Lumberjacks Acquire Blueliner From Miramichi

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have added another blueliner to their roster. The Bridgewater club traded a second-round pick in next year's draft to Miramichi for defenseman Patrick Byrne and future considerations. The 5-foot-9, 18-year-old has played 14 games with the Timberwolves this season and has no points. The Lumberjacks could also see Matt Wright to report to the team this week. He was acquired as part of the Shawn Boudreau trade to Yarmouth late last month.

Cookville: No Injuries After Two Vehicle Crash

No one was taken to hospital after a two-car collision Tuesday morning in Cookville. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill with Lunenburg County RCMP says a vehicle was turning into Pine Grove just before 8am when the utility trailer it was hauling was struck by a car. Police, fire officials and EHS responded to the incident. There were no injuries. (Photo Courtesy: Evan Dahl)

Remembering Road Crash Victims

For the first time, police, emergency and other organizations on the South Shore will gather to remember the victims of highway crashes. A National Day of Remembrance is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) right across the country and Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says it'll be an important event in convincing drivers to change their habits.



In Canada, 2,800 people die every year in road crashes and another 195,000 are injured. The ceremony in front of the Bridgewater Police headquarters on Dufferin Street begins at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning.

Pleasantville Fire Department Awaiting New Truck

Members of the Pleasantville Fire Department are awaiting the arrival of a brand new fire truck to serve residents of Lunenburg County. Fire Chief Tony Allen says they have purchased a new pumper truck to replace their older pumper. It's going cost in the area of $350,000 and will be paid for entirely by the local department. Allen says it's a significant purchase for the volunteer organization.



Allen says they will continue to host community dinners and other fundraising events to help pay for the vehicle. The truck will be coming from South Dakota, it's expected to arrive in early December.

Curlers Raise Over $500 Towards Winter Games Opportunity

A group of South Shore curlers trying to reach the 2015 Canada Winter Games held a successful fundraiser over the weekend. Eight youth, including six from Bridgewater and two from Yarmouth, raised just over $500 towards the effort. The group held a bottle drive at the Bridgewater Curling Club on Saturday. They collected over 7,000 bottles as well as monetary donations. The money will help them buy new equipment like grippers and broom heads. Two local teams are into the elite six play-downs, which are scheduled for Shelburne, Bridgetown and Halifax between January and March.

Bridgewater: Town Denies Land To Church

The town of Bridgewater has denied a request for land from the Bridgewater Open Bible Church. The church was looking to lease or acquire under an acre of land on the corner of Jubilee Road and Exhibition Drive. The church's Trustees Board chair says they have a congregation of roughly 170 people and need to expand parking. However, Mayor David Walker says there could be plans for the land.



Walker says there is land across the street from the church that could be purchased and provide additional parking spaces.

South Shore: Windy/Wet Evening Expected

It looks it will be a nasty evening - weather wise - on the South Shore. High wind and rain is expected to hit Shelburne, Yarmouth, Lunenburg and Queens counties. Environment Canada predicts wind gusts will reach 80 kilometres in some communities with 15 to 20 millimetres of rain expected tonight. There are a few power outages to report but none in our region. Nova Scotia Power crews are working to restore electricity to about 7,000 customers in Dartmouth and Amherst. The largest outage is in the Amherst area where the cause is being investigated. We'll be sure to keep you updated if any power outages are report in our region.

Yarmouth's Graves Suits Up In Subway Super Series

A Yarmouth native prepares to join some of the best Quebec Major Junior Hockey players in the Subway Super Series. Ryan Graves will suit up for the opening game Monday night against a team of Russian stars in Gatineau, Quebec. The 18-year-old defenseman plays for the Charlottetown Islanders. He has two goals and three assists in 23 games this season. The former South Shore Mustang was selected in the fourth round of this summer's NHL draft by the New York Rangers. Three Halifax Moosehead players are also playing for the 'Q' team including Jonathan Drouin, MacKenzie Weegar and Zachary Fucale. The series lasts six games. The Russians will play two games each against stars from the QMJHL, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League.

