Bayport's Anderson Ready For 26th Boston Marathon

A Bayport runner is sprinting towards the Boston Marathon for a 26th year. Chris Anderson is among 10 South Shore runners making the trip to run the event on Monday. The 66-year-old keeps qualifying year-after-year to return and says he'll keep going until his body tells him otherwise. Anderson says there is no other event like the Boston Marathon.



Anderson began training in January and hopes to complete the 42.2-kilometre trek in about three hours and 30 minutes. His best time is two hours, 57 minutes. Anderson says this year is special after last year's tragic events.



Anderson says it was an anxious situation to be involved in, with about 12 of his family members in Boston at the time. Memorials were held this week to pay tribute to the three people who were killed and more than 260 injured during last year's bombing. There are 36,000 official entrants for this year's Boston Marathon.

Dayspring Double Homicide Added To Rewards Program

The RCMP continue to look for answers in the unsolved murder case of a Dayspring couple. Jack and Micheline Hulme were found dead in their home in June 1985. Their bodies were found by Bridgewater RCMP following a house fire. However, autopsy results later revealed the couple had been shot to death. Now, the case has been added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program. Sgt. Al Leblanc says they're hoping people who may have been silent in the past, will speak up now.



Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest or conviction could receive up to $150,000. If you have any tips, you can call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program at 1-888-710-9090.

Bridgewater RCMP Officer Under Investigation

The province's Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a domestic assault allegation was made against a Bridgewater Mountie. The officer, who has been with the service for six years, was arrested after RCMP received the complaint from his wife on Tuesday night. The officer has been released with conditions. No charges have been laid. He will appear in Bridgewater court on May 7. The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Former Premier Applauds Caledonia Initiative

A former Nova Scotia premier says he's proud of his Queens County heritage and the work being done to revive the economy in the area. Darrell Dexter says North Queens in particular was badly impacted by the closure of Bowater two years ago and he's impressed with the planned construction of a $1.9-million community hall in Caledonia. He says it shows a strong community-will to move forward out of the economic wilderness.



Meanwhile, the former premier has met in recent weeks with Region of Queens officials and offered his legal and political background to help if needed as the area recovers from the economic slowdown.

All Aboard! For Public Inspection

Its open-house today aboard the new Yarmouth to Maine ferry! The "Nova Star" arrived in Yarmouth yesterday for a courtesy call, to the thrill of hundreds of greeters at dockside. Natural Resources Minister and area MLA Zach Churchill says the waterfront was awash in celebration.



The vessel will be welcoming visitors through the day and will leave for Portland around supper time. The ferry service begins May 15th.

UPDATE: Body Of Missing Fisherman Found

A 51 year old man who was fishing Tuesday evening in a remote part of Fisher Lake in Annapolis County has been found dead. Search crews found his body around 7:30 this morning near the spot where he and another fisherman fell into the lake last evening when their boat overturned. The other man was able to swim to shore and phone police. A search was organized and continued through the night until the body was discovered this morning.

Charges Follow Western Shore Drug Bust

A Western Shore man is facing drug charges after police searched a home yesterday in the community. Seized were prescription drugs, marijuana and a large amount of cash. A suspect has been charged with drug possession and trafficking and Breach of Probation. He's been ordered to appear in Bridgewater court at a later date.

Bridgewater: Deputy Mayor Looking To Reduce Special Tax Rate

Bridgewater's deputy mayor wants to reduce the special tax rate. Councillors reviewed their draft budget for the upcoming year on Monday night. The town is proposing an operating budget of $18.5-million and a capital budget of $3.3-million. It also includes holding the line on residential and commercial tax rates, and a 15 per cent increase in the sewer rate. The town is also dealing with $2.2-million in new debt to pay for things like new LED streetlights. Bill McInnis says he would like to see the special tax rate cut from eight cents to four cents.



The special tax rate was put in place to repay $5-million that the town borrowed for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Town council will further debate the budget on April 22. It is expected to approve its final budget on April 28.

New Multi-Purpose Centre For Caledonia

A new $1.9 million multi-purpose centre will be built in Caledonia. The North Queens Fire Association and North Queens Board of Trade is partnering to build the new facility which will house a new fire hall and innovation centre. The project is being helped by various investors including a $750,000 contribution coming from the federal government. Fire Chief David Lohnes says it's a good day for residents of the area.



Lohnes says the building will be home to the fire department, office space, training rooms and also have high speed Internet. The Region of Queens is contributing $375,000 and the provincial government is contributing $100,000 toward the project. The remaining money came through a significant commitment by the District of Annapolis and fundraising. The 14,600 square foot facility should be open next summer.

Bridgewater: BMO Aquatic Centre Set To Open

The general manager of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre says its been a long time coming. The BMO Financial Group Aquatic Centre will open its doors on Thursday. It features a 25-metre, six-lane pool with a diving board, a shallow leisure pool, and a therapeutic pool. The facility is the final component of the LCLC to open following the launch of the Clearwater Seafoods Arena last September and the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in January. Kevin Benjamin says it's nice to see the fruits of labour.



There will be programming available for all ages including a synchronized swimming club and fitness classes. The aquatic centre will be closed Good Friday before it holds open swims all weekend.

