Golf: Gallupe, Nowe In Contention At Junior Championship

A pair of local golfers remain in the hunt after round one at the Canadian Junior Boys Golf Championship at Osprey Ridge. Matt Gallupe and Ryan Nowe each shot three-over-par 74, leaving them four shots back of three players who tied for the overnight lead at one-under-par including defending champion Kevin Kwon of B.C. Matt Flinn shot nine-over while Liam Fullerton ended up 12-over-par. All four local golfers tee off Wednesday morning in the second round. More details can be found at http://golfcanada.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/rcga12/event/rcga1216/contest/1/leaderboard.htm

Officials Dub Big Ex 'Success' For 2012

It's been dubbed a successful year for the South Shore Exhibition. The annual summer showcase brought in 42,198 people this year, up more than 2,000 people from 2011. Manager Christine Sarty says Dean Brody's concert helped make up for lost attendance due to rainy weather. She says the weather played a factor again this year.



Sarty says Brody's concert was a record-setter since she's been involved, with over 12,000 people attending the show. There have been no indications yet on who could be next year's headliners.

Chester: Webber Seeks Re-Election

The long-time warden and councillor for District 4 in Chester still enjoys political life and believes he has more to offer at the local level. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM news, Allen Webber re-affirmed his decision to run in this fall's municipal elections. He says experience and life lessons over the years in municipality politics makes him a good candidate to continue his role on council.



Webber says he'll focus on winning his district and is hopeful he will maintain his role as warden following the election. Webber has spent the last 18 years as warden and has served on council for a total of 30 years. In a warden style governance system, the newly elected council selects who will serve in the position via secret ballot. The entire interview with Webber will air this Sunday on South Shore Sunday Morning on CKBW & HANK FM.

Two Injured After Highway 10 Crash In Cookville

Two people were taken to hospital Monday after a two vehicle mix-up on highway 10 in Cookville. The collision happened shortly after 3pm by the traffic lights near McCulloch Road. RCMP say a car was rear ended by a truck. The driver and passenger in the car were taken to hospital. The extent of their injuries are not known at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Town Planning To Show Jenna Martin Run

Final details are still being worked out to open up town hall Friday to watch Jenna Martin run at the Olympics. Council members agreed to the initiative but there are a few obstacles standing in their way. Councillor Patrick Hirtle says there's uncertainty around whether the event will be shown live or not.




Hirtle says he plans to speak with a representatives from CTV and Rogers Sportsnet to confirm their broadcast schedule. Jenna Martin is scheduled to run her qualifying round at 8am Friday morning.

Local Golfers Ready For National Test

Four local golfers begin the tough task of trying to win a national golf tournament Tuesday at Osprey Ridge. The Canadian Junior Boys championship opens up its first round of play with 7:30am tee times. 17-year-old Liam Fullerton of Riverport will play with defending champion Kevin Kwon. He says it should be a good learning experience.



All four local golfers including Matt Gallupe, Matt Flinn and Ryan Nowe have afternoon tee times Tuesday. Nowe, a member of team Nova Scotia, says he's feeling a bit of pressure playing the championship on his home course. He says he wants to focus on playing smart and open with a good score.



One hundred and fifty-six golfers are in the field for this week's event. A live scoreboard can be found at http://golfcanada.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/rcga12/event/rcga1216/contest/1/leaderboard.htm .

VIDEO: Conservancy Group Acquires Sandy Bay Land

Photo Courtesy of Mike Dembeck

Three families have come together to donate a parcel of land to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Worrall, Van Loon and Carver families of Sandy Bay have donated 171-acres of beach, wetland and forest along the South Shore's coastline. A daughter for one of the families, Deborah Carver, says each family bought the land in order to protect it.



Carver says the three families owned the land since 1971. A regional vice-president with the group, Linda Stephenson, says the beach and nearby wetlands provide habitat for the endangered piping plover and other shorebirds. The Nature Conservancy of Canada spent over $500,000 for the land with financial help from the federal and provincial governments and private donors.