Witty & Creative Nova Scotia Book - A Best Seller

It's a hot item on bookshelves and the backdrop is based right here in Nova Scotia. "You Might Be From Nova Scotia If..." was released in September and has become a national best seller. It's a compilation of witty and creative cartoons with a humorous spin highlighting everyday life as a Bluenoser. Chronicle Herald cartoonist Michael De Adder is the mind behind the sketches and says people can relate to the book. He feels that's why it has become so popular.



De Adder put the pencil to may of the cartoons in the book at his cottage just outside of Bridgewater. He'll be stopping by the Bridgewater Mall for a book signing on December 1st. The book is backed by publisher John MacIntyre (MacIntyre Purcell Publishing).

Optimism Buyer Will Be Found For Former Sawmill Site

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg still hopes a buyer will eventually come along for the former Oakhill Sawmill site. The mill was closed more than a year ago when Resolute Forest Products shutdown both the Bowater Mersey Mill in Brooklyn and its Oakhill operation. MODL Mayor Don Downe says the potential for the site is being examined closely by officials in Lunenburg and Queens Counties, the province and Ottawa.



The Oakhill sawmill employed 125 workers prior to closing in 2012. Resolute still owns the property, although its now quiet and most equipment and stock removed. A potential buyer would also have to consider an environmental cleanup after generations of sawmill operations.

Chester: Turbine Almost Ready At Kaizer Meadow

A wind turbine is nearing completion at the Kaizer Meadow landfill in Chester. Warden Allen Webber says they anticipate energizing the 98-metre, two mega-watt wind turbine on November 26. It's expected to provide enough green electricity for around 350 homes. Webber says the date is flexible.



Webber says they're still looking at a target date to feed electricity into Nova Scotia Power's grid by December 1. They will receive money from the Department of Energy's COMFIT program once that happens.

Stand By For Lots Of Rain + Strong Winds

You can expect some nasty weather as the day rolls on. The forecast is calling for periods of rain through the morning and afternoon and the wind from the Southeast with gusts as high as 80 later by times. As much as 40 mm of rain is forecast to fall before things start to clear up late tonight. Sunshine to start Tuesday but cloud and showers and flurries roll in for the afternoon.

Lumberjacks Fall In Overtime To Dieppe

Jacob McNutt had the only goal as the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks were edged by Dieppe Sunday 2-1 in overtime. Billy Clarke stopped 45 shots in the loss. It was the Lumberjacks third game in three days after a shootout win on Friday and a loss on Saturday. The Jacks will take on the Valley Wildcats Friday night at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Glen Murray: Forest Heights Crowned Champs

Forest Heights are the 2013 Glen Murray High School Hockey Tournament Champions. They beat Park View in Sunday's final 4-3 in double overtime at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. It's the second year in a row Park View has lost in the championship game. This is the tournament's 11th year.

Dexter Stepping Down As NDP Leader

Darrell Dexter is stepping down as leader of the province's New Democratic Party. Dexter submitted his letter of resignation at a meeting yesterday in Halifax. His term as leader will end next weekend. Dexter says it has been a privilege to serve New Democrats across Nova Scotia over the past 12 years. He led the NDP to its first provincial government in Nova Scotia history in the June 2009 election.  However, the NDP fell to third party status in this fall's election, garnering only seven of 51 seats in the legislature. Dexter also lost his riding of Cole Harbour-Portland Valley to Liberal Tony Ince. Maureen MacDonald will be nominated as Acting Leader at a meeting on Saturday in Halifax. A process to elect the new leader of the party will be announced at a future date.

Salvation Army Readies For Local Kettle Campaign

Its a Christmas Season tradition and it'll soon be visible again in shopping areas along the South Shore. Its the Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. It raises funds to help needy families in the area and it begins next Friday, the 22nd. In Lunenburg County, the Salvation Army's Captain Felipe Vega says despite a sluggish economy in recent years, donations have kept pace.



Vega says money raised through the Kettle campaign goes to help needy families in the area throughout the year, providing food and clothing and helping with heating bills too.

RCMP, Fire Marshal Investigate New Germany Fire

RCMP and the Fire Marshal's office are investigating after a Saturday fire in New Germany. Fire officials from Hemford, West Northfield and New Germany responded to the blaze Saturday morning around 9:20am along Highway 208. Police say there was moderate damage to the home that was vacant at the time of the blaze. There were no injuries.

