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Posted on September 8, 2010 at 2:12 pm by ken in News, Update

98-9 X-FM has been nominated for a Music Nova Scotia award.  X-FM is one of six finalists for Radio Station of the Year.  A number of artists with Northeastern Nova Scotia connections have also been nominated, including Dave Gunning, who is up for four awards and the Trews with two.  They are both in the running for Entertainer of Year, while Gunning is a finalist for top Folk Recording, Male Artist and the Songwriting award.  The Trews are also up for Album of the Year for their acoustic recording “Friends and Total Strangers”.  Another multiple nominee is Dwayne Cote and Duane Andrews, who are being considered for Traditional/Roots recording and Jazz/Electro/Acoustic Artist. Also nominated in the Traditional/Roots recording category are Fleur Mainville and Chrissy Crowley.  Town Heroes are up for two awards, Alternative Artist and New Artist Recording of the year.   Molly Thomason is nominated in the Pop/Rock Recording of the year for her C-D “Through the Static”.  The  Colin Grant Band has been picked to compete for Male Artist Recording of the year.   Groundswell Music has been named in the Company of the Year category, while Adam Lomas is a finalist for manager of the year, and Jamie Sparks for top producer.  The awards will be presented November 7th in Yarmouth.

September 8, 2010    Agriculture Society receives funding

The Pictou Agriculture Society is getting a financial boost from the federal government.  Central Nova M-P Peter MacKay has announced the society will receive more than 11-thousand dollars to assist with the staging of the Pictou-North Colchester Exhibition.  The event has been held annually for 120 years.  The fair opens today and continues until Saturday at the Pictou Exhibition grounds and the Hector Arena.  The federal funding comes from government’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.

September 8, 2010                  Wolfe Eliminated from “So You Think You Can Dance”

It’s the end of the line for Jera Wolfe.  The 19-year-old  Inverness native was one of two dancers eliminated from the CTV talent show “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”.  Also eliminated from the show was 26-year-old Julia Harnett of Calgary.  Sixteen dancers remain in the competition, which resumes on Monday.

September 7, 2010           Property Damage Under Investigation

Antigonish R-C-M-P are  investigating a property damage and theft case that occurred in the town over the long weekend.  Police say sometime between Sunday night and Monday Morning, someone knocked over the sign in front of Bennett’s market at the corner of Highway 7 and Highway 104.  The culprits also smashed two pumpkins on the roadway, damaged a bin of apples and stole a picnic table.  If you have any information on this incident, contact the Antigonish R-C-M-P or Crime Stoppers.

September 7, 2010            Two St. FX teams make CIS rankings

Canadian Interuniversity Sport is out with its first national rankings of the season, and St. FX finds itself in the top 10 in two sports.  The St. F-X Rugby X-Women, 2009 A-U-S champions and C-I-S silver medalists are ranked third in the nation, behind defending C-I-S champion Lethbridge and Guelph.  In Women’s Soccer, the St.F-X X-Women, the 2009 A-U-S champions are ranked 10th in Canada.  Trinity Western leads the nation.

September 7, 2010                         Cross Canada Tour to be begin

An Antigonish County teacher and personal trainer is about to begin her Cross-Canada cycling tour in the battle against childhood cancer.  Suzanne Delaney will be cycling with more than 40 other riders for the Coast to Coast Foundation against Cancer.   The tour will begin Thursday in Vancouver.  It ends in Halifax on September 23rd.  Delaney, the vice-principal at St. Andrews Consolidated School has raised 66-thousand dollars so far, more than double her initial goal.  All the money she raises will go the I-W-K Hospital in Halifax.   Delaney says she’s logged a lot of time on the bike preparing for this tour.

Suzanne Delaney
Delaney says on average the riders will be logging anywhere from 140 to 225 kilometres a day during the tour.  Plans are underway for an event in Antigonish to thank the local community for their support of Delaney’s cross-Canada tour.    That will be on September 26th, three days after the cycling tour ends in Halifax.

September 7, 2010        New Principals on the job at Strait Board

There are some new faces in the principal’s office at several schools in the Strait Regional School Board.   Among the new principals in the district this year is Peter Goosens at Cape Breton Highlands Education Centre and Academy.  Goosens was the acting principal at the school last year after serving three years as its vice-principal.  At Dr. J-H Gillis Regional High School in Antigonish, the new principal is Gerard Ryan, who spent the past four years in the same role at East Antigonish Education Centre and Academy.  Taking over Ryan’s old post is Janice Gough, who was vice-principal at Dr. J-H Gillis.  At Antigonish Education Centre, Mark Pettipas is the new principal.  Prior to his appointment, he worked next door as vice principal of St. Andrew Junior School for three years.  Also back in the principal’s office is Danny Berry, who now leads St. Mary’s Academy in Sherbrooke.  Berry worked out of the school board office last year.

September 7, 2010           Property Damage case under investigation

Antigonish R-C-M-P are  investigating a property damage and theft case that occurred in the town over the long weekend.  Police say sometime between Sunday night and Monday Morning, someone knocked over the sign in front of Bennett’s market at the corner of Highway 7 and Highway 104.  The culprits also smashed two pumpkins on the roadway, damaged a bin of apples and stole a picnic table.  If you have any information on this incident, contact the Antigonish R-C-M-P or Crime Stoppers.

September 3, 2010                 St. FX Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

St. F-X University has announced its 2010 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees.  Among those named to the hall is former St. F-X Hockey X-Men head coach Danny Flynn, who led the blue and white for 10 seasons, including a national championship in 2004. Also named to the Hall was the 1986-87 X-Women Soccer Team, won the first ever A-U-S Soccer title for St. FX.  It was the first ever A-U-S-sanctioned conference championship for any female sports team at St. F-X.  Others inductees include Burns MacPherson, a kicker with the football X-Men 1966 College Bowl championship team, 1980′s football running back and A-U-S all-star Don Dempsey, X-Men 1980′s Hockey star David Purcell who led his team in scoring for four consecutive seasons, and 1960′s X-Women basketball star Diane Orsini who captained St. FX for three seasons.   The induction ceremony will be held September 30th.

September 3, 2010                       Aspen Break-in Investigated

Sherbrooke R-C-M-P are investigating a recent break-in that occurred in the Aspen area.  Police say a local home was broken into sometime between Sunday and Thursday.  Taken from the dwelling was a Cooey Bolt Action single shot rifle Model 74, two boxes of ammunition for the firearm, about 87 wire animal traps, a white 10 gallon ShopVac, two sleeping bags, two red life jackets, a full propane tank and a flashlight.  The value of the items taken is more than 17-hundred dollars.   If you any information about this theft, you’re asked to call the Sherbrooke R-C-M-P or Crime Stoppers.

September 3, 2010            GAPACC name change announced

The Guysborough Antigonish Pictou Arts and Culture Council is changing its name.  It will be now be known as the Antigonish Culture Alive Association.  In a release, the organization explains that during strategic planning sessions held this winter, one of the issues that came up was its inability to communicate with and effectively serve Guysborough and Pictou counties.  Antigonish County is where most members live and where most of its activities take place.  The name change was approved by the council’s membership at its annual general meeting.  Among the objectives of Antigonish Culture Alive is to serve the artistic and cultural interests of the people in the Antigonish area.   Antigonish Culture Alive officials stress that despite the name change, it will continue to value members from outside its area.

September 2, 2010              Impact Assessment Reports to be discussed

Impact assessment reports on three schools in the Strait Regional School Board will be discussed at the special working committee meeting next Wednesday and voted on by the board the following Wednesday. During last night’s regular monthly meeting superintendent Jack Beaton said staff completed impact assessments on Canso Academy, H.M. MacDonald Elementary and Rev. H.J. MacDonald Elementary, which were distributed in confidence to school board members.
The reports will be discussed at special working committee meeting, which is open to the public, Sept.8.  At the Sept. 15 working committee meeting board members will vote on whether or not to continue the review process.  If the impact assessments are approved, study committees made up of community members will provide feedback to the board before the final decision is made in March of 2011.

September 2, 2010             High commissioner from Kenya coming

The high commission from Kenya will be visiting this region Sept. 8 and 9 and his visit will include a meeting at the Strait Regional School Board office. Superintendent Jack Beaton said High Commissioner Simon Nabukwesi is a teacher and principal who is interested in learning about Canadian approaches to professional development for teachers and principals, as well as assessment practices and school administration. Beaton said the meeting came about through a member of the faculty member of the St. F.X. school of education, Bosire Mwebi, who is from Kenya.  Board members and senior staff will be meeting with Nabukwesi next Wednesday.

September 2, 2010            School Board Web Site Being Upgraded

The Strait Regional School Board is preparing to launch of new website. Superintendent Jack Beaton said the website, which will be launch over the next several days, will provide a more uniform look and be easier to navigate. Beaton said school websites will be linked from the board’s website and have a standardized format. Manager of communications Deanna Gillis said the new website was a priority of the board’s educational business plan and part of the board’s strategy to increase communication.

September 1, 2010             Staff Parking Restrictions at St. FX Sunday

Parking will be a little tight on the St. FX campus on Sunday.  That’s the day the university welcomes its new students and their families.  Students will be registering with the university and moving into residences.  As a result, the university is placing some restrictions on parking.   Students, staff and faculty involved in welcoming freshmen students on Sunday are park their cars either in the south parking lot at Governors hall or in the parking lot at the Bloomfield Centre on Varsity Drive.  The parking lot at Chapel square is to be clear of vehicles by midnight Saturday night so new students can move in.

