Thursday, April 24, 2014

Extensive Repairs Completed At Lunenburg Academy

The roof and chimney at Lunenburg Academy are now repaired, but not without more funding from the federal government. The town of Lunenburg was given almost $31,775 last summer for the work. However, significant roof rot and more repairs to the chimney were identified. Ottawa has since provided an additional $33,048 in infrastructure funding to complete the work. Mayor Rachel Bailey says she was happy to see the feds step up.



The Castle on the Hill has been a mainstay in Lunenburg since it opened its doors in 1895. It served as a school for 117 years until 2012. The town is looking to re-purpose the building for future use by community members and businesses.

Nova Scotia Looks For More US Visitors


Nova Scotia is looking to an old friend in hopes of boosting tourism. The province launched a ambitious marketing campaign in the Boston area to attract more first time US visitors. The tourism agency is leading the efforts which will focus on TV, newspaper and online ads. CEO Patrick Sullivan says the return of the Yarmouth ferry may also give tourism a boost this summer.



Sullivan says as part of the campaign they have bought room for signage behind home plate at Fenway Park for 10 games beginning April 29. However, he says the ads will really heat up in May.

Lunenburg: Music Academy Close To Accepting First Class

Over 140 musicians from 27 countries have applied to be a part of the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. The group announced they will accept 14 of them for their Rossini Opera Academy, which opens up in October. Maestro Alberto Zedda will conduct the intense two-week course in Lunenburg. Artistic Director Burt Wathen says a pair of Canadians will be included in the class.


Wathen says the 14 students will be notified in early May about their acceptance into the program. The Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance has also planned a number of outreach concerts in the community between October and December. Wathen says the group has come a long way and are close to realizing a dream.

NS Liberal Government Accused Of Building Two Slush Funds

The McNeil government is taking heat over writing-off debts or giving loans to big companies with Liberal connections. That's something when in opposition, the Liberals criticized the Dexter government about over and over again. Current PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie went drilling for answers from Premier Stephen McNeil during question period in the Legislature. He wanted to know why the government is carrying on with big, forgiveable loans.



Premier Stephen McNeil took Baillie up on the challenge.



Baillie alledges the Liberals are padding a couple of slush funds for political rainy days with money supplied by companies loyal to the party. McNeil wrote off Baillie's comments as nonsense!

Governments Accused Of Making Fortune Off High Gas Prices

Gas prices at South Shore pumps are expected to take another jump overnight tonight by at least a couple of cents a litre. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says last fall's pre-election political rhetoric about forcing prices down has lost its lustre. He says governments are slow to react now because they're making a fortune in taxes.



Prices are expected to increase tonight at South Shore pumps by at least two cents a litre for regular self serve. That'll push the price past $1.46, the highest in a couple of years. Diesel is also expected to rise by a penny or so tonight.

Gas Prices Rise To Record Levels


A dubious record has been set this morning at South Shore gas pumps!
Prices are blowing already set records out the door. Regular self serve is up about 2.5 cents to $1.46.2 per litre, busting a record of almost a cent less in April 2012. Meanwhile, Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey tells us last fall's pre-election political rhetoric about forcing prices down has lost its lustre. He says governments are slow to react now because ... they're making a fortune in taxes.




Gas prices are about 20 cents more a litre than they were a year ago and diesel is almost 40 cents higher.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Program To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Introduced In Queens

Youth in Queens County are about to learn better ways of preventing sexual abuse. The Canadian Red Cross introduced its 'Be Safe!' program Wednesday afternoon at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy in Liverpool. The program gives kids ages five to nine-years-old educational tools to recognize and prevent situations that may lead to sexual abuse. School Board Communications Manager, Trish Smith, says the program engages kids through activities.



'Be Safe!' will also be available at North Queens Community School. Both Queens County schools are the first to offer the program in Nova Scotia. Additional information about the Canadian Red Cross program is available online here .

Bridgewater Youth Shelter In Limbo

The future of a youth shelter in Bridgewater is unclear. Empire House for youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless is transitioning. It has been run by the province since 2007 but the Nova Scotia government is looking for a community organization to take over control. However, it's not known what will become of the current shelter on Empire Street. The home opened in 2002. The new service model will begin in July. Four youth workers will be re-assigned within the department. The province says the program will link youth with health providers, school, housing, employment and other social support.

