MODL Extends Lease Agreement With School Group

A one-year lease is being extended to the South Shore Ventures Co-op. The group is behind the retrofit at the old Blockhouse School. They agreed to the lease last year with the Municipality of Lunenburg. Now, council is extending the lease until August 30. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says the group needs a bit of extra time.



The agreement has been extended to help the group complete necessary steps around an environmental approval, public hearing and development agreement.

Area Information Session Planned For April In Barrington

An event to help people learn more about what's happening in the Shelburne area has started planning for this year. The 'Our Community - Something for Everyone' initiative is in its eighth year of providing people with information on local organizations, agencies, programs and activities. Manager of Community and Economic Development for the town of Shelburne, Jerry Locke, says its an important event for community members.



Locke considers the event a trade show of sorts, which helps contribute to the quality of life in Shelburne County. The event is scheduled for April 20 at the Barrington Lions Hall.

Shelburne RCMP Issue Phone Scam Warning

Shelburne RCMP say they've responded to multiple fraud related complaints in the area. Investigators have determined a large scale phone scam is making the round across Canada. In this scam, a man claims he is from Publishers Clearing House and he is calling to say the person has won $2.5 million in sweepstakes. Police say the person uses the name Michael Bell. The man then tells would-be victims in order to claim the prize money, they either have to wire cash to a bank account or provide personal information. RCMP are asking those who receive these calls to hang up and contact your local police department.

Superintendent Leaving School Board For New Role

The head of the South Shore Regional School Board has accepted a position with the Department of Education. Nancy Pynch-Worthylake is leaving the role after spending six years as Superintendent of Schools. In a release, Pynch-Worthylake says the decision wasn't easy but adds she is looking forward to her new role. She will become the Senior Executive Director of Public Schools within the Department of Education. Pynch-Worthylake says students in the region will continue to be served by a strong senior team, effective regional support and amazing school-based staff. A transition plan will be developed for SSRSB leadership while a national recruitment search is conducted to fill the position.

Lunenburg: Council Pre-Approves Funds For Water/Sewer Project

Town council in Lunenburg has pre-approved funds to complete a large water and sewer project. The decision to commit just over $610,000 toward the last portion of the project was approved earlier this week. Work on the $1.2 million project began last fall with a large portion carried out on Bluenose Drive and Pelham Street. The project is being assisted by federal funding and will help increase water flows to assist with fire fighting in Old Town Lunenburg. Town Engineer Marc Belliveau says the project also involves splitting their storm and sanitary water lines. He says that will help with efficiently and keep costs down at the town's water treatment facility. Work will resume in the spring around Bluenose Academy.

Yarmouth Liberal MLA Will Seek Re-Election

The Liberal member of the Legislature for Yarmouth says there's absolutely no question, he will seek another term. Zach Churchill says he finds his role as the MLA rewarding and he wants to continue pushing for changes to education and health care. He says a major highlight of his first term was the public meeting in Yarmouth last summer during which 25-hundred residents stood-up to the Electoral Boundaries Commission. They unanimously rejected a proposal to split the Yarmouth constituency. Churchill was first elected in a June 2010 by-election in the Yarmouth riding. As a member of the opposition Liberals, he's served in the Legislature as their critic for the departments of Advanced Education and Labour, Tourism and the Youth Secretariat.

Gas Prices Will Likely Remain Unchanged

Be prepared for South Shore gasoline prices to probably remain the same or drop ever so slightly when the prices for the coming week are set tonight. The utility and review board will unveil prices at midnight. In New Brunswick, there's a small drop in the price there this morning. It's down half-a-cent. The new maximum price for regular self-serve is $1.36.7 a litre. However, it's not the only dip this week. Diesel is down in New Brunswick by 2.6 cents a litre, while furnace oil is down by 1.3 cents a litre.

Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks Begin Mainland Tourney

The South Shore Ice Sharks Bantam 'AA' hockey club will host the Mainland League tournament beginning today in Liverpool. The tournament is held every year once the regular season wraps up to determine which teams qualify for provincials. The Ice Sharks are ranked #1 heading into the tourney. Head Coach Jody O'Donnell says its gut-check time for his team.



Ten teams are in the tourney including Pictou, Brookfield, Yarmouth, Truro and West Hants. The club plays their first game at 4:30 against Cumberland at Queens Place Emera Centre.

Three Car Crash In Chester Basin Sends Five To Hospital

RCMP say five people were sent to hospital following a three-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Chester Basin. Police say the incident happened around 4:40pm along Highway 12 near the Lacey Mines Road. Cpl. Jamie Vacon, watch commander for Lunenburg County, says four people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital while one other was transferred to Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. He says all injuries are serious but non-life threatening. RCMP say the investigation continues and charges are pending.

North Queens Hopes For New Fire Hall

The North Queens Fire Association is campaigning for a new $1.5 million fire hall. Officials say the old one is worn out and they're seeking $700,000 from the Region of Queens toward a replacement. District council is weighing the request and will make a decision by late April. However, Mayor Christopher Clarke says it's a challenging time because the district is bringing in less tax revenue since the closure of the Bowater mill. He says they need to look at the numbers and a decision likely won't come until sometime in April. The Fire Association will also be requesting $200,000 from Annapolis County and the remaining $300,000 will be raised through community donations. The Association has already raised $300,000 on its own.

RCMP Identify Liverpool Paramedic Facing Drug Charges

A Liverpool paramedic is up for six charges for allegedly stealing and misusing drugs from an EHS station. RCMP say 47-year-old Kenneth Cosh is facing three counts of possession, breach of trust, theft under $5,000 and forgery. Officials from EHS alerted police of allegations of thefts and misuse of drugs by the man recently. RCMP searched a home earlier this month on Wolfe Street and seized syringes and medical containers. The man is scheduled to appear in Liverpool provincial court April 16.

Yarmouth Ferry Terminal Needs Overhaul Or Replacement: Mayor

The mayor of Yarmouth says the day the ferry service returns to her town will be a great event. Pam Mood says the loss of the service four years ago has devastated the region and its going to take a lot to repair the damage.



The International Ferry Partnership and local municipalities have kicked-in money to hire a promoter to spear-head upgrades to the Yarmouth ferry terminal. Federal dollars will be sought for the project. Meanwhile, a company in the United States says it has an agreement to lease a vessel and start a Yarmouth to Maine service beginning this summer if it is awarded a contract. Quest Navigation Inc. of Eliot, Maine is one of two companies proposing to operate the service between Maine and Nova Scotia. Quest officials say the vessel has 162 cabins, two restaurants and capacity for more than 1,200 passengers. The other company, Baltimore-based Maritime Applied Physics Corp., is an engineering firm that specializes in designing electro-mechanical systems for harsh environments. The ferry's former operator, Bay Ferries Limited, announced in December 2009 that it would cancel the money-losing service after the government said it could no longer provide an annual $6-million subsidy. The Nova Scotia government issued a request for proposals in December for an operator of the ferry service. A decision is expected in a few weeks.

South Shore Health Stands Up Against Bullying

Students, teachers and other local businesses are wearing pink today to take a stand against bullying. Among the groups recognizing the importance of today is South Shore Health. They have partnered with students from Bridgewater High, who have developed a video message in support of the movement. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they're on board with creating change.



The video will be shown during a gathering at South Shore Regional Hospital this afternoon. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 after two Nova Scotia teenagers encouraged others to wear pink t-shirts in support of a grade nine student who was being bullied for wearing pink.

Bridgewater Man Facing Drug Trafficking Charges

A 49-year-old Bridgewater man will appear in court in the spring on alleged drug trafficking charges. RCMP arrested the man Monday afternoon at a home on Pleasant Street. Police seized marihuana, cash, drug paraphernalia, and other offence-related property. The suspect is facing charges of possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, and trafficking marihuana. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court May 15.