August 31, 2010       Charges laid follow car-motorcycle crash

The Antigonish RCMP have laid charges against the driver of a vehicle who collided with motorcycle in Antigonish Monday. Police say at around 2-forty-five on Monday afternoon a vehicle collided with a motorcycle while trying to make a left turn from West street onto James Street. The RCMP say a young person driving the vehicle has been charged with failing to Yield the Right of Way when making a left turn at an intersection. Both the driver of the vehicle and the driver of the motorcycle were taken to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for examination. The male driver of the motorcycle suffered minor abrasions but was kept overnight for observation.

August 31, 2010                         Thefts under Investigation

The RCMP are investigating the theft of a motorcycle in Antigonish County. Police say the 2010 Y-Z-125 Yamaha was stolen from a garage in Clydesdale during the early morning hours of Saturday, August 28th. The RCMP say the bike was not operational and must have been dragged from the property. Anyone with information about this theft is asked to call crime stoppers or the Antigonish Detachment of the RCMP.

August 31, 2010                          Stanley Cup Visits Antigonish

There was as an air of excitement yesterday as the Stanley Cup came to Antigonish Tuesday.   The trophy was brought to the town by Antigonish native Al MacIsaac, the senior director of hockey

administration with the N-H-L champion Chicago Blackhawks.  MacIsaac says he took the cup to several local businesses and the R-K MacDonald Nursing Home in the morning.  He says local residents are very excited to see it.
Stanley Cup

There were two public viewings yesterday of the cup, at the Charles V. Keating Centre in the afternoon and Pipers Pub last night.  All proceeds from yesterday’s  events will go to the Antigonish C.A.R.E Van.

August 30, 2010               Date to set in October for Preliminary Inquiry

A man charged with second degree murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve Party in Antigonish was in Provincial Court Monday morning.

20-year-old Robert Harris Lamb’s appearance in the Antigonish court was brief; the case was adjourned until October 4th to set a date for Preliminary Inquiry.  The Dartmouth native is charged in the death of  25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour.  Beaton died in hospital about 4 hours after police were called to break up a brawl on January 1st at a house party on College Street.

August 30, 2010                         Ignatieff’s Liberal Express Visits Antigonish

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff made a swing through Antigonish Sunday afternoon.  Ignatieff’s visit was a meet and greet event at St. F-X University’s Coady International Institute as part of his Liberal Express, a country-wide bus tour that has logged some

35-thousand kilometres on the road this summer. The Antigonish event was the 140th stop on the tour.   Ignatieff used his visit to the Coady Institute to underline the benefits of Canadians working abroad.

Michael Ignatieff-Working Abroad

Ignatieff also took aim at comments by Prime Minister Harper.   Last Thursday, following a ride on an ATV at the Tuktoyaktuk Airport, Harper was asked if he had a license to drive the machine, especially on a runway. The Prime Minister replied, quote:  “I think I make the rules”.  Ignatieff says it’s not the Prime Minister who makes the rules, Canadians do.

Michael Ignatieff-PM’s Comments

Ignatieff says the question of Harper’s respect for democracy will be one of biggest issues in the next election campaign. Ignatieff drew cheers from party faithful when he promised there would be Liberal candidates running in all 308 federal ridings.  There was not a Liberal candidate in Central Nova in the last federal election, part of an agreement by then-Liberal Leader Stephane Dion with Green Leader Elizabeth May. That deal upset many local Liberals.  Speaker to reporters later, Ignatieff says there are some common themes he’s hearing from Canadians as he crosses the country on his summer bus tour.

Michael Ignatieff-Common Themes

Ignatieff says another issue on the minds of Canadians is government fiscal responsibility, including the one billion dollar cost of the G-8 and G-20 summits. The express also had stops in Elmsdale, Masstown and Big Pond Sunday.  Ignatieff now heads to the Federal Liberal Caucus meeting, which runs until Wednesday.

August 30, 2010            Sexual Assault charge laid in Port Hawkesbury

Port Hawkesbury R-C-M-P have charged a 26-year-old New Glasgow man with aggravated sexual assault.  Police say at around 4:30 Saturday morning, officers responded to a 9-1-1 complaint of a sexual assault in the town of Port Hawkesbury.   Inverness County District R-C-M-P officers along with members of the North East Nova Major Crime Unit, Bible Hill Forensic Identification Services and the Bible Hill  Police Dog Service of the R-C-M-P assisted in the investigation.   R-C-M-P arrested Justin Christopher Miller of New Glasgow a short time later. He has been remanded in custody until an appearance Monday morning in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court.  Police are continuing their investigation.

August 30, 2010           Fatal Accident in Victoria County

R-C-M-P say a 60-year-old Glace bay woman is dead from a head-on collision early Saturday night on Route 105 at South Haven Victoria County; near Baddeck.  Police say Geraldine Phyllis O’Handley was a passenger in a car her husband was driving.  The second car had only the driver.  Police say the two drivers were taken to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney for treatment.  The crash shut down the highway for about an hour, while vehicles and debris were removed, then re-opened to one lane.  Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

August 27, 2010                          Fatal Collision in Lexington

Port Hawkesbury R-C-M-P say a woman is dead from a two vehicle collision on Highway 105 at Lexington late Thursday afternoon.  Police say a motor vehicle travelling east hydroplaned and crossed into oncoming traffic in the west bound lane.  A 52-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.  Five people from the west bound car were treated for their injuries in hospital and released.  A six-year-old boy, also in the westbound car was transported to a Halifax hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  R-C-M-P say the highway was wet with heavy rain at the time of the crash.  R-C-M-P are continuing their investigation.

August 27, 2010                  CFL Commissioner coming to St. FX

CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon will be visiting St. FX University next month. The university says Cohon’s visit is to discuss the future of CFL growth in Atlantic Canada, Canadian University Sports and regional football in Nova Scotia. The event will be held at 3 p.m on September 21st at the Charles V. Keating Centre. The public is welcome to attend

August 27, 2010            Rally that Gives this weekend

The Sherbrooke Village ‘Rally that Gives’ gets underway this evening. The annual motorcycle rally is a fundraiser for the ‘Lodge That Gives’;  which offers a home away from home for cancer patients and their families. Registration runs from 6-thirty this evening until 7-thirty; followed by a concert at the courthouse. The main rally events get underway on Saturday morning with registration at Performance Field beginning at 9a.m. The poker rally and field events run straight through until the ‘Show and Shine’ beginning at 3p.m. The award presentations will take place at 5-thirty on Saturday evening, followed by dinner and a dance. The third annual ‘Rally That Gives’ wraps up with a farewell breakfast on Sunday Morning.

August 27, 2010            Liberal Express  coming

Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff pays a visit to Antigonish on Sunday.  Ignatieff’s stop in the town  will be a meet and greet event at St. F-X University’s Coady International Institute, at 1:30.  The trip is part of Ignatieff’s cross-Canada summer bus tour, called the Liberal Express.  The express also has stops in Elmsdale, Masstown and Big Pond on Sunday.  On Monday, Ignatieff travels to Baddeck for the party’s Summer Caucus Meeting.  The summer caucus gathering concludes Wednesday

August 27, 2010        Trail Building workshop at Keppoch this weekend

Positive Action for Keppoch is hoping to see anyone interested in the future of the mountain at a Trail Building Workshop this weekend. The community based group is  keeping the dream of a multi-season recreational resort at Keppoch alive after the County of Antigonish scuttled plans to revive the downhill ski resort last August. Dr. John Chiasson, a representative for the group, says they have  plans to further develop cross country trails and possibly a winter tubing park for kids. Chiasson says the trail building workshop is open to everyone and will take  place at the Keppoch Clubhouse on Saturday beginning at 9am and continue on Sunday  with a group bike ride.

John Chiasson

The Workshop is sponsored by Parks Canada and the Trans Canada Trail and will be led by a professional crew from the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

August 27, 2010            Martha Centre elevator operational

The Martha Centre elevator at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish is operational again.  Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority Engineering Director Gerry Gillis says a final inspection by the Labour Department was conducted Thursday morning and the elevator was back in service by one p-m that afternoon.  The retrofit of the 50-year-old elevator included new motors and controls.  The upgrade meets all current elevator safety and fire codes.

August 25, 2010        Port Hawkesbury Mayor Calls for Provincial Action on Highway 104

Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe MacLean is calling on the province to take action after a deadly month on the Trans-Canada Highway in North-Eastern Nova Scotia. MacLean says the premier and the province’s transportation minister need to come up with a time table and a firm commitment to twin the entire highway from New Glasgow to the Canso Causeway. MacLean says delays to improving that section of the Trans Canada are costing lives.
Billy Joe MacLean

MacLean says the lack of improvements to the Trans Canada has also created an unlevel transportation playing field that hinders economic development in Central and North Eastern Nova Scotia. MacLean says he has been told by the federal government that the money is available to twin the highway but the province isn’t coming up with its fifty-cents on the dollar. Cathy MacIsaac, a spokesperson for the Transportation Department, denies MacLean’s claims that the Province isn’t coming up with its share of the money for the project. MacIsaac says the province is currently partnering with the federal government for numerous highway projects – including the twinning of highway 104.

August 25, 2010         Ceramic Birds Taken From Mabou Store

Three birds have gone missing from a store front in Mabou and the RCMP say they didn’t fly away on their own. Police say two -ceramic tan coloured birds and one ceramic chick-a-dee were taken from the front of “The Nest” Gift Shop in Mabou on August 12th. The owner of the store says all three of the missing birds have sentimental value and is offering a cash reward for their safe return. Anyone with information about the theft or whereabouts of the three missing birds is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the Inverness Detachment of the RCMP.

