Lunenburg County woman struck by a vechile while using a cross walk.

A sixty year old woman from Lunenburg County was allegedly struck by a vehicle yesterday while using a cross walk in front of the Shoppers Drug Mart at the Bridgewater Mall.
A sixteen year old female was driving the vehicle. The victim was taken by ambulance to South Shore Regional Hospital where she was treated and released.
Police are reminding the general public that during the holiday season motorists must be extra vigilant when driving through Mall parking lots and town streets due to the increased volume of Christmas shoppers.

Lobster Season is acknowledged.

Lobster's value and importance to Nova Scotia was acknowledged today (November 30th) as December was proclaimed the Month of the Lobster.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau, read the proclamation on behalf of Premier Darrell Dexter at a breakfast with fishermen on Cape Sable Island before the season opened today. The minister says Nova Scotia lobster has tremendous value as a high-quality seafood that is appreciated around the world.
The proclamation states lobster is worth $400 million to the economy of Nova Scotia, the largest lobster supplying province in the country.

Lunenburg is working to keep its world heritage designation.

Officials in Lunenburg are putting the finishing touches on a heritage sustainability plan.
Mayor Laurence Mawhinney tells CKBW News the plan will include a review of the town's heritage bylaw.
Mawhinney says the heritage plan is now required to maintain the town's world heritage site designation.

Chester Council agrees to upgrade and expansion of the Oceanview Garden Center.

Chester council is giving the green light to a development agreement which will allow a controversial upgrade and expansion of the Oceanview Garden Center.
Warden Allen Webber tells CKBW News there were concerns raised by nearby property owners. But he thinks the agreement represents a compromise which eases those concerns while allowing the upgrade and expansion to proceed.

H1-N1 shots in Nova Scotia Schools.

Looks like students will no longer have to go far to get thier H1-N1 Flu shots. Some high school students will be able to get thier shots on campus starting next week.
The Capital Health District Authority is launching an in-school vaccination pilot program.
They hope to hold clinics at 17 high schools in the coming weeks, mostly within the Halifax Regional School Board.

Atlantic Canada Christmas tree growers are asking for Help.

Christmas tree growers in Atlantic Canada are asking for help. They say they need federal help if their industry is to remain viable.
They're seeking more than three million dollars to help with research and technology.
Matthew Wright of the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia says most of the money would be used to help improve the quality of the trees.
The industry is worth 30 million dollars in Nova Scotia and more than 100 million in the Atlantic region.

New Judge Being Sworn In

A swearing in ceremony is set for noon time today for Bridgewater's newest judge.
Richard MacKinnon will be sworn in during a ceremony at the Port Hawkesbury courthouse where he's been serving as senior Crown Counsel.

Chester Council Approves Breastfeeding Policy

Mothers who are breastfeeding should feel more welcome in the municipality of the district of Chester.
Warden Allen Webber tells CKBW News council has approved a breastfeeding friendly policy to support breastfeeding by employees and visitors at municipal properties.
Webber says it should make it easier for breastfeeding mothers to access municipal services while maintaining a level of dignity.

Lunenburg's Finances On Track

Despite a large capital works program this year -- Lunenburg mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the town's finances are pretty much on track.
Mawhinney tells CKBW News it's been a busy construction season with a number of projects well underway on budget and on time.
But Mawhinney says the work on the Tannery Road probably won't get started until spring -- the town is spending about 17-million on infrastructure projects this year -- and -- that combined with the 4-million dollar operating budget is the largest budget in the town's history.

Flu Impact Easing In Schools

Student attendance is back at normal levels in schools in the South Shore region -- a spokesman for the South Shore Regional School Board tells us absentee rates for students and teachers due to the H-1-N-1 flu were reaching high levels a few weeks ago.
But -- he says the rate has settled back into normal territory in the past two weeks.
Flu assessment clinics at the South Shore Regional Hospital and the Yarmouth Hospital have closed after a significant decline in the number of people using the facilities.

Oak Island Group's Fate To Be Decided Next Month

Some controversy brewing over the direction of The Oak Island Tourism Society.
A meeting on December 7th will consider a motion to dissolve the society.
Danny Hennigar, vice-chair of the group, tells CKBW the group no longer believes it can attain its goals of an interpretive centre, regular tours of the island, and a museum.
Hennigar says the group can't raise the needed funds.
Others in the community think the plan is viable.
Charles Barkhouse tried to join the group a year ago and he thinks the goals can be attained.
The group meets at Oak Island Inn at 2 pm on Monday, December 7th. If the group is dissolved, its assets will be transferred to the Chester Heritage Society.

Payzant Re-elected School Board Chair

There's a familiar face at the head of the boardroom table at the South Shore School Board.
Elliott Payzant has been re-elected the chair of the board while Herb Seymour will serve as vice-chair.
The board has also paid tribute to Park View music teacher Scott Leonard who was recently awarded the national "Music Counts" award.
The award is presented to music teahers making outstanding contributions to music and education.

Operation Christmas Roadside Checks Launched

Battle Against Drunk Driving Gets A Boost Today

There will be some fanfare in town this morning -- Operation Christmas is being launched during a news conference at the Days Inn.
It's the province wide police checkpoint effort to reduce impaired driving over the holidays.
Representatives from the Road Safety Advisory Committee and police forces will be attending -- so will CKBW News and we will have details later this morning.

Kids Getting A Chance Thanks To Shelburne Council

Thirty unprivileged children will have the chance of a life-time with a new "Kids Fair Play fund committee".
This was one of the topics discussed at the Municipality of Shelburne Councils meeting.
The committee will provide financial support to thirty children allowing them to enjoy recreational and cultural events; the council has also formalized the Municipal Installment Billing policy for municipal tax collection and a steering committee has been formed for the Sandy Point Sewage Treatment Plant Project.

