Canada Games Winners

Team Nova Scotia is bringing home 52 medals from Prince Edward Island, the most medals ever won by the province in any Canada Games. Ron O'Flaherty, Team Nova Scotia Chef de Mission says the team came together as friends and competitors, representing our province in the best light possible. Team Nova Scotia won 26 gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze, and improved the team's overall standing to fifth place. South Shore athletes Mattias Wolter, Jenna Martin and Rachel McIntosh all contributed to the tally. Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool got a bronze medal in shotput and Marcus Dolliver of Mahone Bay won a silver medal with the men's basketball team.

103 Accident

A man believed to be in his 20's was taken to hospital with undetermined injuries after a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 103. The accident happened over the noon hour yesterday. A sport-utility vehicle swerved to avoid another vehicle pulling onto the highway when the driver lost control and ended up in the ditch. It took about an hour to get the passenger out of the vehicle and into an ambulance. Traffic was tied up until around 2 o'clock. Hebb's Cross Firefighters reponded along with RCMP and Paramedics.

Trailers Burned

Two 30-foot construction trailers were destroyed by fire at the Department of Transportation depot on Highway Three in Hebbville. And RCMP are trying to locate two teenagers who were seen leaving the area around ten after two yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Dean Warr says they believe the fires were deliberately set. Two youth on bicycles were seen leaving through the woods exiting onto the William Hebb Road. RCMP are hoping someone comes forward who either saw the pair or who may know something about the incident. Members of the Hebbville Fire Department were called in to put out the fires yesterday afternoon. No one was hurt.

School Flu Plan

South Shore School board officials say their pandemic plan is focussed on providing the essential services of the schools. The board overseeing schools in Lunenburg county have drafted and adopted a plan to deal with the potential outbreak of H-1-N-1. Occupational Health and Safety Manager Gail Sinclair says there will be lots of information for parents and students when they get back to school next week. Sinclair says the plan is basic but it's also one that will change as they learn things going through a pandemic situation in the school system.

Smokes Seized

Two Shelburne county residents are facing charges after RCMP seized over $12,000 in cash and 37,000 contraband cigarettes in a raid on Shag Harbour. Police entered the residence Wednesday night. A 33-year-old female was arrested at the scene. A 46-year-old man was later arrested in Barrington. Both individuals reside in the Shag Harbour area.The man and woman were arrested for possessing tobacco not stamped in accordance to the Excise Act and are scheduled to appear in Barrington Court on December 10th, 2009. Typically, fines for possessing illegal cigarettes in Nova Scotia have been around a dollar per smoke.

Langille Remanded

A Lunenburg County man arrested late last week in Calgary on outstanding warrants for attempted murder will remain in a lockup until a court appearance next month. 22-year old Cory Kyle Langille was brought into the new Justice Center yesterday afternoon where he agreed to being remanded until September 16th. His legal aid lawyer said he needed time to review the material he'd received from the Crown. Langille is facing two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with a pair of stabbings in Bridgewater in June of 2008.

Langille Back

After more than a year on the run, a Lunenburg county man will have his day in court on charges relating to a double stabbing in Bridgewater. Police arrived back in Nova Scotia last night with 21 year old Cory Kyle Langille. Langille was arrested in a south west Calgary apartment last Friday. He had been wanted on a Canada-wide warrant after being charged with two counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Breach of Probation in relation to an incident last summer. Two Lunenburg County men received serious, life threatening injuries which required hospitalization and surgery after being stabbed along King Street in the early morning hours of June 29th, 2008. Langille surrendered without incident. His court appearance is scheduled for this afternoon at 1:30 in Bridgewater.

Liberal Health Concern

With a week to go before school starts, Liberal health critic Diana Whalen says the government has not armed parents with necessary information about H-1-N-1. The school boards’ pandemic plans have yet to receive final approval and school staff have not yet received procedures to be followed when dealing with a possible outbreak, Whalen says. The Liberals say parents and school staff must be informed of plans and new procedures prior to the school year.

Queens Tourism Support

Just over $200,000 in Federal funding has been committed for a new Visitor Information Center in Liverpool. Gerald Keddy was in Queens with the Minister for ACOA this morning to make the announcement. The new visitor information centre in Liverpool will replace a 30 year old building. The project will include improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure and upgrades to walkways and parking facilities. And close to $87,000 was committed for the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre. That project includes creating an access path from the facility to the beach with upgrades to the heating system, and the replacement of windows. The project will also support the installation of informational signage along Highway 103 and Route 3. Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says the projects will mean superior support for folks visiting their beautiful and historic community.

