Chester: Flat Fee Proposed For Universal Sewer Rate

A flat fee is being proposed as a route for a universal sewer rate in Chester. The municipality is exploring a universal rate to help eliminate deficits in five of their six sewer systems. Staff is recommending the flat fee based on property assessment instead of using the existing system with as much as a 20 per cent rate increase. Warden Allen Webber feels its the best option.



A presentation from the public also provided another option but council still has to review it. A final decision has not been made. Council is giving residents and business owners two weeks to review the information.

Visitor Restrictions At Lunenburg Nursing Home

An outbreak of noro virus has prompted officials at a nursing home in Lunenburg to limit visiting. Administrator Tim McAulay at Harbourview Haven Home For Special Care says several residents have shown signs of the gastro-intestinal illness in recent days. He says friends and loved ones are being asked to limit their visits.



There are 143 residents at Harbour View Haven and McAulay says the restrictions will be lifted once the number of cases declines.

Accused Takes Stand At Bridgewater Sexual Assault Trial

A 64 year old Halifax-area man charged with sexual assault is testifying today during his Supreme Court trial in Bridgewater. John Leonard MacKean says he would have helped the teenage boy who was chained up and blindfolded, if he had known he was being held against his will.
MacKean is accused of paying to perform sexual acts on the boy while he was chained-up and blindfolded. However, the 64 year old denies those charges, saying he was duped by Wayne Cunningham into going to the cabin. Cunningham was one of the main figures in the kidnapping and confinement of the 16 year old in Upper Chelsea. The relationship between MacKean and Cunningham grew through Cunningham offering personal massages to help MacKean with his bad hip after they met in 2011 at alcoholic anonymous meetings in Halifax. MacKean testified this morning he was just going for another massage when he went to the cabin on September 20, 2012. The accused also stated he never discussed paying to perform sexual acts on the boy. The crown will have an opportunity to question the accused later today. A 12 member jury is expected to begin its deliberations later today or tomorrow.

School Hoax Making The Rounds In Bridgewater & New Germany

Bridgewater Police and school officials at Park View Education Centre and New Germany Rural High are trying to get to the bottom of a hoax. Numerous parents have received automated phone calls lately saying their children had been selected to undergo drug testing at their school. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says it may take some time to track the source but he says its definately a hoax.



And the Chief says the school board and his force are still trying to determine from where the calls are originating. He says if the person is found, its difficult to determine what the consequences might be, other than maybe mischief charges.

Gasoline Prices May Drop Slightly Tonight

Look for South Shore gas prices to remain the same or drop slightly overnight tonight when the utility and review board sets the coming week's prices. In New Brunswick this morning, self serve regular is down half a cent a litre and is selling for about $1.34.3. Diesel is also two cents a litre cheaper in New Brunswick. The maximum price for heating oil is almost 2 cents a litre less expensive and another decrease in the maximum price of propane in New Brunswick, this time by just over 4.5 cents a litre at $1.20.4.

Welcome To Spring But Winter Will Hang Around Longer

Spring officially begins this afternoon just before 2 o'clock (1:57pm to be precise). However, because spring arrives doesn't necessarily mean warm temperatures will suddenly break out and flowers and green grass pop up. Meteorologist Steven Hatt at Environment Canada in Dartmouth says the chilly weather we've had all winter will continue.



Most forecasters are saying temperatures will be below normal through much of the first 6 weeks of spring.
If that holds true, that'll put us into the first week of May before any real change possibly happens.

DNA Evidence Submitted, MacKean Takes Stand

The man accused of sexual assault in a high profile court case will take the stand on Day 3 of the Supreme Court trial in Bridgewater. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor confirmed the news just before the court proceedings wrapped up on Wednesday. John Leonard MacKean is accused of paying for sexual acts involving a teenager who was chained up and blindfolded in a cabin in Upper Chelsea. Taylor says his testimony will help clear some issues up for the jury.



Meanwhile, DNA evidence that matches MacKean's has been submitted before the court. Crown prosecutor Lloyd Tancock says two forensic reports were filed as evidence which places the accused inside the cabin.



