Finance Minister In St. Stephen

Another stop in gathering New Brunswickers' input -- Finance Minister Blaine Higgs will be in St. Stephen tomorrow morning.

Higgs is making the rounds in the province, holding public meetings in 10 communities, gathering the public opinion first, before the 2012-2013 budget comes out.

Everyone is allowed to participate, even thought the meeting is labeled for stakeholders.

The meeting goes from 10am until 12 noon at the St. Stephen Legion, located at 43 Queen Street.

Scammer In Charlotte County!

A scam is making the rounds in Charlotte County.

One of our listeners in Pennfield tells Tide News, during a call this morning, she was asked to give her credit card number over the phone, so an unknown person could de-bug and clean her computer so it ran better.

Our listener says she doesn't have a computer, and when she asked who was calling, they hung up.

A spokesman for the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says they've had over 4000 complaints since early December for the same scam.

He warns they are targeting our directory, hitting on areas from St. Stephen to Grand Manan Island.

If you think you have been scammed, call the Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

1 Week Until The Marathon Begins!

Get your shopping carts ready!

1 week from today, The Tide is hosting The 10th Annual Marathon Food Drive, and it's getting bigger!

This year, a separate food drive will take place at the St. Stephen Superstore, the St. Andrews Save-Easy, as well as the St. George Save-Easy, filling the shelves of food banks in each community.


Food Drive times are Friday, from 5-9pm, and Saturday, from 10am-2pm.

Photos Released Of Snowmobile Armed Robbers

The RCMP have released photos and descriptions of two suspects in the armed robbery of Zealand Convenience, on Route 104.

A shot was fired but no one was hit.

The store owner was assaulted and taken to hospital where he was treated and later released.

An undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes was stolen.

There was an earlier armed holdup at Estey's General store on Route 104 in Millville, where a shot was fired with cash and cigarettes being stolen.

Witnesses say after each robbery, the suspects escaped on snowmobiles.

Grand Manan Opens Community Centre Tomorrow

Grand Manan Island will have the official opening of it's Community Centre tomorrow.

The ceremony gets underway at 1:30, at 1021, Route 776.

NB South-West MP John Williamson will be attending, alongside Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Trevor Holder and Grand Manan Mayor Dennis Greene.

Health Advocate Digging on Ambulance NB in St. Andrews

Opposition Health Advocate, Bill Fraser has filed a right-to-information request with Ambulance New Brunswick concerning an incident in St. Andrews.

Last June, a town resident suffering from an allergic reaction waited for an ambulance to be dispatched from Lepreau.

Fraser says,  on the surface, ANB’s response rates look very good, they claim they’re meeting both urban and rural response targets in ninety percent of cases.

But what’s not often revealed is that there are exemptions that allow for missed response times to not be factored in.




This comes as Cupe Local 4848, which represents paramedics raises concerns over ambulance response times and proper coverage.

It claims the number of ambulances in the province is down 40 percent during the night and current health care cuts could lead to lengthier response times.

Red Cross Stepping In For Fire Victims

Two mothers and their children getting help, after their apartment building was destroyed by fire.

Janice Babineau of the Canadian Red Cross says the families were given blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and teddy bears for the kids.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight with the District 1 RCMP says the blaze was caused by a mattress that caught fire in one of the apartments at 17 Pleasant Street in Milltown.

He says there were no fatalities, but two people were treated for smoke inhalation.

SJ Airport Down In Passengers

CEO of the Saint John Airport, Bernie LeBlanc, giving a presentation to the St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce this afternoon.

He touched base on the airport's finances, budget, and goals.

LeBlanc says Saint John is down about 14 thousand passengers in 2011, as compared to 2010.

He hopes to improve those numbers by expanding customer offerings, enhancing facilities, and to get more involved with the community.

LeBlanc says their biggest problem is a lack of population.

(Picture: VP of Chamber of Commerce Terry Jordan with CEO of SJ Airport Bernie LeBlanc)

Murder In Saint John?

A two day preliminary hearing will be held in the spring to determine if 50 year old Stephen Wallace Martin should stand trial for the killing of a man in Saint John before Christmas.

