CKBW News: We've Moved!

Thanks for following our CKBW/HANK FM Blogger site over the past few years. We are pleased to announce we have moved to a new location and launched a brand new website which will enhance your online experience. Just click news on our new web page and we will keep you up to date on the latest news you need to know.

 

Top Ten Remain For Oak Island Logo Contest

Ten people from four Lunenburg County schools are hoping their drawings will be used by the Friends of Oak Island Society. The group held a contest for local artists to design a new logo for Oak Island that would be used in marketing materials, clothing and digital media and would be circulated worldwide. Over 50 pieces of artwork were submitted and now they're down to the top 10. Chairperson Shelley Rafuse says some of the images show pirates, treasure maps or the island.



Rafuse says they expect to announce a winner next week. People are encouraged to vote online at the Oak Island facebook page.

Update: Nictaux Man Charged Following Saturday Night Fire

RCMP in Annapolis County have laid charges following a house fire in Nictaux. Police say 42-year-old Anthony Scott Haynes is charged with several offenses including arson, mischief, uttering threats and breaching court orders. Firefighters quickly put out the fire on Old Runway Drive on Saturday night. However, the house sustained considerable damage. Haynes was arrested in the Middleton area and was expected to appear in Digby court this morning.

Coalition To Develop Action Plan For Province's Economy

The CEO of High Liner Foods in Lunenburg has been named to a committee that will develop an action plan for the province's economy. The 15-member oneNS coalition will use the recent Ivany report to develop work plans in three key areas including attitude, people and economic growth. The coalition will also develop and deliver a 10-year, provincewide plan to meet population and economic renewal goals by December 2015. Henry Demone will be a part of that group. It also includes leaders from all three political parties, business, labour, culture, health, education, and First Nations. Premier Stephen McNeil will chair the group. He says the project will take time, patience and a collective effort to get the province moving in the right direction. The coalition is expected to engage with the public in the next few months.

Bridgewater Makes Way For Clear Garbage Bags

Bridgewater is joining the movement to use clear garbage bags instead of dark ones. The town has approved the new policy and will educate the public about the switch over the next few months. They will issue information through their newsletter, website and residential water bills. Bridgewater is one of several towns or municipalities in Lunenburg County moving ahead with the initiative. Mayor David Walker feels it's the right direction.



The switch is designed to help increase recycling and composting across the county and province. People will still be able to put one black or dark green garbage bag at the curb per pickup.

Chamber Of Commerce Concerned Over Ferry Service Future

At least one South Shore business group is nervous about the future of the new ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. The manager of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce hopes the province advancing another $5-million ust to keep the NovaStar operating is not a forerunner of whats ahead. Dan Hennessey says the former ferry service went under after numerous government subsidies and bailouts.



Hennessey says improved promotion of the service to attract more customers and in turn lower fares will be key to its success as a stand-alone business. About $19 million in taxpayer money has already been given to NovaStar Cruises, including the latest 5-million advance.

Park View Boys Win Softball Division Championship

The Park View Panthers of Bridgewater have been crowned Division 1 Boys Softball Regional Champs. They finished the weekend undefeated, winning the Championship game 9-3 over the host West Kings team. Park View now heads to the Provincials starting Friday at Aylesford in the Valley.

Mustangs Lose Bid To Host 2016 Telus Cup

Not the news the Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs were looking for. Hockey Canada has awarded the 2016 Telus Cup to Quispamsis and Saint John, New Brunswick. Chair of the host committee, Michael Belliveau, confirmed the news this morning. The Mustangs were hoping to bring the national major midget hockey championship to the Clearwater Seafoods Arena in Bridgewater. Belliveau says they expect to get more details around Hockey Canada's decision later this month.

Search For Missing Halifax Area Cyclist Intensifies

A search has been intensified near Halifax for a man who disappeared with barely a trace last week. 30 year old Martin Legere went cycling over the noon hour on Thursday on the Spider Lake trails and failed to return home as planned late Thursday afternoon. His car was found at the end of Spider Lake Road Thursday evening. An extensive ground and air search involving dozens of volunteers was launched and lasted through the weekend and is continuing this morning. Dozens of Canadian military personnel have also been brought in to help with the search.

