Health Officials Issue Notice Of Bed Shortage

South Shore Health is experiencing a critical bed shortage at its three hospitals. The health authority says bed space is extremely limited at hospitals in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Queens. It means wait times at each of the Emergency Departments is longer than usual. South Shore Health is encouraging residents who do not require emergency care to use the 811 phone service or the nearest walk-in clinic. Those who require emergency assistance should call 911.

Riverfest Opens Up In Pine Grove

Over 30 musical acts will take the stage this weekend at Riverfest. The festival kicks off Friday evening in Pine Grove and features bands including 7 Mile Stare, Short Notice and Drumlin. The weekend-long festival has been a local favourite since it started in 2004. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the event gives bands a chance to showcase their talent.



All money raised, after cost, is donated to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and 4-H. The concert location is off Dauphinee Road along Pine Grove Road. More details can be found at http://rockthebush.com/ .

Fishermen's ER And Roseway Desk Closures Sign of Healthcare Dilemma: PC Leader

We told you a day or two ago about the pending overnight closure of the front desk and switchboard at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne.  There are fears this will only lead to even more shutdowns in health services in the area.  Now, the province's PC leader is weighing-in on the move.  Jamie Baillie says he too is worried about whats going on.  He says its a symptom of a health care system meltdown.



Baillie says there are way too many health authorities and their high-paid executives that are draining the system of money and resources.  He proposes cutting back on the number of authorities and administrators and increasing health services.

Welcome Home Jenna: Coverage From Celebration

Supporters gather in Bridgewater to welcome home Olympian Jenna Martin. Here's some video from when she addressed the crowd. Click on the file below to watch.

South Shore Woman Gets Two Years In Prison

A South Shore woman has been sentenced to two years in prison for stabbing her boyfriend on New Year's Day 2011. 22 year old Katelin Whitney-Joudrey of Bridgewater was given a 23 month sentence in Bridgewater court on charges of aggravated assault endangering the life of Kiel Naugler and assaulting him with a knife. The extra month was tacked on for stealing blank doctor prescriptions and forging prescriptions for hydromorphone and methadone. Following the trial earlier this year, the judge said the couple's relationship was largely based on their mutual addiction to prescription pills.

Gasoline Prices Increase

South Shore gasoline prices have increased overnight.  The provincial Utilities and Review Board has set regular self serve at a dollar-34-point-7 a litre .... just over a cent more than yesterday.  Diesel is up by about 2 cents to a dollar-34-point-9.

Under-18 Girls Host Soccer Provincials

A local soccer team is gearing up to host the provincial championships this weekend. The girls under-18 South Shore United tier one squad will take on Valley United Saturday morning at 10am. The team features girls from across the South Shore including New Ross, Mahone Bay and New Germany. The winner will play in the gold medal match on Sunday. All games will be played at Park View Education Centre.

Former Principal Charged With Accessing Child Porn

Police have charged a former teacher and principal at Lunenburg Academy with accessing and possessing child pornography. 62-year-old Brian Jobb of Lilydale was charged after allegedly accessing child pornography last February and possessing it in July. Police searched Jobb's home last month and seized computer equipment. Jobb taught along the South Shore for over 20 years before retiring as principal at Lunenburg Academy in 2006. He is due in court December 19.