This Morning's Local News & Weather - Oct 4

Here is this morning's South Shore news and weather.
(Click on arrow below to listen)

RCMP Find Vehicle In Ontario & Have New Photos

Mounties have released some updated photos of a man wanted in an alleged confinement and sexual assault case. Police have sent media two new photos of Wayne Alan Cunningham who has been on the run since last week when a teenage boy escaped from being chained up in Upper Chelsea for nearly two weeks. Meanwhile, police say they have located the escape vehicle Cunningham was riding in on a logging road near Long Lac, Ontario. RCMP report they found a 2003 Hyundai Elantra abandoned about 20 kilometres off the main highway in northern Ontario. Cunningham remains at large and police say his whereabouts are unknown. Meanwhile, Leblanc who was arrested on Sunday night is in hospital recovering from various medical issues. Leblanc is under police custody and police say he is unable to fly at this time. Police have been working to transfer Leblanc back to Nova Scotia for further court appearances.

BREAKING: No Beds At South Shore Regional

There's an overflow of patients in the emergency department at the South Shore Regional Hospital. The Health Authority is reporting they are over capacity and have no beds available. Director of Communications, Liz Finney, says the emergency department has a high number of patients waiting for admission and people are facing longer wait times. She says the situation has compounded because of an increase in medically-discharged patients.



Finney says they have hired a Geriatric Coordinator, which helps seniors return home and continue to receive the care they need. All patients not requiring urgent care is asked to visit their family health care provider, call 811 or go to the nearest walk-in clinic in Bridgewater, Hammonds Plains or Tantallon.

Town Puts Cafe 12 Project On Hold

Cafe 12 Design Team

The town of Bridgewater has put a proposed project at the library building on King Street on hold. A group of local residents approached council in August looking to set up a cafe at the location. However, the town has decided to move ahead with an expression of interest to see if other groups would be interested in leasing or buying the property. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the expression of interest makes sure the town is responsible and open during the process.



Cafe 12 would replace the library, which moves into the Lifestyle Centre once its complete. The expression of interest will delay a decision on the building's future for the next few weeks. The newly elected town council is expected to make a decision on the matter.

Bridgewater Passes Fire Protection By-Law

It's a thumbs up for Bridgewater's Fire Protection by-law. The town has approved final reading of the document. The by-law explains construction requirements, rules around outdoor fires and types of enforcement. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the town's fire inspector deserves credit for putting in the time to get the by-law ready. He says he's happy the document is done and believes it will serve the community well.

Consultant Tries To Crack Town Council

A Bridgewater resident is applauding councils work but believes more can be done. Andrew Tanner wants to be part of the next town council and is running for a seat in this month's election. The 42-year-old consultant is running for the first time. He says his work attitude would apply to his approach on council.



Tanner believes the LaHave River could be better utilized and more work should be done to improve the look of the waterfront area. E-voting opens up in Bridgewater on October 11. Twelve people are vying for a seat on town council.

Confinement/Sexual Assault Could Have Been Avoided: Justice Critic

David James Leblanc

One of the suspects in the Lunenburg County confinement and sexual assault case in Upper Chelsea should have been outfitted with an electronic, ankle bracelet. That's the conclusion of the province's Liberal justice critic. Michel Samson says the alleged crime might not have even taken place if David James Leblanc had been wearing a court-mandated ankle bracelet to track his where-abouts.



The 47-year old Leblanc was on bail until a November court date on another sexual assault case. He was arrested in northern Ontario earlier this week after avoiding police for nearly a week. An alleged accomplice, 31-year-old Wayne Allan Cunningham is still being sought.

Municipal Election: Town Of Clark's Harbour

In Clark's Harbour, incumbent mayor Leigh Stoddart will serve another term in the mayor's chair for the town. Stoddart won the seat through acclamation. Meanwhile, there is quite the race shaping up for the six council seats available on town council. Ten candidates have put their name forward to run for council. They are listed below along with advance polling dates, times and location.


Advanced polls will be available on October 11th and 16th between 12PM and 8PM. Election and advance poll is at the Legion in Clarke's Harbour

Mayor

Leigh B. Stoddard (acclaimed)

Candidates:

Russell W. Atkinson

*Sherry Atkinson

Vaughn R. Atwood

Irene Baker

*David Beaulieu

Bridget Brannen

*Cecil W. Brannen

Carter Mitchell Nickerson

Trudy Perry Quinlan

*Rex Stoddard

*incumbent candidates

Municipal Election: Town of Lockeport

There will be a race for the mayor's chair in the Town of Lockeport. Incumbent mayor Darian Huskilson is being challenged by current councillor Howard Roszel. Meanwhile, there are five candidates seeking one of the four council seats available in the town. A complete list of candidates is listed below along with advance polling dates. CKBW/HANK FM's complete municipal and school board election coverage can be found on our web site at http://ckbwmunelex.blogspot.ca/



Advance polls will open  on October 13th and 16th. Voting will take place between 12PM - 8PM at the Lockeport Legion. The municipal election will be held on October 20th.

