Mixed Reaction: Tax Cut for Small Business

The President of the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce has mixed feelings over a tax cut for small businesses in the province. Ben Wiper says the extra money will help business owners going forward but cautions the province remains in a position where spending exceeds revenues. He says while the cuts are welcome, but come with a price. "Basically our business tax cut is being financed by deficit spending and being a business owner that's something most business owners don't like to do - because it's not sustainable. We can't just keep spending without matching revenues coming in," The provincial government announced a reduction of half a percentage point in the small business tax rate in its budget last week. Finance Minister Graham Steele says the tax break will translate into another $10-million back into the hands of small businesses in Nova Scotia.

Martin, team win 4 x 400 metre relay event in Florida

Training is certainly paying off for Jenna Martin. The Bridgewater native ran 52.68 seconds in a 4 x 400 metre relay, helping her team win the event at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida. Martin's team set a meet and stadium record, also setting the best relay time in the world this season. She is currently training in the U.S. to make Canada's team for the London Olympics. Martin's next event is expected to be this weekend in Miami.

Bridgewater rink wins Atlantic under-18 curling crown

A Bridgewater curling rink has been crowned the Atlantic under-18 curling champions. Daniel Prest's team scored one in the eighth and stole two in the extra end to beat P.E.I 6-4 Sunday in the final at the Bluenose Curling club in New Glasgow. Newfoundland and Labrador defeated Chester's Daniel Jessome 6-5 in the boys consolation final.

Keddy: OAS Changes Necessary

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's says the old age security system needs to reflect the current labour conditions. The majority conservative government announced increases in OAS eligibility to 67 up from 65 in the federal budget. Canadians who get federal money from other programs will see their benefits extended until they can cash in on OAS/GIS. Gerald Keddy says the changes are necessary and reasonable. "What we are trying to do is get people to work longer those who are able to - those who are not able there is a social safety net in place for them. So it's not as if people will be abandon - that's not the case at all," Ottawa will start making the adjustments to old age security in 2023, and phase them in gradually over six years.  It means anyone over 54 won't be affected while people in their early 50's will see moderate changes and Canadians under 50 will be directly impacted.

South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters: Moving Forward

South Shore Big Brothers and Big Sisters has received a one-time grant from the province. The 9-thousand dollars will help the organization until it can fund-raise and apply for more grant money later on. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall went to bat for the organization. She made the right connections in the Dexter government to make the 9-thousand dollars a reality. "Financial pressures have been difficult and a lot of the time is spent by the staff to fund raise to keep these programs going so this is a situation where some one-time relief was needed to keep things going," and keep Birdsall delivered the cheque to Big Brothers/Big Sisters in the past few days.

QMJHL Play-offs: Mooseheads Drop Game 1

A third period letdown cost the Halifax Mooseheads game one of their "Q" league second round playoff series last night in Quebec City. The Moose led 1-0 after two periods but the Remparts scored three times in less than two minutes early in third en route to a 4-2 victory. The best of seven series continues tonight in Quebec City.

Typical Flu Season for South Shore

The Medical Officer Health for the South Shore says it's been a typical flu season. Doctor Lynda Earl says the influenza virus began to circulate more frequently in late February and throughout March this year. She says about two percent of emergency department visits are the result of flu-like symptoms and that's right in line with previous years. "This year flu is certainly fitting with what we expect to see, cases began in February and more cases in March. In comparison to last year, we only about a month behind so this fits with what we expect to see with flu," Earl stresses frequent hand washing to keep from getting sick. She also suggests that folks should stay home when they aren't feeling well to avoid spreading the virus.

UPDATED: New Flu Cases at Queens Manor in Liverpool

Another disappointment for families and friends of loved-ones at Queens Manor in Liverpool. Just as officials were preparing to re-open the manor to visitors on Friday, comes word it will remain closed. Infection control nurse Sandra Woodford tells CKBW/HANK FM News more cases of the flu have been confirmed which means the public will remain barred from visiting. "We had two new cases and anytime there is a new case we have to back up the opening date a whole week. So we've had new cases and that is the result," About 11 residents had flu-like systems a few weeks ago when officials first decided to close the manor to the public.

