Michelin Junior Bike Event Rolls Into Bridgewater

Look out for bicycles, tricycles and training wheels this weekend in Bridgewater. The Michelin Junior Bike event rolls into town Saturday at Empire Theatres. The event promotes bicycle and helmet safety for young riders. Almost 300 kids are expected to participate and learn safe practices. The event will be held rain or shine from 10am until noon.

Riverport Pub Stalls As Developer Backs Out

The future of a pub and marina in Riverport is up in the air. Local resident Peter Knowles is behind the development and recently announced on facebook that he "cannot continue with the Heron Pub." He continued by saying "Fundraising efforts have been terribly disappointing, unable to secure more than a couple of founders to support the pub and my own resources are now tapped out." The Riverport area advisory committee supported the idea during a recent meeting. Knowles added in the post "I would like to offer the project to the community in the hope that some individual or group have the means to take this great community anchor to fruition." A phone call to Knowles has not been returned.

Stunting Charge Laid In Bridgewater

Bridgewater police have laid a stunting charge after a motorcycle was spotted going nearly 80 km/hr over the speed limit in the downtown area. Police say they clocked the bike going 128 km/hr in a 50 zone on High Street. The driver and female passenger were stopped this morning on Victoria Road. If convicted, the charge carries a fine of nearly $2,400. The motorcycle was seized and the driver is due in court in August.

Emergency Department Closures At Lunenburg Hospital

There will be a pair of closures in the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg this weekend. The first closure will be in effect starting at 6pm Friday evening until 7:30 Saturday morning. The emergency department will also close Saturday evening at 6pm and re-open Sunday morning at 7:30. 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.

Emergency Officials Locate Missing Man In Shelburne County

A 55-year-old Dartmouth man is safe after he got lost in the woods in Shelburne County. RCMP say the man was last seen by family members on Ensor's Road in Welshtown Thursday afternoon before he unexpectedly fled into the woods. Police along with Barrington Ground Search and Rescue and officials with the Shelburne Fire Department found the man in the area around 9pm Thursday night. RCMP say the man was in fair condition. He was examined by EHS before he was transported to hospital.

ALS Walk Held In Western Shore

People will gather in Western Shore this weekend in hopes of raising awareness and money for ALS. The fourth annual ALS walk gets underway at 10am Saturday at the community's fire hall. Registration will be held at 9am. One of the coordinators, David Moore, says the funds raised will be split into different areas.




ALS is a neuromuscular disease that causes motor nerve cells to die and voluntary muscles to degenerate. Those living with the disease become progressively paralyzed, eventually unable to breathe or swallow. Moore says they're hoping to raise $20,000 during this year's event.

South Shore Students Win At Canadian Science Fair

Four students from schools within the South Shore Regional School Board district have returned from the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Lethbridge, Alberta. They brought home some impressive experiences and awards to show for it. Being recognized for their science projects are Erin Smith and Jessica Vaszily of Bayview Community School, Sierra Oakes of Bridgewater Junior-Senior High and Malcolm Mann of Bluenose Academy. The South Shore Regional School Board has been taking part in the Canada-Wide Science Fair since 1999. South Shore students have won a total of $67,878.00 in prize money as well as many awards and medals.
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These were the projects of the 4 South Shore winners at the Canada-Wide Science Fair:
Erin Smith from Bayview Community School in Mahone Bay titled her project, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” This project looked at the possibility of using melting snow to produce clean energy to offset the average household winter heating costs.
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Sierra Oakes from Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School looked at creating energy by using different natural oils combined with water. Her project, “Opposites make a powerful difference,” used a variety of oils to create energy by rising above the water and hitting a propeller. Sierra was presented with an excellence award, bronze medal and a bronze medal from Western University.
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“Poison-Us Puckers,” the project by Bayview Community School Student Jessica Vaszily looked at lead content in lipstick. Her project examined the presence of lead in lipstick, and if the amount is related to the level of shine and sparkle.
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Malcolm Mann of Bluenose Academy in Lunenburg investigated whether adding tubercles, the small bumps on the leading edge of humpback whale fins which improve their mobility, on sailboat folds could improve the lift and increase the stall angle of the foil. Malcolm received three different awards, including two silver medals in excellence from Western University, as well as the Carlson Wagonlit Award.

