The 2014 Give Raising Money For Better Cancer Treatment

The 2014 Give to raise 900 thousand dollars for lab equipment that will be used to make cancer treatment better at the Regional Hospital is off to a good start with 250 thousand dollars pledged by Bruce Dowd and his family which has been matched by the John T. McMillan Junior Foundation.

Jeff MacDonald, a member of the Foundation's Board, says John McMillan Junior died from an aggressive form of leukemia in 2005 at the age of 34.

The head of Stem Cell Therapy at the Regional Hospital, Dr. Terrence Comeau tells CHSJ News cancer treatment is changing for the better and the new lab equipment will analyse the patient's D-N-A, which is unique, with the treatment individualised specifically for that person. Both diagnosis and treatment will be quicker.


Dr. Terrence Comeau says analysing D-N-A is how you hit cancer where it hurts and no two cancers are created equal.


The Regional Hospital Foundation also announcing the 2013 Give reached its goal of raising 850 thousand dollars to buy equipment that will be used during neurosurgeries.

You Could Be Breaking The Law Without Knowing It On Rothesay Ave.

If you use Rothesay Avenue and Bayside Drive regularly, you could be breaking the law without even knowing it.

The city is reminding drivers that access to that area has changed with no vehicle access to Bayside Drive from Russell Street.

Trying to cross the multiple lanes of traffic at the intersection is considered a hazardous operation of a vehicle and could result in fines for anyone caught doing it.

You can expect more signage to go up in the near future: right now the road markings don't match up with what the sign says, and they're looking to fix that as well.

Check out a map of the correct route to use here

Dried Eggs Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns

You're being urged to check your cupboard for a breakfast product that could potentially make you sick. 

Ova Easy brand dried eggs being recalled from store shelves because it could contain salmonella.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says you should check your home for the recalled product then throw it out or return it to the store you bought it from. 

Food contaminated with salmonella might not not look or smell funny, but can still make you sick. It can cause vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea in healthy people and can sometimes deadly infections in young kids, pregnant women, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.

The product was sold nationally.

Small Expedition Ships To Have Home Port In SJ

Saint John is one step closer to becoming a home port  with a $300,000 investment by the provincial government in updating the port for expedition class ships.

That money is to help ready the Port to have cruise ships depart from here. Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells Tide News we'll start small with so-called expedition class ships, which typically have 50 to 200 people and crew on board.

Holder says the hope is that the Saint John airport will be able to attract more flights at cheaper rates once business takes off.

A new floating dock will need to be built off the Pugsley wharf.

The smaller ships that could depart from here would head to destinations like Alma, Campobello, and even some destinations on the Saint John River, like Gagetown.

A Helping Hand For A Struggling Zoo?

Speculation is swirling about the identity of a private partner potentially offering long term help for Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John.

Lynda Collrin of the Cherry Brook Zoo tells Tide News money has been extremely tight with recent vandalism to the zoo's sign, escalating costs of keeping animals, and treatment for a sick tiger--and the news that someone may be stepping up to help is very welcome.

Mayor Mel Norton referenced the potential partnership at common council. It's hoped more details will emerge in the coming month.

Irving Oil To Make Its Rail Cars Safer

Irving Oil taking the lead by announcing it will be voluntarily converting its rail cars used to transport oil to higher safety standards by the end of April. 

This follows the investigation into the Lac Megantic rail disaster and recommendations flowing from that investigation by the Transportation Safety Board. 

The oil that exploded into flames at Lac Megantic which destroyed much of the town was on its way to the Irving Oil refinery.

More Awareness Needed On How Age Affects Driving

The Canadian Automobile Association is launching a new tool on the web aimed at seniors and keeping them safe while driving, claiming too few of the elderly are aware.
 
The C-A-A maintains seniors should be aware of changes related to age that can affect their driving. 

By age 60, the average person needs three times as much light in order to see as they did at age 20. That has an impact on driving at night. C-A-A research has found half of seniors have adjusted their driving habits such as reducing how much they drive at night or cutting it out altogether.

47 per cent of us are worried about an aging family member when they're driving.

seniorsdriving.caa.ca

Warning From Fire Department

You should make sure the vents in your home to the outside have been cleared of all the snow we got on the weekend if you use a wood pellets or propane stove. 

That word coming from Divisional Fire Chief Mark Wilson who warns unburned gases will be released back into your home if the vents are clogged with snow.

Fredericton Man Facing a Murder Charge

Fredericton Police releasing a few more details about a fatal stabbing on the city's South Side. 

They were called early Sunday to Angelview Drive where they found a 24 year old man in critical condition who later died. 

An arrest was made some six hours later outside the city. A charge of second degree murder has been laid against 34 year old Kelvin Colburn Constant of Fredericton.

The victim has been identified as Christian Mauric Grueso.

Students Rarely Repeat Grades in Anglophone South

Premier David Alward and provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy disagree over whether there's a no fail policy at schools in the province. Cardy says there is and it should be done away with but the Premier says there isn't. 

The Superintendent of the Anglophone South School District Zoe Watson tells Tide News rarely is a student held back but when it does happen, it's a major decision involving principals as well as parents while others advance even though they may not have passed.

Watson says there's plenty of research that shows having students repeat grades is not in their best interests but there's growing concern in the province about the literacy skills of high school grads being subpar.

Loss Of Energy Efficiency Program Leaves Many Wondering Why

"Boneheaded".........That's the reaction of Provincial Green Party leader David Coon on the decision to stop the Efficiency NB program which offers homeowners financial incentives to make their houses more energy efficient. 

Coon tells Tide News the evidence is clear it doesn't get done without the incentives to help pay for the upgrades.

