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."

The Tide's Annual Toy Drive Tomorrow!

Do you have toys your kids don't play with anymore?

If they're still in good condition, head to the St. Stephen Canadian Tire tomorrow for The Tide's Annual Toy Drive, and donate them for local children in our area.

Collecting toys for the Family Resource Centre and the Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County, The Tide will be in Canadian Tire's parking lot from 10am until 2pm.

Save a Life, Give Blood

It's giving a gift that doesn't cost you anything.

The Canadian Blood Services says they need as much help as they can get, because this is a tough time of the year to get blood donations.

The CBS will be holding a blood donor clinic at the Fundy High School tomorrow in St. George, between 1:30 and 4pm, and 5:30 till 7:30pm.

For more information call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Or visit their website at www.blood.ca.

More VLT's in New Brunswick?

Local listeners giving their opinion on our Facebook Page.

We received mixed reviews of the Atlantic Lottery Corporation wanting to install up to 75 more video lottery terminals -- or VLT's -- in our province.

One woman said it wasn't fair to blame the VLT's, comparing the act to blaming bars because people are alcoholics.

However almost 84% of the comments expressed negativity towards the decision, with comments such as "dislike" and "Ridiculous".

According to ALC's latest annual report..... New Brunswick made $91 million from vlt's in 2010-2011 _ down from $100 million the year before.

McAdam Health Care?

What do you think about our Health Care system?

Residents of McAdam and surrounding areas will get their chance to answer that question, at a meeting hosted by the Community Action Committee and the McAdam Village Council.

An opportunity to discuss the current delivery of health care, as well as implications for coping with health emergencies in the area.

The meeting gets underway Monday night at the McAdam High School at 7.

Seeley's Cove Road is Open

The Route 1 Gateway Project is one step closer to being finished.

The entrance to the Seeley's Cove Road was closed for the past 11 days to make way for excavation.

Public Relations Stephanie Bell of Dexter Construction telling Tide News Seeley's Cove Road is now open.

RCMP Called To Mayfield Last Night

A bit of drama outside of St. Stephen last night.

District 1 RCMP responding to a report of a man allegedly uttering threats to another inside a home in Mayfield.

The second resident left safely, but the man proceeded to lock himself inside the home while in possession of a weapon.

About 4 hours later, police took the man into custody without incident.

Noone was hurt.

The 30-year-old man was due in court today.

Stonehammer Geopark Gets National Recognition

Stonehammer Geopark is hammering home New Brunswick's status as a national tourism destination. The park showcasing the fossils and unique geology of the region spans more than 2,500 square kilometres. On Thursday, it received the national tourism association's Deloitte Award for Innovator of the Year.

Chair Bill Merrifield says that the park's unique appeal lies in its diversity. Every site offers something new from a geological perspective, he says--and you can see it all in a day.

The award is given out to tourism or business organizations that develop the most innovative product. The 2,500 square kilometer park includes more than 60 major geological sites across Southern New Brunswick, ranging from Lepreau Falls, Norton, the Irving Nature Park, and the Fundy Trail.

Different Kind of Report Card

St. Stephen High School students getting a different kind of report card today.

Grade 10 students receiving a health report card.

A few weeks ago, testing was done for the students in many areas, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, heart rate, and overall health, in a way to educate students to live a healthy life.

The study found as Body mass index goes up, students marks in school and their self-esteem went down.

The High School's Guidance councilor Don Walker says it occured to him a few years ago, they had testing for everything else school related, but not for the most important -- health.

Mr. Walker can be seen with Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, head doctor in the study.

"Pause Before You Post"

Today the St. Stephen High School held an assembly promoting the "Pause Before You Post" campaign.

An initiative created by Jostens, and driven by students and teachers, to give awareness about cyber-bullying.

Students were on stage this morning, talking about the importance of pausing before posting pictures, videos, and comments on social media sites such as Facebook.

Black Friday

Shop till you drop!.........It is Friday....Black Friday that is.

Lots of people are heading over the border today to take advantage of all the Black Friday deals in the USA.

Also, it will be Midnight Madness in St. Stephen tonight.

Lots of local businesses will be staying open late for your holiday shopping convenience and the local Chamber of Commerce wants you to "Spread the Cheer and Shop Right Here!"

Jerry Seinfeld coming to Harbour Station!

Jerry Seinfeld may be best known for his epic television sitcom, described by TV Guide as the greatest program of all time. But, Seinfeld’s first love has always been stand-up comedy. And.....here is your chance to see Jerry Seinfeld at Harbour Station on Friday, Feb. 3rd.Tickets for the show will go on sale Saturday Dec. 3, beginning at 10 a.m at Harbour Station.

Stay Off The Roads!

Cancel your appointments and delay your travel plans.

That word coming from Sergeant Bob MacKnight of District 1 RCMP.

He says they are responding to numerous reports of collisions and vehicles going off the road because of extremely poor driving conditions.

No word yet on fatalities related to the storm.

Stay tuned to The Tide's Storm Central for updates on cancellations, closures, and late buses.

Get Your Shovels Ready!

After a warm and pleasant fall in the Maritimes, the reality of wintry weather is fast approaching.
   
Environment Canada has posted snowfall warnings for southern New Brunswick.
  
 Snow, at times heavy is forecast to begin in our area tomorrow morning, spreading east to Moncton by the afternoon.
   
Our bottom half of the province could see between 15 and 25 centimetres.


Listen to The Tide's Storm Central on 98.1, for any cancellations, closures, late buses, and anything else storm related.

Make Holiday Shopping Easier at the Border

Waiting in line at the border is not how you want to start your holiday shopping.

The Canadian Border Services Agency wants to keep traffic running smoothly this Friday, when Black Friday overtakes Calais.

A reminder to have your proper identification, such as a passport or Nexus card when crossing.

And have any shopping receipts ready in hand when coming back to St. Stephen.

"Pause Before You Post"

St. Stephen High School taking a different approach to bullying.

This week is the launch  of "Pause Before You Post", a campaign designed by Jostens to bring awareness of the dangers in cyberbullying.

They want to encourage students to "pause" before posting pictures, videos, or comments on social media sites like Facebook, or texting others.

Photo by SSHS student Blair Hamilton.

RCMP Release Name of Man Who Drowned

The name of a man who died over the weekend in a boating incident has been released.

Police believe 45-year-old Norman Parker from Back Bay was with his 10-year-old son Saturday afternoon, when the engine in their boat suffered problems in Blacks Harbour.

The pair were forced to abandon their boat, but only the boy was able to make it to shore.

Parker's body was found later by local fishermen.

An autopsy was done yesterday, confirming he died from drowning.

St. Stephen Goes Country!

The Border Town was a Country Town this weekend.

Canadian Country Music Stars Aaron Pritchett and Chris Cummings, with special guest host Mike Biggar performing at the St. Stephen Middle School Saturday night.
A great turn-out from the community to hear some of their favorite chart-toppers.

For more pictures, check out The Tide's Facebook Page.

Christmas Parade Success in Cold Weather

Santa Claus drew a good crowd over the weekend.

Friday evening, The St. Stephen Christmas Parade took place, bringing many onlookers to the streets in minus 3 degree weather.

However, the chilly temperature didn't put a damper on the celebration.

Following the parade, Town Square was packed with people for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.