Councillor Concerned After Near Misses In Crosswalks

A councillor in Lunenburg says he's had too many close calls in crosswalks around the town. Peter Zwicker says council will look at ways to improve pedestrian safety in the new year. He says several times over the past few weeks, cars have zoomed through crosswalks while he was out walking.



Zwicker says better signage or traffic lights on crosswalks might be the answer. He adds council and staff are weighing their options.

South Shore: Teacher Wins Court Battle With School Board

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has ruled in favour of an elementary school teacher who argued he was unreasonably fired more than three years ago. Peter Speight was let go by the South Shore Regional School Board after he plead guilty to committing an indecent act. The Bridgewater native was given a conditional discharge and later fired by the board. It marked the beginning of a three year legal battle which concluded with a decision on Thursday. Speight was teaching Grade 3 at New Germany Elementary School when the charge was laid in connection with incidents that occurred in 2008 in the Halifax area. Police said Speight would call women over to his car and pretend to ask for directors while he masturbated in his vehicle. In a 45 page decision, Justice Gerald Moir determined Speight is apologetic, a low risk to re-offend and has completed rehabilitation. The decision means Speight could get his job back if his teaching certificate is reinstated. He would also need to participate in a restorative justice program. An official with the school board told CKBW News late this afternoon the Department of Education has stepped in to try and block Speight from returning to the classroom. If the process moves forward in his favour, Speight would be awarded $150,000 in back pay for the work he has missed or in lost wages while fighting the matter in court.

Lower Gasoline Prices

There has been another drop in gasoline prices. Regular self serve is selling at South Shore pumps today for $1.25 per litre. Thats 2.5 cents less than yesterday. Diesel is also down in price. Its selling for $1.34.2 per litre, 1.5 cents less than yesterday.

Food Bank Challenge Close To Competition Day

It's the last day to drop off donations to three groups vying to raise more food than the other. The fourth annual Paramedic versus Police versus RCMP Food Bank Challenge will be held Saturday. Proceeds are going to the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. People can still donate food or give money at the RCMP station on Cooks Lane, EHS Base on North Street or police service detachment on Exhibition Drive. The winner is decided by who fills up their vehicle with the most non-perishable food items. The event will be held at the Bridgewater Superstore from 1-5pm on Saturday.

Dominion Street Project Hundreds Of Thousands Over-Budget

The town of Bridgewater's engineer has revealed the water and sewer project on Dominion Street is $298,600 in the red. The figure was released during a meeting Monday night. Low cost estimates, additional paving and a mix-up accessing federal money are among several factors contributing to the project being over-budget. Mayor David Walker says they are tasking senior management to find money in their capital budget to cover the costs.



Staff will notify council if it can be done, at a later date.

Liverpool: Author's Fourth Crow Series Book Launch

A well-known Queens County author will unveil his latest book this evening during an official launch. Vernon Oickle to set to release the fourth installment of the popular crow series called "Four Crows A Boy". The fictional book features a few strange twists and tells a wild story based around life in Liverpool. The series has been a tremendous success so far and the book's publisher has deemed it a best seller. The launch kicks off at 7 o'clock tonight at Lanes Privateers Inn in Liverpool.

Shelburne Ship Repair: 48 Layoffs Since Nov 2nd

Shelburne Ship Repair has laid off more than half of its workforce due to a lack of work orders. A spokesperson for Irving Shipbuilding confirmed the layoffs in an email, indicating that the company has laid off 48 workers since November 2nd. Deborah Page says a series of layoffs began after repair projects wrapped up on HMCS Shawinigan and the DND Water Barge. Page says the company needs to secure new work orders before they can begin to re-hire the workers. The Shelburne Shipyard now has 15 full-time workers down from a peak of 75 employees earlier this year.

Board Members Learn More About Impact Reports

It was a chance for the newly elected local school board members to ask questions and learn more information about the school impact assessment reports. A pair of consultants for Deloitte met with the board Wednesday night to present an overview of the work they've been doing since April. The two men focused on key issues like education program delivery, operational expenditures and capital expenditures for the six schools in the review process. One of the consultants, Dr. Jim Gunn, says members provided good feedback.



