Pirates Take Over Town

Pirates will be taking over the Town of Mahone for a three day festival that will be launched this morning. The Mahone Bay Regatta replaces the Classic Boat Festival which attracted approximately 50 thousand tourists last year. The New event will feature dory races, boat displays, historical re-enactments and free family entertainment. A news conference at the Mahone Bay Civic Marina,at 10:30 this morning will officially launch the Regatta.

New Ferry Christened

The new cable ferry on the LaHave River, was officially christened today,(July 29,) as the Brady E. Himmelman to honour a long-time local ferry operator. The $3.5-million ferry can carry 14 full-size cars, two more per trip than its predecessor, the LaHave II. It was designed by E-Y-E Marine Consultants of Dartmouth and built by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River. Mr. Himmelman, who was in charge of the ferry at LaHave from 1948 until 1983, was on hand to witness the christening, which was performed by his wife, Ramona. Premier Darrell Dexter who was also on hand for the ceremony says the projectis one of many that are creating good jobs and growing our economy.

Arrests in West Dublin Fire

A fire last night in Lunenburg County has resulted in charges being laid against three people. RCMP have charged a male and female youth and an adult male with arson, break and enter and theft . The charges are in relation to the blaze that destroyed Risser"s General Store in West Dublin. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 6 last evening and found the building engulfed in flames. RCMP evacuated the area around the fire and blocked-off Highway 331 for a short time as firefighters from several area departments battled the blaze.

RUNAWAY HORSES INJURE 4 AT "BIG EX"

Four people, including three girls between the ages of seven and 13, have been injured by a runaway team of horses at the South Shore Exhibition.
Police were called to the exhibition grounds around 5 p-m.
The horses' handler and two of the girls suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to South Shore Regional.
The third girl was airlifted to Halifax as a precaution and was listed in stable condition last night.

Charges in Car/Pedestrian Accident

A 54 year old man is facing charges resulting from a motor vehicle/pedestrian accident with injuries last Thursday.. The man is charged with " Backing a Vehicle When Unsafe" and will appear in court for plea September 15th. The accident happened at the Apple Berry Farm Market July 22nd around 5:45 pm. A 74 year old man was struck by a vehicle and was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital with
non-life threatening injuries. Police are continuing their investigation.

Church Vandalism

It's becoming all too common...another local church has been damaged by vandals. Lunenburg County RCMP is investigating a complaint of damage to the United Church in First South. The incident happened sometime between noon on July 18 and 9 a.m. July 25th. A knife was thrown at the front of the church multiple times causing damage. This particular church has been targeted by acts of vandalism in the past. RCMP is asking the public for assistance to come forward with any information they may have regarding the incident.

Legion Funding Announced

Royal Canadian Legion branches in the province will benefit from improved infrastructure under a new program announced today.( July 26.) The Legion Capital Assistance Program is a $100,000 provincial funding program. The application-based program will provide funding for repairs to existing legion buildings. Eligible projects include upgrades to wastewater and water systems, bathrooms, kitchens, heating systems and repairs or replacement of windows and roofs. The funding program will provide up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of 10-thousand dollars for approved projects. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex was on hand for the announcement at the Bridgewater Legion Branch 24, on Churchill Street.

Lunenburg Break-Ins

Lunenburg RCMP are investigating three break and enters in the Town over two nights. Nellie's Take Out on Falkland Street was broken into overnight on July 11th. A small amount of produce was taken. Nellie's was again broken into overnight on July 12th, and again the only item taken was a small amount of produce. Later that same day the owners returned home after a night away, and reported their residence on the west end of Pelham Street had been broken into. A person of interest has been interviewed and the RCMP are continuing to investigate the three break-ins.

