Generous Enough

2009-05-08 06:23:36

A May 20th public meeting on the Queens Place recreational facility has been cancelled because of a lack of "information gaps".  One of those according to the Region's Rec department is a shortfall in funding. The group says the five-million dollars from the province doesn't quite come up to one third of the cost.  They were also hoping for additional money to develop the land around the construction site.  Premier Rodney MacDonald says his government has already given what it can to the project.  The group says a public meeting on Queens Place will be held, but not until they have all of the information they need to provide to residents of Queens.

Leaders Tour

2009-05-07 09:33:24

NDP Leader Darrell Dexter hits the south shore area to campaign with local candidates today.  Dexter will be doing some mainstreeting at the Bridgewater Mall Plaza with Lunenburg West candidate Gary Ramey at noontime. At 2 o'clock this afternoon the Provincial New Democrat leader will tour Composites Atlantic in Lunenburg with Pam Birdsall who's running for the NDP in the Lunenburg riding. Later in the afternoon Dexter will join  candidate Denise Peterson Rafuse for a meet and greet at the NDP Campaign Headquarters for Chester-St. Margaret's at 4171 Highway 3 in Chester.  Dexter will also pay a visit to Shoreham Village.

After an intense day of Campaigning on the south shore including an appearance at the Lunenburg nomination meeting, Premier MacDonald is in Pictou county today. Peter Zwicker was elected as the Conservative's candidate for the Lunenburg riding last night.

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil will be in the valley campaigning today.

 

Queens Place stall

2009-05-07 09:31:59

 

A public meeting for Queens Place scheduled for later this month is being postponed because of outstanding issues including funding.   A news release from Recreation says the purpose of the meeting was to present the Schematic Design for the recreation facility as well as provide specific information about capital and operating costs.   But they point to "information gaps" that need to be resolved before a public meeting.  Those include a need for completed site development costs and more federal and provincial money.  They say the seven million from the Federal Government was 1.8 million less than what they asked for. And the five-million from the province was less than the one-third project funding in many other communities.  The Region has asked for a top up but says that hasn't materialized yet. They also say the election campaign underway will likely impact a request for funding to help defray the costs of developing commercial land next to Queens Place.  They add the combination of these three critical areas impact on the Region's capacity to provide the best information possible to the public. Once full information is available, they say the meeting will be rescheduled.

Home Invasion

2009-05-07 06:26:05

Charges have now been laid against two people allegedly involved in a home invasion on Pleasant Street early yesterday afternoon. Twenty-three year old Matthew Kevin Glavine and 18 year old Shaun Tyler Greek are facing charges of  break and enter into a dwelling and committing an indictable of aggravated assault.  Breach charges as well as a charge of trafficking in crack cocaine are also alleged. Arrest warrants for the pair have been issued.  Meantime, An individual who was initially arrested by police yesterday has been released without charge.  This incident, is still under investigation.   Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of GLAVINE and GREEK to contact  Bridgewater Police, 543-2464 or CRIMESTOPPERS

Home Invasion

2009-05-07 06:26:05

Charges have now been laid against two people involved in a home invasion on Pleasant Street early yesterday afternoon. Twenty-three year old Matthew Kevin Glavine and 18 year old Shaun Tyler Greek are facing charges of  break and enter into a dwelling and committing an indictable of aggravated assault.  Breach charges as well as a charge of trafficking in crack cocaine are also alleged. Arrest warrants for the pair have been issued.  Meantime, An individual who was initially arrested by police yesterday has been released without charge.  This incident, is still under investigation.   Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of GLAVINE and GREEK to contact  Bridgewater Police, 543-2464 or CRIMESTOPPERS

Inspection Changes changed

2009-05-07 06:24:03

 A bit of a reprieve for tuners and off-roaders.  Government officials say concerns from vehicle owners and the motor vehicle industry have prompted an in-depth review of the processes for inspecting modified vehicles.     A recent clarification to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual explicitly states testers are required to fail a vehicle that has been raised or lowered, unless the alteration had been previously approved by an engineer.  And that would have required taking the vehicle to New Brunswick to be certified.  The clarification has raised a number of issues, which the review will address. The review will take up to one year to complete and will result in recommendations for the appropriate next steps.   In the meantime, testers will continue to follow the same safety standards in place for all other vehicles.

Leader's Schedule

2009-05-06 06:05:20

With the provincial election campaign starting to rev up, the Conservatives are giving the south shore a lot of attention. Premier MacDonald spoke with CKBW news yesterday morning at seven o'clock, one of the first interviews of the day about the election.
Today, the Conservative leader is campaigning with Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. He's scheduled to be serving Big Macs with her for McHappy Day at McDonalds in Bridgewater.
Then this afternoon, it's off to Queens to start campaigning with Kerry Morash.  Party officials tell us he will be the only person seeking the PC nomination in Queens when their meeting is held next Monday.
And tonight, MacDonald will be in Mahone Bay for the nomination meeting to see if it will be Peter Zwicker or Ron Allen who will be vying for Michael Baker's former seat in Lunenburg.
Liberal Leader, Steven McNeil is campaigning in Metro.
And NDP leader Darrel Dexter is in the Truro and New Glasgow areas today.

Drug Arrests

2009-05-06 06:00:02

Two Pinehurst males facing  drug and weapons charges after a search warrant was executed at a Penny Road residence.  The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit with assistance from RCMP and Bridgewater Police executed the warrant May 1st.  A quantity of marijuana plants were seized as well as firearms that were unsafely stored in the residence.   A 59 year old male and an 18 year old male are facing charges of production of a marijuana and unsafe storage of firearms.  The accused are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on June 17th for election and plea.