Sears Stove Recall

Sears Canada has been advised by the Frigidaire division of Electrolux Canada Corp. of a potential safety hazard relating to certain Frigidaire(R) and Kenmore Elite(TM) smoothtop freestanding electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. It has been discovered that depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or 3) heat to different temperatures than those selected by unit controls. These characteristics pose fire and burn risks for consumers.
The ranges were sold through Sears Canada retail stores, online at www.sears.ca, and through the Sears Canada catalogue between June 2001 and September 2008. The affected model numbers and corresponding Sears item numbers are as follows:

Model numbers affected by the warning are: VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68802x 68802 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68803x 68803 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68804x 68804 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68808x 68808 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68809x 68809 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68830x 68830 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68832x 68832 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-68833x 68833 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-69803x 69803 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-69804x 69804 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-69808x 69808 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or C970-69809x 69809 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CGLEFM97DBx 29829 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CGLEFM97DSx 29822 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CPLEF398ACx 28983 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CPLEF398DCx 28993 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CPLEFM99ECx 29843 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or CPLEFZ98GCx 28996 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or PGLEF388CSx 29642 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx VF122xxxxx to VF831xxxxx or PGLEF388ESx 29312 NF122xxxxx to NF806xxxxx

Picton Pause

An unexpected stopover in Burgeo, Newfoundland for the crew of Picton Castle. The tallship hauled in to wait out Hurricane Bill over the weekend. Captain Daniel Moreland says it wasn't a port they were planning on visiting as they were wrapping up their latest voyage. But he says all the same, it was a delightful visit. In the past 15 months, Picton Castle and her crew have visited 65 ports of call in 28 countries, traveling more than 18,000 nautical miles. Now homeward bound, Picton Castle is expected to arrive in Lunenburg on Saturday (August 29th) where she will spend the winter before embarking on a fifth voyage around the world in May 2010.

Bill Damage Assistance

Major work will be needed to repair the damage Hurricane Bill did to the causeway at Western Head. Member of Parliament Gerald Keddy says it's not clear if the repair bill will qualify for federal dollars. He says the provincial government has to pay for the repairs and then apply to the federal government for assistance. He says the Disaster Relief funding automatically applies when damages are above a million dollars. The M-P for South Shore/St. Margaret's says Bill did quite a bit of damage in areas of the riding in Western Head and in Lockeport.

Queens Money

Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret’s, announced over $12,000 for the Queens County Fair Association through the Community Action Fund. The money will be used to upgrade the Fair Grounds- drainage improvements to the new barn and riding ring; roof replacement and electrical enhancements for the main building; site leveling; and road grading. The Queens County Fair, over 5,000 spectators and participants annually. Queens County Fair Association director Elliott Payzant says the funding will help increase year-round tourism opportunities and celebrate the rich agricultural tradition of the area. ACOA says Keddy will be with Minister of State Keith Ashfield in Liverpool this morning for two funding anouncements. You can hear more from Gerald Keddy this weekend on South Shore Sunday morning.

103 Accident

Two people were taken to hospital with undertermined injuries after a single-vehicle accident on Highway 103 in Hebb's Cross west of Bob and the Boys (Exit 14). The car left the road, ending up in the ditch. Firefighters and paramedics got the two out of the vehicle and loaded them into an ambulance. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening. One lane of highway 103 was closed for an hour early yesterday afternoon. The car had New York State plates.

Postal Plot

Union officials representing rural mail drivers in Nova Scotia say it's a plot to downgrade service. But according to the Press Secretary for the minister responsible for Canada Post, it's a health and safety issue because the drivers are now unionized employees. Chris Hilton says the review started when the mail drivers stopped being contract employees. Hilton says this is about Occupational Health and Safety. The assessment of mailbox safety has been ongoing in Lunenburg county for the past several weeks.

Eat Local

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell is inviting Nova Scotians to join him in his pledge to eat only Atlantic food on September 4th. He says Atlantic food is good for our health, community, and the environment and supports our economy. He is joined by Atlantic ministers from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The province with the most pledges will be declared the challenge winner. The competition was started by Co-op food stores in 2008. To sign up for the Eat Atlantic Challenge, visit www.eatatlantic.ca.

Power Outages

Hurricane Bill was vicious on the trees and because of that, there were numerous power outages across the province yesterday. And Stacy Pineo with Nova Scotia Power says the only are still without electricity is in Lunenburg county. There are trees down on a section of feeder line that runs through the woods. Crews will be touring that line as soon as the sun comes up this morning. They expect the power to be restored by midday. The areas affected are in Maders Cove, Sunnybrook, Hermans Island, Martins Brook, Second Peninsula, Stonehurst, Eastern Points and the area around there. And Pineo says there are scattered or individual outages around the province bringing that total number this morning to 435 customers.
Click here for a link to the Nova Scotia Power outage map.

Bill Damages

The causeway at Western Head was a casualty of the storm over the weekend. A large section was destroyed with waves washing away the pavement entirely. It will likely take some time for crews to repair the damage and rebuild the causeway. Several roads closed because of Hurricane Bill are back open today. In Lunenburg County, sections of Green Bay Road in Green Bay and Point Road in Blue Rocks had been blocked off because of water. They are reopened. And in Queens County, a section of Trunk 3 near Hunts Point and Summerville previously closed because of flooding are now passable. As roads re-open, drivers are reminded to watch for water and debris, and to adjust speed according to conditions.