RDA Gets Immigrant Funding

Lunenburg/Queens Regional Development Agency has received 33 thousand dollars to help immigrants settle and integrate in the region. Funding totalling 306 thousand dollars is being provided to seven regional development authorities through the Office of Immigration. The RDA's will use the funding to provide direct support to immigrants to help them find the programs and services needed in the areas of assessment, orientation and referrals. They will also work with individual communities to help ensure a welcoming environment for immigrants that is inclusive and supportive.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

Farmer's Dairy is thanking its customers for their support and patience through-out a strike which was Launched July 10th by union members. While the company acknowledged experiencing a few disruptions in getting some products to its customers on time, Farmers shipped over 94 percent of the products its customers ordered during the first week of the strike. Vice-President of Marketing, Derek Estabrook says The work is being done by trained, qualified, and experienced non-union plant employees in accordance with stringent Canada Food Inspection Agency standards. Estabrook says Farmers Dairy remains committed to reaching a settlement that is fair and reasonable for union members and ensures the company can remain competitive. Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited has been a part of communities in Nova Scotia for over 80 years. Owned by more than 125 Atlantic Canadian dairy farmers, Farmers is a local co-operative that provides Atlantic Canadians with quality dairy products made locally in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Islands Protected

**Photo by Department of Natural Resources**
Two South Shore islands are receiving protection from the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Great Island and Selig Islands are located in Medway Harbour, halfway between Lunenburg and Shelburne. At 120 hectares, Great Island is the largest island ever protected from development off mainland Nova Scotia. The islands were owned by Bill Zimmerman and Susan Hauer, who sold the smaller island to the trust in 2009. This week, the couple signed a conservation agreement over Great Island.

John Ernest (Jack) Irving Passes Away

John Ernest (Jack) Irving, of Saint John, New Brunswick has died at the age of 78. He passed away today,(July 21st) following a short illness. Born January 1, 1932 he was a son of the late K.C. Irving and Harriet Lila “née MacNarin” Irving.
John E. Irving joined his father's business in 1952 and he worked all his life, along-side his brother Arthur in Irving Oil. In addition, John E. Irving was a Director of all Irving businesses and was responsible for and managed a number of the companies within the varied Irving enterprises.He was a Member of the Order of Canada, a Companion of the Order of The Business Hall of Fame, an inaugural member of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. Irving is survived by his wife Suzanne
Heather Cameron “née Farrer”, three children and six grandchildren. A funeral service will take place Saturday morning (July 24th) at 11:00am, at Trinity Anglican Church. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Big EX gets Financial Boost

The Big EX got a big financial boost today in Bridgewater. South Shore-St.Margaret's M-P , Gerald Keddy, announced federal funding of 19 thousand, five hundred dollars for the South Shore Exhibition. Keddy says the Exhibition has been a staple in the community since 1891 and has provided an opportunity for local farmers, artisans and companies to gain recognition for their work, while contributing to the local economy. The Exhibition gets underway in Bridgewater from July 27-August 1, at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds on Dufferin Street.

Composites Atlantic at Trade Show

A Lunenburg company is included in a delegation taking part in the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow. Composites Atlantic Limited is represented at the biennial event, one of the world’s largest international showcases for aerospace equipment and technology. ACOA has invested 167 thousand dollars toward the trade mission which is hoped to help Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence industry firms establish valuable international contacts and successfully compete on the
international stage.

Fish and Vessel Seized

Three men are facing charges of fishing without a licence following the seizure of 18 hundred pounds of halibut. A fishing vessel was apprehended off Blandford Monday afternoon in a joint operation involving fishery officers from six detachments led by Barrington. The vessel was escorted to New Harbour where the three men were arrested and their fishing gear and vessel were seized. Further charges are pending. The men have been released on an appearance notice and witl be back in Barrington Court on October 14th.