Postal Employees Denied Exemption

Canada Post employees in Lunenburg will have to continue to carry some extra change with them to feed the meter.
Council has turned down a request to exempt the employees from having to pay for parking.
The workers sometimes have to park on the street in the morning because transport trucks delivering the mail block access to the employee parking lot.
Mayor Laurence Mawhinney tells us council felt it would be setting a precedent which would lead to a rash of similar requests.

Cemetery Continues To Struggle

The mayor of Bridgewater says the Brookside Cemetery continues to struggle financially.
Mayor Carroll Publicover tells CKBW News the Cemetery Commission has been trying to reach the breakeven point -- but -- it continues to rely on subsidies from the town.
The mayor says the Cemetery Commission is facing another expense -- the pond in the cemetery needs to be dredged to clean it up -- that will require approvals from the Fisheries and Environment departments.

South Shore Flu Assessment Closing

Another flu assessment clinic is closing -- this time the one at the South Shore Regional will be closing at four this afternoon.
The Health Authority says the number of patients has been in a steady decline over the past week.
The clinic at the Yarmouth Hospital closed earlier this week as its numbers also dropped.
Meantime -- flu shot clinics are still being held throughout the region.

Highway Environment Assessment Open For Public Comment

The Environmental Assessment report is now complete for the proposed four lane highway connecting Highways 103 and 102.
The report is now in the hands of the Environment Minister and is open for public comment.
The new highway is designed to bypass the Halifax area and relieve congestion on the Hammonds Plains Road. The report is available by clicking here.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment Report may also be examined at the following locations:
Tantallon Public Library, 3646 Hammonds Plains Road, Upper Tantallon, NS Keshen Goodman Public Library, 330 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS Clean Nova Scotia, 126 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS Ecology Action Centre, 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax, NS Nova Scotia Environment, Central Regional Office, 1595 Bedford Highway, Suite 224, Bedford, NS Nova Scotia Environment, 5th Floor Library, 5151 Terminal Road, Halifax, NS

Charities Granted Tax Exemption

It was a close vote -- but -- Bridgewater town council has approved a bylaw giving named registered charities a property tax exemption.
Mayor Carroll Publicover tells CKBW news there were some concerns about whether to have the exemption effective in the next budget year or make it retroactive to this year.
But -- in the end -- Council voted 4-3 in favour of making the exemption retroactive to this year.

More Flu Related Deaths Reported

The province has recorded two more Swine Flu related deaths -- the victims were a man and woman in their forties with underlying medical conditions.
The man died in the Pictou County area while the woman died in the Capital District Health Authority area -- bringing the total of number of flu related deaths to five.
Meantime -- the Flu Assessment Clinic at the Yarmouth Hospital has closed effective today -- officials say there's been a drop in the number of people showing up with flu related symptoms.
The Flu Assessment Clinic at the South Shore Regional Hospital remains open Monday through Friday between one and four in the afternoon.

Flu Clinic Closing

The latest round of the Swine Flu appears to be on the wane -- and -- the latest sign is the closure of the Flu Assessment Clinic at the Yarmouth Hospital effective tomorrow.
Officials say the there has been a drop in the number of people showing up with flu symptoms -- but -- it will re-open if that situation changes.
Meanwhile -- the Flu Assessment Clinic at the South Shore Regional Hospital remains open Monday through Friday between one and four in the afternoon.

Town Moves To Control Adult Entertainment

Bridgewater council wants to have tighter controls on where adult entertainment venues set up shop in the town.
Mayor Carroll Publicover says the town doesn't have any legal right to ban the clubs -- but -- he tells CKBW News town staff will look at a couple of zoning options by either setting up an exclusive zone for the operations or tightening up existing zoning to make sure they can't locate in - or - near residential areas.
The town started looking into the situation after learning Bridgewater was being considered as one of a number of potential location for an adult entertainment club.

New Regional Chief Crown Attorney Appointed

There will be a new chief Crown Prosecutor serving our region at the end of January.
Ingrid Brodie will take over from Craig Harding who is retiring.
Brodie is a life long resident of the Annapolis Valley and has been involved in a number of projects including the Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act as well as input into the creation and operation of the Sex Offender Registry.
She'll be responsible for regional offices along the South Shore - the southwestern region - and - the Annapolis Valley.

Nasty Weather Coming Our Way

It may be just a month until Christmas Eve -- but -- our spring like weather is continuing with a twist of dampness today.
A rainfall warning has been issued for our area with rain at times heavy tonight into tomorrow morning -- a total of up to60-mm's of rain is expected before the system passes tomorrow.
The rain will be combined with fog and a strong wind making for tricky driving conditions later today and tonight.

Crib Recall

(CP) It's the biggest baby-crib recall in Canadian and U-S history.
Nearly a million drop-side cribs are being recalled in this country and 1.2-million stateside, following reports that four babies have died and dozens have been injured.
The drop-side cribs are made by Stork Craft Manufacturing of B-C, and feature a side that moves up and down to allow parents to lift kids from the cribs more easily.
There's been no comment yet from Health Canada.
But the U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission says the main problem is that the drop-side can become detached, leaving a space where a baby can become trapped and suffocate.
The cribs were made between 1993 and last month.
A free repair kit is available from Stork Craft that will convert the dropside to a fixed side - the toll free number is 1-877-274-0277.

Old Tire Deal Inked

Halifax based C&D Recycling is the successful bidder to begin a recycling program for old car tires.
The Resource Recovery Fund Board announced the deal today calling it a made in Nova Scotia solution for used tires.
The company will turn the old tires into a material used for lightweight fill - insulation against frost - backfill - and - drainage layers for roads and landfills.
The contract will run five years with the option for renewal.