Expect "Easy To Read" Report Cards

South Shore parents can expect some big changes when their child picks up their report card in a few weeks. Reports cards will now include personalized comments from teachers on the students' strengths, areas which need improvements and advice on how to improve learning at home. It's a big change - compared to old system - which some parents found difficult to understand because of wording that wasn't conversational. A recent survey on report cards found 63 per cent of those who filled it out, felt the comments from teachers didn't help them understand their grades. The survey also suggested 58 per cent felt the comments didn’t help them understand where their child need help to improve. Education Minister Karen Casey says parents can expect to see changes immediately. She says the comments will be clear, personalized and jargon free.

Some survey results:

In total, 5,811 students, parents, teachers and school administrators from across the province filled out the survey.

Key findings from parents were:
-- 58 per cent felt teacher comments did not help them understand where their child may be struggling
-- 63 per cent felt comments did not help them understand report card grades and wording
-- 62 per cent felt comments did not help them support their child's learning at home

Annapolis Valley: RCMP Believe Arson Behind Weekend Fire

Arson is suspected after a fire in the Annapolis Valley. The RCMP answered a call to a home last night in Nictaux after someone allegedly threatened another person. When police got to the home on Old Runway Drive, thick black smoke was pouring from the home. Crews quickly put the fire out but the house sustained considerable damage. No one was hurt. Later in the evening, RCMP arrested a man in Middleton for questioning in connection with the fire. No word yet on any charges. The provincial fire marshal's office is also investigating.

Three Charged After Separate Weekend Drug Busts

Three men are facing charges as a result of two un-related, weekend RCMP drug busts in Nova Scotia. A traffic stop near Thorburn in Pictou County resulted in two arrests, the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana, drug trafficing paraphenalia and money. Two Pictou County men in their mid 20's face numerous possession and trafficking charges and will be in court in September. Meanwhile, in Baddeck, a 49 year old man has been charged with marijuana possession and trafficking after a home in the Cape Breton community was searched by the RCMP. He too will be making a fall court appearance.

High Profile Lawyer Found Guilty Of Sexual Assault

A well known Halifax defence attorney has been found guilty of sexual assault. The jury in Lyle Howe's two week trial reached its verdict late Saturday after ten hours of deliberations. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 19 year old woman in Halifax three years ago. However, he was found not guilty of drugging the woman. He will be sentenced July 30th. Howe is expected to appeal the verdict.

Two South Shore Athletes Win Awards

South Shore athletes Alex Duckworth and Thorne Sutherland have received recognition as major amateur athletes. Duckworth of Kingsburg in Lunenburg County has been awarded "Female Athlete of The Year" by Sport-Nova Scotia. She participated in this year's Winter Olympics in Sochi and came close to being in the semi-finals of the half-pipe snowboarding competition. She earlier won the Nationals. Sutherland, who is from Lunenburg, has been hailed "Official of The Year" for his judging talents at the World Trampoline Championships. The awards were handed out last night during a special ceremony in Halifax. (Photo: Alex Duckworth)

SPTS-Getson & Muise Drafted Into The QMJHL

A couple of notable South Shore hockey players have found their places in a familar Eastern Canadian hockey organization. Keith Getson of Bridgewater has been drafted by the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The veteran player with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs was picked in yesterday's third round of the annual Q-League draft. Another Mustang player, Colby Muise, is off to join the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles after being selected in the 7th round of the draft.
(Photo: Keith Getson)

NDP Leader Ready To Tackle Economic Woes

The leader of Nova Scotia's New Democrats says she doesn't understand why the provincial government hasn't started working out the problems that are dragging down the economy. A clear direction to follow was outlined in the Ivany Report earlier this year and Maureen MacDonald says time is being wasted by just sitting and waiting for something to happen. She says other areas are taking up too much time and being studied to death!



The former finance minister says if asked, she's prepared to work closely with PC leader Jamie Baillie and Premier Stephen McNeil in a combined effort to tackle the economic woes.