Attempted Murder Fugitive Arrested

As a result of a double stabbing which occurred in the early morning hours of June 29th, 2008, the Bridgewater Police Service had been seeking a Lunenburg County man, Cory Kyle LANGILLE, 21 years of age.

Mr. LANGILLE was charged by police with two counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Breach of Probation in relation to this incident. A Canada wide warrant was obtained that same date.

Two Lunenburg County men received serious, life threatening injuries which required hospitalization and surgery.

Bridgewater Police had received information Mr. LANGILLE was hiding in Alberta. The Alberta Sheriffs Fugitive Apprehension Team became involved in the search for Mr. LANGILLE. It was this team that located Mr LANGILLE in a south west Calgary apartment Friday, August 21st, 2009.

The unit with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service Tactical Unit surrounded the apartment and called upon Mr. LANGILLE to surrender himself. Mr. LANGILLE did so without incident.

Mr. LANGILLE has been remanded into custody in Alberta. Members of the Bridgewater Police Service will travel to Alberta to return Mr. LANGILLE to face his charges later this week.

Hurricane Preparedness

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Preparing for Hurricane Season as Hurricane Bill Gains Strength
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The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is advising the public to take necessary precautions as Hurricane Bill gains strength in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometres off St. Martin in the Caribbean as of 1:30 p.m. today, Aug. 20.
"Environment Canada indicates that this storm will maintain its hurricane status as it heads north," Ramona Jennex, Emergency Management Minister, said. "While we know that hurricanes are unpredictable, this is an opportunity to remind all Nova Scotians that the best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared."
EMO is monitoring the storm closely to ensure the most current information is available to the public.
"The most important things individuals can do is keep informed by listening for updated weather information and public safety bulletins and act accordingly," said Dennis Kelly, acting deputy head and CEO of the Emergency Management Office.
Other ways to prepare for a weather-related emergency are:
-- Maintain an emergency kit, including food water, clothing, blankets, a flashlight, battery or crank-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications and copies of important papers
-- Have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage.
-- Prepare freezer packs by placing water-filled soda or plastic milk containers in deep freezers. These can be used to help keep the freezer and/or refrigerator cold in the event of a power outage.
-- Choose a family shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide a good shelter in a severe storm.
-- Choose a meeting place for family members and set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety.
-- Make arrangements to help a senior or other people in the neighbourhood that may need help.
-- Secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around. Protect homes as much as possible from heavy rains and floods.
-- Refrain from going to coastal areas to watch a severe storm. It can be very dangerous.
Visit the EMO website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more information on emergency preparedness.

Bring your Own Toys

In a move to reduce the potential spread of the H-1-N-1 flu virus South Shore Health is removing all magazines, books and toys from patient waiting areas and in patient areas. Patients or children with day appointments or coming into Emergency Departments at South Shore Health are advised to bring their own washable toys and reading materials with them, and take them home when they leave. The recommendation comes from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Jail Time

Refusing to comply with court orders to abstain from alcohol along with assaulting his ex and making harassing phone calls to her has landed a Lunenburg County man behind bars for five months. Forty-four year old Jeffrey Wayne Warner admitted he has an alcohol problem and when he drinks he gets into trouble. His latest charges stem from incidents going back to last May when RCMP responded to an assault complaint in Hemford. Warner kicked in the bedroom door and pushed his girlfriend who then said she was leaving. He threatened to use an axe on anyone who came to pick her up. As a result of that incident he was ordered to have no contact with the woman, but last July 22nd he called the woman 12 times and sent 50 text messages. While the Mounties were at the residence taking the complaint Warner called the woman another 10 times. The Crown consolidated a number of breach charges involving a no contact clause and the consumption of alcohol. Following his jail term, Warner will be on probation for a year with orders to take counselling for substance abuse and spousal violence. He is also prohibited from contacting his former girlfriend.

Alcohol to Minor

Four rum and cokes turned out to be on the expensive side for a Bridgewater man charged with supplying a minor with alcohol. Thirty-four year old Scott Campbell of Maple Street was fined $500 after pleading guilty to giving a 14 year old girl liquor. Police received a call from a woman who said her teenaged daughter might be at the Maple Street address. When police arrived Campbell first denied the girl was there. Police entered the apartment and found the girl highly intoxicated and partially disrobed. She was transported by ambulance to hospital. Campbell told the Judge he thought the girl was 18, which is still under the legal age for consumption of alcohol.