Election Budget

2009-05-05 06:15:18

What started out as a budget document is now a plank in the Conservative's election platform.    Premier Rodney MacDonald will pay a visit to the province's lieutenant-governor this morning.    That's when he is expected to ask Mayann Francis for an election on June 9th.    MacDonald's minority Conservative government was defeated last evening after losing a vote to amend the Provincial Finance Act.    Both opposition parties had repeatedly said they would not support the bill.    The defeat means this year's budget would have a 260-million dollar deficit.    Expect the political rhetoric to have both the Premier and the opposition blaming each other for forcing us to the polls this summer.

The ballots aren't quite set yet for the five ridings on the south shore. There are two more nomination meetings to come, and both of them involve the Progressive Conservatives.

Community Services minister at dissolution, Judy Streatch is running again in Chester St. Margaret's.  The Liberals will have JoAnn Grant and Denise Peterson-Rafuse is running for the NDP.
In Lunenburg, Rick Welsford is on the ballot for the Liberals and Pam Birdsall for the NDP.  The Conservatives will be chosing between Ron Allen and Peter Zwicker at their nomination meeting tomorrow in Mahone Bay.
Lunenburg West has Natural Resources minister Carolyn Bollivar Getson for the PC's running against Mark Furey for the Liberals and Gary Ramey for the NDP.
In Queens, incumbant New Democrat Vicki Conrad is on the ballot against Wayne Henley of the Liberals and a Conservative candidate who will be chosen next Monday.
And in Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau will be working to hold the seat for the NDP while running against Eddie Nickerson of the Conservatives and Darian Huskilson of the Liberals.

Health money

2009-05-05 06:13:05

South Shore residents are going to be seeing an enhancement of service at the South Shore Regional Hospital. MLA  Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, on behalf of Health Minister Karen Casey, says a multi-million dollar  investment in South Shore Regional Hospital will enhance emergency room service and accommodate a satellite dialysis unit.  Funding was also announced for design work on Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The design work will enable the Queens project to move forward.  Christopher Clarke co-chair of the hospitals fundraising committee says they've been working towards the project for about 6 years. The 22 medical beds that were built in 1965 will be replaced with modern up to date facilities and there will be a new primary care centre meaning better medical delivery in Queens

Harbour Cash

2009-05-05 06:11:27

17 South Shore harbours will be receiving some money from the Federal Government.  South Shore- St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy says the funding will go towards harbour maintenance and dredging projects.  Bush Island, Fox Point, Indian Point, and Mill Cove are among the communities Keddy hopes will see a strengthened economy and new jobs in the commercial fishery as a result of the improvements.  The money is coming from Canada's Economic Action Plan. Nova Scotia will see about 40 million dollars of the 200 million the government set aside for similar projects across the country.

Chrysler Optimism

2009-05-05 06:09:32

A new month, a new agreement and a new sense of optimism at a Bridgewater area Chrysler dealership.  Co-owner Peter Saunders tells CKBW, it was a difficult few months with the uncertainty surrounding the Chrysler Corporation.  Saunders says the agreement with Fiat is an exciting development for the manufacturer.  Business as usual will continue, although Saunders says there may be some challenges with the supply of vehicles but overall he and his staff are relieved with the situation.

H1-N1 Update

2009-05-04 06:28:49

As of today (May 3rd) two new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus have been reported. To date, a total of 33 cases have been confirmed in Nova Scotia. Both new cases are related to the King's-Edgehill school
community.   Of the six confirmed cases announced Saturday (May 2nd) from outside the King's-Edgehill community, five are still under investigation and one is a teenage student in Baddeck. That student had recently visited King's-Edgehill.     Deputy chief medical officer of Health Dr. Maureen Baikie says public health officials are not surprised to see confirmed cases in other parts of the province but she remain confident in the vigor of the public health system.     Taking preventative action is the best way for Nova Scotians to protect themselves for H1N1 (human swine influenza) or seasonal influenza. That means washing your hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into your sleeves, staying away from public areas if you are sick and frequently cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters.

Furey Acclaimed

2009-05-04 06:23:49

The top mountie in the District has been selected as the Liberal candidate for the riding of Lunenburg West.  Mark Furey, a 29 year veteran of the RCMP was unopposed at a nominating meeting Friday night in Bridgewater.   Furey has served as adviser to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Justice, been involved in public education initiatives, and performed a tour of duty in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1995.  Liberal Party leader Stephen McNeil was on hand for Friday nights nomination meeting.  Along with Furey, the other candidates for the Liberal team on the South Shore include Rick Welsford, JoAnn Grant, Wayne Henley and Darian Huskilson.

 

River Recognized

2009-05-04 06:19:20

An historic south shore river used by Mi'kmaq travelers for centuries, is now protected by a designated wilderness area.     Shelburne River Wilderness Area in Queens County, is close to six thousand acres. Environment Minister David Morse says the province is living up to its commitment to protect lands purchased from Bowater Paper Company in 2007.            The wilderness area protects the old canoe route celebrated by the popular Tent Dwellers festival last year. The new wilderness area will protect most of the lower Shelburne River, about 40 kilometres of river frontage. Upper parts of the river are within the Tobeatic Wilderness Area.

MODL Taxes

2009-05-01 06:52:29

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is holding the line on its tax rates at 79 cents per $100 of assessment for residential and a $1.92 per 100 for commercial.  Mayor Don Downe says Council approved a good budget responsible to the needs of the municipality but which enables the municipality to move forward with the provision of services to the residents.  Highlights include a "Compassionate Tax Policy " to provide relief to low income property owners, a grant support staff position, investment in infrastructure at Osprey Village, promotion of active living and enhanced recreational opportunities, meeting environmental obligations and sustainability initiatives.