YMCA Hosting Healthy Kids Day

It's a chance for youth to try new events while learning the importance of physical activity. The Lunenburg County YMCA will host a healthy kids day on Sunday. The event will allow kids to try a number of events including zumba, a mini-triathlon and tae-kwon do. Director of Communications, Johnathan Gregorash, says it's all about creating awareness.



A yard sale begins at 9am Sunday while kids activities start at noon and go until 2pm.

Province Advances NovaStar Ferry $5 million

The province is advancing money to Nova Star Cruises to support its first season of operation between Yarmouth and Maine. The ferry operator is trying to secure a $5-million operating line of credit with the State of Maine, however, they are having trouble getting the money. The Nova Scotia government says it will advance the company the money while discussions continue. Tourism Minister Michel Sampson says the ferry is important for tourism and understands the company has encountered some early challenges. The money will be used for operating costs, including fuel and supplies necessary for running the ferry. Roughly $19 million in taxpayer money has been given to the ferry - including the $5 million advance.

Home Construction Site Thefts/Vandalism On the Rise

Its that time of year when home construction sites across the region are being increasingly targetted by thieves. The RCMP have been receiving more reports of thefts and vandalism at many of those sites.
Corporal Scott MacRae says anyone who sees something suspicious should report it to the RCMP right away.



MacRae says construction companies should also report if they've been victims of thieves. Reports can be called-in to your local police, RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.

From the RCMP ... some things to look for:
- Suspicious people and vehicles who may be around at odd times.

- Large box style tricks pulling up after normal business hours could be considered suspicious.

- Thieves often steal fixtures, construction material, or tools. These may be later sold online.

- Brand new appliances sold online or through other means, without proof of purchase or warranty

Halifax: Search For Missing Biker Underway

A ground search is underway for a missing 30 year-old biker in the Halifax area. Marty Legere hasn't been seen since he left to go biking yesterday afternoon around Spider Lake. He left over the lunch hour and was expected to back around 4 o'clock. Legere is tall about 260 pounds with short hair and a beard and moustache. Mounties say his bike was found at the end of Spider Lake Road. A dog team is also helping with the search efforts.

Interim CEO Appointe At Municipality Of Lunenburg

The Municipality of Lunenburg will turn things over to a new chief administrative officer after today. CAO Tammy Wilson has accepted a new position as a director with the province's Department of Municipal Affairs. Wilson has spent 18 years with the municipality. She says she'll miss a few things including working with council. The municipality has named Darrell Hiltz as interim CAO, starting Monday. Hiltz is a former CAO of the Municipality of Chester and has served a number of roles with the province.

Only Diesel Fuel Priced Lower

If you drive a vehicle that takes diesel fuel, you're the only ones who will notice any change at the gas pumps this morning. Diesel is down half a cent to $1.35.6 a litre. No change in prices for the other types of fuel.
Regular self serve is selling for $1.39.3 per litre .. no change. High test unchanged also at $1.48.2

Bridgewater Baseball Players Named To Provincial Team

A number of South Shore boys will represent Nova Scotia at the under-15 baseball nationals this summer. Zach Zinck, Ryan O'Toole, Matt Sabean of Bridgewater along with Keeshaun Such and Yarmouth's Brad Jones have been named to the team. Bridgewater's Dennis Woodworth was also named coach of the team. He says he's hoping to build off a fourth place finish from last year.



The nationals will take place from August 21-25 in Vaughn, Ontario.

Queens: Former Gym Floor Section Being Sold

Looking to grab a piece of your childhood in Queens County? Students at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool are selling sections of the old gym floor as part of a fundraiser. Roughly 300 sections of the 57 year-old gym floor have been shined up by students in shop class and are ready to be sold beginning Monday. Principal Leo Campbell says it's a neat way for some people  remember their years at Liverpool Regional High School.



Campbell says those who buy a section can get them personalized with the years they went to the school. More sections can be made if there is demand. The money raised will be invested back into the school.