Consultations Set For 1.5 Million Acres Of Crown Land

The province will begin consultations in March on best use of 1.5 million acres of Crown land in Western Nova Scotia. Large parcels of the land up for discussion are located in Queens, Shelburne, Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis County. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey says input will be used to help develop a land-use plan for the region. He says possible use could include mineral exploration, renewable energy projects and agricultural operations. Ramey says the government will also consult Mi'kmaq, municipalities and industry to help manage the Crown land and its natural resources. The former Bowater Mersey lands will also be included in the consultation process. No dates have been set for public meetings.

Group Home Receives Council Nod Of Approval

The CEO of the LaHave Manor Corporation says she's relieved with a decision by Bridgewater council to allow a group home to remain in a residential neighbourhood. Town council voted 4-2 in favour of keeping Compassion House at 6 Evergreen Road. A by-law change now defines the home as a single dwelling unit, not an institution and allows five people to live in the home, up from three. Joanne Wentzell agrees with council's decision.

"We are very pleased with the decision that council made last night. I think that after being presented with all the facts and the information, they made the right decision." 

There will now be a 14-day window for people to appeal. If it is appealed, the matter will go to the province's Utility and Review Board for final decision.

Hospital Staff, Patients Dealing With Flu-Like Symptoms

South Shore Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the flu. The health authority says they currently have a handful of patients and staff with flu-like symptoms in the medical unit at South Shore Regional in Bridgewater. Infection Control Practitioner, Elizabeth Watson, says people are experiencing fever, headaches, sore throat and muscle aches. She says they have taken steps to limit the spread of illness.



Watson says some tips people should follow include washing hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. She also says getting a flu shot can help prevent people from getting sick.

Parkview Girls Hockey Team Heads To Regional Playoffs

Its off to the Western Regional Girls Hockey Playoffs for teams in this part of the province. Among them, Bridgewater's Park View Lady Panthers team. Parkview finished in third place in regular season play in the nine team Valley Hockey League. The playoffs are taking place in Kingston in the valley and kick off today.

New Ross: Community Wants Its Grade 9's

The community of New Ross wants to keep their school in tact. The Grade 9 class at New Ross Consolidated School could be transferred to the nearby Forest Heights. It`s a proposal pitched under the school review process currently underway at six schools throughout the South Shore Regional School Board. Retired New Ross Consolidated teacher, Greg Jollymore says he`s hoping for the status quo.



Other concerns raised include the negative impact on finances, staffing and a thinning athletics program should Grade 9`s be moved out of New Ross. Members of the local school board are also reviewing various scenarios at Mill Village, Pentz, Petite Reviere, Hebbville Academy and Gold River-Western Shore. They make a decision on each school's proposed scenario in late March.

Glenn Anderson, Leafs Alumni Skate In Chester

A six-time Stanley Cup winner and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be in Chester tonight for the NHL Legends Maritime Tour. Glenn Anderson spent 16 seasons in the NHL, including almost three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is among a number of Leafs Alumni playing tonight to help the local branch of the Navy League's 351 Llewellyn Sea Cadets. Anderson says he enjoys lacing up the skates with former professional players.



The 60-year-old notched 157 points while he was with Toronto from 1991-1994. Other players involved include Al Iafrate, Gary Leeman, Tiger Williams, Mike Krushelynski and Mark Osborne. The game gets underway at 7pm and some tickets will be available at the door.

'Curl For A Cause' Enjoys Its Best Year To Date

Over 100 people screamed ''hurry hard'' over the weekend at the 'Curl For A Cause' event at the Lunenburg Curling Club. The popular fundraiser by the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore helped raise $38,500. The money will go towards a specialized bathing tub for the Alternate Level of Care unit at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. Managing Director, Arleen Stevens, says its important for the patients to have.