New VIC Officially Opens

The newly-constructed Liverpool Visitor Information Centre officially opened its doors today. (Tuesday, July 20). The Government of Canada invested just over 200 thousand dollars in the project last August through the Community Adjustment Fund.
In addition to the construction of the new VIC, the investment supported improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure, including safer, more attractive walkways, upgraded parking facilities and increased accessibility for recreational vehicles. Region of Queens Mayor, John Leefe says the new Visitor Information Centre will enhance economic development opportunities for the Municipality. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy was on hand for the official opening.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

The union president for Farmer's workers says the company hasn't been entirely truthful.

Brian Bennett says Farmers Dairy isn't using all non-unionized workers on the job.

He says they're also using SCAB workers, or people who aren't qualified to run the equipment.

Bennett says the fact that Farmers says its using ALL non-unionized workers is "completely false."

Andrea Hickey with Farmers Dairy says they are being forced to use temporary workers for distribution and are still dedicated to creating a quality product.

The strike has entered its ninth day and Bennett says there's still no planned talks between the two sides.

Jail Time for Drugs

A Bridgewater man has been sentenced to over two years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges. Twenty five year-old Jason Samuel Emmons fled to Ontario in 2007 to try to avoid the charges but was arrested in May and brought back to the province. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four Criminal Code charges late last week. Emmons will serve two years and four months in custody.

Sudden Death Investigated

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating the sudden death of a 23-year-old woman early Saturday morning. Emergency Health Services responded to a call at a home on Stovepipe Lane in Mahone Bay around 7:30am July 17th.Police say the woman was in cardiac arrest and emergency personnel couldn't revive her.

Man Injuured in Fall

A Lunenburg man was taken to hospital this morning (Friday,July 16) after falling off a ladder while trying to get on his boat. Lunenburg County RCMP responded to the call shortly after 9am at the Fisherman's Wharf. Reports indicate the man fell approximately eight feet and landed on the concrete below. The man, whose name wasn't released, is from the local area. He was conscious and transported to hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Employment Solutions Funding

People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of federal support for Employment Solutions Society. South Shore/St.Margarets M.P. Gerald Keddy, announced funding of 80 thousand, 434 dollars under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The project will help 16 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs. Employment Solutions Society has delivered funding programs as a community coordinator for the last few years to clients with disabilities in the Lunenburg and Queens counties. As of July 5th,program delivery for the Opportunities Fund has been expanded to clients in Windsor and East Hants.The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self-employment.

Chester Wharf Attack

He was supposed to have a trial date set, instead one of the men involved in a violent attack at a Chester wharf last summer entered a guilty plea to two charges of assault on Wednesday. Twenty-seven year old Joel Ray Meister admitted he kicked a man and threw rocks at a woman during the altercation last August 20th. The woman was sent to hospital with serious head injuries. The Crown and Defence both agreed Meister who had jumped into a scuffle to help a friend played a lesser role in the night's events and did not inflict the woman's injuries. He's been sentenced to 18 months on probation with a number of conditions and has been ordered to take counselling. Meantime, 29 year old Chad Wesley Swinimer has pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm and will be sentenced August 30th.

Truck Ties Up Traffic

A truck mishap tied-up traffic in Bridgewater Monday evening shortly after 6:00 o'clock. Apparently, the parking-brakes on a lumber-truck did not prevent the vehicle from moving forward, allowing it to block North Street by the "Cookville Irving" and strike a tree on the opposite side of the road. A "loader" was needed to remove the lumber off the truck before it could be moved. Members of the Northfield Fire Department received assistance from Bridgewater firefighters for traffic-control while New Germany fire-fighters remained on "standby" at the Northfield Fire Hall.
***Photo..courtesy of Casey Boutilier***

Farmres Dairy Dispute Update

Talks remain stalled between the two sides of a local labour dispute.

The CEP-Local 40 Union and Farmer's Dairy haven't spoken since a 17-hour bargaining session on July 9th, resulting in both sides walking away for the table.

Union President Brian Bennett says though there are no plans for further talks, he believes the non-unionized workers filling in can only last so long.

The union is holding out because of issues surrounding pay, pension and force labour.

