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.

Audio: Prince Charles' Full Speech In Halifax

Just click on the file below and hear the full speech given to hundreds gathered in downtown Halifax on Victoria Day to welcome the Royal couple.

Prince Charles: "Fond Memories Of Canada"

It was a royal "Welcome to Nova Scotia". Princes Charles and his wife Camilla were given a warm welcome earlier today in downtown Halifax during a 40 minute event filled with music, cheers and warm wishes from dignitaries. The Prince of Wales also gave his first speech on the tour of metro. He spoke fondly over the warm greeting received in Nova Scotia and paid tribute to the very first Royal visit to Canada in 1939 when Queen Elizabeth spoke in Halifax.



Meanwhile, Charles also spoke of his many fond memories of Canada, including an unexpected stop 42 years ago when his ship had to stop in Halifax as part of the Royal Navy.



The royal couple arrived in Halifax on Sunday evening. They were welcomed by several dignitaries at the Halifax airport - including Justice Minister Peter MacKay, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. The tour continues today with stops in Pictou County and PEI.

Milford Lodge Fire Cause Not Known

The cause of a fire which completely destroyed the historic Milford House Lodge in Nova Scotia is under investigation. The lodge near Annapolis Royal went up in flames around 4am on Sunday morning. Dozens of crews were called to battle the fire and cabins near the lodge were packed with visitors for the long weekend. No injuries were reported. The Milford Lodge is located between Annapolis Royal and Kejimkujik National Park. In 2000, a fire destroyed the main lodge but it was rebuilt. The fire marshal's office is looking into what sparked the blaze.

Royal Tour: Public Events Planned For Halifax

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Canada. A special event is planned for today at the Halifax Public Gardens.



Below is a video of the motorcade carrying Prince Charles and his wife Camilla as they head off to a private function hosted by Govenor General David Johnston in Halifax.

Royal Tour: Prince Charles & Wife Camilla Arrive In Halifax

They rolled out the red carpet as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla touched down in Nova Scotia. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Halifax shortly after 6:30pm last night for the start of a four day visit to Canada. Public events will take place throughout Monday in Halifax. An official "Welcome" ceremony will be held in the city to start the day. Prince Charles will also plant a tree in Halifax Public Gardens. It will be rooted right next to a tree planted by his grandfather in 1939. That's when King George VI planted a tree to mark the Royal families first visit to Canada. Later in the day, Prince Charles and Camilla will be presented with three coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint commemorating the 75th anniversary of the first visit by the Royal family to Canada. They will spend a portion of the day in Pictou County then move on to Prince Edward Island and finish their tour in Manitoba on Wednesday.(Photo: Justice Minister Peter MacKay, Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and Premier Stephen McNeil await arrival of members of the Royal family).

Here's CKBW/HANK FM's Steve MacArthur on the arrival on Prince Charles and Camilla

Award Created For Best Wines

The best in Nova Scotia wines will be recognized by the lieutenant governor's office. Wineries are being encourage to submit their very best wines to be considered for a new award. The award is called the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Nova Scotia Wines. An independent panel of experts will select three to five wines as the best in the province. The winner will be picked through a blind selection. Winning wines will be announced in July and recognized at Government House in a special ceremony.

No Injuries After Major Fire At Milford Lodge

There has been a major fire in Annapolis County which has completely destroyed the historic Milford House Lodge. Roughly 75 firefighters responded early this morning. More than 20 cabins near the lodge had been rented out for the long weekend but there are no reported injuries. There had been a fire at Milford Lodge back in 2000 but it was then rebuilt.

Committee Appointed To Develop Dementia Strategy

Several health professionals and a family caregiver are among a large committee tasked with developing Nova Scotia's first strategy for people with dementia. The province has appointed 17 members to be part of the group. The executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, Lloyd Brown and Ruby Knowles, executive director of Continuing Care at the Department of Health and Wellness are the committee co-chairs. The dementia strategy initiative was first announced in January. It aims to improve access to services, provide support for caregivers, and ensure people affected by dementia can remain independent for as long as possible. The strategy will be delivered to the minister next spring.

Royal Tour: Prince Charles Makes First Halifax Stop In 30 years

It will mark his first visit to Halifax since 1983. Steve MacArthur is covering the Royal Tour.

The following streets near Grand Parade will be closed from 7 a.m. until noon, Monday, May 19:

-- Barrington and Argyle, between Duke and Prince streets

-- Carmichael, from Grafton to Argyle streets

-- George, from Granville to Barrington streets.

Itinerary for event at Grand Parade:

The official party and The Prince of Wales will give remarks, then the couple will lay a wreath at the cenotaph and sign guest books before a walkabout. This will be the only time His Royal Highness will give remarks during his stay in the province.

The Royal Couple will tour the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre, which will be open to military families only. They will meet with groups that provide support to military families, participate in a Victoria Day Military Family Festival, watch a youth ball hockey game, and take part in a coin presentation and plaque unveiling.

Tour of Public Gardens:

The Prince of Wales will tour the Public Gardens at 12:30 p.m., where he will learn about the history of the gardens and its role in the city, and the restoration of the Jubilee Fountain. He will attend a bandstand concert, and meet members of the Dahlia Society and other groups. His Royal Highness will plant a tree beside an oak tree planted by His Royal Highness's grandfather King George VI in 1939. A set of coins honouring the 75th anniversary of the 1939 Royal Tour will be presented to His Royal Highness by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Tour of Northbrook Community Centre:

The Duchess of Cornwall will tour Northbrook Community Centre at 12:35 p.m., where she will have a private meeting with a family who has benefited from Alice Housing programs and tour the centre. Her Royal Highness will proceed outside to a community barbecue and do a walkabout during Family Fun Day celebrations.

Tour of Halifax Seaport Farmers Market:

A visit to the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 will be the last stop of the day in Halifax. The Prince of Wales will tour the market at 1:15 p.m. and will meet with vendors, a youth farmer and young entrepreneurs. He will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for performances by local musical artists, and meet with urban farming groups, including Hope Blooms, before proceeding to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 to join in a tea with war brides and Second World War veterans.

Shelburne: ER Closures At Roseway Hospital

Some local residents could be forced to go to a different hospital over the Victoria Day long weekend. The emergency department at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne will be closed beginning at 7pm on Saturday. Emergency services will be available beginning at 8am Sunday morning. Meanwhile, a doctor will be available on Monday. The closure was caused by unexpected unavailability of a physician. Shelburne area residents requiring emergency services should visit the nearest open emergency department or collaborative health centre. The public is reminded to dial 911 in the case of a health emergency or 811 to speak to a registered nurse.