Bridgewater Mayor: Loss Of Community Christmas Would Be Disappointing

The potential loss of the Bridgewater Community Christmas would be disappointing for the town's mayor. The group is looking for new leadership after organizers decided they wanted to pursue new activities in the area. The Christmas Day event attracts hundreds of residents every year. Mayor David Walker feels it would be a big loss.



Walker is hopeful a new group of volunteers or individuals will help keep the dinner afloat. However, if no one steps forward, the event will be cancelled. Organizers will issue another call for help later this summer.

Bridgewater First With Pro-Active Approach To Protecting Dogs From Heat

A South Shore community is the first in the province to take action to prevent our four legged friends from being trapped in locked-up, hot vehicles and suffocating. The Town of Bridgewater, its police service and the volunteer group "Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia" have teamed up to educate the public on the dangers facing dogs if left in hot cars. Group member Angela Robar says its becoming a serious, summertime issue. She says pet owners need to be taught the danger involved.



Robar suggests you leave your dog home where its cooler on a hot day! With town and police support, a special event is planned for this Saturday. Members of the group will be handing out educational material, doing public demonstrations, answering questions and selling life meters which measure temperatures inside cars. It will take place at the PetValu store in the Eastside Plaza from 12 noon to 3pm.

Little Change Expected Tonight In South Shore Gas Prices

Don't expect much change, if any, when the utility and review board sets the weekly gas prices tonight. South Shore prices will likely stay the same. In New Brunswick today, self serve regular has increased about half a cent and diesel is unchanged. On the South Shore today, regular self serve is still selling for $1.39.3 and diesel $1.36.3.

Baillie Promotes Economic Stimulation/Job Creation During South Shore Address

The province's Opposition Leader had a speaking engagement over the noon hour on the South Shore. Jamie Baillie addressed a Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He's promoting getting the economy rolling and job creation to do it. Baillie says for the McNeil government to sail past 100 days since the Ivany Report was unveiled without doing anything is shameful.



Baillie says he's willing to work with the other political parties in the province and federally to help get the economy here rolling again.

Lunenburg Community Garden Is 'Awesome'

The Lunenburg Community Garden is officially awesome. Awesome South Shore named the group its first winner of $1,000 Wednesday night in Lunenburg. The money is expected to be used to help the group buy soil to start filling garden beds. Other nominees included RewardScout, which designed mobile app allowing businesses to send in-store surveys to customers and reward them with discounts and specials immediately. There was also a pitch for a 100-foot mega obstacle course for YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Sunday. Awesome South Shore is made up of local residents that donate money towards a $1,000 grant for new and different events in the community. Pitches are now being accepted for the next $1,000 giveaway in June in Liverpool.

Theodore Too Gettin' Spruced Up For The Summer

A famous floating television character that many young children are familiar with, has taken up temporary residence in Dayspring. Theodore-Too, an actual tugboat, painted up and retrofitted with a head and face somewhat resembling a Mario Brothers character, is at Snyder's Shipyard undergoing deck repairs, engine tweeking and painting. Work on Theodore Tugboat, made famous by the children's Saturday morning show of the same name, should be completed in a few days. Theodore Too will head to Montreal June 5th on its own power for a festival. Then, back to its permanent home on the Halifax waterfront for the summer where its a must-see for visiting kids and their parents.

100 Men Give To Support South Shore Charities

A group of men are looking to donate money to local charities. 'One Hundred Men Who Give A Damn' are a group of volunteers that are forming to help South Shore charitable organizations. The group gathers an annual donation of $400 from each member. It will award money four times a year to local charities. Organizer Jonathan Lewis feels the grassroots system could be a big help for local groups.



Lewis says they have 30 people committed to help at the moment but expects that to grow over the next few months. The group will award money to their first charity Thursday night at 6:30 at the Mahone Bay Centre. For more information, check out their website here .

New Leadership To Oversee Bluenose II Project

Premier Stephen McNeil has made a bold move in an effort to get some control of the Bluenose II project. David Darrow, deputy minister to the premier and clerk of the Executive Council, will assume oversight of the Bluenose II restoration project. Darrow has a background in engineering, large-scale project management, and with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. McNeil says his government has already taken steps to look into the handling of the project by asking the auditor general to conduct a full review of the project. He says Nova Scotians want answers about what's taken place on the project. This mornings delay in pre-sea trials - is just the latest in a series of setbacks for Bluenose II.

