Fatal Motorcycle Crash On Highway 12

A 51 year-old has died after a motorcycle crash on Highway 12 in Lunenburg County. Mounties say the incident occurred around 12:30pm in Aldersville. EHS Lifeflight was called in to transport the man to hospital but he died from injuries. A section of the highway between New Ross and Kentville has been reduced to one-lane while an investigation into the crash is conducted. Police have called in a traffic analyst to try and determine the cause of the crash. Officers will be on scene until further notice.

Lunenburg Hosts Annual Day Of Mourning Ceremony

The annual Nova Scotia Day of Mourning will be held this weekend in Lunenburg. Its an annual event to remember those who have died or been injured on the job over the past year. Usually its held in Halifax. However, the South Shore was seen as an appropriate location this time, in light of the fact seven of the eleven workers killed in the province so far this year were fishermen. Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says its always a moving ceremony. He says it's a chance to remember those who lost their life on the job and to promote safety in the workplace. The service will be held starting at 1 o'clock Sunday at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

NSP OK'd For $93 M Investment In South Canoe Wind Farm

Nova Scotia Power has been given the green light from the province's regulator for its 93-million dollar share of a Lunenburg County wind farm. The Utility and Review Board approved the energy company's investment into the South Canoe Wind Project in a written decision on Friday. South Canoe is slated to operate 34 turbines and be built between Vaughan and New Russell.  Minas Basin Pulp and Power and Oxford Frozen foods are the other partners in the project. It's expected to creat 100 jobs during construction on the $200 million wind farm - which is expected to begin this summer. Nova Scotia Power, which has a 49-per-cent stake in the project, would own 17 of the turbines. A community group opposed to the project will appear before the regulatory board May 30 and June 3 in New Ross.

Weekend Emergency Department Closure At Lunenburg Hospital

The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed this weekend. A staff shortage is forcing the department to be closed starting at 2:30 Saturday afternoon until 7:30 Sunday morning. 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.

Crown Will Present Evidence In Teen Confinement Case

The preliminary hearing involving a man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy in Lunenburg County begins Monday in Bridgewater. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to an incident last year in Upper Chelsea where a 16 year-old boy claimed he was held captive and sexually abused for about a week. The hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. In January, defence lawyer Mike Taylor told reporters the case could be complicated by the fact former co-accused Wayne Cunningham is dead. However, he's confident a one-day hearing will be enough to deal with the matter.  Taylor said his client wants to be tried in supreme court before a judge and jury. A police investigation began last September after a woman told police a barefoot boy, with chains around his wrists showed up at her door asking for help.

New Brunswick Company To Replace Police Recording System

A New Brunswick company has been chosen to supply Bridgewater Police with a replacement radio and telephone call recording system. Captura Communications Inc. was chosen from five groups who submitted their bids in a request for proposals. Mayor David Walker says the group had the lowest bid at almost $13,000.



Walker says it's an important piece of equipment that records calls and needs to be replaced.

MLA Conrad Not Re-Offering In Queens

The MLA for Queens has confirmed she will not run in the next provincial election. Vicki Conrad decided to break the news today after telling this radio station late last month that she was 90 per cent sure of the decision. She says she's feeling relieved after thinking about her options for the last year.



Conrad says it's time for a new chapter in her life, focusing on family and their local business. She was elected as MLA for Queens during the 2006 election as both the first woman and first NDP member for the constituency in 53 years. Conrad will continue to serve the people of Queens until the next provincial election. Meanwhile, Premier Darrell Dexter issued a statement today saying Conrad "has proven herself to be a strong voice for the people of Queens and her passion will be missed."

Mooseheads Advance, Remain Playoff Perfect

The Halifax Mooseheads have advanced to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's championship final. Last night the Moose scored early and often in a 9-6 romp over the hometown Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and a sweep of their best of seven semi final series. Nathan MacKinnon and Marty Frk led the Herd with two goals and two assists each. The Mooseheads remain perfect in the post season with twelve straight wins. 

Lunenburg Supports Dog Park, But Changes Needed

The town of Lunenburg is in support of a request for a dog park in the community, but it's going to take some time to get it established. The town's dog park society has considerable interest in land on Starr Street, but that current space is zoned industrial and isn't permitted. Councillor Peter Zwicker says council has moved to make the necessary changes.



Zwicker says it's part of the process after a site has been identified. He expects it to take roughly four months to go through public information sessions and hearings before it comes back to council for approval.

Queens County B&E's Investigated By RCMP

Two break and enter incidents in Queens County have the RCMP searching for suspects. They occurred between April 10th and 22nd. In the first case, a thief, or thieves, broke into storage facilities on the Airport Road in Middlefield and caused significant damage to a storage trailer. In the second incident, a green and orange Shriner's gas-powered parade car was stolen from another storage unit at the same location. Queen County RCMP are asking anyone who might have information on these two incidents to contact them at  902-354-5721 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS.

