Port Hawkesbury Paper Faces 70-million Dollar Challenge

Written by Bobby Nock. Posted in Local News

Port Hawkesbury Paper is facing another challenge from a competitor claiming the Point Tupper mill got unfair subsidies.

This fall, a 20 percent duty was placed on its products going to the U-S over an aid package the mill got from the former Dexter government.

Now, Montreal-based Resolute Forest Products has issued a challenge against Port Hawkesbury Paper under the North American Free Trade Act.

Resolute is looking for 70 million dollars in damages and says it closed a mill in Shawinigan because of competition from Port Hawkesbury Paper.

The mill has filed an appeal of the U-S duty and the province has already contributed 2.3 million dollars to that effort.

There’s no word if it will fight the latest challenge.

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Regional Councillor Hospitalized In Halifax, Condition Unknown

Written by Dave Desveaux. Posted in Local News

Sources have told Coast 89.7 News that a Cape Breton Regional Councillor has been in hospital in Halifax since last week. Claire Detheridge represents District 4 on Regional Council and is also President of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. There’s still no word on the nature of her condition or treatment.  We’ve attempted to contact the Mayor’s office for comment, but our inquiries have yet to be answered. We’ll have more information as it becomes available.

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Local Media Opposing Publication Ban In Barrett Murder Trial

Written by Bobby Nock. Posted in Local News

Two local media outlets are opposing an application for a publication ban on the upcoming second-degree murder trial of Thomas Ted Barrett in the death of Brett McKinnon.

The 40 year-old Glace Bay man’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 18^th.

But his lawyer has applied for an order that would ban publication on the trial’s proceedings until the conclusion of his September trial in the death of Laura Jessome from Bras d’Or.

At issue is whether publication of evidence at the January trial could unduly influence, affect or prejudice the jury at Barrett’s second trial.

 

The lawyer for the CBC and the Cape Breton Post argues that his clients have a direct interest in protecting their right to report on the trial.

He also says that because the two trials will take place eight months apart, there will be more than enough time to allow full reporting on the details of Barrett’s first trial.

A hearing on the publication ban is due to take place on Monday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

Brett Elizabeth McKinnon was reported missing in 2006 and her skeletal remains were found in the Passchendaele area of Glace Bay in 2008.

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Canada-Wide Arrest Warrant Issued For Sydney Man

Written by Dave Desveaux. Posted in Local News

Regional Police have issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for a Sydney man who’s wanted in connection to an Aggravated Assault that took place last week. 23-year-old Stephen William Murrin is facing charges of aggravated assault and unlawfully being in a dwelling after a 26-year-old Scotchtown man was stabbed on December 21^st. The victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later released. Murrin is described as 6 feet tall and 145 pounds, with brown hair, hazel eyes and a light complexion. Police say he’s known to be violent and could be dangerous. Anyone with information on Murrin’s whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

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Waycobah Community Hall Destroyed By Fire

Written by Bobby Nock. Posted in Local News

The community hall in Waycobah First Nation burned to the ground, yesterday afternoon.

Waycobah Fire Chief John William Cremo says they got the call at around 2:00 after a passerby noticed smoke coming from the building.

Cremo says it looks like the fire started in the attic but adds it was difficult to find the source because the building had a newer roof built over the old one.

Fire departments from nearby Whycocomagh and Blues Mills were also on the scene.

The cause of the blaze isn’t known but the 48 year-old building was insured.

There were no injuries and the fire didn’t spread to any surrounding buildings.

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