Queens: RCMP Increasing Patrols For Halloween

RCMP in Queens will increase patrols to make sure things remain safe on Halloween night. Corporal Victor Whalen says the detachment will treat the night like any other, but will have more bodies patrolling the area. He says their community policing officer has visited schools across the county to help spread Halloween safety tips. Whalen says the officer also handed out glow sticks.



Whalen says drivers should watch for people walking and crossing the street. He says kids should always walk with an adult or a group of friends while trick-or-treating.

Chester Will Keep Gold River School

Chester council will utilize space at the former Gold River-Western Shore elementary school. Council decided to relocate their recreational and community development departments, along with the local food bank to the building along Highway 3. Warden Allen Webber says they're estimating roughly $366,000 worth of renovations need to be done to the school before they can move in including fixing the roof, and interior work to suit the building to their needs. He expects work to start soon.



Roughly 15 staff members will be relocated to the former school. Webber feels they made the best decision for the community. Meanwhile, council has also directed staff to issue a request for proposals for the sale of the annex building, near the municipality's headquarters. The annex building currently houses the two municipal departments and the food bank.

Fall Storm Could Hit South Shore

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement regarding some nasty weather that could be on its way. The weather agency indicates a low-pressure system will move over the Great Lakes tomorrow and then intensify into a "large fall storm". Rain is expected to begin over western Nova Scotia late Halloween night and spread to the rest of the province overnight. A very windy, wet and mild day is expected on Friday. Environment Canada predicts potential for gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour. The statement covers Lunenburg, Shelburne, Queens and Yarmouth counties. The winds could potentially cause damage to some tree limbs and cause power disruptions. Special weather warnings might be issued as the system approaches.

Fall Back: More Sleep, Time Change This Weekend

We will gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend when daylight savings time ends. People are reminded to set their clocks back one hour before they go to bed on Saturday night. Clocks are not the only items that need adjusting. Microwave ovens, car clocks, watches and other household devices may need to be turned back. More good news, if you have a smart phone, normally the device will automatically change the time for you. It's also a good opportunity to clean dryer vents to prevent fires, and change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.

Shelburne: Deadline Nears To Present At Water Hearing

Today is the deadline to register to be part of a water rate hearing in Shelburne. Those wishing to present evidence or cross examine witnesses need to notify the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board by the end of the day. The Town of Shelburne's water has applied for a water rate increase of 70 percent. CAO Dylan Heide says they are dealing with debt related to the costs of a large line connection project.



Heidi says the utility is facing a $200,000 shortfall. However, the results of a recent water rate study show the utility could be almost a million dollars in debt within two years. The hearing on the proposed water rate increase has been set for December 18 in Shelburne.

Chester: Future Of School Property To Be Decided

The future use of the former Gold River-Western Shore Elementary school is expected to be decided Wednesday. Council members in Chester have been debating the options for the last couple months. Now, it appears they're close to making a decision. Some of the ideas being discussed include selling the property, keeping it in the municipality's possession or demolishing the building. Council will meet this morning to try and come to a solution.