No decision was made during the meeting. The six schools up for review include Mill Village Consolidated, Hebbville Academy, Pentz Elementary, Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, Petite Riviere Elementary and New Ross Consolidated. Study committees for each of the schools will write a response on the impact assessment reports to the board by February 1. More information can be found here : http://ssrsb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=770&Itemid=371

Thorburne Stepping Aside As Bridgewater Fire Chief

Willing to listen, ready to serve; the words Wayne Thorburne has followed since becoming fire chief. The saying carries new weight as the 65-year-old has decided to step aside as chief and fulfill his new role on town council. Thorburne has been fire chief for almost eight years, and has spent close to 40 years as a member of the Bridgewater Fire Department. He says he's enjoyed his time as chief.



Thorburne says he will become a regular firefighter, once a new chief is elected, until his planned retirement in June. Deputy Chief Michael Nauss has been nominated to replace Thorburne as chief while Captain Andy Wentzell has been nominated to take over as deputy chief. A decision is expected December 10.

New Bridgewater-Halifax Bus Route Proposed

An eleventh hour deal is in the works to revive the South Shore's only bus service into Halifax. The owner of Trius Tours is proposing to establish a daily round-trip between Bridgewater and Halifax. Mike Cassidy is trying to find a solution after a private operator withdrew an application yesterday to provide bus service into Halifax for residents of the South Shore. Cassidy is proposing to introduce the Bridgewater-Halifax route on a six-month trial basis and offer more convenient departure and arrival times.



Trius took the Halifax-Yarmouth route over from Acadian Lines in 2006. However, low ridership is forcing the company to eliminate the run on December 1st. Cassidy would need approval from the province's regulatory board before the company could offer the new bus route.

Lumberjacks Add Groom In Yarmouth Deal

Another player is coming to the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks from the Yarmouth Mariners. The deal, first reported Tuesday included the Jacks receiving defenseman Brendan Nickerson of Shelburne County in exchange for a fifth round pick in 2013. The Lumberjacks will also receive 18-year-old forward Ryan Groom. The Glace Bay native has one goal and three assists in 19 games this season.

Veteran Councillors Have Public Transit Concerns

A pair of veteran councillors in Lunenburg feel there are too many unknowns surrounding public transit. Citizens for Public Transit have been working to secure partners for a three year pilot project to test out a fixed route system to serve Lunenburg county. The group made another presentation to town council last night in hopes of securing financial support to get their pilot project off the ground. However, John McGee is skeptical the system will work. He says taxpayers in Lunenburg are a little nervous about making such an investment.



McGee believes a decision on the town's potential involvement is still a ways down the road. Meanwhile, councillor Peter Zwicker is applauding the work of the CPT, but also has concerns with the costs associated with the pilot project. He says any decision falls on the taxpayers of Lunenburg.



Should the town sign onto the pilot project, it would mean Lunenburg would need to invest a dollar amount that could exceed $20,000. The CPT is hoping to cost share the pilot project with the provincial government and four municipal units within the county.

MODL Concerned About Lost Bus Service

The Municipality of Lunenburg has concerns after learning a bus service will no longer serve the South Shore. CKBW/HANK-FM News reported yesterday Bernie Melanson of Bernie's Shuttle Service has decided to withdraw his application to replace Trius Tours' Halifax to Yarmouth route. The decision means a bus service could vanish from the South Shore as early as December 1. Mayor Don Downe says there needs to be a service for residents.



The municipality is currently reviewing the situation and plan to outline their concerns to the province.

Bridgewater Curling Club Hosting International Event

The Bridgewater Curling Club has been selected to host curlers from Scotland in the Strathcona Cup 2013 tour. Senior men's teams from Scotland will play four, eight-end curling matches against local squads in the one-day event. The club will be one of five Canadian stops on the cup's tour. Canada and Scotland have competed for the Strathcona Cup since 1903. The competition is the oldest international curling event in the world. It will be held January 11, 2013.

Yarmouth-Halifax Bus Route Axed

There won't be a bus service in southwestern Nova Scotia as of December 1st. A private operator has pulled an application to take over the route between Yarmouth and Halifax from Trius Tours. The Charlottetown based bus company is expanding to replace Acadian Coach Lines at the end of this month, but are axing their South Shore run because of low ridership. Bernie Melanson was proposing to keep the same route, but was unable to secure enough agents to sell tickets or handle packages.