South Shore Gas Prices Down Some

Gas prices along the South Shore are down a bit today (Friday). The utility and review board dropped the price overnight by almost two cents a litre. Regular self serve is selling for $1.29.1 per litre. High test is down also by a similar amount to $1.38.1. Diesel is selling for $1.28.5 per litre, down some as well.

Local Pastor Named New Chaplain For Bridgewater Police Service

The Bridgewater Police Service is turning to a local pastor to be their new chaplain. Reverend Paul Jensen of St. Paul's Lutheran Church has been named to the position. He was recognized during a reception earlier this week. Jensen says he looks forward to helping police.




Jensen is also expected to assist in police duties from time to time.

Wind Farm Opponents Present Case To Utility Board

A regulatory hearing is underway in relation to a large wind farm near New Ross. Eight days have been set aside for the hearing before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. Fifteen witnesses will be called to present evidence in relation to wind energy. The Friends of South Canoe Lake claim Chester council didn't have enough information on wind power before approving the project. Three developers want to construct 34 turbines stretching between Vaughan and New Ross. Chester council approved the $200 million wind farm in March.

Town Approves Grants To Organizations Policy

The town of Bridgewater has approved a new policy dealing with grants to organizations. The policy is needed to help provide guidelines for awarding money to non-profit organizations or societies that apply to the town for financial assistance. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis says its council's intent to contact groups who have been applying since 2008.



Under the policy, there is now criteria for determining eligible applicants, separate grant categories and a process for reviewing and shortlisting applications.

Taylor Named To Canadian Sevens For University Games

A Bridgewater native has been named to the Canadian rugby sevens team for this summer's World University Games. Matt Taylor goes to school at the Royal Military College of Canada. He's listed as a centre on the school's team roster. Taylor is the lone Nova Scotian on the squad, which was announced on Tuesday. The Canadian rugby sevens team will make its debut at the World University Games July 14-17 in Kazan, Russia.

Public Input Sought In Yarmouth Arson Investigation

The RCMP in Yarmouth is hoping the public will help in their investigation of two recent suspicious fires. Late in the evening on April 11th, a fire in an apartment building on Forbes Street in the town was put out by a tenant before the fire department arrived. Then, late in the evening on April 29th, RCMP were again called to the same Forbes Street location after the Yarmouth Fire Department responded to another blaze which they again labelled suspicious. Both fires are being investigated and the RCMP hopes the public will help them locate a suspect or suspects. If you have any information regarding these crimes, please contact the Yarmouth Town RCMP at 902-742-8777 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Data Released On Hand Hygiene, C. Difficile At South Shore Health

The public can now access statistics on how often health workers clean their hands and patients get ill from the hospital-acquired C. difficile. The province's Health and Wellness Minister announced the new public reports during an announcement Wednesday at the regional hospital in Bridgewater. The reports indicate South Shore Health has the top hand-washing practices in the province for the first three months of this year. The health authority has an 87 per cent hand-washing rate before patient contact and a 92 per cent mark afterwards. President and CEO, Dr. Peter Vaughan, says they need to continue working towards their goal of 100 per cent.



South Shore Health is also above the provincial average of C. difficile for the same time period. The data says five people out of 10,000 patients contracted the bacteria, while the province averages about three. The Nova Scotia government passed law in May 2012 called the Patient Safety Act that requires hospitals to collect information called Patient Safety Indicators and report results to Department of Health and Wellness and the public. The findings can be found on the department's website.