Closing arguments are also expected on Day 3 of the trial. A 12 member jury will ultimately decide MacKean's fate.

Yarmouth: Ferry Service Delayed; Agreement Reached On Terminal

Nova Star Cruises has requested a new start date for ferry service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. The company is looking to start the service on May 15, two weeks after the original May 1 date. However, the province still needs to approve the request for an extension. Commissioner William Doyle of the United States Federal Maritime Commission says they have issued a certificate of performance permit for Nova Star Cruises, which allows the ferry company to begin promoting and selling tickets. Meanwhile, the COO of Nova Star also announced today that it has signed a lease agreement with the Town of Yarmouth for the use of the municipal ferry terminal. The seven year agreement means the company will be responsible for operational costs and pay the Town of Yarmouth an annual lease and usage fee, based on passenger numbers. Nova Star Cruises estimates that the lease agreement will generate more than $350,000 for the town this year.

Accused In Sexual Assault Case Thought Teen Was Older

A Halifax area man accused of sexually assaulting a young boy told police he thought the teenager was older. John Leonard MacKean made the statement just hours after he was arrested by police in New Brunswick. The 64 year-old also told police he had no idea the  16 year old had been kidnapped and was being held against his will. The information was revealed during police interrogation conducted in November 2012. The four hour video was played publicly for the first time today during his Supreme Court trial in Bridgewater. MacKean is accused of paying to perform sexual acts on the teenager who was chained up and blindfolded in a cabin in Upper Chelsea. The teenager was kidnapped by Wayne Cunningham and David Leblanc. MacKean is facing two charges in total including sexual assault and a prostitution related offence.

Lunenburg: New Ownership At Grand Banker Restaurant

What started out as a job as a teenager has turned into a perfect opportunity. Adam Bower is one of the new owners of the Grand Banker Seafood Bar and Grill and Brigantine Inn in Lunenburg. He grew up in the town, working as a bus boy at the restaurant in 1998. Now, he's a proud owner after it was sold to him and his wife, Christina. Bower says it's important for him to be back in Lunenburg.



Bower says plans include keeping the restaurant open year-round, instead of seasonal.

Opening day is scheduled to be April 7.

Ottawa Provides Money For South Shore Clean Technology Company

A South Shore-based clean technology innovator is starting up with financial input from Ottawa. CelluFuel's plant just outside Liverpool will transform otherwise low-value wood fibre into renewable diesel fuel for the refinery market. The firm is debuting its technology at ReNova Scotia Bioenergy in Brooklyn with a long-term plan to launch a full commercial-scale operation in Clare by 2015. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the federal government will  contribute half a million dollar repayable investment through ACOA. The money will help in purchasing special equipment for setting up the plant. The Province of Nova Scotia has already announced a $1.5 million repayable investment in the project.

Bridgewater: Chamber Hosts 'Breakfast With Mayor' Event

Bridgewater residents are getting a chance to have breakfast with the mayor. The Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event Thursday morning from 7:30am-9am at the Days Inn and Convention Centre. David Walker is expected to talk about the future of the town and listen to resident concerns. People can register for the event on site, beginning at 7am or they can pay at the chamber website here .

Keddy Reflects On Jim Flaherty

Gerald Keddy says Jim Flaherty was one of Canada's best finance ministers. The South Shore-St. Margarets MP is reflecting on the now former finance minister who resigned Tuesday after 8 years on the job. Keddy tells us Flaherty will be sorely missed.



Keddy expects Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver will also be a good finance minister. He will be taking over Flaherty's job for the final year of the Harper government's mandate. Flaherty plans to return to the private sector. Replacing Oliver as Natural Resources Minister will be Greg Rickford.

