Lumberjacks Trim Roster As Season-Opener Nears

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have whittled down their roster as the regular season looms. The Junior "A" hockey club has sent three players back to their respective Major Midget clubs including Cole Skinner, Riley Strowbridge, and Patrick Duggan.  More players will be released following the Jacks' exhibition games this weekend in Yarmouth and Dartmouth. The Lumberjacks open their regular season a week from tomorrow night when they welcome Yarmouth.

Decision On Yarmouth Ferry Service Set For Friday

People in Yarmouth will know more about the fate of ferry service on Friday. A highly anticipated report will be released in Halifax examining whether a ferry linking their community to the U-S is considered viable. Municipal leaders along the South Shore have been calling on the government to reinstate the ferry service to help boost tourism and the economy. The N-D-P government ended a subsidy for a high-speed ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine in December 2009. The decision to end the annual six-million-dollar subsidy for Bay Ferries Limited sparked protests in Yarmouth, where residents say it harmed the local economy.

New Jobs Boost Housing Market In Lunenburg

A hot housing market over the summer in Lunenburg combined with an expanding workforce is just what the doctor ordered according to the town's outgoing mayor. Several homes have been taken off the market over the past few months and Laurence Mawhinney believes it the sign of a strong economy. He says new employment opportunities at Composites Atlantic, the Lunenburg Foundry and HB Studio's have helped the housing market.




Mawhinney says nearly 100 new jobs have been created through new opportunities within the three companies. He believes another driving factor behind the positive economic climate is the opening of Bluenose Academy and it's proximity to the town.

Dexter: QGH Project Provides Long Term Benefits

Premier Darrell Dexter says the Queen General Health project will provide long term benefits to the region. The $16 million project will see the construction of a collaborative health care facility in Liverpool in addition to upgrades at the hospital's existing 22-bed inpatient unit. Dexter says the project will help improve the overall quality of life for medical staff and assist with recruitment and retention of doctors and nurses. He also believes the new health care services will help attract new employers to Queens.



The sod was turned on the project late last month with a tentative completion date set for the end of 2013.

Former Town Councillor Seeks Seat In Bridgewater

A former Bridgewater town councillor's name will appear on the ballot when municipal elections are held next month. Long-time resident Kevin Marlin has declared his intentions to seek a council seat on October 20th. He says community engagement, fiscal responsibility and accountability are the cornerstones of good open local government. If elected, Marlin says he'd like to see a realistic strategic plan implemented by council.





Marlin is currently a manager with Service Canada and previously served on council from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2004 to 2008.

Beware Of Rules About Stopped School Buses

Thousands of South Shore students are beginning their new school year today. The return to class is a busy occasion for kids and drivers. Motorists are being advised to slow down and watch for children darting out into streets. Sgt. Brigit Leger of the RCMP says they also must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights. The fine for not doing so is 399 dollars plus 6 demerit points on their license.



Motorists also have to slow down in school zones to the posted speed, either 30 km an hour or 50 km an hour, depending on location.

MHL: Jacks Edge Mariners In Pre-Season Action

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks edged the Yarmouth Mariners 4-3 in a shootout in MHL exhibition action last night in Bridgewater. Michael Crawley scored the shootout winner while Shawn Boudreau, Cody Coffin, and Damon MacEachern scored in regulation time.  The Jacks got strong goaltending from both Dylan MacQuad and Jordan Lee as they were outshot 46-25 by the Mariners. The Jacks, who are now 2-0 in the pre-season, play in Yarmouth on Saturday.