Local Champion Log-Roller Flattens The Competition

Champion South Shore log roller, Darren Hudson of Barrington, has won his 6th World Log-Rolling Championship in Hayward, Wisconsin. Hudson competed at the Lumberjack World Championships held over three days this past weekend, winning all 3 of his matches which took him to the finals. He rolled long-time competitor, J.R. Salzman, in a 3-1 match to take home the title. Hudson is the nephew of 9 time World Log-rolling Champion, Phil Scott. Also competing at the weekend championships was Hudson's cousin Marcel Scott. He took home 2nd place in the Boom-Run Championships and placed 7th in Log-rolling.

RCMP Search For Those Involved In Home Invasion

RCMP have one man in custody and are looking for three others after a home invasion over the weekend. In a release, police say four individuals forced their way into a home in Lunenburg County shortly after 4 o'clock on Saturday morning. The suspects allegedly used bear spray and baseball bats to attack those inside the home. Police say the victims are known to each other and the incident is not considered random. Two men were taken to hospital in Bridgewater, treated and released.

DNR: Province-Wide Fire Ban Still In Effect

Photo from DNR Website

A ban on all open fires continues to be in effect across Nova Scotia. Most of the province including the South Shore is considered a low threat for wildfires, with other areas marked moderate or high. An official with the Department of Natural Resources says an update on the ban could come later this week. A province-wide ban went into effect July 12.

Norman Bows Out Of Queens Mayor Race

She was considered a front-runner in the race for mayor in the District of Queens in this fall's municipal elections. However, District 1 councillor Darlene Norman has withdrawn. She tells us she wants to continue her work with the group "Friends of Port Mouton Bay". Norman also says her family life could soon change dramatically with her husband working out of province. She says she's just as happy to re-offer for councillor.



Norman has been a councillor for district 1 for 12 years.  The mayors race now has four people including Christopher Clarke, David Dagley, Owen Hamlin and Mervin Hartlen.

McNeil: Ferry Link 'No-Brainer' For The Province

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil says a ferry service is needed sooner rather than later. McNeil recently met with residents and politicians in Yarmouth and heard renewed calls for a ferry link between the community and Maine. Municipal governments completed a transportation study recently on western Nova Scotia. He says recommendations include a ferry service be seasonal rather than year long.




The premier has said the ferry needs to be viable and sustainable over the long term in order to run again. An independent panel studying the viability of a ferry service is expected to release a report sometime this fall.

Porn Charges Laid In Lunenburg County

A 62 year old Lunenburg County man is facing charges of accessing and possessing child pornography. The charges were laid after RCMP officers carried out a search warrant last week at a home in Lilydale. The man was later released on numerous conditions including he stay within the province and not possess any form of pornography.  He's also prohibited from being in the presence of anyone under the age of 18, unless they are with a parent or guardian.  The accused, whose name hasn't been released, is due to appear in Bridgewater court on December 19th.

Top Canadian Junior Golfers Tee Off At Osprey Ridge

One hundred and fifty-six golfers are embarking on Osprey Ridge for the start of the Canadian Junior Boys Golf Championship. A practice round will be held Monday for all golfers before the first day of competition gets underway Tuesday. Four Osprey Ridge golfers are in the field including Ryan Nowe, Matt Gallupe, Liam Fullerton and Matt Flinn. Director of Golf at Osprey Ridge, Jared Lohnes, believes one of the four locals could walk away with the title.



Last year's champion Kevin Kwon of B.C. is also in the field to defend his title. A full schedule of events is listed below.