He says the losses would be too great because transporting parcels makes up nearly half of annual revenues for motor carriers. There are now just two shuttle services offering rides between Halifax and Yarmouth.

Time Limit Created For Bridgewater Public Meetings

Residents in Bridgewater will have less time to voice their opinion at public participation meetings. The town has altered its meeting procedure, giving people up to five minutes to speak. However, deputy mayor Bill McInnis disagrees with the move, saying five minutes is too long.




Council voted 5-2 on the matter. Councillor Michael Graves was also against the move, saying there shouldn't be a time limit. The move is expected to cut down on longer statements, reserved for public hearings.

Lumberjacks Acquire Nickerson For Fifth Round Pick

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks continue to be active on the trade front. The Jacks have acquired defenseman Brendan Nickerson from the Yarmouth Mariners for a fifth round pick in 2013. Nickerson is no stranger to Bridgewater, after playing major midget with the South Shore Mustangs. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound 16-year-old from Shelburne County had only one assist in 16 games with the Mariners this season. The deal comes one day after a six-player trade with the Metro Shipbuilders.

Lobster Fishing Season Finally Underway

The winter lobster fishing season is finally underway in fishing areas 33 and 34. Department of Fisheries spokesperson, Frank Quinn says no one was hurt as a result of three separate incidents. The first incident occurred in Wedgeport when a lobster vessel lost power just after it set out with a load of traps. It was towed back to port by a coast guard vessel. Three vessels came to the aid of another that was taking on water near Barrington. Pumps were able to get rid of the water and the vessel continued on its way to the lobster grounds. The most serious event saw a vessel go down while it was sitting dockside in Port Maitland. It hasn't been determined what caused the "Cory and Tyson" to sink. Meanwhile, Quinn says here is help standing-by should any other incidents occur.



The season's start was delayed by a day yesterday because of windy conditions. More than 350-thousand lobster traps will be dropped today from the decks of more than 17-hundred vessels in an area stretching from Halifax, along the South Shore into Yarmouth County and on to Digby.

Bridgewater: Two Options For King Street Building

The mayor of Bridgewater called it an opportunity to bring the new council up to speed. Proponents for Cafe 12 presented their business proposal for a second time, after many new faces were elected in Bridgewater in October. Cafe 12 is looking to replace the library, which moves into the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre once its complete. Organizers issued a formal request Monday night to enter into negotiations for a lease-hold agreement of the King Street building for $1 a year. However, David Walker says council has to choose between two options.



A decision is expected to be made during next month's council meeting.

Firm Donates Food, Cash To Local Food Bank

A local consulting firm has stepped up to help the Bridgewater Inter-church food bank. Grant Thornton offices in Yarmouth, Digby, Kentville and Bridgewater helped gather over 1,200 pounds of food and just under $1,400 for the local food bank. Senior Manager Kim Hopkins says it feels good to help.



Hopkins says she noticed the food bank is still in need of key items including peanut butter and things for children's lunches. She encourages everyone to keep donating during the holiday season.

VIDEO: Thorburne Sworn-in As Bridgewater Councillor

Bridgewater council finally became a whole group following the October 20 municipal elections. Wayne Thorburne was sworn-in November 26 after he was overseas when the rest of council was sworn-in November 5. Thorburne is also the chief of Bridgewater's fire department, but it's expected he will step aside from that position in December.

Lumberjacks Acquire Snair, Riguse From Metro

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have shipped forward Jamie MacIntyre and defenseman Roland Provencal to the Metro Shipbuilders. In return, the Jacks get goaltender Anderson Snair and forward Chris Riguse. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says it's a good deal for his club. Metro will also receive Lumberjack prospects Brandon Challoner and Scott MacSween in the deal. Rhindress hopes to have Snair and Riguse in the lineup for Friday night's game against Summerside.

Leblanc Hearing On Dartmouth Charges Adjourned

A preliminary hearing for a 47-year-old man accused of molesting and photographing two young boys has been adjourned until the spring. CKBW/HANK-FM's Steve MacArthur has more from Dartmouth.



