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.