N-S Can't Afford Not To Develop Kids Program

The Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Council for Early Childhood Development says we can't afford to be without an early childhood development program.
Theresa Griffin tells CKBW News a provincial strategy would pay dividends in the long term through lower crime rates and the number of special needs kids.
The Council has called on the Dexter government to develop an early childhood development strategy covering children from birth to six years of age -- it says that strategy could include things like full day learning for 4-and-5 year olds and summer programs for school aged kids.

Flu Clinics For All

There are a number of Swine Flu shot clinics scheduled this week with the vaccine now available to all residents.
There's a clinic today in Liverpool at the Best Western running from one until six while a clinic is scheduled at the Freeport Legion today between 2 and 6.
Officials are cautioning there may be line ups - and - reminding you to bring your health card.
Meantime -- all South Shore Health facilities are now open to regular visiting -- but -- you're being asked to stay away if you have any flu symptoms.

Jenkins Wins School Board Nod

There's a new face on the South Shore Regional School Board -- Dr John Jenkins of Lunenburg has been elected the member for District 7.
Jenkins won Saturday's by-election defeating rival Craig Buffet by a 99-vote margin -- the results won't be official until tomorrow after the Returning Officer confirms the tally.
The seat became vacant when former vice-chair Karen Kinley resigned in August after accepting a provincial government job in Halifax.

Jenkins Wins School Board Nod

There's a new face on the South Shore Regional School Board -- Dr John Jenkins of Lunenburg has been elected the member for District 7.
Jenkins won Saturday's by-election defeating rival Craig Buffet by a 99-vote margin -- the results won't be official until tomorrow after the Returning Officer confirms the tally.
The seat became vacant when former vice-chair Karen Kinley resigned in August after accepting a provincial government job in Halifax.

Lunenburg Doctor new School Board Member

Dr. John Jenkins of Lunenburg is the newly elected South Shore Regional School Board member for District 7. Jenkins won the by-election on Saturday with 233 votes to 134 for Craig Buffett. There were a total of 368 ballots cast, with two ballots rejected. Voter turnout was 6.8 percent. The result won't be official until Tuesday when the Returning Officer collects the ballot boxes and confirms there were no mistakes at the polling stations. The seat became vacant when former Vice-Chair Karen Kinley resigned from the Board August 31st after accepting a job with the provincial government's legislative council office in Halifax.

Flu Shots Now Available To All Nova Scotians

Provincial health officials are opening up the Swine Flu vaccinations to all Nova Scotians.
Chief Public Health Officer - Dr Robert Strang - says he's anticipating a steady supply of the vaccine in the coming weeks.
But public health officials are also cautioning some clinics may run out of vaccine due to initial heavy demand at those clinics.

Olympic Torch Arrives This Evening

It's a big night for the South Shore area -- we get a chance to get up close to the Olympic Torch as it makes its way across the country heading to Vancouver for the Winter Games.
The torch is scheduled to arrive in New Germany just before 5 this afternoon then it will make its way to Bridgewater and is due to begin its journey through town around 5:20 on North Street -- it will then travel down Aberdeen to the New Bridge turning left onto King Street where it will make its way to the Old Bridge across to LaHave Street and down the street ending at 5:54pm when it will then make its journey to Lunenburg where a two hour event is planned in front of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
It leaves tomorrow for P-E-I.

Calls For Early Childhood Strategy

The Nova Scotia Council for Early Childhood Development is calling on the provincial government to create an early childhood development strategy.
The call comes as the council marks National Child's Day and the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The council says Nova Scotia should follow recent recommendations in Ontario which call for full day learning programs for 4-and-5 year olds - and - enhanced parental leave among other things.

Real Estate Market Cools Slightly

The real estate market has cooled a bit along the South Shore.
The Nova Scotia Realtors Association reports sales off by six percent between August and October compared to the same period a year ago.
But the Association reports the average price in our area is up just over two percent and now stands at just under 170-thousand dollars.
The Yarmouth area saw a 50-percent increase in sales between August and October this year compared to 2008 -- but -- the average price there has dropped five percent to just over 115-thousand dollars.

Black Ice Conditions Reported

The temperature may feel warm as you head out this morning - but - don't be fooled.
There is a lot of black ice on bridges - overpasses - and - now some roads mainly in the northern part of the county with a couple of accidents reported already.
Transportation Department crews are out with salt and sand -- but -- they're advising caution.

Man Hit With Big Fine For Illegal Cigarettes And Pot

A Mount Pleasant man has been hit with ove 22-thousand dollars in fines for possessing illegal cigarettes.
54-year old Ronald Nelson Veinot was also charged with possession of marijuana.
Police swooped down on his home last March and seized over 140 bags of smokes and dried marijuana bud.
He claimed the pot was for his own use and he was storing the cigarettes for a friend.

Flu Still Taking A Toll Across The Province

The H-1-N-1 flu continues to take a toll on Nova Scotians. Public Health reports there were 51-people admitted to hospital between November 8th and 14th.
Health officials also say the number of people reporting to emergency rooms with flu like symptoms remains high but has actually dropped slightly from earlier in the fall.
The province has also recorded it's third H-1-N-1 related death in the Capital District Health Authority -- the woman was over 65.

Another Flu Death Reported

The Public Health Agency of Canada says another Nova Scotian has died as a result of complications from the H-1-N-1 flu virus.
The death occurred between last Thursday and yesterday according to a posting on the agency's web site.
It would be the third flu rated death in the province -- the provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health is expected to release more details this afternoon.

Tourism Holding Its Own

Despite the sluggish economy earlier this year -- tourism numbers are up one percent between January and September compared to the same period a year ago.
The provincial tourism department says that translates into 1.6-million visitors during the period.
The number of people driving to our province is up eight percent while the number of air travellers coming to visit dropped 13-percent compared to last year.