August 25, 2010         Delaney Ride

An Antigonish County teacher and personal trainer is making her final preparations to cycle across the country in the battle against childhood cancer.    Suzanne Delaney will begin her cross-Canada trip in two weeks with more than 40 other riders for the Coast to Coast Foundation against Cancer.   Delaney, the vice-president at St. Andrews Consolidated School, has raised 66-thousand dollars so far, more than double her initial goal.  Delaney, the only Atlantic Canadian rider, says she’s hoping to hit the 70-thousand dollar mark.
Suzanne Delaney
All the money Delaney raises will go to the I-W-K Hospital in Halifax.  The ride begins in British Columbia on September 9th and ends in Halifax on the 23rd.  You can follow the cycling tour at www.searsnationalkidscancerride.com

August 25, 2010        Inverness Dancer  Moves On in ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada’

A 19-year-old performer from  Inverness has danced his way into the national spotlight. 19-year-old Jera Wolfe is one of 22-finalists on C-T-V’s “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”.  Wolfe, who was born in Toronto, moved to Inverness where his grandmother was living when he was just two-years-old. Wolfe  says his dancing career began with his mother forcing him to take a couple of step classes while living in Inverness . Wolfe says he was later introduced to break dancing while living in B.C. and that led to training in hip-hop, jazz and eventually ballet. From there, Wolfe wound up training and performing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Banff Centre for the Arts  and the National Ballet of Canada. Wolfe still credits his mother, who recently moved back to Inverness from Antigonish, for kick-starting his dance career and says he will always call Cape Breton home.
Jera Wolfe

Wolfe is still in the running following Tuesday  night’s results show. Two dancers were dropped from the competition, Shalaina Anderson an Edmonton native who withdrew because of injury and Ottawa’s Hani Abaza.

August 24, 2010         Keefe to Return to Court in October

A former Antigonish businessman charged with fraud over 5-thousand-dollars waived his right to a  preliminary inquiry during a brief court appearance in Antigonish this morning. Michael Thomas Keefe, who previously elected to be tried by Nova Scotia Supreme Court Judge and Jury,  will have dates for his trial set on October 6th. The former Sears manager is accused of defrauding the company.

August 24, 2010         Decoste to Have Trail Date Set in October

A Monastery man facing charges of attempted murder, arson, uttering threats and production of a controlled substance will return to court in October to have dates set for his trial. James Bernard Decoste has been committed to stand trial after a preliminary inquiry wrapped up in Antigonish today. Decoste has chosen to be tried by Supreme Court Judge and Jury. Dates for his trial will be set during his next court appearance on October 6th.  The charges against Decoste were laid following a house fire in the Monastery area in July of 2009.  Police say they received a complaint of someone uttering threats.  When officers arrived at the home of the person who received the threat, they found the house on fire, and Tracadie firefighters on the scene.  One man escaped the building unharmed, but the building was destroyed.

August 24, 2010         RCMP Identify Two People Killed in Monday’s Crash in Pictou County

Pictou County R-C-M-P have released the names of the two people killed in Monday morning’s three vehicle crash on Highway 104 near French River.  Police have identified the victims as 21-year-old Galen Thomas MacDonald of Jimtown, Antigonish County and 55-year-old Linda Joan Harley of Caledonia, Ontario.  Police say their preliminary investigation shows a Toyota Corolla, driven by MacDonald was travelling eastbound and crashed head-on with a westbound transport truck.  A three-wheeled motorcycle travelling behind the truck lost control as a result of the collision.  Harley was a passenger on the motorcycle.  A passenger in the car and the driver of the motorcycle remain in hospital in serious condition.  The driver of the truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

August 24, 2010         Antigonish RCMP Investigating License Plate Tampering

The Antigonish RCMP are investigating after a pair of a  license plates were tampered with over the weekend. Police say they received a report that someone removed a license plate from a vehicle in a parking lot at 138 College Street on Sunday between the hours of midnight and 3pm. The stolen Nova Scotia license plate has the number is EUS-167. The RCMP say they received a second report on Sunday from a resident in the same area that their license plate had been damaged as though someone had attempted to remove it from their vehicle. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the Antigonish Detachment of the RCMP.

August 23, 2010         Municipal leaders urge upgrades for the Aberdeen Hospital

Municipal leaders in Pictou County are renewing their call on the province to fund urgently needed upgrades to the Aberdeen Hospital’s Emergency Room and Pharmacy Department.    The chair of the Mayors and Warden Committee, Warden Ronnie Baillie says the six municipal units made a commitment of 4.1 million dollars to the New Glasgow medical facility more than a year ago.  Baillie says they’re now waiting for the province to come up with their share.   The municipalities say they will cover their portion of the project through revenue from the Deed Transfer Tax, which came into effect last September.  That money will also be used to pay for their portion of the soon to be built Pictou County Wellness Centre.

August 20, 2010      Highway 104 Crash Causes Oil Spill in West Barney’s River

A crash on Highway 104 near Kenzieville on Wednesday that killed two people has resulted in oil spilling into a nearby river. The collision claimed the lives of the driver of a pick-up truck and the driver of a tanker that was carrying 28-thousand-liters of used oil. Emergency responders allowed the oil to burn-off following a blaze caused by the crash;  but a substantial amount of the fuel leaked into a tributary that flows into the West Barney’s River. Clean-up crews have been at the site since soon after the crash on Wednesday and the Environment Department says the spill was largely contained. There were earlier media reports claiming the spill had killed thousands of young fish at a nearby hatchery but officials with the Department of Fisheries and Aqua-culture now say no fish at the Hatchery have died as a result of the spill.

August 20, 2010         Pictou Welcomes TSN for Sunday Broadcast

Pictou is preparing to host the Kraft Celebration Tour and a live Broadcast of T-S-N’s Sports-Centre this Sunday. Pictou was one of ten national winners of the Kraft Celebration contest that earned the community 25-thousand-dollars for renovations at the Hector Arena as well as the national spotlight of a live broadcast. The event, on Caladh Avenue between Commercial and Coleraine Streets,  officially begins at 5pm on Sunday with the T-S-N Sports-Centre broadcast going live at 7pm.

August 20, 2010         Sixteen Artists Chosen for Permanent Displays at New Library

Proposals from 16 local artists have been selected for permanent displays at the new Antigonish Library. The selections were announced yesterday along with the presentation of a 100-thousand-dollar contribution to the project on behalf of the Credit Union. Chair of the Pictou-Antigonish Library Board, County Councillor Mary MacLellan, says that during consultations they heard over and over again that people wanted public art as part of the project.  A local committee comprised of MacLellan, Town Councillor Sean Cameron, St. F.X Gallery manager Bruce Campbell, Architect Dale Archibald, and Chief Librarian Eric Stackhouse carried out the review process of submitted proposals. Some of the artists and their projects to be incorporated into the design of People’s Place include a mosaic bench by Nancy Turniawan, a pair of murals by Alan Syilboy and Nicholas Johnson, a painting by Abbey Allan and a stone sculpture by Heather Lawson.

A complete list of the artist and their projects:

• Nancy Turniawan – mosaic bench
• Anna Syperek – series of 10 dewey decimal posters
• Alan Syliboy – mural
• Peter Ritchie – sundial
• Andrew Murray – artistic fence and county and town maps
• Regina Marzlin – textile
• Fenn Martin – tile for fireplace
• Heather Lawson – stone sculpture
• Nicholas Johnson – mural
• Rudolph Hennigar – stone and metal sculpture
• Linda Henke and Iris Roach – stained glass
• Murray Gibson – tapestry
• Patricia Gaines and Wendell White – architectural bench
• Anne Camozzi – printed acoustic panels
• Kate Brown Georgallas – People’s Place Mural
• Abbey Allen – painting
• The MacLean Bros. Woodworking will also be providing work on the circulation desk and fireplace

August 19, 2010         Press Conference Launches Contact East 2010

Organizers, artists and local dignitaries were all part of a press conference at the Immaculata Auditorium this morning to officially kick-off Contact East 2010. The performance arts showcase takes place in Antigonish at venues on the campus of St. F. X.  from September 23rd-to-the-26th. The event is known as ‘Atlantic Canada’s premier performing arts trade show’ and will showcase nearly fifty live performances in music, theatre, comedy and dance.  Hundreds of presenters, producers and talent scouts are expected to attend the four day event. Sue Urquhart, Executive Director of the Atlantic Presenter’s Association, says new to Contact East this year is a mentorship program for young local artists to learn how to better produce and promote themselves.
Sue Urquhart
Urquhart says members of the public are encouraged to come out and enjoy the performances. X-FM is the presenting media sponsor for Contact East 2010. A full schedule of events, ticket  information and profiles on participating artists can be found at www.contacteast.ca.

August 19, 2010         Highway Re-opens with Delays

Highway 104 between Sutherland’s River and Kenzieville has been reopened after a head on collision between a tanker truck and pick-up truck claimed the lives of two people yesterday afternoon. The Department of Transportation says there will still  be delays west of Exit 29 at  Barney’s River between 10 a.m. and 12p.m with the road reduced to one lane.

August 19, 2010         Baddeck’s Wong Scores in National Team Win

Jessica Wong of Baddeck scored the final goal as Canada’s Under 22 women’s hockey team defeated the United States 4-1 in the opening game of a three game mini-series between the two hockey superpowers. Wong and Team Canada will play game two tonight before wrapping up the series on Saturday.

August 19, 2010          One Dead in Highway 104 Accident Near  Monastery

A Richmond County woman is dead following a collision between a passenger vehicle and a tour bus on Highway 104 near Monastery at the Tracadie River Bridge. RCMP say their preliminary investigation indicates the woman’s westbound vehicle crossed the centre lane and collided with the tour bus late yesterday afternoon. The woman, who was the lone occupant of the passenger vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the bus from Vermont  suffered extensive damage but none of the 50 passengers on board were seriously injured. Highway 104 was closed for approximately 4 hours while police investigated the collision.