No Need For Bridgewater Memorial Arena: Deputy Mayor

What started as an outdoor arena in 1948 appears to have at least one more year of service left. Town council has tentatively approved another year of operation for the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. It was a 4-3 vote in favour of providing almost $155,000 to keep the rink open for 2014-15. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis voted against. He feels arenas in Chester, Lunenburg and Liverpool could fill the void if the rink at the new Lifestyle Centre is booked.



McInnis says the recent Ivany Report calls for more regional services and feels this could be one way to take advantage of it. A final decision is expected to be made on this topic and the town's budget on Monday.

School Closure Still Up To Elected Board


Elected board members will have the final say when deciding whether or not to close schools in Nova Scotia. Education Minister Karen Casey introduced changes in legislation today around school review. Casey says the new process puts an emphasis on better planning and more collaboration when a school is up for review. No schools are currently under review and none can be put forward until the new process is in place. A review committee was established last year to look at the process in depth and come up with a modified system. The new school review process will be in place by September.

For more information:

The recommendations and Casey's click the link Department of Education.

Funding Boost For Family Resource Centres

Family resources centres in Nova Scotia are getting a boost. The provincial government is increasing its annual funding to the centres by two million dollars. The money will be spread out equally throughout the province's 26 facilities. It will mean roughly $75,000 more in funding. New money will also be made available for training. Local family resources centres are located in New Ross, Bridgewater and Yarmouth. They offer support and programs for parents, children and families before and after birth - normally up to age six.

"Government Supporting New Grads" - Samson

The Liberal government is firing back at both of Nova Scotia's opposition parties over the availability of jobs for graduating university students. The Tories and NDP are accusing the government of coming up short when it comes to incentives for new graduates to stay and work in the province. Economic Development Minister Michel Samson told the Legislature during question period, they're trying to set up an economically-friendly working environment in the province.



New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer thousands of dollars in rebates to students who stay and work in those provinces following graduation. Samson says nothing like that is being considered for here.

Any Oak Island Treasure & Artifacts Need Protecting Says MLA

Protecting Oak Island from being plundered and historic artifacts spirited out of the area for international sale is the focus of a bill being introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Chester-St. Margarets NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse is leading the charge in the house, drawing attention to the consequences if fellow members, opposition and government, don't guarantee its passage.



A reality show on the History Channel has renewed interest in the tiny Mahone Bay island, with many viewers indicating their wish to pay a visit. The latest intriguing theory claims not only Captain Kidd's treasure may have been buried on Oak Island centuries ago. There may also be significant religious artifacts connected to the Knights Templar and even Shakespeare.

QMJHL: Moose Stage Huge Comeback, Look For More

Just when most people had written off the Halifax Moosehads last night as headed for defeat in Game 3 of their Q-League playoff series something happened that turned the tables on Val D'Or. After trailing 5-1 to Val D'or, the Moose stampeded out of the gate with sticks and goals flying to send the game into overtime. Jessie Lussier  scored the winner. The final score 6-5 Halifax. The Mooseheads still trail the series 2-1. They'll try to even it in game 4 tonight, again in Val D'Or.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Roseway Manor: Head Colds Shut Down Visitation

There is a visiting ban in place at Roseway Manor in Shelburne. Administrator Sharon Callan says roughly 10 residents are dealing with head and chest colds. She says the move is precautionary.



She advises loved ones to call and speak to their staff if they have any further questions. Callan says they will let the public know when the visitation ban is lifted.

Top Doc Saying Goodbye To South Shore Health

The CEO for South Shore Health says it's an emotional week as he wraps up his time at the position. Dr. Peter Vaughan spent almost two years as CEO. He is moving on to be the province's deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors next Monday. Vaughan says he enjoyed his time at the helm and feels South Shore Health is well-positioned for the future.



He points to collaborative health centres in Lunenburg, Bridgewater, New Germany, Caledonia and another in the works for Liverpool as good foundations. Vaughan says he would have liked to see more work done on redeveloping the emergency rooms in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. A replacement CEO has not been named.

Nova Scotia: "New Health Model Will Improve Service"

The process to streamline the health care system is underway. CEO of Pictou County Health, Patrick Lee has been appointed to lead the efforts as Nova Scotia moves to consolidate its 10 health authorities into two. Lee has spent 33 years in the health care system. He says he believes in the idea to reduce the health authorities.



The province is hoping to complete the process by next April. The new system would mean one health authority for the province and another for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

Yarmouth Native Receiving Medal Of Bravery

A Yarmouth native is one of three Nova Scotians who will receive a medal of bravery at a ceremony in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will present 43 medals at Rideau Hall on Thursday morning. Among those being honoured is Angel Margaret MacEachern. She rescued a boy in July 2011 who was in danger of drowning at Ingonish Beach in Cape Breton. MacEachern swam out against the strong current without rescue equipment to reach the boy and struggled in the choppy water to bring him safely to the beach. Other provincial recipients include Constable Andrew Robert Aucoin of Centreville and Jeffrey Wakeham of Dartmouth.