Lumberjacks Land Eddie Shack For Celebrity Dinner

Hockey fans on the South Shore will want to "clear the track" on May 23rd. That's when four-time Stanley Cup winner Eddie Shack will be coming to Bridgewater for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks Celebrity Dinner and Auction. Shack, known as "The Entertainer" played for six NHL teams during his 17-year career. He was a member of the Maple Leafs last championship team in 1967. The annual event will take place at the Bridgewater Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Centre.

Municipal Units Approve REMO Budget

An emergency management group in Lunenburg County is looking for funding for contingency plans. REMO is provided money by the municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg along with the towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. The group is asking for $10,000 more in their budget for 2014-15 to help create plans in case of emergencies. Coordinator Heather MacKenzie-Carey says the plans would help answer questions.



MacKenzie-Carey says they have identified nine potential weather situations to prepare for including coastal storm surge, hurricanes, inland flooding and blizzards. Each municipal unit has agreed to the funding increase. REMO has a total budget of $88,151 for 2014-15.

Valley Grow-Op Busted

A man in Annapolis County faces numerous drug charges as a result of an RCMP search of a home in North Williamston. Police dismantled a marijuana grow-op, seized grow equipment and more than 9 kilograms of dried pot. 49 year old Kenneth Lohnes has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Cultivation of Marijuana and Possession of Hashish. He will appear in court in Annapolis Royal in July.

New Program Will Keep Long Term Patients Active

A Bridgewater native is leading a new initiative to help long term patients stay active at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Sophie Church is a second year psychology student at Queens University in Ontario. She is organizing a recreation program to keep patients minds and bodies more active while they are getting treatment.



Church is hoping to launch the program in May or June. However, before that can happen she says volunteers are needed to get the program off the ground. If interested in volunteering email Judy Miller at jmiller@ssdha.nshealth.ca or call 543-2365. Donation for the program are also being accepted - like cards, crafts and board games - they can be dropped off at the Volunteer Services office at the South Shore Regional Hospital.

Trial Involving Dog Dealer Underway In Bridgewater

A two-day trial involving the illegal sale of two boxers dogs is underway in Bridgewater. Gail Benoit is facing charges of fraud, identity fraud and theft under $5,000. She was charged last year after a New Brunswick woman left her dogs in Benoit's care - however, they were later sold. The prosecution called several witnesses during the first day of the trial including the original owner of the dogs  - Cassie Craft of Saint John. The trial continues today, when the defence presents its case. Benoit has a long history of selling puppies and was convicted in 2009 of animal cruelty for selling sick dogs.

Yarmouth Mayor Ready For New Ferry

The new Yarmouth to Maine ferry will pull into Yarmouth today on a courtesy call, its first official stop since leaving Singapore a month ago. Area residents, town and provincial officials are invited to go aboard the NovaStar and check it out. Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood says a lot of people have been involved in bringing back the ferry service.



When it leaves Yarmouth tomorrow, the NovaStar will head to Portland to prepare for the May 15th startup of the new ferry service.

NS Gov't Helps Small Businesses Secure Funding

Small businesses will have better access to loans through improvements to the Credit Union Loan Guarantee Program. Premier Stephen McNeil says the provincial guarantee on term loans will be increased from 75 per cent to 90 per cent. The total available to lend will double from $25-million to S50-million. The maximum loan guarantee for social enterprises will also increase up to $500,000. Credit unions administer the program and provide loans to small businesses ensuring lending decisions are made in the local community. McNeil says entrepreneurs need access to capital to expand and hire new workers. Over the past 10 years, credit unions have approved loans worth $56-million dollars, helping more than 1,200 small businesses.

South Shore: MP Keddy To Make Funding Announcements

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's will make a couple of funding announcements Tuesday. Gerald Keddy will make his first stop in Caledonia. He'll be making an announcement at the North Queens Fire Hall. The new money will go toward a new initiative in Queens County, but no other details were given. Meanwhile, Keddy will make an afternoon stop at the Legion in Bridgewater. He's expected to unveil details on federal funding for three South Shore organizations to help seniors in Lunenburg County.

Yarmouth Preps For Ferry Visit

Its going to be a big day today (Tuesday) in Yarmouth! The new Yarmouth to Maine ferry will pull into port for a 2-day courtesy call, its first official stop since leaving Singapore a month ago. The Nova Star will showcase its amenities, food service, casino and other pluses during its visit. Area residents, town and provincial officials are invited to go aboard and check it out. Premier Stephen McNeil says the end of a long struggle to re-instate the ferry service is near.



When it leaves Yarmouth tomorrow, the Nova Star will head to Portland to prepare for the May 15th start-up of the service.

NDP "Failure To Launch" Says Interim Leader

Nova Scotia's NDP held their annual meeting over the weekend in Halifax. It was the first major gathering of party members since last fall's devastating loss for Darrell Dexter's government. Remaining South Shore NDP MLA's Denise Peterson-Rafuse of Chester-St. Margarets and Queens-Shelburne's Sterling Belliveau were there. Interim leader Maureen MacDonald tells CKBW & HANK-FM News, one of the biggest problems that helped lead to her party's demise at the polls was its failure to provide the public with clear information on economic changes. However, she tell us ......



During the weekend get-together, former NDP Premier Darrell Dexter was given a formal thank-you from the party. He in turn said the province's economy is turning around as a result of policies he and his government implemented during their 4 years in office.