 16 year old girl from the Hampton area has been given the maximum sentence allowed under the Youth Justice Act for second degree murder. She stabbed 78 year old Frank Tonge in the neck with a butcher knife in his Damacus home and has been handed 4 years in jail followed by 3 years of supervision in the community. Prosecutor Lucie Mathurin says the girl, whose name can't be released, will undergo intensive rehabilitation.The programme costs 100 thousand dollars a year but defense lawyer Dave Lutz maintains she's worth it. He goes on to say she has led a traumatised life thus far but he's confident she can turn things around.
Mr. Justice Hugh McLellen acknowledged the victim shared marijuana with her and engaged in inappropriate sexual touching but he added the law does not condone the idea that people who feel victimised can kill those who have wronged them.

Body of Missing Fisherman Found And Identified

Friends and family of Scott Jeffrey Pineo are mourning his loss. The 23-year old Quispamsis man has been identified as one of two fisherman who fell into the Nerepis River when a boat overturned and drowned. The other man in the boat managed to swim to shore Thursday afternoon but neither was wearing a life jacket. Pineo's body was found close to where the boat capsized late yesterday afternoon.

National Volunteer Week April 18-24

New Brunswickers volunteer more than 50 million hours a year. They work 24,000 full-time jobs without pay for causes they care about.
National Volunteer Week pays tribute to these dedicated individuals who donate their time and energy toward helping others. Across Canada, about 12 million volunteers devote themselves to charitable work and non-profit organizations.

Missing Man feared drowned durning a fishing trip

No name is being released after a 23-year old man is missing and may have drowned during a fishing trip in Grand Bay Westfield.

RCMP was called to the Nerepis River this afternoon just after twelve o'clock to find an over-turned boat.

One of the men in the boat managed to swim to shore but the 23-year old is believed to have drowned.

Officers says the initial investigation shows neither man was wearing a life jacket.

Saint John Man guilty of attempted Murder

A Saint John man will be sentenced next month on three charges including attempted murder.
55-year old Adrienne Lepage had already pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and abduction.

The attempted murder charge was handed down this afternoon by Judge Henrick Tonning.

The charges stem from when the Barnwood Pub in Quispamsis was robbed in November of last year.

Sargeant Craig McDougall is head of major crime with Rothesay Regional Police and says this is one of the most serious crimes he has seen.

Judge Tonning called Lepage's actions cold and calculated.

He duct taped 22-year old Jessica Michaels hands and legs, threw her in the back of a van, drove her to a gravel pit in Lepreau, duct taped a bag over her head and left her.

Sentencing will take place in Hampton on May.27th.

(Adrienne Lepage Escorted From Hampton Court)

(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Prescribed Burn in Baring Maine

The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge will conduct prescribed burns today and Saturday April 16 & 17.

Motorists on the Charlotte Road in Baring Maine will need to be aware.Warning signs will be posted to advise drivers of an hazardous conditions.

If people spot smoke within the Moosehorn Refuge and you're not sure it's the prescribed burn call the refuge's office at 454-7161. The speed limit on the Charlotte Road within the refuge area is posted at 45 miles-per-hour.

For more information on Fire Management on National Wildlife Refuges visit www.fws.gov/fire/

Calais Regional Hospital Participates in Flags Across America for Donate Life Month

April is National Donate Life Month. To recognize the month, Calais Regional Hospital is participating in Flags Across America, a Donate Life America initiative.
A Donate Life flag will be on display at the hospital during the month of April to honor and celebrate the hundreds of thousands of donors and recipients whose lives have been affected by organ, eye and tissue donation.

The Flags Across America initiative is meant to encourage the public to designate donation decisions by registering their wishes in their state donor registries.

Calais Regional Hospital is proud to support organ and tissue donation efforts. To register or learn more about organ and tissue donation visit www.donatelife.net or contact Barbara Clark, RN at Calais Regional Hospital at 454-7521.

It's Paddlefest Time once again...

The 16th annual Paddlefest Music Festival will be held in Saint Andrews from Friday, May 7th until Sunday, May 9th. For the first time Paddlefest will be held in the town square.

Originally organized by Periwinkle Productions' Jamie Steel and passed down to local business owner Kevin Simmonds and music promoter/adventure recreation alumni Stacey MacLean.

Paddlefest continues to be a highlight in the small town, and its first true sign of spring.

Over the years Paddlefest a major attraction to people from across the province and beyond.

This year's event features a wide range of music, both from local performers and acts from across Canada, with a mixture of outdoor activities, a Saturday songwriters circle as well as a Farmer's Market.

Paddlefest corresponds with the yearly Town Wide Yard Sale as well.

For more information http://www.standrewspaddlefest.ca/

Corporte Food Challenge to be held in June

The St Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a golf tournament at the St Stephen Golf Club to raise funds and food for the Food Bank on June 4th.
In addition to the Golf Tournament there will be a silent auction held on the 4th with bidding between 12pm-5pm.  There will be a BBQ for golfers starting at 5pm and prizes will be awarded to all golfers who participate.