Flu Assessment Clinic Hours Changing

The regional health authority is changing the hours of operation for the Flu Assessment Center at the South Shore Regional Hospital.
Beginning on Monday -- the center will be open between one and 4 through next Friday.
The authority says fewer people have been visiting the center over the past week -- and -- reducing the hours of operation will free up staff to resume other services that have been relocated or deferred.
The health authority says it will continue to monitor the situation and make changes in services as required.

Home Heating Assistance Applications Available

Applications are now being accepted for the provincial heating assistance program.
The program is aimed at Nova Scotians with a combined family income of under 42-thousand dollars a year or single people earning less than 27-thousand dollars.
Those eligible can get up to 200-dollars if they heat their homes with oil - electricity - wood - propane - wood pellets - natural gas - or - coal -- that's 250-dollars less than last year.
More than 54-thousand applications have been mailed out to people who received a rebate last year.

School Support Strike Vote Underway

The new year could bring a strike by unionized school support staff across the province.
The 37-hundred members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees are currently conducting a strike vote with results tallied on the 27th of this month.
The bus drivers - janitors - teacher's aides - and - other support staff have been without a contract since March of 2007.
The union is looking for the same 2.9-percent salary increase granted recently to public school and community college teachers.

Seniors Grants Now Available

Seniors across the province will now have access to a 220-thousand dollar provincial program to help with aging projects.
The Positive Aging Fund will offer grants of up to 10-thousand dollars to non-profit groups to help with their projects.
More information can be found here.

Panthers Nearing End Of Overseas Journey

The Parkview Panthers are in the final stages of a trip to the Republic of Slovenia -- coach Eric Dolliver says the 14-boys on the exchange trip are gaining a wealth of education and history.
Dolliver says the Republic is a hotbed for basketball and the boys have been meeting with some of their experts as well as taking part in a hoop tournament where they finished fourth of out six teams.
They head for home on Saturday.

Liverpool Receiving A Connection To John Lennon

It's the only municipality in Canada invited to take part this year -- Liverpool is capitalizing on its relations with Liverpool - England and is receiving the commemorative White Feather Candle from the John Lennon White Feather Foundation.
Spokesperson Phaedra Charlton-Huskins tells us the candle will be lit during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the 27th -- but -- it won't be just a public official lighting the candle -- it will be the winner of an essay contest for the kids.
She says a picture will be taken during the ceremony and sent to the Foundation in England where it will be featured with other photos of similar ceremonies around the world.
The foundation was started by Julian Lennon in honor of his father to promote environmental and humanitarian issues

Food Challenge Underway

The challenge has been issued -- and -- the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank will be the ultimate winner.
The Bridgewater Police Service and South Shore paramedics are trying to fill their vehicles with the most food items.
The police are taking donations to stuff their van at the police station on Exhibition Drive while the paramedics are trying to fill an ambulance at their North Street base.
A special food drive is also planned for next month at the Superstor parking lot.

Lock Your Vehicle!

With Christmas shopping beginning to ramp up -- Barrington R-C-M-P are issuing a reminder.
The Mounties are asking you to remember to remove valuables and loose change from your vehicles -- and -- make sure they're locked.
The R-C-M-P have been dealing with a rash of reports of things being removed from vehicles -- in most cases -- they were left unlocked.

Tree Gift Begins Journey To Boston

Our annual gift to the people of Boston is on its way -- the 15-meter white spruce was cut down yesterday on the Fox Point property of Floyd and Elaine Shatford.
The Christmas tree will be set up on the Boston Common with a tree lighting ceremony set for December 3rd.
The province sends a tree each year as a thank you to the people of the New England city for their help in the wake of the Halifax explosion.

Speed And Lack Of Seat Belt Singled Out In Fatal Crash

The lack of a seatbelt is being singled out as contributing to the death of a Lunenburg County man Friday night.
R-C-M-P say the 39-year old man died of injuries suffered in the single vehicle crash on Highway 332 in First South.
So far - no name has been released.

Nova Scotia Stands To Lose More Residents

A new report is predicting Nova Scotia will lose 100-thousand workers by 2046.
The study by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies also shows we have been successful in getting more people into the workforce - especially women.
On the other side of the coin -- the report also points out something which is no real secret -- more of us are moving into the older demographics.
And the report points out that's going to have a significant impact on the region's ability to generate output and income as well as virtually all other aspects of the economy.

Annual Tree Cutting Set For This Morning

A tree cutting ceremony is planned for this morning to mark Nova Scotia's annual Christmas gift to Boston.
This year's selected tree is a white spruce from Fox Point that belongs to Floyd Shatford, the Deputy-Warden of Chester.
Every year since 1971 the province has sent a Christmas tree to the people of Boston in appreciation for their help during the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion.
Students from Aspotogan Elementary and Shatford Memorial schools will be taking part in the tree cutting ceremony.
The event which is also open to the public takes place at 10 o'clock this morning, at Highway 329, Fox Point Shore Road, house number 823.

Group Wants Money To Recruit Doctors

A community group in Chester is looking for 58-thousand dollars from the municipal council.
The group wants to use the money to help recruit new doctors to the area by expanding the Health Resource Center at Shoreham Village.
Council is looking at the request to see if it can find the money in its budget -- the group has also proposed an interest free loan from the municipality as an alternative to the direct cash grant.

More Flu Clinics To Start The Week

Flu shots clinics continue here in the region for those in the priority groups - the latest is set for today in Yarmouth at the Lions Club between 2 and 6 -- and -- there is also one here in Bridgewater at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall between 1 and 6 today.
Tomorrow -- one is scheduled in Lunenburg at the Community Center between one and 6 while the Weymouth Legion will be the scene of a clinic between one and six as well.

Minister Hears Chester Concerns

She didn't have precise answers on issues raised -- but -- Chester Warden Allen Webber says a meeting with Community Services Minister Denise Peterson - Rafuse has opened up a line of communications.
The Chester - St Margaret's M-L-A met with the council recently -- and -- Webber says she now has a better understanding of the local concerns of council.