Dayspring Infill Fine

A case that's been before the courts for four years concluded yesterday with a Bridgewater area woman being fined more than $18,000 for infillng a saltmarsh area on the LaHave River. Corinna Kincaid-Lowe and her company Nova Stone Exporters infilled the environmentally sensitive property in Dayspring back in August 2002. The Provincial Environment Department became involved after learning the matter was under their jurisdiction, not the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Three years later Kincaid-Lowe was charged with contravening a Ministerial order to remove the infill. Numerous delays involving changing lawyers resulted in the case dragging on with no resolution. Yesterday, in Bridgewater Provincial Court Judge Anne Crawford admonished Kincaid-Lowe for her foot dragging and lack of good faith saying the situation cried out for remediation. The fine of $18,379 covers the cost of the remediation effort and is more than the property itself which was assessed at $13,400. Kincaid-Lowe also has to pay a 10 percent victim fine surcharge.

Eat Local

Farmers, chefs, musicians, and vendors will join together to celebrate local food at the Incredible Picnic this Sunday in communities across the province including White Point Beach Resort in Queens County. The Incredible Picnic is a celebration of local food mixed with live music, children's activities and learning opportunities. Agriculture Minister John MacDonell says a publicly supported buy-local initiative is a beginning for a more competitive and profitable agriculture sector.

New Doctor in New Germany

Welcome news for a rural Lunenburg County Medical Center that has been without a family doctor since November. South Shore Health and the Board of the New Germany and Area Medical Centre Association are welcoming a new physician to the community. Dr. Kory Jollymore will start seeing patients the week of August 31. He is relocating from Bridgewater, where he has been practicing since October 2008. The Center says Dr. Jollymore will be working in a collaborative practice with nurse practitioner Rob Snelling, who began seeing patients in June. The District Health Authority has been trying to recruit someone to set up practice in New Germany since the medical centre lost its two full-time family physicians last fall.

No Lobster Permits

The province has removed the permit fee put in place last fall for lobster fisherman who sell live lobster roadside. Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sterling Belliveau says lobster fisherman have been struggling with low prices in the past year, and they have traditionally sold direct to customers without needing to purchase a permit. Vendors selling live lobster roadside are still required to have a permit, but there will be no fee.

Vendors can get a food permit online at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/agric/paal006.asp, by contacting a food safety specialist in their region, or by calling the food safety division at 902-424-1173.

For copies of the 2009 Lobster Sellers weekly report, visit the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/licensing/conditions.shtml or call fisheries licensing services at 902-424-0335.

Baker Praises

She's the Pride of Port Medway, and Region of Queens Municipal Council thinks Carroll Baker is pretty special. To that effect a special resolution was approved by council to convey its congratulations to Carroll Baker on being named to the Order of Canada and express its pride in her extraordinary accomplishments in the music industry. Baker has had more than 20 number one records, 12 of which were consecutive, a record that remains unbroken in Canada by a Canadian country music performer. She has been inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame and has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario. Picture from http://www.carrollbakersinger.ca/ website.

Crosby Honoured

N-H-L star Sidney Crosby, of Cole Harbour, was presented with his Order of Nova Scotia for 2008 Tuesday (August 18). Crosby is the youngest person to receive the Order of Nova Scotia and is the first person to receive it in the youth category, introduced in 2006. He is one of six recipients for 2008 selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 68 nominations from across the province. Crosby had an exceptional year, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and leading the NHL playoffs with 15 goals. Picture from http://www.gov.ns/ website.

Crime Warning

Shelburne County residents are being warned about a telephone scam making the rounds. A person identifying themselves as a grandchild or other loved one, says they are in trouble with a law enforcement agency and need a specified amount of cash wired to them to get out of jail. The caller will be accommodating and may provide a fraudulent law enforcement name. Any such incident should be reported to your local RCMP or Phonebusters.

North Queens Hall

Four years ago the North Queens Fire Association pitched a proposal for a new fire hall and community centre in Caledonia to Region of Queens Council. Since then feasibility studies and conceptual plans have been completed but the project is still nowhere being shovel ready. Following an updated presentation earlier this week, Mayor John Leefe says Council has agreed in principle it wants to be a significant contributor to the project. The Fire Association would like to replace its current building constructed in 1974 with a a new, 19-thousand square foot fire hall/community centre. The estimated cost of the project is 3.1 million dollars plus HST.

Shutdown Delayed

A bit of a reprieve for the workers at the Bowater Mersey mill in Brooklyn ,Queens County. The plant was scheduled to shut down for five weeks on August 29th. An email was sent to the newsprint mill employees Tuesday morning advising them the production curtailment will be delayed one week because of additional orders for Latin America. The projected shutdown date is now scheduled for Friday September 4th, with the start up date for the mill unchanged at Monday, October 5th.