Rugby: Park View Girls Host Kings Edgehill

An explosive start to the rugby season for Park View's girls team. The team recently defeated North Kings 74-0 and West Kings 60-0. They host Kings Edgehill in their home opener at 5pm Tuesday evening at the Kinsmen Field in Bridgewater.

Delicate Issue Coming Before Queens Council

Region of Queens Council will have to deal with a delicate issue later this week. Council will decide whether to re-zone a piece of land in Liverpool to allow for eventual construction of a crematorium. The land is behind Chandler's Funeral Home, which is behind the project. General manager Kevin Samuels says public perception of cremation has changed in recent years.



Samuels says the demand for cremation has increased 75 percent along the South Shore over the past decade or so. Chandler's is looking at increasing the availability of it on the South Shore. Right now, cremation facilities are available in Yarmouth, Bridgewater and Halifax.

Digby: Stabbing Sends Teen To Hospital

Two teenagers are in police custody after a stabbing in Digby. Police say a 17 year-old was taken to hospital last night. He was stabbed in the side following an incident near the Post Office in Digby. His injuries are not serious. RCMP say an 18 year-old was arrested shortly after the incident while another teenager was taken into custody this morning. They are facing charges of assault with weapon.

South Shore Teachers Recognized During Education Week

A pair of South Shore residents are among a number of teachers being recognized for their work with students. Julie Ramey of North Queens Community School and Krystal Snyder of New Germany Elementary will each receive awards as part of Education Week. This year's theme is Active Citizenship: Get Involved, Take Action, Be the Difference! It recognizes outstanding educators who integrate active citizenship into their daily lessons. Ramey leads the Social Justice group at North Queens, and provided opportunities for her students to participate in 'We Day' in Halifax, a fundraising effort to build a school in Mexico, and hosted a 30-hour Famine event at their school. Snyder is a primary teacher in New Germany and has developed skills to teach young students about responsible citizenship and how to contribute to the community. A ceremony will be held in Bedford Tuesday afternoon.

Habitat For Humanity Looking For Land In Lunenburg County

The South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity is in search of their next project in Lunenburg County. The group is looking for space to build a home around Bridgewater, Mahone Bay or Lunenburg. They have built four homes since 2008 including one in Liverpool and two in Mahone Bay. Board member Hank Middleton says they want to acquire more land.



Middleton says the land needs to be on an allowable lot, preferably with sewer and water infrastructure. He asks anyone who is interested in donating land to contact the South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

UPDATE: Wanted Man Found


 photo Hartlin_zps29b73722.jpg
A Halifax area man, on the lam from police for several days, has been arrested and is in custody this morning. The Quinpool Road Superstore in HRM was robbed of cash yesterday afternoon and a few minutes later, regional police arrested two men on Gottingen Street. One of them was 38 year old Richard Hartlin. He had been wanted on a Canada-wide warrant after not returning to his half way house last week.
Hartlin is alledged to have been involved in two other armed holdups last week in the Halifax area.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Chester: Exploring Funding Options For 'Our Health Centre'

Chester appears ready to financially support 'Our Health Centre.' The municipality has created a pair of options that would see them provide $300,000 to the collaborative health facility over two years. It would see a $200,000 investment this year and $100,000 next year or $100,000 this year and $200,000 in 2015. Warden Allen Webber says the money is a good starting point.



Officials representing 'Our Health Centre' originally asked the municipality for $1-million last year, but that request was denied. The health facility has raised over $2.25-million and hope to have the project complete late in 2015. Chester council will look at their budget figures this week to see if either option will work.

Canada-Wide Warrant Issued For Halifax Man

A Canada-wide warrant is out for a Halifax man connected to a pair of recent robberies. Thirty-eight year old Richard Lee Hartlin did not return to his halfway house as expected last week. He's considered armed and dangerous. Police say Hartlin is a potential suspect in a robbery at a Sobeys on Windsor Street on Wednesday. The other robbery occurred at a gas station on Herring Cove Road on Saturday. Hartlin is white, about six feet tall and a 190 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Halifax police right away. (Halifax police photo)

Shelburne: Seniors Program Boosted By Federal Money

A number of programs targeting seniors in Shelburne County will benefit after some new money invested by the federal government. MP Gerald Keddy made a series of funding announcements last week across the South Shore. The Wood's Harbour Community Centre will get $25,000 to help buy a new stove, cooler, freezer and dishwasher. Meanwhile, the Sable River Community Hall also received $25,000 to replace its roof and repair the exterior walls. The Wesley Heritage Community Seniors Association has received $25,000 to replace its building windows and upgrade the plumbing. The Sou’West Nova Transit Association is getting $16,000 to help with transportation needs in the Shelburne area.