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Tuesday, July 31


7:30 am – 9:42 am/12:30 pm - 2:42 pm         Round 1 (156 players) - #1 & #10 tees

Wednesday, August 1

7:30 am – 9:42 am/12:30 pm – 2:42 pm        Round 2 (156 players) - #1 & #10 tees

Thursday, August 2


7:30 am – 9:42 am                                          Round 3 (low 70 and ties) - #1 & #10 tees     

Friday, August 3


7:30 am - 9:42 am                                          Final Round (low 70 and ties) - #1 & #10 tees
3:30 pm (time approximate)                           Awards Ceremony for individual and team competitions

Updated: Bayswater Beach Re-Opens

The Department of Health has reopened Bayswater Beach in Lunenburg County to swimming today, July 28. The oil sheen has dissipated and the water has been determined safe for swimming. Lifeguards will continue to monitor the water.

Race On: Bailey Seeks Mayor's Job In Lunenburg

 It didn't take long for a Lunenburg councillor to declare her intentions to seek the mayors seat in October. Rachel Bailey announced her intentions to run for the seat shortly after the town's long time mayor announced he wouldn't seek re-election this fall. Bailey was elected in 2008 and is completing her first term on council. In a media release, she states that finding a new, sustainable use for the Lunenburg Academy will be a priority issue. Bailey has a Bachelor of Public Relations degree from Mount Saint Vincent University and her resume includes being the first coordinator of Lunenburg’s Folk Harbour Festival and being the first executive director of the South Shore Regional Hospital Foundation.  She currently works part-time as a Clinical Research Coordinator while serving on Town Council. Labour and employment lawyer Ron Stockton has already declared his intention to seek the mayors seat.

Adult Store Moving Back To Aberdeen Road

The mayor of Bridgewater isn't too concerned about an adult store moving back to its former location. Sister Sarah's will leave its current address Sunday along highway 10 in Cookville and return to 99 Aberdeen Road. The store is one of several commercial units planned by the building's owner. Carroll Publicover says he's not pleased about the move.



However, Publicover is happy about the work done to improve the building's look. Sister Sarah's is expected to open at its Aberdeen Road location on Tuesday. The location in Cookville is expected to close.

Reaction: Lunenburg Mayor Won't Re-Offer

Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney

After nearly four decades in municipal politics - and 33 years as Mayor of Lunenburg - Laurence Mawhinney will not re-offer in this fall's elections. He says after talking with his family, he believes its time for someone else to step up to the plate. Mawhinney says he's comfortable with what he's achieved and he's leaving, feeling the town has a bright and vibrant future. The mayor of the District of Lunenburg says he was surprised to learn his counterpart and friend in Lunenburg will not run again. Don Downe says Mawhinney is one of the most outstanding leaders he's ever met and he's leaving with a great legacy.



Meanwhile, the mayor of the District of Queens, who is also retiring this fall after 12 years, says Laurence Mawhinney's departure is a surprise to him as well. John Leefe says Mawhinney has been a shining light in Lunenburg and he will have a lasting impact from one end of the country to the other.



Over the years, in addition to his mayoral duties, Mawhinney has also been the president of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities and the federal equivalent. He feels his biggest accomplishment was the successful campaign to have Lunenburg designated a UNESCO world heritage site in the mid 1990's. Both Mayor Leefe and Mayor Downe strongly agree. Mayor Downe adds .. through all the year's, Mawhinney has never lost his sense of humour.



Mawhinney says he will continue as mayor until after the elections in October.

Tall Ships Head To Shelburne

Big crowds are expected this weekend in Shelburne as Tall Ships sail into the harbour. Some of the ships are making their way down from Lunenburg after a two day stay. Eight of the vessels will dock in Shelburne and are available for public viewing from 10am until 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Director of community and economic development, Jerry Locke, says plenty of parking will be available.



Locke says there may be a small fee for parking in certain areas. There will be a shuttle provided for people with mobility issues who park at the government wharf. The ships that will be in Shelburne include the Amistad, the Harvey Gamage, the Lynx, the USS Providence, the Pride of Baltimore II, the Roseway, the Unicorn and the Larinda. More details are available at http://my-waterfront.ca/tallships/the-ports/shelburne .

