Three Car Crash In Chester Basin Sends Five To Hospital

RCMP say five people were sent to hospital following a three-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Chester Basin. Police say the incident happened around 4:40pm along Highway 12 near the Lacey Mines Road. Cpl. Jamie Vacon, watch commander for Lunenburg County, says four people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital while one other was transferred to Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. He says all injuries are serious but non-life threatening. RCMP say the investigation continues and charges are pending.

North Queens Hopes For New Fire Hall

The North Queens Fire Association is campaigning for a new $1.5 million fire hall. Officials say the old one is worn out and they're seeking $700,000 from the Region of Queens toward a replacement. District council is weighing the request and will make a decision by late April. However, Mayor Christopher Clarke says it's a challenging time because the district is bringing in less tax revenue since the closure of the Bowater mill. He says they need to look at the numbers and a decision likely won't come until sometime in April. The Fire Association will also be requesting $200,000 from Annapolis County and the remaining $300,000 will be raised through community donations. The Association has already raised $300,000 on its own.

RCMP Identify Liverpool Paramedic Facing Drug Charges

A Liverpool paramedic is up for six charges for allegedly stealing and misusing drugs from an EHS station. RCMP say 47-year-old Kenneth Cosh is facing three counts of possession, breach of trust, theft under $5,000 and forgery. Officials from EHS alerted police of allegations of thefts and misuse of drugs by the man recently. RCMP searched a home earlier this month on Wolfe Street and seized syringes and medical containers. The man is scheduled to appear in Liverpool provincial court April 16.

Yarmouth Ferry Terminal Needs Overhaul Or Replacement: Mayor

The mayor of Yarmouth says the day the ferry service returns to her town will be a great event. Pam Mood says the loss of the service four years ago has devastated the region and its going to take a lot to repair the damage.



The International Ferry Partnership and local municipalities have kicked-in money to hire a promoter to spear-head upgrades to the Yarmouth ferry terminal. Federal dollars will be sought for the project. Meanwhile, a company in the United States says it has an agreement to lease a vessel and start a Yarmouth to Maine service beginning this summer if it is awarded a contract. Quest Navigation Inc. of Eliot, Maine is one of two companies proposing to operate the service between Maine and Nova Scotia. Quest officials say the vessel has 162 cabins, two restaurants and capacity for more than 1,200 passengers. The other company, Baltimore-based Maritime Applied Physics Corp., is an engineering firm that specializes in designing electro-mechanical systems for harsh environments. The ferry's former operator, Bay Ferries Limited, announced in December 2009 that it would cancel the money-losing service after the government said it could no longer provide an annual $6-million subsidy. The Nova Scotia government issued a request for proposals in December for an operator of the ferry service. A decision is expected in a few weeks.

South Shore Health Stands Up Against Bullying

Students, teachers and other local businesses are wearing pink today to take a stand against bullying. Among the groups recognizing the importance of today is South Shore Health. They have partnered with students from Bridgewater High, who have developed a video message in support of the movement. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they're on board with creating change.



The video will be shown during a gathering at South Shore Regional Hospital this afternoon. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 after two Nova Scotia teenagers encouraged others to wear pink t-shirts in support of a grade nine student who was being bullied for wearing pink.

Bridgewater Man Facing Drug Trafficking Charges

A 49-year-old Bridgewater man will appear in court in the spring on alleged drug trafficking charges. RCMP arrested the man Monday afternoon at a home on Pleasant Street. Police seized marihuana, cash, drug paraphernalia, and other offence-related property. The suspect is facing charges of possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, and trafficking marihuana. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court May 15.

Consultations Set For 1.5 Million Acres Of Crown Land

The province will begin consultations in March on best use of 1.5 million acres of Crown land in Western Nova Scotia. Large parcels of the land up for discussion are located in Queens, Shelburne, Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis County. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey says input will be used to help develop a land-use plan for the region. He says possible use could include mineral exploration, renewable energy projects and agricultural operations. Ramey says the government will also consult Mi'kmaq, municipalities and industry to help manage the Crown land and its natural resources. The former Bowater Mersey lands will also be included in the consultation process. No dates have been set for public meetings.

Group Home Receives Council Nod Of Approval

The CEO of the LaHave Manor Corporation says she's relieved with a decision by Bridgewater council to allow a group home to remain in a residential neighbourhood. Town council voted 4-2 in favour of keeping Compassion House at 6 Evergreen Road. A by-law change now defines the home as a single dwelling unit, not an institution and allows five people to live in the home, up from three. Joanne Wentzell agrees with council's decision.

"We are very pleased with the decision that council made last night. I think that after being presented with all the facts and the information, they made the right decision." 

There will now be a 14-day window for people to appeal. If it is appealed, the matter will go to the province's Utility and Review Board for final decision.

Hospital Staff, Patients Dealing With Flu-Like Symptoms

South Shore Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the flu. The health authority says they currently have a handful of patients and staff with flu-like symptoms in the medical unit at South Shore Regional in Bridgewater. Infection Control Practitioner, Elizabeth Watson, says people are experiencing fever, headaches, sore throat and muscle aches. She says they have taken steps to limit the spread of illness.



Watson says some tips people should follow include washing hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. She also says getting a flu shot can help prevent people from getting sick.

Parkview Girls Hockey Team Heads To Regional Playoffs

Its off to the Western Regional Girls Hockey Playoffs for teams in this part of the province. Among them, Bridgewater's Park View Lady Panthers team. Parkview finished in third place in regular season play in the nine team Valley Hockey League. The playoffs are taking place in Kingston in the valley and kick off today.

