Dexter: Euro Has Direct Impact On Bowater

 Premier Darrell Dexter says the European debt crisis continues to have a direct effect on the economy in Nova Scotia. He says the impact of a devalued euro is causing tremendous stress on the province's pulp and paper industry. The euro was trading at $1.24 on the market on Tuesday - it's lowest level in nearly two years. Dexter says it allows overseas paper manufacturers to flood the paper market with a cheaper product which impacts operations like Bowater Mersey.



Workers at Bowater are preparing for the latest in a series of temporary shutdowns set to take place from June 17th to July 2nd. The Brooklyn-based mill has called for several shut downs since a $50 million dollar bail-out package was announce last year due to saturated paper markets.

Lumberjacks Choose Local Talent As Territorial Picks

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have selected a defenceman and a forward as this year's territorial picks. Lunenburg's Alex Mann and Fox Point's Josh Shatford have been added to the team prior to this weekend's MHL draft in Yarmouth. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says both players bring certain qualities to the team.




Rhindress says it means a lot to secure local hockey players to the organization. Mann had 11 points last year on the South Shore Mustangs blueline while Shatford notched 19 points in his rookie season in major midget.

MODL Taking Stand On Illegal Dumping

District of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe is fed up with illegal dumping. The mayor has decided to set up a meeting with the environment minister to explore ways to curb the problem and enforce fines. Downe says its an unfortunate issue in the county.




Downe says the municipality is working with the towns of Mahone Bay and Lunenburg to make policy changes to help create rewards for anyone found illegally dumping in the area. A date hasn't been confirmed for the mayor's meeting with the province's environment minister.

South Shore Mustangs Selected in QMJHL Draft

South Shore Mustang Brendan Nickerson is now property of the expansion Sherbrooke Phoenix. The Shelburne County native was picked first in the third round, 38th overall, in Saturday's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League midget draft. Nickerson is a six foot two inch defenceman who earned three goals and 11 points in 28 games last season.  Another Stang defenceman, Alexander Mann of Lunenburg, was drafted by Moncton with the 77th pick. Jamie MacIntyre of Dartmouth was taken 89th by Quebec. Shelburne County's Morgan Messenger was grabbed by PEI with the 95th pick.

Queens Co. Fish Hatchery Closure Could Endanger Whitefish: Mayor



Atlantic Whitefish

 As part of federal budget cuts, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be closing a fish hatchery in Queens County.  The Mersey Bio-diversity facility in Milton has been in operation for years, in conjunction with a similar one at Coldbrook in the Annapolis Valley.  Saving the Atlantic Whitefish from extinction by stocking lakes and rivers in the province has been a priority of the hatchery.  District of Queens Mayor John Leefe fears closing it will put the fish in jeopardy again.



The mayor says Atlantic salmon stocks could also be affected by the closure.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.

UPDATE: RCMP Look For Witness Of Fatal Crash

RCMP want to speak with a motorist who may have witnessed a fatal crash in the East River area yesterday afternoon. Sgt. Bridgit Leger says a black SUV or pick-up truck was traveling on Highway 329 around the same time of the single-vehicle crash. Leger says the person is not a suspect, but they would like to speak with the driver.



Mounties believe the driver was headed from Deep Cove to East Chester around 2 o'clock. RCMP are still investigating the cause of the crash and are working with the provincial coroner's office to identify the victim.

Minor Damage After Fire On Maple Street In BW

Minor damage to report after a fire at an apartment complex in Bridgewater last night. Damage was minor but enough to temporarily force one woman out of her unit for a few nights. The Canadian Red Cross stepped in to arrange emergency lodging, food and some clothes for the woman. The blaze was reported around supper time on Maple Street. Other apartments were not affected.

Two Men Rescued From St. Margarets Bay

Two men were sent to hospital for observation after being rescued yesterday afternoon from St. Margarets Bay.  They ran intro trouble when their 4 metre aluminum boat capsized near Boutliers Point.  The 50 and 63 year olds were picked-up by a passing sailboat and row boat.  Both men were wearing life jackets.  Its believed the men were mackerel fishing when their boat rolled over.

Feed NS Reports Rise In South Shore Food Bank Usage

Lunenburg County food banks are finding it difficult to keep their shelves stocked. Feed Nova Scotia has indicated there has been a 20% increase in usage at outlets in Lunenburg, Chester, Bridgewater and New Germany. Executive Director Dianne Swinemar says they can't explain the change on the South Shore. But, she says they have noticed other changes in Colchester and Cumberland.



Swinemar says food banks are facing a critical time of year when donations drop because people are enjoying the summer weather or taking vacations. She urges everyone to do what they can to help their local food bank. Over 22,000 people province-wide were assisted by food banks in 2011.