Hockey: Jacks Lose, Glen Murray Final Set

The Amherst Ramblers dumped the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 7-2 Saturday night. The Jacks jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. But Amherst stormed back with six second period goals to take control of the hockey game. Connor Hilton and Ryan Groom scored for the Bridgewater club, who are in Dieppe Sunday for a matinee game against the Commandos.
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It will be an all South Shore final at the Glen Murray Hockey Tournament in Bridgewater. The Park View Panthers will take on Forest Heights in the championship game. Park View defeated Barrington 1-0 while Forest Heights blasted West Kings 8-1 in Saturday night's semi-finals. The championship game is slated for 1:30 Sunday afternoon at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. 

Ottawa Providing Money For Yarmouth Ferry Terminal

The federal government has announced support for the ferry terminal in Yarmouth. The MP for West Nova made the announcement recently in the town. He didn't provide specific figures on the costs of the upgrades. However, the co-chair of the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership says the cost is estimated between two to three million dollars. Yarmouth County's three municipalities will cost share roughly 20 per cent, with the feds providing 80 per cent. The terminal must be divested and will eventually be owned by the Yarmouth and Area Industrial Commission. The chair of that commission and warden for the Municipality of Yarmouth, Murray Goodwin, says they need to do some renovations to the existing buildings.



The province and STM Quest signed a deal last week to operate the Nova Star ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine, beginning May 2014. Goodwin expects contractors to begin quoting the project as early as this week.

Hockey: Jacks Win, Glen Murray Results

A long winless streak has finally been broken for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Junior hockey club won their first home game of the season last night, defeating Pictou County 3-2 in a shootout. Connor MacEachern scored the game-clinching goal. Connor Hilton and Shaun MacEachern scored in regulation while Cory Peterson stopped 44 shots between the pipes. The Jacks are on the road tonight for a game against the Amherst Ramblers.

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The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs play their final round robin game today in Moncton. The Mustangs square off against Notre Dame at 9am this morning at the Monctonian tournament. The major midget club has a 1-1 record heading into the game.

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The Park View Panthers flexed their muscles at the Glen Murray Hockey Tournament. The Panthers shutout the Bridgewater Vikings 9-0 last night. The win moves Park View to 2-0, while Bridgewater fell to 1-1. Both teams are back in action today. Park View plays Yarmouth at 10:45 while Bridgewater meets West Kings at 12:30. Forest Heights wrapped up their round robin yesterday with a 2-1 record. All games are being played at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Mustangs Fall To Moncton At Monctonian

The Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs fell to Moncton today in their second game of the Monctonian tournament in Moncton. Keith Getson scored twice and Ty Duffus added another, but the Mustangs lost 5-3. The loss squares their tournament record to 1-1. The Mustangs will play Notre Dame Saturday to wrap up round-robin play.

Glen Murray: Park View, Bridgewater Renew Rivalry

Hometown pride is on the line tonight as a pair of Bridgewater high school hockey teams square off at the Glen Murray Tournament. The Bridgewater Vikings, fresh off a 3-2 win earlier today over Yarmouth, will meet the Park View Panthers following the tournament's opening ceremonies. Both teams are 1-0. Bridgewater assistant coach Michael Hubley says the rivalry between the two schools is strong.



The game is slated for 8pm this evening at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Curlers Hold Bottle Drive To Help Winter Games Push

Got any spare bottles laying around? A group of curlers are looking for your refundable's to help raise money on their road to the Canada Winter Games. A bottle drive will be held Saturday morning at the Bridgewater Curling Club from 9am until 2pm. One of the organizers, Monique Hillier-Conrad, says there is plenty of local kids to support.



Hillier-Conrad is hoping to raise around $700 for new equipment like grippers and broom heads. Both teams are involved in the Elite Six playdowns, which are scheduled for January in Shelburne, February in Bridgetown and March in Halifax.

NDP's Dexter Could Step Aside Saturday

New Democrats in the province may lose their most familiar face this weekend. Leader Darrell Dexter will make an announcement Saturday in Halifax at the party's provincial executive meeting. Dexter's future has been up in the air after the NDP were knocked from power to third-party status in last month's election. He also wasn't able to win his own seat of Cole Harbour-Portland Valley. Newcomer Tony Ince of the Liberals was able to steal away the seat in the October election in which turned to be a tough night for the NDP. Dexter's announcement will be made at MLA Maureen MacDonald's constituency office, who has taken on the role of leader in the house. The Queens County native has been leader of the party 2001.

