RCMP: Plan Ahead Before Driving New Year's Eve

The message is simple; if you're drinking, you're not driving. RCMP are planning checkpoints across the province this evening targeting impaired drivers including those who are driving under the influence of drugs. Police say people should make plans to get home safe by finding a designated driver, call a cab, stay at a friend's house or take transit. Cpl. Scott MacRae says people can help them stop impaired driving.



MacRae says people should plan ahead and think before they drink.

Chester: Fay Loses In Semi-Final At Junior Curling Provincials

Chester's Mary Fay fell in a semifinal showdown this morning to end her run at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships. Fay lost 11-4 to Mary Myketyn-Driscoll of Truro. Myketyn-Driscoll will battle Mayflower's Emily Dwyer in the title match at 2 o'clock at the Chester Curling Club.
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On the men's side, Stuart Thompson of Mayflower has successfully defended his Provincial crown. The Thompson crew punched their ticket to the Nationals in Fort McMurray, Alberta, by posting a perfect 7-0 record.

Lunenburg: ER Closing At Fishermen's Memorial

The Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is once again short on staff. The ER is closing at 4pm this afternoon and will reopen at 7:30am New Year's Day. Anyone requiring emergency services is advised to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

In Review: Bluenose II Relaunch Big Crowd Pleaser

In looking back at 2012, there were no events on the South Shore that drew the attention of so many people like the re-launch of the province's famous sailing ambassador. After a $16-million re-build lasting three years on the Lunenburg waterfront, Bluenose II was refloated in Lunenburg Harbour early on a dark, threatening morning in late September. If people couldn't be there in person, they watched on the internet just as they had been following the rebuild, day after day. According to the just-retired 33 year veteran of the mayor's office in Lunenburg, Laurence Mawhinney, the re-launch was a crowning moment in his long career.



This winter, Bluenose II is being re-outfitted with masts, sails and other fittings and being made ready to sail again in the spring of 2013. A date for that is yet to be announced.

In Review: Mawhinney Retires After 33 Years As Mayor

In looking back at 2012, the retirement of the venerable Laurence Mawhinney from the office of mayor in Lunenburg was one of the biggest local political changes of the year. The mayor had been in office in one of the province's most-historic towns for 33 years and he decided it was time to go. However, the lure of the old office can be hard to break.



Among his accomplishments, the former mayor says he takes pleasure in being part of the effort to have Lunenburg declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. He's also happy with the apparent political stability he was able to foster in the town over all the years. However, Mawhinney says with his retirement and the retirements of at least two other mayors locally, it became obvious the electorate in last fall's municipal elections wanted change.



These days, former mayor Mawhinney and his wife Marion are continuing their team ministry at several Lunenburg and area Presbyterian churches with the past life at the mayor's office always not far away.

Two Men Charged In Chester Break & Enter

Two men have been charged in connection with a break, enter and theft from a home in the Chester area. It happened on Friday and RCMP investigators say various items were taken. The accused face several charges including break and enter, theft over $5,000., possession of property obtained by crime and numerous firearms offenses. The suspects are in custody and appear in court at a later date.