Police investigating attempted robbery at New Glasgow gas bar Thursday

NGRP photo of suspect involved in the attempted robbery (submitted)

New Glasgow Regional Police are investigating an attempted robbery Thursday night at Wilsons Gas Bar on Marsh Street.  A man entered the store carrying a shovel and demanded cigarettes. After a brief verbal altercation with a staff member, the suspect immediately fled the area on foot. Police are looking to identify the suspect who is described as being an adult man, approximately 5 foot 10 inches tall, medium build, wearing a blue hoodie with white letters UNH Hockey, wearing yellow plaid pants, black sneakers and black and yellow gloves.  If anyone has information on this suspect they are asked to call the New Glasgow Regional Police at 902-752-1941.  Should you wish to remain anonymous call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.‎

 

RCMP issue 21 fines and 3 warnings to drivers speeding through local construction zone this week

RCMP North East Nova Traffic Services were in Pictou County Thursday to check for speeders in construction zones. Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, police issued 21 fines and 3 warnings to drivers speeding through a construction zone on Highway 104 in Priestville.

 

Glen Haven Manor appoints interim administrator 

The Glen Haven Manor board of directors has appointed Jane MacDonald as interim administrator of the long-term care facility as CEO Lisa Smith has been placed on administrative leave.  The administrative leave is pending a review of facility operations.  The Board took the step after getting a recommendation from the Department of Health, Wellness and Long Term Care.   It’s believed the review could take 5-to-6 weeks to complete.

 

N.S. premier pledges to expand virtual health-care network across the province

Photo credit: Getty/shironosov

The Nova Scotia government is expanding its online virtual health-care program to ensure all Nova Scotians have access to primary care.  Premier Tim Houston made the announcement Thursday, saying the program, called VirtualCareNS, has been operating in the province’s northern and western zones since last spring.  He says the government will spend $1.3 million to expand the pilot program to the central and eastern zones beginning in December.  As of Sept. 1, there were 75,180 Nova Scotians registered on the province’s online list of people looking for a family doctor.  On Aug. 17, Houston led the province’s Progressive Conservative party to a majority win in a provincial election, largely by focusing his campaign on improving health care.  Provincial officials say there are now 11 primary-care providers delivering services through the VirtualCareNS program, which includes eight family physicians and three nurse practitioners. (The Canadian Press)

 

Local lawyer facing charges of criminal harassment and assault

A Pictou County lawyer, Donn Fraser, is facing two separate charges of criminal harassment and assault.  against a family member and a police officer.  He’s been suspended by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society until further notice. Two of the charges allege criminal harassment against coworkers at his New Glasgow law firm.  Fraser is to appear in court in December for trial on those charges. He is also charged with assault against a family member and a police officer in regards to incidents last month.  He’s to be in court October 4th for a plea on those charges. (With files from SaltWire News)

 

N.S. reports 1 death, 41 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday

Nova Scotia reported one death related to COVID-19 and 41 new cases on Thursday.  A woman in her 80s in the central health zone died of COVID-19.  In a news release, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Strang offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the woman who has passed.  He said “The vaccine can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death. I urge Nova Scotians to get both doses and keep doing all you can to protect each other.”

Of the 41 new cases, 29 are in the central health zone. Nine are close contacts of previously reported cases and two are related to travel. There are 18 cases whose cause has not been determined and are under investigation.  The province said there are signs of community spread among those aged 20 to 40 in the central health zone who are unvaccinated and participating in social activities.  Seven cases are in northern zone, with six being close contacts of previously reported cases. One is under investigation.  Of the three cases in western zone, one is related to travel, one is a close contact of a previously reported case and one is under investigation.  Two cases are in the eastern zone and both are close contacts of previously reported cases.  Nova Scotia now has 147 active cases of COVID-19. Of those, 11 people are in hospital COVID-19 units, including one in ICU.  As of Thursday, 73.9 per cent of Nova Scotians are fully vaccinated.

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

 

Gas down, diesel up in N.S.

Gas prices went down and diesel prices went up in Nova Scotia overnight.  Regular self-serve gas dropped 3.4 cents per litre and is now sitting at 134.8 cents per litre in the local area.  Diesel is up 2.6 cents to 130.0 cents per litre.

 

Pictou County Safe Harbour is joining Ride for Refuge again this year

Photo from last year’s Ride For Refuge event (Submitted)

For the second year in a row, Pictou County Safe Harbour is participating in Ride for Refuge, a national fundraiser that supports charities who provide refuge and hope for some of the most vulnerable people on earth. Over the past months, teams of participants have been busy raising money to sponsor one more refugee family to move to the Pictou County area in 2022.  Over 60 participants are registered for the event, including many of the former refugee families who were sponsored by Safe Harbour in the past four years, making it an inclusive and engaging community-wide effort.  Safe Harbour has already reached 50% of the $25,000 goal and expects to raise more in the 10 days left to the event.

 

Summer Street Scramble happening today at Abercrombie Golf Course

The forecast is looking great for the 31 teams taking part in the 27th annual Summer Street Scramble being held at Abercrombie Golf Course today.  The fundraiser is one of Canada’s most successful charity golf tournaments and Summer Street’s major fundraiser for the year.  Money raised from the event helps to create opportunities for people with intellectual disability.  Since the Scramble began in 1994, over $3,000,000 has been raised.