Interrogation Of Accused Heard In Sexual Assault Trial

The 12 member jury hearing a sexual assault trial in Bridgewater Supreme Court is hearing police interrogation of the man accused of paying to have sex with a teenage boy. John Leonard MacKean is facing charges of sexual assault and communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services with a person under eighteen. The 64 year old's arrest over a year ago came shortly after a Canada wide man hunt ended in Northern Ontario with the arrest of David Leblanc and the discovery of Wayne Cunningham's body. Leblanc and Cunningham orchestrated the kidnapping and confinement of a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea. The boy was sexually assaulted daily for eight days before he was able to escape. It's alleged MacKean paid to perform sexual acts on the boy while he was chained up. The jury is hearing a four hour interrogation led by RCMP officer Luc Cote. The Supreme Court trial is expected to last at least another day before the jury begins deliberations.

Bridgewater: Teenager Can't ID Third Man

A high profile sexual assault case enters its second day in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. The alleged victim testified in court yesterday he was chained to a bed and sexually assaulted numerous times inside a Lunenburg County cabin in September 2012. The teenager told court he was blindfolded and not able to identify a man believed to have paid to perform sexual acts on the boy. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor says identification plays a big factor in any case.



However, Crown attorney Lloyd Tancock is expected to submit DNA evidence during court proceedings Wednesday. Sixty-four year old John Leonard MacKean is facing charges of sexual assault along with a prostitution related offence. He's is being tried by judge and jury.

Yarmouth: No Injuries Following Barn Fire

The Canadian Red Cross says a family of four escaped injury after a fire caused major damage to their home near Yarmouth. The fire destroyed a barn attached to their home in South Ohio on Monday night. It also caused extensive damage to their older wood-frame home. The couple and their two children were not home at the time of the fire. They are staying with relatives have have been helped with emergency purchases such as food and clothes. The Red Cross says passing motorists who saw the smoke and flames rescued three pet dogs and a rabbit  from the house. Firefighters from the Yarmouth, Lake Vaughn, and Valley and District responded to the blaze.

Acadian Seaplants Expanding; Province Supports Project

A Nova Scotia company is sprucing up two of its facilities on the South Shore. Biotech group Acadian Seaplants is investing more than $4-million for new equipment at its Yarmouth and Charlesville, Shelburne County plants. It also includes the company's Cornwallis facility. The expansion is expected to increase capacity, introduce new technologies, and enhance product quality and worker safety. Acadian Seaplants harvests and processes seaweed for global markets involving specialty fertilizer products and animal feed supplements. The company expects to add roughly 30 jobs throughout its operations over the next three years. The province is also contributing almost $540,000 to support the project. (Photo Courtesy: Acadian Seaplants Limited)

Teen Tells Court He Was Blindfolded, Chained To Bed

Chilling details are being revealed in the sexual assault case involving a teenage boy who was chained up for 10 days inside a cabin in Lunenburg County. Sixty-four year old John Leonard MacKean is facing two charges in relation to his alleged role in the incident which took place in September 2012. The alleged victim - a teenage boy - was the first witness to take the stand  in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. He told court he was blindfolded and chained to a bed while he was sexually assaulted by David Leblanc and Wayne Cunningham. The teenager also testified about a third man involved in the sexual acts. However, the boy was blindfolded and could not clearly identify the other individual. Evidence of chains, a blanket from the bed and a blindfold were submitted as evidence by the Crown prosecutor. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor will cross examine the alleged victim this afternoon. The trial is being heard before a judge and 12 member jury. It's expected to last three days.

Yarmouth Prepares To Welcome New Ferry

Just a month and a half before ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine resumes and excitement is building. Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood says the community's "All Hands On Deck" campaign will be holding a special public meeting Wednesday evening. The mayor says it'll be a good prelude to May 1st, an update on whats happening.



The NovaStar left Singapore on the weekend bound for Boston. It'll take the new vessel about a month to travel the 16-thousand kilometers. The NovaStar is also expected to travel to Yarmouth for a courtesy call prior to the start up of service May 1st.

