Campaign Focus' On Motorcycle Safety

Bikers are set to hit the open road as the warm weather approaches. A public awareness campaign has been launched in Nova Scotia as motorcycle traffic is set to increase on rural roads and cruises on the Trans-Canada. Last year, there were 11 bikers killed in crashes in the province. Spokesperson for Safety Services, Ed Snow says that's extremely concerning.



New data shows there are over 30,000 motorcycles registered in province including 4,500 that are newly licensed. Snow suggests new and experienced bikers should always consider taking defensive driving courses before the riding season kicks into high gear.

Two Arrests In Halifax Homicide Case

A pair of arrests in connection with a homicide last fall in Halifax. Investigators with major crimes are questioning two people in relation to the death of Matthew Sudds. His body was found in a ditch along Africville Road last October. The 24 year old's death was determined to be suspicious the same day. This morning, a 29-year-old Halifax man was arrested in relation to the death. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman, originally from Halifax, was arrested in Ontario. They are currently in custody and being interviewed. No charges have been laid.

d'Entremont Challenges Heritage Minister Over Bluenose II Delays

The PC MLA for Argyle-Barrington has taken the heritage minister to task for recent comments regarding Bluenose Two. Chris d'Entremont says minister Tony Ince said in mid-April in the Legislature the vessel was undergoing sea trials. Yet, yesterday Ince said the sea trials won't be done until a steering problem with the vessel is examined during an upcoming test drive in Lunenburg Harbour. d'Entremont wanted clarification.



The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance - which has been rebuilding Bluenose Two - says they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. Officials there say they're taking unfair criticism for delays in getting the vessel back in service.

Studded Tires Removal Delayed In Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia has extended the deadline for removing studded winter tires from vehicles to the end of the month. Its designed for garages and tire shops to clear a backlog of customers wanting their studded tires removed. In turn, extending the deadline could lead to even more damage to highways. Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says the benefits of studded tires are outweighed by the damage thats caused.



Howard suggests studded tires are not really needed .. that present-day tires are of higher quality and provide good traction in winter driving.

Barrington Council Votes Down Mayoral Proposal

There will be no change in the form of government in the Municipality of Barrington, at least for now. Councillors there have been discussing the pros and cons of establishing a mayoral system to replace the present warden system. Barrington Warden Eddie Nickerson says council has voted down the issue.



Barrington residents have already voted by plebescite in favor of a mayoral system. Council will be seeking a closer study of the issue before members come up with a final vote.

Peterson-Rafuse: People Feel Betrayed By Liberals

The MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's says she's not surprised to see the spring sitting of the Legislature rise early. NDP member Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the sitting usually goes until at least mid-May but it wrapped up on Thursday. She says the Liberal government upset a lot of people, including students, when they ended the Graduate Retention program and did very little in return.



Peterson-Rafuse says she's heard comments from the public saying the Liberals aren't as advertised and they feel betrayed. The spring sitting was in session for just over a month.

Gas Prices Drop At South Shore Pumps

A nice surprise this morning at the gas pumps! Prices were expected to stay about the same after the midnight setting by the utility and review board. However, prices this morning are down by three cents a litre to $1.43.2 a litre for regular self serve. High test also down in price by the same amount to $1.52.1 per litre. The biggest change is diesel. Its lower this morning by five cents a litre to $1.37.7 a litre.

Liverpool Driver Clocked Going 189km/h

A Liverpool driver faces stunting charges after he was caught going almost double the posted speed limit. Queens RCMP say the 19-year-old man was pulled over Wednesday night after he was clocked doing 189km/h in a 100 zone on Highway 103. The driver's silver Honda Civic was seized for seven days. If convicted, he faces a fine of over $2,400. Three other people in the vehicle also face charges under the Liquor Control Act.

Strong Emotions Emerge Over Bluenose II Project

There are strong emotions emerging in relation to the Bluenose II restoration project. The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is telling media outlet they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. President of Covey Island Boatworks, Al Hutchinson says the alliance is taking the brunt of public criticism over costly delays in the $16.7 million project - but it's not their fault.



However, the province feels once they get the steering situation resolved, the Bluenose will be ready for sea trials. Heritage Minister Tony Ince says they need to find out what's going on with the project.



The biggest issue with the Bluenose is steering problems which have raised safety concerns.

