Two Temporary Emergency Dept Closures at Fishermen's Memorial

A couple of closures are expected this week in the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. The first closure will begin Tuesday night at 10:30PM and last until 3:30PM Wednesday afternoon. The second closure will occur on Thursday night at 10:30PM with the emergency department expected to re-open at 3:30 on Friday afternoon. Anyone requiring emergency care during those times should call 9-1-1 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Accused in Chester Basin Murder Appears in Court

The lawyer for an 18 year old man charged with second degree murder says his client will fight the charge. Pat MacEwen told reporters John Buckley maintains his innocence in relation to the death of 57 year-old Victoria Buckley. The accused teenager tried to address Judge Jim Burrill during a brief court appearance this afternoon but later declined on the advice of his lawyer. "I didn't know what he wanted to say at that point essentially he wanted to advise everyone in the room that he is maintaining his innocence and is looking forward to having this matter dealt with," John Buckley was arrested on Monday at the Atlantica Hotel in Western Shore and is accused of killing his mother on March 1st in Chester Basin. Her body was found the next morning at a home on Borgels Point Road. The case has been put over until April 11th.

Son charged with second degree murder

Charges have been laid in the death of a Chester Basin woman. RCMP say John (Jack) Buckley is charged with second degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley. The 18-year-old is appearing in Bridgewater Provincial Court Tuesday morning. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill says RCMP aren't releasing information on how Brauns-Buckley died.

"That's part of the investigation that's now before the court, so I can't comment on that."

Sgt. Hill says they arrested the 18-year-old son Monday morning. Brauns-Buckley was found dead in her home on Borgels Point Road March 2.

Yarmouth Town Council Supports E-Voting

The Town of Yarmouth will introduce e-voting in time for municipal election in October. Council voted to eliminate the traditional paper ballot and polling booth in exchange for electronic voting by computer or phone. They will also do away with proxy voting in favour of voting electronically. Voters will be given a PIN number and use their date of birth when logging on to vote or calling in by phone. Mayor Phil Mooney hopes the move will increase voter turnout and adds the town will likely offer assitance for seniors so they can still vote. The town of Bridgewater will also move towards e-voting but residents will still give voters the option to use the paper ballots as well.  The municipality of Chester is looking at a similar style of voting for the upcoming election.

Seahawks holding learn-to-play football sessions

The South Shore Seahawks are holding free Try-Learn-Play tackle football sessions. The sessions are for kids between the ages of 9-12 and helps introduce the game to both girls and boys. President of the Seahawks minor football club, Gary Linthorne, says kids will get involved in a number of drills.

"Agility drills, hand offs, teaching a person how to receive a hand off, take a snap, give a snap, kick the ball, kids will have a chance to put on some equipment; helmet and shoulder pads and we'll let them run into a blocking dummy."

Tuesday night's session goes from 6-8pm at Bridgewater High School. All kids have to do is show up to play.
Another session is scheduled for Thursday night from 6-8pm at Forest Heights Community School.

Local Boxing Club seeking new home

A local boxing group is looking for a new home. The South Shore Boxing club is looking for a place to set up its equipment including a ring and heavy bags after leaving its former location at 416 King Street in Bridgewater. Club members Jared Mitchell and Brian Falkenham made a presentation to Bridgewater council Monday night. Mitchell is hoping council can help them search for a new location.

"I know there is a lot of empty buildings in Bridgewater, I don't know how accessible they are to you, you know the owners, you know more than I would about this and I'm just asking for a helping hand."

Mayor Carroll Publicover says it will be a challenge to find a place, but council will look into the matter.