Money was raised by participant entry fee, an auction and sponsorships. Stevens says this was the best fundraiser they've had since the event started 13 years ago.

Habitat For Humanity Building Two Homes In Mahone Bay

The warm weather can't get here soon enough for the South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The group is in the final preparations to build two new homes off the Fauxburg Road in Mahone Bay. Two families have been selected through the application process. Board member Brent Kaulback says they will work together with the families to provide suitable homes.



Kaulback says they hope to begin construction when the frost is gone from the ground. Each family is required to put in 500 hours of labour or volunteer work towards the build. Once it is complete, they receive an interest-free mortgage that matches their income. Meanwhile, the group's vice-chair says they're close to acquiring land for another build in New Germany and are in the final stages of receiving a home in Liverpool.

Lunenburg West: Incumbent MLA Seeks Second Term

The incumbent MLA in Lunenburg West will seek a second term in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Gary Ramey was acclaimed as the candidate for the New Democrats during a nomination meeting over the weekend. Ramey was first elected in 2009. Prior to becoming an MLA, he taught high school, university and college for more than 30 years. The race in Lunenburg West will also feature former town councillor David Mitchell who will represent the Progressive Conservatives and retired RCMP officer Mark Furey who will carry the Liberal banner. Ramey accepted the nomination during a meeting on Sunday at Petite Riviere Fire Hall.

Fay Rink Wins N.S. Juvenile Women's Curling Crown

A Chester curling rink is preparing to make a trip to the rock. Mary Fay's team captured the provincial juvenile women's under-18 curling title this morning, defeating Mayflower's Emily Manuel 5-3 in the final. The Fay rink finished the event with a 4-1 record. The win means the local club will travel to Stephenville, Newfoundland for the Atlantic championships in late March. Complete results can be found here .

School Review Heads To New Ross Consolidated

Residents of New Ross will discuss the future of their community school tonight. A public hearing will be held this evening as part of the review process. New Ross Consolidated isnt up for closure, but moving Grade 9 students to Forest Heights Community School. NRCS has 132 students enrolled at the Primary to Grade 9 school. The meeting will be held at the school beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ice Sharks & Parkview Boys Weekend Hockey Winners

Both the bantam AA Ice Sharks and Park View Education Center boys won games over the weekend.  The Sharks won the Summerside McCain's Bantam AA tournament. They outscored the competition 22-0 in three, round-robin games before their wins against Chebucto 3-0 in the semi finals and Strait Richmond 3-1 in the finals. Meanwhile, Park View boys beat Horton 9-2. Fabian Sund and Wesley Demone each had 2 goals. Jake Wile was the winning goal tender. The Panthers are in first place in the Valley High School Hockey League.

"Hurricanes" Heading To Major Bantam Provincials

The BMO Western Hurricanes are going to the Major Bantam Provincials in Cape Breton in March. Over the weekend, they defeated Pro Hockey Life Cole Harbour Storm in home and home games. Saturday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm, 6-3 with Jered Scott scoring two goals and Jaron Bollivar, Jacob Myra ,Matthew Barron and Keith Getson scoring singles. Sunday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm in Liverpool 8-1. Travis Parks had a hat trick, Keith Getson had two goals and  Jacob Myra, Logan Walters and Jaron Bollivar scored singles.

Another Record For Athlete, Chelsea Whalen

Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool had a new personal best and set a new Nova Scotia provincial senior womens shotput record over the weekend. She placed 3rd and won bronze at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Blacksburg, Virginia. Whalen's throw of 15.75 meters erased her previous mark of 15.57 meters which she set earlier this year.

Chester: Council Will Take Time On South Canoe

The Warden in Chester says council will take its time before making a decision whether or not to support the South Canoe Wind Project. More than 150 people attended last week's public hearing on the proposed wind farm. Allen Webber says they will need a second public hearing to deal with the matter. He says it's going to be a tough decision.