August 19, 2010         Fatal Collision Near Barney’s River on Highway 104   (Update)

Two people are dead after a head on collision between a tanker truck and pick-up truck on highway 104 just west of Barney’s River yesterday. RCMP say the tanker caught fire in the accident, which occurred shortly after noon-time on Wednesday. Both the driver of the pick-up and the tanker were pronounced dead at the scene. The highway remained closed overnight between exit 27 and exit 29. A hazardous materials team and eight different fire departments responded to the fire. Officials decided to let the fuel from the tanker burn off rather than risk letting fuel leak into a nearby watershed. The names of the two victims have not been released.

August 18, 2010         (Updated 5:00pm) “Serious” Collision on Highway 104

Pictou RCMP were assisted by the Antigonish detachment at the scene of a collision west of Barney’s River at noon time today. RCMP report two fatalities in the head on accident. Eight fire departments remain on scene supervising the burn of one of the vehicles, reported to be tanker carrying used oil. Highway 104 between Exit’s 27 and 29 will remain closed into late this evening. Traffic is being detoured through Sutherland’s River along Trunk 4 to Barney’s river. Motorists are asked to drive with caution and expect delays due to the detour and are advised that an alternate route is available along highway 245 through Merigomish.

August 18, 2010           Contact East Press Conference

Organizers of Contact East 2010 will be holding a press conference tomorrow morning at the Immaculata Auditorium  The performance arts showcase takes place in Antigonish at venues on the campus of St. F. X.  from September 23rd-to-the-26th. The event is known as ‘Atlantic Canada’s premier performing arts trade show’ and will showcase 50 live performances in music, theatre, comedy and dance. Hundreds of presenters, producers and talent scouts are expected to attend the four day event. The organizing committee says a number of important announcements will made during tomorrow’s press conference, scheduled to get underway at 11a.m.  X-FM is the presenting media sponsor for Contact East 2010. A full schedule of events and information on the artists who will be performing can be found at www.contacteast.ca.

August 18, 2010           Antigonish Gateway Survey  Invites Public Input

Town and County residents in Antigonish are being encouraged to have their say in the development of Gateway Strategy. The Antigonish Regional Development Authority has hired Ekistics Planning and Design to look at ways to maximize the potential of Antigonish Town and County;  and plan for the impact the twinning of  highway 104 will have on the region. Ekistics Project Manager Jill Robertson says they’re hoping an on-line survey  posted on the R-D-A’s website will encourage more residents to get involved.
Jill Robertson
Robertson says a public workshop last week helped to identify the need for sinage and other measures to attract travelers off the highway and into Antigonish. Robertson says residents also expressed concern that the old strip of the trans Canada would become dominated by big box stores and unsightly commercial development. The on-line survey is expected to be open for public input until at least October at www.antigonishrda.ns.ca Ekistics plans to present a draft proposal of their Antigonish Gateway Strategy to the community by early November.

August 18, 2010          Lochaber Launches Website

The Lochaber Community Development Association is announcing the launch of a new website dedicated to the area.  www.lochaber.ca hosts community news, events  and the history of the area. The association is inviting anyone with information, photos or just suggestions to visit the website and submit their contributions.

August 17, 2010          Guysborough RCMP Nab Impaired Drivers

Guysborough RCMP have apprehended two more drunk drivers. Police say a 24 year old Guysborough County male was arrested at Port Hilford Beach around 1:30am on Saturday. The RCMP say the man’s breathalyzer readings were over twice the legal limit. At approximately 9:40am the same morning, the RCMP received notice of a single motor vehicle accident in Stillwater. The 22 year old male driver was arrested for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle after recording a blood-alcohol level of over three times the legal limit. Road safety and impaired driving has been made an operational priority this year for  RCMP across the province. The Antigonish RCMP have already charged 10 people with impaired driving in the month of August.

August 17, 2010        Property Damage  at Antigonish Bridge Construction Site

The RCMP say they are investigating after property at the construction site of the new canal bridge was damaged late last month. Police say sometime between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m on July 31st, suspects flattened a dam, unplugged road signs and threw items from the construction site into the ditch and waterway. The RCMP say tampering with road barricades at the construction site at the east end of Main Street poses a serious public safety risk. Anyone with information about those responsible for mischief at the construction site are encouraged to contact crime-stoppers or the Antigonish detachment of the RCMP.

August 17, 2010         Town of Antigonish to Remove Three Parking Meters

The Town of Antigonish is removing three parking meters on College Street in the interest of road safety and traffic flow. Town Council voted last night to remove the meters situated in front the Al Cove Restaurant and Sangster Insurance. Jack Macpherson, Chair of the Town’s Police and Licensing Committee says the town is trying to improve the traffic situation at the intersection at College and Main Streets.
Jack MacPherson
MacPherson says there are currently enough open meters to allow for the reduction without creating a parking problem in the downtown core.

August 17, 2010         Swimmers Rescued in Pictou County

One woman remains in hospital after two swimmers were rescued yesterday at Waterside Park in Pictou County. The Pictou County RCMP responded to a call of two adult females in distress shortly before 3-thirty on Monday afternoon. Police say the two women were in a small dingy that drifted too far off shore when they attempted to swim back to land. A kayaker was able to paddle out and assist the women to shore. One of the women required medical attention and was transported to the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow where she remains in stable condition. Police are crediting the quick actions of others for averting a tragedy.

August 17, 2010          Gotell Captures Gold

An Antigonish swimmer has captured Gold at the Paralympic Swimming Championship in the Netherlands. Chelsey Gottell, a visually impaired tow-time paralympian finished atop the podium in 100-meter breaststroke in a personal best time. Gottell also captured a bronze in the 200-meter individual medley on Sunday.

August 17, 2010        LED and Sidewalk Tenders in Antigonish

One-hundred more street lamps in the Town of Antigonish will soon be outfitted with L-E-D energy saving lights. Town Council awarded the tender for the lights to L-E-D Roadway of Amherst last night at a cost of 75-thousand-7-hundred-and-16-dollars. The province will cover half the cost under an Eco Nova Scotia program. L-E-D Roadway was the supplier of one-hundred energy saving lights already installed in the Town of Antigonish under a pilot program last year. The winning bid was the second highest of seven bids submitted for the work. Mayor Carl Chisholm say the Town choose the bid that made the most sense in the long-term.
Mayor Carl Chisholm
Town Council also awarded the Tender for the construction of a new sidewalk on Highland Drive to A. MacNeil Construction in the amount of 35-thousand-8-hundred-and-8-dollars. Mayor Chisholm says the Town had hoped to have the work done before the start of School but says there were some issues that had to be worked out property owners in the area. Work on the new sidewalk is expected to be completed by mid-September

August 17, 2010         Curbside Swap

The Town of Antigonish will be holding its first ever ‘Curbside Swap” this fall. Jack Macpherson, Chair of the Town’s Waste Committee, says town residents are encouraged to place any unwanted but usable items at the curb on Saturday, September 11th for others to re-use in the spirit of recycling. MacPherson says its an idea adopted from the Halifax Regional Municipality that may soon become mandatory throughout the province.
Jack MacPherson
MacPherson says residents will be responsible for collecting any items left sitting at their curb at the end of the day. Town Council has also approved dates for the ‘Bulky Item Pick-up’ and ‘Hazardous Waste Drop Off’ this fall.  Bulky items will be picked up at the curb on regular collections days from October 25th to the 27th; while the fall hazardous waste drop off will take place on October 22nd and 23rd.

August 16, 2010         Sobey’s Building New HQ in Stellarton

Sobey’s has announced plans to replace their headquarters in Stellarton with new 55-thousand-square foot, three storey office building at 116 King Street. The new Headquarters will be built on land just north of Sobey’s parent company’s office, Empire Company Limited, on the west side of King Street. The new building will continue to house senior executives as well as national finance, human resources, legal and loss prevention personnel. The new facility will replace the existing offices next door that have served as the company’s headquarters since 1946.

August 16, 2010        Thieves Steal Liquor from Inverness Wedding

There was a little less good cheer after a wedding this weekend in South West Margaree. The Inverness RCMP say a large amount of liquor was stolen around midnight on Sunday from a party tent set up for a wedding at a residence on Coady Road. Police says over 800-dollars worth of beer, yellow tail wine, and assorted liquor were stolen along with two rubber maid containers full of booze, a cooler, and 15 cases of empty bottles. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call crime stoppers or the Inverness detachment of the RCMP.

August 16, 2010        RCMP add to Impaired Driving Totals

RCMP in Antigonish apprehended 5 more impaired drives this weekend – bringing the count to ten drivers caught in the first half of the month of August. On Friday night,  a 57 year old man was caught near the West Lakevale area. Later that night, a 33 year old was stopped in Heatherton at a police checkpoint. On Saturday night RCMP stopped a 55 year old Wolfville native, once again near the West Lakevale area. Early Sunday morning a 33 year old woman was stopped on highway 104 in lower South river, and that same morning a 33 year old Port Hawkesbury man was stopped on Main Street Antigonish. There was one count of refusing to provide a breath sample and four counts of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. Impaired driving remains the leading cause of criminal death in Canada.

