BREAKING: Minister Not Planning To Intervene In School Board Decision

The province's Education Minister says she's disappointed with the decision by the South Shore Regional School Board. Ramona Jennex asked the board to delay school closures for one year, but the board ultimately chose to stay the course with decisions made at their March 27 meeting. That means Gold River-Western Shore Elementary will close in the summer. Jennex says she doesn't plan to intervene with the board's decision.



She adds, the government is not considering revisions to the Education Act.

Protest Draws Few, Alleged Changes Affect Turnout

There was a hitch in a planned protest this morning in front of the school board office in Bridgewater. Members of the Gold River-Western Shore community planned the event to voice their displeasure over the decision to close their school this summer. However, someone allegedly made changes to the group's signage which stated the time and date of their demonstration. Protester Sheryl Beaumier says a low turnout isn't deterring them.


Beaumier expected more people to show up throughout the day to join the protest. She says they just want what is fair, which would be another year to help transition their kids to attend Chester District Elementary School.

NS Gov't Look To Redesign Services for Independent Living

The province is seeking input to help redesign residential and related services for seniors and those with disabilities. Changes are aimed at making it easier for people to live independently by accessing services better focused on their individual needs and the needs of their families. Minister of Community Services Denise Peterson-Rafuse says government knows the current system needs to change to be more flexible and responsive. The MLA for Chester-St Margaret's adds the system needs to be easier for clients and  families to access the services they need. The public can offer their views and suggestions on how government can design a better system of support by visiting "Putting People First" on the Department of Community Services web site.

Police Find Pain Relievers During Traffic Stop

A Lunenburg County man is facing various drug related charges after police pulled over a vehicle on Highway 10. Police say they arrested a 63 year-old man in New Germany after they allegedly found a quantity of pain relievers (Hydromorph Contin and Dilaudid pills). Gary Harold Bushen of Pinehurst, was held in custody overnight and is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and failing to comply with court orders. Bushen was remanded into custody during a court appearance yesterday in Bridgewater. He's due back in court April 19th.

South Shore: Messy Weather Expected

Weather warnings have been issued for the entire Maritime region. Environment Canada says much of New Brunswick, P-E-I, Cape Breton and a big chunk of eastern and northern Nova Scotia can expect between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow overnight and into Saturday. As well, a winter storm watch has been issued for the Halifax region and portions of western Nova Scotia. The South Shore is expected rain, freezing rain and ice pellets beginning this evening. However, no weather warning have been issued for the region. The forecast is calling for heavy snow in some areas, but much of the region can expect a messy mix of rain, snow and ice pellets by Saturday morning.