The proponents behind the project want to construct 34 wind turbines between Vaughan and New Russell. The next public hearing in March will be held at Forest Heights Community School in Chester Basin.

MODL To Review Off-Leash Dog Park Idea

A Lunenburg group is looking to partner with municipal council in finding an area for an off-leash dog park. The local residents are requesting help in acquiring land, because they feel a dog park could be a great addition to the community. Mayor Don Downe says they're looking at their options. But, he adds, he's not sure if there's a demand in the municipality.



Downe says there's also the issues of liability and insurance to think about as well. The matter was sent to committee for review.

Bridgewater: Long Awaited Health Clinic Announced

It's a long awaited announcement for those in need of a family doctor in the Bridgewater area. Details surrounding a new 9,000 square foot collaborative health clinic were unveiled during an afternoon press conference just down the street from the South Shore's regional hospital. The new clinic will be an addition to the Medical Arts Building on Glen Allen Drive. Mayor David Walker called it's a huge step forward for residents of Lunenburg County. The clinic will be home to eight family doctors, two nurse practitioners in addition to various other health services. Meanwhile, South Shore Health's Janet Simm says the authority has already begun recruitment efforts. She says they've already spoke to at least a dozen doctors about the possibility of working in Bridgewater. LaHave Investments Limited was chosen among seven other bidders to construct the clinic. Lunenbueg West MLA Gary Ramey says it's hoped the clinic will be open in November or December.

Anchor Bracelets To Help Remember "The Lost Five"

It's an idea that started in the small community of Sambro and has taken off across the South Shore. Anchor bracelets will soon be available for the public to purchase to help honour the five missing fishermen of the 'Miss Ally'. The bracelets are being shipped from China and proceeds will go to the fishermen's families. Janine Dixon is from Woods Harbour. She says the bracelets are a way to remember.



Dixon expects the first 1,000 bracelets to reach the community within the next few weeks. She says the bracelets are expected to be available in Woods Harbour, Barrington and Liverpool. Dixon says families will decide what to do with the proceeds. She says, starting Monday, people can also donate money to the 'Five Boys Bracelets' account at CIBC in Barrington.

Search Continues For Capsized Fishing Boat & Her Crew

A military aircraft is heading out today to resume searching for any signs of a fishing boat that capsized last Sunday night about 120 kilometers southeast of Liverpool. Its five crewmen were lost. The coast guard vessel Sir William Alexander is also steaming towards the area where debris was spotted yesterday. Fishing vessels are also making their way towards the area. Families of the fishermen have asked federal authorities to attempt to recover the hull of the vessel and bring the bodies of the fishermen home after the search was called off Tuesday night.

Two Men Found After Search In Queens County Woods

A search for two men yesterday afternoon near Liverpool was successful in finding them. The two went for a walk in the woods and somehow lost their way. Queens County Ground Search and Rescue launched an operation and the two were found last evening off the Purdy Road, north of Liverpool. The men are said to be OK but shaken by their experience. They didn't need any medical help.

Gasoline Prices Top The $1.40 Mark!

As expected, South Shore gasoline prices increased overnight. The province's utility and review board has set the price at the pumps for regular self-serve at $1.40.9 a litre. Thats an increase of almost 3 cents from yesterday. Diesel is also up a bit at $1.44.1 per litre. These fluctuations in price are a reflection of whats happening with the world price of oil. For instance today, oil is up this in price after two days of steep losses. Oil gained 40-cents this morning, and is trading at $93.24 U-S a barrel. Traders say gains are being kept in check by ample supplies and worries about the global economic outlook.

Group Asks Town For Parking Spots On Pleasant Street

A local agency is looking to find a solution for parking spaces for its members at their apartment building in Bridgewater. The Support Services Group is asking the town for suggestions on how it can help people living on their own with a disability at 66 Pleasant Street. The group is hoping for restricted parking or permits that gives easy access to the front of the building. Mayor David Walker says one idea could be to remove some parking meters.