Lumberjacks Acquire Goaltender From Valley

A frantic few hours for the owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. Ken Petrie was left scrambling after goaltender Billy Clarke collided with a player and was injured during the team's practice Thursday night. Clarke is expected to miss the next few games. Petrie had to find another goalie before tonight's game, so he traded a 10th round pick in 2014 to the Valley Wildcats for Jeff Arkin. The 20-year-old Arkin is winless in six games this season with a 3.21 goals against average. He'll be in the lineup tonight for the Lumberjacks game against Pictou County.

Emergency Exercise Planned For Bridgewater

The area around the Bridgewater Justice Centre will be one to avoid Saturday morning. Between 9:30 and 12:00pm, police, ambulances and other emergency groups will be on scene, taking part in an emergency exercise. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says its an opportunity for all agencies to hone their skills at working together and responding to emergency situations.



For motorists, there will be barricades at two locations on High Street so it will be best to avoid the area. Barricades will be up at High and Empire Streets with traffic being detoured east onto Empire Street or north on High Street toward Victoria Road. Also, at High and Anne Streets with traffic detoured southbound on High Street or eastbound on Anne Street back toward Dominion Street. It should be over by Noon.

Update: Sea Trials Expected Soon For Bluenose II

It's another large step forward in bringing Bluenose II back to life. The famous schooner will undergo sea trials within the next month to ensure the vessel is seaworthy after a three year rebuild project in Lunenburg. Heritage Minister Tony Ince says the tests will determine when the iconic vessel will be ready for public sailing tours.



The restoration project is being carried out by the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance. The cost of the project remains in the area of $16 million.

Higher Gas Prices

New Brunswick's utility regulator decided to only raise gas prices less than half a cent yesterday. However, for some reason in this province, the utility and review board has increased prices overnight by four times as much. Regular self serve is up at South Shore pumps this morning (Friday) by two cents to $1.27.3 per litre. High test has been increased by the same amount to $1.36.3. Diesel is unchanged though at $1.34.4 per litre.

Mustangs Open Monctonian Tourney With Win

The Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs opened up with a win at the Monctonian Major Midget Challenge Cup in Moncton. Scott Perry, Ty Duffus and Alex Nauss scored as the Mustangs defeated Burlington, Ontario 3-1. The Mustangs will play again Friday against Moncton.

Park View Wins, Bridgewater Ties At Glen Murray

Logan Cleveland scored a hat-trick as the Park View Panthers beat West Kings 6-4 to open the Glen Murray Hockey tournament in Bridgewater. Wesley Demone also scored twice while Jeremy Key added the other. In other games, Bridgewater tied Clare 3-3 and Sir John A MacDonald doubled Forest Heights 6-3. A big local match-up Friday night as Bridgewater and Park View square off at 8pm at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Lumberjacks Battle Pictou On Home Ice

A busy weekend for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. They begin a stretch of three games in three days when they host Pictou County tonight at 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena. They also travel to Amherst Saturday and Dieppe on Sunday.

Bailey Called Up By Mooseheads

The Halifax Mooseheads have called up Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey for the next three games. The captain for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks enjoyed a long stint with the Moose last year, that seen him go all the way to a Memorial Cup title with the major junior club. Bailey has two goals and five assists in 20 games with the Lumberjacks this season. The Mooseheads take on Drummondville tonight at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Glen Murray Tournament Opens In Bridgewater

The 11th annual Glen Murray Hockey Tournament starts up Thursday afternoon in Bridgewater. Nine teams are involved in this year's event including Yarmouth, Forest Heights, West Kings and the two-time defending champions from Sir John A MacDonald. The tournament is hosted by Bridgewater and Park View. Panthers Assistant Coach Jeremy Stevens says it's great to be involved in a tournament bearing Glen Murray's name.



Bridgewater will open the tournament at 4:30pm against Clare while Park View meets West Kings at 8pm. All games will be held at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. A full schedule can be found here .