Money For Lobster Marketing

A boost for the Nova Scotia Fish Packers Association in its bid to develop new markets for lobster.
The federal government is offering up over 70-thousand dollars to help the Association open up new markets in China.
The Association is targeting a number of Chinese cities.

Tipping Fee Exemption Sought

The Chester Village Commission is asking Municipal Council for an exemption in tipping fees relating to the Lido Pool renovations.
Warden Allen Webber says in previous cases of such requests, the amount was deducted from grants received by the organizations.
The Village Commission wants the exemption to the tip fee for the debris from the demolition in an effort to reduce the overall costs of the renovation.

Community Christmas Event Planning Well Underway

It's still more than a month away but planning is in the works for the first ever Bridgewater Community Christmas.
The volunteer run event aims to bring people together from all walks to share joy, company and food on Christmas Day.
The Bridgewater Community Christmas is planned for one o'clock Christmas Day at the Bridgewater High School.
Tickets are available free of charge at the door or in advance and transportation will be available.

Court Vacancy Filled

A vacancy on the bench here in Bridgewater is finally being filled -- Richard MacKinnon of Troy has been appointed a provincial judge.
He's been a senior Crown counsel with the Public Prosecution branch in Port Hawksbury -- his appointment takes effect immediately.

Seniors Complex Water Fix Costly

A seniors complex in Chester is asking the municipal council for help with a 71-thousand dollar fix for water problems.
The Shoreham Village complex is down to one well and it's trucking in water daily at a cost of 16-thousand dollars a month.
Warden Allen Webber says the municipality budget doesn't include money to help with the fix -- and -- he's not clear it's a municipal responsibility.
But council will review the situation and possible solutions to help with the problem -- meantime -- the Health Department has agreed to pay 45-thousand dollars to cover the nursing home's share of the cost.

Chester Council Supports Traffic Review

Chester council has approved a request for a traffic study -- that request coming from the R-C-M-P advisory committee.
The committee wants the study to review vehicle counts and parking issues along Duke Street between Main and Tremont Streets.
The request for the study will now be sent to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure renewal.

Lunenburg Company Holding Its Own

The recession doesn't appear to be hurting Lunenburg's High Liner Foods -- third quarter financial results show lower sales volume -- but -- for the year to date sales are up just over 9-percent while net income has improved 35-percent compared to the same period last year.

Autopsy Being Performed In Sudden Death Case

They don't suspect foul play -- Lunenburg County RCMP are working on a case involving a sudden death at a Lower Branch home yesterday.
They were called to the home around 1:30 yesterday afternoon and found the body of a 71-year old man.
An autopsy will be carried out today.

Flu Continues To Grip Province

The H-1-N-1 flu continues to take hold across the province -- the latest stats show there were 37-people hospitalized last week as a result of the flu.
Since the flu season began in September -- there have been 502-confirmed cases of the Swine Flu with a total of 73-people admitted to hospital -- and -- one H-1-N-1 related death.
Still with the flu -- a reminder there is a flu shot clinic scheduled for today at the Best Western in Liverpool between 2 and 6 -- tomorrow -- a clinic is scheduled at the Park View Education Center here in Bridgewater -- it will run between 10 and 2 -- both are for those people in the priority groups only.

New Transportation Plan For Chester

Chester is moving to develop what it's calling an active transportation plan -- coordinator Gordon Tate says he will be working to design a network of bikeways - trails - and - sidewalks.
The plan is part of the active living strategy developed by Chester - Mahone Bay - and - the Department of Health Promotion and Protection.
The active living strategy and the transportation plan are scheduled to be implemented over a three year period.

Fox Point Tree Headed For Boston

A Fox Point white spruce will be heading to Boston this year as our gift to Beantown for help in the aftermath of the Halifax explosion.
The 15-meter tree is on land in Lunenburg County owned by Floyd and Elainse Shatford.
A tree cutting ceremony is planned for Monday.

Crash Claims One

A 31-year old man is dead after a single vehicle crash on Highway 1 in Middle Sackville last night.
The Mounties say it appears the man lost control on a curve and rolled into the ditch.
Police say it appears the driver wasn't wearing a seat belt at the time of the mishap -- so far no name has been release.

New Center Closer To Reality

The Chair of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Society says a big step has been taken in the process to move forward with the LCLC.
Paul Belliveau says the joint councils of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg have approved the first phase of the architect services.
Belliveau says the price tag will have to be revised from the 31.5 million and they need a more current number.
Both councils also approved a contract for accounting services and the setting up of a municipal corporation.

New Deputy Mayor Named

Martin Bell has been elected the new deputy-mayor of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.
Bell who was first elected to Council in 2000 takes over the post from Don Zwicker who could not reoffer because of a new policy implemented by Council.
Bell says the new one year term allows the Councillors to rotate the position.

New Name For Road To New Francophone School

A seven year old student who attends Ecole de la Rive-Sud the winner of a contest by the Municipality of Lunenburg to name the road leading to the new French school.
Mayor Don Downe says the entry by Abbey Rafuse was selected by Council and it is Chemin Petit Evangeline Court.
The road named by Abbey will be applied to the portion of road off Champlain Drive in Cookville where the new French school is being constructed.

Lunenburg Claims Top Prize

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg being recognized for having one of the top 50 Canadian web designs.
Partnering with Headspace Design of Halifax, the Municipality engaged in an intense branding exercise and the implementation of a web design and development approach.
Mayor Don Downe says, the new site will be a show piece for the region.
The new tourism website features a birdhouse as the new branding symbol and the shortened name of Lunenburg Region.

Large Turnouts For Remembrance Day Services

Bridgewater among a number of communities around the region reporting a solid turnout for Remembrance Day services yesterday.
Prince Charles took part in the service at the National War Memorial in Ottawa -- he urged Canadians to recognize the "enormous debt of gratitude" owed the men and women fighting in Afghanistan.

