6 in less than a week. That's how many people have died on Highway 104 in northern Nova Scotia in the last several days. 5 of those deaths have been on a 10 kilometre stretch of the highway between New Glasgow and Antigonish. It's a stretch of road that's not twinned and with heavy truck traffic things can move slowly, prompting some motorists to take chances. There is twinning work underway on the 104, but 5 of the 6 deaths happened outside the construction area. Police have yet to reveal a cause for any of the accidents.
Stranded in Meat Cove, Cape Breton. Heavy rains Saturday night washed out the lone bridge to the remote community, stranding residents and tourists alike. A visiting couple from Germany told the TV news last evwening a harrowing story as flooding washed their van out to sea. The only way out right now is by boat or air and the province is evacuating anyone who wants to leave. It could be a week before a temporary bridge is set up. Some locals are critical of the Dexter government's efforts, suggesting they've been slow to react. It was only yesterday that Deputy Premier Frank Corbett got around to touring the area. He says the government's moving "as fast as we can."
Nova Scotia's doctors are being advised to be on the lookout for increased cases of Lyme disease. It's because the province's black-legged tick population is expanding its territory. Along with Bedford's Admirals Cove, Shelburne and Lunenburg counties, health officials say the ticks can now be found in Pictou County. The insects are carriers of Lyme disease which results in fever, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue and can lead to more serious health issues. The feds will be setting up deer bait stations in Bedford and Lunenburg next month to test their effectiveness in controlling the tick population. When the deer sticks its head in for food, a tickacide is rubbed onto the animal. It has shown to be successful elsewhere.
The prosecution has now wrapped up its case at the sensational murder trial of Halifax native Steven Hall in Danville, Kentucky. The Dal medical school grad is accused of murdering his wife Isabel Lynn Hall, a native of Sydney River. Witnesses have testified he ran over his wife with a pontoon boat after they heard her shouting for help and screaming her husband was trying to kill her. The defence yesterday presented evidence suggesting Mrs Hall might have been impaired because of the number of pharmaceuticals she was using including a muscle relaxant and an anti-depressant, initimating she might have swam in front of the boat. Hall has claimed his wife's death was an accident. The trial continues today.
Have a great day. Get involved. And if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention.
Rick Howe