Real Estate Growth

Real Estate prices on the south shore don't seem to be negatively affected by the current economic challenges. The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® says the average price for MLS® home sales from May to July was up 5% over the same three months in 2008. The average single family dwelling in the province sold for $202,676. The south shore saw average prices go up by 4.9 percent to $156,216. Yarmouth saw the only decrease, dropping 0.9% to $122,848 and Highland went up the most, 9.2% to $143,366. A total of 3492 homes sold through the MLS® System in Nova Scotia from May to July 2009, down 9 per cent from one year earlier. The dollar value of these home sales totalled $707.7 million during the period, a decline of 5.2 per cent year-over-year. Interest rates are at historic lows and there's been no sign of any significant increases on the horizon.

Heat Issues

Severe and lengthy heat waves can be dangerous. St. John Ambulance urges families to watch for these signs and provide immediate first aid measures.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to excessive heat and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some of the following signs and symptoms may be present; muscular cramps; headache; dizziness; exhaustion; cold, clammy, pale skin; weak and rapid pulse; and rapid shallow breathing.
1) Place the person at rest in a cool place with feet and legs elevated.
Loosen constrictive clothing and remove excess clothing.
2) Give a fully conscious casualty as much water as he or she is able to
drink. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth. Put the
unconscious person into the recovery position. Monitor airway,
breathing and circulation closely.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, is caused by exposure to high temperatures and hot, dry winds or high humidity and poor circulation. Signs and symptoms include a flushed face and hot skin, which may be either wet or dry, a temperature of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) or higher, a rapid and full pulse, noisy breathing, restlessness, headache and dizziness.
Unconsciousness may develop quickly and convulsions may occur. The person may die unless the body temperature is reduced quickly. To do so, remove the casualty's clothing and bathe him or her in cool water or wrap in a wet, cool sheet. Keep the sheet wet. If unconscious, put the person into the recovery position. When the body temperature is lowered to 38 degrees C (slightly above normal), cover the person with a dry sheet and keep as cool as possible.
Sunburn
For minor sunburn, place the person in the shade and apply cool water or cloths soaked in cool water. Commercial ointment or cream may be used (Caution: an allergic reaction might occur.) Extreme sun exposure may cause swelling and blistering. Such cases should be treated as a severe burn.
Burns

1) Lessen swelling and blistering, and relieve pain by immediately
immersing the burned area in cool water or by applying cloths soaked
in cool water. Do not place a burn under extreme water pressure, such
as a strong-running tap, since it may further damage the tissues.
2) Remove rings or other jewellery and constrictive clothing before
swelling or blistering occurs. Do not remove clothing that is stuck
to the burned area. Do not apply butter, ointments or oil dressings.
3) Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing if possible,
otherwise use a clean cloth.
These survival tips will assist you with heat-related emergency situations but they should never be considered as a replacement for a first aid course. In any emergency situation always obtain trained medical assistance as quickly as possible.
These first aid and survival tips are put together by experienced first aid professionals from St. John Ambulance Canada.
For further information: visit www.sja.ca to download Spring and Summer - First Aid and Survival Tips

Underground Power

The Region of Queens is borrowing $280,000 for the installation of power and street lights for Queens Place Drive. That's the site of the proposed Queen's Recreation Complex and the newly opened Best Western Hotel. Mayor John Leefe says Council took the decision they did not want the area cluttered up with power poles. He says the powerlines will be run underground. Council also gave approval to the Best Western to locate a sign adjacent to the right of the entrance of Queens Place Drive with the electrical connection to be underground.

Queens Council Support

Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says a five week shut down of the Bowater paper mill in Brooklyn is not an indication the plant will permanently close. He says he doesn't understand comments to that affect by the head of the local union. Leefe says the employees can take comfort that Municipal Council is fully behind them adding the mill is an important contributor to the economy in Western Nova Scotia. He adds the company is one of the largest shipper out of the port of Halifax. The Abitibi Bowater Mersey plant will be idle from August 29th until October 4th

New Building

Word there's an arrangement that's been worked out to allow construction to proceed on a building for a new post office in Bridgewater. Acadia Broadcasting Vice President Jim MacMullin says they will start work soon on the North Street lot where a Canada Post facility will be located on the main floor. And he says the building will also be the home for both a new south shore country music station and CKBW. MacMullin says they expect the project to be complete with both stations operating out of the new location in early 2010. The project was held up when Bridgewater staff turned down an appeal of a variance to allow the new building to go up too close to neighbouring properties. Kevin Harris with the developer says there's a confidentiality agreement with a neighbouring property owner so he can't discuss what lead to the breakthrough. CKBW has attempted to contact Bob Richards to find out. And Planning Department staff in Bridgewater's town office say there's still no development application from the company. They say the owners can clear the lot on North street but can't start any construction until they have the necessary permits.