VIDEO: 'Slam' Raises Money For Big Brothers Big Sisters

It was the "weather man" versus the "Dog Faced Gremlin" Thursday night at the Big Ex as CKBW/HANK-FM reporter Nick Yorston met UCW professional wrestler Rick Steiner. On Tuesday night while on-air, Yorston challenged Steiner to body slam him if the public could raise over $520 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. People responded by purchasing tickets and helped raise $1,000 Thursday for the South Shore Organization. The rest they say is history.

Former Yarmouth Area Politician Being Sentenced Today

A former Nova Scotia politician will be sentenced today in the province's legislative spending scandal. Richard Hurlburt, who will be sentenced in Yarmouth, pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and breach of trust. The Crown is recommending between nine and twelve months in jail, followed by probation. Hurlburt's lawyer is asking for a nine-month conditional sentence and 200 hours of community service, arguing that his client has shown remorse, apologized and repaid the money.

Gasoline Prices Fall

A nice surprise this morning at South Shore gas pumps.  Prices have fallen overnight. A litre of regular self serve is selling this morning at $1.27.3. Thats down 2.5 cents from yesterday.

UPDATED: Lunenburg's Mayor Will Not Re-Offer

After 33 years, Laurence Mawhinney will not seek re-election for the mayors seat in Lunenburg. He came to the conclusion after several lengthy discussions with his family over the past few months. Earlier this year, Mawhinney told reporters he was ready to seek another term as mayor. However, he had a change of heart after speaking with his friends and family.



He says a high point during his time as mayor occurred just this week when Canada's premiers and aboriginal leaders toured the waterfront.



He also spoke fondly about the town's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. He says the UNESCO connection has been a wonderful experience and believes the town will continue to flourish. Mawhinney has held the mayors title since 1979. He'll stay on as mayor until municipal elections in October.

Most Remaining 'Zellers' Outlets Will Close

It could cost thousands of people their jobs. The Hudson's Bay Company has decided to close most of its 64 remaining Zellers stores in Canada. Other Zellers stores are being converted to new Target stores after the U-S chain bought them up. The closures will throw 64 hundred people out of work. It's not known how or if this announcement may affect the Bridgewater Zellers location. The South Shore location employs approximately 30 to 40 people. No date has been given for the closures, but the stores won't be open beyond next March. A Bay official says each the stores just aren't considered viable.

Premiers Leave Unique Gift For Bluenose II

Bluenose II will carry a piece of every Canadian province and territory the next time it sets sail. A table built with materials from across the country was dedicated to Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador today by the Council of the Federation which held meetings in Halifax and Lunenburg. The council often gives a special item as a legacy to the province hosting the summer meeting. It reflects the premiers' leadership, deliberations, commitment, and work to improve the lives of Canadians. Some of the building material from the table include red spruce from Nova Scotia, Sugar Maple from New Brunwick, Douglas Fir from BC and a gold nugget from Yukon.  The table was built by Colin O'Toole of Covey Island Boatworks, one of the three companies restoring the Bluenose II in Lunenburg. It will be permanently installed on the vessel.

Official building materials:

-- Red spruce from Nova Scotia

-- Red oak from Prince Edward Island

-- Spruce from Newfoundland and Labrador

-- Sugar maple from New Brunswick

-- Black walnut from Ontario

-- Spruce from Quebec

-- White spruce from Manitoba

-- White birch from Saskatchewan

-- Lodgepole pine from Alberta

-- Douglas fir from British Columbia

-- Granite from Nunavut

-- Piece of four billion-year-old Acaster Gneiss rock from the Northwest Territories

-- Gold nugget from the Yukon

Police Report 'Quiet' Start To Big Ex

Bridgewater Police say its been fairly quiet after two nights at the South Shore Exhibition. However, officers responded Wednesday night after a woman had a little too much to drink. Police arrested the 39-year-old Lunenburg County woman after security informed them of a disturbance behind one of the main buildings. She spent the night behind bars for public intoxication and was released this morning. Police ask people to be responsible while consuming alcohol.