These charges pre-date Leblanc's alleged involvement in the teen confinement case out of Upper Chelsea.

Weekend Sports Wrap

The BMO Western Hurricanes have won the 2012 ESSO Challenge Cup in Halifax. The team tied their first game and then went on to win six in a row, including the championship game 4-2 over Cape Breton. Game MVPs were Matt Grace, Logan Walters, Keith Getson, Luke Emin, Cameron Jaquard, Chris Goreham and Quintin Johnson. Keith Getson was named tournament MVP.
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Three South Shore Junior curling teams advanced to the provincials over the weekend during a regional qualifier in Berwick. Raquel Bachman's Bridgewater rink went undefeated while Mary Fay of Chester and Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater also moved on. The Provincial Junior Curling championships will be held at the Chester Curling Club starting December 27th.
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The Park View Panther Boys hockey team lost to Northeast Kings 4-3 over the weekend. However, they also defeated Avon View 7-5 in another game. Fletch Selig had a hat trick in that win.
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The Park View Lady Panthers hockey team defeated Central Kings 3-2 in Berwick. Jackie Stevens was the top scorer for Central Kings and top scorers for Park View were Whitney Tanner and Robin Knickle, each with three-point nights.
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It was a difficult weekend for the South Shore Mustangs. They played a home and home series against the Halifax Titans. The local major midget hockey team lost 8-1 Sunday. On Saturday, the Mustangs fell 9-0.
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It was a rare loss for the Halifax Mooseheads. The team was shutout 3-0 Sunday by the Wildcats in Moncton.
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The Park View division one boys basketball team dropped two games Saturday in Moncton, first 76-65 to Riverview and then 98-41 to Harrison Trimble.
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A strong effort by the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks but they still came out on the short end of a 4-2 decision in Truro Saturday night. Mike Crawley and Josh Shatford scored for the Jacks who've now lost four straight. The Jacks' next action goes this Friday night when the Summerside Capitals roll into Bridgewater.

Start Of Lobster Season Delayed

Lobster fishermen have delayed the start of their season in districts 33 and 34. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans South West Nova area director Frank Quinn says high winds resulted in the 24-hour delay.



Fishermen will now head out early tomorrow morning at 7am in area 33 and 6am in area 34. There are about 17-hundred vessels licensed to fish lobster in an area that stretches from Halifax to Digby.

Getting Ready For "Ups & Downs" Of Winter Driving

The unusually warm weather through much of November has perhaps made many drivers complacent! However, the stretch of nice weather will be coming to an end! One of these mornings we will wake up to a dose of reality with snow coming down and the wind howling! The Canadian Automobile Association is reminding South Shore motorists to get ready before the first storm! The CAA's Gary Howard tells us ...  your vehicle needs to be road ready, you should have a safety kit on board and let someone know where you're going if you head out on a trip!



Here are tips on how to be prepared:
• Let others know your itinerary before you go out on the road.
• Strongly consider putting winter tires on your vehicle, regardless of your area’s snow accumulation. Rubber in all-season tires starts to lose elasticity and harden at around 7°C, significantly reducing the tire’s ability to grip the road. Winter tires harden at around -40°C, allowing them to maintain elasticity in much colder temperatures.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone to call a friend or roadside assistance if needed.
• Take your car into your local service technician to have it maintained for the seasonal transition. This service can include having your battery inspected for wear before the start of the season and ensuring the right grade of oil in your vehicle for optimal winter use.

The CAA also recommends we invest the time in preparing a winter driving kit for our vehicle. According to a poll conducted earlier this year by CAA, only 36 per cent of those surveyed carried a winter driving kit in their vehicle. That means that 64 per cent of Canadians aren’t properly equipped for a winter roadside emergency.