High Liner Supports Lunenburg Academy Of Music Performance

Proponents with the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance have secured a second major financial donation. High Liner Foods Inc. has committed a $100,000 funding agreement over four years with the international school of music. It follows a $100,000 investment last October from Susan and Guenther Reibling, owners of Lunenburg-based Stellar Investment. The support from High Liner will allow LAMP to negotiate a lease agreement with the town for the third floor of the Lunenburg Academy building. LAMP will open its doors to the world on October 13 with the first annual Rossini Opera Academy. The distinguished Maestro, Alberto Zedda will conduct an intense two-week course on modern Rossini performance techniques. President of LAMP's Board of Directors, Ellen Wathen, says they have more potential donors in place and expect to release more news in April.

Sexual Assault Trial Underway in Bridgewater Supreme Court

The sexual assault trial of a Lower Sackville man got underway this morning in Bridgewater Supreme Court. John Leonard MacKean is facing two charges involving a chained-up teenage boy in a cabin in Upper Chelsea in 2012. The 64 year old is also charged with communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18. Crown prosecutor Lloyd Tancock says three witnesses will be called over the coarse of the trial. The young boy is expected to be one of the witnesses. A 12 member jury, consisting of 7 women and 5 men, was selected yesterday. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor will represent the accused. The high profile case is expected to last about three days.

Dying With Dignity Holds Lunenburg County Talks

A new Dying with Dignity chapter in Nova Scotia believes people deserve to know their rights regarding end-of-life choices.  Volunteers with the chapter are hoping to shine some light on the issue on the South Shore A pair of talks are planned for Tuesday. The first one will be at the Mahone Bay Centre at 2pm. Another talk is scheduled for 6:30pm inside the Margaret Hennigar Public Library at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.

Bridgewater: Jury Selected In MacKean Trial

The trial for a Lower Sackville man charged with sexual assault in the case of a teenage boy who was chained inside a Lunenburg County cabin will begin tomorrow. John Leonard MacKean is scheduled to have a three-day trial by judge and jury in Bridgewater Supreme Court.
Jury selection for the trial began Monday. MacKean is charged with a prostitution related offence. A panel consisting of seven women and five men will hear the trial. Last June, David James LeBlanc was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions.
That conviction involves the same teenage boy who was able to escape the cabin. The incident was reported to police shortly after he escaped.

Plan In Motion To Raise Cape Rouge

A plan is in place to raise an old fishing trawler in Bridgewater. Several pylons will be placed between the dock and the ship over the next few days for stabilization. Divers with RMI Marine Ltd. will then seal up the ship, making it water-tight before the vessel will start being pumped out of the water. Senior response officer with the Canadian Coast Guard, Keith Laidlaw, expects to see some movement on the weekend. He says it's a lengthy process.



Laidlaw says they are being calculated and careful during this step. Over 5,000 litres of fuel was taken out of the ship while over 700 kilograms of absorbent pads soaked in oil were gathered from water surrounding the vessel. The Cape Rouge began sinking at the Port of Bridgewater on March 10.

Business Group Halting Managerial Duties Of 'Why Here' Project

Bridgewater is taking a wait-and-see approach before it decides if it will provide funding to an initiative that promotes the local area. The 'Why Here' project has been managed by the South Shore Business Growth Association since the Lunenburg-Queens Regional Development Agency shut its doors. However, the association will no longer manage the program as of March 31 due to a lack of funding. Manager of the Bridgewater Development Association, Ida Scott, says units including the Region of Queens, the municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg and towns of Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg could look after the 'Why Here' project for six months.



Scott says they have a proposed six month budget of $23,000, which includes a part-time coordinator and technical support for the website. Bridgewater has declined a $5,000 pre-budget request until more information is available.

Trial Begins For Third Man Related To Upper Chelsea Confinement Case

The trial for a Lower Sackville man charged with sexual assault in the case of a teenage boy who was chained inside a Lunenburg County cabin will begin this week. John Leonard MacKean is scheduled to have a three-day trial by judge and jury in Bridgewater Supreme Court. Jury selection got underway this morning (Monday). MacKean is charged with a prostitution related offence and sexual assault. Last June, David James LeBlanc was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions. That conviction involves the same teenage boy who was able to escape the cabin. The incident was reported to police shortly after he escaped.

