N-B Day Merit Awards Missing This Year

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

"No Flowers" Policy for Saint John?

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

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

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

Seawolves Gear Up For Another Season

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

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

Clean-Up On Pendleton Island Success

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

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

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

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


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

Police Say Fire Started In Basement Utility Room

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


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

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

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

RCMP say the home is a complete loss.

Local RCMP Receive Medals From The Queen

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


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

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

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

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

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

Local Police Investigate Diesel Theft In McDougall

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


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

The truck was parked on the Lepreau Road in McDougall.

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

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

Outstanding warrant of arrest.

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

be residing in Saint John.

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

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

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

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Police Investigate Animal Cruelty In Musquash

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


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

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

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

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

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

Try NOT To Have A Heart Attack

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

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

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

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

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

Warnings On Heat-Related Illnesses

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

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

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

Neighbours Speak About Saint John Shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Man Swims Across Northumberland Strait

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

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

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

Provincial Organ Donation Is Restored

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

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

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

5 Displaced In North Street Fire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beach Clean-Up For Passamaquaddy Bay Island

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


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

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

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

Meeting Tomorrow For Chamcook Lake Property Owners

For residents living at, or near Chamcook Lake:


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

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

The meeting gets underway at 2pm.

22 Year Old Drowns After Jumping From Bridge

A fun afternoon of swimming coming to a tragic end.

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


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

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

MacKnight adds foul play is not suspected.

The man was attending University in Saint John.

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

Section Of Route 1 Gateway To Open Friday

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


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

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

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