In the weeks leading up to the tournament there will be a Corporate Food Challenge which will have some St Stephen businesses competing against each other to see who can collect the most food to donate to the cause.

If you are interested in competing in the corporate challenge could you please contact Danielle Sullivan at 506.466.5055 or danielle.sullivan@cbdc.ca before April 28th. The challenge will run May 3 - 28.

Governor Signs Order to Put Maine in Better Position to Access Federal Education Funds

Governor John E. Baldacci issued an Executive Order to put Maine in a better position to compete for a portion of the $4.3 billion in federal Race to the Top education funds.

The order directs the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education to establish a stakeholder group to review potential models for evaluating teacher and principal performance, a critical requirement of the federal competitive grant program.

The federal standard for Race to the Top requires that school districts be able to use student achievement as one of a multiple of elements in teacher and principal evaluations.

Maine needs to have a process for developing the models well underway by June 1 to meet the application deadline of the federal government.

High School Students attend 17th annual Job Fest

Students from St. Stephen to Sussex are getting a chance to test their job-hunting skills as the 17th annual Job Fest today at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.
The Job Fest is an initiative of the Government of New Brunswick, J.D. Irving Ltd. and school districts 10, 8 and 6.

These presentations cover subjects such as how to write résumés and cover letters; and how to participate in job interviews effectively.

Law Week

A new informative website is among the initiatives that will help mark Law Day, today in the province. Law Week events will be held in New Brunswick from April 11 to 17.

To celebrate Law Day and promote access to a range of public law-information services at http://www.familylawnb.ca/

Man receives 1.3 million dollar fine for contraband tobacco

A Moncton man has been ordered to pay fines of $1,330,600 in connection with a major seizure of contraband tobacco.
Trevor Howie Dow was stopped in 2008 and caught with more than two million contraband tobacco cigarettes.

Gas Prices Cheaper today....

The price of gas is cheaper this morning after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is down a couple of cents at 102 a litre. Diesel is also lower at 103.9. Furnace oil is listed at 91.7 and propane is 103.5 a litre.

Meanwhile cross border gas is selling for .81 cents and litre Canadian.

Arrest Made in False Bomb Scare at SSHS

St Stephen RCMP have arrested a youth, under the age of 18 that admitted to making the false bomb threat that was received at the St Stephen High School on Monday. The youth was released on conditions and will be appearing in court at a later date..

RCMP Safety Presentation

The RCMP and St. George Elemantary Home and School have teamed up to offer a Parent Internet Safety Presentation.

This event will help Parents and children learn to protect themselves while on the internet.

The presentation is set for this Thursday at The St. George Elementary school at 6:30... All Parents and student of District ten are encourged to come.

Pink Shirt Day

We hear in the news often to much! Bullying... when will it stop.
Locals here in Charlotte County will be doing their part to raise awareness about bullying by wearing their Pink Shirts Today .You 'll see them at Scotia Bank, Just for Kids the Courier and the Boys and Girls club just to name a few.

School District Ten will be participating in Pink Shirt Day along with School Districts across the Province.

Local Business will also be doing their parts around the town to promote the awareness against bullying...

Reports confirm that bullying is starting at younger ages and is far more frequent and aggressive than ever before.

Make sure to send your pictures to the tide.ca of your groups do your part to curve bullying in our area!

For More information on Pink Shirt Day .... http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

Close Call For Senior In Hampton

This story will serve as a reminder that no matter where you live or whether your home, it never hurts to keep your doors locked. A 72-year old woman in Hampton got quite a scare yesterday when she walked into her living room and found two men standing there.

They told her they were there to ask about a vehicle she had for sale in her yard. They didn't wait for an answer, jumped into the green half ton pick-up they were driving and took off toward Norton. One man is described as 60-years old and wearing a plaid shirt and a black ball cap. The other man is 40-years old and was wearing an orange and white t-shirt.

7Wonders Director Visits Bay

The Director of the New7Wonders Foundation will visit the Hopewell Rocks on Wednesday afternoon. This as the Bay of Fundy continues it's campaign to lock up the number one spot. He will meet with regional and national tourism representatives to discuss strategies and identify opportunities in this international campaign.
This is the first time the Organization has been to Canada since the Bay of Fundy was announced as a global finalist in the New7Wonders of Nature Campaign. The winner will be announced on November.11th.

Portage Alantic hosts breakfast to share info for Drug Addiction youth ....

Officials from Portage Alantic  held a community breakfast this morning in Saint Andrews to offer information for their Services ..Portage is a residential treatment center for youth between the Ages of 14 to 21 with serious substance abuse problems. Portage officials say that more funding is needed to help this program. Currently there are thirty six beds allotted for New Brunswick youth but as reps point out that's not nearly enough... Most young people have to be put on a waiting list. .. Portage is a non profit group but it takes about 140 per day per youth for this program.Tambrea Hicks the former Director of The St. Stephen Charlotte County Boys and girls club now omission coordinator for Portage says this program provides help and hope for the youth of the future. Portage Teaches adolescents understand their problems and teach them the skills they need for community living rather than escape thru drugs. The program runs about six months. For More Information http://www.portage.ca/