Woman Who Robbed Garden Street Irving With Syringe Comes Clean, 7 Years Later

In what the judge called a "highly unusual" case, a young woman who robbed the Garden Street Irving in Saint John  with a syringe seven years ago, turned herself over to police in the hope of finally kicking her drug addiction.

The robbery happened on Boxing Day in 2006, when 32 year old Patricia Joy Honeywell threatened staff at the gas station with what she described as a "dirty" needle and demanded cash. Honeywell told the court she wants to get the treatment available in jail so she can get off drugs and be a mother to her three kids again.

In his sentencing, Judge LeMesurier asked Honeywell whether she would want her children working late nights at a gas station after what she did, reminding her that the employees she "traumatized" are also someone else's children.

In his sentencing, the judge said he tried to take into account both the seriousness of the offence and Honeywell's honesty in finally coming clean. Ultimately, she was  sentenced to 3 years federal time.

Ground Beef Recalled Due To Risk Of E. Coli

It might not look or smell spoiled, but that burger you're about to bite into could be contaminated with a potentially deadly bacteria. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Belmont Meats Ltd., warning the public not to eat the brand's uncooked lean ground beef because it could contain E. coli. This is the third E. coli-related beef recall from the Toronto factory this month. 

Eating food containing the bacteria can cause severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, seizures strokes, and in extreme cases, death. The Belmont Meats Ltd. brand distributes products nationwide to stores including Sobeys, Wal-Mart and Superstore.

Local Activists Backing Rexton Protests

Protestors in Saint John are standing behind the anti-shale gas movement on the Elsipogtog First Nation.

Joel Butler was in attendance at a demonstration in uptown Saint John this afternoon.
Butler tells Tide News the pipeline could provide cheaper crude oil for the refinery, but that wouldn't help consumer prices in gas--nor are there are any details on how it would benefit our local economy.

Further talks between native leaders and Premier David Alward have been discussed for later this week.

Provincial Chiefs Want Leonard To Suspend SWN Permits

The Provincial Assembly of First Nations’ Chiefs want Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard to suspend permits granted to SWN Resources for shale gas testing near Rexton to ensure a cooling off period can take hold.

Elsipogtog First Nation Chief Aaron Sock describes the RCMP's actions against his people in a violent protest last week as almost horrendous.

Assembly of First Nations' Chiefs co-chair George Ginnish says the province has to acknowledge that the consultation process has failed.

They go on to say that once the licenses are suspended the government must return to the table and have a consultation that isn’t rushed and that leads to a complete understanding of how the shale gas industry would impact Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

Ashley Smith Remembered

The Elizabeth Fry Society held its annual candlelight vigil in King Square for Ashley Smith, the 19 year old woman from Moncton, who choked herself to death in a Kitchenoer, Ontario jail cell while guards looked on and did not intervene. 

A lengthy inquest in Toronto is being held into her death but Marianna Stack, President of the Elizabeth Fry Society in Saint John, tells Tide News it should be even broader and go back to the very start of her problems in New Brunswick. Stack says while Ashley had difficulties, how she was treated in prison made matters worse and broke her. 

She adds New Brunswick has an abysmal history when it comes to young people if you consider the cases of not only Ashley Smith but the crimes perpetrated by Karl Toft at Kingsclear, former Saint John Common Councillor Donnie Snook and now deceased former SJ police sergeant and city works employee Ken Estabrooks before that.

Final Day Of Pipeline Hearing Postponed Over Security

Protests cut short National Energy Board hearings on a proposal to reverse the flow of a pipeline that runs between southern Ontario and Montreal.

Some opponents suggest the Line 9 reversal is ultimately so Enbridge can transport oil to the Atlantic coast for export, something the company denies.

The final day of the hearing at which Enbridge East was to present its final arguments was postponed because of security concerns.
 
Dozens of protesters rallied outside the site of the hearing to oppose Enbridge’s plan to reverse its line and increase its capacity to carry bitumen. They maintain the pipeline isn't up to the task, thereby increasing the liklihood of a spill happening.

