NS Opposition Leader Blames Liberals For Running Up Debt

Nova Scotia's Opposition Leader says the McNeil Government is solely to blame for ringing-up more provincial debt. Jamie Baillie says they're spending too much at a time when financial belts need tightening.



The Liberals came into office last fall with a $16-million surplus, left behind by the former NDP government.
The provincial deficit has now been hiked to more than $250-million. The budget debate continues in the provincial legislature.

South Shore Double Lung Recipient Helps With CF Campaign

A South Shore native is doing her part to help in the search for a cure of a deadly disease. Jessica Carver of New Germany underwent a double lung transplant in Toronto more than a year ago after suffering for years with cystic fibrosis. She's now campaigning for CF Canada's annual fund raiser, a 5-kilometer walk to take place all across the country in late May. Carver says its only right she helps with the campaign.



There are numerous fund-raising events for CF research taking place in communities all across Canada.
The Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis takes place on May 25th.

Tories Looks For Answers Around Bluenose II

The handling of Bluenose II restoration project is facing some criticism. The project is more than two years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget. The latest on the $16.7 million project, indicates the ship has steering problems. Tory leader Jamie Baillie says the government needs to be more open about the status of the project.



The Bluenose II is set to begin public sailing this summer. However, it has to undergo sea trials to determine the schooner is safe.

Transportation Department Fixing Potholes

With winter on its way out, the Nova Scotia government wants to hear about potholes closest to you. A toll-free phone number has been set up to connect people to their nearest Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal base. Crews are filling potholes with a temporary patch called cold mix. Executive Director of maintenance and operations, Barb Baillie, says they have some catching up to do.



The starting date for permanent patching depends on location and weather conditions. People can call in problem potholes to the toll-free number, 1-888-432-3233.

New Wildfire Fighting Truck Headed To Shelburne

They're brand new, high tech and ready to go! Two new fire trucks have been unveiled by the province's Natural Resources Minister. Zach Churchill says the vehicles will be based in Cape Breton and in the Shelburne area and ready to join the fight against wild fires when they break out.



The fire truck steel bodies were manufactured and outfitted by Specialty Steel in Debert.

New Fire Services Committee Established In Barrington

A new committee is expected to provide more effective and efficient fire fighting and emergency services in the Barrington area. The municipality says the new structure has been developed through the efforts of five fire departments and municipal council. The committee is made up of the municipality's fire service coordinator, five chiefs, three deputy chiefs and a municipal councillor. Warden Eddie Nickerson is optimist the group can work to create some positive change.


Nickerson says the committee will discuss issues among the fire service and bring forward any concerns or recommendations to council. He expects there will be cost-savings in the future. The change is expected to allow the municipality to adapt for future development, and improve service at a reasonable cost to residents.

Cape Sable Island Man Killed In Fishing Mishap

A Cape Sable Island man drowned after falling into cold water while fishing earlier this week in Annapolis County. Fifty-one year old Cecil Ellsworth Brannen was killed when his small boat overturned on Tuesday in Fisher Lake. Another man was able to swim to shore and call for help. Police say the vessel hit a rock and caused the boat to tip over. Search crews found his body Wednesday morning.

South Health CEO Appointed To Deputy Minister Post

The head of the health authority on the South Shore has been appointed to a key role within the Nova Scotia government. Dr. Peter Vaughan will be the new deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors. Vaughan has served as the CEO of South Shore Health for the past two years. He also spent time leading the Canadian Medical Association. Meanwhile, Sandra MacKenzie will become the deputy Minister of Education. Frank Dunn will move from education to the deputy ministers post in Natural Resources. The appointments take effect April 28.

Get Set For Yet Another Gas Price Hike

This doesn't bode well for South Shore gasoline prices come tomorrow! In New Brunswick overnight, a significant rise in the price of self serve regular after the weekly setting. The maximum price has gone up by more than 4.5 cents a litre. The price of diesel is also higher this morning in New Brunswick, up by a cent a litre. If the price increases here overnight tonight by the same amount, it will push the price for a litre of regular self serve to almost $1.45.