DOT Minister Agrees Forties Road In Rough Shape

The poor condition of the Forties Road in Lunenburg county has caught the attention of the province's transportation minister. However, when it could see some new paving is still any one's guess. In a letter to the Municipality of Chester, Minister Maurice Smith acknowledged the road is in need of upgrades as soon as funding becomes available. Smith was not able to say when new pavement could be put down but confirmed the road will be earmarked as a priority. He says the Forties Road will be given consideration when the province's five-year highway improvement plan is updated. The road runs between New Ross and East Dalhousie.

South Shore Receives Recreation Funding

The province is spending more than $325,000 to give recreation facilities along the South Shore a boost. Ten grants have been set up under the Recreation Facility Development Program. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau says recreation organizations and facilities provide leadership and help create healthier communities across the province. The program helps community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation. Belliveau made the announcement on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson. The list of investments on the South Shore includes:

• Shelburne County Arena Association, Shelburne, structural and electrical upgrades to the Shelburne Arena, $80,000
• Woodland Multi-use Trail Association, Municipality of the District of Barrington, develop phase 4 of the trail, $40,000
• Municipality of the District of Barrington , Barrington Passage, develop a playground, $10,000
• Acadia First Nation, Gold River,  Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, develop recreation park and outdoor court, $14,000
• Voglers Cove Community Hall, Voglers Cove, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, develop multi-purpose outdoor recreation spaces, $40,000
• LaHave River Yacht Club, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, electrical and accessibility upgrade to yacht club, $40,000
• Bull Run Trail Association, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, develop trail, $20,000
• Adventure Trail Association, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, develop abandoned rail to trail, $18,000
• LaHave River Trail Association, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, develop trail, $13,000
• Hubbards Sailing Club, Fox Point, build a new youth sailing club, $50,000

McNeil: Three Solutions For Better Health Care

The province's Liberal Leader says nurse practitioners are one of three solutions to improving health care. Stephen McNeil made the comments after 800 available spots with Bridgewater's nurse practitioners were filled after two public intakes. He says a Liberal government would target university students to help alleviate the issue.



McNeil also believes a separate residency program should be set up for Nova Scotia students who move home after studying outside the province. Bridgewater's nurse practitioners can handle up to 1,400 patients with a third intake planned for the fall. Nurse practitioners are the first step towards a new Collaborative Health Centre in Bridgewater to help meet the needs of the community.

Gas Prices May be Lowered Some Tonight

Gas prices along the South Shore may drop some tonight ... if New Brunswick is a good measure of what might happen.  New Brunswick's Energy and Utilities Board reset gas prices at midnight last night with the maximum price of regular unleaded falling by almost a cent to $1.27.3 per litre.  Strangely, the price of diesel went in the opposite direction though, up by just under two cents to a maximum of $1.32.5 a litre.  In case you're interested, the world markets price of oil was up yesterday by just under 50 cents to $88.95 a barrel.

White Point Build On Track: Officials

White Point Build on July 25

Officials at White Point say the building of the new main lodge remains on track. Construction began four months ago after a devastating fire levelled the historic lodge last November. White Point's marketing and product development manager, Donna Hatt, says a floor has been installed and she's been able to walk within the structure. She says crews will soon start work on the roof.



Hatt says once the roof is complete, work will then begin on the interior of the lodge. She says everything is starting to come together.

Hatt says they will be set to open to the public November 8.

Lunenburg: Atleo Renews Calls For Public Inquiry

National Chief Shawn Atleo has left a meeting on the South Shore searching for full support from Canada's premiers for a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women. The chief of the Assembly of First Nations met with the premiers today in Lunenburg where they discussed several issues of concern to aboriginal peoples. Speaking with media, Atleo urged the premiers and the federal government to support his calls for a national inquiry into missing and slain aboriginal women.

   

Premier Darrell Dexter, who hosted the meeting, said the matter was discussed. He says premiers will return to the topic at a meeting in November. Ottawa has also resisted calls for such an inquiry.