He says 30 thousand families in the province have taken advantage of the program with their energy bills going down, on average, by 25 per cent which translate into savings of 30 million dollars.

Coon says it has also spurred 300 million dollars worth of economic development in the province over the past six years.

Parking Ban Tonight In The City

An overnight snow parking ban has been declared for the South/Central Peninsula effective 11pm this evening through to 7am tomorrow morning. This means there is no on-street parking allowed anywhere in the South/Central Peninsula area.  Any vehicles remaining on-street after 11 pm when a snow ban has been declared WILL BE TOWED at the owner's risk and expense.

Six Parking Commission snow ban parking lots have been cleared for use by on-street parking residents beginning at 6 pm tonight at:

•             the corner of Princess Street and Charlotte Street

•             King Street East

•             Peters Street

•             Carmarthen Street/Vineyard Church and

•             Mecklenburg Street at Wentworth Street

•             the corner of Charlotte and Queen Streets at Key Industries (entrance on Queen Street)

Vehicles must be removed from all snow ban parking lots by 7 am Monday through Friday and by noon on weekends. Vehicles remaining in the lots after these times may be towed at the owner's risk and expense.

The Carleton-Sewell Parking Garage offers a $5.00 overnight parking rate for nights when a snow ban is declared.  This rate is valid only between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following morning.   Regular parking rates will be charged before and after these hours.

Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing In Fredericton

Fredericton police are investigating a homicide on the city's south side.

Police responding to a report of a stabbing finding the victim in critical condition, however, the person later died. Officers determined the suspect had fled the scene, and a few hours later the suspect was caught somewhere just outside of the city.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin. Police say they will release more details as they become available, likely tomorrow at the earliest.

It's believed this is an isolated incident.

Winter Storm Causing Low Visibility

A major winter storm bringing whipping winds and a hefty dumping of snow to the region. 

While the winter storm warning has ended, Meteorologist with Environment Canada Stephen Hatt tells us wind gusts will stay strong throughout the day causing blowing snow throughout the evening.

Hatt says visibility will be very low today.

Local Suppliers Should Get Slice Of Data Centre Work

BellAliant's new data centre in Millidgeville should mean some business for local suppliers - in an email - company spokesperson Katherine VanBuskirk tells us local companies will be used wherever possible but that selection process hasn't been completed.

VanBuskirk will only say work will begin soon on the 25-million dollar fortress like building with construction scheduled for completion by spring of next year.

The provincial government is contributing 5-million dollars to the project which will create about 50-jobs during construction and operation of the centre.

Suicide Preceded By Warning Signs In Most Cases

Our ability to pick up on the warning signs from those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide needs fine-tuning. 

That coming from Forensic Suicidologist Dr. Greg Zed during provincial Suicide Prevention Month, who tells Tide News between 95 to 98 percent of people who have taken their own life have left some type of warning sign or invitation to help.

He says we need to become acutely aware of these red flags, and then engage the person to get on the path to help. And while some people may feel as though they are beyond help, Zed says in his 37 years of working in mental health he hasn't come across a single situation where a person's problem or illness was beyond treatment.

Those needing help are encouraged to call CHIMO helpline at 1-800-667-5005 or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. They can also contact their nearest community mental-health centre or consult their family doctor. If you're looking for more information about provincial Suicide Prevention Month, click here.

Tips On How To Be Safe While Snowmobiling

For many New Brunswickers, snowy weather means a chance to hop on a snowmobile and hit the trails, but the Mounties warning you not to head out without taking some safety precautions first.

The RCMP say you should check what the weather is going to be.....dress in layers with gloves, a helmet and proper eye protection.......Never ride alone......Let people know your route and when you plan to be back.....Ride sober and don't go too fast......Carry a map and take note the the shelters along the way.......Try not to cross bodies of water but if you have to, wear a life jacket over your winter clothing and never cross in a single file.

February Is Heart Health Month In New Brunswick

Thinking about matters of the heart isn't just reserved for Valentine's Day. 

February is Heart Health Month and Lizzy Gresh of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick says they encourage people to eat well, get active and be tobacco-free.

Gresh says obesity is a big risk factor for developing heart disease and stroke so you want to look at how much you weigh and also where you carry your body weight, because if you carry your weight in your stomach it's around all of your internal organs which can increase your risk.

Heart disease and stroke are two of the top three leading causes of death in Canada. Click here for more information about heart health in New Brunswick.

Storm Bringing Heavy Snowfall & Strong Winds

Batten down the hatches, because Old Man Winter is bringing another storm system our way. 

Meteorologist with Environment Canada Andy Firth tells us says snow will develop by this evening, starting over southwestern areas of the province and spreading elsewhere by midnight. 

We'll get get a dumping of between 25 to 45 centimeters of snow before it wraps up later in the day tomorrow, with winds gusting up to 90 kilometres per hour.

The Moncton area, Kent County and Kouchibouguac National Park are under both Winter Storm and Storm Surge warnings.

Charlotte County To Get Snowed In Thursday And Friday

We might not get 30-40 cms -- but Charlotte County will get hit.

Environment Canada issuing a statement of a low pressure system moving up the east coast from Northern Mexico that will hit southern New Brunswick tomorrow afternoon -- with lots of snow overnight and into Friday morning.

Meteorologist Linda Libby tells Tide News somewhere between Maine and New Brunswick will get 30-40 cms of snow -- and since Charlotte County is smack in the middle -- that indicates it could very well land directly on top of us.

Libby warns you may want to adjust your travel plans because the roads will be slippery. She says it will be a lot of snow, with the possibility of ice pellets and freezing rain and the storm will definitely hit Charlotte County to some degree.

Libby says it won't be a freezing rain event like we had in December knocking out power lines.

She says Environment Canada will be issuing further weather statements once the storm gets closer.