Lower Power Restart A Success At Lepreau

After being approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Point Lepreau has successfully completed the low power reactor restart.

This comes after extensive testing and refurbishments. More test will be done in the future to make sure the reactor components and plant systems are working properly. It'll involve raising and reducing reactor power, along with shifting down and restarting.

The reactor power will gradually be increased to certain levels to warm up the heat transport system, run turbines and sync the generator to the province's electricity grid.

Neglected Pot Causes Fire

When they say a watched pot never boils, that's not exactly true.

A neglected pot on a stove was the reason fire crews cleared out a 7-unit apartment building at 101 Elliot Road, Saint John just after 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Crews had to force their way into the apartment and quickly put out the small fire, but stayed an hour to ventilate the smoke.

Fire crews were also busy looking for the source of a propane smell at Canadian Tire West in Saint John yesterday afternoon. Crews couldn't find the source of the smell, and after everything was deemed safe the store and gas bar opened back up.

Assaults Send Two Men To Hospital

Two separate overnight assaults leaving two men in hospital and another appearing in court tomorrow.

Saint John City Police tell Tide news in the first incident a group of people assaulted one man outside his home on Saint James Street West around 1:15am.

Almost an hour and a half later on Catherwood Street, a 30-year-old man was sent to hospital with head injuries after being assaulted by a 40-year-old man with what police say appeared to be a baseball bat.

World Championship Cancels Saint John

A year after Saint John was announced as the host city for the 2013 IFAF Women's World Championship, it finds out it will no longer be hosting the football tournament.

Football Canada and the IFAF says the decision to pull the tournament was due to liability, lack of suitable fields and international travel costs.

President of Football New Brunswick Lisa Harlow tells Tide news there are plenty of fields in Saint John and 68% of the budget was already covered, so the decision to pull was a surprise. Harlow says they tried to having meetings to make changes but were unsuccessful.

Harlow adds one concern was having Canadian sized football fields instead of American, but they were working with companies to get them changed over.

She says despite the disappointment, women's football is growing. There's still no word yet on where the new host city will be.

Blind Driver's Behind The Wheel For MIRA

Bet you've never 'seen' this before... a car race with drivers who are blind.

That's exactly what's happening today at 7 o'clock at the Centre for Speed in Shediac. The first blind driver stock car race in the Atlantic provinces will have 10 blind drivers competing in a 10 lap race.

Participant Brian Thorne tells Tide news each driver will have a co-pilot to give instructions, but they won't be allowed to touch the brakes or steering wheel.

All the money raised goes to the MIRA foundation, who train seeing-eye dogs.

For more information on tickets and to donate, you can call Brian Thorne at 672-5574 or e-mail atlantique@mira.ca.

Tickets are $10 each or $25 for a family pass.

Liberals Slam Decision To Cut N-B Day Merit Awards

The Alward government is taking it on the chin over its decision to can the N-B Day Merit Awards this year -- a move the Opposition Liberals are calling lame.
The government says the awards - which recognize individuals contributions to their communities - are on hold while departments figure out various programs and initiatives following a restructuring process -- although there's no date as to when they will resume.
Liberal M-L-A Donald Arsenault says the awards were a nice pat on the back for individuals making contributions to their communities - and - he says it was simply a matter of signing one certificate and copying the rest.
Arsenault says Premier Alward should be ashamed especially after handing out what would be the biggest merit award this year with the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to head up Efficiency N-B with a salary in the 175-thousand dollar range.

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.