The town's traffic authority will study the matter and issue a report and recommendation.

Concerns Expressed Over Large Wind Project

Municipal council in Chester has deferred a decision on approving the South Canoe Wind Project following last night's public hearing in Chester Basin. Another public hearing on the matter will be held March 4th. Last night's meeting was packed with more than 150 people attending. A large percentage of those in attendance expressed concerns over the unknown long-term health effects of wind turbines and their overall look. Others worried about the turbines hurting the value of their property. The $200 million project would feature 34 wind turbines stretching over 3,000 hectares between the communities of Vaughan and New Russell. It would generate enough power to heat 32,000 homes and create $660,000 in annual tax revenue for the municipality.

Drennan Grabs Silver At OUA Track Championships

A Lunenburg native has claimed a silver medal at the Ontario University Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships in Windsor. Jesse Drennan finished second in the men's pentathlon. The 19-year-old had strong showings in all five events he competed in, including the high jump and shotput. The University of Windsor student will now prepare for the CIS championships, being held next month.

Lunenburg's Drennan Ready For OUA Track Championships

A Lunenburg native says he's ready for today's OUA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Nineteen-year-old Jesse Drennan is competing in the pentathlon events, which get underway shortly after 3pm in Windsor, Ontario. The University of Windsor student has five events on tap for today including 60-metre hurdles, long jump, shotput and 1000-metre run. Drennan is captain of the Lancers track and field team and hopes to qualify for the CIS championships being held in March. A live video feed can be viewed here beginning at 3pm our time.

'Quick Care' Health Clinic Extended Into March

The quick care clinic started by South Shore Health in Bridgewater is being extended into March. The two-day-a-week clinic has been at capacity since it opened earlier this month. The clinic has accepted roughly 48 patients per day. It tackles issues like minor cuts, bumps, sore throats, prescription refills and sinus problems. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they're extending the clinic to meet demand. However, he says hospital ER's remain busy.



A doctor accepts patients by appointment 3 to 9pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Upcoming: Large Wind Farm Debate In Chester

It's a critical stage for a large wind project stretching between Vaughan and New Russell. A public hearing will be held tonight to discuss the South Canoe Wind Project. It's the final step in the process before members of Chester council make a decision on whether or not they support the project. The proposed $200 million wind farm is being led by Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power. South Canoe would feature up to 34 wind turbines and could generate enough power to heat nearly 30,000 homes. There's been mixed reaction to the massive project to date with some residents in the New Ross area concerned over the location of the turbines. The meeting will be held at Forest Heights Community School beginning at 7 o'clock. 

Donations Continue To Pour In For New Ventilators

The money keeps rolling in to the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore for two new ventilators. Funds have crept up over $69,000. When the third annual ''Gift for the Heart'' radiothon concluded last Thursday, they were just over $66,000. Bernadette Jordan says it has been an emotional week.



Jordan anticipates donations to keep adding up over the next few weeks. She says, one way or another, they will gather enough money to buy a second ventilator.

Guilty Pleas In Bridgewater's School Lockdown Case

A Lunenburg County man will be sentenced in just over a month for his role in the lock down of two schools in Bridgewater. Sheldon Earl Bowers entered guilty pleas on six of 11 charges against him following his arrest in January. Bowers pleaded guilty to charges that include possession of cocaine and marihuana, uttering threats and unsafe use and storage of various firearms. He'll be sentenced in relation to those matters April 3rd. In the meantime, the 37 year-old entered not guilty pleas to four charges that include trafficking drugs and uttering threats while he was in custody. Bowers will go to trial on those matters March 28th. Bridgewater Police ordered the lock down of two schools after they received a call regarding a distraught man with firearms at a nearby home January 21.