August 13, 2010         New Glasgow Police Service Seeking Public Help

The New Glasgow Police Service is investigating a disturbance on Trenton Road and seeking help from the public. A 29 year old male suspect assaulted a 25 year old female resident of Trenton Road, New Glasgow. There were two separate altercations, one starting at 6:30pm the other at 9:30pm, where the suspect then stabbed the resident of the house and  immediately fled the area. The suspect faces a number of charges including aggravated assault, force able confinement, possession of a dangerous weapon, breach of probation and breach of an undertaking. The suspect is described as a 29 year old adult male of  a medium build with black hair, 5 foot 4 inches tall and 160 pounds. Anyone with  information is asked to contact the New Glasgow Police Service or Crime Stoppers

August 13, 2010        RCMP to Enforce Crosswalk Rules

The RCMP is stepping up enforcement of crosswalk regulations in the Town of Antigonish. Police say the issue of pedestrian safety in the town’s crosswalks was raised a recent Police and Licensing Committee. The RCMP also cite road safety as one of their operational priorities this year. As a result, Police say they will be conducting an enforcement program on crosswalk violations in the downtown core. The fine for a first offense is 168-dollars and can reach as high as 340-dollars. Police  are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic signals and right-a-ways. The issue of crosswalk safety has made headlines on a number of occasions over the past two years in Antigonish. In March, a young person sustained minor injuries after being struck at a crosswalk on College and Main Street; while in November of 2008 a 70-year-old women died and another women was injured in two separate incidents at  the same crosswalk on the corner of  Brookland and Hawthorne Streets.

August 13, 2010         Grass Roots Revival at Keppoch

A new grass roots vision for the future of Keppoch is beginning to take shape. When the County of Antigonish scuttled plans to revive the downhill ski resort last August, a community based movement formed to keep the dream of a multi-season recreational resort alive. Dr. John Chiasson, a representative for the Positive Action For Keppoch group, says the difference this time around is a bottom-up approach where anyone can get involved and have input on the future of the mountain. Chiasson says the group is in the process of putting a business plan together that will allow them to approach various levels of government for funding.
Dr. John Chiasson
Chiasson says the mountain is also developing as a down hill mountain biking destination, having already hosted one down hill bike race this summer with another two races scheduled for September. Positive Action for Keppoch is extending an invitation to anyone who would like  to attend a professional Trail Building Workshop later this month. The Workshop, sponsored by Parks Canada and the Trans Canada Trail, will be led by the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Canada Trail Crew. The Workshop takes place at the Keppoch Clubhouse on Saturday, August 28th beginning at 9am and continues through Sunday, August 29th with a group bike ride.  For more information or to register for the workshop call 863-6466

August 13, 2010         Round-up of  Local Sports this Weekend

The CarQuest Maritime Pro-Stock Tour makes its final stop of the season in James River this weekend with the ‘Parts for Trucks 100′. A full day of action at  Riverside International Speedway gets started with practices runs at 2pm. The actual racing gets underway at 6pm on Saturday evening. While it’s the last of the pro-stock car tour races in James River this season, Riverside still has plenty left on the schedule with the Truck and Tractor Super Pull on August 27th and 28th  and the big ‘Katmatsu 300′ on the weekend of September 17th.

Atlantic Sires Stakes Harness racing makes a stop on Prince Edward Island this weekend as ‘Old Home Week’ gets underway in Charlottetown. 3-year-old pacing fillies take centre stage with two race cards scheduled for Saturday at the Charlottetown Driving Park. A 10-dash card gets underway at 1pm while post time for the 12-dash evening card on Saturday is 7pm.

The Boys Under-18 Highland Knights play a pair of games this weekend in the Nova Scotia Soccer League. The Knights entertain Cape Breton in Stellarton on Saturday at 4pm before traveling to Sackville to take on Suburban F-C on Sunday at 4pm. In other action, the Highland Knights Under-18 Girls host South Shore in Stellarton on Sunday at 2pm.

The Antigonish Celtics Under-12 Boys “B” team entertains Northern Nova this evening in the Highland Soccer League. Game time at the Regional Field is 6-thirty. Meanwhile,  a number of Celtics team will be taking part in the New Minas Invitational Soccer tournament this weekend.

It’s busy weekend in the Antigonish-Guysborough Fast Pitch league as the regular season winds down. The Heatherton Warriors travel to St. Joseph’s tonight for a 6-thirty start; while the League Leading Guysborough Broadhorns take a 9-game-winning streak into tonight’s double-header in Pomquet – that one gets underway this evening at 7p.m. Four teams are back in action in Sunday, with Pomquet in Heatherton for a double-header at 1-thirty;  while Arisaig entertains Guysborough for a  Double-header on Sunday afternoon  – that one also has a 1-thirty start time.

…and a quick note that Guysborough Midget Boys Softball team will be holding a bottle drive in Guysborough and the surrounding communities on Saturday morning.  If you live in those areas you can support the Midget Boys by leaving bottles and recyclables on your step to be picked up or you can drop off your returnables at the Guysborough Fire-hall after 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.

August 13, 2010        Police Investigating Possible Assault on MacIntosh

Halifax Police are investigating a reported assault on Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh by another inmate at the Nova Scotia Correctional Facility. The 67-year-old former businessmen was convicted of molesting two under-aged boys in North Eastern Nova Scotia stemming from incidents in the 1970′s. MacIntosh, who is appealing the convictions, had his bail application denied in a Halifax Courtroom yesterday. Police are now investigating a possible assault on MacIntosh said to have occurred in the back of a Sheriff’s van around 6-thirty last night. The Justice Department will not confirm that the assault was against MacIntosh, however,the Chronicle Herald  is  citing sources confirming Macintosh was the victim. Macintosh, who was convicted  on 13 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency in a Port Hawkesbury courtroom last month, is scheduled to be sentenced  on September 14.

August 13, 2010        Eyes in the Sky Finds Marijuana in Pictou County

A helicopter flying over Pictou County  yesterday brought trouble from above for local pot growers. The Pictou County Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit conducted a Marijuana eradication flight with an RCMP  chopper throughout the day on Thursday. Police say pot plants were discovered in various locations across the county which were then removed by law enforcement teams on the ground. In all, several hundred plants were seized. Police say no charges were laid yesterday but say the matter remains under investigation.

August 13, 2010        MacIntosh Denied Bail

A former businessman in North Eastern Nova Scotia appealing his sex-related convictions will remain in jail. 67-year-old Ernest Fenwick MacIntosh was found guilty last month for incidents involving two under-aged boys in the 1970′s. Macintosh is appealing his conviction on 13 charges of indecent assault and gross indecency. An application for bail while Macintosh awaits sentencing a decision on his appeal was denied in a Halifax court yesterday. Macintosh will be sentenced on September 14th.

August 12, 2010        Port Bickerton Funding

The province is supporting efforts in Port Bickerton to build a new home for the community’s  Fire Department and other services. The Department of Economic and Rural Development is providing nearly 67-thousand dollars to the Port Bickerton Subject Society and the Seashore Volunteer Fire Department.  M-L-A Jim Boudreau announced the funding in Port Bickerton this afternoon. Boudreau says that the combined fire hall and community centre will make services more accessible while also being more cost effective. The current community centre and fire station were both in need of major repairs. The province says the new facility will provide enhanced social and recreational activities, as well as health programs and other services.

August 12, 2010        Two More Impaired Drivers Apprehended

The Antigonish RCMP apprehended two more  impaired drivers last night. The RCMP say they responded to a single vehicle crash on highway 337 around 8-thirty p.m that led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male. Police say the man faces charges of  impaired driving and additional charges under the Controlled Substances Act. A second driver, a 22-year-old man from the Town of Antigonish, is also facing impaired driving charges after being stopped around midnight near his residence on Brookland Street. Both men will appear in court in early October to answer to the charges.

August 12, 2010        Port Hawkesbury Supports Biosphere Reserve

The Mayor of Port Hawkesbury is lending his support to the campaign to have the Bras d’ Or Lakes declared a biosphere reserve. Billy Joe MacLean says that the UNESCO designation would help ensure the Bras’ D’ Or Lakes natural beauty and maintain its healthy, productive surroundings for future generations. MacLean adds that the international recognition that comes with a UNESCO designation would heighten the profile of Cape Breton island. A local initiative to have the Bras D’or Lakes declared a UNESCO Biosphere reserve was submitted to the United Nations body in June.

August 11, 2010         RCMP Respond To Three Accidents In Antigonish

RCMP responded to three separate accidents early this morning, all within the Antigonish area. At six o’clock this morning a two vehicle collision occurred on the Post Road Antigonish. At approximately six thirty this morning a vehicle went off the highway near James River and rolled onto it’s roof. No reports of any injuries. An hour later, three vehicles collided on West Street near ST.F.X. campus, with one person sustaining minor injuries. It is believed that the heavy rains this morning played a factor in all three accidents.  RCMP are reminding motorists to drive with caution in such wet conditions.

August 11, 2010        New Year’s Murder Suspect’s Arraignment Postponed

A man charged with murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve Party in Antigonish has had his arraignment postponed. 20-year-old Robert Harris Lamb made a brief court appearance this morning in Antigonish where his arraignment was postponed until August 30th to give him more time to find a lawyer. Lamb’s  first court appearance earlier this week was suspended for the same reason.  The Dartmouth native is charged in the death of 25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour.  Beaton died in hospital about 4 hours after police were called to break up a brawl on January 1st at a house party on College Street.

August 11, 2010         Province announces funding for Canso

The province is providing funding for two community led initiatives in the Town of Canso. The Department of Economic and Rural Development is providing 66-thousand-dollars to the Canso Library Resource Society. Renee Albrecht, a representative for the society says the funding will provide Canso with a modern library resource centre and help provide educational programming. The province is also providing 12-thousand-5-hundred dollars in funding for the Canso Harbour Authority.  The announcements were made by M-L-A Jim Boudreau during a community event in the town of this Canso this  morning.