Over 240 workers have been off the job since 12:01 Saturday morning.

New Nurse for New Germany

The New Germany and Area Medical Centre is getting a temporary nurse. Dawn Chubbs has accepted a part-time role with South Shore Health, replacing Rob Snelling, who resigned earlier this month. Chubbs will see patients two to three days a week and will also work part-time with South Shore Health's stroke program. She'll start seeing patients starting July 26th.

Fire Departments to Merge

The Municipality of Lunenburg is going through a firefighting makeover. The decision to combine the Newcombville, Chelsea and Baker Settlement fire departments was approved at a Municipal Council meeting on Tuesday, July 13th. The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg, Don Downe, says the three fire department chiefs proposed the combination, to provide better service to the area. He says they're are also amalgamating because of issues surrounding old equipment, training and manpower.
Downe says the departments will get the help from the municipality's solicitor and clerk.

Car Hits Liverpool Bank

Queens RCMP are continuing their investigation into a motor vehicle mishap in which a car drove into the Scotiabank in Liverpool.

The incident occured Friday afternoon when a vehicle with two elderly occpants suddenly accelerated along Market Street and crashed into the ScotiaBank.

Before the car crashed into the building, it had already struck the Queens County By-Law Patrol Vehicle from behind and pushed it off the road.

The two occupants in the Patrol Vehicle, as well as the two elderly occupants of the car, were taken to the Queens General Hospital.

The Mounties report that all four people sustained "light to moderate injuries" and are expected to recover.

The Liverpool Scotiabank sustained extensive damage to its storefront.

The Queens R-c-M-P continue to look into the cause of the crash.

Two Men in Court for Alleged Robbery and Violence

Two men will appear in Bridgewater court Monday morning to face a number of charges.

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010, Bridgewater Police recieved a complaint of a robbery with violence on Victoria Road.

R-C-M-P arrested two men and held them overnight while the investigation continued.

On Friday, the two men were charged with numerous offences, including "robbery" and "assault causing bodily harm".

Man Hospitalized after Chelsea Highway Accident

A 46-year-old man has been taken to hospital after a highway accident in Lunenburg County.

The man was trapped inside a 2008 Astor after it went off the road on Highway-210 in Upper Chelsea shortly after 9:00 o'clock this morning.

The Chelsea Fire Department, along with the RCMP and an ambulance, were on the scene.

The Baker Settlement Fire Department also assisted at the site of the mishap.

Shelburne County Drug Raid

A 25-year-old man faces charges after an RCMP drug raid in Shelburne County.

The Mounties confiscated 63 marihuana plants yesterday when they used a search warrant to investigate a residence in Beaverdam.

They also found various articles used to grow marihuana.

The police arrested a Beaverdam resident in Shelburne in connection with the drug seizure.

They released him and he will appear at a later date in Shelburne Provincial Court to face a charge of "production of marihuana".

A member of the Shelburne county Street Crime Unit says there is no evidence that the pot was intended for sale anywhere other than in the local area.

Corporal Nancy Mason says that the marihuana would have had an estimated street-value of 60-thousand-dollars.

Alleged Killer in New Germany Shooting Asks for Lawyer

A Lunenburg County man accused of fatally-shooting his estranged-wife last week has apparently been able to tell authorities he wants a lawyer.

47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner remains in "critical" condition in a Halifax hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police allege that he shot 42-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor on June 30th in New Germany, before turning the gun on himself.

She died nearly eleven hours after the shooting.

He, however, survived and underwent surgery.

The court was told Monday that he remains in an "induced coma", under the watch of sheriff deputies.

A judge at Bridgewater Provincial Court was told yesterday that Wayne Eisnor is drifting in and out of consciousness but was able to write that he wants a lawyer.

Lunenburg Assault

The RCMP are investigating an assault that occurred last month.

During the early morning hours of June 26th, a male was assaulted on Falkland Street in Lunenburg.

The victim was then transported to hospital and later released.