Bayport's Anderson Ready For 26th Boston Marathon

A Bayport runner is sprinting towards the Boston Marathon for a 26th year. Chris Anderson is among 10 South Shore runners making the trip to run the event on Monday. The 66-year-old keeps qualifying year-after-year to return and says he'll keep going until his body tells him otherwise. Anderson says there is no other event like the Boston Marathon.



Anderson began training in January and hopes to complete the 42.2-kilometre trek in about three hours and 30 minutes. His best time is two hours, 57 minutes. Anderson says this year is special after last year's tragic events.



Anderson says it was an anxious situation to be involved in, with about 12 of his family members in Boston at the time. Memorials were held this week to pay tribute to the three people who were killed and more than 260 injured during last year's bombing. There are 36,000 official entrants for this year's Boston Marathon.

Dayspring Double Homicide Added To Rewards Program

The RCMP continue to look for answers in the unsolved murder case of a Dayspring couple. Jack and Micheline Hulme were found dead in their home in June 1985. Their bodies were found by Bridgewater RCMP following a house fire. However, autopsy results later revealed the couple had been shot to death. Now, the case has been added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program. Sgt. Al Leblanc says they're hoping people who may have been silent in the past, will speak up now.



Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest or conviction could receive up to $150,000. If you have any tips, you can call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program at 1-888-710-9090.

Bridgewater RCMP Officer Under Investigation

The province's Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a domestic assault allegation was made against a Bridgewater Mountie. The officer, who has been with the service for six years, was arrested after RCMP received the complaint from his wife on Tuesday night. The officer has been released with conditions. No charges have been laid. He will appear in Bridgewater court on May 7. The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Former Premier Applauds Caledonia Initiative

A former Nova Scotia premier says he's proud of his Queens County heritage and the work being done to revive the economy in the area. Darrell Dexter says North Queens in particular was badly impacted by the closure of Bowater two years ago and he's impressed with the planned construction of a $1.9-million community hall in Caledonia. He says it shows a strong community-will to move forward out of the economic wilderness.



Meanwhile, the former premier has met in recent weeks with Region of Queens officials and offered his legal and political background to help if needed as the area recovers from the economic slowdown.

All Aboard! For Public Inspection

Its open-house today aboard the new Yarmouth to Maine ferry! The "Nova Star" arrived in Yarmouth yesterday for a courtesy call, to the thrill of hundreds of greeters at dockside. Natural Resources Minister and area MLA Zach Churchill says the waterfront was awash in celebration.



The vessel will be welcoming visitors through the day and will leave for Portland around supper time. The ferry service begins May 15th.

UPDATE: Body Of Missing Fisherman Found

A 51 year old man who was fishing Tuesday evening in a remote part of Fisher Lake in Annapolis County has been found dead. Search crews found his body around 7:30 this morning near the spot where he and another fisherman fell into the lake last evening when their boat overturned. The other man was able to swim to shore and phone police. A search was organized and continued through the night until the body was discovered this morning.

Charges Follow Western Shore Drug Bust

A Western Shore man is facing drug charges after police searched a home yesterday in the community. Seized were prescription drugs, marijuana and a large amount of cash. A suspect has been charged with drug possession and trafficking and Breach of Probation. He's been ordered to appear in Bridgewater court at a later date.

Bridgewater: Deputy Mayor Looking To Reduce Special Tax Rate

Bridgewater's deputy mayor wants to reduce the special tax rate. Councillors reviewed their draft budget for the upcoming year on Monday night. The town is proposing an operating budget of $18.5-million and a capital budget of $3.3-million. It also includes holding the line on residential and commercial tax rates, and a 15 per cent increase in the sewer rate. The town is also dealing with $2.2-million in new debt to pay for things like new LED streetlights. Bill McInnis says he would like to see the special tax rate cut from eight cents to four cents.



The special tax rate was put in place to repay $5-million that the town borrowed for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Town council will further debate the budget on April 22. It is expected to approve its final budget on April 28.

New Multi-Purpose Centre For Caledonia

A new $1.9 million multi-purpose centre will be built in Caledonia. The North Queens Fire Association and North Queens Board of Trade is partnering to build the new facility which will house a new fire hall and innovation centre. The project is being helped by various investors including a $750,000 contribution coming from the federal government. Fire Chief David Lohnes says it's a good day for residents of the area.



