Budget for Bluenose II rebuild jumps by $1-million

The cost of rebuilding the Bluenose II has jumped by $1-million. Sources say the province has agreed to increase the project's budget to $15.9-million on advice from an international regulatory agency. Project manager Craig Chisholm says the shipbuilding agency called for changes to make sure the schooner is safe, including a requirement for steel reinforcements in the deck. The $14.8-million project, funded by the provincial and federal governments, began last fall. It was expected to be completed this spring, but the province now says the replica will set sail next summer. The last plank was attached to the ship's hull last month.

Mustangs President upset by lack of communication from Bridgewater Council

The president of the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs is firing back at the Town of Bridgewater. Lionel Haughn says he's received no word from Town Council about what the Mustangs should be doing to be considered for free ice time. He says he should be told the next step in the process.

"I think somebody should have the courtesy from the town or from the town council, to send me some sort of letter or communicate some way. I mean this is crazy, I'm not going to act on what I've heard, like I said before, in the parking lot."

The team is looking to have the cost of its Friday morning practice time waived. Town Council is looking for the club to present a business plan, comparing them with other teams in the Major Midget hockey league.

South Shore Health trimming 3% from 2012-13 budget

South Shore Health has been asked to cut spending in 2012-13. The provincial government is looking to trim three per cent of health care costs for the nine district health authorities and the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The director of communications with South Shore Health, Theresa Hawkesworth, says they will be working with other health authorities and the IWK on ways to trim their budget. She says a three per cent budget cut represents over $2.1-million. Hawkesworth says none of the money is expected to be taken from patient care.

Playground Equipment to be Removed

It's a short term solution until the Municipality of Lunenburg decides what to do with the former Riverport Elementary School. Deputy-Mayor Lee Nauss says Council has authorized staff to remove the playground equipment that is considered to be dangerous and unsafe. Nauss says with the closing of the school it reverted back to the ownership of the Municipality and even though the community wants the playground equipment to remain, there's a liability issue at stake. Council will maintain the other playground equipment and grounds of the school until a final decision is made on the reassessment or disposal of the property. The school board formally returned the school to the Municipality in July.

Foster Family Appreciation Week Celebrated

Nearly 800 foster families are being recognized this week for opening their hearts to children in need of a loving stable home in Nova Scotia. The province is celebrating Foster Family Appreciation Week held annually on the third week of October.
      Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse thanks all foster families for providing children with the safe and nurturing home they deserve. At celebrations across the province this week certificates of recognition will be presented to foster families for the difference they have made to a child in need.

Best in Business to be honoured

The best in South Shore business will be honoured Tuesday night in Bridgewater. The Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence awards get underway at 6pm at the Bridgewater Best Western Hotel and Convention Centre. The executive director of the Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency, Andrew Button, says the night highlights the quality of business on the South Shore. Here are the finalists in each of the six award categories.

Entrepreneurial Award :

Helping Nature Heal Inc
School House Gluten-Free Gourmet Ltd.
Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd

Hospitality Award :

Atlantica Hotel and Marina Oak Island
Comfort Inn Bridgewater
Best Coast Coffee Gallery

Large Business Award : 

Mahone Auto
Kelly Oickle Enterprises Ltd. (Swiss Chalet)
Brady Home Building Centre

Export Achievement Award :

DPM Solutions
PRO Oceanus Systems Inc
TecBox
RU Safe Inc.

New Business Award :

Best Western Plus Bridgewater
Lahave River Chiropractic and Health Centre
Ironworks Distillery

Small Business Award :

Helping Nature Heal Inc.
New Germany Building Supplies (2004) Ltd.
Chester Pharmasave

School Bus Safety

Bridgewater Police want drivers to be extra cautious when approaching school buses. School Bus Safety Awareness Week begins Monday and Police are asking motorists to stop for a school bus when it displays its flashing red lights. Drivers who don't could faces fines beginning at $397.71 and up to $1260.21 for a third offence. Bridgewater Police are also asking students to remain in the drivers sight and cross in front of the bus. Roughly 33 school buses transport more than 1,200 students in Bridgewater every day. "Be Aware: Know the Danger Zone" is this year's theme when it comes to school bus safety in the town.

Missing 10-year-old found

South Shore RCMP say they have found a 10-year-old boy who wandered away from a children's centre. Police say the boy was found about 10 kilometres from the Dayspring Children's Centre in Lunenburg County at about 2pm Sunday. They said he left the facility without permission at about 10:25pm Saturday. Police say he was in good health.