More Flu Shot Clinics Planned

A number of H-1-N-1 vaccine clinics will take place over the next three days to accommodate new target groups announced by the province. South Shore Health has clinics planned for this afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. at the New Ross Consolidated School, Friday at the Best Western Hotel in Liverpool from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday in Bridgewater at Park View Education Centre from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The new groups now eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccination are :
** people under 65 with chronic medical conditions;
** people living with, or providing care in the home for infants less than six months of age,
** people living with those at high-risk who cannot be immunized and those who are immunocompromised and may not respond to vaccine; AND
** people who work in residential-care facilities, community-based option and small-option homes, group homes and developmental residences.

Survey Says: Safe

Most Nova Scotians are satisfied with the provincial highways system, according to the 2008 Highway Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey says 76 per cent of Nova Scotians feel safe driving and 65 per cent feel safe walking in their communities. Overall satisfaction with the highway system remains relatively consistent at 61 per cent. Cellphone use while driving was the top issue among respondents, followed closely by speeding and distracted drivers. This fiscal year, the department has dedicated More than 530 million dollars to highway spending, an almost 87-million-dollars more than last year. The 2008 Overall Highlights Report is available on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/ . The 2009 survey has begun.

Toddler Improving

RCMP from Queens tell CKBW the young boy run over in Bang's Falls is improving and is on his way to recovery. Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau says the three year old is scheduled to leave the Intensive Care Unit at the IWK later today. The child was hit by a car in the driveway of his home around 3:30 Monday afternoon. His mother was driving the vehicle at the time. He was rushed to hospital in Bridgewater by paramedics. The provincial air ambulance then flew him to Halifax. Deveau says the investigation is ongoing and police are still waiting to speak to the boy's mother about what happened.

Former Premier Speaks

It's a special guest speaker for a special meeting. This will be the first Annual General Meeting in a long for members of the Lunenburg Progressive Conservative Association where there is not a sitting MLA from the riding. The Association says it's membership is working hard, taking on challenges with a renewed optimism in the rebuilding process. Their A-G-M is being held at the Barss Corner Community Centre on Saturday November 28, 2009. And the guest speaker is the Honourable Senator John Buchanan, QC. John Buchanan served as Premier of Nova Scotia from 1978 to 1990 and member of the Senate from 1990 to 2006.

Torch Run Money

The Town of Lunenburg is receiving $15,000 as they host celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay’s visit. MP Gerald Keddy announced the funding support for the Town yesterday. Keddy says "When the Torch comes to Lunenburg, the Olympic spirit will touch each and every one of us." The Torch will visit the Town of Lunenburg on Friday, November 20th for an evening community celebration on the Lunenburg waterfront (Fisheries Museum Parking Lot). Celebrations are from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a fireworks display wrapping up the evening.

Toddler Injured

Few details and no update yet. Police say a three-year-old Queens county boy was taken to hospital with head injuries after he was hit by a vehicle driven by his mother. The accident happened yesterday afternoon in a private driveway in Bangs Falls while the woman was backing up. RCMP Staff Sgt. Bruno Deveau says the boy was conscious after the accident. But Deveau did not have details on the boy's condition. He says an investigation of the mishap continues. The boy was reportedly airlifted to hospital in Halifax.

Heath Fund Audit

An investigation is being conducted into accounting irregularities within the shared financial services of South Shore Health, Annapolis Valley Health, and South West Health. The matter was reported to the Kentville Town Police Department and an investigation is ongoing. Criminal Charges are possible. The three Health Authorities are also together conducting their own forensic audit.As a result of its own internal investigation, an employee based at Annapolis Valley Health has been dismissed for cause. The full extent of the circumstances won't be known until the police investigation and audit are complete.The three Health Authorities are cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Greenfield Fire

A Greenfield man is being treated in hospital for non-life threatening burns according to the fire chief in the community. Harry Nelson tells CKBW he and the Deputy Fire Marshal went through the house on Highway 210 this morning. They figure the cause of the fire was electrical. Crews from Greenfield Volunteer Fire were paged out just after four this morning to the house at 4939 Highway 210. Chief Nelson says they got help fighting the fire from Liverpool and North Queens crews. He says the man had been renovating the property and was staying there by himself. The man was apparently woken up by a loud noise this morning before smoke started filling the house. He went to a neighbour's to call 9-1-1. The interior is badly damaged by fire and smoke but the chief says the building is still standing. It's not known if it is insured.

No Shooting

Queens RCMP say an incident Friday night reported as a shooting in Charleston turned out to be an accident involving a man on an ATV. Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau tells CKBW it started with a 9-1-1 call that ended abruptly around 5:15 Friday. Another call came in minutes later suggesting there had been a man had been shot and the shooter was in the woods. RCMP and Paramedics responded to a cabin in the Riversdale area where they found a 51-year old man with head injuries. He was taken to hospital in Bridgewater claiming he was shot at while riding his all terrain vehicle. In the meantime, a perimeter was set up in the area by Natural Resources and RCMP. It was not long after the doctor called police the man had NOT been shot. S/Sgt Deveau says it appears the man drove over an object that came up and hit the man in the back of the head. The Charleston man has since been treated and released from hospital.

Sudden Death

RCMP in Lunenburg county are calling it a sudden death but say no foul play is suspected. Staff Sergeant Mark Furey says their members were called to a home in Barrs Corner just after midnight Saturday. Paramedics were already on scene when officers arrived. The crews had already started working on the 48 year old woman but she was pronounced deceased about 15 minutes later. An autopsy is being conducted today. Again, police do not suspect foul play.

Winter Weather

Cape Breton will bear the brunt of an early winter storm. Environment Canada says the island will be experiencing very strong winds and snowfall amounts in some areas up to 25 centimeters. The south shore has been mainly seeing rain falling with the storm system moving past the province. Some areas are getting snow but it's not really adding up. The relatively warm pavement is keeping it from amounting to a lot although road conditions may get a bit slippery with slush, wet snow and rain.