South Shore Labour Protests Cutting Door To Door Mail Delivery

The South Shore District Labour Council held a rally and march this morning (Monday) in Bridgewater. About a dozen members walked from the North Street main post office at 8 o'clock to outside the office of South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy. Rally organizer Jackie Giffin says among other things, they're focusing attention these days on Canada Post's plan to eliminate door-to-door mail delivery.



Eliminating door-to-door mail delivery is only part of Canada Post's plan to cut costs, including increasing postage.  Giffin also says the federal government is cutting too many public services and that is impacting society as a whole.

South Shore Sports: Weekend Wrap

A big weekend for Josh Shatford of Fox Point. The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks' forward scored a goal in his first ever 'Q' League game, helping Charlottetown to a win over Saint John. Shatford and the Islanders begin the playoffs this Friday night in Halifax against the Mooseheads. The red-hot Herd have won 13 straight games finishing second overall in the standings.

The BMO Western Hurricanes finished fourth overall in the NS Major Bantam provincials over the weekend in North Sydney. They were defeated in the bronze medal game in sudden-death overtime 4-3 by the Breton Sport Cougars. In nets for the Hurricanes was Parker Rowter, stopping 32 of 36 shots. The Hurricanes ended their regular season with 21 wins, five losses and seven ties. 

A Bridgewater team has claimed the 2014 Under-15 provincial junior curling championship. The Christopher Rafuse rink topped Liam Moore of CFB Halifax 9-3 in Sunday's final in Liverpool. The team, which includes Kya McArthur, MacKenzie Nauss, and Abby Rafuse, finished the event with a 5-1 record.

UPDATE: 4 Injured In Bridgewater Fire

A pot of grease left unattended and boiling on a stove caused a fire in a Bridgewater apartment Saturday night. Three people were injured and a Bridgewater fire fighter also suffered an injury. Fire chief Michael Nauss explains.



Meanwhile, Chief Nauss says grease fires are among the most dangerous kitchen fires.



By the way, damage to the Pleasant Street apartment was minimal, mainly smoke in the kitchen area.

Bridgewater: Grease Fire Causes Multiple Injuries

 

There were multiple injuries following a grease fire in Bridgewater over the weekend. The fire broke out Saturday evening at a home on Pleasant Street. Police say three people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital - one person was later taken to Halifax for further treatment. Meanwhile, a volunteer firefighter was also injured while fighting the fire. Those injuries are described as being minor in nature. The fire has been deemed accidental.

Top Ten Scams

Computer virus fixing, credit card interest rates, debt settlement and mystery shopping are among the top ten scams making the rounds in our region. The Maritime Better Business Bureau has compiled a list. The Bureau's Jill Atkinson says virus-fixing tops it as consumers get suspicious email messages claiming they have a serious virus problem in their computer that needs fixing right away.



Atkinson says if that happens, you're open to the scammers getting all your personal information, passwords, credit card numbers and the like. She suggests ignoring such messages and even reporting them to police or the BBB.

Here's the top ten list of scams as compiled by the Better Business Bureau:

1.         Computer Virus fixing Scam

2.         Credit Card Interest Rates

3.         Advance Fee Loans Scam

4.         Debt Settlement

5.         Door to Door Sales

6.         Mystery Shopping

7.         Foreign Lotteries

8.         Sweepstakes

9.         Phishing Scams

10.       Inheritance Scams

Demolition of Lunenburg Building Likely After Appeal Period

One of Lunenburg's old waterfront buildings appears headed for demolition. The Yamaha Building on Montague Street was seriously damaged by an electrical fire last fall and its been determined the cost to repair it would be too excessive. The Town of Lunenburg held a public hearing this past week on a demolition proposal. Mayor Rachel Bailey said no one, opposed to bringing the old building down, showed up. There's an appeal period now which lasts thirty days. After that, if there's no objection, the demolition permit will go ahead.