Still A Mystery: Re-Launch Date for Bluenose II

The re-launch of an iconic Nova Scotia schooner will take place sometime this summer but when it reaches the water remains a mystery. The Bluenose II is undergoing a $15.9 million dollar refit in Lunenburg.  It's rebuild includes a new hull, frame and planking. Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesman Michael Noonan says the re-build has gone well. He says its launch ultimately depends on the vessels construction schedule. However, Noonan wouldn't say whether the schooner will be sailing in time to join dozens of tall ships expected to visit the province in July. "Well those are all things we will be announcing in due coarse as all the details are worked out - so I think what I would probably say is stay tuned and there will be some news about that coming out in the not so distant future," The original Bluenose was built in 1921. Bluenose II was built in 1963 and transferred to the province in 1971 for $1-dollar. Meanwhile, the tall ships will be in Halifax from July 19 to 23. Stops are also planned in Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Sydney and Louisbourg.

More Drug Related Arrests in Queens County

Five people have been arrested on drug related offences in Liverpool. RCMP arrested four men last Friday ranging in age from 17 to 28 years old. Police say they seized a quantity of marihuana and hydromorphine during a blitz in Liverpool, they also recovered some cash and drug paraphernalia.  Each of the accused is facing trafficking and possession charges. Meanwhile, Mounties also arrested a 16 year-old girl in the same weekend for the same reason. The teen is also facing drug related charges after police allegedly seized some pot and drug paraphernalia. RCMP say the arrests are part of a crack down on drugs in the downtown area of Liverpool.

New Condenser for Lunenburg Arena

A critical part of the Lunenburg Arena's refrigeration system will be replaced this spring. The rink will get a new condenser - which keeps the ice crisp and arena cool. The town has pre-approved the purchase and set aside $50,000 to replace the rinks 22 year old condenser. Councillor Jamie Myra says the rink is an important part of the community. 'We have a strong minor hockey program, a strong skating program and a strong gentleman's hockey program. So we think it's very important for the citizens to make sure the ice is ready for the fall of 2012," It's expected the unit will cost in the area of $40,000 to replace.

Drugs Seized & Charges Laid in Queens County Bust

Example of a Marijuna Grow Op

There's been a drug bust in Queens County.  The RCMP have charged two people after a search and seizure at a home in Brooklyn Monday evening.  Queens RCMP Staff-Sgt. Jeff Wells says they discovered a grow-op and seized 168 marihuana plants and 23 grams of marihuana.  He says: "Although there were a number of plants, some of them were not very large.  Actually, most of them are quite small. We basically did that on our own. It was the members of Queens District. We did do some drug enforcement over the weekend with the assistance of the street crime unit from Shelburne and a police dog from Yarmouth."  Arrested in connection with the grow-op were a 58-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman, both of Brooklyn.  They've since been released and are scheduled to appear in Liverpool Court, June 12th.

URB: Downsize Town of Shelburne Council

Residents of Shelburne will elect fewer councillors when they head to the polls in municipal elections this fall. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board made a decision on the matter last week. The council will consist of four elected members plus a mayor after the October election. The URB decision was made at the town's request after little interest was displayed during three public meetings on the matter. Eliminating the council positions will result in annual saving of $24-thousand dollars.

NS Finance Minister: Deficit Eliminated Next Year

The Nova Scotia government has tabled a $9.5-billion budget with a projected deficit of $211.2-million for 2012-13. Finance Minister Graham Steele says it means the government will balance its books next year.

Budget Highlights: Personal income tax reductions expected to return $7.5 million to about 78,000 Nova Scotians.

Small business tax rate reduced by half a percentage point from four per cent to 3.5 per cent, saving businesses about $10 million annually.

Overall spending for health care up 2.5 per cent at $3.9 billion. The Province will also close its office in Ottawa with a savings of $500,000 annually.