Peter Zwicker

2009-05-01 06:48:50

And now there are two.   The next candidate for the Progressive Conservatives in the riding of Lunenburg will have to win to get in.  Peter Zwicker is the second person to announce he is going after the nomination in the riding formerly held by Michael Baker.  Zwicker is a current Lunenburg town councilor, into his second term.  He says he believes there is no greater calling than to serve the people of the Lunenburg riding adding the chance to represent the community at a broader level is a challenge he's eager to embrace.  Earlier this week, retired Michelin supervisor Ron Allen announced he would be seeking the nomination.  The party will choose its representative at a nominating meeting in Mahone Bay May 6th.

Grow-Op

2009-05-01 06:47:46

An indoor marijuana grow-op has been seized from a Lunenburg county home and the couple living there are now facing charges.   Members of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant Wednesday night at a home on Bridgeview Drive in Gold River.  Police officers say they found an indoor growing system with 347 pot plants along with electrical equipment and fertilizers. They also seized several unsafely stored firearms.  Constable Jacques Rioux says a 38 year old man and a 32 year old woman are looking at cultivation and firearm charges. A court date has been set for June 17th for election and plea in Bridgewater Provincial Court.

Earth Day Totals

2009-05-01 06:38:40

Although the weather was against them again this year, organizers are pleased with the level of participation for this year’s Earth Day Challenge.  Totals this year rivalled peak numbers from the past according to Solid Waste Management.   Valda Walsh says many of the cleanups did not happen on the 22nd, but they happened nonetheless. And she says the amount of litter collected highlights the importance of this event.   More than 2,000 people in four counties rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter in their communities collecting more than 5,000 kilograms of litter.  Walsh calls it a banner year with more people registering than ever before adding it's an indication people understand litter is an issue that affects us all.  But she says with littering up 21 percent, people's attitudes toward litter have change but their behaviours have not.

Lobster Thief

2009-05-01 06:31:10

A Riverport fisherman has been fined $4,236 and will serve a 10 day suspension of his fishing licence beginning midnight May 21st. Tom Drake was scheduled to go to trial but changed his plea to guilty for having possession of stolen lobsters which were removed from someone else's traps. Drake was charged last May 30th under section 22 of the Fishery General Regulations. The Judge accepted a joint recommendation in imposing the fine and licence suspension.  As well, proceeds of the sale of  the lobsters seized, valued at $763.88 will be forfeited to the Crown.

Slipped Up

2009-04-30 06:13:35

A slip on the ice ended up hurting in more ways than one for a Bridgewater man in his 60's.  Paramedics were called to the scene of a man who was lying on a path after slipping on an icy surface.  John William Godfrey was taken to his apartment and helped inside.  However, police were called to assist in locating Godfrey's medication.  They spotted a plastic bag of cigarettes on top of a microwave and Godfrey was charged with having unstamped tobacco product.  He was fined 500 dollars for having 148 illegal cigarettes.

 

Murder Charges

2009-04-30 06:11:45

A Bridgewater court judge has approved a warrant allowing the extradition process to get underway for a man serving a life sentence for a murder in New York state.  Glen Race of Dartmouth faces two counts of first degree murder in connection with the death of two Nova Scotia men in May of 2007. Bridgewater Crown Prosecutor Paul Scovil says amending the charges and getting the warrant were the last steps in preparing the extradition documents for the Federal Department of Justice. Twenty-seven year old  Race is currently in prison after being convicted of the murder of Darcy Manor of Mooers, New York , May 10th, 2007.   He's charged in the deaths also in May of 2007  of Paul Michael Knott and Trevor Brewster.

Lunenburg Conservative

2009-04-30 06:10:26

A big week for a long-time Dayspring resident.   Ron Allen is now a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. And he is the first person to announce his candidacy for the riding of Lunenburg.  A 38 year resident of the community has retired after more than 36 years with Michelin.  Allen is an ironman competitor who believes in promoting awareness about physical activity.  He tells CKBW he's never run for office before and feels he can offer good representation for the people in the riding.  The Constituency Association will chose it's candidate at a meeting next Wednesday evening at seven o'clock at the Mahone Bay Firehall.  So far, Ron Allen is the only person to tell us he's interested in running for the Conservatives in Lunenburg, a seat held by the late Michael Baker for ten years.

United Winner

2009-04-29 10:30:23

Pictured from left. Clare Leblanc –Northcott (UW Canada), Mark Winfield (UW Lunenburg), Michael Graves (UW Lunenburg), Helen Himmelman (UW Lunenburg) 

A local Bridgewater businessman has won a national award from the United Way of Canada.. Mark Winfield, Chair of the  Board of United Way of Lunenburg County is the recipient of  the prestigious Chair's Award of Distinction.
The  award recognizes the critical role that volunteers play with their sustained dedication to their communities and the United Way Movement .  Since it's inception in 2003, the United Way of Lunenburg County has invested over 300,thousand dollars  in over 60 Lunenburg County based organizations and projects. Winfield says if every single working person in Lunenburg County invested 1 dollar per week they would have $1.1 million dollars each and every year to invest in programs that will make a measurable difference to Lunenburg County residents"

E-R Closure

2009-04-29 10:28:49

Another hospital E-R closure because of staffing shortages.  The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is closed today (April 29). The Health Authority says it's because of  the unavailability of staff to cover the shifts.  The department will be closed from 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 to 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30.  A spokesperson says the closure has nothing to do with the outbreak of swine flu in Nova Scotia.  Although South Shore Health says two staff within the district were sent home yesterday because they had been in close contact with King's-Edgehill students from Windsor.  Communications director Theresa Hawkesworth says those staff did not exhibit any signs of having contracted the virus and have in fact been allowed to return to work.  They are being watched in case they do develop symptoms.

Staying On

2009-04-29 09:21:05

He's into his 10th consecutive term at the helm of Lunenburg Town Council and that's where Laurence Mawhinney is staying put.  He has no plans to jump from municipal to provincial politics when the election writ is dropped, possibly this week. Mawhinney is one of Nova Scotia's longest-serving municipal leaders. He is into his 30th year as Mayor, a position he has held since 1979.  His name has been rumoured as a possible  Conservative candidate for the Lunenburg  riding  held by Michael Baker who died March 2 at the age of 52 after battling Cancer for nearly three years.

