Financial Health Differs Across South Shore

A tool used to examine the financial health of all Nova Scotia municipalities has outlined two different scenarios along the South Shore. The province recently launched its financial condition index for 2011-12 to help them understand where towns or municipalities need help. There are 15 indicators under the heading of revenue, budget and debt and capital. The Municipality of Lunenburg placed above average in 10 of the categories. Mayor Don Downe says it hasn't been easy.



The towns of Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Shelburne and Yarmouth along with the Region of Queens had a majority of categories above the rural municipal average. Clark's Harbour, Lockeport, and the municipalities of Barrington, Chester, Shelburne and Yarmouth were below the average in several indicators. The province had indicated a few bad scores doesn't mean there is a problem. For a more in-depth look at the financial indicator where you live, click here .

Man Charged In Upper Tantallon Robbery

A 26 year old man has been charged in connection with an armed robbery earlier this month in Upper Tantallon. Michael Tristan Charles Evans is facing charges of robbery and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He's accused of robbing a Lawton's Drug Store May 8th, forcing a pharmacy employee at the point of a syringe, to hand over prescription drugs. The employee handed over the drugs and was not hurt. The suspect fled the scene in a car. Over the weekend, the RCMP arrested Evans in the Hubley Center Parking lot and also seized evidence allegedly related to the robbery at a home on Highway 329 in Mill Cove. He is being held in custody until his next court appearance.

Kentville: Attempted Murder Charges Laid In Violent Attacks

Attempted murder charges have been laid against a 50 year-old Kentville man after a pair of violent attacks over the weekend. Sherlock Peter Bowen is facing two charges of attempted murder. Police say he assaulted two people with a weapon Friday night. A 41 year-old woman remains in hospital with serious injuries after a man went to her home Friday night and assaulted her with a weapon. A 41 year-old man - also at the woman's home - was hurt but his injuries were not as bad. Bowen is due in court today in Kentville.

Bridgewater: Community Christmas In Jeopardy

A volunteer dinner that has served hundreds of people over the holiday season could be cancelled. Organizers with the Bridgewater Community Christmas issued a call in January looking for new people to take over responsibility of the event after running it for five years. However, no one has stepped up yet. President Brian Braganza says they plan to issue another call in August or September.



Braganza believes the volunteer numbers are still strong to hold the event this year, but new leadership needs to be in place. He says if that doesn't happen, there may not be a community Christmas dinner this year. The free event is typically held on Christmas Day at Park View Education Centre. To put your name in as a volunteer or become a new leader of the event, head to the group's website here .

How Not To Be Fleeced By Those Scamming Phone Calls

South Shore residents are among those targeted by scammers hoping to make a fast buck or two. The Better Business Bureau has received dozens of complaints from consumers about dubious phone calls.
The BBB's Jill Atkinson says scammers are calling numbers in the area using the internet and non-working local phone numbers. They're relentless in their pursuit of your personal information.



The calls are impossible to trace, likely coming from outside the country. They're offering free cruises, lottery winnings and other exotic prizes and asking for your personal banking information. The Better Business Bureau advises you to not give any information to anyone over the phone or on the internet.

Mahone Bay: New Funding Helps Seniors Stay Active

South Shore seniors are encouraged to be more active in their communities. To help with that goal, the Mahone Bay Centre is receiving $54,000 from the federal government to help with its Seniors Helping Seniors program called:  "The Helping Hands Network". The funding announced by South Shore-St. Margarets member of Parliament Gerald Keddy will allow the program to expand to other communities in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Keddy says the program works nicely with the large senior population.



New Horizons is providing up to 1.4-million dollars nation-wide to help those seniors projects. South Shore Health has already committed $25,000 to the local program and the Mahone Bay Centre itself has kicked-in $2000. "Helping Hands" volunteers will be assisting seniors in their homes, driving them to appointments and helping foster new friendships in communities.

Missing Lunenburg Man's Remains May Have Finally Been Found

The body of a man from Lunenburg, missing since February 2nd in Saskatchewan, may have been discovered in the Saskatchewan River. The RCMP believe the remains found yesterday near Melfort, Saskatchewan are those of Gregory Myles MacIntosh. Investigators are only saying though the remains are those of a Caucasian man. An autopsy will be performed today to help confirm the identity. Its thought Macintosh fell into the river in Saskatoon, drowned in the freezing water and floated downstream. He was on a pub crawl with friends during his stag party when he got into a fight with someone on the bus.

Ramey Requests Steel Poles For Bridgewater Property

After several incidents and over $50,000 in damage, Gary Ramey has had enough. The former MLA for Lunenburg West and property owner of 620-626 King Street in Bridgewater says there needs to be steel poles in front of his building. He says four vehicles have destroyed parts of the property in the 27 years he has owned it. Ramey is looking to the town for help. He wants to make sure residents are safe. Mayor David Walker says the property is in a risk situation at the intersection with Dominion Street.



Town staff will look into Ramey's request and come back to council with a report and options to consider.

Waters Representing Canada At World Cup Event In Hungary

A Fox Point resident is getting another chance to compete for Canada. Dave Waters has been selected to represent the country at a paracanoe World Cup event in Hungary. Waters has raced before for Canada at the World Championships, international regatta and the Pan-American Championships. He says he looks forward to wearing the red and white colours again.



Waters will compete in the men's V-1, which is a single man paracanoe race. The paracanoe World Cup event in Hungary starts Friday and ends on Sunday.

Local MP To Highlight Funding In Mahone Bay

The member of parliament for South Shore - St.Margaret's will be in Mahone Bay today. Gerald Keddy will highlight funding from the New Horizons for Seniors initiative. The project is expected to benefit both Lunenburg and Queens counties. The event kicks off at 11:30am at the Mahone Bay Centre.