Lohnes says the building will be home to the fire department, office space, training rooms and also have high speed Internet. The Region of Queens is contributing $375,000 and the provincial government is contributing $100,000 toward the project. The remaining money came through a significant commitment by the District of Annapolis and fundraising. The 14,600 square foot facility should be open next summer.

Bridgewater: BMO Aquatic Centre Set To Open

The general manager of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre says its been a long time coming. The BMO Financial Group Aquatic Centre will open its doors on Thursday. It features a 25-metre, six-lane pool with a diving board, a shallow leisure pool, and a therapeutic pool. The facility is the final component of the LCLC to open following the launch of the Clearwater Seafoods Arena last September and the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in January. Kevin Benjamin says it's nice to see the fruits of labour.



There will be programming available for all ages including a synchronized swimming club and fitness classes. The aquatic centre will be closed Good Friday before it holds open swims all weekend.

Lumberjacks Land Eddie Shack For Celebrity Dinner

Hockey fans on the South Shore will want to "clear the track" on May 23rd. That's when four-time Stanley Cup winner Eddie Shack will be coming to Bridgewater for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks Celebrity Dinner and Auction. Shack, known as "The Entertainer" played for six NHL teams during his 17-year career. He was a member of the Maple Leafs last championship team in 1967. The annual event will take place at the Bridgewater Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Centre.

Municipal Units Approve REMO Budget

An emergency management group in Lunenburg County is looking for funding for contingency plans. REMO is provided money by the municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg along with the towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. The group is asking for $10,000 more in their budget for 2014-15 to help create plans in case of emergencies. Coordinator Heather MacKenzie-Carey says the plans would help answer questions.



MacKenzie-Carey says they have identified nine potential weather situations to prepare for including coastal storm surge, hurricanes, inland flooding and blizzards. Each municipal unit has agreed to the funding increase. REMO has a total budget of $88,151 for 2014-15.

Valley Grow-Op Busted

A man in Annapolis County faces numerous drug charges as a result of an RCMP search of a home in North Williamston. Police dismantled a marijuana grow-op, seized grow equipment and more than 9 kilograms of dried pot. 49 year old Kenneth Lohnes has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Cultivation of Marijuana and Possession of Hashish. He will appear in court in Annapolis Royal in July.

New Program Will Keep Long Term Patients Active

A Bridgewater native is leading a new initiative to help long term patients stay active at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Sophie Church is a second year psychology student at Queens University in Ontario. She is organizing a recreation program to keep patients minds and bodies more active while they are getting treatment.



Church is hoping to launch the program in May or June. However, before that can happen she says volunteers are needed to get the program off the ground. If interested in volunteering email Judy Miller at jmiller@ssdha.nshealth.ca or call 543-2365. Donation for the program are also being accepted - like cards, crafts and board games - they can be dropped off at the Volunteer Services office at the South Shore Regional Hospital.

Trial Involving Dog Dealer Underway In Bridgewater

A two-day trial involving the illegal sale of two boxers dogs is underway in Bridgewater. Gail Benoit is facing charges of fraud, identity fraud and theft under $5,000. She was charged last year after a New Brunswick woman left her dogs in Benoit's care - however, they were later sold. The prosecution called several witnesses during the first day of the trial including the original owner of the dogs  - Cassie Craft of Saint John. The trial continues today, when the defence presents its case. Benoit has a long history of selling puppies and was convicted in 2009 of animal cruelty for selling sick dogs.

Yarmouth Mayor Ready For New Ferry

The new Yarmouth to Maine ferry will pull into Yarmouth today on a courtesy call, its first official stop since leaving Singapore a month ago. Area residents, town and provincial officials are invited to go aboard the NovaStar and check it out. Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood says a lot of people have been involved in bringing back the ferry service.



When it leaves Yarmouth tomorrow, the NovaStar will head to Portland to prepare for the May 15th startup of the new ferry service.