It gets underway on May 2nd with two days set aside for testimony.

The body of 70 year old Robert Ryan was discovered by firefighters after they were called to 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue North.

Police have not said how he died but determined it was a homicide.

School Canceled From Lack of Heat

Lots of little ones staying home from school today over the river.

Kathy Lawrence of the Calais School Department confirmed the Calais Elementary School canceled classes for today, due to no heat in the building.

No word yet if classes will continue tomorrow.

Fire In Milltown Leaves 9 Homeless

Many residents of St. Stephen thinking of past time, spent living in an apartment building that caught fire last night.

EMS and Fire Services from St. Stephen and Calais responding to the blaze around 6pm at 17 Pleasant Street in Milltown.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight of the District 1 RCMP says a mattress in one of the apartments was the cause of the fire.

He says tenants tried to remove the mattress but were overcome by smoke inhalation.

Two people suffered minor injuries from the smoke and were treated.

In total, nine people were left homeless and have been arranged temporary accomodations.

MacKnight says foul play is not suspected.

Attention! Point Lepreau Emergency Test Thursday

A test of the Point Lepreau emergency notification system is coming up on Thursday.
The test is being conducted by the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization in partnership with the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating System.

When residents receive the test message, they should listen to the message and then follow instructions to confirm they have received it. The results will allow the Provincial EMO to assess the efficiency of the system.

An emergency notification system has been in place since Point Lepreau opened and an improved system has been in place since 2009 where residents can get the alerts in their home, work or cell hone through e-mail, text message or fax.

If your contact info has changed or you moved, you are asked to contact the Provincial EMO.

Emergency Measures Organization (1-800-561-4034) or the Musquash Fire Department (506-672-2702 or 506-659-2907).

Volunteers Needed For Rally in St. Croix Valley

You can almost hear the motorcycles revving!

The "Rally in the St. Croix Valley" is making progress as a biker festival in St. Stephen and Calais for this summer.

Canadian Chairman Bob Hamel says they are looking for creative individuals to volunteer, and help with a number of things such as lodging, entertainment, traffic control, vendors, sales during the event, ride escorts, and fundraising.

There will be a public meeting held at the Calais Motor Inn, Jan 31st, starting at 7pm, 6pm US time.

The Rally is scheduled for July 1-8, 2012.

CEO of Canadian Blood Services Says Province Made The Right Move

The CEO of Canadian Blood Services Dr. Graham Sher says remaining with CBS is the best option for the province.

He says by staying with a national system, patients and the medical community in the province can be assured of a safe and secure blood supply.

The province has announced it will be forming a watchdog group with various medical and advisory groups to ensure that safety will not be compromised.

CFIB Wants Government to Cut Through Red Tape

Grab the scissors and start cutting through red tape--that's the message from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. The federation's Leanne Hachey says that reducing red tape is more difficult because many people aren't clear on what it means.

Sitting on the phone for hours at a time, getting two answers to the same question, mounds of unnecessary paperwork, and lengthy questionnaires are a burden on business owner's time, which could be better spent doing things that would help their businesses.

She says that because most businesses in New Brunswick are so small, it's generally one person that's left to jump through all the unnecessary hoops. 

The CFIB is getting to word out about the negative effects on red tape on business in the province with a new video series on their website starting Monday. 

You an check out the red tape video diaries at www.cfib.ca

New Road to St. Andrews Aquarium

No more sharp turns and winding hills to get to the Fundy Discovery Aquarium or the St. Andrews Biological Station.

A new road has been constructed leading directly to the Highway 127.

Brandy Cove Road, which brought traffic from the town to the Aquarium, via the Algonquin Golf Course, is now closed.

The new road is nameless for the time being.

A contest on the new name is being held by the Town of St. Andrews, Sir James Dunn Academy, and Vincent Massey Elementary.

What is The Future of School District 10?

A lot of commotion, raised voices, and emotion behind closed doors.

District 10 holding an Education Council meeting last night in St. Stephen, after hearing word the provincial government is cutting the 14 school districts in New Brunswick to 7, with 75 to 100 job losses.

