Carver Recovering Well After Surgery In Toronto

A New Germany native says she has a new lease on life following double-lung transplant surgery. Thirty-three year old Jessica Carver has Cystic Fibrosis; a genetic disorder which critically affects the lungs, and also the pancreas and liver. She remains on the road to recovery in Toronto General Hospital following the surgery in mid-December. Carver's personal blog reveals she has regained her appetite and enjoyed New Year's Eve at the hospital with friends and family. She says she's grateful for all the support.



Carver hopes to be released from hospital sometime this week. She says the next three months are critical and she will have to take anti-rejection medicine and complete physiotherapy before she can return home. If all goes well, she hopes to return to the South Shore in March. You can read Carver's blog here .

Nearly 45 Aquaculture Jobs Headed To Shelburne

Two new aquaculture sites in Shelburne county will create 27 new jobs. Kelly Cove Salmon Limited, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture, will operate the new pens in Jordan Bay. Spokeswoman Nell Halse says the new sites will be installed and stocked later this spring. The Nova Scotia Government issued the approval to operate the sites last month. The approval is contingent on strict agreements to ensure the sites will protect the local fishing industry and coastal environment. Meanwhile, employees within the provincial aquaculture division are set to Shelburne early in the new year. The move will bring another 15 full-time jobs to the area. Cooke is also in the process of designing a new state of the art hatchery for the Digby area and a processing facility in Shelburne.

Hospital Restricts Visitors After Illness Detected

The third floor at South Shore Regional Hospital has been temporarily closed to visitors because of a gastrointestinal illness circulating among patients. The medical and surgical unit will be restricted to visitors until further notice. Infection prevention practitioner, Sheila Lee, says they've seen a spike in illness from two patients to nine over the past 12 hours. She says there's no timeline for the visitor restriction.



Some exceptions to the restriction may apply for immediate family of critically ill patients. All outpatient hospital services are available. The health authority says thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of this illness.

Bridgewater Couple Welcomes New Year's Baby

A Bridgewater couple have the first new year's baby for South Shore Health. Wesley Organ was born at 10:31AM on January 1st at the regional hospital in Bridgewater, weighing nine pounds and eight ounces. Twenty-five year old Megan Skinner and 29-year-old Jacy Organ are the proud parents. Jacy says they were a little surprised the baby was delivered New Year's Day.



The parents and baby are expected to leave the hospital today with their new bundle of joy.

Chester Has Concerns Over RDA's Dissolution

The Warden in Chester has some concerns over a proposal to dissolve regional development agencies in Nova Scotia. An independent panel has recommended the creation of six Regional Enterprise Network's across the province. Under the proposal for this region, municipal units from Halifax to Shelburne would join to form an REN - designed to better promote economic development. However, Allen Webber feels the new model is too broad.



The need to replace existing RDAs became necessary when the federal government announced last May it was cutting core funding to RDAs in the province. If the proposal moves forward, the REN's would replace Nova Scotia's 12 regional development agency's.

South Shore Taxpayers Paying More In 2013

Be prepared to see more of your income used to pay higher taxes in 2013. Provincially, the government here still refuses to index tax brackets to inflation and that means more taxation. The federal government also has tax increases of its own that took effect January 1st. They include hikes in EI premiums and CPP payroll taxes. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says we're paying more in taxes provincial and federally than elsewhere in the country. He says South Shore residents in particular know only too well that 2012 saw no improvement. The provincial government bailed out major employers like Bowater by pumping big bucks into their operations to keep them afloat.



Lacey believes the effects of those bailouts and company collapses will be felt for years.

In Review: MODL Mayor Recaps Challenging Year

The mayor for the Municipality of Lunenburg says 2012 was a trying year for the district, and hopes better times are ahead. Don Downe says community was hit hard with the Oakhill Sawmill closing and layoffs at the Whynotts Settlement Recycling Centre. But, he notes there were bright moments as well, including the beginning of joint services between the municipality and towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. He also points to construction of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe says it will be a dynamic addition to the area.




Construction is expected to wrap up before the fall of 2013. Downe expects the opening to be one of the many shining moments of the year.

