Point Lepreau Is Finally Running Again

It's been a long time coming, but the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is back online as of today.

The facility is expected to provide 25 to 30 years of power to both New Brunswickers and export customers.Gaeten Thomas, president and CEO of NB Power, tells Tide News the customer rates will level out in the long term despite the project's widely-broadcast cost overruns.

There have been seemingly endless delays in the refurbishment project, which began in 2008. Tests and monitoring will continue during the early weeks of the plant's operation.

Honouring Our Vets Beyond Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has passed, but our veterans aren't forgotten.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston announcing a contribution of up to over $20,000 dollars to restore a memorialhonouring those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, peacekeeping operations and modern missions.

The monument will be cleaned and polished, and various parts of it will be updated and replaced.

Inquest Into Smith's Death Will Be "Broadly Based"

A coroner ruled Friday that an inquest into the prison death of a New Brunswick teenager will be broadly based despite objections raised by several doctors who treated her.

The three Ontario doctors argued the inquest should focus only on the last days of Ashley Smith's life at the Grand Valley Institution in Kitchener, Ontario.

Smith's family, backed by other parties, wanted the coroner to examine much more, including how Smith was treated at other prisons in other provinces long before her death.

The 19-year-old Smith choked to death in October 2007 as guards essentially stood by.

(Courtesy of the Canadian Press)

Irvings Rank #3 As Canada's Wealthiest

It may not come as a surprise, but the province's oil giants the Irvings are among the wealthiest Canadians.

That's according to Canadian Business magazine's annual ranking of Canada's wealthiest, putting industrialists James, Arthur and the late Jack Irving at # 3 on the list.

The trio have a combined net worth of about 8-billion dollars.

Topping the list was the Thomson family, owners of Thomson Reuters, at more than $20-billion dollars.

Making Science Less Intimidating & More Fun

Making physics a little less intimidating and a lot more fun.

That's the goal of Physics–Ploration, a series of exciting physic presentations and experiments at the Saint John Free Public library. 

UNB Saint John physics professor Dr. Li-Hong Xu sets up and explains the experiments to get students from elementary to high school curious about the science. She says very few people get into physics because they think it's hard, but Xu stresses that anything is hard and just like anything you have to work on it. She says physics is part of our everyday life and it's interesting to understand the world you're living in.

The experiments are designed as hands on activities for students. Today's session will focus on forces. Xu describes some forces as visible -- such as push and pull -- while others are invisible like electromagnetic and gravity. Other sessions in the past have even focused on physics in the kitchen, like how a microwave can measure the speed of light.

Today's presentation will run from 1:00 until 2:00 pm in the multipurpose room on the second floor in Saint John.

Renovated Algonquin Will Help Economy Year Round

The famous Algonquin Hotel and resort is receiving a major face-lift.


New Castle Hotels and Resorts doing renovations on the property in St. Andrews, which will include a new roof, windows, and warmer, energy efficient wings that will allow marketing for all seasons.

Vice President of New Castle Guido Kerpel tells Tide News its a unique and very iconic property. He says, "We are going to restore it to the way it was but with some modern slants. That as well as the fact that we are now going to be operating 365 days of the year, full steam ahead to bring guests to the property."

Kerpel adds both sections of the hotel will now match, with the same color white paint, and the tudor-style trim will reach from end to end.

The renovations are also bringing some new -- and old -- ideas to the buildings. Private balconies along the second floor, which were included with the original design in 1889, but were not rebuilt after the fire in the early 1900's, will be put back in place.  The outdoor pool will remain as it is at the request of many returning summer guests, however, to accomodate the winter guests, a new indoor pool is being built where a former garden was situated. The indoor pool will be approximately 6000 square feet and will have a two-story, indoor/outdoor spiral water-slide.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells Tide News an overwhelming majority of the contractors involved come from New Brunswick. He tells Tide News, "It's another example of what we are doing, during tough, fiscal and economic times, make sure there is opportunities for the local economy here in St. Andrews and Charlotte County, but also continue to build a world-class tourism product for the whole province."

