Bridgewater's Martin Qualifies For National Final

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has given herself a chance to win a third straight national title. The 25-year-old won her women's 400 metre semi-final heat Friday at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in a time of 53.75 seconds. The final is scheduled for Saturday at 6:15 in Moncton.

Yarmouth: Charges Laid After Police Search Two Homes

Two people faces a variety of charges after police searched two homes in Yarmouth. Police say numerous stolen items were recovered when they carried out search warrants at a pair of homes on Wednesday afternoon. Fifty two year old Keith Muise has been charged with possession of stolen property, possession of illegal cigarettes and possession of a controlled substance. Meanwhile, 50 year-old Mary Muise has been charged with possession of stolen property. Both of the accused are from Yarmouth and are due in court September 24th.

Lunenburg's Drennan Withdraws From Track And Field Nationals

A Lunenburg native has pulled out of the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Twenty-year-old Jesse Drennan was competing in the men's decathlon. He finished the shot-put event yesterday when he felt a minor hamstring pull. Drennan says in an exchange through Facebook that he withdrew as a precaution. He says it's a little disappointing but is looking forward to the Canada Games in August. Three other South Shore athletes are in action today at the event in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Review Committee Seeking Public Input

The public is being asked to provide their perspective to help prepare a discussion paper towards a new school review process. The review committee is looking for feedback from South Shore residents. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Ramona Jennex announced in April that the school-review process was not working. She's looking for input that will help school review meet the needs for everyone involved. The deadline for submissions is July 31. The review committee will then develop a discussion paper by September. The paper will be made public and feedback from parents, school boards, communities and municipalities will be gathered again, before any decision is made. A new process is expected to be in place by next spring. People can make submit their suggestions online at www.ednet.ns.ca/discussionpaperinput or email it to discussionpaper@gov.ns.ca or mail it to:

School Review Process Review Committee
c/o Corporate Policy
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Box 578
2021 Brunswick St.
Halifax, N.S. B3J 2S9

Queens County Mill Closes

A Queens County chip mill is closing for good and its 20 employees laid-off. Great Northern Timber used to supply wood chips to Bowater-Mersey in Liverpool. It also did the same for Brooklyn Power after the Bowater mill closed a year ago. However, GNT says its now not worth continuing in a non-profitable market and will concentrate its operations at its Sheet Harbour facility. The President of Great Northern, Tony Mee, declined our requests for an interview. He did blame the Liverpool GNT mill's decline on Bowater's closure. At peak production, the Great Northern Timber's mill produced as much as 300,000 tons of wood chips every year.

Middleton Man Killed Overnight In Meadowvale

A Middleton man has died after he was struck by an oncoming vehicle overnight on Highway 201. The 37 year old was struck at 2:45 this morning in Meadowvale. A collision analyst was called to scene to help with the investigation. No name is being released at this time.  Police did not reveal whether charges will be laid.

Dog Dealer Expected In Court Next Month

The court case involving a well-known puppy broker is expected to resume next month. Gail Benoit was not in Bridgewater Court earlier this week. Her lawyer, Cathy Benton, told court her client was under the weather and was not able to appear. The Crown is looking to beef up her release conditions. However, she must be present in order to modify her release conditions. Currently, Benoit is not able to sell dogs while her fraud case is before the court. In March, Benoit was charged with theft, fraud and identity fraud after she allegedly sold two boxer dogs that didn't belong to her. The case resumes July 9th.

Limited Parking At Queens General

Parking will be at a premium today and the next several days at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The lower School Street parking lot is being paved and will not be in use. The lot should re-open sometime late next week. Parking will be available though in the new lot adjacent to the nurses’ residence. Space is limited and everyone is encouraged to carpool or use drop-off and pick-up. South Shore Health is advising everyone to use caution and follow posted signage when visiting the hospital.

Gas Prices Increase

On the first day of summer, with visions of nice weather ahead, there's nothing like higher gas prices to cool things down some. Prices increased overnight at South Shore pumps. The Utility and Review Board set the coming week's price for regular self-serve at $1.31.7 per liter. That is an increase of almost 3 cents from yesterday. There is no change though in the price of diesel.  Its selling today at $1.29.4 per liter.

Privateer Days Opens Up In Liverpool

People can take a step back into 1780 starting today as Privateer Days kicks off in Liverpool. The annual festival celebrates the history of privateering in the area. A number of events are planned including six-time world champion log roller Darren Hudson's Lumberjack camp, an 1812 historical dinner and a street parade. Chairperson Brian Fralic says it's a special event for Queens.



Privateer Days will be held the next three days and wraps up with fireworks Sunday night. A full list of events can be found here.