August 11, 2010         Province Invests in Guysborough Waterfront Building

The Jost Wharf Building on the Guysborough waterfront is getting some help from the province. The Department of Economic and Rural Development is investing 20-thousand -dollars into the revitalization effort. M-L-A Jim Boudreau made the announcement this morning at the building site on Main Street in Guysborough.  Boudreau called the funding a sustainable investment that has the potential to benefit the Guysborough area for years to come. The Jost building is used for community meetings and events, but requires significant renovations to remain safe and sustainable. It’s hoped the building will see more use and  increased rental income once the renovations are completed.

August 11, 2010         Vandal in Margaree

Thousands of dollars worth of damage to construction equipment was narrowly averted in Margaree  last night. The Inverness RCMP say they were advised overnight that a vandal had poured sugar into the gas tank of an excavator belonging to a resident on the West Big Intervale Road. Police say the potential for damage to the equipment would have been in the thousands. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the Inverness detachment of the RCMP.

August 11, 2010         Antigonish Gateway Study Underway

The Gateway to Antigonish study is officially underway. The study aims to  prepare and plan for the impact of the new highway on the region  A steering committee, made up of representatives from the town, county, chamber of commerce, tourism representatives and St. F. X University met yesterday afternoon. Last night, local residents  were invited to give their input at a public workshop. The Antigonish RDA has hired EKISTICS,  an architectural landscape and urban design firm to develop the gateway strategy.   Jill Robertson with EKISTICS says she expects a draft plan will be presented in November and the project should wrap up in December. Approximately 35 people turned out for last night’s workshop at the Keating Centre to discuss their vision for the community after the new highway goes in. Most agreed that important key entry points from the highway need to be made attractive to draw  travelers into the community. Other suggestions included preventing unsightly commercial development on the old trans Canada, sinage and a creating welcoming rest stop. The group also raised the importance of the two municipalities working together to ensure the plan will contribute to the beauty and growth of the region..  The Antigonish Regional Development Authority will be placing an online survey on their website for community input. You can also contact Ekistics by both email and phone – the contact information can be found under the news section on the XFM website.

To contact Ekistics

Jill Robertson ,csla

jill@ekistics.net

Phone: (902) 461-2525

Fax (902) 465-3131

August 11, 2010        New Year’s Murder Suspect Due in Antigonish Court

A man charged with murder in the death of a man at a New Year’s Eve Party in Antigonish is  scheduled to return to court this morning. 20-year-old Robert Harris Lamb had his arraignment on Monday adjourned to give him more time to consult with a lawyer. Lamb is expected to appear in Antigonish Provincial Court at 10-thirty this morning. The Dartmouth native is charged in the death of 25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour.  Beaton died in hospital about 4 hours after police were called to break up a brawl at New Year’s Eve Party on College Street. Police apprehended Lamb last week at the apartment of a relative in Lunenberg. Authorities had been searching for Lamb since a Canada Wide Warrant was issued for his arrest in February.

August 10, 2010        Antigonish Gateway Public Workshop

A Public Workshop will be held this evening in Antigonish looking for ways to maximize the areas potential. The workshop is being hosted by the Antigonish Regional Development Authority and Ekistics Planning, the company hired to develop a gateway strategy for Antigonish Town and County.  The project is looking for ideas on how to promote development and plan for the impact the twinning of  highway 104 will have on the region. The public workshop takes place tonight at the Keating Centre beginning at 7pm.

August 10, 2010        Job Fair for Glen Dhu Wind Farm

A major new employer in Antigonish and Pictou Counties will be holding a job fair on Thursday as work ramps up on the Glen Dhu wind farm. With road construction complete, Shear Wind Incorporated’s 170-million-dollar, 62 megawatt project that straddles the border of Pictou and Antigonish Counties is moving into the turbine installation phase. Shear Wind and its affiliated sub-contractors are looking  for workers in administration, labour, maintenance, security and onsite logistics. Shear Wind’s Chief Operating Officer Ian Tillard says the job-fair hopes to fill a few positions immediately as well as identify potential workers for future phases of the development
Ian Tillard
Tillard says they hope to have the 30-turbine wind farm up and running at full capacity by early 2011. The job-fair takes place this Thursday at the  Lismore Community Centre between the hours of noon and 4p.m.

August 9, 2010       (Update) New Year’s Murder Suspect Appears in Antigonish Court

Extra Security was on hand this morning as Robert Harris Lamb made a brief court appearance in Antigonish. The 20-year-old Dartmouth Native is facing a charge of second degree murder in connection with a New Year’s Eve Party in Antigonish. This morning’s arraignment was adjourned to give Lamb more time to consult with a lawyer. Lamb has been remanded back into custody  until Wednesday morning where he’s expected to face a bail hearing.  Lamb is charged in the death of 25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour. Beaton died in hospital on January 1st,  about four hours after police were called to break up a brawl at a house party on College Street. Police apprehended Lamb last week at a relative’s apartment in Lunenberg. Authorities had been searching for Lamb since a Canada Wide Warrant was issued for his arrest in February.

August 9, 2010          Antigonish RCMP Continue to Nab Impaired Drivers

The Antigonish RCMP apprehended two more impaired drivers over the weekend. Police say a 43-year-old man is facing charges of impaired driving and refusing a breathalyzer test after being arrested on James Street shortly before 3pm on Saturday afternoon. During the early morning hours of Sunday,  a second man was arrested on Highland Drive. The 21-year-old driver failed a breathalyzer test and  faces charges of impaired driving

August 9, 2010          Hunter Makes Mess in Broad Cove

The Inverness RCMP say they believe a hunter is responsible for leaving a Broad Cove Property in a mess. Police say someone cut down trees and left behind fish bins, a moose hide and animal carcases on  property located at 275 Campbellton Road. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers or the Inverness RCMP

August 9, 2010          New Year’s Murder Suspect Due in Antigonish Court

Roberts Harris Lamb is expected to make his first court appearance in Antigonish today. The 20-year-old Dartmouth Native is facing a charge of second degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour. Beaton died in hospital about 4 hours after police were called to break up a brawl at New Year’s Eve Party on College Street. Police apprehended Lamb last week at the apartment of a relative in Lunenberg. Authorities had been searching for Lamb since a Canada Wide Warrant was issued for his arrest in February.

August 9, 2010          Local Athletes at National Youth Track and Field Championships

A trio of local athletes had strong performances  this weekend at the Canadian Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships in Ottawa. Heatherton’s Mike Tate returns home as the Boys Under-16 National Champion in the 2000-meters. Tate also captured  second place finish in the 1200-meters and 5th place finish in the 800-meters. Inverness County’s Haley Wilson reached the podium with a 3rd place finish the Girls Under-16 Long Jump. Wilson also recorded finishes of 6th in the 100-meters, 19th in the 200-meters and 5th as a member of Nova Scotia’s 4-by-400m relay team. Arisaig’s Eilish MacQuarrie rounds out the local accolades at the National Championships with a 14th place finish in the Girls Under-18 400-meters, a 19th place finish in the 200m and a 5th place finish as a member of Nova Scotia’s 4-by-100m relay team.

August 6, 2010          Accident at Intersection of Highway 104 and Beech Hill Road

Emergency vehicles were on the scene of a three vehicle collision near the intersection of highway 104 and the Beech Hill Road. A vehicle traveling south along Beech Hill Road, crossing highway 104, struck another vehicle traveling east bound, which caused the first vehicle to continue and strike a third, parked vehicle, in the north bound lane of Beech Hill Road. Two people were taken to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital with minor injuries, treated and then released. The investigation is on going, though alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

August 6, 2010          Navy Celebration in Bayfield

Bayfield will welcome representatives of the Canadian Navy tomorrow as they honour the history of ship named after the community.  The Navy will present the community with a plaque in memory of the  HMCS Bayfield as part of the Navy’s 100th anniversary celebrations. The HMCS Bayfield was a second World War era Bangor Class Minesweeper first launched in 1941. The Bayfield took part in the Juno Beach D-Day operation before being decommissioned in 1948. The Plaque ceremony takes place at the Bayfield Community Center on the Bayfield Beach Road beginning at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. The Navy’s presentation will be followed by a barbeque supper and fund-raiser co-sponsored by the Harbour Authority of Bayfield and St. Mary’s Church.

August 6, 2010          Accident at Intersection of Highway 104 and Beech Hill Road

Emergency vehicles are on the scene of a collision near the intersection of highway 104 and the Beech Hill Road. There appears to be at least two vehicles involved in the collision. Traffic is flowing on highway 104 but drivers should use caution in the area. We’ll have more details as they become available.

August 6, 2010           Nova Scotia Employment Dips

The economy lost 93-hundred jobs last month, a stark contrast to the gain of more than 12-thousand jobs that economists had forecast. In it’s latest job report, Statistics Canada shows the national unemployment rate rose for the first time in almost a year, climbing one-tenth of a point to eight per cent. Nova Scotia posted a gain of 9-thousand part time jobs in July, but the province also shed 85-hundred full time jobs.  Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate grew to 9.3-per-cent in July,  up from 8.8-per-cent in June, due largely to an increase in the number of people entering the workforce.  Nova Scotia now has the third highest unemployment rate in the country, ahead of only P-E-I at 10.8-per-cent and Newfoundland at 15-per-cent. Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 5.1-per-cent.

August 6, 2010          Pictou County Fire

A fire sending smoke into the air, visible over highway 104 in Pictou County,  is now under control. Paul Schnurr of the Merigomish Fire Department says crews from 6 different fire departments, including Antigonish County,  have been battling the garbage pile blaze in Broadway, Pictou County since about 11a.m. yesterday morning. Excavators are also being used to fight the fire. Schnurr says the fire in the tightly packed pile of demolition and construction debris had likely been burning unnoticed for some time before erupting into a full blown blaze yesterday morning.

