Community rallies to replace tires stolen off volunteer fire department vehicle

As the RCMP investigates the theft of four tires off an East River Valley Volunteer Fire Department medical first response vehicle, offers of support are coming from across North America.  The theft happened sometime between 9:45 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  The fully marked SUV was left up on blocks after all four tires were taken.  With the vehicle being such a vital piece of equipment for the fire department, the theft has resulted in a risk to public safety.  The East River Valley Fire Department has received numerous donation offers to cover the costs for new tires and rims, and thanks to that generosity, it should be back on the road by midday today.  Meanwhile, anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Pictou County District RCMP at 902-755-4141 or contact Crime Stoppers.  The tires were 265/70R17 BF Goodrich All Terrain tires and were on black steel rims.

 

Traffic stop leads to arrest and seizure of weapons and drugs in Plymouth

A traffic stop Tuesday by Pictou District RCMP resulted in a 27-year-old Stellarton man being arrested and the seizure of weapons and drugs.  It was shortly after 1:00 a.m. when police stopped a vehicle on Holland Lane in Plymouth for having an obstructed licence plate. While speaking with the driver, police spotted illegal cigarettes in the vehicle and the driver was arrested under the Revenue Act.  In their investigation, police also found the driver had firearms and drugs. Police seized a shotgun, a rifle, suspected methamphetamine, illegal cigarettes, ammunition, a cellphone and cash.  He’s been remanded into custody and is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and other firearms offences.

 

Better Business Bureau warns of fraudulent landscaping company in N.S.

Better Business Bureau is warning Nova Scotians, particularly those in the Truro area, about a fraudulent landscaping company called M.M Property Specialists that is mainly targeting senior citizens. The Bureau has received multiple calls from concerned residents who paid deposits for the business to do landscaping on their property. Once the deposit was paid, the business was unresponsive and never showed up to do the job. It’s been reported to the Better Business Bureau that M.M Property Specialists Inc. advertises on local Facebook buy and sell pages, and entices people by offering a 25% discount to senior citizens and referrals. The business asks for a deposit between $250-$400 and sets a date to come back and do the work. However, once payment is received they become unreachable and do not show up to do the work as promised.

 

Nova Scotia reports new COVID-19 death, 7 new cases

On Wednesday, Nova Scotia reported one death related to COVID-19 — a man in his 60s in Western Zone.  Dr. Robert Strang says it is “difficult and upsetting” to hear another Nova Scotian’s life has been taken by the virus. He renewed calls on all Nova Scotians to go out and get their vaccinations. The province also reported seven new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, along with five recoveries, as the active number of cases in the province rises to 50. Four of the new cases were identified in the province’s Central zone. Three are related to travel and one is a close contact of a previously reported case. Two new cases were identified in the Eastern zone. One is a close contact to a previously reported case and one is under investigation. One new case was identified in the Northern zone and is under investigation. Public Health says it is closely monitoring all four health zones for community spread.

Nova Scotia Health Public Health is advising of potential exposures to COVID-19 at locations in Northern and Eastern Zones, and one Air Canada flight.  All potential exposure notifications are listed here: http://www.nshealth.ca/covid-exposures

Dalhousie University in Halifax is requiring everyone on campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — or submit to testing twice a week.  Several other universities in the Atlantic region have already introduced a similar policy ahead of the fall semester. As well, the university will require masks to be worn on campus through September.

 

Gas drops 4.1 c/L in N.B. on Thursday

There was a drop in fuel prices in New Brunswick overnight.  Regular self-serve gas is down 4.1 cents this morning and diesel dropped 2.9 cents per litre.  Nova Scotia sets its fuel prices at midnight tonight.

 

Bluenose II will be in Pictou this weekend

Photo credit: Bluenose II Facebook

The Bluenose II will be visiting Pictou Harbour on their sail by tour this Saturday. Arrival time in each port is typically between 4-6pm and departure is typically between 8-9am, although it is dependent on conditions and special events.  Their mobile exhibit will be on site at the Hector Heritage Quay. Exhibit will be open from 1 pm till 7pm with free admission.

 

Day 12 on the federal election campaign trail

The Liberal and Conservative leaders are staying central for Day 12 of the federal election campaign, while the head of the NDP is expected to spend most the day in Winnipeg. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau will be in Quebec City in the morning for an announcement about supporting seniors. In Ottawa, Conserative Leader Erin O’Toole is scheduled to make an announcement at noon, before hosting a virtual town hall with Nova Scotians. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is expected to make two announcements in Winnipeg — one about housing and the other with heads of Manitoba First Nations. Singh will then cross the boundary into Ontario for a meet and greet at the Kenora airport. On Wednesday, the main political parties made varying promises to help make everything from housing to food to mobile phone bills less costly. (The Canadian Press)