Keddy Among Those To Benefit Most From MP Pension Plan

The campaign to reform the pension plan for Canada's members of parliament is being ramped up.  Leading the way is the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, kicking off its renewed effort this morning in Halifax with a billboard unveiling.  The average Nova Scotia MP will be eligible for an over $77,000 a year pension by the 2015 election. CTF Atlantic President Kevin Lacey says Gerald Keddy of South Shore St. Margarets is one of the leaders of the pack of high-pensioned MP's.




An MP is eligible for a pension after serving just 6 years and can begin collecting at just 55 years of age (fully indexed at 60). They earn 10.4% interest each year on their contributions that is paid for entirely by taxpayers.  The CTF’s campaign includes billboards sporting the message “For every $1 an MP puts into their pension, taxpayers put in $24” were put up today in Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Ottawa and Halifax.
The goal of the campaign is to get Canadians to take action this summer and put pressure on their MPs, opposition leaders and the prime minister before they come out with their MP pension reform plan this fall.
In 2010-11 MPs and Senators contributed a combined $4.5 million to the parliamentary pension accounts, while taxpayers contributed $110.7 million ($26.7 million in contributions and $84 million in ‘interest’ and actuarial adjustments).




By the 2015 election Nova Scotia MPs will be eligible for the following annual pension payouts, largely paid for by taxpayers. In brackets are lifetime payments, assuming they live to 80:

Scott Armstrong (CPC) Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodobit Valley Not Eligible
Scott Brison (Lib) Kings-Hants $96,721 ($3,113,881)
Robert Chisholm (NDP) Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Not Eligible
Rodger Cuzner (Lib) Cape Breton-Canso $73,057 ($1,782,177)
Mark Eyking (Lib) Sydney-Victoria $71,935 ($2,315,922)
Gerald Keddy (CPC) South Shore – St. Margaret’s $94,429 ($2,029,121)
Greg Kerr (CPC) West Nova $39,025 ($524,589)*
Megan Leslie (NDP) Halifax $33,149 ($1,067,227)
Peter MacKay (CPC) Central Nova $117,297 ($3,776,298)
Geoff Regan (Lib) Halifax West $77,316 ($2,363,699)**
Peter Stoffer (NDP) Sackville-Eastern Shore $93,562 ($2,422,517)

* Also qualifies for a Nova Scotia MLA pension
** Has the option to “buy back” years prior to being defeated in 1997 election, if he bought back his estimated pension would be $105,090 ($3,212,681)

Liberal MLA Slammed After NDP/Layton Tweet

The MLA for Yarmouth sent the twitter world a buzz yesterday with a tweet from his account slamming the NDP government. Zach Churchill is the Liberal member in southwestern Nova Scotia. He tweeted that former NDP leader Jack Layton 'would be disgusted with how the party is operating in Nova Scotia'. Further, his tweet went on to say 'Premier Dexter makes Prime Minster Stephen Harper look like a saint'. Churchill sent the message on the social media site as the anniversary of Layton's decision to step down as leader of the NDP approaches. Layton was forced to leave the party this time last year to focus on his battle with cancer, which he ultimately lost on August 22, 2011. Churchill was blitzed with reply messages from his followers who thought the tweet was inappropriate. We'd like to hear what what you think of the tweet - check our poll on the main page of our website.

Official Tweet: @natnewswatch He would be disgusted with how the #ndp are operating in #novascotia. @PremierDexter makes #Harper look like a saint #nspoli


Responses:

  - @zachchurchill @natnewswatch Jack Layton was a friend of mine since 1977. That is arrant nonsense. For shame, sir. For shame. #nspoli

  

- But @zachchurchill, when use someone's death in a pathetic attempt at gain you should be put in place by many regardless of party. #nspoli

http://twitter.com/zachchurchill you stay classy Zach! I'm embarrassed for the people of Yarmouth that elected such an immature bully #nspoli

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 -  @zachchurchill @PremierDexter and how can you presume to know what Jack Layton would be thinking? all for cheap politics. for shame, sir.