Regulatory Hearing For Wind Farm Begins

A hearing before the province's regulatory board regarding a large wind farm begins today in New Ross. The Friends of South Canoe Lake are leading an appeal with the Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board on the $200 million South Canoe Wind Project. They claim the development will lower their property value and cause health issues. The organization is appealing Chester council's decision to enter into a development agreement with the proponents of the wind farm. Councillors voted 6-1 on March 14 to approve the project after a pair of exhaustive public hearings. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power are leading the project. If it moves ahead, it would generate enough power to heat 32,000 homes.

Gail Benoit's Case Delayed Again In Bridgewater

A notorious dog broker failed to appear in Bridgewater court this afternoon. Gail Benoit was scheduled to enter pleas on charges of fraud, theft and identity fraud. The charges are related to the alleged illegal sale of two boxer dogs. Crown Lawyer Lloyd Tancock told court he wants to change Benoit's release conditions which currently prohibit her from selling dogs. However, Tancock would not reveal the new conditions. He says the accused needs to be present in order to make the changes. The matter has been put over until June 19th.

Exterior Upgrades Improve Forties Community Centre

The exterior of the Forties Community Centre in New Ross has been spruced up with the help of the federal and provincial government. The facility has new siding, insulation and gutters after receiving $28,000 from Ottawa and $10,000 from the province. The Municipality of Chester also chipped-in with $8,000 and the centre itself raised $15,000 to complete the renovations. The total cost was around $61,000. In a release, board of directors chair Phillip Broome says the upgrades give a new face to a facility that enhances the lives of people in the region. The Forties Community Centre hosts a variety of events including dinners, crib tournaments and craft fairs.

Power Outage Reported In Gold River-Western Shore Area

Nova Scotia Power is reporting an outage in Gold River, Western Shore and surrounding communities as of 12:30 this afternoon. The utility says the outage is due to planned maintenance in the area. It is affecting roughly 280 residents. NSP expects power to be restored by 3:45pm.

Funding Declined For "Our Health Centre" Project

Chester council has decided to pump the breaks on a funding request for a $6 million dollar collaborative emergency centre for the municipality. Warden Allen Webber says council will not provide funding for the "Our Health Centre" project in this fiscal year. However, he says they could revisit the idea down the road.



The municipality was forced to raise their residential tax rate to help boost revenues and are already involved in a number of significant capital projects. Members of "Our Health Centre" had asked council for one million dollars to help with construction.

Tax Rates Remain Status Quo In MODL

The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg calls it a budget with no surprises and continues to pay down the debt. Council agreed to hold the line on residential and commercial tax rates. The residential remains at $0.81 cents per 100 of assessment while the commercial rate stays at $1.95 per 100 of assessment. The residential rate stayed the same for the fourth year in a row while the commercial decreased by $0.10 cents last year. Don Downe says its a responsible budget.



The 2013-14 operating budget will be $28.3 million while the capital budget is $4.4 million. Capital projects for this year includes over $900,000 in sewer infrastructure and $200,000 to implement an active transportation plan. The municipality's CAO feels the budget meets their needs and sets the course for years to come.

Crews Working To Fix Water Line Break On North Street

A significant water main break on North Street in Bridgewater is causing some traffic issues today. A water line busted near the EHS base last night. Crews with the town's public works department are on scene. They have found the break and are working to correct the problem. The area has been reduced to a single lane. Motorists should expect some minor delays on North Street while the area is cleaned up.

Province Providing Funds To Bridgewater Curling Club

It's some much needed funding for the Bridgewater Curling Club. The Nova Scotia Government is expected to provide significant funding to help the club with repairs. The curling rink has been looking to replace its aging ice making and refrigeration system. The club also needs to overhaul its sprinkler system. The Bridgewater rink needs about $225,000 in total repairs. An official announcement is expected to take place next week.