Suggested contents of a winter driving kit include:
• Warm winter gloves, toque and boots
• Blanket or extra clothing
• Bag of sand or kitty litter
• Small shovel
• Ice scraper and/or snow brush
• Snacks for energy
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• First aid kit
• Hardcopy local map (not just a GPS unit)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Flares
• Waterproof matches
• Battery jumper cables

The CAA has an on-line contest underway during this lead-up to Christmas. The Cold Start Contest runs till December 10th and provides a refresher course on winter driving and car maintenance. Here's the link to the contest:  www.caa.ca/coldstart

Hearing on Sex Charges Begins In Dartmouth For Leblanc

A preliminary hearing for a man accused of molesting and photographing two young boys begins Monday in Dartmouth. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges including sexual assault and sexual interference. The 47 year-old is also charged with making child pornography and single counts of accessing, possessing and distributing child pornography. The charges stem from alleged incidents more than two years ago on the South Shore, in the Annapolis Valley and in HRM. Leblanc was arrested in December 2010 after police seized computer equipment and digital storage devices from an apartment in Dartmouth. The preliminary hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. Leblanc is also at the centre of the high profile teen confinement and sexual assault case in Lunenburg County. He is facing seven charges in relation to those allegations.

Christmas On The LaHave Back For Another Year

One of the largest Christmas events on the South Shore goes this weekend in Bridgewater. Christmas on the LaHave is back for another year with musical entertainment, a tree lighting, parade and fireworks. One of the organizers, Bill MacInnis, says the parade should be a crowd-pleaser



The parade will start at the NSCC on High Street, go down Empire Street and finishes at the South Parkade. Organizers are expecting a crowd of over 10,000 people to take-in the event. Christmas on the LaHave kicks off at 4:30pm Sunday on King Street.

Mustangs Battle Halifax In Home-And-Home Series

The South Shore Mustangs get back to regular season action this weekend when they play a home-and-home series against the Halifax Titans. The Mustangs host Halifax tonight in Bridgewater before a lunchtime battle in the city on Sunday. Halifax sits in third place and has only lost twice in regulation so far during the regular season. The Mustangs only have four wins on the year and are in last place in the league. Head Coach Grant Johnston says they worked on a few things this week in practice to prepare for the Titans.



The two teams square off tonight at 8pm at the Bridgewater Arena.

Gas Prices: Regular Down, Diesel Up

Some gasoline prices on the South Shore are down this morning while one brand is up. Regular self serve is selling for $1.27.4 per litre, that's just over three cents less than yesterday. Diesel has increased in price though to $1.35.5 per litre. That's two cents more than yesterday.

Discussions Wrap-Up On Bridgewater Downtown Plan

The future of Bridgewater's downtown and waterfront is now in the hands of a planning and design firm. Four days of consultations wrapped up Thursday night with a public open house at the town's fire hall. Around 40 people took in the discussion. Director of Planning with Ekistics Planning and Design, Jill Robertson, says the LaHave River was one of the top items on people's agenda.



Robertson says people can still provide feedback at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/downtownplan . Ekistics will begin drawing up a draft plan to present to council in February with a master plan expected to be completed and shown to council in March.

Young Adults Needed For Bowater Transition Survey

A member of the Bowater Transition Advisory Committee is calling on young adults to provide their input on living and working on the South Shore. A survey is available for local residents to fill out and talk about what they feel are the strengths of Lunenburg/Queens, and things they value in the community. The document has received a lot of feedback but few thoughts are coming from young adults. Andrew Button says people should voice their opinion.



Button says the committee will soon wrap up their work and deliver their findings to the province. To have your say, fill out the survey here: https://surveys.gov.ns.ca/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=l2K1878K

Supreme Court: Eisnor To Be Tried By Judge & Jury

A 48 year-old man charged with first degree murder in the death of his estranged wife will be tried by judge and jury in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner is accused of shooting his 42-year-old wife, Tina Mae, in the parking lot of a New Germany grocery store in June 2010 before turning the gun on himself. Judge Gregory Lenehan issued the decision following the conclusion of a preliminary hearing in Bridgewater Provincial Court. There had been two days set aside for the hearing but the Crown called all of its eight witnesses in a matter of a few hours. TDates for the trial will be set on December 20th.

MODL Directs Paving Requests To Committees

A pair of paving requests in the Municipality of Lunenburg have been sent to committees for further discussion. Council has decided to get more information on paving Harold Whynot Road and Craig Chandler Drive in Pine Grove and Buena Vista Drive, Aspen Court and a small portion of Meldrum Avenue in the Conquerall Bank area. The two paving projects are estimated to cost almost $600,000. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says they should do their homework before making any decisions.