Community Meeting Held At Elsipogtog

How this dispute between the First Nations and the province over shale gas testing will wind up is uncertain. 

A community meeting was held yesterday at the Elsipogtog First Nation and there could be more said later today about where the protest is going. 

Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians in Fredericton tells Tide News the Alward Government is not backing down and the opposition of the people of Elsipogtog is not diminishing. He's suggesting the dispute could wind up in the courts.

D'Arcy says the First Nations feel more strongly about this issue because if their water gets contaminated, they can't just move away.

Cardy Condemns Violence At Shale Gas Protest

The violence erupting outside of Rexton at the fracking protest site ultimately undermining the cause. 

That word coming from the provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy, who tells Tide News the second you break the law, the focus shifts from what you are protesting to the tactics being used. Cardy says these types of violent tactics have to be condemned, and that you can't change laws by breaking laws.

After several heated days, tensions seem to be cooling. Members of the Elsipogtog First Nation attending a community meeting today to discuss next steps. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs voicing their solidarity with the nation and sending Grand Chief Derek Nepinak to the province.

New Trial For Chance Harbour Man

The New Brunswick Court of Appeal ruling  Bradley Scott Wilson of Chance Harbour will get a new trial as it overturns his conviction for sexual assaulting a bartender on the west side in January of last year. 

The Appeal Court ruled the trial judge, Mr. Justice Hugh McLellen did not apply the law regarding reasonable doubt. 

The trial heard differing versions of what happened in the bar after it closed and there were inconsistencies in the testimony. 

When the new trial will be held hasn't been determined.

Elsipogtog First Nation Holds Community Meeting

A Manitoba Chief arriving in the province to show his support for the Elsipogtog First Nation, as they hold a community meeting to discuss their next step after days of conflict at the protest site near Rexton.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs voicing their support for the nation, sending Grand Chief Derek Nepinak to New Brunswick. The meeting today is open to everyone including media.

On Saturday, journalists at the scene of the protest had vehicles and equipment seized. The provincial Assembly of First Nations' Chiefs condemning the actions, which they call acts of intimidation.

Apple Cider Recalled Due To Risk Of Patulin

Check the label on that apple cider before you drink a glass.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says a brand of the drink manufactured and sold in the province is being recalled. Verger Belliveau Orchard's sweet apple cider could contain the toxic chemical patulin. The company operates in the Memracook Valley, their orchard is located 20 minutes from Moncton.

The product was also sold in Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Four Escape Uninjured From Burning House

A fire extensively damaging a house in Grand Bay-Westfield, but four people managed to make it out without getting hurt.

A woman and her teenage son had only recently moved back to the house after being away for a period of time. The other two people were visiting for the weekend from out of town.

The Saint John Fire Department, who helped crews from the town battle the blaze, say the floor of the house at 37 South Street has been burnt through. No word on what caused the fire.

Media Cars, Equipment Seized At Shale Gas Protest

The Premier and the Chief of the Elsipogtog First Nation may have agreed to a cooling off period, but things appear to still be heated at the scene of the shale gas protest near Rexton where journalists have reportedly had their vehicles and equipment seized. 

The provincial Assembly of First Nations' Chiefs issuing a statement condemning these acts of intimidation against the media. They endorse Arren Sock's call for peace, and agree that a cooling off period is needed.They say this means an end to violent protests, an end to the blockades, and an end to violence by all parties in all its forms.

The RCMP are advising drivers that traffic is slow on Highway 134 near the demonstrations and encourage you to find a different route.

Industry Leaders Embarking On Cross-Border Tour

Partners from the tourism industry will be taking in the sights around here and across the border in an effort to better promote the so-called Two Nation Vacation. 

Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says marketing New Brunswick and Maine together is something they have been doing for about a decade, but have been ramping it up in recent years.

Holder says the centerpiece of the marketing strategy is the fact that four-term US President Franklin Roosevelt vacationed with his family for several generations on Campobello Island.

