Bird Construction Preparing to Start LCLC Build

Proponents of the LCLC could soon see the fruits of their labour. Workers with Bird Construction have started bringing supplies onto the Wentzell Drive site, gearing up to start building the highly anticipated project. Chair Paul Belliveau says Dexter and Brewster workers are finishing up site preparation. He says work is almost ready to begin.

"It feels pretty good because basically this is what we have been working to get to, you know, we still have some things to iron out; we have to get some slate off the site but the day we see some cement poured and some steel going up is going to be a great day because its, you know, we've finally have gotten there."

Plans for the facility include an NHL-size ice surface, a six lane 25 metre pool and library. Belliveau remains optimistic the LCLC will be built before the end of next April.

NS Gov't Wants Yarmouth Ferry Service Restored

The Nova Scotia government is reopening the Yarmouth ferry debate more than two years after it stopped subsidizing the money-losing crossing to Maine. Premier Darrell Dexter says it has appointed a panel of tourism, ferry and business experts to determine what is needed for an economically viable service. A high-speed ferry link between Yarmouth and Maine was discontinued in December 2009 after the NDP said it would no longer subsidize the Bay Ferries Limited operation. The government says the arms-length, independent panel will review existing studies on the crossing and give advice. It says that will help the government make a ``definitive recommendation'' on a ferry service. Dexter says the government wants to see a ferry service return to southwestern Nova Scotia.

Annual Bad Roads Campaign On the Final Few Miles

Its your chance to make a point about that bumpy, pot-filled road in your area that's been driving you crazy for months.  The Canadian Automobile Association's annual Worst Roads campaign for the Atlantic region is underway and you can vote for the nasty road in your area on-line.  Here on the South Shore, the Woodstock Road in Mahone Bay is among the leaders in voting so far.  Gary Howard of CAA says governments tend to watch and listen to whats being said by the campaign.  "Our research keeps telling us the safety of roads, condition of roads, is a top priority of Canadians year after year. So, this allows us to really get the government to listen and they have responded quite well I must say. Most levels of government have very attentive to this."  Voting ends tomorrow. You can cast yours for your favourite or least favorite bad road at www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads.

Provincial Money For Tri-Star

A Yarmouth-based company that designs and builds ambulances, mobile clinics and specialty vehicles will receive additional government funding.  Nova Scotia premier Darrell Dexter is expected to announce a provincial funding to Tri-Star Industries during a tour of the facility this afternoon.  Last week, the federal government provided a 195-thousand dollar repayable loan to the company.  Its geared for marketing and promotional development as Tri-Star expands its international markets.  The province is expected to provide a similar amount today.  The money will assist in preparing promotional materials, website development, prototype marketing, trade shows and product demonstrations.

South Shore Teachers Receive Education Week Awards

Warren Dobson

Two local teachers are being recognized for their work in the classroom. Warren Dobson of South Queens Junior High and Greg Millman of Chester Area Middle School were both nominated for awards to celebrate Education Week in Nova Scotia. Dobson says he's flattered by the award, but doesn't know why he was chosen.

"I thought at first they made a mistake, maybe they had it mixed up with somebody else. I'm not an exceptional teacher in my view, I just show up everyday and try and do the best I can like 99% of the rest of the teachers in our school board."

Nominations show people believe both teachers spend countless hours helping students. The two teachers are expected to receive their awards during a ceremony Monday in Halifax.

CUPE Hosts Annual Convention in Yarmouth

CUPE Nova Scotia will host its 49th annual convention beginning today in Yarmouth. The two day convention kicks off this morning with a speech from Premier Darrell Dexter. Among the issues being discussed include pension reform and the latest federal and provincial budgets. Other speakers include CUPE National President Paul Moist and Rick Clarke of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.