Bridgewater: Budget Survey Response Disappoints Mayor

Bridgewater's mayor says he's disappointed by the number of completed budget surveys. The documents were handed out last month to gauge the public's opinion on where they felt money should be doled out. However, only 118 surveys were received in a town with a population of over 8,000. The town communicates to the public through their website, social media, and monthly newsletter. David Walker says it doesn't seem to be enough.


Residents indicated in the survey they would like more money spent on road repairs and less money on town police. Walker says he would like to see the survey done earlier, so they can analyze responses before dealing with the budget. Council will continue its 2014-15 budget deliberations Tuesday evening at 6pm at town hall.

School Board Wants To Hear From Parents

The South Shore Regional School Board is reaching out to its communities through a series of meetings. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says it's an open floor for parents to share ideas and concerns about their school. He says they want to hear about important education issues.



The first meeting will be held at New Germany Rural High this evening starting at 7 o'clock. Meetings will be held throughout Lunenburg and Queens Counties over the next few weeks.

Meeting Schedule:


New Germany High School: Tuesday, April 22 7PM

Liverpool Regional High School: Tuesday, May 6 7PM

Bridgewater Junior Senior High School: Wednesday, May 7 7PM

Park View Education Centre: Monday, May 12 7PM

North Queens Consolidated School: Tuesday, May 13 7PM

Forest Heights Community School: Tuesday, May 27 7PM

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Curling: Martin Leaves Game A Champ

He went out as a champion. Curling legend Kevin Martin capped off his brilliant career yesterday with a 4-3 win over Brad Jacobs in the Grand Slam of Curling championship game in Summerside. Martin announced his retirement earlier this weekend. His resume includes an Olympic Gold Medal, a World title, and four Brier championships. Jennifer Jones won the Women's crown with a 5-2 victory over Rachel Homan.

Acclaimed Cape Breton Author Passes

Acclaimed Cape Breton author and short story teller Alistair MacLeod has died. He was 77. MacLeod grew up in Inverness County. He is credited for writing classics such as "Lost Salt, Gift of Blood" and "No Great Mischief". MacLeod spent his summers in Dunvegan in Cape Breton. He was a professor during the winter months at the University of Ontario. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008. MacLeod leaves behind his wife Anita and six children.

New Twist In Rehtaeh's Online Bullying Case

There's another disturbing development in the online bullying case connected to Rehtaeh Parsons. A teenager in Eastern Passage has been charged with making death threats against the young girls father. Police wouldn't not confirm the relationship between the accused and the victim, but a source told our newsroom the threats were made online against Glen Canning last year. The 19 year-old was arrested Thursday. His name has not been released. Multiple media reports suggest the teenager is also connected to the child porn charges laid following Rehtaeh's death. A court date has been set for May 20 to deal with the charges. Parsons attempted suicide last year because of intense cyberbullying after lewd photos of the young girl went around the Internet . She was taken off life support a few days later.

Premier Says Town Identities Will Not Disappear

So far, at least four Nova Scotia towns have either ceased to exist or are headed that way. The latest is Hantsport in the Annapolis Valley, with town fathers saying they can't cope anymore with a low tax base, created by last year's closure of Minas Basin Pulp And Paper. Hantsport is following in the footsteps of Canso, Springhill and Bridgetown, which is Premier Stephen McNeil's home-town. He says while these areas will cease to exist as towns, their identities will remain intact.



As for Hantsport, it has applied to join the neighboring West Hants Municipality.

South Shore Legion Branch Benefits From New Horizons Money

The Royal Canadian Legion in Bridgewater is back in the business of cooking fund-raising breakfasts and for special events. Branch-24 has all new kitchen appliances resulting from a federal government grant presented this past week by local Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy. Legion branch President Wayne Hunt says the improvements were long overdue.



Ottawa has come through with $17,499. for the project. Groups other than the Legion who will benefit include the fire department auxiliary, the band, churches and other groups not having kitchen facilities. The funding is through New Horizons.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

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.

Friday, April 18, 2014

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.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

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.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

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.