UPDATED: Crews Contain Forest Fire in Shelburne

 

Fire crews were able to contain a forest fire near Shelburne just off the Wright's Road. Several families were put on evacuation notice but were not been asked to leave their home. Officials from the Department of Natural Resources have a helicopter on stand by to help battle the blaze cool down hot spots. It's not known what sparked the blaze which began this afternoon.

Bridgewater Welcomes 'Afterglow' Arts Initiative

Ashton Rodenhiser

A new event in Bridgewater is calling on volunteers and artists to make it a success. Ashton Rodenhiser recently spoke to town council regarding an arts initiative called 'Afterglow'. Its modelled after an evening festival in Halifax where artists create works of art including projections off buildings, or gallery style viewings outdoors. Rodenhiser says the event would help build an arts identity for Bridgewater.



Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's on board with the concept.



The event will take up space and use electricity in Shipyards Landing and King Street Court. It will be held from 6pm until midnight on September 15. More details can be found at http://afterglowbridgewater.wordpress.com/ .

MODL: Tax Increases For Three Fire Departments

Three Lunenburg County fire departments are raising their tax rates. Midville and District, Riverport and Pleasantville and District have increased their taxes for 2012-13. Midville and District is raising its rate from 13 cents to 17 cents, Riverport is increasing from seven to nine cents, Pleasantville and District is going up by two cents from 11 to 13 cents. Tri District, featuring Baker Settlement, Chelsea and Newcombville fire departments has set their rate at 15 cents. All rates are per $100 of assessment. Mayor Don Downe says he understands why a hike is needed.



Martins River is the only department to drop its rate. It falls from 17 cents to 15 cents. Twenty-seven other department tax rates are either staying the same or weren't available.

Tall Ships Set To Sail Around Nova Scotia

 

Some of the first tall ships are starting to sail into Halifax harbour as the city prepares for a five-day festival celebrating the vessels. The Tall Ships Challenge Atlantic fleet will participate in the festival that officially kicks off tomorrow. They'll cast off their lines on Monday and participate in the traditional parade of sail. The ships will arrive in Lunenburg next week for two days beginning on Wednesday. They'll also make an appearance in Shelburne on July 28th and 29th.

Fire Destroys Vacant South Shore Home

A South Shore home thats been vacant for about 6 months has been destroyed by fire.

Located in Newburne, the Cornwall and District Fire Department responded to the blaze shortly after getting the call before daybreak.  Steve Patterson is the Cornwall fire chief. (Click below)



Waldon fire fighters were also brought in to help.  The exact cause of the fire isn't known yet but Chief Patterson says there is some suspicion lightning in the area may have set it off. (Click below)



No one was hurt.  The fire marshall is investigating.

Liverpool's Whalen Hosting Track and Field Camp

Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen calls it an opportunity to give back to the community. The 19-year-old is working with the Region of Queens this summer to offer a track and field camp for kids aged six to 15-years-old. Whalen says she wants to provide kids with an advantage she never had.



The track and field introduction camp will be held in Liverpool Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 24 until August 16. Kids aged six to nine will participate in a run, jump, throw clinic while older age groups will be a mix of the clinic and more fundamentals of the sport. People can register by contacting the Region of Queens at 354-5741. The cost is five dollars to register. See here for more information: http://www.athletics.ca/page.asp?id=64. .