South Shore: Thieves Empty Church's Oil Tank

Thieves have siphoned an entire tank of oil from a church in Martin's River. Lunenburg County RCMP say the theft occurred early Tuesday morning at St. Martin's Anglican Church. Constable Christa Morrison says the church just had the tank filled the day before the theft took place. Morrison believes the oil was worth approximately $600 in total. She says it's a big blow to a small rural church and its clergy. The church is located near an ATV trail along Highway 3 in Martin's River. Mounties are looking for multiple suspects in their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

Health Counselors Help Students Cope With Daily Challenges

More health counselors will be available to help students at schools in Lunenburg and Queens. Six counselors are now in place to assist with issues such as addiction, mental health and sexual health throughout the school district. It represents an increase of four positions to join the already existing support provided by staff from South Shore Health. Director of Community Health Programs, Todd Leader says the new support will help youth deal with everyday challenges.



Leader says health counselors will have a regular presence in schools on a rotation style basis. The expanded services are the result of the realignment of some of South Shore Health's program staff and funding through the province's mental health strategy.

Future Of Riverport School Unknown

The future of the Riverport school is up in the air. Councillors with the Municipality of Lunenburg debated spending money to heat the building to preserve equipment over the winter. But, a few councillors spoke out about saving money and demolishing the facility sooner rather than later. Mayor Don Downe says they will wait to talk with the councillor for the area before making a decision.



Don Zwicker missed the session but is expected back for council's meeting next Tuesday. Council could spend anywhere from $2500 to $30,000 if they choose to continue heating the school over the winter.

Lumberjacks Re-Assign Seyforth, Release Langille

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have given walking papers to a forward and a defenceman. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says Alex Seyforth has been re-assigned to Junior 'B' while the team took a different direction with Craig Langille, who has been released. The Jacks had seven defenceman once Brandon Gaudet returned to the lineup after an injury. The local Junior 'A' club is on the road this weekend with games against Campbellton, Miramichi and Woodstock.

Bridgewater: Candidates Forum On Wednesday

The twelve candidates seeking a seat on Bridgewater town council will debate the issues in an open forum Wednesday night. In Bridgewater, municipal councillors are elected at large with the top six vote getters securing a seat on the new council. The forum will be held at the Days Inn in Bridgewater. It begins at 7 o'clock.





The following candidates are seeking election on October 20th: Top six vote getters are elected.


*Jim Bell

Beverlee Brown

Michael Graves

*Patrick Hirtle

Sandra Mailman

Kevin Marlin

Jennifer McDonald

*Bill McInnis

*Greg Ritcey

Andrew J. Tanner

Wayne S. Thorburne

Dennis Woodworth

*indicates incumbent candidates

"Experience Key In Transition Period For Lunenburg"

A veteran councillor in Lunenburg believes his experience can help the new council during a transition period for the town. Danny Croft is a life-long resident of Lunenburg and has served on town council for more than 13 years. He cites fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes reasonable and the future of Lunenburg Academy as some of the big issues facing council and residents. Croft believes a steady hand at the council table will help move those issue forward.



Nine councillors in total are looking for six council seats in Lunenburg when municipal elections are held on October 20th.

Police Investigating Mischief At LCLC

Bridgewater Police are looking for one or more individuals who spray-painted containers and pavement at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The incident happened overnight late last week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police Service at 543-2464.

Ohrt Challenging Former Members In Queens

The school board seat for Queens County will be highly contested. Five people are running for the lone seat on the eight-member board including Elliott Payzant, Allan Foster and first-time candidate Karen Ohrt. The Beach Meadows resident says she believes its time for a change.



Ohrt considers declining enrollment and budget restrictions the two biggest challenges the school board is facing. Courtney Wentzell and Cliff 'Butch' MacLeod are also running for the seat. School Board elections will be held later this month.

Bridgewater Police Officer Trial Dates Set

An off-duty Bridgewater police officer charged with two counts of domestic assault will stand trial next March. Forty-six year-old Christine Marion Bonnell is charged with assaulting Joseph Wiley Ross Jr. between July 1 and July 21, 2012, and again on July 31, 2012. She has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer asked that the cases be tried separately, so trial dates have been set for March 22 and March 25, 2013. Bonnell, who has not been on active duty since 2008, was charged after an investigation by the province's Serious Incident Response Team, which is called in to investigate allegations against police officers. She has been released on an undertaking pending her trials.