Inspiring Lives Award

Hastings Guy Jr. of Shelburne is among the recipients to be presented with an Inspiring Lives Award presented to Nova Scotians living with mental illness. Nominated by Shelburne Mental Health, Guy Jr. spent the better part of his life dealing with a chronic post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of severe childhood trauma-except he didn't know it.
Four years ago, after decades of suffering from low self-esteem and an inability to sustain relationships, Hastings started doing some research. He was able to self-diagnose his illness, which was later confirmed by mental health professionals Since then, Hastings has been faithful in his recovery. He quit using drugs and alcohol and dedicated himself to maintaining good mental health. Each day, Hastings is battling the stigma of mental illness by speaking publicly about his own experience. By sharing his story, he inspires others to persevere in their challenges with mental illness and get the help they need. The awards will be presented to 12 Nova Scotians at the 6th Annual Inspiring Lives Award luncheon this Thursday, May 6th at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax.

Lunenburg Looks to Set Tax Rate in June

Residents of Lunenburg will find out their tax rates for this year in June. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says Council is dealing with the budget document section by section this month . Council will hold three meetings to receive public input before tabling the budget sometime in June. Mawhinney says staff has been directed to prepare a budget with no general increase in expenditures. However, he says there are certain items the Town has no control over. Costs such as education and policing which are mandated by the province. Despite an increase in assessments last year , Town Council was able to drop the residential tax rate for a sixth straight year setting the rate at $1.30 per 100 dollars of assessment.

Foley Lane Not on List

Once again this year Foley Lane has been left off the capital list of projects in the Town's draft budget. Former Town Councillor and Bridgewater Fire Chief Bill Rhodenizer has been lobbying for the last four years to have the street included for upgrades. Foley Lane located off North King Street is paved but has no storm sewer, sidewalks or curbing. The street was pulled from last years budget when a tender for the project came in almost 200 thousand dollars over job estimates. Mayor Carroll Publicover says a point system is used to determine the urgency of the capital project and Foley Lane keeps missing the cut. He says Council needs another strategy to make sure they're addressing streets to some degree so at least they can get started on some of the needs.

Court date this afternoon for Robbery complaint

The 28-year-old, former Lunenburg County man that was arrested for Robbery with Violence last fall will appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court this afternoon.

The arrest came after a Robbery complaint involving an 80 year old West Dublin man at his residence in September of 2009.

Police believe a second, unidentified male was involved in the incident and are asking for the assistance from the public.