Council has the option to cost-share up to 40% of the project, but only has $100,000 in their Street Improvement Reserve Fund. The municipality would have to include money in their 2013-14 budget to help complete the work. Two petitions would also need to be approved before paving could move forward.

Third Confinement Case Suspect Granted Bail

The third man accused in the teen confinement case has been granted bail. John Leonard MacKean was released on $1,000 bail and a number of conditions. The 63 year-old is prohibited from being in the presence of anyone under the age of 18, have no access to the Internet and he must stay in contact with authorities on a regular basis. MacKean also must remain in the Nova Scotia unless for work purposes. He is facing two charges, including sexual assault and a prostitution-related offence in relation to the confinement of a 16 year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. The matter has been put over until January 23rd.

Two South Shore Men Face Theft-Related Charges

Several incidents of theft along the South Shore have led to a slew of charges being laid against two men. Twenty-one-year-old Lawrence Glen Nickerson of Shelburne and 46-year-old John Vantrease of New Germany face a total of 27 charges. They include break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, theft over 5-thousand dollars and breach of probation in relation to incidents in Shelburne, Bridgewater and Port Medway. The accused have made separate court appearances and have been remanded in custody. Both will return to court November 28th; Nickerson in Shelburne provincial court and Vantrease in Bridgewater provincial court. Their arrests and charges follow a lengthy investigation by the RCMP in Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties.

Gas Prices May Drop Tomorrow

Standby for gasoline prices on the South Shore to either drop some tonight or remain the same. In New Brunswick this morning, prices are down. Prices for regular self-serve fell by almost two cents at midnight to a maximum of $1.26 per litre. However, diesel prices jumped by seven tenths of a cent to $1.38 a litre. Furnace oil crept up by two-tenths to $1.17 cents.

Consultations Wrap-Up On Bridgewater's Downtown

The final meeting on Bridgewater's downtown and waterfront will be held tonight at the fire hall. Town officials have been meeting with the public all week discussing the community's future. All the information provided will be gathered to create a downtown and waterfront master plan. Ekistics Planning and Design has been tasked with creating the document for council. Its expected to be presented to Bridgewater council by March. Tonight's meeting will be held at 6:30pm.

South Shore: Collisions Plenty On Slick Roads

An officer with South Shore Traffic Services says motorists need to adjust their driving habits to reflect the season. Constable Jamal Gray says drivers can be fooled by black ice this time of year. He says fluctuating temperatures can play havoc with road conditions, even though there's no snow.



Over the past three days, RCMP have been called to roughly ten incidents where vehicles have skidded off the road because of tricky driving conditions.  Gray says motorists should reduce speed and give themselves a few extra minutes extra to get into work.

MODL Assuming Operations Of Osprey Ridge

The Municipality of Lunenburg is assuming operations at Osprey Ridge Golf Course. Council has decided not to renew the operating agreement with the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club. In the meantime, MODL will work to make the course more attractive to prospective buyers. CAO Tammy Wilson says it makes sense to operate the course on a temporary basis.



The municipality took possession of Osprey Ridge last November after the previous owner defaulted on its mortgage payments. MODL is hiring former golf course manager Vince MacDonald to help provide operational guidance and direction.

Resolute Closes Mill In Fort Frances

Resolute Forest Product is putting to rest some of the rumours surrounding its operations in Fort Frances. About 239 employees will be laid off when the company idles, indefinitely, its kraft mill and paper machine number five. In a release, President and CEO Richard Garneau says markets for products produced have been challenging, especially at the kraft mill which has been running at 40 per cent capacity. However, the company isn't ruling a resumption of operations down the road, noting it plans to idle equipment in a way it can be easily restarted. The Montreal-based company is the former operator of the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn.

MODL Provide Feedback To DOT

Overhanging brush and road conditions; two glaring issues brought up by municipal councillors to the Department of Transportation. Members of the Municipality of Lunenburg spoke with a local DOT official Tuesday about issues in their constituencies. The meeting was used as an introduction to the process of how councillors should direct their concerns locally. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says the two issues affect many residents.



Zwicker believes it was a good discussion to have to exchange information and provide feedback to the DOT.