NS Gov't Helps Small Businesses Secure Funding

Small businesses will have better access to loans through improvements to the Credit Union Loan Guarantee Program. Premier Stephen McNeil says the provincial guarantee on term loans will be increased from 75 per cent to 90 per cent. The total available to lend will double from $25-million to S50-million. The maximum loan guarantee for social enterprises will also increase up to $500,000. Credit unions administer the program and provide loans to small businesses ensuring lending decisions are made in the local community. McNeil says entrepreneurs need access to capital to expand and hire new workers. Over the past 10 years, credit unions have approved loans worth $56-million dollars, helping more than 1,200 small businesses.

South Shore: MP Keddy To Make Funding Announcements

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's will make a couple of funding announcements Tuesday. Gerald Keddy will make his first stop in Caledonia. He'll be making an announcement at the North Queens Fire Hall. The new money will go toward a new initiative in Queens County, but no other details were given. Meanwhile, Keddy will make an afternoon stop at the Legion in Bridgewater. He's expected to unveil details on federal funding for three South Shore organizations to help seniors in Lunenburg County.

Yarmouth Preps For Ferry Visit

Its going to be a big day today (Tuesday) in Yarmouth! The new Yarmouth to Maine ferry will pull into port for a 2-day courtesy call, its first official stop since leaving Singapore a month ago. The Nova Star will showcase its amenities, food service, casino and other pluses during its visit. Area residents, town and provincial officials are invited to go aboard and check it out. Premier Stephen McNeil says the end of a long struggle to re-instate the ferry service is near.



When it leaves Yarmouth tomorrow, the Nova Star will head to Portland to prepare for the May 15th start-up of the service.

NDP "Failure To Launch" Says Interim Leader

Nova Scotia's NDP held their annual meeting over the weekend in Halifax. It was the first major gathering of party members since last fall's devastating loss for Darrell Dexter's government. Remaining South Shore NDP MLA's Denise Peterson-Rafuse of Chester-St. Margarets and Queens-Shelburne's Sterling Belliveau were there. Interim leader Maureen MacDonald tells CKBW & HANK-FM News, one of the biggest problems that helped lead to her party's demise at the polls was its failure to provide the public with clear information on economic changes. However, she tell us ......



During the weekend get-together, former NDP Premier Darrell Dexter was given a formal thank-you from the party. He in turn said the province's economy is turning around as a result of policies he and his government implemented during their 4 years in office.

South Shore Forest Industry Boost Needed Says Opposition Leader

Its the end of the line for a Queens County sawmill. "L and S Lumber" in Caledonia had been struggling to stay alive since its main customer, the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn, closed almost two years ago.
Last week, it ceased operations and about a dozen remaining workers were laid off. Nova Scotia Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says its tragic so many companies have suffered a similar fate. He believes the province should be looking into the American market where cut lumber is enoying a comeback as the housing market there improves.



Baillie says there should be a comprehensive study of whats left of the South Shore forestry industry, its chances of making a comeback and to look for ways of boosting the economy of the area.

QMJHL: Mooseheads Reach Final Four

The Halifax Mooseheads are off to the next round of the QMJHL playoffs. They meet Val d'Or Friday night at the Halifax Metro Centre. Game two also in Halifax Saturday night. Over the weekend, the Moose beat Gatineau 4-1 to win that best of seven series in five games.

Mustangs Hand Out Season Ending Awards

The Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs have named Alex Nauss as their most valuable player this year. The 17-year-old from Chester led the Mustangs in scoring with 33 points in 32 games during the regular season. He also added 13 points in 11 playoff games. Meanwhile, Jered Scott and Travis Parks were awarded most improved players, Mitch Baker was named top defenceman and Jack Creaser won the coaches award. Matt Grace and Christian Tufts were named unsung heroes, top rookie defenceman went to Quinten Johnson and Christopher Goreham, Keith Getson was named top rookie forward and Nick Dawe and Colby Muise shared the top goaltender award. (Photo Courtesy: Donette Hubley Getson)

Clam Digging Remains Off Limits Along Coastal Areas

Parts of coastal areas in Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties are still off limits for clam digging. Roughly five kilometres of shoreline remains closed after a contamination order was put in place this month. The order was put in place after sewage and bacteria entered the water because of heavy rain. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans have put signs in place advising people of the order. People can be charged under the Fisheries Act if they harvest clams under the contamination order.