Local MLA for Charlotte-Campobello Curtis Malloch tells Tide News the bottom line in the project is the employment factor. Malloch tells us, "We have upwards of 10 or more local contractors and sub-contractors right out of the riding of Charlotte-Campobello. Just one contract that I know of, the roof contract, it is worth over a million dollars, and it is a local company that has that contract." Malloch says not a single penny has been spent outside of New Brunswick.
The completion date is June 1st. ( Top Picture - The Algonquin showing boarded up windows. The private balconies will be built along the second floor. Bottom Picture - From Left; MLA Curtis Malloch, Tourism Minister Trevor Holder, and Construction Manager for Avant-Garde Construction and Management Inc. Rob Clinch, looking over the area where the indoor pool will be built. )

Gallant Responds To Alward Bashing His Party

Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant is speaking out after getting slammed by Premier David Alward.


In an interview with our sister station, CHSJ, Gallant said he wanted to put politics aside and work with the Tories to build the economy.

Alward then responded at the Conservatives' Annual General meeting over the weekend. Alward spend 8 minutes of his 24 minute speech dedicated to bashing Gallant and why he didn't believe the Liberal party.

Gallant tells Tide News its not going to be easy to change our political culture. Gallant says, "I know its going to take a lot of time, a lot of effort, and a lot of patience. I know its new to hear an Opposition party saying they want to collaborate, they want to offer pro-active, positive ideas, so we are just going to go ahead and keep doing that."

Gallant tells us he has the political will to keep trucking with his message of doing it differently. "Its the way that politics is supposed to be. We're not simply there to criticize everything the government does, we are there to offer solutions as well. We are there to say if we think the idea is good, but also to ask questions and keep the government accountable, and to let them know if they are saying things that can be tweaked or done better."

Gallant will be coming to Charlotte County on Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

He will be attending a "Jam Session" with the locals at the Stella Maris Hall in Blacks Harbour at 2pm, in which Gallant says -- quote -- "Where I will be singing terribly."

At 3pm, Gallant will head to the Magaguadavic Place in St. George for a "Meet & Greet".

CBS Getting Donors From St. Stephen

It's in you to give.


Canadian Blood Services is trying to get local donors from St. Stephen.

CBS Community Development Coordinator Thomas Bishop tells Tide News the blood is used for many different ailments and diseases. He says, "There's lots of different kinds of cancers that require blood transfusions, there are people who have blood disorders, some infants when they are born need blood, and trauma victims from car accidents." Bishop adds, "The biggest units are needed for trauma victims."
Bishop says the need for blood is constant. "We see our hardest times to collect are during the summer months and Christmas, when people are preoccupied with other things and it's not top of mind. So as we're heading into the winter months, it's a really critical time."

Bishop says every minute of every day - somebody needs blood. He tells us, "Currently in Canada, 1 in 2 people are eligible to give blood, but only 1 in 60 do." He encourages everyone if they are healthy and are feeling up to it on the day of the clinic to come and give it a try.
He says to make sure you eat a meal and drink lots of fluids on the day of the donation prior to giving your blood.


The Blood Donor Clinic will be at the St. Stephen Legion, located at 43 Queen Street in St. Stephen, tomorrow ( Thusday, November 22nd ) from 2 to 4, and again from 5:30 to 7:30.
To book an appointment call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or go online at www.blood.ca.

Stolen Artwork Found On Chapel Steps

Artwork that was stolen from a home in St. Andrews over the weekend has been found.


Around 9:00 this morning, RCMP received a call from volunteers at St. John the Baptist Anglican Chapel in Chamcook, just outside of St. Andrews.

The volunteers found 11 pieces of the stolen art, including the portrait "Angel" by Herzl Kashetsky, pottery,  and blown glass, on the steps leading to one of the entrances to the chapel.


Police say the break-in happened between Friday night and early Saturday morning on Parr Street.
None of the artwork was damaged.

Man On Canada-Wide Warrant Arrested By Police

Police in Saint John reporting they have arrested a 42 year old man who was wanted on a Canada wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.


William Wayne Cummer was last seen on Tuesday and has an extensive criminal rap sheet that includes numerous violent offenses and police warned not to approach him.

Cummer will be appearing in court today.

Charlotte County Is Linked To Life

Green ribbons are decorating the main streets of many communities in Charlotte County -- including the Islands -- for the Link To Life Campaign.


Roz Allen from the Charlotte County Suicide Prevention Committee tells Tide News they felt compelled to do something in response to events that have been happening the last few months in our area.