New Wildfire-Risk Season Opens Saturday

A new wildfire-risk season is beginning in Nova Scotia. The season opens Saturday. There are new rules this year. People no longer need a permit to burn domestic brush but they must check an online burning restrictions map to learn when they can burn a pile of brush. The map will show green, red, or yellow in each county. It will let people know if it is safe to burn, unsafe to burn, or safe, with restrictions. The map is at www.novascotia.ca/burnsafe . People can get the same information in a recorded message by calling 1-855-564-2876, toll-free. The map and recorded phone message will be updated daily.

Hurricanes Open Provincials With Two Wins

The BMO Western Hurricanes are hoping to win their first provincial title this weekend. The major bantam hockey club is in North Sydney for the provincial championships along with seven other teams. Jacob Myra and Ian MacPhee each scored as the Hurricanes moved to 2-0 with a 2-0 win over Cole Harbour. The Hurricanes opened the tournament with a 3-2 win over the Nova Jr. X-Men. Head Coach Adam Masland says it's tough competition.



The Hurricanes lost in the finals last year. They also won provincial bronze in 2012. Their next game is Friday night at 8pm against Bedford.

Fire Temporarily Blocks Access To Mahone Bay

Lunenburg County REMO is advising motorists that access to Mahone Bay is blocked at the four-way stop in Blockhouse due to a house fire. Multiple fire departments are on scene on Main Street. People looking to get into Mahone Bay are encouraged to travel Highway 103 and take Exit 10.

Acadia Broadcasting Granted Approval For Moncton Station

Acadia Broadcasting is expanding - the parent company of CKBW/HANK-FM has received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton radio station CKNI-FM from Rogers Broadcasting. Acadia plans to move the station to newly constructed studios and launch its new sound later this year. Moncton becomes the 13th station for Acadia Broadcasting spanning New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Lockeport Mourns Long-Time Fire Chief

An emotional time for the town of Lockeport. The seaside community is preparing to say goodbye to long-time fire chief Leo Williams, who passed away from illness earlier this week at the age of 66. Williams served 39 years as the town's fire chief and was also one of the founding members of the Mutual Aid service. He joined the Lockeport Fire Department in 1972, becoming chief in 1975 until his death on Monday. Mayor Darian Huskilson says the loss has been tough on the community.



Huskilson says he's proud the town, the fire department and first responders created the Leo T. Williams Lockeport High School Bursary, given every year to a graduating student. A funeral service for Leo Williams is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lockeport United Baptist Church.

Your Clutter May Be Gold For Others

Its almost spring cleaning time and the Canadian Diabetes Association wants all your clutter! The CDA's Clothesline Program has been extended to the end of April giving South Shore residents and others time to get their old stuff bundled up and ready for pickup. Joanna Dunn of the Diabetes Association says money raised when sold to second hand stores goes to a good cause.



The Clothesline Program also has an incentive for you to de-clutter! Its offering a 10-thousand dollar closet makeover or a vacation for four to Barbados.

NS Auditor General Recruitment Too Political: Peterson-Rafuse

Nova Scotia's NDP says the process for finding a new auditor-general for the province smacks of Liberal patronage! Economic Development critic and Chester MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse says how its being done will hamper who-ever gets the job.



Members of the recruitment panel, appointed by Premier Stephen McNeil, include a former auditor-general, members of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University and several chartered accountants and an un-named recruitment firm. The process results from the recent retirement of Jacques LaPointe after 7 years as auditor-general.

More Money Needed For Infrastructure Improvements

Municipalities across the country are expressing concern about the new Building Canada Fund. Its supposed to keep money flowing to help communities repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. However, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities President David Corkum of Kentvile fears there's not enough money to go around.



Corkum also says there may be too much red tape involved for villages, towns and cities to aquire funding.
He's calling on Ottawa to join in talks with municipalities to examine ways of fixing the problems.

Liverpool Fire Under Investigation

An investigation is underway this morning into a fire last night in an abandoned building in Liverpool. The fire at 90 Common Street in the town broke out around 10pm (Thursday). The building, which used to be a church, was extensively damaged. No one was hurt. The RCMP suspect arson but it hasn't been confirmed yet. They're looking for the public's help in their investigation.