 

Exhibition Parade On Tonight

The South Shore Exhibition parade, scheduled for last evening in Bridgewater, is now on for tonight. The event was postponed last night because of the rain. Exhibition manager Christine Sarty says the parade route will be the same as earlier planned.



The parade will begin at 6pm on High Street.

UNSM To Decide On MODL Resolution This Fall

The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities has a decision to make. The body has the option to approve or defeat a resolution brought forward by the Municipality of Lunenburg regarding surplus schools. Council forwarded a resolution regarding changes to the Education Act, and a notice to municipalities when a school becomes surplus. CAO Tammy Wilson says the resolution gives more responsibility to the province.



A decision by the UNSM is expected at its fall conference in mid-September.

Premiers & Native Chiefs Meet Today In Lunenburg

The Provincial and Territorial premiers will be holding talks today with aboriginal leaders to discuss education, health and natural resources.  The premiers have gathered in Lunenburg for the Council of the Federation meeting.  The native chiefs plan to also talk to the premiers about violence against aboriginal women and girls.  Ottawa has resisted calls for a national inquiry or task force on that topic.  The meeting is taking place at the Lunenburg Arms Hotel.

Birdsall: Premiers, Aboriginals Showcase Lunenburg

The MLA for Lunenburg says there's no better time to bring Canada's premiers to the area. The provincial and territorial leaders will meet with National Aboriginal Organization Leaders Wednesday in Lunenburg. Pam Birdsall says there will be plenty to see and talk about besides politics.



Topics up for discussion include education, economic development and issues involving natives who live off reserves. 

No Injuries After Two-Vehicle Crash In Hebbs Cross

No injuries after a two-vehicle crash in Hebbs Cross. RCMP Cst. Christine Pelly says a car turned out onto highway 103 near the Blarney Stone restaurant when it was struck from behind. Pelly says it was raining heavily at the time, making visibility tough for drivers. One car was towed and RCMP cleared the scene just before 2pm this afternoon.

UPDATE: Power Restored In Yarmouth/Shelburne

Nova Scotia Power crews have restored electricity for thousands of customers in the south western part of the province. According to their twitter feed, power was restored around 12:30PM. Rain, lightning and wind are believed to be the cause. Approximately 6,000 between Barrington to Argyle residents were without power for a little more than two hours. The forecast is calling for up 20 and 30 mm of rain in Shelburne, Yarmouth, Queens and Lunenburg counties.

RCMP Seek Suspects In Lunenburg Co. B&E's

The Mounties are investigating a break and enter at a restaurant in Mahone Bay. It happened at the "Mug and Anchor" in the downtown, sometime between 1:30am and 6:45am this past Saturday (July 21). Apparently nothing was taken but investigators say there was considerable damage. Meanwhile, another B & E, this one spreading possibly over several months, in West LaHave has the RCMP seeking suspects as well. It happened between November 1st, 2011 and July 3rd. Among items taken were three outboard boat motors. In both cases, the RCMP are asking anyone who might have information to contact them at (1-902) 527-5555. Or you can contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also submit your tips online by logging on to the Crimestoppers website at http://www.crimestoppers.n.s.ca/. If police use the information to make an arrest and lay charges, callers qualify for cash rewards ranging from $50.00 to $2000.00.

Motorcyclist Collides With Deer In Queens County

 

A close call in Queens County this morning. RCMP say a woman is in hospital after her motorcycle collided with a deer near Exit 17. The accident happened around 11 o'clock this morning and shut down the highway for a short period. Queens RCMP say the woman has been taken to South Shore Regional Hospital. Her injuries are described as non-life threatening. The deer was not at the scene and officials believe it may have survived.

UPDATE: Big Ex Parade Rescheduled For Wednesday

The South Shore Exhibition parade scheduled for tonight has been postponed until tomorrow night. Parade Marshal Tom Mailman says the executive made the decision just before noon-time today. Officials were concerned about weather conditions with rain, thundershowers and gusting winds in today's forecast. The parade will be held at 6pm tomorrow night along the same route.