Liverpool Paramedic Under Police Investigation

A 47-year-old paramedic has been arrested by Queens RCMP after theft and misuse of drugs from an EHS station. Police searched a home last night on Wolfe Street in Liverpool where syringes and medical containers were seized. Officials from EHS alerted RCMP of the allegations late last week. The incidents are alleged to have occurred since 2009. Cpl. Scott MacRae says the man faces a number of theft and drug-related offenses. He is scheduled to appear in Liverpool Provincial Court April 17.

Bridgewater Police Arrest Man During Break And Enter

Bridgewater Police have arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly breaking and entering into a home on Tuesday. Officers arrested Steven Rhodenizer on the front doorstep of the house entered. He has been charged with two counts of break and enter, having his face masked while committing an offence, theft under $5000, and possession of property obtained by crime. Constable Will Creamer reminds residents to make sure doors to their homes and vehicles are locked at all times. Rhodenizer will appear in Bridgewater court April 17.          

Gold River-Western Shore Residents Lobby To Keep School Open

"School is more than walls and a floor." That's a quote from a song students at Gold River-Western Shore Elementary sang, which played last night during a school review public hearing. Roughly 110 people attended the meeting, while nearly 30 residents stood up and echoed how important it is for the school to remain in the community. However, retired school administrator, Tom Feindel, remains confident after a member of the Chester-St. Margaret's constituency office spoke on behalf of the MLA.




Issues around transportation, participating in extra-curricular activities and after school child-care were discussed if the school were closed and students were moved to Chester. A public hearing scheduled for tonight in New Ross has been rescheduled for February 25.

Region Mourns "The Lost Five" After Search Scaled Back

The massive search for "The Lost Five" fishermen of Woods Harbour has been scaled back. Rescue officials say any hope of finding the men alive has -- quote -- diminished significantly because of the cold water and poor weather. Tributes began pouring in last night on CKBW and HANK FM's Facebook pages shortly after officials announced they had called off the search. The file has now been turned over to the RCMP as a missing persons case. A distress signal from the boat came Sunday at 11 p.m. during a strong storm 120 kilometres southeast of Liverpool. The five young men, all in their 20's and 30's, were fishing for halibut in a 13-metre vessel that capsized in the storm.

MODL: Home Owner Has Until June To Clean Property

The Municipality of Lunenburg is giving a local home owner one more chance to clean up his property. A complaint was received in March of last year and inspections showed old doors, lumber and fencing were on-site at 5 Ashwood Lane in Blockhouse. A building official says very little progress has been made since the complaint was received. However, Mayor Don Downe says they have offered the property owner an extension.



The home owner told council he intends to clean up his property by the June deadline. If he doesn't, the Municipality could do the work and apply the cost to his tax bill. Downe says they want the man to remove garbage off his land and pile wood up neatly.

Fisheries Minister: "Region Praying For A Miracle"

Nova Scotia's fisheries minister says the winter fishing season can be extremely tough and unpredictable. Sterling Belliveau, a former lobster fisherman, was commenting on the ongoing search for five fishermen 120 kilometres off the southeast coast of Liverpool. Crew members of the Woods Harbour based fishing vessel "Miss Ally" punched their emergency locator beacon late Sunday night in heavy seas lashed by high winds. Belliveau says his thoughts are with the missing crew members and the rescue team involved in the search.



Belliveau says a few hundred people attended last night's prayer vigil in Woods Harbour in a show of support for the all those involved in the rescue mission. He says the entire region is praying for a miracle.

Energy Minister Kicks Off "Power Trip" In Bridgewater

Energy Minister Charlie Parker will kick of a province-wide tour promoting his government's energy plan Wednesday in Bridgewater.  The focus of the presentation will centre around the province's plan to continue reducing reliance on fossil fuels and update people on work to date in generating power through various alternative energy sources. Parker says the Muskrat Falls/Maritime Link project and it's benefits will also be a significant talking point.



The presentation will be held tomorrow morning at the Best Western in Cookville beginning at 10 o'clock. The tour will also make a stop February 26 in Yarmouth.