Unsightly Property

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in the case of some properties deemed unsightly, it's the definition that needs to be clarified. Council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is putting forth a resolution asking for a review of that section of the Municipal Government Act. Mayor Don Downe says they're seeking a revised definition of dangerous and unsightly premises that does not restrict normal and/or usual rural activities such as piles of wood shavings or sawdust. The Municipality is sponsoring the resolution at the fall conference of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

F-O-I-P-O-P Fees

The province is making it easier and more affordable for Nova Scotians to access information about their government. Effective August 14th, the application fee under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is being reduced from twenty-five dollars to five dollars. Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry says the government is committed to being open and accountable and access to information needs to be affordable. The act is designed to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy.

Beach Parking Warning

Sunshine and 30 degrees, beach weather for sure. And you can consider this your heads-up if you're planning on heading to the Risser's area. RCMP say there's a two-kilometer stretch of Highway 331 between Crescent Beach and Rissers that's a no-parking area. Constable Rob James says residents frequently park along the highway at the entrance to the boardwalk south of the reception gate of Rissers. He says there are signs up that show this is not permitted. And he says they will be starting to write tickets and tow vehicles in the next few days. He says guests of the Risser's Beach Provincial Park should use the designated parking area at Risser's Beach.

Team Nova Scotia

Rookie netminder Billy Clarke has been named to the Team Nova Scotia U16 Squad. Billy is from Dayspring and will be attending Park View Education Centre this fall. He is a recent graduate of the South Shore Bantam 'AAA' Ice Sharks, and top goaltender at the 2008/09 Bantam 'AAA' Provincial Championships. Clarke was among 46 players who tried out for the team - including 12 goal tenders. He'll get to play for Team Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Challenge Cup in Moncton this fall.

Racing Fun

They come from all over for Chester Race week almost splitting the Village at its seams. It's a party atmosphere, but Warden Allan Webber says they don't want the party-goers to get out of hand and the area will be well patrolled. Whether you're a landlubber or a yacht racer, the welcome mat is out at the Chester Yacht Club. This years Chester Race Week runs from the 12th to the 15th.

Cookville Improvements

A call for tenders has been approved by Lunenburg Municipal Council for the second phase of Champlain Drive infrastructure. The first phase completed in July was to provide an access road for the provincial government to build the new French School in Cookville. Municipal Engineer Pierre Breau says the next phase of the project is to install a water line and sewer system to provide municipal services to the Ecole-de-la Rive Sud currently being built. The budgeted cost for the work is $496,000.

Bowater Shutdown

A five week shutdown for close to three hundred workers at the Abitibi-Bowater Mersey Paper Mill in Queens county accortding to Union officials. They confirm they were notified Thursday morning of the fourth work stoppage at the plant since Christmas. Courtney Wentzell with the Communications Energy and Paper Workers says the Nova Scotia plant has been down more weeks than it's been running this year. The Queens paper mill will be shut between August 29th and October 4th. Company officials have been citing tough market conditions brought on by the current economic downturn.

NOTE: Company spokesperson Robin Anthony tells CKBW the shutdown will affect under 175 employees.

A Day on the Range

The General Training Course Cadets will participate in familiarization training throughout the two weeks that they will spend here at the Greenwood Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. From survival training and recreational training to trips in a glider and range training, the day of a GT cadet is filled with many fun activities. Today, many of the GT cadets spent time on the range. For many, it is their first time being able to shoot the air rifles. Cadet Makayla Whynot of 545 Liverpool Privateer Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron located in Liverpool, N.S., is pictured here getting ready to take her first shot. The Cadet Program is available across Canada to young people ages 12-18. It is one of the largest youth programs in the country (over 55,000 cadets nationally) and is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment where young people can develop as strong leaders and active citizens. (Story and picture submitted)

Camperdown Obama Carver

Bradford Naugler of Camperdown, a renowned Nova Scotia folk artist is having his life-sized carvings of the Obama family unveiled as a new addition to the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on Monday, August 17th. The work depicts Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama and joined by the family dog Bo. The work won rave reviews at the recent Lunenburg Folk Art Festival and will be on view at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia until September 7, 2009. Bradford Naugler is considered one of Canada's most prominent and successful folk artists', with his work exhibited and collected in both North America and Europe.

Drug Raid

A 38-year old Petite Riviere woman is looking at an October court date on drug charges after a police search of her home. Members of the Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit went into the Italy Cross Road home yesterday. Police say they seized a quantity of Marihuana Plants, Ecstasy and prescription medication in the raid. Bridgewater police, RCMP and a dog unit were there with a warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Hospital Pickets

Picket lines will be up at South Shore Regional Hospital Friday. They'll be manning the lines from 6:30 to 9 a.m. to highlight the challenges CUPE local 1933 is facing in provincial bargaining talks. One of the health workers who will be on the line says they're hoping to avert a strike by informing the public and members about what's going on at the table around acute care bargaining. The picket lines will be at the entrance and exit of the hospital property on Glen Allan and Nafthal Drive. The Union's lead negotiator Wayne Thomas will also be taking part in the picket tomorrow morning.

