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.