RCMP: Plan Ahead Before Driving New Year's Eve

The message is simple; if you're drinking, you're not driving. RCMP are planning checkpoints across the province this evening targeting impaired drivers including those who are driving under the influence of drugs. Police say people should make plans to get home safe by finding a designated driver, call a cab, stay at a friend's house or take transit. Cpl. Scott MacRae says people can help them stop impaired driving.



MacRae says people should plan ahead and think before they drink.

Chester: Fay Loses In Semi-Final At Junior Curling Provincials

Chester's Mary Fay fell in a semifinal showdown this morning to end her run at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships. Fay lost 11-4 to Mary Myketyn-Driscoll of Truro. Myketyn-Driscoll will battle Mayflower's Emily Dwyer in the title match at 2 o'clock at the Chester Curling Club.
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On the men's side, Stuart Thompson of Mayflower has successfully defended his Provincial crown. The Thompson crew punched their ticket to the Nationals in Fort McMurray, Alberta, by posting a perfect 7-0 record.

Lunenburg: ER Closing At Fishermen's Memorial

The Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is once again short on staff. The ER is closing at 4pm this afternoon and will reopen at 7:30am New Year's Day. Anyone requiring emergency services is advised to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

In Review: Bluenose II Relaunch Big Crowd Pleaser

In looking back at 2012, there were no events on the South Shore that drew the attention of so many people like the re-launch of the province's famous sailing ambassador. After a $16-million re-build lasting three years on the Lunenburg waterfront, Bluenose II was refloated in Lunenburg Harbour early on a dark, threatening morning in late September. If people couldn't be there in person, they watched on the internet just as they had been following the rebuild, day after day. According to the just-retired 33 year veteran of the mayor's office in Lunenburg, Laurence Mawhinney, the re-launch was a crowning moment in his long career.



This winter, Bluenose II is being re-outfitted with masts, sails and other fittings and being made ready to sail again in the spring of 2013. A date for that is yet to be announced.

In Review: Mawhinney Retires After 33 Years As Mayor

In looking back at 2012, the retirement of the venerable Laurence Mawhinney from the office of mayor in Lunenburg was one of the biggest local political changes of the year. The mayor had been in office in one of the province's most-historic towns for 33 years and he decided it was time to go. However, the lure of the old office can be hard to break.



Among his accomplishments, the former mayor says he takes pleasure in being part of the effort to have Lunenburg declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. He's also happy with the apparent political stability he was able to foster in the town over all the years. However, Mawhinney says with his retirement and the retirements of at least two other mayors locally, it became obvious the electorate in last fall's municipal elections wanted change.



These days, former mayor Mawhinney and his wife Marion are continuing their team ministry at several Lunenburg and area Presbyterian churches with the past life at the mayor's office always not far away.

Two Men Charged In Chester Break & Enter

Two men have been charged in connection with a break, enter and theft from a home in the Chester area. It happened on Friday and RCMP investigators say various items were taken. The accused face several charges including break and enter, theft over $5,000., possession of property obtained by crime and numerous firearms offenses. The suspects are in custody and appear in court at a later date.

Storm Centre: Flights Delayed & Power Outages

A winter storm has knocked out power and is forcing airlines to adjust their flight schedule. The system - bringing snow, ice pellets and high wind - moved into the Yarmouth area just before midnight and worked its way up the coastline overnight. Environment Canada is predicting 20-30 centimetres of snow for the South Shore. Nova Scotia Power is working on an outage affecting 500 residents of the Argyle area. Crews have already restored a power outage in Shelburne, roughly 100 to 150 residents were without electricity for a four hours. Also, it looks like flights schedule will be a mess at the Halifax airport. A tweet from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Ice pellets, high winds and snow causing airlines to adjust flights schedules. Disruptions expected to continue through morning/early afternoon. Passengers should check their airlines web site or call ahead to find out the status of their flight. The bad weather is expected to continue through until Sunday night.