Skin Cancer Most Common/Fastest Rising

The Canadian Cancer Society is out with some alarming new data on skin cancer rates. Statistics show skin cancer is most common in Canada with an estimated 6,500 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. Meanwhile, women in Nova Scotia have the highest rates of melanoma in Canada while men rank second in behind Prince Edward Island. Canadian Cancer Society spokesperson Kelly Cull says that's a major concern.



During the summer, the Canadian Cancer Society will begin an awareness campaign to talk about the dangers of tanning - they will target adults between 15 and 39. The risk of skin cancer is higher among those with pale skin, red hair, moles or spend long periods of time in the sun.

MODL: Councillors Actions To Be Probed

A municipal councillor will be investigated under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. A motion was made Tuesday night at a meeting held by the Municipality of Lunenburg. Councillor Don Zwicker made the motion following Frank Fawson's request to to remove streetlights in Dayspring, and recent comments questioning the openness and transparency of council. Fawson could lose his seat if found to be in conflict of interest. Zwicker says council has been under extreme pressure over the last few months because of the actions.



Zwicker also requested legal opinion to determine if Fawson and Councillor Terry Dorey were in breach of the municipal code of conduct suggesting the municipality isn't open or transparent without evidence. No action could be taken if Dorey or Fawson breached code of conduct.

Bridgewater: Surgeries Resume At Regional Hopsital

The three operating rooms at the largest hospital on the South Shore have re-opened after surgeries were put on hold because of air exchange issues. South Shore Health says elective surgeries resumed today at the regional hospital in Bridgewater. The ``OR`` closed Monday afternoon after maintenance staff found a badly worn part in the ventilation system. The system needs to be working properly in order for infection prevention. A total of 30 patients were impacted by the temporary closure of the operating rooms. Those procedures are in the process of being rescheduled.

More Delays For Bluenose II

Another delay in the comeback of Bluenose Two! The famous schooner was set to head out into Lunenburg Harbour this morning for pre-sea trials to check the engine, steering and anchor. However, the trip has been put off. According to the Deputy Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the delay seems to involve a misunderstanding. Kelliann Dean tells us, verbal approval from Transport Canada for the trip turned out to be not good enough. Actual paper work was needed which the department hasn't received yet from the insurer, the American Bureau of Shipping.



Meanwhile, PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the issue surrounding Bluenose Two has become a joke and smacks of mis-management.



A new date for the pre-trial hasn't been set. Bluenose Two has undergone an extensive rebuild costing in excess of 16-million dollars and still hasn't returned to service as the province's sailing ambassador.

South Shore Health Excellence Awards Honour Staff

South Shore Health is recognizing outstanding contributions in patient care and service in the community. The health authority held it annual Excellence Awards last night. Four major awards were presented during the gala event at the Best Western. The Spirit Award was given to Irene Hirtle. Hirtle provides support to those going through challenging and difficult times under South Shore Health Palliative Care Service. She was also recognized for giving her free time to making significant contributions to the Health Services Foundation's Rose Fund and relief efforts around the world. The Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker and the Exemplary Service Award went to Dr. John Jenkins. The Outstanding Quality Initiative was given to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network. This year marked the tenth year of the Excellence Awards for South Shore Health.


Awards: 

The South Shore Health Spirit Award is presented to an individual or group who has made an exceptional contribution to any program or service within South Shore Health and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the organization’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Accountability and Leadership. Contributions can include supporting the organization’s mission, vision and values, contributing to staff health and wellness, creating a positive work environment or demonstrating outstanding care and support for colleagues. This year’s award is presented to Irene Hirtle, who provides bereavement support as part of South Shore Health’s Palliative Care Service. She consistently demonstrates an ongoing commitment and passion to support individuals who are experiencing challenging and difficult times. She gives freely of her personal time and energy to bring joy to others. One of Irene’s special talents is crafting with a purpose - making beautiful homemade greeting cards in support of worthwhile causes such as the Health Services Foundation’s Rose Fund as well as relief efforts around the world. Irene is a highly regarded member of her team and community who regularly demonstrates caring and support for colleagues, patients and families.

Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Community Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker. This award recognizes individuals and or groups who have made a significant contribution to the well-being of the public at the community level. This contribution may include activities that promote, protect or improve the health, safety and well-being of the public, or a specific population. Through strong and passionate leadership, Kelly has helped to improve access to timely and targeted addiction and mental health services. She has been instrumental in the integration of the intake systems for Addiction and Mental Health Services, creating a single entry point for clients.  This has made it easier for people to access services and helped to significantly reduce wait times. Kelly has also taken a strong leadership role in the launch of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) within Addictions and Mental Health Services by generating enthusiasm among her colleagues, providing support and education and finding creative ways to streamline access to services.

Exemplary Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution in the delivery of health services within South Shore Health. The individual or group will demonstrate exemplary service to the people that they serve as part of their profession as well as commitment to improving the overall health of the community at large. This year’s award is presented to Dr. John Jenkins who has practiced family and emergency medicine in the Lunenburg community for 20 years. Dr. Jenkins is a founding member of Lunenburg Family Health and is currently the head of the Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. He has also served on many committees and held various leadership roles, including mentoring student learners.  Dr. Jenkins has served his patients, community and profession as an advocate and champion. He is a team player who is always willing to pitch in when needed.

Outstanding Quality Initiative Award celebrates the tremendous efforts that are being made by individuals and teams throughout the District to continuously improve quality in all aspects of our programs, processes and services. It is awarded to teams who have worked together on a quality improvement project that is aligned with South Shore Health’s priorities and has resulted in positive changes. This year’s award was presented to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network for its work in providing consistent, timely, evidence-based, family-centred support to improve breastfeeding outcomes in our communities. The network brings together peer, community and clinical breastfeeding stakeholders to provide an innovative model of service delivery and partnership that supports families reach their breastfeeding goals. One of the key features of the network is a new referral process for health care providers, mothers and community in regards to breastfeeding challenges. Anyone can refer to the network and mothers can also contact the Network themselves. The partners include Lunenburg Queens Community Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee, staff from South Shore Health’s maternal and child health, chronic disease management and public health teams as well as midwives and doctors, the Better Together Family Resource Centre and LaLeche League. 

Bridgewater: By-Law Approved To Improve Civic Numbering

A coordinator in Bridgewater will start targeting homes that don't have proper numbering. The town has finalized details of its Civic Address by-law. It means people need to have highly reflective numbers on their homes or at the beginning of their driveway that can be seen at least 15 metres away day or night. Mayor David Walker says there are a few options people can explore.



Walker says they're hoping the new by-law will help officials find homes quicker when there is an emergency. Fines could be handed out beginning in the fall if people don't comply.

South Shore: Paramedics Recognized For Long Service

Fifty paramedics - each with at least 20 years of experience - were given long service medals today during a special ceremony in Halifax. Nearly a dozen recipients work and live on the South Shore. Chester Basin's Richard Baglole and Conquerall Bank's Martin Bell each have over 30 year of working as a paramedic and were honoured today. Other recipients, include Bridgewater natives Allan Cranton, Jonathan Pippy. James Holmes of Shelburne County, Peter MacPherson of Mahone Bay and Bruce Parks of Lunenburg were also recognized for their years of service. Yarmouth County had three paramedics picking up a medal - they include - Dean Vokey, Shane Strong and Douglas Borque. The Paramedic Long Service Award is given to paramedics with 20 years or more of experience.

Here's a complete list of recipients: 

Richard Baglole, 31 years, Chester Basin, Lunenburg Co.

John Bartlett, 36 years, Bible Hill, Colchester Co.

Martin Bell, 30 years, Conquerall Bank, Lunenburg Co.

John Bessonette, 26 years, Hammonds Plains 

Kevin Boudreau, 26 years, Arichat, Richmond Co.

Douglas Bourque, 25 years, Middle West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co.

Harvey Cameron, 20 years, Glace Bay

John Campbell, 20 years, Parrsboro, Cumberland Co.