Contact the Lunenburg County RCMP if you have any details regarding the incident.

Mountie Faces Impaired Driving Carges in Bridgewater

An RCMP officer will stand trial in December on charges of driving while impaired in Lunenburg County.

Catherine Frances Mansley was arrested on April 4th after a vehicle went off the road and into the ditch near Rissers Beach.

The 43-year-old Mansley is on "administrative duty" with the Mounties and, therefore, she is not working in a patrol car.

She did not appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court yesterday -- but her lawyer entered a "not guilty" plea on her behalf.

A half-day trial will be heard in Bridgewater on December 21st.

Bridgewater Sheriffs' Hours Not Reduced

The Department of Justice says it will cut back on the amount of hours worked by casual and part-time sheriffs.

The department confirms that the move will affect 23 out of 190 sheriffs working at courts across the province.

The exceptions are the sheriffs working at the courthouse on High Street in Bridgewater, as well as those at facilities in Halifax and Sydney.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Gavin says the affected workers will see their hours cut by 20-per-cent or more.

The justice critic for the Progressive conservatives says the reductions do not make sense.

Murray Scott says the previous Tory government beefed-up the sheriffs-service in response to some high-profile prisoner-escapes and complaints over a lack of resources.
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Outdoor Service for Tina Mae Eisnor

An outdoor service will be held Tuesday to celebrate the life of a woman who was gunned down in New Germany last week.

43-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor of Hemford died in hospital eleven hours after being shot while sitting in her van outside Barry's Freshmart last Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses said the gunman then turned the weapon on himself.

Her husband -- 47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner -- was charged with "first-degree murder" on Friday while lying in his bed in a Halifax hospital.

The memorial service is to be held at the home of her parents, Raeburn and Janet Illingworth, in Simpsons Corner.

The family has requested no visitation at the funeral home.

Murder Charge Laid in Shooting

A Barrs Corner man is being charged with first degree murder following a shooting incident on Wednesday.(June 30th). Forty-seven year old Wayne Paul Eisnor is charged in the death of Christina (Tina) Mae Eisnor. The Hemford woman died in hospital Wednesday night, hours after a double shooting outside Barry's Freshmart grocery store in New Germany.Police say the 47-year-old accused remains in hospital in critical condition but has been remanded into custody and will appear in court at a later date. RCMP Sergeant Brigdit Leger says investigators believe the woman was shot by a man who then turned the gun on himself. She says due to the privacy act the RCMP can't confirm any relationship between any two people but they can confirm that this was not a random incident.

Sustainability Festival

Growing Green..is the theme of a Sustainability Festival being hosted by the Town of Bridgewater this fall. The festival was a key recommendation of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. Together with the Farmer's Market and the Bridgewater Century Ride, the Festival is planning activities and entertainment. It will be a Family Friendly sustainable event which hopes to leave a lasting positive "green" impression on the community long after it is over. The Sustainability Festival is set for Saturday, August 21st from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m.

Privateer Funds

Privateer Days in Liverpool got underway with a major funding announcement of 30 thousand dollars by South Shore/St. Margarets M.P. Gerald Keddy. The funding was provided through the new Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program which provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. Privateer Days has attracted a multitude of visitors to Queens County for over 40 years.

Shooting Victim Identified

Lunenburg County RCMP have confirmed that 43 year old Christina (Tina) Mae Eisnor of Hemford, was the woman shot on Wednesday in the parking lot of Barry's Freshmart in New Germany. She died from her injuries late Wednesday night at the Q-E-2 Hospital in Halifax. RCMP say a man who was also shot remains in hospital critical condition. Sergeant Brigdit Leger says police believe the man shot the woman before shooting himself. Police say the two were known to each other, but haven't disclosed the nature of their relationship. Reports say the pair were husband and wife who had recently separated. RCMP are continuing their investigation and say it will be time consuming to interview witnesses and sift though the evidence.