PC's Seek Economic Stimulus Now Rather Than Later

The province's economy is going no where and fast according to the Official Opposition in the Legislature. Jamie Baillie of the PC's says while the economies of other provinces are showing improvements, Nova Scotia's economy has flat-lined and we're in a recession. He says the McNeil government is doing absolutely nothing to get the ball rolling on economic stimulation.



Baillie says the province is in troubled territory with higher-paying manufacturing output down 2 percent and 14 of 19 major companies in decline.

NDP Confronts Premier Over Health Reform Costs

The province's New Democrats continue mining for information on the costs associated with health reform. Leader Maureen MacDonald has tabled Freedom of Information documents that show the costs much higher than first thought. In the Legislature, MacDonald accused Premier Stephen McNeil of breaking promises on how to achieve cheaper health care.



McNeil says reform is already underway to cut the number of health authorities to 2 from the present 9 to achieve better front line care.

Bridgewater: Teen Arrested For Trespassing

A 16 yeard old is facing charges after an incident in Bridgewater last night. The teenager was arrested around 11pm in a residential area near Pinehurst Avenue. Police say the teen is from Caledonia. He was arrested for trespassing and is facing three charges. The youth is due in court next month.

Gasoline Prices Expected To Remain Unchanged For Coming Week

Don't expect much of a change, if any, overnight tonight in South Shore gas prices. Prices in New Brunswick are down by less than half a cent this morning. The same for diesel. Gas prices there and in our area are at record highs right now.

Bridgewater Police Budget Increasing For 2014-15

A slight rise in funding for the Bridgewater Police Commission budget for the upcoming year. The commission oversees policing in the town and has just over $4-million for 2014-15, but that includes more than $442,000 in income. The budget is increasing by roughly $170,000 from last year including a raise in small equipment costs, crossing guards and training. Police Chief John Collyer says there are a lot of young members that require training.



Collyer feels it's a reasonable budget, but understands the public might not be happy with the increase. He says they work hard to find efficiencies each year to keep the figure as low as they can.

New Grads Can Apply For Loan Relief

New graduates can apply to have the government pay the interest on their provincial student loans. The average loan is roughly $5,600. Removing the interest would save about $800 over the life of the loan. Education Minister Kelly Regan says it will save money as people get ready to begin their career. In order to qualify, you would have to live in Nova Scotia, have a government-sponsored direct lend loan and have graduated from a post secondary school. A link to the application forms is available here

MODL: Mayors Not Interested In Partnership On Bridgewater Arena

It's a decision based on what is affordable. The deputy mayors and mayors of the Municipality of Lunenburg and town of Bridgewater recently met to talk about working together to fund the Memorial Arena. However, initial feedback from Don Downe is that the municipality isn't interested in supporting the arena because they have already invested $3.85-million in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe feels it wouldn't be something council would entertain.



Downe feels council wouldn't support a facility in competition with the LCLC. The Memorial Arena will remain open for the the year at a cost of over $150,000.

Puppy Program A Farce: Baillie

A program that provides puppies for inmates of provincial jails is still being funded by the McNeil government. Yet, it was supposed to be scrapped. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the government is still pouring out money to do nothing more than make prisoners feel all warm and fuzzy. Baillie says the program plays no role in boosting the economy or re-habbing inmates.



Baillie says getting guns off the street should be a priority of the government. He says the puppy program is simply an indication of poor fiscal management.

Shelburne County Youth Park Changes Hands

The Municipality of Shelburne will take over a local youth park. Council has agreed to assume maintenance needs and operating costs at the Jordan Falls Youth Park. A local association in Shelburne County had been looking after the park but they no longer have the resources to continue up keep on the property. The municipality is currently looking at what needs to be done for upgrades at the park. They want to keep it in good shape so families and visitors can continue using the park. The Jordan Falls Youth Park is located just off Highway 103.

Nova Scotia: NDP MLA Fighting Cancer

A Cape Breton MLA is fighting cancer. Gordie Gosse has announced he has been diagnosed with the disease and is set to undergo chemo-therapy. He represents the riding of Whitney Pier-Sydney. Gosse will reduce his responsibility while he receives treatment and states the cancer was detected in its early stages. The long-time NDP MLA was first elected in 2003. He hopes to return to his seat in the legislature for the fall session.

Health Reform Costs To Soar Says MacDonald

Its going to cost a lot more than first estimated to reform health care in the province. Former health minister and now NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald has told the Legislature newly released Freedom of Information documents showing cost projections. She made them public by tabling documents released by Freedom of Information.



MacDonald called on the premier to make good on his election campaign promise of transparency in government by revealing all costs associated with health care reform.