Allen says the purpose of the campaign is about encouraging people in distress to reach out and get help, as well as educating the public on recognizing the warning signs of suicide.


She says the campaign will run until November 30th.

Allen will be hosting free "SafeTalk" information sessions for the public. The first session will be held tonight  ( November 19th ) in St. Stephen at the Education Centre on School Street (formerly known as the old District 10 building), tomorrow night in St. Andrews ( November 20th ) at NBCC, and in St. George on November 27th at the Magaguadavic Centre.

All talks are from 6pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register call 755-4044.
(Picture: Allen hosting a "SafeTalk" session with students from St. Stephen High School.)

Saint John Firefighter Dies From Fall In Ottawa

A 39-year-old man from Saint John has died after falling from a hydraulic lift in Ottawa early Friday morning.

Emergency crews were called to a construction site at around 2:30 a.m.

Dale Clinton was rushed to hospital where he later died of his injuries. He fell about 4 1/2 meters off the lift, and friends quickly called 911.

There was no construction scheduled overnight, and police are not treating the incident as an industrial accident.

Saint John Fire Department confirms he was a firefighter, but no other details have been released.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

The streets in Saint John are filled with lights and holiday decorations in preparation for tonight's 60th annual Santa Claus Parade.

This years theme is "children's dreams, wishes and imaginations," which Leslie Keating from Uptown Saint John says will bring out some favorite childhood characters. She says this year has some pretty creative entries, plus lots of bands and walking groups. Kids are encouraged to write letters to Santa and are reminded to include their return mailing address so the big guy can write back.

Lightly used coats and donations will be collected for the food bank before the parade starts, which Keating says is the biggest single day pick up for the charity.

Local artist Fred Ross is this year's marshal for the 45 minute event, which will follow the same route as last year. 

The parade will leave the Causeway, go onto Union St., left on Sydney St., right on King’s Square North, left on Charlotte St., down King St. and on to St. Patrick, on to Main St., right on Lansdowne Ave., and right at Wellesley Blvd.  These streets will be closed off during the parade. 

People are also asked not to park on King Street after 5pm, or risk being towed. All 4 lanes of the Causeway will be blocked off beginning at 3:30pm for the parade line-up.

The whole show starts at 6pm. For more information, click here.

Police Looking For Man Unlawfully At Large

Saint John City Police are looking for your help in finding a man who's currently unlawfully at large and a Canada Wide Warrant has been issued for his arrest.
   
42 year old William Wayne Cummer was last seen on November 13th. He has an extensive criminal background that involves numerous violent offenses and shouldn't be approached.  He's described as being 6' tall, 181 lbs., with brown hair or a shaved head, hazel eyes, with tattoos on face, neck and body.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cummer is asked to contact the Saint John Police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

3rd Arrest Made In Connection With Stabbing

Saint John City Police arresting a third man in connection with the home invasion that left one 18 year old dead earlier this month.

The 16 year old teenager, whose name can't be released, was arrested Thursday in Moncton. The young offender appeared in court Friday to answer to appropriate charges.

On November 3rd police were called to a home on Prince Street West, in regards to a home invasion where two young men had been stabbed. 

A warrant still exists for 22-year-old Bradley Saia.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Chocolate Town!

Santa Claus is coming to Chocolate Town!


The Annual St. Stephen Christmas Parade hitting the streets tonight with over 40 float participants.

Watch for your local postal workers because CUPE will be collecting "Letters to Santa" from children during the parade.

The parade will start tonight at 6:30 from the Ganong Factory, with the annual Christmas tree lighting and a visit from Santa immediately following in the St. Stephen Town Square. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served at the Town Square.

Students Speak Out On Health Report Cards

The teachers think it's great, and so do the health professionals -- but what about the kids?


St. Stephen High School students receiving their Health Report Cards this week after being tested in various areas like cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and body mass, as well as self-esteem and mental health.

Grade 10 student William MacKnight tells Tide News the program is a positive thing for the school. He says, "I think it's a good idea, a lot of students can use the eye-opener and it's a very good opportunity to get to know where we are at."

Grade 10 student Lexi Brisley tells Tide News she thinks some students will ignore the interventions being offered by the school, but she won't be. She says, "I think it's a really good idea because a lot of people just don't know what is going on with their bodies, whether they are actually healthy or not, and this project really gives you the right idea."