103 Improvements Should Be Priority: PC Leader

The province's PC Leader is joining the chorus of people urging the province to make improvements to highway 103 a priority! Jamie Baillie says scores of people have died and hundreds have been injured in recent years and the government has to stop casting a blind eye to the problem.



The province has a five year highway improvement plan. However, highway 103 is not included.

Thousands Of Tri-County Residents Without Power

 

Thousands of tri-county residents are without electricity today. Nova Scotia Power states on it's website approximately 5,000 people between Barrington and Argyle are without power. Rain, lighting and wind is being blamed for the outage but its expected to be resolved over the noon hour. The forecast is calling for up 20 and 30 mm of rain in Shelburne, Yarmouth, Queens and Lunenburg counties.

Big Ex: Decision On Parade Pending

Officials with the South Shore Exhibition are expected to make a decision on tonight's parade before 2pm this afternoon.Weather could postpone the event with heavy rain, a risk of thundershowers and gusting winds in the forecast. The parade is scheduled to start at 6pm in Bridgewater. More details can be found at http://www.thebigex.com/ .

Tall Ships Lunenburg: Times & Parking Details

Organizers of the Tall Ships Festival in Lunenburg expect big crowds over the next two days. Seven tall ships are docked in the harbour and the ships will be open to the public beginning on Wednesday morning. Lunenburg's recreation director, Robin Scott says people will be able to board the ships between 10AM and 5PM each day. He says a number of parking options are available with a free shuttle to take people to the waterfront.



On Thursday, Scott suggests parking at High Liner instead of the community centre. The two days festival will be filled with entertainment, music, food and story's about the ships.

Identity of 103 Accident Victim

Near Hubbards, NS

A woman killed in a car crash on Highway 103 near Tantallon on Saturday has been identified. 65 year old Jo-Ann Constance Hubley of Tantallon died when the vehicle she was driving collided with two other vehicles between exits 5 and 6. Several people received minor injuries. Police say the cause is still under investigation.

UPDATED: Officials Recover Body Near Frog Island

 

The body of another drowning victim has been recovered in waters around Lunenburg County. Forty-nine year-old Peter Jeffery Horn's body was found near Frog Island around 11 o'clock this morning. Search and Rescue officials had been scouring the area after he went missing while snorkeling last night near Clay Island. Police say a passing boater found the victim's body. It's the second drowning in as many days. On Saturday, a Dartmouth scuba diver - missing for more than an hour - was found dead near Birchy Head. The body of 36 year-old Wayne Andrew McInnis was found on the shore line after he went missing while diving near Hubbards.

More Calls To Twin Section Of Highway 103

A former Halifax Regional Municipal Councillor and South Shore cottage-owner is ramping-up his campaign to get Highway 103 twinned.  Bruce Hetherington, who spends much of the summer in Petite Riviere, says the fatal accident over the weekend near Exit 5 is a reminder of just how dangerous the highway has become. He knows from experience.  He lost a son 4 years ago in a crash around the same spot as this weekend's accident. Hetherington says the government knows the state of the highway is poor.



Hetherington continues gathering names for an on-line petition calling for twinning of the highway. More than 6000 people have signed. This past weekend's crash happened between Exits 5 and 6, killing a woman and injuring several other people. The Nova Scotia government has earmarked the twinning of the highway in its ten year highways improvement plan.

RCMP Resume Search For Missing Snorkeler

RCMP are continuing to scour the waters after the possible drowning of a 49-year-old man. The Mounties say the Chester Basin man and a relative were boating Sunday afternoon when he went snorkeling near Clay Island. He was last seen around 8:30pm. The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax launched a search but it was called off at 2:30am Monday morning. Cpl. Scott MacRae says the search will pick back up today involving a helicopter as well as ground search and rescue. RCMP did not identify the man.