RCMP: New Vicious Malware Holds Computers Ransom

A new computer virus is causing major problems. Mounties say malicious software is literally popping up on Internet users’ browsers and holding their computers ransom. It's called Ransomware. As part of Fraud Awareness Month, police are highlighting some of the sophisticated Internet-related schemes and scare tactics scammers are using to trick consumers into handing over money. Corporal Christian Hochold says the pop up goes far beyond being a nuisance and won't allow users to access anything on the computer beyond the pop-up screen. Hochold says the creator of the malware demands a ransom in order to unlock your computer and is extremely difficult to clean and recover your data. For more information you can visit the RCMP's fraud section on their web site.

Valley Community Looking To Win "Hockeyville" Competition

A Nova Scotia community has a good chance of winning the latest version of the national Kraft Hockeyville competition. Kingston in the Annapolis Valley stands to win 100-thousand dollars toward upgrading its community arena if it can top Sylvan Lake, Alberta in today's on-line voting. The area MLA Leo Glavine says the arena is the centre of the village.



Winning Hockeyville will allow for the installation of a permanent floor. Also included for the winner will be a Hockey Night In Canada live broadcast from the community and an NHL Pre-Season game hosted by the Kingston Arena. You can vote today on-line for Kingston as many times as you want at "Kraft Hockeyville.CBC.ca" until 1 o'clock Tuesday morning.

Get Ready For A Major Mid-Week Snowfall

An early spring snowstorm is forecast to dump 25 to 30 centimeters on the South Shore by mid-week! Winds gusting to 80 kph will create blowing snow conditions. Environment Canada meteorologist Paula Sutherland tells us, the temperature will be just above the freezing point on Wednesday, making for ideal heavy snow conditions.



It should be over late Wednesday or early Thursday and by Friday, temperatures will be well above freezing again and the snow and ice melt will be on again!

Truck Causes Significant Damage To Bridgewater Commercial Building

A strange situation on King Street in Bridgewater last night. Firefighters and town police responded to a truck after it crashed into a building. The vehicle was apparently traveling down Dominion Street around 8:30 and the driver didn't stop. His truck crashed into a brick building that's home to a hair studio and other shops. No word on what caused the crash or if anyone was hurt.

South Shore Veterans To Be Honored By France

At least two South Shore veterans of the Second World War will be honored later this spring by the government of France during ceremonies marking the 70-th anniversary of D-Day. The French Legion of Honor will be bestowed on Bridgewater area residents Frank Hammond and Ralph Hebb. Hammond was in one of the landing craft at Juno Beach while Hebb was an infantryman seeking out German resisters in France at the time. Both are now in their 90's and the governments of France, Britain and Canada are expected to look after their flights and accomodations in France during the ceremonies on June 6. Bridgewater Legion spokesman and veteran Roger Parnell believes all D-Day vets should be honored by France and he says even present day forces members are important too.




This year is also the 100-th anniversary of the start of the First World War and ceremonies are planned in August at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, France.

BREAKING: MacKean Found Guilty On All Charges

A 12 member jury has found a Halifax area man guilty of both charges in his Supreme Court trial in Bridgewater. The verdict was reached after five hours of deliberations. John Leonard MacKean was facing charges of sexual assault and communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual service from a person under 18. Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock says the guilty verdict will mean jail time for the 64 year old. However, Tancock told reporters it's too early to discuss the prison term the Crown will seek. MacKean is the third and final person charged in the confinement and sexual assault of a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea in September 2012. Wayne Cunningham died while on the run from police in Northern Ontario while David Leblanc is serving an 11 year jail term for his role in the crime. MacKean will be sentenced on June 24.

The Wrath Of The Mighty Pot Hole

Spring is here and so is one of the season's most irritating dilemmas! Many a tire will be busted, shocks and struts damaged and hub-caps lost before pot hole season ends. The craters are everywhere on South Shore roads and District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe says they're hard to dodge and fix.



Road crews have been trying to keep ahead of the game, keeping the potholes filled. However, nothing permanent can be done until the weather is warmer and it could be some time yet before that happens.

Jury Still Deliberating In Sexual Assault Case

A 12 member jury has been sequestered for nearly five hours in the sexual assault case involving a Halifax area man. Deliberations began this morning after the panel were given final instructions from the judge. John Leonard MacKean is facing charges of sexual assault and communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from a person under the age of 18. The allegations involve performing sexual acts on a teenage boy that was blindfolded in a cabin in Upper Chelsea MacKean was arrested in a hotel in Fredericton in November 2012. The 64-year-old is the third and final person accused in the chained teen case. Wayne Alan Cunningham died on the run from police in Northern Ontario. David James Leblanc is serving 11 years in jail for his role in the kidnapping and confinement of the teen. The trial is now in its fifth day.

RCMP Setting Up Checkpoints For Impaired Drivers

Nova Scotia RCMP will be out in force this weekend checking for impaired drivers. The Mounties are holding their second national impaired driving enforcement day on Saturday. Officers will be conducting checkpoints across the province. Corporal Scott MacRae says they want people to be safe and sober behind the wheel.



