Bridgewater: Councillors Voice Opinions On Noise By-Law

A recently approved noise by-law in Bridgewater remains a hot topic. Council voted 4-3 in favour of the document, which means the town will invest in equipment to measure noise levels. There would be maximum decibel limits at certain times of the day, depending on the time. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis voted in favour and says it should keep noise levels to a minimum.



Meanwhile, councillor Jennifer McDonald is against it. She says there isn't a demand for the by-law.



There are under 100 noise complaints a year in Bridgewater. The by-law is expected to be in place by the spring.

NSCC Students Hosting Third Christmas Market

A student-organized Christmas market is benefiting local food banks. Five marketing students at the Nova Scotia Community College's Lunenburg campus are organizing the event for the third year. More than 40 vendors will set up booths in the school's gymnasium for the all-day market on Thursday. One of the students, Alex Peeler of Conquerall Banks, says the event supports local groups and teaches them their trade.



Admission to the event is either a monetary or non-perishable donation for the food bank. It goes Thursday from 11:30am to 8:30pm.

Funding Supports Mahone Bay Old School

A big celebration is planned to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Mahone Bay Old School. South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy has announced just over $14,000 to help host activities related to the celebration of the historic building. Events will take place beginning in the new year and running through to September. In total, 140 local artists and heritage performers will be featured over nine months. Some of the activities include a story telling about school days and historical walking tour. The 100th anniversary of the Mahone Bay Old School will involve about 200 volunteers and attract an audience of about 2,000.

Child Porn: Jail Time For Former Teacher

A former teacher and principal in Lunenburg County has been sentenced to two months in jail on charges related to child porn. Brian David Jobb was given the sentence on Monday in Bridgewater court. His home in Lilydale was raided by police in the summer of 2012 and officers seized some computer equipment. Jobb taught along the South Shore for over 20 years before retiring as principal at Lunenburg Academy in 2006. He will be able to serve his time in jail on the weekends. Jobb will also need to register as a sex offender and can only use a computer at certain times.

South Shore Groups Win Lieutenant Governor's Award

Two South Shore companies have been recognized for providing service to persons with disabilities in the workplace. Clements Janitorial Services in Bridgewater and Marco's Grill and Pasta House in Yarmouth are among ten provincial winners of the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards. The award acknowledges and honours employers who promote best practices towards employment, independence, and service to persons with disabilities. The awards were handed out Monday night in Halifax.

New Germany Man Faces Charges Following Single Vehicle Crash

No injuries following a single vehicle crash in Pleasant River, Queens County Monday night. The RCMP from Queens and Lunenburg Counties responded to the incident just after 8pm along Highway 208. Police found a man walking away from the scene of the crash. He was allegedly intoxicated. Constable Toby Taylor with Queens RCMP says they're investigating but expected to lay charges involving firearm and impaired driving offences. A 44-year-old man from New Germany was taken into custody. He was expected to be released with conditions and a future court date in Liverpool.

Town Gets Answers On ATV Use Along Centennial Trail

A decision on using off-road vehicles on the Centennial Trail could be made as early as next week. Bridgewater council spent over an hour Monday night asking questions to a trails coordinator for the ATV Association of Nova Scotia. There were several issues including those revolving around insurance, the time of year vehicles could be used on the trail,  widening the trail's bridge to fit off-road vehicles, speed limits, hours of operation and enforcement. The Central Nova ATV club could have members patrol the trail and report back to police if there are any concerns. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer believes the idea could work.



The item will be back on council's agenda next Monday evening.