Richard Campbell, 28 years, Berwick, Kings Co.

Bruce Cox, 20 years, Bedford

Allan Cranton, 26 years, Bridgewater

Jeffery Currie, 20 years, East Ship Harbour, HRM 

Craig Deveau, 20 years, Whites Lake, HRM 

Charles Dixon, 25 years, Port Hawkesbury 

Allister Edwards, 25 years, Port Caledonia, Cape Breton Regional Municipality 

Richard Foley, 31 years, Lower Sackville 

Gary Galley, 25 years, Berwick, Kings Co.

Jimmy Hogan, 20 years, Sydney

James Holmes, 20 years, Shelburne

Walter Howard, 26 years, Digby

Lisa Hutt, 20 years, Port Dufferin, HRM

Craig Jamieson, 20 years, Guysborough County 

Laurence Kaizer, 20 years, Hubbards 

Paul Landriault, 20 years, Port Hawkesbury 

Robert Langille, 30 years, Tatamagouche, Colchester Co.

John Lewis, 36 years, Glace Bay

Chess MacDonald, 26 years, Sydney

Peter MacPherson, 25 years, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

Stephen McCulloch, 30 years, Shubenacadie, Hants Co.

Kerry McNeil, 20 years, Port Morien, CBRM 

Steve Menzies, 26 years, Berwick, Kings Co.

Shawn Mills, 20 years, Sherbrooke, Guysborough Co.

Chris Mizuik, 20 years, Amherst

Neil Mooy, 26 years, Upper Tantallon

Gerald Parfitt, 36 years, Falmouth, Hants Co.

Gordon Parker, 40 years, Truro

Bruce Parks, 20 years, Lunenburg

Stephen Pertus, 35 years, Sydney

Jonathan Pippy, 20 years, Bridgewater

Lionel Robichaud, 20 years, Meteghan, Digby Co.

Earl Russell, 31 years, Berwick, Kings Co.

Anthony Sanders, 20 years, New Glasgow

Dwayne Semple, 30 years, Tatamagouche, Colchester Co.

Noel Simon, 31 years, Eskasoni

Shane Strong, 26 years, Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, Yarmouth Co.

Greg Theriault, 25 years, Falmouth, Hants Co.

Dale Traer, 26 years, Waverley

Robert Veniott, 30 years, Amherst

Dean Vokey, 25 years, Tusket,Yarmouth Co.

Keith Wilcox, 32 years, Glace Bay

VIDEO: Technology Among Features At New South Queens Middle School

History has been made at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool. The facility officially opened today in front of the entire student body, school board officials and the minister of education and early childhood development. Karen Casey says the school has all the necessary ingredients to be a great learning environment.



Casey says the school is the first of its kind in the province. It features plenty of new technology with apple TVs, ipads and energy-efficient lights. Grade eight student Darrion Munroe says the new technology is a nice addition.



The school is home to roughly 240 students from grades six to eight. A plaque was unveiled recognizing the year the school officially opened. Below is video of the plaque unveiling.

Phone Scam Targeting Lunenburg County Seniors

A phone scam is targeting seniors in Lunenburg County. RCMP became aware of the fraudsters recently. Early investigation indicates scammers call seniors posing as their grandchildren and ask for money to help them. The Mounties are advising people to ask several questions and verify who they're speaking with. They also warn about sharing personal information over the phone. People are encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they know someone who has been affected by the scam at 1-888-495-8501 or on the web here .

Duckworth Finalist For Ricoh Award

A South Shore native is up for a prestigious sports award. Kingsburg's Alex Duckworth is a finalist in the Female Athlete of the Year Award at the 2014 Ricoh Awards set to take place in Halifax this weekend. Duckworth competed in her first Olympic Games in Russia in February. She competed in the half-pipe snowboarding event and just fell short of competing for a medal. Also nominated in the same category, gymnast Ellie Black and canoe/kayak'er Michelle Russell. The awards gala will be held Saturday at the World Trade and Convention Centre.