Former Mustang Named Finalist For CJHL Rookie Of The Year

A former South Shore Mustang forward has been named a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year award. Seventeen-year-old Morgan Messenger, now with the Yarmouth Mariners, is one of 10 players from across the country to be nominated. The Barrington native was the MHL's rookie of the year. He was was an offensive threat for the Mariners and although he missed several games due to injuries, he finished with 34 points in 36 games. Messenger was also chosen to play in the CJHL Prospects Games last November in Yarmouth. The first-ever recipient of the award will be announced during the week of May 6-10.

Town To Seek MODL Interest In Major Events Committee

The mayor of Bridgewater says a meeting to look at setting up a major events committee for the area was informative and helpful. David Walker says over a dozen people were at the meeting to learn more about the potential committee and its role. He says the manager of Events Nova Scotia provided a good overview of the group and how they can help local communities. Walker says the next steps will be to contact the Municipality of Lunenburg to determine their interest.



He says they still have work to do to determine accommodations and venues, and develop a term of reference for the committee. Walker expects another meeting will be held in the next few weeks.

White Point To Host Atlantic Premiers

A gathering of the four Atlantic premiers will take place this coming Monday on the South Shore. White Point Resort near Liverpool will host the 22nd session of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. Premiers Dexter, Alward, Ghiz and Dunderdale will gather at White Point for the sessions. They will discuss key areas for collaboration, such as growing the regional economy, training and job creation. The day gets underway at 8:30 Monday morning.

Chester: Council Looks To Clear Way For Health Centre

Chester council will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss a zoning issue for the "Our Health Centre" project. Councillors will look at changing some wording in their policies to allow for the construction of the $6 million dollar facility in Shoreham Village. The move will help clear the way for the area's proposed medical centre. They will also need to amend their zoning bylaw. The community group behind the project is in the midst of a major fundraising initiative to help pay for the facility. The medical centre would feature enough space for six doctors offices, examining rooms and blood collection. It's hopes the doors to the facility will be open sometime next year. Tonight's meeting is at 6 o'clock at the municipal office in Chester.

Town, Cafe Group To Try And Negotiate Library Space Lease

A member of Cafe 12 says the group is excited to move ahead with the town to discuss the future space of the current library building in Bridgewater. Council voted 4-3 in favour of opening negotiations for the property at 547 King Street. Two councillors along with the town's CAO will now meet with the group members to see if the two sides can reach common ground on a lease agreement. Cafe 12 team member Rachel Edmonds says they want to remain open with the town.



The two sides are expected to meet a few times over the next few weeks. More information is expected to come to council by the end of May. Meanwhile, the president of the other group hoping to access the future library space says he's okay with the decision made by council. However, John Swain of Swain and Associates says he hopes the town doesn't give special amenities to the non-profit group.



Swain says they hope to find another available space in the near future. The building could still be sold on the market if the town and Cafe 12 can't reach common ground on a lease agreement.

Meeting To Discuss Major Events Committee

A meeting to gather interest in a major events committee for Bridgewater will be discussed Wednesday night. Councillors are expected to join community leaders in business, sports and accommodation to talk about the potential benefits of creating the committee. The manager of Events Nova Scotia will also be at the meeting to share his ideas and information about the organization. Mayor David Walker says the potential committee could do more than attract major events to the area.



The meeting starts at 6pm at town hall.

Osprey Ridge Ready To Open

The lone golf course in Bridgewater is opening its doors to members only. Osprey Ridge will open for the year on Thursday. Director of Golf and Head Pro, Jared Lohnes, says the course is in great shape early in the season. The course is expected to open to non-members and green-feers on Friday.

Board's Transportation Department Completes South Queens Route Review

The South Shore Regional School Board's transportation department has completed a full route review of the South Queens busing system in anticipation of the new middle school opening this fall. Among the changes, Milton students will attend Dr. John C. Wickwire, all grade six students will attend South Queens Middle School and all grade nines will go to Liverpool High. The department says the changes will be implemented in September for the 2013-14 school year, to make the transition as smooth as possible. Students who use the bus will be given information from their home room teachers. A full overview of the changes are listed below:

• Milton students will attend Dr. John C. Wickwire
• All grade 6 students will now attend South Queens Middle School
• All grade 9 Students will now attend Liverpool Regional High School
• Dr. John C. Wickwire will now have a bell time of 8:45am to 2:45pm
• Some bus stops have been combined to ensure our bus routes comply with motor carrier regulations and School Board policies. (If this affects your family, you will be contacted directly)
• Roads have been removed from service if a student residing on a particular road does not live at least 800m from the main road travelled. (If this affects your family, you will be contacted directly)
• All P-5 Students within this catchment area will be bused
• Walking distance for Grade 6 to 12 students will remain the same.

Mounties Investigate Break-Ins In Lunenburg County

RCMP say they are following leads after a rash of break-ins around Lunenburg County. Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says officers have been investigating at least ten incidents around the areas of Baker Settlement, Newcombville, Chelsea and West Clifford. However, Hill says police are also working to dismiss some social media rumours regarding a break in earlier this week in Laconia.



Hill says the break ins over the past two weeks are connected. He's asking residents of the area to be vigilant and make sure they lock their doors to their homes and vehicles.

UPDATED: Phone Service Restored At Regional Hospital

The landline system at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater is back up after it was down for repairs. The service was not available for roughly two hours last night. Both reception and inpatient lines are operating normally.