Lobster Trap

2009-04-29 06:15:03

The NDP's Fisheries Critic says the Conservatives are smothering lobster fishermen with red tape.  Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau says adding red tape will limit the fishermen's ability to sell directly to consumers and impede them from providing for their families.  Belliveau says he was approached by a number of fishermen last winter who wanted to sell their product directly to the public as it was the only way they could survive.  Belliveau says the announcement that  food permits will now be required show the Fisheries Minister and the Rodney MacDonald government have done nothing but show that they are turning their back on Nova Scotia lobster fishermen.

Cruiser Crash

2009-04-29 06:13:08

A Sergeant with Bridgewater police is recovering from minor injuries after a crash involving the police car he was driving.
Police say the accident happened last Friday afternoon.   The officer was responding to a complaint when the Dodge Charger and a Chevy pickup collided at the intersection of Aberdeen Road and LaHave street.  Both vehicles sustained serious damage.  The couple in the truck is from Upper LaHave. Neither of them was seriously hurt either.  Police say they are still investigating the accident.

Breastfeeding Support

2009-04-29 06:09:46

The Lunenburg & Queens Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee has a new community resource  available for businesses and organizations to create supportive environments for breastfeeding families.  Susie Wood, Co-chair of the  Committee unveiled the Action Support Binder, Make Breastfeeding Your Business at Bridgewater Town Council Monday night. Wood says support and education are key in creating a community that supports breastfeeding. Wood says it's an opportunity for Bridgewater to serve in a leadership role and act as a champion in creating supportive environments for other places of employment throughout the community in making breastfeeding the cultural norm in Bridgewater.

Mourning Day

2009-04-28 08:53:56

The South Shore Labour Council will hold a candlelight vigil this evening at the Kinsmen Hall, 1153 King Street to mark the 25th anniversary of the Day of Mourning.  A ceremony is being held at Province House to remember, pay tribute to and mourn for the 29 Nova Scotian workers who lost their lives in 2008, the highest number since the Westray disaster. 
Tonight's vigil in Bridgewater gets underway at 7 o'clock.

Car Show Cash

2009-04-28 08:51:53

Bridgewater Town Council has decided not to back an antique auto show projected to draw 10,000 visitors creating a projected economic spinoff of more than $600,000.  The Great Atlantic Antique Automotive Show requested $3,000 from Town Council to help market the two day show July 17th to the 19th at the MARC in Dayspring.  Mayor Carroll Publicover says Council voted 4 to 3 against referring the request to budget deliberations, partly because they needed an immediate answer, and the request came in late. The group is also approaching the councils of Mahone Bay and town of Lunenburg for support, and has already received considerable support from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

Queens Fire

2009-04-28 08:49:30

 

Queens RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire in Harmony Mills.  The fire in the early evening hours of Friday, April 24th, was in a salvage yard behind a ballfield.  The North Queens Volunteer Fire Fighters responded to the call and extinguished the fire which consisted of mostly crushed and junked vehicles.  The location of the fire posed a significant hazard for the firefighters while attending and putting out the blaze.
On another matter, the Mounties are investigating damage to a vehicle on the Molega Lake Road in Labelle. The owner of a truck reported that the wiring harness on the vehicle was pulled off the engine and left at the scene sometime between April 22nd and the 24th.  Anyone having information on either incident is asked to contact the Queens RCMP Detachment.  (354-5721)

Swine Flu Watch

2009-04-28 05:52:19

South Shore Health is monitoring the Swine Flu situation very closely and is in regular contact with the  Departments of Health Protection and Promotion and the Department of Health as well as  provincial counterparts.Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says locally they are following all recommended guidelines and protocols and are working with Health Promotion and Protection to enhance existing surveillance for respiratory illness in Nova Scotia.  They are also working to ensure that heath care professionals get the information they need to identify and manage suspected cases.  Hawkesworth says  they have had a number of calls from the public with questions and concerns. She says  if you've been to Mexico recently and have severe flu-like symptoms, you should isolate yourself and contact your family doctors or other health care professional. Make sure you mention your travel history.  People with general questions or concerns should contact Public Health in Bridgewater

Chester Liberals

2009-04-28 05:50:03

Jo-Ann Grant will be carrying the Liberal banner into the next provincial election in the riding of Chester-St. Margaret's.  Described as a women's advocate and community volunteer, Grant won the contested nomination at a meeting on Friday night at the East Chester Recreation Center.  Grant is a professional sales manager with a background in small business. She beat Lea Russell for the chance to run for the Liberals against Cabinet Minister Judy Streatch.  Grant is a member of the Canadian Women's Foundation and its Women Moving Women program. She is also a member of the Village of Chester Tourism and Development Association and previously sat on the board of the Queens County VON.  Liberal leader Stephen McNeil spoke at the nomination meeting.

Swine Flu

2009-04-27 06:15:51

 

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection, working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, has identified four cases of swine influenza in Windsor, Hants County.  Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, says there is no reason for the Windsor community or Nova Scotians to be overly concerned. He says the individuals affected have all experienced mild symptoms and are recovering. No one, at this point, has been hospitalized because of this illness. Dr. Strang says the province remains vigilant and is continuing surveillance across the province.  Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, says he has the utmost confidence in the ability of Nova Scotia's strong public health system and its highly skilled and caring  professional staff.  Anyone planning to travel to Mexico is advised to get a flu shot.  Prevention continues to be the best approach to prevent  illness. Nova Scotians are advised to wash their hands thoroughly and often, cough into their sleeves and stay away from the public if they are sick.