They leave the Fundy Trail Parkway Interpretive Centre in St. Martins tomorrow at 6:30 in the evening. For more information about the Two Nation Vacation, click here.

Women's Clothing Boutique On Wheels Opens

A new women's boutique rolling into Saint John.

In Pursuit is a mobile clothing store that's run out of a hot pink truck owned by Dominique Leger, who says she fell in love with the concept when she saw one in Boston two years ago and started researching how to start up a fashion truck of her very own.

Leger tells Tide News she has a permit allowing her to park at any metered parking spot in the city, and once the time on the meter runs out, she just moves to another location.

The boutique is having a soft launch today at the Harvesting the Arts festival in King Square. For more information about In Pursuit, visit the boutique's Facebook page.

National Foster Family Week Beginning Tomorrow

This upcoming week is dedicated to recognizing the more than 500 families in the province who have brought foster children into their homes.

National Foster Family Week starts tomorrow and runs until October 26. Right now there are over 900 children being fostered in New Brunswick.

The provincial Foster Families Association president, Brian Williams, says the week is also a time to encourage those thinking about becoming foster parents to start the process. For more information about foster families or becoming a foster parent, call 1-800-990-0119 or visit the Department of Social Development's website.

Premier Meets With Elsipogtog First Nation Chief

A three hour meeting between Premier David Alward and the Chief of the Elisipogtog First Nation Arren Sock taking place last night in the aftermath of a violent clash between shale gas protestors and police.

Both agreeing on a cooling off period with more meetings next week. There was no agreement on whether there should be a moratorium on shale gas exploration on First Nation land.

Sock was among the 40 people arrested along Route 134 in Rexton on Thursday. RCMP say six police vehicles were destroyed by fire, several explosives were were discovered and defused, Molotov cocktails were thrown at police and at least one shot was fired by someone other than police.

As the RCMP enforced a court injunction obtained by SWN Resources, snipers could be seen lying in the grass off the side of the road as police, some in riot gear, came face to face with the protestors.

Rain Today Makes For Good "Muddin'" Tomorrow

Rain today -- sunshine tomorrow -- the perfect ingredients for getting muddy.

The 3rd Annual SPCA Mud Run taking place tomorrow at 12 o'clock noon at the pit on the Cleland Road, in St. Stephen.

This year, 4-wheelers and dirt bikes have been added to the mix in a "Run Whatcha Brung" category.

The biggest trucks in Charlotte County will be competing to see how far they can drive through the mud.

Registration will take place between 9 and 11am and seatbelts and helmets will be required.
Registration for trucks is $20 and registration for ATV's and dirt bikes is $10.

Admission to the Mud Run will be a free-will monetary donation, pet food or kitty litter.
The past two years has brought in a total of $3,757 and two trucks full of pet supplies for the Charlotte County Animal Shelter.

Council of Canadians Predicts Opposition To Shale Gas Will Intensify

It's only going to get worse with more blockades and more protestors.

So claims Mark D'Arcy of the Council of Canadians in Fredericton on what he thinks will happen in response to the violence along Highway 134 outside Rexton. 

D'Arcy tells Tide News it was setback for the Premier and Energy Minister Craig Leonard with videos from the taking down of the blockade and enforcing the court injunction going viral on social media.

D'Arcy doesn't see opposition from the First Nations to shale gas exploration flagging. He also tells us the word is a lot of people will be flooding into the province from other provinces to support the shale gas protestors.

Premier To Meet With First Nations Chief On Shale Gas

In the aftermath of yesterday's violencem on Highway 134 outside Rexton, Premier David Alward and the Chief of the Elsipogtog First Nation will meet today. 

Aaron Sock was among the 40 or so people arrested yesterday. 

The Premier has released a statement saying he's deeply troubled about the violence that erupted at a protest site on Highway 134  but the government cannot endorse or tolerate unlawful activity. He also maintains his government is committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.