New Ross: Community Wants Its Grade 9's

The community of New Ross wants to keep their school in tact. The Grade 9 class at New Ross Consolidated School could be transferred to the nearby Forest Heights. It`s a proposal pitched under the school review process currently underway at six schools throughout the South Shore Regional School Board. Retired New Ross Consolidated teacher, Greg Jollymore says he`s hoping for the status quo.



Other concerns raised include the negative impact on finances, staffing and a thinning athletics program should Grade 9`s be moved out of New Ross. Members of the local school board are also reviewing various scenarios at Mill Village, Pentz, Petite Reviere, Hebbville Academy and Gold River-Western Shore. They make a decision on each school's proposed scenario in late March.

Glenn Anderson, Leafs Alumni Skate In Chester

A six-time Stanley Cup winner and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be in Chester tonight for the NHL Legends Maritime Tour. Glenn Anderson spent 16 seasons in the NHL, including almost three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is among a number of Leafs Alumni playing tonight to help the local branch of the Navy League's 351 Llewellyn Sea Cadets. Anderson says he enjoys lacing up the skates with former professional players.



The 60-year-old notched 157 points while he was with Toronto from 1991-1994. Other players involved include Al Iafrate, Gary Leeman, Tiger Williams, Mike Krushelynski and Mark Osborne. The game gets underway at 7pm and some tickets will be available at the door.

'Curl For A Cause' Enjoys Its Best Year To Date

Over 100 people screamed ''hurry hard'' over the weekend at the 'Curl For A Cause' event at the Lunenburg Curling Club. The popular fundraiser by the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore helped raise $38,500. The money will go towards a specialized bathing tub for the Alternate Level of Care unit at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. Managing Director, Arleen Stevens, says its important for the patients to have.



Money was raised by participant entry fee, an auction and sponsorships. Stevens says this was the best fundraiser they've had since the event started 13 years ago.

Habitat For Humanity Building Two Homes In Mahone Bay

The warm weather can't get here soon enough for the South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The group is in the final preparations to build two new homes off the Fauxburg Road in Mahone Bay. Two families have been selected through the application process. Board member Brent Kaulback says they will work together with the families to provide suitable homes.



Kaulback says they hope to begin construction when the frost is gone from the ground. Each family is required to put in 500 hours of labour or volunteer work towards the build. Once it is complete, they receive an interest-free mortgage that matches their income. Meanwhile, the group's vice-chair says they're close to acquiring land for another build in New Germany and are in the final stages of receiving a home in Liverpool.

Lunenburg West: Incumbent MLA Seeks Second Term

The incumbent MLA in Lunenburg West will seek a second term in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Gary Ramey was acclaimed as the candidate for the New Democrats during a nomination meeting over the weekend. Ramey was first elected in 2009. Prior to becoming an MLA, he taught high school, university and college for more than 30 years. The race in Lunenburg West will also feature former town councillor David Mitchell who will represent the Progressive Conservatives and retired RCMP officer Mark Furey who will carry the Liberal banner. Ramey accepted the nomination during a meeting on Sunday at Petite Riviere Fire Hall.

Fay Rink Wins N.S. Juvenile Women's Curling Crown

A Chester curling rink is preparing to make a trip to the rock. Mary Fay's team captured the provincial juvenile women's under-18 curling title this morning, defeating Mayflower's Emily Manuel 5-3 in the final. The Fay rink finished the event with a 4-1 record. The win means the local club will travel to Stephenville, Newfoundland for the Atlantic championships in late March. Complete results can be found here .

School Review Heads To New Ross Consolidated

Residents of New Ross will discuss the future of their community school tonight. A public hearing will be held this evening as part of the review process. New Ross Consolidated isnt up for closure, but moving Grade 9 students to Forest Heights Community School. NRCS has 132 students enrolled at the Primary to Grade 9 school. The meeting will be held at the school beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Ice Sharks & Parkview Boys Weekend Hockey Winners

Both the bantam AA Ice Sharks and Park View Education Center boys won games over the weekend.  The Sharks won the Summerside McCain's Bantam AA tournament. They outscored the competition 22-0 in three, round-robin games before their wins against Chebucto 3-0 in the semi finals and Strait Richmond 3-1 in the finals. Meanwhile, Park View boys beat Horton 9-2. Fabian Sund and Wesley Demone each had 2 goals. Jake Wile was the winning goal tender. The Panthers are in first place in the Valley High School Hockey League.

"Hurricanes" Heading To Major Bantam Provincials

The BMO Western Hurricanes are going to the Major Bantam Provincials in Cape Breton in March. Over the weekend, they defeated Pro Hockey Life Cole Harbour Storm in home and home games. Saturday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm, 6-3 with Jered Scott scoring two goals and Jaron Bollivar, Jacob Myra ,Matthew Barron and Keith Getson scoring singles. Sunday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm in Liverpool 8-1. Travis Parks had a hat trick, Keith Getson had two goals and  Jacob Myra, Logan Walters and Jaron Bollivar scored singles.

Another Record For Athlete, Chelsea Whalen

Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool had a new personal best and set a new Nova Scotia provincial senior womens shotput record over the weekend. She placed 3rd and won bronze at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Blacksburg, Virginia. Whalen's throw of 15.75 meters erased her previous mark of 15.57 meters which she set earlier this year.