Injuries Result From Queens County Accident

A man and woman were sent to hospital yesterday afternoon with non-life-threatening injuries following a single vehicle roll-over in Queens County. The accident happened mid-afternoon along Highway 8 near Greenfield. The injured woman was trapped in her car until she could be rescued by emergency crews. The highway was closed for a couple of hours and traffic re-routed. Queens RCMP continue their investigation.

Spts-New Germany Jr. Girls Are Regional Champs!

The New Germany Rural High School junior girls softball team are Regional Champions! They defeated Par-en-Bas yesterday (Tuesday) 12-1 then went on to defeat Annapolis Royal 15-3 in the championship game. The girls were undefeated through the entire season. Their win adds to the successful year of both junior and senior girls squads at the school. Monday, the seniors won their regional softball championship, defeating North Queens in the final.

UPDATED: Traffic Now Moving On Highway 8

Emergency officials were called to single vehicle rollover near Milton this afternoon. The crash occurred shortly after 3 o'clock. It's not known how it happened or if there are any injuries. Police say a section of Highway 8 was closed for a short period just north of Milton.

VIDEO: Mooseheads Celebrate Historic Year

The Halifax Mooseheads were greeted to thousands of fans as they left the Metro Centre today in the wake of their historic President Cup and Memorial Cup victories. Players and coaches arrived home yesterday evening in time for a celebratory event Tuesday at noon in Halifax's Grand Parade near City Hall. Some players got on stage answered questions and thanked fans including Nathan MacKinnon, Stephen MacAuley, Zachary Fucale and co-captain Trey Lewis. It will be a short turnaround for MacKinnon, Fucale and Jonathan Drouin as they will head to Toronto for the NHL Scouting Combine, which include team interviews and a rigorous fitness test. Below is video of the parade portion of today's event.

VIDEO: Local Olympian Nominated For RICOH Sports Award

 Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has been nominated for a prestigious award which recognizes Nova Scotia's greatest athletes, coaches and teams. Martin is up for a RICOH  Sports Awards in the Individual Female Athlete of the Year category. She'll be up against fellow Olympian Ellie Black and Alex Duckworth of Kingsburg. Martin made her first appearance at the Olympics games in London last summer. The 25 year-old was solid in her Olympic debut and qualified for the semi-finals in the 400 metre event. The awards will be presented during a ceremony in Halifax on June 1st.

What Road Is The Worst In The Region?

South Shore residents have just three days left after today to vote for what they believe is the worst road in the region. Its the Canadian Automobile Association's annual Worst Roads campaign. Spokesman Gary Howard tells us there are no prizes; just recognition for that bumpy, irritating road you love to hate.



Since voting began May 1st, the Forties Road in New Ross has bumped its way up the scale from 4th to 2nd place and is close to knocking-off the current worst road in Atlantic Canada, the Cape John Road in River John. Highway 203 near Yarmouth is now 5th overall, up from 7th in early May. You can vote for your worst road at www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads.

 

Bridgewater Town Council Mulls Room Tax

The deputy mayor of Bridgewater is continuing his push for a room tax to be initiated in the town. Bill McInnis is behind the idea because he feels a small two-dollar tax on a 40% occupancy rate could generate roughly $60,000. McInnis says the issue would not be on residents, but it would charge guests and the money raised would be put back into the community to promote tourism. He says it's not a new idea.



Bridgewater council has sent the matter back to staff for a report and recommendation. The issue could be back on the agenda for a meeting in June.

Chester: Council Approves Budget/New Tax Rates

Residents in the Municipality of Chester will pay more in taxes in 2013-14. Council approved its $22.4-million operating budget - agreeing to raise the residential tax rate by two cents to 66 cents per 100 of assessment. The move was needed to help balance the budget. The reasons for the increase includes reserves being diminished by just over $1.1-million for projects like a wind turbine, eco-park and Mill Cove Water Utility. As well, expenditures increased by nearly $500,000. This year's operating budget is an increase of nearly $3-million. Meanwhile, businesses are getting better news with a one cent decrease, with the new commercial tax rate at $1.53 per 100 of assessment. The operating budget is listed at $22.4-million while the capital budget is $12.1-million.

