Shelburne: Comfort Centre Open Due To Lengthy Power Outages

Some residents in Shelburne County have been without power for more than 24 hours. In parts of Lockeport, the power went off yesterday morning at 10 o`clock. A spokesperson for the emergency management office says comfort centres will remain open at the fire hall in Lockeport and Port Clyde. Howard Roszell says they want to make sure people are safe and have a warm place to go until the power comes back.



Nova Scotia Power says restoration times could be as late as 6 o`clock. Outages are also being reported outside of Liverpool, Chester and Yarmouth.

Cleanup Day Is Underway

Its the day after, cleanup day from that snowstorm that whalloped us through most of yesterday. The wind was the big factor in the storm. A few gusts were clocked as high as 125km/hr in the Shelburne-Lockeport area and 100 further east in Liverpool, Bridgewater and Chester. Environment Canada meteorologist Andy Firth says snow amounts vary.



It will be clearing up today with sunshine for the afternoon but the wind will persist until overnight tonight.
The storm this morning is centered to the east of Cape Breton heading toward Newfoundland.
As a result of the storm, all schools across the province are closed for the day.

Bridgewater Mayor Expects Tough Budget Process

The mayor of Bridgewater expects the budget process will be difficult for the upcoming year. Preliminary figures indicate the town has a $1-million shortfall. Councillors debated a number of issues Monday night, including paying for the outdoor pool for at least one more year and giving pre-budget approval for an electronic fingerprint device for town police. Mayor David Walker says times are tough and he doesn't want to raise the residential tax rate.



Walker feels some key programs or services may be cut during talks. The town has a goal of approving their 2014-15 budget by April 24th.

Baillie Looking For Answers For Bluenose II Cost Overruns

The Nova Scotia Legislature begins its spring session on Thursday. Jobs and the economy are likely to take centre stage in the House but the McNeil government will probably have to deal right away with a pending strike by nurses in the Halifax area. Many are wondering if they'll be legislated back to work like home care workers were in February. Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie will be seeking answers on why the rebuild of Bluenose Two has cost so much and the vessel is still not back in service. He says the government is being too secretive about it.



A throne speech is expected to begin the sitting on Thursday afternoon.

Storm Watch: Power Outages Reported Shelburne & Queens Co

Nova Scotia power crews are working to get the heat back on for about 1,700 customers in Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg Counties. Roughly 1,300 people are without power in the Shelburne area. Meanwhile, 400 residents in Queens County are dealing with outages. NSP expects the power to be restored in these areas between 5:00-9:00pm. In addition, EMO in Shelburne County says Lockeport Fire Hall will serve as a comfort centre for residents. Another comfort centre in Port Clyde has also been established - if you need a ride contact that fire hall. 

According to NSP, here is a list of South Shore areas affected by power outages: NSP outage map link

Bridgewater Street Crews Ready For Snow Clearing

An important part of dealing with a storm like the one today is keeping the streets and highways open, especially for emergency vehicles. Acting Bridgewater Town works director Larry Feener says its important drivers don't park their vehicles on the streets and police work to prevent tie-ups during  snow clearing.



Feener says his crews have been on standby all night and going into action throughout the storm.

Nova Scotia Power Ready For Any South Shore Power Outages

As we hunker down for today's storm, an official at Nova Scotia Power says having the ability to get around in a large storm to deal with outages is challenging. However, Neera Ritcey of NSP says crews are ready to go if the power goes out today or tonight.



Ritcey says about two dozen repair crews are on standby today along the South Shore and throuh the Valley. She also says contracted repairmen can be called up in pretty short order to help if there's a need.

Snow/Wind Storm Moving In

That forecasted nor-easter is still on the books for today! Most places along the South Shore from Yarmouth to Halifax, through the Valley and beyond are starting to feel the effects of it as the morning rolls along. Meteorologist Andy Firth at Environment Canada says its going to be a rugged day.



The wind overnight tonight with an additional 5 or 10 centimeters may peak as high as 120 in some places along the coast. When its all over, some 50 cm

Queens Supporting Blue Wave Seafoods Workers

The mayor of the Region of Queens says they're looking out for workers with Blue Wave Seafoods. The Port Mouton fish processor and exporter is bankrupt after a proposed deal fell through with a Halifax company. Up to 70 jobs have been lost. Christopher Clarke says they want to lend a hand and help.



Clarke says it's tough news for the region. However, he hopes former employees can get further training and transition into other jobs. The Nova Scotia government offered the company a controversial $500,000 loan last August right before the provincial election. However, the economic development department is claiming that money back as a secure creditor.

EMO's Suggestions In Case Power Goes Out

Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Office is offering up a few tips for home owners in preparation for the storm on Wednesday. Chad Lucas of EMO says above all, have an emergency kit at home in case the power goes out.



Lucas suggests there should be enough of those supplies on hand for at least 72 hours.

Bridgewater Snow Removal Budget Way Over As Another Storm Looms

Word of yet another major snowstorm, this one projected to be larger than the other 9 since late November, is causing some concern at Bridgewater Town Hall. The snow removal budget is already over by $150,000. and the cleanup from tomorrow's storm could push that figure closer to $200,000. The town's Director of Finance, Dawn Keizer, says however there appears to be a way around the deficit.



Town council will begin dealing with budget estimates for the coming year in a few weeks.

