Drivers won’t notice a whole lot of difference at the gas pumps this morning following some very slight changes overnight. Regular unleaded went down by three tenths of a cent and is now selling for $1.40 per litre in Cape Breton. Diesel on the island is now going for $1.45, up by seven tenths of a cent from last week.
A homicide victim in Edmonton has been identified as a man from Cape Breton. 34 year-old Ashley John George MacNeil was stabbed in a confrontation that took place at a truck stop outside a West Edmonton motel on Wednesday morning. Witnesses say the victim had multiple wounds to his upper body when he stumbled into the hotel soon after the incident. MacNeil was rushed to hospital but later died. He was identified yesterday by Edmonton Police, who didn’t say what community he was from or what he was doing in the city. There’s no word yet on any suspect. MacNeil’s case is the sixth homicide in Edmonton so far this year. We’ll have more details as they become available.
A 78-year-old Richmond County man is dead after an ATV accident, last night.
RCMP say they got the call to Rifle Range Road near D’escousse at around 7:30.
They add a preliminary investigation reveals that the man, who was the lone occupant, lost control of the ATV and was thrown.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His name is not being released at this time and the investigation is continuing.
The Diocese of Antigonish has granted St. Alphonsus Church in Low Point a reprieve from the wrecking ball.
St. Alphonsus along with St. Joseph in New Victoria and St. Agnes in New Waterford are all slated for demolition by the Diocese because it can’t sell the buildings.
However, Diocese spokesperson Father Donald MacGillvrary says St. Alphonsus has been taken off the demolition block while it reviews a proposal from the Stone Church Restoration Society.
The society was formed four years ago but members decided the more than 600-thousand dollar cost to restore the church would be too big a project to take on.
Word of the pending demolition of the church got members talking about the project again.
The Society says the plan now is to launch a national fundraising campaign to restore the church inside and out.
It adds some people have already pledged funds.
Meanwhile, the tenders for the demolition of the three churches was set to close about 10 days ago, but has been extended until March 26.
MacGillivray says there was some interest expressed in the other churches, as well, but nothing from an established society and no serious offers.
A preliminary hearing for two Glace Bay man charged in the death of Laura Jessome from Little Bras d’Or has been postponed because one of them still doesn’t have a lawyer.
38-year old Thomas Ted Barrett faces a charge of second degree murder in the case.
Barrett made a court appearance by video link from the Burnside jail yesterday to update his search for a lawyer.
Ann Marie MacInnis with the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission told the court that he’s been presented with a list of lawyers but hasn’t been successful in finding one.
Barrett and his co-accused in the case, 23 year-old Morgan James MacNeil from Glace Bay were scheduled to have a preliminary hearing beginning on April 3.
Both are now due back in court on that date to update Barrett’s search for a lawyer.
Barrett is also charged with the murder of 21-year-old Brett Elizabeth McKinnon from Glace Bay.