Spts-New Germany Girls Softball Team Wins Regional Championship! Juniors Might Be Next!

The New Germany Rural High School senior girls softball team has captured the Division-3 Regional championship. They defeated Par-en-Bas, Drumlin Heights and Forest Heights Monday in round-robin play, defeated Shelburne in the cross-over and then beat North Queens in the championship game. The N-G junior girls will now to try to follow in the senior's footsteps as they host their Regional softball tournament today (Tuesday). The first game is at 12:30pm..

Rick Hansen Book Comes To South Shore Schools

The story of Rick Hansen's 43,000-kilometre world tour is coming to South Shore elementary schools. Roll On: Rick Hansen Wheels Around the World was recently released across the province. In 1985, the Canadian began the Man in Motion World Tour, a two-year journey in his wheelchair that raised awareness of what people with disabilities can do. Communications Manager Trish Smith says the book can help students and others in schools.



The book is expected to be available in roughly 10 South Shore schools. During Hansen's 34-country tour, $26-million was raised for spinal cord research, rehabilitation and wheelchair sports.

Bailey "On Top Of The World" With Memorial Cup Win

Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey says he didn't get any sleep following the Mooseheads thrilling 6-4 win over Portland in the Memorial Cup final. Following the win, Bailey suited up and joined his teammates on the ice in Saskatoon for his chance to lift the top trophy in junior hockey. The-19-year-old didn't get a chance to play during the event, but still enjoyed the ride. He says he's on top of the world.



Bailey says it's been a great experience to be a part of and shared it with his parents by phone following the win. He says the trophy was easy to lift, adding it was lighter than it looked. The Mooseheads return to Halifax Monday evening and Bailey expects to be back in Lunenburg this weekend.

Roseway Spring Fling A Success

The auxiliary at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne is reporting a very successful "Spring Fling" over the weekend. Auxiliary President Barb Henderson-Townsend says the public response was good, despite the wet weather, and thousands of dollars was realized.



More than four thousand dollars was the result. It will go toward the $20,000. the auxiliary is trying to raise toward improvements to the Roseway ER.

No Injuries After House Fire In New Ross

No injuries after a weekend house fire in New Ross. The blaze was reported around 6:30 on Saturday evening. New Ross Fire Chief Lyle Russell says crews worked quickly to contain the fire which began in the bathroom area and spread to the attic. No one was currently living at the home. Russell says it was a rental property which was under renovations. Fire officials believe the blaze was sparked by a soldering gun. The home suffered moderate damage.

Track And Field: South Shore Athletes Make Their Mark

It was quite the weekend of track and field for some South Shore athletes. Locally, James Lucas representing Park View at the NSSAF High School Track and Field Western Regionals won six gold medals. Lucas took gold in the 100 metre, 200 metre, 400 metre, 4 x 100 metre, 4 x 400 metre and long jump in the intermediate boys division. Other multiple gold medal winners include Nigel Getson, Tobias Wolter and Cal Dewolfe of Park View and Jonah Comeau of Bridgewater High. A number of South Shore athletes qualified for provincials, being held later this week at Beazley Field in Dartmouth. Meanwhile across the border, Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills qualified for the NCAA Division-1 track and field championships. The product of the University of Louisville won the men's 3,000-metre steeplechase during a meet in North Carolina. Wolter will head to Oregon for the championships June 5-8.

Group Bringing Outdoor Movies To Bridgewater

A small group of volunteers in Bridgewater are bringing movies outdoors. The group, known as Fresh Air Films, will begin showing movies at the end of next month at Shipyards Landing along the LaHave River. One of the organizers, Janice Tanner Ernst, says people can walk up and watch the movie, or paddle up to the site and watch from a kayak or boat. Tanner Ernst says there's been great support from the community.