Canoe accident

2009-04-27 06:13:14

Police have identified Terry Lee Zwicker as the drowning victim of a canoe accident on a river in Queens county.  RCMP Const. Allan Nickerson says the 46 year old's floating body was found after a search of the Mersey River, near Dam No. 2.  Zwicker, from Queens county,  was declared deceased after being taken to Queens General Hospital on Friday evening.  Police say the other man in the boat managed to swim to shore and was unharmed.   RCMP say the men had been fishing and were not wearing life-jackets, although two were found in the canoe. Emergency Health Services received the call at 12:38 p.m. Friday that two men were in the water and sent two ambulances.

SPCA Funding

2009-04-27 06:11:08

The province has announced 100,000  dollars in funding to the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Minister of Agriculture Mark Parent, says the funding will support the S-P-C-A's work implementing the new Animal Protection Act, which will be proclaimed in the  coming months.  The new act shifts responsibility for farm animals from the SPCA to the Department of Agriculture. It will allow the SPCA to focus on the protection of non-farm animals.     The funding will allow the SPCA to focus on improving  investigations by providing operational funding and additional training.

New Station Granted

2009-04-24 14:03:20

Country music is coming back to the airwaves in Bridgewater. CKBW has received approval from the CRTC to operate a second radio station. Jim MacMullin, Vice-President of Acadia Broadcasting says the company is extremely pleased and excited about the successful application for a new country  music station for the south shore approved today.  MacMullin says  "in addition to the country music, Acadia's community involvement and local news coverage will only continue to get better because we'll be adding staff to the new station which we truly hope to have on the air by early 2010 at the latest."

RCMP Funding

2009-04-24 09:42:24

Two literacy programs in Shelburne county are getting a boost from the RCMP Foundation.  More than $570 is being given to the WOW Reading Challenge taking place in area elementary schools and for the Boys Night Out program at the Barrington Municipal Library.  Both programs are a partnership between regional library branches in Barrington and Clark's Harbour and the Barrington Detachment of the RCMP.  Detachment Commander Sergeant Bob Forbes believes strongly in the RCMP's active partnership with Western Counties Regional Library in the two youth literacy programs.  He says youth who get involved with these programs are less likely to run afoul of the law, are more likely to have a positive relationship with the police and may even be drawn to the RCMP as a career.  The RCMP Foundation was created in 1994 to support community initiatives in which local RCMP members are involved.

Early Risers

2009-04-24 06:12:50

Starting this September, the beginning of the new school year there will be a change in bus routes and bell times for the Chester area family of schools.  Board Chair Elliott Payzant says by and large the proposed changes  which have been in the works for years are widely supported .  Recommendations included changing daily beginning and ending bell times from 9:25 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:45 a.m.  and 2:40 p.m.   Bus runs in the morning and afternoon would also be reduced for a total of 8 fewer runs   Bus routes were also designed to be the  most direct routes possible  to reduce travel time for the students in the extremities of the Municipality.

Land Protection

2009-04-24 06:11:22

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is announcing the permanent protection of a very special piece of southwest Nova Scotia. The 62 acre conservation lands on Cameron Lake, Queens County, provide habitat for 2 nationally endangered species—Redroot and the Eastern Ribbonsnake.  The only surviving habitat in Canada for the Redroot plant is found on a few lakes in southwest Nova Scotia.  Most of these lakeshores face intensive cottage development. Nature Trust incoming president, Nil d’Entremont, commented, “The Nature Trust is delighted with this important conservation achievement, and the irreplaceable contribution it makes to protecting Canada’s biodiversity.” The land acquisition was supported with funding from Nova Scotia’s Crown Share Land Legacy Trust Fund, Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program, Aveda and many other community supporters and Nature Trust members.

Pre-Budget Breakfast

2009-04-23 11:13:55

It's a chance to hear more about what could be the budget that launches us into the next Provincial Election.  Finance Minister Jamie Muir will deliver the third in a series of pre-budget addresses across the province tomorrow on the south shore.  Muir will be speaking to the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce tomorrow morning as part of a breakfast meeting.  The event is being held at the Days Inn on North Street.  Opposition parties have been critical of the MacDonald government's piecemeal release of financial details over the past month. They want to see the budget document introduced and debated in the Legislature, not in the public through the media.  Either the Liberals or New Democrats will have to support the budget to keep the minority government from falling to a non-confidence vote.

Wild Ride

2009-04-23 09:54:23

It was a police dog that finally netted an alleged drunk driver who smashed into three cars and a building in Bridgewater.  Police say they got a call about a hit and run around nine last night. A vehicle was struck on LaHave street. They say a grey-coloured Cavalier that was involved drove off when an off-duty RCMP officer approached.  The constable followed in his personal vehicle.  Police say the Cavalier was involved in another accident, hitting a Honda Accord on Aberdeen Road.  The car kept on going, heading south on Hirtle Drive and eventually hitting a house on Hollingsworth Drive and damaging a parked car in the lot of Eastside Manor Rest Home.  The Cavalier went off the road on Stretch Drive and the driver jumped out and ran off.  A police services dog was brought in and tracked the suspect to his home where he was arrested. He had to be taken to South Shore Regional Hospital for treatment of minor injuries police say were not the result of his arrest.  The man is facing charges of drunk driving, leaving the scene of an accident, damage to property and dangerous operation of a vehicle.  He has a court date set for June 24th in Bridgewater.  And Bridgewater police are asking to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of the string of events that happened last night.

Brothers Sentenced

2009-04-23 06:16:20

Two Chester brothers caught in a drug bust by the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit have been sentenced in Bridgewater Provincial Court. The search of a Commons Road residence last October netted almost 15 pounds of processed marijuana.  Forty-one year old Paul Onald Graves pleaded guilty to charges of producing marijuana and processing marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. He was placed on a 12 month conditional sentence, the first 6 months to be served on house arrest. That will be followed by a year on probation.  Graves was also ordered to undergo substance abuse counseling, submit a DNA sample, is prohibited from having firearms for 10 years and is restricted to having only one person in his residence at any given time except for family members.   His younger brother, 33 year old David Scott Graves pleaded guilty to an included offence of simple possession while the Crown withdrew a charge of production.  Police seized 6,878 grams of marijuana during the search last October 15th. 