Area Councillor Reflects On East River Quarry

The councillor representing East River feels there isn't much that can be done about a rock quarry in the area. The province's environment department gave the green light to New Brunswick-based Northern Construction last week. The quarry will be located roughly 300 metres north off Exit 7. Andre Veinotte says the group complied with conditions from the province.



A group called the Chester Area Quarry Community Group is against the development, but there has been no indication if they will appeal the province's decision. The quarry will supply materials needed for upcoming work on Highway 103. Its expected to begin operating in 2014.

White Point Marks One Year Since ReOpening

They're back and better than ever say officials at White Point beach resort near Liverpool. The landmark vacation spot has just celebrated its first year since re-opening from that devastating fire of November 2011 that destroyed the main lodge. Business was up through the past summer and into this fall. The marketting manager at White Point, Donna Hatt, says the rebuild of the lodge from the ashes, watched by many on the internet, was an interest-generator in itself attracting additional clientele.



Now, Hatt says they're looking forward, like many other tourist-related businesses along the South Shore, to next May first when the ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine is up and running again.

Chester: Municipality Providing Money To Philippine Relief Effort

The Municipality of Chester is giving money towards relief efforts in the Philippines. Council has agreed to send $100 to the Red Cross. Over 2,300 people have been confirmed dead after a typhoon struck the central Philippines almost a week ago. Warden Allen Webber says the people in that country need help.



The federal government has agreed to match any funding donated towards the effort until December 8.

School Board: Naugler Re-Elected Chair

The South Shore Regional School Board will continue to have familiar faces in key roles. Jennifer Naugler was re-elected as chair during the board`s annual general meeting last night in Bridgewater. She edged out Theresa Griffin in a vote for the board's top elected position. Naugler says she looks forward to another year in the role.



Meanwhile, Elliot Payzant will return as vice chair after edging out Elmer Garber. Payzant`s name had to be randomly selected out of a ballot box after three consecutive tied votes. The method is used to break a tie vote under a board by-law.  However, different rules apply if such a deadlock were to occur for the chairs position.

Little Change Likely Tonight In South Shore Gas Prices

Don't expect much change in gas prices along the South Shore when the utility and review board sets the coming week's rates at midnight tonight. A litre of regular self serve will likely increase by less than a cent.
Prices are up today in New Brunswick. Prices there went up 4/10ths of a cent overnight to a new maximum price of $125.2.

Bridgewater: Bottled Water Ban Among 'Blue Community' Request

Bridgewater has been approached with a request to ban bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events. The 'Blue Communities Project Guide' is driven by the Council of Canadians and CUPE. The two groups are hoping to make Bridgewater a 'Blue Community' by giving the town a framework that will also promote publicly financed owned and operated water and waste-water services. Mayor David Walker says the town plans to research the idea and bring it back to the table for further discussion.



The groups are hoping municipalities will also sign a declaration recognizing water as a human right.

MODL List Priority Projects

A parcel of land in Wileville is one of 10 priorities for the Municipality of Lunenburg. The municipality held an open space workshop recently, revealing projects they would like to complete over the next three to four years. Negotiations are underway for the Wileville land, which the municipality would like to develop for swimming, boat access, a picnic park and parking. Mayor Don Downe says the issue has been front and center for a while.



Other priorities for council include creating a day park on Big Tancook Island, a possible donation of land in Petite Riviere, developing 115 acres of land in New Germany, a boat launch in Oakland, and acquiring the Rose Bay wharf.

Queens: Joint Funding Supports Curling Championships

Queens County is gearing up to host the Junior Curling Championships in a few short weeks. Liverpool will be home to 28 curling teams, their families and hundreds of fans when the event kicks off January 18th. South Shore-St. Margaret`s MP Gerald Keddy announced just over $91,000 this afternoon to support renovations at the Liverpool Curling Club. Keddy called it a long term investment for the area.



The province of Nova Scotia is also committing $85,000 to help put on the event. The 2014 Canadian Junior Curling Championships will be held at the Liverpool Curling Club and Queens Place Emera Centre.

Lockeport's Crescent Beach Centre Gets Federal Support

Ottawa is contributing to upgrades being made to the Crescent Beach Centre in Lockeport. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the federal government will provide $128,586. It will help with installation of a new heat pump system, floor and ceiling upgrades, improvements to the exterior of the building and improvements to the showers and changing rooms. The renovations at the Crescent Beach Centre are expected benefit local businesses and tourism operators with an increasedc traffic flow and extended tourism season.

