Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge Re-Opening

Big changes at the Tops'l Dining Room and Lounge in Bridgewater. The long-time bar and restaurant is re-opening, with renovations currently happening at the King Street property. Some of the changes include a bigger stage for bands, a new elevated shooter bar, additional pool tables, new bathrooms, a designated smoking-area outdoors, a dress code, longer kitchen hours and increased security. General Manager Mike Habib says they want to change the way people think about the bar.



The new owner is Sharon Saulnier of Liverpool. Habib says they plan on catering to all ages.



There will be roughly 30 people employed. The restaurant will open Thursday. Habib says a full opening could happen if they receive their liquor license.

Communities Push For New Health Accord

Communities across the country were standing up to support health care today. The Health Accord established in 2004, expires at the end of this month. The agreement between federal, provincial and territorial governments ensures certain levels of funding to help deliver health care services. In Bridgewater, Council of Canadians member Mary Wright says it's important to raise awareness.



Rallies will be held in 45 communities in Canada on Monday. They will be raising awareness and calling for new Health Accord.

REMO: Potential Flooding For Lunenburg County

Another 30 millimeters of rain is forecast to fall in Lunenburg and Queens counties. It's putting the Lunenburg County Regional Emergency Management Organization on watch for potential flooding. The group reports 96 millimeters of rain has fallen along coastal areas of the two counties since Saturday night. Spokesperson John Collyer says the LaHave River should have room to absorb the rain.



Collyer says people should be prepared as best they can for potential flooding. Rainfall and freezing rain warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for Lunenburg County. The weather agency has also issued rainfall warnings for Queens.

Mediation Talks Resume In Nurses' Dispute

Its back to the table today for the union for nurses in the Halifax area and Capital Health. They'll be meeting with a previously-appointed mediator. Both sides are hoping to avoid a walkout which could legally happen this Thursday. Health minister Leo Glavine says time is running out and he feels the situation now could have been avoided more than a year ago.



A previous mediation session about a week ago failed. The latest follows an appeal late last week by the premier.

Lunenburg Regional Council Readies For Community Meetings

Lunenburg Municipal Council is hitting the road! Its annual series of meetings throughout the county kicks off this evening with a stop in Conquerall Bank. Mayor Don Downe says after five years, these meetings have become a "rite of spring" in the region.



Tonight's meeting begins at 7 o'clock at the Conquerall Bank fire hall (Doors open at 6:30pm). Other sessions are planned over the next couple of months in West Northfield, Newcombville, Lunenburg, Cherry Hill, Barss Corner and Big Tancook Island.

Bridgewater: Fundraiser Underway For Off-Leash Dog Park

A fundraiser has started in Bridgewater to bring an off-leash dog park to the town. People can now buy stainless steel dog bones for $25 or $50 and get them engraved with their name or pet name. The bones will then be hung from the fence surrounding the off-leash park. Town councillor Andrew Tanner says they need about $60,000.



ABCO Industries of Lunenburg has been tasked to do the work. The bones are available at town hall in Bridgewater.