Grade 11 student Alesha Baxter tells Tide News she was tested last year and was shocked to see what her results looked like. She says she decided to take the matter into her own hands and change her lifestyle. Baxter says over the course of the summer, she cut out bad foods from her diet, and became involved in many more physical activities. She says she was able to lose around 30 lbs. She says, "It was something I thought I needed to do to make myself happier. I've noticed a big change in my confidence and self-esteem, and I feel a lot happier these days."

Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial -- who oversaw the project -- says it's not about comparing the statistics of one class to another, but comparing the progress of one student throughout their high school years.

( Picture: Grade 10 Student Lexi Brisley )

Health Report Cards Sees Bright Future For Struggling Students

It's Health Report Card Day at St. Stephen High School.


Grade 10 students were tested in areas such as cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index, as well as mental health and self-esteem. Today the students receive their results.

The initiative started 3 years ago at SSHS as a way to help unhealthy kids, before they become unhealthy adults.


Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial, a heart specialist who is overseeing the Health Report Card Day says, "Our kids are the first generation that will live a shorter lifespan than their parents." He says, "Today is all about educating the kids. That's why we realized we have to start where the kids are, which is in school, and not try to drag them out of their environment to a hospital or clinicto try an learn about their health. It should happen here."

Last year's results showed 10% of the students, aged 15, had 5 or more risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Dr. Lutchmedial says, "It's not about comparing the statistics of one class to another, but comparing how one student is doing throughout their high school years. Are they getting healthier as they get better educated? Are they starting to make better choices? With the interventions this year, are they actually going to be feeling better?"

Vice-Principal Krista Amos tells Tide News it is now time to focus on the intervention process. She says, "There will be opportunities during our Academic Intervention, which is a period students currently use to do homework during their school day. We are also going to open up the gym for some after school slots. We know the dietition will be coming to the school to work with students, mental health will be here to look at students who may have scored low on self-esteem. All sorts of good things are about to happen at St. Stephen High School."

The initiative started 3 years ago as a way to help unhealthy kids before they become unhealthy adults.

Amos says the entire program is voluntary and parents are sent a copy of their child's report card in the mail -- as opposed to the bottom of a bookbag.
(Picture: Dr. Lutchmedial (left), Nurse Practitioner Yvonne Bartlett (centre), and Vice Principal Krista Amos (right) explaining the Health Report Cards to the first class to receive them.)

Skilled Trades A Focus In Anglophone South District

Skilled Trades are becoming a popular item in our local high schools.


Coordinator of Technology & Skilled Trades for Anglophone South Moira Sherwood making a presentation to the District Education Council last night on the importance of skilled trades to our students and the connection between co-op courses and apprenticeship.

Sherwood tells Tide News the need for skilled trades workers across New Brunswick is very evident. She says the labour shortage in the province identifies why this is an opportunity to show the students all of their choices for a career.
Sherwood says many courses the students can take now will give them hours that can count towards an apprenticeship later, such as Carpentry, Cabinet Making, Framing & Sheathing.   Sherwood says not all of the schools in the Anglophone South School District have every course, but there is a wide variety of careers to choose from at each school. She says they want students to see all of their possibilities.

Pennfield Prepares for Annual Christmas Telethon

Pennfield being filled with the Christmas Spirit this weekend.


The Eastern Charlotte Lions Club will be hosting the 18th Annual Christmas Telethon this Saturday, November 17th from Noon to 6pm.

One of the organizers, Karen Tracy tells Tide News the Telethon will be taped this weekend, and played on Rogers Channel 10 on December 1st. She says everyone is welcome to come to the Lions Club on Saturday to pledge and enjoy the entertainment. She says anyone can make a pledge both days,  November 17th or December 1st, and they will accept any donations or pledges in between those days.

Some donations Tracy says the club is looking for are food, winter clothing and home-made items like knitted socks, hats, mittens and scarves as well as Christmas gifts. She adds that children's storybooks were a top item on this year's wish list.

Any money or donations from the event go to help local families in Charlotte County who are struggling during the holiday season. Tracy says last year they were able to help twenty-eight families with forty-six children.

If you would like to make a pledge, call the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club at 755-3713.