She says people are encouraged to make donations because it costs between $400-$500 to rent equipment and show each movie. Tanner Ernst says they plan on playing family films to help encourage both kids and adults to come out and watch. A volunteer drive will be held soon for people looking to help out or people can email the group if they're interested at bridgewaterfreshairfilms@gmail.com . The first film will be the original Karate Kid on June 28.

Spts-Mooseheads Win The Big One

The Halifax Mooseheads have won the Memorial Cup for the first time. The herd overpowered the Portland Winterhawks 6-4 last night in winning the trophy. Nathan MacKinnon scored a hat trick while Konrad Abeltshauser scored twice for the Mooseheads. Zachary Fucale stopped 40 shots in goal.
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Nathan MacKinnon has padded his resume ahead of next month's NHL draft.  The 17-year-old scored a hat trick and had two assists last night in the championship game. MacKinnon was also named tournament MVP.  He's expected to be a top-three pick when NHL teams convene in Newark, New Jersey.

Spts-Whalen Qualifies For NCAA Championships

Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool led the charge over the weekend for the Florida State Seminoles in Greensboro, North Carolina. She ended up qualifying for the U.S. National Championships in both the javelin and the shot-put. Whalen qualified sixth overall in the East in the javelin with a new personal-best throw of 49.40 meters. She followed that up in the shot-put as the No. 5 qualifier in the East with a throw of 16.26m. Whalen is now heading to the NCAA Division-1 Championships in Eugene, Oregon June 5-8.

Wind Farm Regulatory Hearing Begins Thursday

A community group will voice their concerns before the provinces regulatory board during a hearing set to begin Thursday. The Friends of South Canoe Lake are opposed to a massive wind farm near New Ross. The group is challenging Chester council’s decision to enter into a development agreement with the three proponents behind the $200 million wind farm. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power want to build 34 turbines stretching between Vaughan and New Ross. The board begins two days of hearings on the project May 30 in New Ross.

Arrests, Charges After Wild Incident In Chester Basin

Two men are facing charges following a break-in at a gas station in Chester Basin. The incident was reported early Friday morning at the Petro Canada. Authorities say when they arrived, they noticed the window to the garage door was smashed. Officers later found a 30 year old man inside the store who was being held by the person who reported the burglary. The alleged thief was seriously injured and was transported to hospital in Halifax. In a media release, Mounties say the suspect remains in serious condition. The Western Shore man is facing charges of break and enter, mischief and impaired driving. Meanwhile, a 51 year old man of Chester Basin has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. Police say he was the man who called in the attempted robbery. He's been released and is due in court on July 3rd.

Tourism Strategy Focus' To Attract New Visitors

The province is working with tourism operators to attract more first time visitors to Nova Scotia. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele says the new five-year strategy helps to encourage tourists to make Nova Scotia their first choice and stop. The Nova Scotia Tourism Agency has already started to implement many aspects of the long-term strategy, such as a new tourism brand and marketing campaign.

The long-term tourism strategy focuses on five areas:

-- leadership and collaboration between government and industry

-- inspirational, strategic marketing that creates a unique and compelling brand

-- evidence-based decisions after consulting with visitors and potential visitors

-- higher-quality product and experiences that inspire visitors to travel throughout the province.

-- better access to Nova Scotia, and throughout the province

Whalen, McIntosh To Compete At World University Games

A pair of South Shore track and field athletes have been named to the Canadian team for this summer's World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Heptathlete Rachael McIntosh of Bridgewater and Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool will compete for their country during the event from July 7-12. Both women have enjoyed great seasons so far. McIntosh helped the Calgary Dinos win the CIS National Championship, winning a gold, silver and bronze during the competition. Whalen has continued to set new personal bests and records at Florida State University, while winning a number of events. Fifty-six athletes will represent Canada at the event.