South Queens High

2009-04-23 06:14:52

It was listed as a top priority on the capital projects list by the South Shore Regional School Board, but the province nixed a new school to replace the South Queens Junior High.  Board Chair Elliott Payzant says members are quite disappointed in the province's allocation of funding for school projects.  The Board approved a motion to request a meeting with Education Minister Judy Streatch to express their disappointment  and concerns and determine the future direction.

Art Exhibit

2009-04-23 06:13:57

Students from African Canadian Studies at Bridgewater Junior Senior/High School are hosting a freedom quilt art exhibition today (April 22th) as part of provincial Education Week.   The class will display paper replicas of freedom quilts they designed with help from local artist Rebecca Fisk.    Fisk says the students are discovering their artistic potential. She says they're mixing textures and colours and  coming up with beautiful designs.        Bridgewater Junior/Senior High received an ArtSmarts grant, through the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and funded by the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

AIMS Report Card

2009-04-22 06:45:58

South Shore schools are faring well in a report that grades educational facilities and academic achievement in the Maritimes.  The AIMS report card was released yesterday and the high school in Barrington Passage was third overall on the list for Nova Scotia Schools.  The think-tank gave a grade of A-minus for Barrington Municipal High School. 
Coming in 24th with a B-minus is Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater.  And with the same grade are number 26 Shelburne Regional High School and number 27 Bridgewater Junior-Senior High.  Liverpool Regional High School ranked 46th and Forest Heights Community School was 50th, both with a c-plus grade.  Eighteen other schools are unranked on this year's list.  AIMS says the fundamental belief that schools could get better, over time, that led to the launch of the first AIMS Annual Report Card on Atlantic Canadian High Schools in 2003. Visit http://www.aims.ca for the complete report.

Crab Charges

2009-04-22 06:11:33

Fishery officers from Liverpool have charged a Lunenburg county fisherman for an incident last Friday.  The man is from Dublin Shore.  He was arrested for possession female crabs while fishing for lobster.  A court date is set for June 10th in Bridgewater.

Foreign Fear

2009-04-22 06:10:02

The Region of Queen's isn't buying into the Buy Back Nova Scotia coalitions' concern over the Irving's private sale of 170 thousand acres.  The lands are located in Annapolis, Digby and Yarmouth counties.  Mayor John Leefe says the paranoia associated with possible foreign ownership is unfounded. He calls it a typically Canadian condition. And Mayor Leefe says what better way to extract a  high price than to create a public demand for the government to belly up to the bar and buy the lands. Leefe says it was only around 15 years ago that the Irvings purchased most of the land now for sale, from Bowater/Mersey for 34 million dollars.

R-o-Queens Budget

2009-04-21 06:01:04

It's a status quo budget for the Region of Queens Municipality as far as tax rates.. Mayor John Leefe says Council was able to hold the line on residental rates at 88 cents per 100 dollars of assessemnt for Districts 1 to 12.  Tax rates for Liverpool also remain unchanged at $1.85 per $100 of assessment.  Commercial rates are going up in all districts by 8 cents due to the phase out of the Business Occupancy Assessment.  Leefe says the greatest challenge for the Region will come into play next year with the loss of 1.6 million in revenue from the Nova Scotia Power  Corporation grant.   Leefe says the implementation won't take effect till the next fiscal year, April 1st, 2010. A number of other municipal units will also be affected by the province wide re-evaluation of Nova Scotia Power properties.

Car Thieves

2009-04-21 05:59:23

RCMP say they've arrested several teenagers who they accuse of stealing cars in Shelburne county recently.  Early on April 10th, someone took a vehicle from King Street in Shelburne, ditching it in Lockeport. A mini-van was then stolen from Cliff street and was driven and dumped back in Shelburne.  Police say early last Saturday morning, someone trying to steal a vehicle from Brewhouse Lane was scared off by the owner. Over the next few hours, other vehicles were entered on Woodlawn Drive and ransacked.  They were able to get another vehicle started and took off.  An RCMP officer on patrol tried to stop a vehicle on Water Street for a minor violation. That's when the vehicle sped off on Highway 103 towards Liverpool.  Police, citing safety issues didn't follow.  Investigators say the joint work between Shelburne, Queens and the Forensic lab in Yarmouth helped them get the stolen vehicle back and identified several of the people involved.  But they say because they are being charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, none of them can be identified. 

Assaulter Jailed

2009-04-21 05:58:20

A 30-year old Barrington Passage man has been taken back to jail for violating the conditions of his parole.  Sergeant Bob Forbes says a woman called 9-1-1 around 5:30 Sunday morning.  She had left their home after allegedly being assaulted by her common-law husband.  Police arrested the man charging him with Assault and Possession of a Controlled substance.  He will be taken back to Provincial Court in Barrington for an appearance on May 21st.

Bowater Back

2009-04-20 09:11:28

Employees at Bowater Mersey Paper Company are heading back to work on today following a five-week shutdown.  So far though, Union officials aren't commenting until they get more information about what's happening with the Queens county plant.  Today is the end of the plant's second five-week shut down in the past five months.  The parent company, AbibitBowater Inc. is seeking bankruptcy protection in the United States and Canada.  A 51/49-percent partnership with the Washington Post exempts the Brooklyn property from bankruptcy proceedings.  Union leaders have told CBC they have no idea whether the separation from the current action will benefit the local mill in the long term. A shutdown at the mill would affect more than 500 jobs in the region.