Blacktop Topup

Four different roads in Lunenburg County on the list of road improvements announced yesterday by the province. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Bill Estabrooks says the department is determined to keep the road builders of Nova Scotia busy by getting these jobs into their hands during the current construction season. The seven projects have an estimated value of almost 12-million dollars, and include paving, repaving and other road improvements. All seven projects are scheduled for completion before the end of 2009. Among the tenders is 7.8 kilometres of repaving on four different roads in Lunenburg County.

Black Loyalist Support

It was a big Community Welcome of the Amistad Freedom Celebration 175 on the Shelburne Waterfront today. And Gerald Keddy brought a present from Ottawa. The MP for the South Shore announced $13,700 for the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Keddy says these events help people understand the history of slavery and allows residents commemorate and celebrate the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Concerts, tours of Freedom Schooner Amistad, a march from Shelburne to Birchtown, the Junior Leaders Freedom Camp, a reception honouring elders from the local African Nova Scotian community; and a display of quilts and art are all part of the festivities running through till Sunday.

Gold River Bridge

Lunenburg County residents and visitors have a new modern six-million-dollar bridge. Gold River Bridge on Trunk 3 has been replaced and the new bridge is now open. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says that the replacement of the bridge was an important project in maintaining the beauty of the historic Lighthouse Route. The replacement project began in early 2008, as the original structure approached the end of its structural life. Work to dismantle the temporary detour bridge will take place over the next two to four weeks. Drivers are asked to proceed with caution in the area during this time.

Coastal Habitat Protection

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is thrilled to announce the protection of pristine coastal habitat at Port Joli in southwest Nova. Still unspoiled by development, the Port Joli area is a vital home for a number of migratory bird species, including Canada geese and Harlequin ducks. The area contains sandy beaches, eel grass flats, inter-tidal mudflats and coastal forests and was designated a Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1941. Gerald Keddy South Shore/St. Margaret's MP says the Federal Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada's environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. While NCC already owned 136 acres (55 hectares) at Port Joli, the additional 341 acres (138 hectares) will ensure this unspoiled habitat remains in its natural state.

New Home Rebate

Applications for the province's new home construction rebate are now available at Access Nova Scotia Centres and online. The rebate is on new home construction and is equivalent to 50 per cent of the provincial portion of the HST, to a maximum of seven-thousand dollars. Up to 1,500 individuals who build or purchase a new home will qualify for this one-time rebate. The province has also moved the municipal building permit eligibility date to Jan. 1, 2009. Premier Darrell Dexter says this will help keep skilled tradespeople at home and boost the home-building industry. Application forms and information on eligibility for the rebate program are available at Access Nova Scotia centres or online at www.getyourrebate.ca .

No Idle Project

We'll know this week if the Town of Bridgewater has been selected to take part in the Ecology Action Centre's "Idle-less Project'. Two municipal units will be selected to take part in the eight month project. Deputy-Mayor David Walker says the concept certainly blends into the Town's sustainability initiative. He says idling causes problems with greenhouse gasses but he's interested in finding out how the balance will be made between the environment and businesses like drive-thru's. The project involves two primary components. A community oriented campaign to reduce idling, including targeted business. And an examination of government policies and practices to reduce the amount of energy consumed by vehicles.

Postal Pre-emptive

Rural home mail delivery in Lunenburg County could be a thing of the past if Union's fears are realized. Canada Post is assessing its delivery service as a result of safety concerns expressed by rural mail drivers. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is alleging it's a move to save millions of dollars by eliminating home delivery and setting up community mailboxes. Toni Mckafee, the Education and Organizational Officers for CUP-W Atlantic Region says customers will likely be contacted in Lunenburg County in the next few weeks and customers have to voice their concerns and demand to keep their roadside mailbox. The Union has sent flyers to rural customers advising them of actions they can take to protect their rural mail delivery.

Water Speed Limits

With things about to get busy on the water with Chester Race Week, a timely advisory from the RCMP. Constable Brandy Steeves sent out a news release about complaints police were getting about seadoos speeding in Chester Harbour. She says they wanted to remind boaters and pleasure craft operators to note the posted speed limits and respect them. Chester Race Week starts tomorrow. It's billed as Canada's largest keel boat regatta.

Health Helpers Helped

Some caregivers in Nova Scotia will soon be able to receive financial help from the province for the work they do supporting loved ones and friends. Caregivers and the person requiring care must both meet certain criteria to be eligible for the 400 dollars per month caregiver allowance. Eligible caregivers must be residents of Nova Scotia, 19 years of age and older and provide 20 or more hours of assistance a week to qualified care recipients. Eligible care recipients must be Nova Scotia residents, 19 years of age or older and have a high level of disability or impairment. Their income will also be reviewed. More information about the allowance is available on the Department of Health website www.gov.ns.ca/health .