SIN Numbers Exposed Due To "Heartbleed Bug"

Mounties are investigating after 900 social insurance numbers were exposed due to the "Heartbleed Bug". The Canada Revenue Agency says a malicious breach of taxpayer information occurred over the past five days because of the security threat. The agency is working to notify those affected by the breach - each person will receive a registered letter to inform them that their personal information has been exposed. The CRA shut down its electronic tax filing services last week to try and limit the damage caused the bug which can expose password information. The "e-filing" service is now back up and running. The agency states they will not be calling or emailing individuals to inform them that they have been impacted - that would be considered a scam. More information on the breach is available on the CRA website.

Chester: Flat Fee System For Sewer Rate

Chester is moving forward with a flat fee as a universal sewer rate. The municipality agreed to charge a fee based on property assessment. Currently, five out of six sewer systems are in a deficit. Warden Allen Webber says the goal of using a flat fee is to reduce the deficit over five years. It was a 4-3 vote among councillors. Webber says its been a hot topic.



The public will get a chance to voice their opinion on the changes on April 24.

Debate Over Budget As NDP Leader Seeks Answers

Budget debate continues this week in the Nova Scotia Legislature. The McNeil government brought down its first budget more than a week ago showing a more-than-200 million dollar deficit. Spending is down in most government departments but up in the premier's office and NDP leader Maureen MacDonald is seeking some answers.



Meanwhile, Premier Stephen McNeil tells CKBW & HANK-FM News ...



Except aboriginal affairs according to the Premier, because of financing of a women's aboriginal conference later this year. The budget debate in the House is expected to last another week or two before its up for a vote.

Chester Teen Heading To Bridgewater Youth Court

A 17-year-old boy is expected in Bridgewater youth court this week in connection with an incident at a school in Chester last Wednesday. The teen is alleged to have been carrying a crow-bar on school property during the noon hour and was said to be looking for another student at Chester Area Middle School. The school was put on lock-down for a few minutes, police were called, two boys were arrested; one of them an 18-year-old later released with no charges and the 17-year-old was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. No one was hurt.

Shelburne Man Faces Drug Charges

A Shelburne man is facing a slew of drug-related charges. He was pulled over late Friday afternoon by the RCMP on Highway 103 in Port Mouton while allegedly trying to avoid a police checkpoint. The 25-year-old has been charged with possession and trafficking cocaine, possession of marijuana and two counts of breach of probation. He's being held in custody and will make a court appearance in Bridgewater on Tuesday.

Queens County Lumber Mill Closes

A Queens County sawmill has ceased operations! L and S Lumber in Caledonia was a bustling business until the Bowater-Mercey paper mill in Brooklyn closed almost two years ago. Region of Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke says its sad to see yet another Bowater casualty.



Formerly known as the Douglas sawmill, L and S employed a couple of dozen people at its peak of operations. The workforce was down though to less than a dozen when it closed a few days ago.

Doors Open At Bridgewater And Area Family Health Centre

A new collaborative health centre has been officially opened in Bridgewater. Premier Stephen McNeil cut the ribbon this morning at the Glen Allen Drive site, near South Shore Regional Hospital. McNeil says the centre is an important addition to the health care community, making doctors, nurse practioners and specialized services more readily available.

Family doctors, nurse practitioners and other health-care providers have been seeing patients for roughly the last month. South Shore Health CEO, Dr. Peter Vaughan, says the goal is to hire three new family doctors over the next few years.

The province is offering up to $240,000 a year to support the centre. It is expected to provide health-care to more than 8,000 patients once it is fully staffed.

Waldorf School Among Contest Finalists

A South Shore Independent school is looking to win a national contest and bring home a stack of cold, hard cash. The Waldorf School in Blockhouse is up against similar facilities in the National Trees of Knowledge competition. Waldorf School parent, Anastasia Malay, is spearheading the campaign and is hoping to win first prize, $20,000. She says it will go toward setting up an outdoor classroom.



The contest closes May 4th. Voters could also win $10,000 just by visiting the competition's website here . As of today, Waldorf is in sixth place in the voting.

