Friday, March 28, 2014

Premier Urges Nurses, Capital Health To Resume Talks

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is urging Capital Health and the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union to get back to the bargaining table. Addressing the legislature, the premier says Nova Scotians shouldn't have to feel their safety might be jeopardized by a nurses strike in HRM.



The 25-hundred nurses could walk out next Thursday and its effects could be felt right across the province, including the South Shore.

Wild Aim For Semi-Final Berth At Junior 'C' Championships

The South Shore Wild need at least one win today to have chance of advancing at the Maritime Hockey North Junior 'C' Championships. The club sits at 0-2 heading into today's final day of round robin play in Liverpool. The Wild take on the Kivalliq Canucks at 11am and the Spryfield Silver and Black Attack at 8pm at Queens Place Emera Centre. The top four teams advance to tomorrow's semi-finals. The championship game will be held Sunday.

Pressure Mounts On Province To Deal With Threatened Nurses' Strike

A strike by 25-hundred nurses in the Halifax area is looming with threats of a walkout happening next Thursday. As Premier Stephen McNeil says he's watching the situation closely and calling on both sides to get back to the bargaining table, hospitals in HRM are preparing for a walkout with pending cancellations of surgeries and patients being sent home. Progressive Conservative health critic and Argyle-Barrington MLA Chris d'Entremont says the government has to deal with the situation quickly.



d'Entremont says an HRM nurses strike would impact all of the province's health districts, including the South Shore.

Friday Morning Gasoline Prices At South Shore Pumps

Some prices for South Shore gasoline are lower this morning, while another is higher. Regular self serve is down a cent to $1.34.9 per litre. High test is also down by the same amount to $1.43.9. The price for a litre of diesel has risen though by a cent and a half. Its selling in many places this morning for $1.45.5.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Lobster Levy Endorsed During Industry Summit

Some rare unity within the fishing industry will help market lobster around the world. Fishermen, buyers, shippers and processors all endorsed a levy to help promote lobster in new markets. The levy will support creating a generic marketing plan to promote Canadian lobster as a premium product. The consensus was reached during an industry summit in Halifax. It was hosted by the three Maritime fisheries ministers and was attended by more than 200 industry members. Fisheries Minister Keith Colwell says he is encouraged by the co-operation and that the ministers received great feedback on important issues. The two day summit wrapped up Thursday.

Atom 'AAA' Ice Sharks Compete At Provincials

The province's Atom 'AAA' provincial championship gets underway today in New Waterford. The South Shore Ice Sharks are taking part and their first game will be at 5pm this afternoon when they meet the East Hants Penguins. Other teams involved in the provincials include the New Waterford Sharks, the Cape Breton West Screaming Eagles, Sydney Steelers, Truro Bearcats and TASA Ducks.

Wild Look For First Win At Junior 'C' Championship

The South Shore Wild look for their first win of the Maritime Hockey North Junior 'C' Championships this afternoon. The club takes on the Tignish Aces from PEI at 5pm at the Queens Place Emera Centre. Ryan Poirier, Ryan Campbell and Ryan Matheson scored for the Wild in a 5-3 loss to Hampton, New Brunswick in their opening game. Play goes until Sunday in Liverpool. More information on the tournament can be found here . (Photo Courtesy: Chris LaRocque)


Bridgewater: Outdoor Pool Returning This Summer

Bridgewater's outdoor pool has at least one more summer in it. The town agreed to keep it open and will evaluate data before deciding on its future after the upcoming season. A survey was conducted at Bridgewater Elementary and shows 65 per cent of roughly 500 students use the outdoor pool. Guidance counsellor Belinda Josephson says student responses support the pool.



Josephson says a lot of families don't own vehicles and the pool is more convenient then the new aquatic facility at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Meanwhile, President of the Bridgewater Barracudas swim club, Blair Lipsett, says the outdoor pool allows them to have spectator and team camaraderie.



Lipsett says swimmers thrive on the environment of the outdoor pool. Meanwhile, the BMO Financial Aquatic Centre is expected to be open next month. Bridgewater's outdoor swimming pool has been in the community for 42 years. The town will spend $17,591 to keep the pool open this summer.

Shelburne: Lights Back For Most Residents

It's relief for some residents of Shelburne. Nova Scotia Power crews have restored the juice to residents of Lockeport and Port Clyde area. They didn't have power for the last 24 hours.
Comfort centres were opened to give people a warm place to hang out before the issue was fixed. Outages still remain in a small pocket of Shelburne County. Others are reported in New Germany and sections of Yarmouth County.

Queens: Youth Charged After Threatening Father With Knife

A youth in Queens County has been charged after threatening his father with a knife. RCMP were called to a home on Old Port Mouton Road on Monday. The youth and his father allegedly got into an argument before the weapon was pulled. He was arrested and held in police custody overnight. The youth has appeared in court and is facing threats and weapons charges.

Legislation Cutting Number Of DHA's Not Ready Yet: NS Health Minister

The Nova Scotia Legislature begins its spring session today and jobs and the economy are likely to take centre stage. However, the McNeil government may have to deal with a pending strike by nurses in the Halifax area. Other health issues: the minister Leo Glavine doesn't expect to bring in legislation just yet, cutting the number of health boards in the province from 9 to 2.



The legislation, when its presented to the House, would cut the number of health boards, or DHA's, from 9 to 2, one for Capital Health and the IWK and one for the rest of the province. A throne speech is expected to begin the legislature session this afternoon.

South Shore MLA Seeks "Revival" Of Seniors Programs

The Nova Scotia legislature's spring sitting begins this afternoon. Jobs and the economy will likely be among the top issues but there will probably be some focus on the possible nurses strike in the Halifax area and its impact on the rest of the province. Meanwhile, Chester-St. Margarets NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse plans to push the government during the upcoming legislature sitting to revitalize several programs for seniors which she says the current government doesn't seem to take seriously.



The legislature session begins this afternoon (Thursday) with the throne speech. A budget will be presented in a week or so.

Gas Prices May Rise Slightly

There are predictions the price of gas at South Shore pumps will remain about the same or rise slightly. In New Brunswick today, gas prices there have increased. Regular self serve is up by 7/10ths of a cent. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will likely follow closely at midnight tonight when it sets the coming week's prices.

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.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

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

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

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.

Monday, March 24, 2014

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.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

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.


Friday, March 21, 2014

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.