Small Change In Gasoline Prices

Gasoline prices have dropped a bit overnight at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve is about half a cent less this morning, selling for $1.38.6 a litre. High test is down by the same amount to $1.47.5. Diesel is up by about half a cent though and selling at many locations for $1.45.7.

Bridgewater's Martin Competing At Indoor Event In Montreal

A change of scenery for Bridgewater's Jenna Martin. The two-time Canadian champion in the women's 400 metres and 2012 Olympian is competing in the inaugural AC Indoor Open. The event begins Friday and lasts until Sunday in Montreal, Quebec. Martin will race in the women's 400 metre invitational on Saturday. She says it's a good opportunity.



This will be Martin's first time competing indoors in Canada. She has experience running indoors while attending the University of Kentucky.

Mahone Bay: Items Needed For Former School Anniversary

The public's help is needed to create a living legacy exhibit of the old Mahone Bay school. A 100th anniversary celebration is in the works and a committee is looking for items to be loaned or donated to the exhibit, which is slated to open June 4. Committee member Bob Sayer is asking people to look in their attics, old photo albums or talk with family members to find items. He says they will accept any materials relating to the old school.



Sayer says some class photos and a desk have been collected already. If people have any items, they're asked to call Bob Sayer in Mahone Bay or email him at bobsoccer@eastlink.ca . A gala weekend is also planned as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations from July 4 to 6.

Tourism Promotion Group Folds

A group promoting tourism on the South Shore is closing up shop. The independent Destination Southwest Nova Association has been overcome by financial problems and members of the group have voted in favour of ceasing operations. The CEO of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency, Patrick Sullivan, says its a major loss but the industry shouldn't be affected too much in the interim.



Destination Southwest Nova promoted tourism from Hubbards to Yarmouth and around to Digby and the Valley on its website. The group is in debt to the tune of $100,000 and officials say its a result of improper budgeting over several years.

Winter Blahs For Charitable Groups

Many charitable groups on the South Shore have been noticing a decline in donations through the winter. The Salvation Army and its Thrift Store in Bridgewater has especially been affected. Captain Felipe Vega says it took a while to realize the bitter weather was the cause.



Vega says staff at the Thrift Store are beginning to see more donations being dropped off, now that spring is near. He hopes everything will be back to normal and people will be dropping off things as usual.

A Replica Of The Replica Of HMS Bounty Is Planned

A proposal is being floated to build another HMS Bounty! The tall ship, a replica of the original 1700's Bounty, built in 1960 in Lunenburg for the movie "Mutiny On The Bounty", sank in Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012 off North Carolina. Now, a consortium of South Shore boat builders is looking at producing another Bounty replica. Lunenburg Mayor Rachel Bailey agrees there's no better place to build such a tall ship than in her town.



Its expected plans for the project and where the money for it will come from will be firmed up later this year.

Bridgewater: Charges Laid After Alleged Hit And Run

An alleged hit-and-run has landed charges against a Bridgewater man. Police say a parked vehicle was struck Wednesday night around 11:15pm at the intersection of Empire and King Streets. The suspect vehicle was located by police near the top of Aberdeen Road a short time later. A 67-year-old man was arrested and charged with impaired driving and breach of a recognizance. He's due in court June 4th.

Big Freeze-Up On The Way

It is a very wet and windy morning all along the South Shore. The rain is creating possible hydroplaning conditions on some roads so drive carefully. As much as 50 mm of rain is forecast before it peters out around noontime. As Environment Canada meteorologist Max descharnais tells us, watch for a big drop in temperatures this afternoon too.



Descharnais also says the wind will be a major factor this afternoon, gusting to 70 km/hr by times.

Small Change Likely Tonight In South Shore Gasoline Prices

Don't expect much of a change tomorrow in some gas prices at South Shore pumps. In New Brunswick this morning, regular self serve is down there by half a cent per litre. Diesel is down a fair bit though. 4 cents a litre. Nova Scotia's Utility and Review Board will set the coming weeks prices at midnight tonight.