Bridgewater: Cab Company Crying Foul Over Road Conditions

A Bridgewater business owner is not happy with the current condition of the town's roads. Darrell Watson is co-owner of Reliable Cab, which operates seven vehicles and provides transportation to residents in the local area. He says maintenance bills have spiked because of the amount of potholes. Watson feels the town should bear responsibility.



Watson says he has close to $7,000 worth of maintenance bills for January and February. The town will involve their insurer to have a look at Watson's claim.

South Shore Sweeps High School Curling Championships

A clean sweep for South Shore curling teams at the NSSAF provincial high school curling championships. It was a second straight title for Bridgewater High in the boy's division. Trevor Crouse, Ben Conrad, Morgan Bishop and Kyle Barrie won six straight games after dropping their opener to win back-to-back titles. Park View's Brooke Demone, Cicely Smith, Megan Bustin and Jenna Mosher had a come from behind victory over Halifax West in the girl's division final. Also, Park View's Mary Fay, Spencer Demone, Ashley Francis and Jacob Rowsell went undefeated to win the mixed division. The event was held at the Lakeshore Curling club in Lower Sackville.

Police Dump 31 Charges On Lunenburg County Man

A Lunenburg County man is facing 31 charges after police raided a home in Conquerall Bank.  Twenty-seven year old Sean Andrew Ivany has been in custody since he was arrested Friday in a home on Cove Road. Police found some heavy pain killers, $5,000 cash and several loaded firearms - including a sawed off shotgun and three handguns. RCMP Sergeant Derek Smith says they also recovered a cocaine press. He called that a significant find in the region.



A cocaine press is used to cut coke with other substances to make more dollars off a dealers product. Meanwhile,  Bridgewater Police Cheif John Collyer says taking the pills off the street will put a dent into the drug trafficking trade in the area.




 Ivany will appear before a judge in the near future. More charges could be laid.

A Record Snowfall May Not Be Out Of The Question: Environment Canada

Its literally the calm before the storm as we go through a very pleasant day today with sunshine and no wind. That however is ahead of a big snowfall and wind storm tomorrow and Environment Canada has issued blizzard and storm surge warnings. Forecasters are predicting it will slowly begin overnight tonight and by mid-morning tomorrow it will be going full force. Meteorologist Denis Thibodeau says 50 cm is quite possible along the South Shore through the day tomorrow and the wind will be very intense.



Thibodeau says a storm of this magnitude this late in March could be a record breaker. Temperatures will slowly be rising after tomorrow into double digits by Saturday.

Water Being Pumped Out Of Cape Rouge

Water will start being pumped out of the Cape Rouge Tuesday morning. It's the latest development dealing with the old fishing trawler that sank to the bottom of the LaHave River in Bridgewater earlier this month. Preparations began this weekend as divers went underwater to install hoses. They will begin pumping water out of the ship about two hours before low tide. Senior Response Officer with the Canadian Coast Guard, Keith Laidlaw, says the incoming snow storm is a concern for them.



Once water is pumped out of the vessel, it will be secured to the wharf. An investigation will then be done to determine the cause of the sinking.

Ten Thousand Potholes In Chester Area

The province's Department of Transportation is applauding their work on roads in the Chester-area. However, they know more needs to be done. Councillors in Chester brought forward concerns with roads including Duke Street, the Chester Grant Road and a section of Highway 3 in Martin's Point. District Director Stephen MacIsaac says some issues take more time than others. He says they have a big problem to worry about.



He says the department used material three or four years ago that is wearing out.



He says its an issue on the Forties Road that spans from New Ross to East Dalhousie. MacIsaac says they're looking to keep additional manpower employed after this month to get a head-start on the issue.

Municipalities Fear Other "Springhills"

Officials with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities have met with those for the province. They're all concerned about the Town of Springhill which has applied to lose its town status and join the surrounding municipality. District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe says the situation in Springhill and the possibility of several other towns having to do the same over money issues is disturbing.



The mayor says all municipalities including HRM and the Cape Breton Region are now talking seriously about working more closely together including a greater partnership with the provincial level.

Lunenburg: Nursing Home Visitor Restrictions Continue

A visitor restriction remains in effect at a nursing home in Lunenburg. A stomach bug is making the rounds at Harbour View Haven Home for Special Care. Administrator Tim McAulay says there have been some new cases over the past few days. McAuley says the public has helped tremendously by following the visitor limitation. There are 143 residents at Harbour View Haven. The restrictions will be lifted once new cases decline.

Bridgewater: Medical Issue Behind Salon Crash

A medical issue is behind a single vehicle collision on King Street in Bridgewater. Police say a 73 year-old crashed into a Hair Salon last night. Firefighters and town police got the call around 8:30 p.m. The driver was coming down Dominion Street and was unable to stop. His truck kept straight through a stop sign and crashed into a brick plaza building at 622 King Street. No charges are expected. (Photo submitted to Dahl Dispatch Facebook Page)

HRM Nurses Strike Would Affect South Shore: Health Minister

The possibility of a strike of 25 hundred nurses in Halifax's Capital Health District is worrisome to the province's health minister. Leo Glavine says South Shore Health and other districts in the province will be impacted by a walkout.



Mediation talks between the nurses' union and the province broke off over the weekend. The nurses could walkout in about 10 days if there's no agreement reached before then.

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 .