Joining Forces

2009-04-20 05:45:09

The Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce recently made presentations before two councils seeking input of their budgets.  Chamber President Craig Collins told both the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and Town of Bridgewater having cohesive municipal units will result in creating an attractive business environment for the current business base and a competitive advantage to luring new business to the region. Sandra Richards, Chair of the Chamber's Advocacy Committee says there are concerns about rising commercial rate assessment trends, and on the day to day issues, there are concerns about the rising cost of fees in respect to services provided.

Municipal Budget

2009-04-20 05:44:12

No  hints at what's to come in the budget for the Municipality of Lunenburg, but Mayor Don Downe says it's going to be a challenge. Downe says the Municipality has a new working committee, the Budget/Finance Committe that has been working very hard in conjunction with staff.  Downe wouldn't speculate on whether it will be a status-quo budget that will be able to hold the line on tax rates.

Georges Moratorium

2009-04-17 12:11:51

Shelburne's MLA is urging the MacDonald government to commit to an extension of a ban on drilling on Georges Bank.
Sterling Belliveau accuses the Conservatives of ignoring the opinion and advice of the fishing industry in South West Nova.  He says no one in government will stand up on behalf of the industry and the thousands of jobs it provides.  Belliveau says the reaction to potential drilling on Georges Bank is something coastal communities don't want.   This week, Energy Minister Barry Barnet again raised the issues of ending the Georges Bank moratorium during a speech in Halifax. The moratorium expires on December 31, 2012.  Belliveau says people deserve an independent review of the moratorium and the potential risks of it not being in place.

Furey Runs

2009-04-17 05:43:49

He's spent 29 years serving the community with the RCMP. Thursday night, Mark Furey is heading down a different road as he enters politics. The Staff Sergeant with the Lunenburg County detachment is being acclaimed as the Liberal Candidate for Lunenburg West. Furey tells CKBW he wants to offer something different than what voters have come to expect from politicians.  Furey will be running against Gary Ramey of the NDP and Carolyn Bollivar Getson who is holding her nomination meeting the same night.

Queens Place Cash

2009-04-17 05:42:25

The Federal Government has come through with funding for the proposed Queens Place Recreation and Community Centre.  South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy made the announcement in Liverpool Thursday morning.        Councillor Doug Adams who chairs the Queens Place Recreation Committee says the 7 million dollars  towards the project is a great step forward. Mayor John Leefe says Council is working towards obtaining other funding as well.  The 26 million dollar project will include a fitness centre, aquatic centre, fitness studios, community rooms, a walking track and an NHL sized arena with seating for 900.

Fire Help

2009-04-17 05:41:23

Community members are working at helping a young couple from Queens county who lost everything in a fire.  Firefighters will be setting up to accept donations of clothing and other items at the North Queens station.  And a bank account is being opened to accept money for the young family from Pleasant River.  The house was owned by Angela and Christopher Cherry, who bought it in October 2006. They lived there with their five-year-old daughter.  Both parents were working in Bridgewater when the fire broke out Wednesday morning, and their pre-schooler was in daycare.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The provincial Fire Marshal was on the scene today.

Pleasant River Fire

2009-04-15 12:08:59

A young family of three is staying with family after a fire destroyed their home in Pleasant River.  The North Queens Fire Association called on mutual aid from Liverpool and Hemford and Annapolis Royal stood by.  Highway 208 was blocked off to traffic for several hours Wednesday.  The two-story dwelling was fully engulfed in flames  when members arrived on scene. There were no injuries as both parents were at working at the time and their pre-schooler was in daycare. The cause of the fire, which was reported around 10:30 yesterday morning, is under investigation.  The home was insured. Canadian Red Cross volunteers will be assisting with emergency food, replacement clothing and personal-care items. Pleasant River is about  30 kilometres west of Bridgewater.

Academy Plans

2009-04-15 06:10:44

The Town of Lunenburg is getting a new Primary to Grade 9 school. The location, yet to be determined will replace the Lunenburg Academy, the town's  junior high school, Centre Consolidated and Riverport and District Elementary.  Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the Academy, almost a sacred property in the Town  will operate in some capacity or other. Mawhinney says the Academy is too valuable a property to lose. Mayor Mawhinney says the Lunenburg Academy Foundation was formed in 1981 with the intent that when the Academy was no longer required as a school it could be used for other purposes.

Queens Denied

2009-04-15 06:08:46

Good news for the Town of Lunenburg..not so good for Liverpool. Premier Rodney Macdonald and Education Minister Judy Streatch announced nearly 32 million in new construction and renovations for schools in Lunenburg and Queens counties yesterday.  Toping the list is a new P-9 school for the Lunenburg, Centre and Riverport area at a cost of 21.5 million.  South Shore Regional School Board Chair Elliott Payzant was disappointed that the other  top priority for the region, a new middle school for South Queens, was not approved as requested.  The Board and the community have worked for several years for a much needed renovation to South Queens Junior High School.  Now, that building has deteriorated to the point that a renovation is not sufficient; a replacement facility is required,  The new capital list released yesterday topped up the original allocation for the delayed renovation with an additional 2.7 million providing a total of 8 million for an addition to the Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy.

New Schools

2009-04-14 10:35:59

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Education Minister Judy Streatch announced a three-hundred-and-seven million-dollar school construction-and-renovation program today.  Eight leading-edge schools will be built and forty-one others renovated under the program, part of the province's Building For Growth economic stimulus plan.  Premier MacDonald says the projects will give the province even more world-class schools to help prepare the leaders of  tomorrow and leave a lasting legacy for Nova Scotians.    The new schools include a P-9 in Lunenburg that will be open by 2011.   Renovations were announced including a 2-million dollar project at Bridgewater Elementary, 250-thousand for New Ross Consolidated and 2-million in upgrades at Park View Education Centre. Clark's Harbour in the Tri-County will see 3.48 million in renovation work.