Most Senators Doing Their Job Well: Political Scientist

As the expense claims scandal continues to stew in the Senate, Nova Scotia is represented in the country's upper chamber by ten senators. Conservative Donald Oliver of the South Shore has been there for more than 20 years and is assistant speaker. Liberal Senator Wilfred Moore also represents the South Shore. Political scientist Agar Adamson of Chester and Wolfville believes Oliver, Moore and the other 8 Senators from this province have been performing their duties well despite the scandal tainting the whole chamber.



Some other notable Senators from Nova Scotia include Liberals Jim Cowan and Terry Mercer and Conservatives Gerald Comeau and Kelvin Ogilvie.

Miss Ally Fundraiser Nets Over $86,000

A facebook site dedicated to helping the families of the Miss Ally crew members has raised more than $86,000. About 600 items raised money in 'The Courageous Crew of Miss Ally-Lost at Sea Fundraising Auction.' Items included hockey tickets and jerseys as well as gift certificates and handmade crafts. Administrator Kendra Swimm of Yarmouth says she expected to raise only $1,000, but the community rallied and the support has been huge. The last official total is $86,880. The auction started days after the five men were lost at sea. Their boat capsized about 120 kilometres southeast of Liverpool in mid-February. Swimm says local residents and people from as far away as Thailand supported the group's cause. Each of the five families are expected to receive over $17,000. She credits other organizers for making it a success including Margaret Chetwynd of Clark's Harbour and Nancy Drake of HRM.

Spts-Bottomley Signs Up As Amherst Coach & GM

First he's out! Now, he's in! A day after announcing Jim Bottomley would not be back in Amherst next season as coach and general manager, the club has now signed him to a new deal. Ramblers president Jim Henwood says Bottomley has signed a two-year extension to continue in both roles. Bottomley of course spent several seasons as head coach of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks.

Spring Fling Not Far Flung Idea For Needed Roseway ER Dollars!

The hospital auxiliary in Shelburne is springing into high gear for its 4th annual Spring Fling! The Roseway Hospital group is attempting to raise $20,000. toward renovating the Emergency Department. Auxiliary secretary Tami Crosby says the annual event tomorrow (Saturday) will go a long way toward helping.



Among other things, the Spring Fling will feature gift basket raffles, a "this and that" table, clothing, books, baked goods, games and refreshments. It runs Saturday from 10am to 2pm at the Community Centre in Shelburne.

Committee Rejects Development Agreement For Proposed Blockhouse Facility

The planning advisory committee for the Municipality of Lunenburg is listening to resident concerns when it comes to a proposed facility in Blockhouse. The committee has rejected a request by staff to endorse a development agreement for a construction and demolition diversion complex. A crowd of roughly 140 people erupted with hand-clapping and whistles after the decision was made. Community spokesman Paul Young says a majority of residents couldn't be happier.



One member of the committee was in favour of moving ahead with the project. Councillor Eric Hustvedt says staff did a good job with the regulatory aspects and he wasn't as concerned as others with the environmental issues raised regarding the facility. Halifax C and D is interested in setting up the facility off the Cornwall Road. Council is expected to discuss the matter at their June 11 meeting.

South Shore Gas Prices Rise Again!

As expected, prices are up this morning at South Shore gas pumps. Regular self serve is selling for $1.30.8 per litre. That is an increase of just under two cents a litre. High-test is priced at $1.39.7 per litre. Diesel is up in price as well this morning, by about 2.5 cents a litre.

Demers Hopes To Inspire Local Hockey Community

A Stanley Cup winner and two-time NHL coach of the year will be front and center tonight at the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks celebrity dinner and auction. Jacques Demers will say a few words to the attending public about his story and his career. He says he will also send an optimistic message to the community regarding the Junior 'A' club.


The event helps support the Lumberjacks, and there's lots of auction prizes including signed Halifax Mooseheads jerseys from Nathan Mackinnon and Jonathan Drouin. Tickets cost $75 each and a few are expected to be available at the door when the event gets underway at 5:30 at the Best Western in Cookville.