South Shore Visits

No better time than the summer to see the south shore. And two of the federal party leaders are heading our way. Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party was scheduled for a boat tour of Chester Harbour last evening. Today, he'll be spending time with Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall and Lunenburg West's Gary Ramey. This evening he's scheduled to have dinner with Mayors Joe Feeney, Don Downe and Lawrence Mawhinney and Deputy Mayor David Walker. And Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is in Cape Breton today and will be in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Clarke's Harbour tomorrow.

Recreational Center Holding

An architectural firm has been retained and legal and financial expertise is being put in place but the proposed Lunenburg County Lifestyle Facility is not yet at the "Shovel-Ready" stage. Deputy Mayor David Walker says they still haven't heard anything about federal funding. He says they are still optimistic there will be something coming. But he adds it doesn't make it any easier knowing they are ready to go and are waiting for the last piece of the puzzle to come from Ottawa. The two councils jointly announced a proposed multi-use facility back in 2004.

No Parking-lot

Another school year with the same limited parking lot at Parkview Education Centre. Construction to separate school bus and private vehicle traffic has been delayed by the South Shore Regional School Board. The project will now be carried out next summer. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake tells CKBW the late date in the current construction season and concerns for student safety drove the decision. Pynch-Worthylake says school and school board officials will work with students to address any safety concerns that may arise.

DOMESTIC STANDOFF

Charges are pending following a domestic incident that turned into a standoff with RCMP yesterday afternoon. The Mounties Emergency Response Team and local officers responded to a 9-1-1 domestic call to a bungalow in Newcombville around 2:30 p.m. Staff Sgt. Mark Furey says twhen they arrived on scene they were able to secure the safety of the female occupant of the home. The male barricaded himself in the residence. The ERT, police negotiators, local officers and a police service dog remainded on the scene until 1:45 in the morning. ERT officers entered the home and arrested the male resident without incident. Highway 325 was closed to traffic for almost 12 hours. The individual remains in custody pending further investigtion.

Police Files

Bridgewater Police investigating a number of complaints of property damage. On August 4th, between 8 and 10 p.m. a silver vehicle was keyed in the area of 215 King Street. Between August 1st and 2nd, a vehicle was damaged while parked on Olympiad Avenue. That incident happened between 11:30 p.m. and 8am. There was also damage done to mailboxes at 65 Marie Avenue sometime overnight of July 28th and 29th. And during the early morning hours of July 24th, unidentified teens threw eggs at a residence on Nauss Avenue.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

A sod turning ceremony to highlight a new water treatment plant for the Town of Lunenburg is set for Thursday morning at 11 o'clock at the top of Northwest Hill. The project, funded jointly by all three levels of government and announced in August 2006, will ensure that approximately 950 households will have improved drinking water. The project will not only result in a substantial improvement in water quality but will also ensure compliance with provincial water quality standards. Along with Mayor Laurence Mawhinney, South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy and Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall will attend the sod turning ceremony.

HABITAT FAMILY

Eileen and Ron White along with their grandchildren Mason and Bailey Whynot have been selected the family for the build by Habitat for Humanity in Queens County. The grandchildren have been with the Whites since their oldest daughter lost custody of the two children. Part of the requirements for the Whites to take the grandchildren was for them to have a three bedroom house. They are currently renting a home in Port Medway but have been struggling to make ends meet. They look forward to being able to move to Liverpool which is closer to the schools and offers sports opportunities for the children. As part of Habitat for Humanity's mandate, the chosen family has to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" which could involve helping with the build to assisting in fundraising. To date over 50 thousand dollars for the build has been raised of the total goal of 60 thousand by the end of this month. It's hoped the build can start in early September.

SHIP for SALE

The Fraser sailed off last month now another ship tied up at the Port of Bridgewater could be soon going as well. The former Canadian navy diving support ship the Cormorant is now for sale.. Rick Welsford of the Artificial Reef Society of Nova Scotia, says they recently received permission from the Federal Court to sell the ship which has been under arrest at the Bridgewater Port for several years. There are a number of claims against the ship, including one filed by the society for 175-thousand dollars in unpaid wharfage fees. Welsford says that figure escalates every day that the ship remains tied up there. She was put out of service in 1997 and was towed to Bridgewater in 2002, where she has become the focus of several lawsuits. The auction closes at 4 p.m. on September 2nd. The ship will be sold by sealed envelope auction ``as is, where is,'' including all the equipment that's on board.

POLICE FILES

Lunenburg RCMP are looking for those responsible for breaking into the United Church on Lincoln Street. The break-in took place during the night of July 29th/30th. Several offices and cabinets were opened and some minor damage was done. Anyone having information is asked to contact the Lunenburg RCMP or CRIMESTOPPERS. Meantime Bridgewater Police are investigating a theft from a shed on Aberdeen Road sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Friday July 31st and 9:10 a.m. on August 1st. A red 1979 Honda TRX 4-wheeler was stolen.