It's Definitely McHappy Day

It certainly going to be a McHappy Day for some young children on the South Shore in need of a mentor. Nearly $3,200 was raised yesterday through proceeds donated by McDonalds in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was the most raised for the organization on McHappy Day. A dollar from hot beverages and select menu items went directly to BBBS. The money helps fund mentoring programs and after school support for youth in the area. Over the years the partnership has helped raise more than $13,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Canada's Governor General Coming To Mahone Bay

The town of Mahone Bay is getting a special visitor next week. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will help officially launch the Smart and Caring Community Fund. It's administered by the Lunenburg County Community Fund and is expected to support initiatives focused on improving quality of life in the region. Johnston will also present several Governor General Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. The event will be held during the afternoon of May 14 at the Mahone Bay Centre.

Chester: Municipality Supports Debate Over Oak Island Bill

The spring session of the Nova Scotia Legislature may have ended late last week but that won't stop a local MLA from trying to protect artifacts on Oak Island. NDP member for Chester-St. Margaret's Denise Peterson-Rafuse tabled a bill in the house. However, it will have to be revived when the house resumes in the fall. She says current legislation isn't strong enough and doesn't provide restrictions to have an archaeologist on the island while treasure hunters search for the hidden loot.



Meanwhile, Chester will do what they can to help their area MLA get the legislation debated. The municipality has agreed to send a letter asking the Nova Scotia government to push Bill 68 through the Legislature to debate. Warden Allen Webber says it's important for them to show support.



Peterson-Rafuse says they have received hundreds of emails from Norway, Sweden and England supporting the bill.

RCMP Make Pot Bust In Hebbville

A Lunenburg County man with some past trouble with the law is facing more charges after police did a routine check up at a home in Hebbville. RCMP say they went to check on a 31 year-old man yesterday afternoon. However, they were allowed into the home. That's when Mounties came back with a search warrant and found some pot plants. He was arrested along with another 38 year old man. The 31 year-old was taken to Burnside Correction Centre for not following his court conditions.  The other man was released and will appear in Bridgewater Court at a later date.

Full Review Of Education System Underway

Residents of the South Shore can help shape the education system. The first major review of education in 25 years is underway in Nova Scotia. A six-person panel has been formed to gather input from teachers, students, parents, education groups and community members. The panel is being led by former Lieutenant Governor and teacher Myra Freeman. The review was originally intended to focus on curriculum, but it will examine all aspects of the public school system. A discussion guide is available online to help get the conversation started and includes a series of questions to help gather input You can submit input by emailing educationreview@gov.ns.ca  or by phoning 844-424-3777. You can also tweet @NSEdReview. The deadline for submissions is June 13.

Mail:

Minister's Panel on Education
c/o Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
P.O. Box 578 Halifax, N.S.,
B3J 2S9

Getson Rated Second Round Pick For Upcoming QMJHL Draft

A Bridgewater hockey player is rated as a second-round pick for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's draft by the Central Scouting Service. Sixteen-year-old Keith Getson is ranked 35th overall for the upcoming draft on May 31st in Sherbrooke, Quebec. However, things could change on draft day and Getson could move up or down. He says he just wants to be drafted.



Getson is coming off a terrific year with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs, notching 28 points in 29 regular season games and was named to the league's rookie all-star team. Four Nova Scotians are rated to be drafted in the first round.

A Famous South Shore Son Being Honored

Tomorrow (May 9th) will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of country music legend Hank Snow. The Liverpool area is preparing to celebrate the centennial of its most famous son and thousands of Snow fans are expected to attend. Hank Snow museum administrator Kelly Inglis says there is one event many Snow fans are truely looking forward to. Its tomorrow's unveiling of a new Canada Post stamp commemorating the life of the famous singer.



In addition to the stamp, there will also be the unveiling of a life-size Hank Snow statue near the museum.
There is also the release of a Snow biography by South Shore author Vernon Oikle, a new Hank Snow CD release, the opening of the new Hank Snow Community Park, a country music show at the Astor Theatre featuring headliner Larry Gatlin and a lot of other events. The centennial celebrations run through Sunday.

Gold Star For South Shore Bus Drivers/Staff

It's more recognition for bus drivers and staff within the South Shore Regional School Board's transportation department. They received the Gold Award for exceptional performance at the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Conference. The South Shore board scored a remarkable 197 out of 200 possible points in a number of safety and performance related areas. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says he's thrilled for their staff and drivers in achieving such a high standard of excellence. It's the sixth year in a row the board has picked up the Gold Award. The transportation department manages 87 buses, over 330 routes and employs 100 drivers.

A Drop In Gasoline Prices Expected Tonight At South Shore Pumps

Look for South Shore gas prices to drop some tomorrow morning (Friday). In New Brunswick this morning, prices there are lower. The price of self serve regular dropped overnight by about 4 cents a litre. Diesel has also been lowered by around 2.5 cents a litre. If similar decreases happen here overnight tonight, the price of regular self serve may drop to about $1.38 per litre.