Bridgewater: Mayor Frustrated By Election Numbers

The town of Bridgewater enjoyed one of their better voting turnouts in recent history, but that still doesn't sit well with the mayor. David Walker feels more could be done to improve voter turnout. Roughly 46% of eligible voters exercised their right in the October 20 elections, almost double the amount who voted in 2008. Walker says the increase is great, but still shows people aren't engaged.



Over 72% of people voted electronically in last month's election. Walker says council will move forward cautiously, but he isn't in favour of providing only electronic voting in four years.

UPDATED: New Arrest & Charges In Confinement Case

A 63 year-old man is facing two charges in relation to the alleged sexual assault and confinement of a 16-year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. John MacKean of Lower Sackville has been stung with a charge of sexual assault and another prostitution related offence. He is the third suspect charged in the disturbing case where a teenager claims he was held captive and sexually assaulted for a period of eight days in September. MacKean was arrested Monday evening in connection with the case at a hotel in Fredericton. Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock explained the charges outside the courtroom.



MacKean will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Thursday. Another man - David James Leblanc - has already been charged with seven offences in the case, including sexual assault and confinement of the youth. The third suspect, Wayne Allen Cunningham, died in northern Ontario while on the run from police during a nation-wide manhunt. Mounties have yet to release the cause of his death.

BREAKING: Second Arrest In Confinement Case

A 63-year-old man has been arrested in the investigation into the alleged sexual assault and confinement of a 16-year-old boy. The Nova Scotia man was arrested Monday evening in Fredericton. CKBW/ HANK FM's Steve MacArthur says the accused was without handcuffs when he was unusually taken into the justice centre in Bridgewater through a public entrance.



David James Leblanc has already been charged with seven offences in the case, including sexual assault and forcible confinement.

Walkabout Focuses On History, King Street

It was referred to as the kickoff to four days of consultations. Over 30 people gathered this afternoon for a walkabout to discuss the future look of Bridgewater's downtown. A guided tour was given along King Street, underneath the south parkade and across the Old Bridge to Riverside Park. President of Bridgewater's Chamber of Commerce, Dave Hadley, says the vacancy and current state of buildings on King Street is one of his concerns.



The walkabout was the first of many events planned to determine what people would like to see in the Downtown and Waterfront master plan. A public workshop will be held at 6:30 tonight at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

Bridgewater: Water Main Break On Aberdeen Road

A small pocket of residents in Bridgewater will be without water for a good chunk of the evening. Town officials are working to fix a water main break on Aberdeen Road. The pipe burst shortly after lunch and is affecting just under 100 people who live around Davison to Glen Allen Drive. The water should be back on this evening around 9 o'clock.

Drug Team Involved In Sunken Vessel Investigation

Police in Barrington will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a mysterious boat that sunk in Cape Sable Island. The 40 footer sank Friday morning near Daniel's Heard Wharf. A police dive team, ground search and rescue and members with the Canadian Coast Guard were all part of the investigation over the weekend. Sergeant MJ DeLuco says investigators also called in an RCMP drug team. However, she would not reveal if any illegal drugs were found on the sunken vessel.



DeLuco says police are following up leads after the dive team investigated the wreckage over the weekend. She says RCMP have no plans to raise the ship.

Eisnor Preliminary Hearing Begins Thursday In Bridgewater Court

A preliminary hearing will be held later this week for a Lunenburg county man charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of his estranged wife. Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner was found fit to stand trial in April. The ruling was recently upheld in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The 48 year-old is accused of shooting Tina Mae Eisnor in a grocery store parking lot in New Germany almost two and a half years ago. He then turned the gun on himself causing significant brain damage and memory loss. The two-day hearing will determine whether there's enough evidence to proceed to trial. The preliminary gets underway Thursday in Bridgewater court.

Group Raises Awareness Of School Traffic Issue

Members of a local group are raising awareness of parking changes at Bridgewater Elementary School. Parents and staff with the school's travel planning committee, along with local police took to York Street this morning to promote where people can park or drop their children off for school. There has been some confusion this year after the town installed 'shared bike lanes' over the summer, leading to different parking rules around the school. Committee member, Leon De Vreede, says they're just trying to make people aware of the situation.



Police are enforcing the new parking rules and encourage drivers to pay attention and learn about the changes. The group will hold another awareness day Tuesday morning.