Queens County Update: $47-M Bypass Project

The province will begin work on the $47-million dollar Port Mouton-Port Joli bypass this summer. A total of four bridges will either be replaced or constructed in the bypass area in preparation for the project. Department of Transportation Arena Manager Matt Covey says the "Wagner Bridge" and "Pawn Bridge" in the Port Mouton area will be replaced in the coming months. They are actively used and traffic delays should be expected when work begins. Covey says the province will spend $8 million dollar on the project this year with the remaining costs spread out over the next two fiscal years. "Paving is going to be very expensive, sub grade is expensive and the Broad River Crossing is going to be quite a span so that bridge will probably be around $5-6 million dollars," Work tenders will go out in coming weeks in hopes the bridge work will be finished by September 30th. The multi-year bypass project should be ready in the fall of 2014.

Judge Lenehan: Enisor Fit to Stand Trial

A judge has ruled that a New Germany man accused of fatally shooting his wife before turning the gun on himself is mentally fit to stand trial. Judge Gregory Lenehan render a decision in Bridgewater Provincial Court this morning. Wayne Eisnor faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Tina Eisnor in a parking lot in June 2010. The 49 year-old is accused of shooting the woman twice as she sat in her car near a grocery store before shooting himself in the head. He was found unfit to stand trial in October 2010 because of a mental impairment caused by the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Eisnor has been staying at the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Darmouth since being released from hospital. However, he will be remanded into custody while he awaits trial. Dates for a preliminary hearing will be set on April 18th.

Chester-Municipal Chamber Needs Grant Money Swiftly

The Chester-Municipal Chamber of Commerce is looking for its grant money from the municipality in a more timely fashion. The funds are used to operate the Visitor Information Centre in the summer and have been transferred from the municipality in August. However, President Ben Wiper says he'd like to see the money come through by the end May. He says the organization has been forced to use it membership dues to operate the VIC until the grant money is available. "Because otherwise we end up operating the VIC for three or four months without knowing the money is coming and yet we are already spending money we don't have. We're using the membership dues for our chamber and not all of our members agree with that - it's already been a bit of a contentious issue for us - not overly but for some members it is," The chamber is also asking for a multi year funding commitment from the municipality in addition to an increase in its grant funding to $25,000 - an increase of $4,000 compared to last year. Chester Council deferred the decision to its budget deliberations and will re-visit the request in the coming weeks.

Busy Intersection in Lunenburg Needs Upgrades

The Town of Lunenburg is hoping the province will anti up some money to widen a busy intersection near Bluenose Academy. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says he's met with MLA Pam Birdsall to discuss the Green Street-Tannery Road intersection. Council is concerned the intersection isn't wide enough to handle buses, trucks or 18 wheelers. Mawhinney says the intersection is so narrow, big rigs need to cross over into the centre line when they attempt to make a turn."As we've talked here at council, we may have to expand the road width towards the water so there is more space for trucks, buses and large vehicles to pass each other," Mawhinney says something needs to be done to improve the intersection. He admits the town may have to foot the entire cost to widen the road.

LaHave Manor & Town of Bridgewater Find Common Ground

The LaHave Manor Corporation and Town of Bridgewater found common ground for a new group home for disabled people on Evergreen Road. The two sides met today to discuss the future of the property. Following the meeting, the corporation announced they will proceed with plans to buy the home after the town agreed to tweak some of their bylaws to allow for the development. The town states it will consider amending its Land-Use Bylaw to allow for five occupants of the home in that neighbourhood. Currently, their bylaw allows for three disabled people to occupy a residence. Both sides aren't saying much and declined interview requests. The property on Evergreen Road is owned by a World War II Veteran and already features a wheel chair ramp and can accommodate people with disabilities.  The LaHave Manor would not disclose the cost of purchasing the home.

On Tap: Judge in Eisnor Case to Issue Decision on Tuesday

A decision is expected to come tomorrow on whether a New Germany man is fit to stand trial on a charge of first degree murder. Forty-nine year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting and killing his wife before turning the gun on himself in June of 2010. He was originally deemed unfit to stand trial because of a mental impairment caused by the self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, during a two-day fitness hearing last month, Crown lawyer Alonzo Wright argued Eisnor's condition had improved significantly since the shooting. Judge Gregory Lenehan will issue the decision in Bridgewater Provincial Court Tuesday morning. Eisnor is being held in the East Coast Forensic Hospital, pending a determination by the court.