SiRT: No Grounds For Charges After Fatal Crash In Blockhouse

The province's Serious Incident Response Team says no charges will be laid against a Lunenburg County police officer following a fatal crash last fall. The incident happened on November 22 on the Cornwall Road in Blockhouse. The driver of a small car sped away from the police officer before crashing into a ditch, killing the 23-year-old man. The incident covered approximately two kilometres and lasted less than two minutes. In the report, SIRT says the police vehicle was well behind the small car at the time of the accident. The car was estimated to be travelling at a minimum of 130 km/h when it left the road after attempting to pass another vehicle.  SIRT says the driver had recently suffered from some mental health issues, which may have caused him to feel panicked by the situation.

South Shore Gas Pump Shocker

A reality check at South Shore gas pumps this morning!  Prices for the mainstream grades have increased overnight by a considerable amount. Regular self serve is selling this morning for $1.39.3 per litre.  Thats a hike of 5.3 cents.  High test is up by the same to $1.48.2.  However, diesel is down almost a cent, selling in most places at $1.38.6.

Keddy Remembers Flaherty

The member of parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's is remembering former colleague Jim Flaherty. Gerald Keddy says Flaherty was an intelligent man, with a good sense of humour and always had a smile on his face. The former finance minister passed away Thursday afternoon at his Ottawa condo. He was 64. Keddy says there was a lot of emotions as MPs learned about the news in the House of Commons. He believes Flaherty will be sorely missed.



Flaherty spent eight years as finance minister before stepping down from cabinet last month.

South Shore In Motion Returning To Exhibition Grounds

South Shore in Motion will be returning to the South Shore Exhibition grounds in August. Group members held a special meeting Thursday night and approved a new rental agreement with the Exhibition. It was a dramatic change after the group decided recently that it would not use the Exhibition for their ten year anniversary. Chairperson Darren Wentzell says a lot of people weren't happy, but he's glad to see a deal get done.



Wentzell says it's a better deal than they originally asked for, allowing them to use equipment and have the grounds for the amount of time they wanted. The festival goes from August 8-10 in Bridgewater.

Chester Youth Charged After School Threat

A 17-year-old boy from Chester has been charged after threatening a student at Chester Area Middle School. Lunenburg County District RCMP say the boy was at the school just after noon on Wednesday with a crowbar looking for a student. Communications Manager with the South Shore Regional School Board, Trish Smith, says the school was under a hold-and-secure mode for a short amount of time for precaution while the incident was occurring. The Mounties arrested two boys close to school property. An 18-year old from Hubbards was released. The 17-year-old was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He will appear in youth court in Bridgewater on April 16.

Liverpool Boy Charged After Pulling Knife At School

A teenage boy has been charged after pulling knife on another student at Liverpool Regional High School. The incident happened on Tuesday. The two students got into a disagreement before one of the boys revealed a knife. RCMP Corporal Sandi Merrell says a female student diffused the situation by convincing the boy to hand over the weapon. He was then taken into police custody. Merrell says the boy appeared in court on Wednesday. He's been charged with possession of a weapon, uttering threats and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. The student will be back in court May 20th.

South Shore In Motion, Exhibition Discuss New Agreement

It's considered a last ditch attempt to keep a popular summer event in Bridgewater. Board members with the South Shore Exhibition met with officials from South Shore in Motion Tuesday night. The two sides discussed a new agreement. South Shore in Motion will hold a meeting tonight to try and make a decision. The festival is still hoping to hold their event this August. This year is their tenth anniversary.

South Shore: Crime Prevention Groups Secure Funding

Groups that work to prevent and reduce crime are getting provincial support to help make communities safer. The annual one-time grants were announced this week. Southwest Nova Transition House and King Street Family Resource Centre in Shelburne are among the successful applications. Justice Minister Lena Diab commends the organizations for collaborating to strengthen ties in their communities, making them a better place to live. Other recipients include community schools and the private sector. A grant can reach a maximum of $5,000 for successful applications.

Queens: No Injuries After Car Fire

A car fire near Brooklyn shut a section of Highway 3 last night in Queens County. Fire crews spent 40 minutes trying to put out the fire on the highway. Police say the older Chev was damaged pretty bad. No injuries were reported.