Local News

The controversy surrounding the harvesting of rockweed in Cobscook Bay that stayed on the back burner during the winter months is beginning to heat up as the 2009 harvest season approaches.

"Deer Islanders -- we're just shocked," says Joyce Stuart, the chairman of the West Isles Local Service District committee, about the plan to reduce ferry service to the island to only one vessel for a four and a half month period each year.

One body was found and Coast Guard crews, other local agencies and fishermen were searching by air and sea for a second person in Cobscook Bay on Thursday morning, March 26, after a 34-foot fishing vessel from Roque Bluffs with two people aboard sank Wednesday afternoon, March 25.

Moving quickly, the Washington County Emergency Medical Services Authority (WCEMSA) has begun negotiations with Baileyville as the potential site for its ambulance service and administrative office.

Before a crowd of over 500 islanders on Tuesday, March 10, New Brunswick Premier Sean Graham signed a $65 million (U.S.) agreement to purchase a new 82-car ferry for Grand Manan from Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. of Florida.

The Domtar shutdown for an indefinite period will directly affect approximately 90 people at the port of Eastport, including close to 50 longshoremen and about 30 truck drivers, along with tugboat crews, harbor pilots and office staff.