August 5, 2010          Former Moncton Wildcat Captain Joins X-Men

The ST. F. X.  X-Men have announced that New Glasgow native and last years captain of the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats, Scott Brannon, will be joining the X-Men hockey program this season. X-Men head coach Brad Peddle calls Brannon an impact player, a leader, and one of last season’s  best power forwards in the Quebec league.  Brannon captained the Wildcats to a Quebec Major Junior Championship last season and an appearance in the Memorial Cup.

August 5, 2010           New Page Releases Second Quarter Results

The Parent Company of the New Page Port Hawkesbury Mill remains optimistic despite reporting a net loss of 174-million-dollars during the second quarter of 2010.  Ohio based New Page  reported a net loss of just 6-million-dollars during the same quarter of 2009. New Page says the expiration of tax credits, lower sale prices and less market-related downtime at their mills accounted for the losses. However, the company says there is evidence of a turnaround in the market, with net sales of 890-million-dollars during the second quarter of 2010, up from 736-million during the same quarter of 2009. The Port Hawkesbury Mill is New Page’s only operation in Canada. Last month New Page issued a warning to the American Securities and Exchange Commission that the high value of the Canadian-dollar was making it difficult to assure the future profitability of the Port Hawkesbury Mill.

August 5, 2010     Antigonish New Year’s Eve Party Murder Suspect Arrested

The RCMP have arrested a man facing a murder charge in connection with a New Year’s Eve Party in Antigonish. Police say 20-year-old Robert Harris Lamb of Dartmouth was arrested without incident around 10:45 p.m. last night at an apartment in Lunenburg. Lamb faces a charge of second degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Jonathon Beaton of South Side Harbour. Beaton died in hospital about 4 hours after police were called to break up a brawl at New Year’s Eve Party on College Street. In May,  the RCMP asked for the assistance of police in Calgary and said they had reason to believe Lamb had fled to Alberta where he has family. Lamb had been wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant since early February.

August 5, 2010               SRSB to Welcome New Principals

The Strait Regional School Board will soon welcome four new school Principals. The Board is in the process of finalizing it’s staffing for the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Jack Beaton says  the Board should be ready to introduce the newly appointed principals within the next couple of days.
Jack Beaton
Beaton says the four schools with new principals for the upcoming year are Dr. J. H. Gillis Regional High, Antigonish Education Centre,  East Antigonish Education Centre, and St. Mary’s Edcuation Centre in Sherbrooke.

August 5, 2010        St. Mary’s and School Review Update

The Strait Regional School Board is in the process of finalizing the hiring of professional consultants who will begin planning for the new primary-to-grade-12 school in Sherbrooke.  The School Board voted in March to close St Mary’s Education Centre and move the students to nearby St. Mary’s Academy. Superintendent Jack Beaton says once the consultants are in place the planning process will move forward.
Jack Beaton
Beaton says the next phase in the review process for three other schools facing possible closure is expected to be completed soon. Beaton says the Impact Assessment reports for H.M. MacDonald in Maryvale, Reverand H. J MacDonald in Heatherton, and Canso Academy should be presented to the board before the end of September.

August 5, 2010          Mulgrave School Will be Ready for September

The Strait Regional School Board expects Mulgrave Memorial Education Centre will be ready for the start of classes this fall. Routine testing at the school in June turned up a small percentage of asbestos in a second floor ceiling sample. Superintendent Jack Beaton says the traces of asbestos were found as a result of summer renovations at the school.
Jack Beaton
The School Board hired Pinchin LeBlanc Environmental in June to conduct further tests after the initial discovery of Asbestos. Follow-up air quality samples taken from throughout the school all came back clean.

August 4, 2010          Property Damage in Arichat

The RCMP are investigating a complaint of property damage in Arichat early yesterday morning. Police says sometime between 1a.m. and 5a.m. on Tuesday someone threw blue and black paint on the front of a building located at 14 Bay Street in Arichat. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Arichat RCMP or call Crimestoppers.

August 4, 2010          RCMP Investigating Antigonish Collision

A man was taken to hospital after a vehicle lost control in the Town of Antigonish last night. The RCMP say the single motor vehicle collision occurred around 11-thirty on Tuesday night at the corner of Brookland and College Streets. Police say the driver of the vehicle was heading down College Street and was turning onto Brookland when he lost control and collided wit a nearby tree. The driver, the lone occupant of the vehicle, was taken to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Police say the incident is still under investigation and are asking anyone with information to contact the Antigonish detachment of the RCMP.

August 4, 2010          X-Women Jenna Downey Invited to National Camp

X-Women Hockey Blue-liner Jenna Downey has been invited  to take part in the Hockey Canada’s national women’s Under-22 team selection camp being held this week in Toronto. Downey, a tough six-foot presence on the X-Women’s Blueline,  just completed her first year at St. F. X racking up 50 penalty minutes and 12 points in 24 games. Downey, a native of Stratford Ontario,  is one of just 3 C-I-S player to be invited to the national team try-outs.

August 4, 2010          Weather Suspected in Highway 104 Accidents

Early this morning RCMP responded to 3 reports of vehicles that had slid of Highway 104 between exit 17 and Mount Thom. No one was injured and RCMP report that heavy rains and the build up of water on the highway had been a factor in all 3 collisions. Heavy rain is causing poor visibility and pooling water could result in hydroplaning and a loss of control. RCMP are reminding the public to drive with caution.

August 3, 2010           New CEO at New Page

The parent company of the New Page Port Hawkesbury mill has a new C-E-O. George F. Martin has been elected by New Page to take over leadership of the company. The company says Martin brings 27-years of proven leadership and operations experience in the paper industry. Today’s announcement marks the third C-E-O at New Page this year. Ohio based NewPage Corporation
owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Port Hawkesbury.

August 3, 2010           Property Damage in Port Hawkesbury

The RCMP in Port Hawkesbury is hoping someone will come forward to help solve an incident of property damage last night. Police says that sometime during the overnight hours, someone through two large rocks through the windows of a parked vehicle at the Cardail Trailer Court. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Port Hawkesbury RCMP or call Crime-Stopper where you may be eligible for a cash reward.

August 3, 2010           New Crown Attorney in Port Hawkesbury

A new Crown Attorney has been appointed for Port Hawkesbury.  The Public Prosecution Service announced today that Halifax native Michelle MacDonald will join the Port Hawkesbury Office. MacDonald graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2006, is a former president of the Mainland Nova Scotia Elizabeth Fry Society  and was active in the Aboriginal Law Student Association. Prior to today’s appointment, MacDonald had been serving as Legal aid counsel at the Provincial Court in Halifax.

August 3, 2010           Group Launches Website in Campaign Against Wind Farm

A local group fighting against a large wind-farm project in Antigonish and Pictou counties has launched a new website. The Eco-Awareness Society, based in Bailey’s Brook, now have an online home at www.ecoawarenesssociety.ca The group formed in response to the Glen Dhu Wind farm project, a development that will see 16 turbines erected in Pictou County and 14 turbines  in the Brown’s Mountain Area of Antigonish County. The Eco-Awareness Society is concerned about the effects the turbines will have on human and animal health as well as  the landscape. In May, the province’s Utility and Review Board dismissed an appeal by launched by the society to stop the development. Shear Wind Incorporated  is expected to begin the installation of the turbines this fall.

July 30, 2010             Biomass Hearing Suspended

A hearing on Nova Scotia Power and New Page Port Hawkesbury’s application  for a 200-million-dollar biomass proposal has been suspended.  The last day of the hearing had been scheduled for today, but the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board decided yesterday to put the hearing on hold so the regulatory body could compare the  project to other renewable energy proposals. The Port Hawkesbury mill and Nova Scotia Power applied to the U-A-R-B back in April for approval of the project that would see waste-products from the mill and low quality harvested wood burned to produce 3-per-cent of the provinces electricity needs. The provincial power utility was required to issue a request for competing renewable energy proposals. The deadline for those proposals was  July 15th. The province’s regulatory body decided yesterday that it wants to examine those proposals before making any decision on the Port Hawkesbury Biomass project.

July 30, 2010            Break, Enter and Theft in Cameron Settlement

The Sherbrooke office of the RCMP is investigating a major break, enter and theft from at a residence in Cameron Settlement earlier this week. Police say the theft on Cameron Settlement Road occurred sometime between Tuesday and 10am yesterday morning. Among the items stolen from the residence are a shotgun, pellet gun, a Sears Lawn Tractor, a Honda 4 wheeler ATV, a chain saw, liquor, a flat screen television, and a video camera. The stolen property is valued at more than 14-thousand-dollars. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the Sherbrooke office of the RCMP

July 29, 2010             Antigonish RBC Branch Manager Reacts to Tonet Sentencing

The Branch Manager of the RBC in Antigonish says he’s happy a former employee accused of stealing over a half-million-dollars from the branch has accepted responsibility for her actions. 45-year-old Sharon Louise Tonet was sentenced yesterday to 18 months of house arrest;  to be followed by 6 months of curfew and 24 months of probation after pleading guilty to making a false document.  Tonet was also issued a standing restitution order to repay the branch 517-thousand-dollars and ordered not to have any contact with any current or former employees. Branch Manager Rob Dawe says the bank will take any and all action available under the law when employee fraud is discovered; and says criminals will be caught and prosecuted.

Rob Dawe

Dawe says he’s extremely proud of the way branch employees serviced their clients through a trying time and notes that the investigation cleared all of the other employees at the branch of any wrong doing. Tonet served as Manager of Client Care at the branch until she was transferred to Sydney in 2007.  During the Crown’s presentation of the agreed upon facts in the case, court heard that Tonet cursed at, bullied and physically threatened subordinates in a way that allowed her to circumvent normal bank operating procedures. Tonet, who was responsible for auditing the banks treasury, was found to have unexplained deposits totaling 517-thousand-dollars in her personal bank account.