Mayor

*Darian Huskilson

Howard Roszel

Council

Dayle Eshelby

Joanne Swim

Julie Locke-Balish

*Lonnie Townsend

*Errol Leigh Williams

*indicates incumbent candidate

Man Wanted In Confinement/Sex Assault Case Had Issues: Parole Board

The National Parole Board says a man wanted in the alleged confinement of a boy in Lunenburg county was troubled by emotional issues surrounding his sexuality and self-esteem. The board's assessment is contained in a March 2007 decision approving accelerated day parole for Wayne Alan Cunningham. At the time, he was serving a prison sentence on charges including theft, break and enter, and fraud. The 31-year-old man now faces charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a 16-year-old boy alleged he was kept captive by two men at a home last month. Police have said Cunningham could be headed to Calgary. His co-accused in the alleged confinement, David James Leblanc, was arrested Sunday in northern Ontario. The parole board says Leblanc was also serving time in prison on similar charges as Cunningham when he, too, was approved for accelerated day parole in March 2007. Decisions by the board said neither man was prone to violence.

Mounties Bust Alleged Grow-Op!

File Photo

Police have arrested two people in Digby County on allegations of producing and trafficking marihuana.
The Yarmouth-Clare Street Crime Enforcement Unit assisted by the Meteghan RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the community of Maxwellton. The search resulted in the seizure of 18 mature pot plants, indoor marihuana grow equipment and 54 grams of dried marihuana. A 24-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, both from Maxwellton, were arrested. They were released and will appear in Comeauville Provincial Court on December 17th. They're facing charges of Production of Marihuana and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Marihuana.

South Shore: Thieves Empty Church's Oil Tank

Thieves have siphoned an entire tank of oil from a church in Martin's River. Lunenburg County RCMP say the theft occurred early Tuesday morning at St. Martin's Anglican Church. Constable Christa Morrison says the church just had the tank filled the day before the theft took place. Morrison believes the oil was worth approximately $600 in total. She says it's a big blow to a small rural church and its clergy. The church is located near an ATV trail along Highway 3 in Martin's River. Mounties are looking for multiple suspects in their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

Health Counselors Help Students Cope With Daily Challenges

More health counselors will be available to help students at schools in Lunenburg and Queens. Six counselors are now in place to assist with issues such as addiction, mental health and sexual health throughout the school district. It represents an increase of four positions to join the already existing support provided by staff from South Shore Health. Director of Community Health Programs, Todd Leader says the new support will help youth deal with everyday challenges.



Leader says health counselors will have a regular presence in schools on a rotation style basis. The expanded services are the result of the realignment of some of South Shore Health's program staff and funding through the province's mental health strategy.

Future Of Riverport School Unknown

The future of the Riverport school is up in the air. Councillors with the Municipality of Lunenburg debated spending money to heat the building to preserve equipment over the winter. But, a few councillors spoke out about saving money and demolishing the facility sooner rather than later. Mayor Don Downe says they will wait to talk with the councillor for the area before making a decision.



Don Zwicker missed the session but is expected back for council's meeting next Tuesday. Council could spend anywhere from $2500 to $30,000 if they choose to continue heating the school over the winter.

Lumberjacks Re-Assign Seyforth, Release Langille

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have given walking papers to a forward and a defenceman. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says Alex Seyforth has been re-assigned to Junior 'B' while the team took a different direction with Craig Langille, who has been released. The Jacks had seven defenceman once Brandon Gaudet returned to the lineup after an injury. The local Junior 'A' club is on the road this weekend with games against Campbellton, Miramichi and Woodstock.

Bridgewater: Candidates Forum On Wednesday

The twelve candidates seeking a seat on Bridgewater town council will debate the issues in an open forum Wednesday night. In Bridgewater, municipal councillors are elected at large with the top six vote getters securing a seat on the new council. The forum will be held at the Days Inn in Bridgewater. It begins at 7 o'clock.





The following candidates are seeking election on October 20th: Top six vote getters are elected.


*Jim Bell

Beverlee Brown

Michael Graves

*Patrick Hirtle

Sandra Mailman

Kevin Marlin

Jennifer McDonald

*Bill McInnis

*Greg Ritcey

Andrew J. Tanner

Wayne S. Thorburne

Dennis Woodworth

*indicates incumbent candidates

"Experience Key In Transition Period For Lunenburg"

A veteran councillor in Lunenburg believes his experience can help the new council during a transition period for the town. Danny Croft is a life-long resident of Lunenburg and has served on town council for more than 13 years. He cites fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes reasonable and the future of Lunenburg Academy as some of the big issues facing council and residents. Croft believes a steady hand at the council table will help move those issue forward.



Nine councillors in total are looking for six council seats in Lunenburg when municipal elections are held on October 20th.

Police Investigating Mischief At LCLC

Bridgewater Police are looking for one or more individuals who spray-painted containers and pavement at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The incident happened overnight late last week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police Service at 543-2464.

Ohrt Challenging Former Members In Queens

The school board seat for Queens County will be highly contested. Five people are running for the lone seat on the eight-member board including Elliott Payzant, Allan Foster and first-time candidate Karen Ohrt. The Beach Meadows resident says she believes its time for a change.



Ohrt considers declining enrollment and budget restrictions the two biggest challenges the school board is facing. Courtney Wentzell and Cliff 'Butch' MacLeod are also running for the seat. School Board elections will be held later this month.

Bridgewater Police Officer Trial Dates Set

An off-duty Bridgewater police officer charged with two counts of domestic assault will stand trial next March. Forty-six year-old Christine Marion Bonnell is charged with assaulting Joseph Wiley Ross Jr. between July 1 and July 21, 2012, and again on July 31, 2012. She has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer asked that the cases be tried separately, so trial dates have been set for March 22 and March 25, 2013. Bonnell, who has not been on active duty since 2008, was charged after an investigation by the province's Serious Incident Response Team, which is called in to investigate allegations against police officers. She has been released on an undertaking pending her trials.