Districts 6, 8,and 10 will be combined, from St. Stephen to Sussex, including Saint John.

District 6 Chair Roger Nesbitt isn't worried about the change, and says it won't affect the quality of education for students.

However, mixed emotions in St. Stephen.

District 10 Chair Joni Donahue says nothing is etched in stone until the province starts moving, and it will be very hard on district staff.

Vice Chair Wayne Spires says we need to be ready when the changes come.

SSHS In Canada's Spotlight

A special kind of report card bringing national attention to our local high school.

In November we reported St. Stephen High School conducting a "Student Health Report Card", testing students on issues like nutrition, blood pressure, cholesterol and self-esteem.

The Initiative is now reaching nation-wide attention, as they are the first to compare to affects of Body Mass Index or BMI in regards to the students' grades.

Nurse Practitioner Yvonne Bartlett says it's not a strong statistic, but they found the higher the BMI -- the lower the students' grades.

SSHS Guidance Counsellor Don Walker says "We're under the gun. Canada is watching."

Walker says SSHS has been flooded with emails and calls from schools across Canada, and health officials wanting to learn more about the project.

He says they are now in the intervention stage, helping students who discovered risk factors for heart disease and obesity improve their health.

Dive Teams to Search For Missing Child

It's Day 26 in the search for a missing toddler from Maine.

The Maine Department of Public Safety says the State Police and Warden Service will be sending dive teams to search several bodies of water today in Waterville.

20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported missing from her crib in her father's Waterville home on Dec 17th.

There is a $30,000 reward being offered for information on her whereabouts.

Anyone with information is asked to call Waterville Police at 207-680-4700, or the Maine State Police in Augusta at 207-624-7076.

Taxes Going Up In St. Stephen

Can St. Stephen afford the Garcelon Civic Centre?

This question being raised with the release of the town's 2012 budget, and news that taxes have risen.

Infrastructure taxes within St. Stephen are up 1.5 cents to $1.58 per $100.

Town Manager John Ferguson says, frankly, we cannot afford not to build this new facility.

Ferguson adds, St. Stephen is a great community, we must reverse the downward spiral of our social economic problems, including deviant behavior in certain segments of our population.


He says we must reverse population reduction and the exodus of young people.
Ferguson says based on projections today, the tax rate will remain where it is, at least until 2015.

Flemming for Mayor of St. Andrews

A candidate for Mayor of St. Andrews putting in his 2 cents.

Chris Flemming offering for the position, after serving 3 terms as councillor between 1984 and '91, and a term of mayor between 1998 and 2001.

He says two things he will concentrate on to help St. Andrews develop in new ways, is creating a good government by good governance, and encouraging economic development.

The municipal elections will be held in May.

Eastport Bikini / Speedo Run

It's time to find that bikini or speedo.

Registration forms are now ready for the Eastport Hearts Warming Hears Bikini and Speedo Run. This annual run will be held on Valentines Day and will raise money to keep neighbors warm in winter. The event is sponsored by Jeff and Lesley Starling, owners of the Happy Crab Restaurant. Rules and Pledge Sheets are available at the Happy Crab or by calling 207-853-9400

RCMP's Traffic Violators of the Week

The RCMP have released their traffic violators of the week

The top violator was stopped on January 6, 2012 by a St. Stephen RCMP officer. The vehicle was pulled over on Milltown Boulevard  for having expired registration plates. The vehicle also had a fictitious inspection certificate. The driver was issued a ticket for no insurance and has been fined over $1200 dollars The driver has also been ordered to appear in provincial court at a later date.

The top speeder was stopped on December 31 by a St George RCMP officer traveling on Route 1, in Pennfield. The vehicle is said to have been traveling at 142 km/h in an 90 km/h  zone. The driver received a fine of about $300.

Police reminding the public that risky behaviors like speeding, driving while impaired, and not wearing a seatbelt can result in serious charges and even jail time.

Lost Mom and Child Rescued from Woods By Boat

Scary times for a mother and her 6 year old son lost in the woods outside of Prince of Wales--but they made it home safe.