South Shore School Board Holds AGM

Members and staff with the South Shore Regional School Board will hold their AGM this evening. A new chair and vice-chair will be elected during the meeting. Jennifer Naugler has served as board chair for the past year while Elliott Payzant has held the vice-chair role. The chair is the spokesperson for the board and works with staff to set meetings and agendas. Naugler, who represents District 4, was elected chair last November in just her first year as a member of the board. The meeting begins at 8 o'clock at the board office in Bridgewater.

Patient Intake Set For This Evening

The phone lines will open this evening for those in needing a primary care provider in the Bridgewater area. Roughly 150 spaces are available for this intake. The number to phone is 527-4814. The lines will open at 5:30pm.

Information:

·Call 527-4814 beginning at 5:30 pm

· Please have your health care number, date-of-birth, address and a valid current telephone number ready

· Callers may only register immediate family members from the same household (ie spouses, children).

Callers who are successful in getting through the line, will hear a message telling them to stay on the line.

These callers will then be entered into a queue and processed in order. This takes time. Please be prepared to wait on the line for several hours.

Tree For Boston Heading South Of The Border

The tree for Boston has been cut, and after it stays overnight in Halifax, it begins its trek south of the border. Community members along with hundreds of young students watched today as the 15-metre white spruce was cut and lowered onto a flatbed truck. Mary Lou Milligan donated this year's tree from her property in Mill Cove. She says she always thought about donating a tree to Boston.



The tree will be transported by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal on the Digby ferry, across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, New Brunswick, then down through Maine and on to Massachusetts. This is the 42nd year of the Boston tree tradition, in thanks for the medical personnel and supplies Bostonians provided following the Halifax explosion on December 6, 1917. The special tree-lighting ceremony will be televised to over 300,000 people. Milligan will travel to Boston with her daughter and two grandsons for the ceremony on December 5.

UPDATE: Province, STM Quest Reach Ferry Agreement

The Yarmouth to Maine ferry service is back. The province has signed a deal with STM Quest to re-establish the link starting May 1, 2014. The service will be known as Nova Star Cruises. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in Halifax.



The province has committed up to $21-million of financial support over seven years, including $10.5-million in start-up costs. Both sides agreed to make amendments to the letter of offer announced in September including more auditing rights for the province. There are still challenges for the Yarmouth to Maine ferry to start next May including having border services in both ports, and getting all licenses and permits needed to operate a ferry service.

Queens: Bowater Tenders Issued

A pair of tenders have been issued to do with the former paper mill in Brooklyn. Deloitte Restructuring Inc. has put out a call to sell a paper-making machine and other equipment at Bowater Mersey. The money gathered will go to ReNova Scotia Bioenergy Inc., which took over the site. The second tender is out to demolish some structures on the site. Both tenders have a deadline of December 5.

BREAKING: Update On Yarmouth Ferry Expected

There will be an update on the Yarmouth ferry later today. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson will discuss the latest details on the process to re-establish the ferry service. He will be joined by Steve Durrell of STM Quest and Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. Natural Resources Minister and MLA for Yarmouth Zach Churchill is also expected to take part in the press conference. The update will take place at 2 o`clock.

Trial Dates Set In Dog Dealer Court Case

A notorious puppy broker will go to trial on fraud related charges in April. Gail Benoit has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges relating to allegations that she sold two boxer dogs that didn't belong to her. The two-day trial will begin April 14 in Bridgewater. Benoit entered not guilty pleas earlier this month to fraud, theft under $5,000 and identity fraud. Those charges relate to an incident where it's alleged Benoit sold two dogs she was hired to look after while the owner was away.

Cape Breton MLA: Ferry Loss Felt Throughout Nova Scotia

An MLA in Cape Breton says even his area has felt the loss of the Yarmouth ferry service. Michel Samson says it's been a difficult adjustment for the entire province since the NDP government cut the subsidy to help run the ferry in 2009. Samson is now Minister of Economic Development and Tourism and working on the ferry file.



Samson says the province is still waiting for a signed agreement from potential ferry operator STM Quest. He says the government needs the company to confirm it has met all the conditions of the deal set out by the province.