MODL: Home Owner Has Until June To Clean Property

The Municipality of Lunenburg is giving a local home owner one more chance to clean up his property. A complaint was received in March of last year and inspections showed old doors, lumber and fencing were on-site at 5 Ashwood Lane in Blockhouse. A building official says very little progress has been made since the complaint was received. However, Mayor Don Downe says they have offered the property owner an extension.



The home owner told council he intends to clean up his property by the June deadline. If he doesn't, the Municipality could do the work and apply the cost to his tax bill. Downe says they want the man to remove garbage off his land and pile wood up neatly.

Fisheries Minister: "Region Praying For A Miracle"

Nova Scotia's fisheries minister says the winter fishing season can be extremely tough and unpredictable. Sterling Belliveau, a former lobster fisherman, was commenting on the ongoing search for five fishermen 120 kilometres off the southeast coast of Liverpool. Crew members of the Woods Harbour based fishing vessel "Miss Ally" punched their emergency locator beacon late Sunday night in heavy seas lashed by high winds. Belliveau says his thoughts are with the missing crew members and the rescue team involved in the search.



Belliveau says a few hundred people attended last night's prayer vigil in Woods Harbour in a show of support for the all those involved in the rescue mission. He says the entire region is praying for a miracle.

Energy Minister Kicks Off "Power Trip" In Bridgewater

Energy Minister Charlie Parker will kick of a province-wide tour promoting his government's energy plan Wednesday in Bridgewater.  The focus of the presentation will centre around the province's plan to continue reducing reliance on fossil fuels and update people on work to date in generating power through various alternative energy sources. Parker says the Muskrat Falls/Maritime Link project and it's benefits will also be a significant talking point.



The presentation will be held tomorrow morning at the Best Western in Cookville beginning at 10 o'clock. The tour will also make a stop February 26 in Yarmouth.

Search For Fishermen Reaching Critical Stage

The search for five missing fishermen is reaching a critical stage. A Coromorant helicopter and two coast guard ships have been searching a vast area of ocean off the coast of Liverpool since a distress call was issued Sunday night by the crew members of "Miss Ally". The five young fishermen have been lost at sea in cold waters for approximately 36 hours. Lieutenant Peter Ryan of the Halifax search and rescue centre says the Cormorant helicopter involved in the search had to return to base last night due to poor conditions, but is heading out again today. He says seas were rough and visibility was poor last night as the hunt for the 13-metre boat continued.

GPS System Helps Police Find Missing Man

A simple wrist bracelet is being heralded as a life-saver. Bridgewater Police were able to find an 83-year-old man within an hour last week after he was reported missing. The man suffers from dementia. Constable Will Creamer says the GPS-type system, known as Project Life Saver, deserves credit.



Creamer says the device is activated if someone is reported missing and police and ground, search and rescue members can find the person quickly. This was the first time the Bridgewater Police have had to use the system.

O'Regan's, Memories Cafe Among Business Award Winners

O’Regan’s South Shore Automotive has claimed this year's large business award in Lunenburg-Queens. The Business Excellence Awards were handed out last night in Western Shore. O'Regan's took home the honour ahead of J&H Industries Ltd and Sure Courier. Also, Gary Gables Bed and Breakfast received the hospitality award and Terra Beata Cranberry Farms was tops in export achievement. Other award winners include The Gold River Marina for small business of the year , LaHave Forests in the entrepreneurial category and Memories Cafe as best new business. Six awards were handed out in all. A gathering was held last night at Atlantica Hotel & Marina in Western Shore.