July 29, 2010             Ghost Boat Found by Port Bickerton Coast Guard

The RCMP in Sherbrooke are investigating after a ghost boat was found a drift in the ocean. The Port Bickerton Canadian Coast Guard located the ship after receiving a call around 5am on Wednesday from another boat that spotted the empty red-and-white 12-foot sail boat. The RCMP say there was no sign of individuals around the craft and no reports of missing people. Police say two oars were tied up inside the boat and that it appears to have been in the water for some time. The Coast Guard conducted a 24-hour drift pattern study that determined the owner of the boat may be in Guysborough County, ranging from Liscomb to Port-Bickerton. Anyone with information about the mystery boat is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the RCMP

July 29, 2010             Former X-Men Basketball Player Pleaded Guilty

A former basketball player at St. F. X has plead guilty to seven counts if indecent exposure. 25-year-old Neil James MacDonald entered the pleas during his first court appearance in Sydney. MacDonald was arrested in March after a women in Halifax told police a man exposed himself and committed an indecent act. All seven of the incidents occurred in South End Halifax. MacDonald, a native of North Sydney, was successful in having the case transferred from Halifax to Sydney earlier this week. Macdonald is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8th after the completion of a pre-sentence report and a sex offender assessment. The Former X-Men Basketball stand out went on to play professionally in Europe after his varsity career at St. F. X

July 28, 2010            Tonet Handed Conditional Sentence

A former employee of the Royal Bank accused of stealing over a half-million-dollars from the Antigonish Main Street branch has been handed a conditional sentence of 2 years less a day. Provincial Court Justice Robert Straud accepted the joint recommendation of the crown and defense in sentencing 45-year-old Sharon Louise Tonet to 18 months of house arrest to be followed by 6 months of curfew and 24 months of probation. Tonet was also issued a standing restitution order to repay the branch 517-thousand-dollars and ordered not to have any contact with any current or former employees..

Tonet  served as Manager of Client Care at the branch until she was transferred to Sydney in 2007.  During the Crown’s presentation of the agreed upon facts in the case,  court heard that Tonet cursed at, bullied and physically threatened subordinates in a way that allowed her to circumvent normal bank operating procedures. The investigation cleared all of the other employees from any wrong doing, including the branch’s Chief Teller who was asked by the bank to accept early retirement at the time of the investigation.

Excerpts from numerous victim impact statements submitted from employees at the branch were also read into the record during yesterday’s proceeding. The statements outlined a general feeling of intimidation and fear in working under Tonet;  and some employees cited trauma from being investigated due to Tonet’s illegal activities.

In her position at the bank, Tonet was responsible for auditing the branch’s cash treasury holdings. Tonet pleaded guilty in May to a charge of making false documents that wrongly detailed what the bank’s treasury assets were between December 31st, 2005 and March 1st of 2007.  The investigation couldn’t determine exactly how much money was missing, but found that 517-thousand-dollars of unexplained deposits had been made to Tonet’s personal bank account.

Two additional charges of theft over 5-thousand-dollars and defrauding the bank of over 5-thousand-dollars were withdrawn during yesterday’s sentencing in Antigonish.

July 28, 2010                Eco-Funding Announcement

The provincial government has announced over 1-million-dollars in new green funding for North Eastern Nova Scotia. The Eco-Nova Scotia funding announcement was made this morning at town hall in Antigonish by M-L-A Moe Smith. Smith says the new People’s Place Library in Antigonish will become a showcase green facility with an investment of over 400-thousand-dollars from the province. Other projects receiving money include; 20-thousand-dollars to the County of Antigonish toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle and energy saving upgrades to landfill and water works buildings; Guysborough County will see a 94-thousand-dollar investment  for the installation of solar panels at Chedabucto Place Pool and the Chedabucto Education Centre; over 138-thousand-dollars will go to the District of St. Mary’s for the construction of a new energy efficient municipal administration and library building; and the Town of New Glasgow will receive 156-thousand dollars to install a wind turbine that will provide electricity at the Town’s  water treatment plant.

July 28, 2010            Tonet to be Sentenced this Afternoon

A former employee of the Royal Bank in Antigonish accused of stealing about half-a-million dollars from the town-branch will be sentenced this afternoon on a charge of making a false document. 45-year-old Sharon Louise Tonet, who now lives in Sydney, pled guilty to the charge in May. Two other charges against Tonet, theft over five-thousand-dollars and defrauding the bank of over-five-thousand dollars are expected to be withdrawn during her court appearance this afternoon. Tonet’s sentencing is scheduled for 2pm this afternoon at the Antigonish Courthouse.

July 27, 2010            Stanley Cup Coming to Antigonish

The Stanley Cup is coming to Antigonish. Al MacIsaac, Senior Director of Hockey Operations with the NHL’s cup winning Chicago Blackhawks will be bringing Lord Stanley’s mug home to Antigonish on Tuesday, August 31st. MacIsaac says the most exciting thing about winning the cup is having a chance to share it with your home town.

Al MacIsaac

The Cup will be at the Keating Centre on August 31st between 1pm and 5pm; and at Piper’s Pub in the evening from 8 to 11p.m. Members of the public will have a chance to get their picture taken with the Cup. There will also be T-Shirts for sale to commemorate the event with all proceeds going to the Antigonish Care-Van.

July 27, 2010             Former X-Men Basketball Player has Case Moved to Sydney

A former X-Men basketball player has had his indecent exposure case moved to Sydney. 25-year-old Neil James MacDonald faces seven counts of indecent exposure from incidents that are alleged to have occurred in the South End of Halifax earlier this year. MacDonald was arrested in March and asked to have the case transferred to Cape Breton. He’s  scheduled to make his first court appearance in Sydney on Wednesday. MacDonald is originally from North Sydney and went on to play professional basketball in Europe after his varsity career at St. F. X.

July 27, 2010            Nova Scotians Eating Less Local Food

A new study shows  that Nova Scotians are eating less local food than they were  a decade ago. The study says that in 1997 an estimated 17 per cent of the money people spent on food went to farmers in the province.  That figure had dropped to 13 per cent by 2008. The results are from a joint study by the Ecology Action Centre and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.  The study looked at  66 food products and found that  on average they were traveling nearly 4-thousand kilometers before ending up on dinner plates in Nova Scotia.  The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture is launching a new website in conjunction with today’s official release of the report. Spokesperson Wanda Hamilton tells X-FM’s Farmer’s Forum that the aim of the website is to reconnect Nova Scotians with their local food producers.

Wanda Hamilton

The new website;  featuring farmer profiles, events and videos can be found at www.meetyourfarmer.ca

July 27, 2010             Antigonish Supports Contact East

The Town of Antigonish is providing a 10-thousand-dollar contribution to Contact East 2010. The Performance Arts Showcase takes place in Antigonish at venues on the campus of St. F. X.  from September 23rd-to-26th. The event is known as ‘Atlantic Canada’s premier performing arts trade show’ and will showcase 50 live performances in music, theatre, comedy and dance. Hundreds of presenters, producers and talent scouts are expected to attend the four day event. The organizing committee has already scheduled a news conference for August 19th at the Immaculata Auditorium where they expect to make a number of announcements concerning sponsorship, attending delegates, guest speakers and programs new to this year’s event. X-FM is the presenting media sponsor for Contact East 2010. A full schedule of events and information on the artists who will be performing can be found at www.contacteast.ca

July 27, 2010            Mulgrave to Honour Emily Forrest

Emily Forrest will be recognized for her contributions this morning by the Town of Mulgrave. Forrest is walking nearly 3-thousand kilometers of the province’s coastline to encourage healthy living and exercise in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She’s also walking in support of Brigadoon Village, a year round camp facility in the Annapolis Valley for Children and youth living with a chronic illness. Forrest began her walk in May, traveling an average of 40-kilometers a day and stopping in 88 communities across the province. Mulgrave Mayor Marney Simmons will welcome Forrest at the Mulgrave Heritage Centre this morning at 11am.

July 26, 2010            RCMP Policing at Evolve

The Antigonish RCMP say the Evolve Festival in Black Avon didn’t pose any major policing issues although a number of arrests were made during the course of the event. Police say two males were arrested on drug related charges, one for possession and one for possession for the purpose of trafficking. Three people were arrested for intoxication in a public place and one person was arrested for breach of the peace. The RCMP say they also assisted Emergency Health Services with at least two medical emergencies at the festival site.

July 26, 2010            RCMP Charge Two More Impaired Drivers

The RCMP in Antigonish are continuing to crackdown on impaired drivers with two more arrests over the weekend. Police say a 29-year-old man was arrested and charged with failing a breathalyzer test on Friday. On Saturday, a 24-year-old man was arrested and charged with refusing a breathalyzer. The Antigonish RCMP are expressing their appreciation to the public for reporting suspected cases of impaired driving.

July 26, 2010            Claire MacDonald Wins in Truro

Antigonish’s Claire MacDonald opened Atlantic Grand Circuit race-week with a 158-and-2 win with “Abby Best” at Truro raceway on Sunday. MacDonald and ‘Abby Best’  were the returning champions from last year. The bulk of yesterday’s 36-hundred-dollar purse goes to “Abby Best”  owner Angus MacLean. Grand Circuit Week racing resumes tomorrow night in Truro at 7pm.

July 26, 2010            RCMP Investigating Suspicious Fire

The Antigonish RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire. Police say the fire occurred in dumpster behind the Antigonish Mall on Church street between 9pm and 9-thirty on Sunday night. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime-Stoppers or the Antigonish Detachment of the RCMP.