Latest forecast: 

Winter storm warning in effect. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties

Today

Snow. Snow mixed with ice pellets this morning. Rain along the coast this morning. Snow and ice pellet amount 15 cm. Blowing snow. Winds gusting to 80 early this afternoon. High plus 1.

Tonight

Flurries ending after midnight then cloudy. Amount 2 cm. Blowing snow this evening and after midnight. Windy. Low minus 5.

Monday

Mainly cloudy. Clearing in the afternoon. Winds gusting to 80. High minus 4.

In Review: Big Decisions Ahead For Chester Council

The Warden in Chester says it was a solid year on numerous fronts for municipal council and staff. Allen Webber says council was able to push forward with it's large wind project in Kaizer Meadow, expected to be operational in 2013. The 2.3 megawatt wind project is expected to generate annual revenue exceeding 270-thousand dollars over the 20 year-life of the turbine. Webber says the municipality remains in good financial health with significant reserve funding as they head into the new year.



Chester council has a busy year ahead with public hearings and a decision expected on Minas Basin's South Canoe Wind Project. Webber says they will also have to decided whether to invest into the Chester-based collaborative health centre - called Our Health Centre.

Update: South Shore Curling Teams Cling To Life

Two South Shore teams remain alive, but both are down to their last life, at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships in Chester. Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater and Mary Fay of the host club must win both of their games on Sunday to clinch a playoff spot. Defending champ Emily Dwyer of Mayflower and Truro's Mary Myketyn-Driscoll have already qualified for the playoffs. In the boys division defending champ Stuart Thompson of Mayflower leads the way with a perfect 4-0 record. Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater was eliminated yesterday. Draws are slated for 11, 4, & 9 today at the Chester Club. The winners will be crowned on Monday.  

Storm Centre: Heavy Snow, Ice Pellets & High Wind

Residents of the South Shore should gas up their snow blowers and get their shovels ready. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the region and most of mainland Nova Scotia. The latest forecast is predicting snowfall amounts totaling 30 centimetres over the weekend. The snow is expected to begin this evening and become more intense overnight. The weather agency is also calling for high winds, blowing snow and ice pellets along the coast. The bad weather will continue into tomorrow with snow, ice pellets and blizzard conditions anticipated. Conditions should begin to improve by Sunday night.

Chester: Mayflower Rink Leads Curling Championship

Mayflower's Emily Dwyer leads the way at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling Championships at the Chester Club. Dwyer improved to 3-0 and grabbed the first playoff spot with a 9-6 win over Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater in last night's late draw. Bachman, at 2-1, is tied with Mary Fay of the host club. Those rinks go head to head this afternoon.  On the guys' side, Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse lost twice yesterday and will now have to win four in a row in order to make the playoff round. Mayflower's Stuart Thompson and Robert Mayhew of Wolfville share the lead with 2-0 records. Draws are set for today at 8am, noon, 4pm, and 8pm in Chester. 

Winners will advance to the Canadian Juniors in Fort McMurray, Alberta in early February.

In Review: Seahawks Football Soars

It was a magical year for local football on the South Shore. The inaugural season for Seahawks Minor Football was an overwhelming success for the players, coaches and parents who supported the team. It took roughly five years of hard work and $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Program co-founder Gary Linthorne says it was a proud moment when  more than 800 fans attended the Seahawks home opener in September. He says their season was filled with highlights.



The program will expand to include a Bantam league in 2013. Linthorne says the organization is also looking to buy a new scoreboard for the upcoming season.

Curling: Bridgewater's Bachman Leads At Junior Provincials

Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse is in search of his first win at the AMJ Campbell Junior curling provincials in Chester. Crouse lost his first match this morning 7-3 to Robert Mayhew. He's on the ice at 4pm against Nicholas Schroeder. Over on the women's side, Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman sits in a tie for first place after winning her second straight game. Bachman defeated Mary Myketyn-Driscoll 6-5 in extra ends today. She also defeated Chester's Mary Fay Thursday night. Fay got her first win today, a 9-4 decision over Hayley McCabe. She sits at 1-1. Tournament winners will represent the province at the "M & M Canadian Juniors" in Fort McMurray, Alberta in February. For all tournament information, click here .