From Environment Canada: A low pressure system south of Nova Scotia will lie southeast of Cape Breton this evening. Up to 15 centimetres of snow is expected inland and over high terrain. The Cape Breton highlands could see up to 25 centimetres. Additionally.. strong northerly winds will develop tonight with gusts up to 110 km/h beginning this afternoon and evening. For the south shore, it's periods of rain ending this afternoon then cloudy. Rain at times mixed with snow this morning. Rainfall amount 5 to 10 mm except snowfall amount 5 cm inland and over higher terrain. Wind northeast 40 km/h gusting to 60 becoming north 50 gusting to 70 this morning.

Snow turning to Rain

It may end up more wet than white by later in the day. According to Environment Canada, a low pressure centre is forming off the Carolina coast this morning. It is expected to deepen rapidly as it passes off the Shelburne coast after midnight on it's way to lie just east of Cape Breton Island late Friday. Strong northeasterly winds will develop overnight over the province and strengthen considerably out of the north on Friday as the low passes by. Rain is expected where winds blow onshore off the warm sea. Wet snow is expected tonight inland especially over higher terrain. Areas away from the sea may have amounts of wet snow up to 10 Centimetres. However..the weather office says these same areas will see increasing amounts of rain rather than snow through Friday as temperatures moderate. They are asking people to keep an ear on the forecast as conditions and details may change.

Inflated Tire Demand

With snow in the forecast, snowtires are top of mind. And it's extremely busy at the tireshops on the south shore today. Wally Pike with Goodyear Tire Center says it's been non-stop for the past few days since the talk started about the upcoming snowfall. He says they were there until late last night and it will likely be the same story in the next few days. Valley Tire staff has been busy as well trying to fit in all of the customers who have been stopping in for winter treads. And Rick Womboldt of G-C-R tire center says it's the same at their shop. He feels winter tires are more top-of-mind this season because of what happened last year. There was a shortage of tires in the maritimes because Quebec had legislated the use of winter tires. He says it sparked interest and has educated drivers about the benefits of snow tires. Most of the shops that sell or service tires are very busy with some booking appointments for next week even with extended hours trying to catch up to the demand.

Gearing Up

It's the first forcast snowfall of the season. And crews with the Department of Transportation are gearing up for whatever comes down tomorrow. Snowfall of between 2 and 10 centimeters could be hitting inland areas through tonight and tomorrow. It's expected to be rain along the coastal areas of the south shore. There's a good supply of salt on hand and the mechanics are getting the ploughs ready for the snow tomorrow. But the biggest factor will be how drivers deal with the first snowfall. And D-O-T crews are hoping people will use care and caution as they head out on potentially slippery roads.

Registry Wounded

The federal long-gun registry was in the crosshairs of Parliamentarians. A bill to dismantle the registry came up for a vote where it passed 164 to 137. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy says he has been clear from the very beginning, he's never changed his position and never wavered on this bill against the registry for rifles and shotguns. Keddy says along with saving money, the streets will be safer because of more police officers being available with the money that will be saved. Meantime, Quebec's public safety minister has written to all M-Ps in the province, demanding they vote against the private member's bill tabled by the Conservatives. The legislation now goes to committee for further study and possible changes.

Mr Leonard's Opus

A long-serving Park View music teacher is being held up as one of the best according to a music education charity. Scott Leonard is the fifth annual winner of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. Anne Murray presented him with the honour at a ceremony this week. Leonard has been a devoted mentor to music students for 24 years - 21 of them at Park View. The group says he epitomizes the spirit of the award as his commitment to music education extends far beyond the classroom. He was director of Park View's first school musical and he also teaches at the Lunenburg County Band Camp. Leonard teaches guitar, band, and embraces innovative new ideas, having created his own class - Recording Arts Technology. He will receive a $10,000 cash award, plus an additional $10,000 for his school's music program, a hand-crafted statuette created by JUNO Award statuette designer, plus an all-expenses paid trip to the 2010 JUNO Awards in St. John's.

Pregnant Clinic

Officials have been saying their supressed immune system should put expectant moms at the front of the line. South Shore Health is holding an H1N1 vaccination clinic today for pregnant women. They will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine at the obstetrics clinic at South Shore Regional Hospital. And in order to reduce wait times, the clinic is scheduling women based on trimesters. Women six to nine months pregnant should come from 9 a.m. to noon; women three to six months pregnant should come from 1 to 4 p.m.; and women less than three months pregnant should come from 4 to 7 p.m. And a Shelburne clinic planned for today, (Wed. Nov. 4) has been cancelled according to Southwest Health.

Clinic Busy

Business is brisk at the Flu Assessment Centre located at South Shore Regional Hospital. Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says the numbers have been steady since the clinic opened on Monday. The centre is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Most cases of H1N1 are mild and will clear up in a few days by resting at home. However, people are encouraged to visit a flu assessment centre, instead of hospital emergency department, if they have flu-like symptoms and get sicker instead of better after a few days. People who are severely ill – especially with breathing difficulties -- should seek immediate help by going to your nearest Emergency department or calling 9-1-1.

Most cases of H1N1 are mild and will clear up in a few days by resting at home. However, people are encouraged to visit a flu assessment centre, instead of hospital emergency department, if they have flu-like symptoms and get sicker instead of better after a few days; or they have the flu and are in a high-risk group, which includes those: with a chronic medical condition, women who are pregnant, and children under 5.