New Program Will Improve Apprentices' Chances Of Landing Jobs

The Nova Scotia government is taking further steps to help apprentices complete their training and land good jobs in the province and across the region. Premier Stephen McNeil has signed a memorandum of understanding with the other Atlantic provinces. He says it will establish common training, certifications and standards. McNeil says it will help apprentices work within the region more easily.



The agreement is the first of its kind in the country and takes effect next January 1st.

Coaches, Players Receive Minor Hockey Awards

Two coaches and two players have been honoured by the South Shore Minor Hockey Association. The group handed out four awards over the weekend during their year-end banquet. Barry Coleman won coach of the year. Coleman is the head coach of the Novice Advanced team. Peewee 'B' Head Coach Jamie Myra was given the Volunteer of the Year award. The David Dauphinee Memorial Award was won by Max Hartling of the Midget 'A' squad. It's given to a player that shows dedication to their teammates in all circumstances. The Tim Rock Memorial Award for sportsmanship was given to Marshall Rock of the Bantam 'A' Ice Sharks.

Lunenburg: Assault Charges After Weekend Incident

A 19 year old is facing charges after a weekend assault in Lunenburg. RCMP say they responded to an incident early Sunday morning on Dufferin Street. A 28 year-old Halifax man was taken to hospital with injuries to his head. The teenager has been released and will appear in court in the near future. He's facing charges of assault.

MP Keddy Will Not Seek Re-Election In 2015

The MP for South Shore - St. Margaret's is calling it a career. Gerald Keddy has decided not to run for re-election in 2015. He was first elected in 1997 and has held several portfolios including parliamentary secretary for the minister of international trade and the Atlantic Gateway. Keddy says he's pleased to have helped provide funding over the years for Queens Place in Liverpool, the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre, Ross Farm's Learning Centre in New Ross and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown. Keddy says it wasn't an easy decision but the time is right for him to move on. He says he will continue to serve constituents until his term runs out in October 2015.

Bridgewater: Operating Rooms Temporarily Closed

Dozens of surgeries scheduled to take place at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater have been put on hold until later in the week. South Shore Health says their three operating rooms are temporarily closed so workers can make emergency repairs to the hospital's air exchange system. Up to 50 patients scheduled for elective procedures could be impacted. VP of Health Services Lynn Farrell says proper air exchange is critical to prevent infection. Emergency surgeries will take place at the hospital's obstetrics unit and if needed nearby health authorities in the province have offered support. Farrell says affected patients will be contacted and surgeries will be rebooked. Officials estimate surgeries will resume by Thursday.

Mill Cove Golf Course Expected To Be Ready Next Spring

A new golf course in Lunenburg County is expected to be ready next spring. The Municipality of Chester recently held a public hearing and have agreed to make zoning changes to allow for the construction of the Aspotogan Ridge Golf Course in Mill Cove. There was concern from the public about waterways being polluted during construction. However, Warden Allen Webber says they're taking precautions to make sure that doesn't happen including creating a monitoring committee and completing water quality tests over the next few years. He says it's good to see the project moving ahead.



The project's website says the four-and-a-half star golf course will be 18 holes and designed by Atlantic Canadian architect Robert LeBlanc. There are three phases to the project which includes a number of housing units. For more details, head here .

New South Queens School "Officially" Opens Tomorrow

Official opening ceremonies will be held tomorrow (Tuesday) in Liverpool for a new school in the area. The South Queens Middle School has actually been in operation since January. Tomorrow though, the new ultra-modern facility, featuring high-tech, state of the art learning tools, will be dedicated during opening ceremonies at noon. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey will cut the ceremonial ribbon. South Queens Middle School is home to 240 students in grades 6 to 8. The ceremony begins at noon at the school at 157 Old Bridge Street in Liverpool.

South Shore Soccer Team Has Strong Showing In Cape Breton

South Shore United's Tier-1 Under-14 girls soccer team was in Sydney over the weekend for a pair of games against Cape Breton's Under-14 girls. South Shore won both games, 5-1 in the first with MacKenzie Kelly scoring a hat trick. South Shore also won the second, 3-1 and MacKenzie Kelly again scoring two goals.