The pair found themselves lost off a hiking trail after dark last night. The lady called her husband, who got some friends together and went in to find them. By the time they did, however the mother was too cold and weak to make it out on her own.

At 8:30pm RCMP contacted the Musquash Fire Department, asking for a boat to remove the people via the water. A small boat made its way from the Prince of Wales wharf to where they were located.

The mother and son were transported to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

This was the first non-fire related rescue for  Musquash Fire Department, after deciding in December that it would respond to off-road, boat and water-related incidents.

3 Car Crash At Lunchtime In St. Stephen

A three vehicle crash re-routing traffic this afternoon in St. Stephen.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight with District 1 RCMP says two vehicles were stopped for a red light in front of the Atlantic Susperstore around noon, when a third vehicle failed to stop.

The center car was hit from behind, forcing it into the rear of the van in front of it.

Two people in the center car were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

MacKnight says the driver of the third vehicle, that started the crash, admitted to being distracted.

No Impaired Drivers Over The Holidays!

Thank You Charlotte County for drinking responsibly!

District 1 RCMP responding to a number of traffic collisions, 911 calls, and complaints of possible impaired drivers between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

But Sgt. Bob MacKnight says not a single driver was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the holiday season.

He says only minor injuries were reported from traffic collisions, and none of the drivers involved were impaired.

Police Say Foul Play In Case of Missing Maine Toddler

The Waterville Police Department in Maine believes foul play is involved with the disappearance of a toddler.

Police Chief Joseph Massey says the case of 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds, has evolved from a search for a missing child, to a criminal investigation.

The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit now taking the lead role.

Ayla was reported missing from her crib December 17th.

Man Gets Arm Stuck in VLT

A sticky situation at an uptown Saint John pool hall--fire officials had to rescue a man who got his arm trapped in a VLT.

Fire department getting a call from Dooly's on Prince Edward Square shortly after noon saying that a man was stuck to the elbow in a video lottery terminal.

According to District Chief Joe Armstrong, it took over an hour of hard work to cut the machine apart and free the man. He wasn't injured--but he probably won't be doing that again any time soon.

Police Looking for Tips in Macdougall Lake Arson

NB Crime Stoppers and the St. George RCMP are asking for your assistance into the ongoing investigation of a possible arson in the Macdougall Lake area.

Between the 20th and 28th of December 2011, individual(s) set fire to a warming shack recently installed near the Victoria Lake Pit by the Charlotte County Snow Cruisers. The structure was valued over $2000.

They're asking any one with knowledge of the offence to please contact Crime Stopper. They're offering up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Compensation for Agent Orange Victims at CFB Gagetown

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

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

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

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

Air Miles Will Now Have Expiry Date

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


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

Until now, the miles never carried an expiration date.

911 Hoax Gets Mispec Teen in Hot Water

Don't fool around and make false emergency calls.

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

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

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

New Year's Message From District 1 RCMP

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

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

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

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

ATV Stolen From St. Stephen

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

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

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

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

Hitch Hiker Charged With Attempted Robbery

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

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

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

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

Police respond to Attempted Robbery by Hitch Hiker in Pennfield

A local Good Samaritan was duped yesterday.

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

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

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

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

No one was seriously injured.

Police Need Help in Break and Enter in Musquash

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

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

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

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

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

$30 Grand Reward for Missing Maine Toddler

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

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

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

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

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


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

Boxing Day Sales Draw Crowds

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Mark McGraw

Spread Out Holiday Cheer, Advistes Counselor

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

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

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

Jack Layton Named Newsmaker of the Year

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

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

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

Murder Suspect Found

The Saint John Police force got their man.

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

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

Martin remains in police custody.

Christmas Eve Ferry Run To Deer Island

Attention all residents of Deer Island!

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

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

Canada-Wide Warrant for Murder in Saint John

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

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

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

He is considered armed and dangerous.

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

Toddler Still Missing From Maine

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

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

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

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

Help Find Ayla!

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

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

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

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

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

Club Asks For NO More Donations

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

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

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

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

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

Rally in the St. Croix Valley 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theft in St. Stephen

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

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

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



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

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