Mersey Hydro Open House

They've done this in the past, but it's been a few years. And it's part of the process for a license renewal. Nova Scotia Power is holding an open house to talk with residents about the Mersey hydro system. Those who attend will learn more about how the system operates, and the ongoing environmental monitoring done by NS Power. Employees will be on hand later today (3pm-8pm) to answer questions at the Best Western in Liverpool. The open houses are part of the re licensing process for the province's hydro systems. They are held every 10 years for renewal of the system's operating approval. Another session is planned for next Thursday (Nov 12th) in Tusket Falls.

Hebbville Academy Power

Power was only out for about a half hour at Hebbville Academy this morning. There was a fire in a transformer behind the school just before 8:30 that was blamed for causing the outage. The electricity was back on just after nine. The students were kept inside waiting for the lights to come back on. Apparently they booed when the lights came back on...hoping for a bit of a break from classes.

Flu Assessment Clinic

Health officials are doing what they can to help people deal with the changing information in regards to H-1-N-1. South Shore Health points to the newly announced priorities for the vaccination: pregnant women; children younger than five (six months to 59 months); people living in First Nations communities; and health-care workers who provide direct care to patients. And in response to more people coming to their emergency departments by people with flu-like symptoms, there is an influenza assessment centre at South Shore Regional Hospital. The clinic will be open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. The Walk-in Clinic will be held as usual. The Health authority wants to be clear, the Centre is not providing vaccinations or H1N1 testing. They say you should come to the centre if you think you have the flu and get sicker instead of better after a few days; or you have the flu and are in a high risk group.

Lunenburg Burial Ground Request

The Mi'kmaq Burial Grounds Research and Restoration Association wants to erect a monument in Lunenburg's 250th Anniversary Park behind the fire hall. Ellen Hunt in a presentation to Lunenburg Council says the children's playground would have to be moved as it is sitting on top of a burial site. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says it's too premature to make a decision. He says council is going to research the matter further by looking at their own files and check with government departments who may have information. They want to firmly establish what was there and where it was located. Mawhinney says they've also asked the Mi'kmaq elders to come forward with a schematic for what they would like to see there. But he cautions they haven't given approval yet but are still working on gathering all of the necessary information before taking a decision. Mawhinney says there have been other occupants of the land including the C-N-R, and Council wants to make sure any action taken is for the right reasons.

Lunenburg Car Show?

It could be a dream come true for antique car buffs. Bruce Smith, Executive Director of the Great Atlantic Antique Automotive Show pitched a proposal to Lunenburg Council to have a one day show on the waterfront next July 3rd. The public will not be charged to attend. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says Council supports the idea in principle, but wants to consult with the Board of Trade and the Fisheries Museum before giving the go-ahead. Smith told Council there could be up to 500 antiques vehicles taking part in the one day show which he hopes can become an annual event. A similar request to provide funding for a two day car show at the MARC this past July was turned down by Bridgewater Town Council.

Film to Remember

It's "Time to Remember". And for hundreds of students, it will be a chance to see and hear from those who served our country overseas generations ago. The video project will be unveiled today (November 2nd) at Empire Theatres in Bridgewater. The project was started in October 2008 and dealt with interviewing some of our World War Two vets in front of a video camera. These interviews have now been edited and the by-invitation only screening is happening today. Officials with the South Shore Regional School Board will be bussing children to the theatre from Nov 3rd to the 6th to view the videos as part of the Media Literacy Project. It's expected more than 1,800 kids will get to enjoy these memories and the DesBrisay Museum will be adding the collection to their facility to help all of us Remember over time.

Vaccinating High Risk Only

South Shore Health’s H1N1 Vaccine Clinics scheduled for this week (November 2 through 6) in Lunenburg and Queens Counties will be targeted at specific high risk groups. Because of national vaccine supply issues, H1N1 vaccine will be limited to those most at risk from the virus.
These are:
· Pregnant women
· Children younger than five (six months to 59 months)
· People living in First Nations communities
· Health-care workers in district health authorities, long-term care facilities and home-care agencies who provide direct care to patients. This includes family physicians, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. If you do not belong to one of these groups you will not receive vaccine at this time.

The province will re-assess its vaccine supply on an ongoing basis, and will offer vaccine later to other groups, based on risk, as vaccine supply allows. Physician’s offices will not receive H1N1 vaccine until further notice. Physicians who have already received vaccine will be asked to only immunize people in the groups listed. Workplace immunization clinics for H1N1 will be postponed until further notice. http://www.ssdha.nshealth.ca/H1N1%20and%20Seasonal%20Flu%20Vaccine%20Poster.pdf

For an updated list of clinics visit www.ssdha.nshealth.ca or call HealthLink 8-1-1.

Halloween and Later

A quiet and uneventful Halloween night in the Town of Bridgewater. Police report three individuals were arrested and charged for intoxication in a public place, while another three people were charged with liquor control offences. One person was issued a 24 hour suspension of his driver's licence. Members of the Bridgewater Fire Department were patrolling the streets of the Town, and Police also send their thanks to the general public for making Halloween a safe and happy event.

Bridgewater Police are investigating a break-in at Lawton's Drug Store on Lahave Street around 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Police responded to a complaint of a Break and Enter in progress and upon arrival discovered a quantity of money missing from within. Bridgewater GIS and K-9 were called to the scene and conducted a follow-up investigation. The matter is still under investigation at this time and Police are asking for public assistance in identifying those responsible.

Celebration of Honour

Thirty-nine Canadian flags are posted to honour the veterans whose names are listed on the cenotaph in Mahone Bay during the Celebration of Honour. The ceremony was held Sunday November 1st, in Mahone Bay on the waters edge across from the three churches at 1:00 pm. In collaboration with the Mahone Bay Legion Branch #49, the celebration included a ceremony that posted a Canadian flag on the water’s edge for each of the soldiers, forming a Field of Flags. Each soldier’s next of kin was invited to post their relative’s flag. The flag will be given to the family after it has stood sentry in the Field of Flags until November 12th. Lieutenant- Governor, Mayann Francis was there to lay a wreath on behalf of the Veterans.