The campaign was first launched in December. RCMP checked more than 10,000 vehicles and laid over a dozen charges for impaired driving.

Bridgewater: Fire Department Band Hosting Lieutenant Governor

The Bridgewater Fire Department band is getting a visit from a pair of special guests.The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Brigadier-General J.J. Grant and his wife, will visit the town next month to watch the band's spring concert. Director Wendell Eisener says it's a nice surprise after frequent invitations.

Eisener says it's a special honour for the band. He says they will need to be sharp.



The spring concert is scheduled for April 27th at 7pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bridgewater. Tickets will be available soon.

Peewee 'B' Ice Sharks Drop Opening Game At Provincials

A tough start for the South Shore Ice Sharks Peewee 'B' team at provincials. The club lost their opening game 4-0 to TASA Black at the Lunenburg Arena. They're back on the ice at 5pm in Lunenburg against Thorburn. Play shifts to the Clearwater Seafoods Arena in Bridgewater for games on Saturday and Sunday.

New Finance Minister Should Cut Taxes/Kill Debt: Taxpayer Watchdog

Joe Oliver has replaced Jim Flaherty as Canada's finance minister. The now former Natural Resources Minister was chosen earlier this week when Jim Flaherty suddenly resigned. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation applauds the appointment. However, CTF spokesman Gregory Thomas tells us, Oliver needs to soon whip-up a healthy dose of tax relief for South Shore residents and other Canadians while finally dealing with the federal debt.



Thomas insists the new finance minister can also send a strong signal to South Shore employers and their workers by rolling back EI payroll tax hikes brought in after the 2008 financial meltdown.

Fox Point's Shatford Ready To Suit Up Against Mooseheads

A 17-year-old hockey player from Fox Point says it means everything to him to suit up in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.  Josh Shatford is on the Charlottetown Islanders roster tonight in the opening game of their playoff series with the Halifax Mooseheads. Shatford says he is ready to help his hockey team de-throne the defending Memorial Cup champions. The Halifax Metro Centre could have over 10,000 people in the seats. Shatford says it's tough on his nerves.



The Islanders struggled against the Mooseheads in the regular season, losing eight of nine games. Shatford notched 21 points in 47 games with the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks this season. He is facing off against his Lumberjacks teammate, Brennan Bailey, who was also called-up recently by the Mooseheads. Game one goes tonight at 8pm in Halifax. (Photo Courtesy: Matt Healy Photography)

UPDATE: Bridgewater Sexual Assault Case Goes To The Jury

The sexual assault case in Bridgewater Supreme Court involving a Halifax area man is now in the hands of a jury. Deliberations began this morning after the panel was given final instructions from the judge. John Leonard MacKean is facing charges of sexual assault and communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from a person under the age of eighteen. The allegations involve performing sexual acts on a teenage boy who was blindfolded and chained up in a cabin in Upper Chelsea. MacKean was arrested in a hotel in Fredericton in November 2012. That was after investigators found a cell phone in Northern Ontario belonging to Wayne Cunningham - who was on the run from police. The phone contained text messages discussing a get together involving MacKean and Cunningham. Cunningham and David Leblanc were the masterminds behind the kidnapping and confinement of the teenager. Cunningham's body was found in Ontario while Leblanc is serving an 11 year prison sentence for his role in the incident. MacKean is the third and final person accused in the case. The trial was originally expected to last only three days but now is in it's fifth.

South Shore Peewee 'B' Ice Sharks Host Provincials

The best Peewee 'B' hockey teams in Nova Scotia are in town this weekend. The South Shore Ice Sharks are hosting provincials in Lunenburg and Bridgewater. Five teams including two from St,. Margaret's, Cape Breton, and Pictou County are playing in the tournament. Head Coach Jamie Myra is hoping to win a provincial banner.



The Ice Sharks will play their first game at the Lunenburg Arena at 11am Friday against TASA Black. Full schedule can be found here .

Surprise! Surprise! Gasoline Prices Lower

A nice surprise this morning at South Shore gas pumps. Regular self serve is down almost three cents to $1.35.8 a litre. High test down by the same to $1.44.8. Diesel is down two cents and selling in some places for $1.43.9.

Court: Jury Will Decide MacKean's Fate

The sexual assault trial involving a Halifax man is entering it's final stages. Both sides in the case presented their closing arguments Thursday afternoon during the Nova Scotia Supreme Court trial in Bridgewater. John Leonard MacKean is facing two charges including sexual assault and a prostitution related offence. MacKean denies the boy was chained up when he visited the cabin on September 20, 2012. MacKean also testified he would have helped the 16-year-old if he knew the boy was being held against his will. However, the 64-year-old admitted to touching the teenagers genitals while he was at the cabin in Upper Chelsea. MacKean stated he went to the cabin to get a massage from Wayne Cunningham. The Crown has submitted DNA evidence that matches MacKean. Prosecutor Lloyd Tancock says evidence shows the sexual meeting was pre-planned. The defence argues the case comes down to credibility and whether the teenage victim was telling the truth while under oath due to varying versions of his story. The jury will begin its deliberations after getting instructions from the judge Friday morning.

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.