 

Business Award

2009-04-14 10:26:25

A Shelburne county business owner is one of this year's nominees for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2009.  The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network will hand out the honour at a ceremony later this month (April 20th) in Halifax.  Terry Stewart of Terry's Accounting/Tax Centre, Shelburne County is nominated this year. He's competing against the owners of Sew Sweet in Canning; In Good Hands Massage Therapy; In-Thread-Able Design; Marshall Marks Cards and Creations and Perrier’s Concrete Homes all of H-R-M.  In its 11th year, the annual Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates entrepreneurs with disabilities who have demonstrated business growth, innovation, passion and persistence.   EDN's 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year award recipient was Cedric Robicheau of Meteghan, who founded the multi-million dollar venture, BMC Seafoods.

Karissa remembered

2009-04-13 10:33:54

For some in the Bridgewater area, it is a memorial to a young life taken too soon.  And for some of her family, it's a painful reminder of how Karissa Boudreau's life ended.  In the days after her body was found on the outskirts of Bridgewater, the site became a place where people left teddy bears, poems and notes of compassion.  Volunteers have been keeping the site clean and there have been other tributes and memorials to the young murdered girl on the spot since last year.  A family member has posted a note on a Facebook site that says all of the items have been removed according to the wishes of the family.  Tracy Crouse writes they "don't want to forget the public's help through the tragedy their family has endured" adding they appreciate the "kind words thoughts and prayers, donations to the animal shelter and for everyone's time keeping the site clean and beautiful".   Crouse goes on to say the family has a different outlook on what that site means and if people want to plant a flower or two in memory of Karissa that would be appreciated.  But they say they want to remember her for the good things she had done and represents, not how she died or where she was found.   Karissa was murdered by her mother who later claimed she had run off in a snowstorm last year. Her body was found over the bank along the LaHave River just outside of Bridgewater.

Senator Duffy

2009-04-13 05:43:40

A former political commentator turned politician will be the special guest at an upcoming nomination meeting on the south shore.  Senator Mike Duffy is the guest speaker coming up a week from today at the Bridgewater Legion.  The long-time television commentator will be in town at the invitation of the PC Association for Lunenburg West.  Conservative Cabinet Minister and twice elected M-L-A Carolyn Bollivar Getson will be holding a meet-and-greet and Chinese Auction followed by a dinner. The "Duff-ster" will speak later in the evening.

Red Cross help

2009-04-09 11:30:23

With hundreds dead and thousands injured a world away, Atlantic Canadians looking to help in Italy are getting a chance to do that through the Red Cross.  Now that the Italian Red Cross has a clearer idea of its ongoing needs, it has signed formal agreements with a number of its sister organizations including the Canadian Red Cross.  That agreement ensures donations are tax-deductible in Canada even though the money will be spent in Italy to provide emergency shelter, meals and blankets, and for ambulances and field hospitals. Donations can be made at any Canadian Red Cross office, securely online through a link on our website (www.redcross.ca) or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 and indicating the money is for the Italian earthquake victims.

Small lobster

2009-04-09 11:29:20

A Terrance Bay man has been fined 2 thousand dollars for having undersized lobsters aboard his vessel last November.  Forty-eight year old Kevin George Slaunwhite pled guilty  saying it was not intentional, but rather his son was not properly measuring the crustaceans.  Fishery Officers boarded Slaunwhite's vessel in Terrance Bay last November 29th and found 14 undersized lobsters in three crates.  The Crown agreed the smaller lobsters were not segregated and it was more a case of inaccurate measuring than a deliberate attempt to violate the fishery regulations.  Two of the undersized lobsters seized as evidence were forfeited to the Crown.

Invasion Plea

2009-04-09 06:31:09

One of the men charged  with being a party to a crime last October has elected to be tried by a Supreme Court judge and jury.  Twenty-three year old Sean Andrew Ivany faces a single count of robbery in connection with a home invasion at a Churchill residence last fall.  A preliminary hearing has been set for November 19th.   Ivany and 23 year old Matthew Kevin Glavine were arrested and charged February 12th as parties to the offence although police say it was others who actually entered the home.  The three other men charged with committing the robbery are 19 year old Matthew James Chase, 19 year old Timothy Charles MacKenzie and 19 year old Joshua Lamont Mosher. Their cases are all still before the courts.

Lunenburg Conservatives

2009-04-09 06:29:13

We are a bit closer to finding out who will be running for the Conservatives in the riding vacated by former Cabinet Minister Michael Baker.  Riding Association President Dale Lohnes says they are hoping to set a date for a nomination meeting before good Friday.  He tells CKBW they haven't set a date yet but there seems to be a lot of interest but no one has been confirmed to this point.  Lohnes says there is a search committee in place and they have been given a number of names and they are considering a number of people.  But he says there's no one on the ballot yet. 
A few names have been floated as possible candidates.  Elmer Garber, the former Deputy Warden in Lunenburg County has confirmed to CKBW News he is not interested.  And former P-C leadership candidate, Halifax businessman Bill Black has also been suggested as another possibility but he doesn't appear to be interested according to his wife who spoke with CKBW News Wednesday.

Queens Place dollars

2009-04-09 06:26:19

Another round of provincial funding for Queens Place - the proposed recreational facility in Liverpool. Carolyn Bollivar-Getson has announced almost 98-thousand dollars to go towards design and architectural work for the facility.
Queens councilor Doug Adams is the Chair of the Committee working on the project. He say that is work that needs to be done before the start actually building the facility. He says once they get the design work finished, the ground work can begin. Adams is hoping for money from Ottawa as early as next week saying M-P Gerald Keddy mentioned there would be an announcement next Thursday. Adams says they may actually have to see some additional dollars from the province adding if they end up funding the project with a third from each level of government - federal, provincial and municipal. The centre is expected to contain a 900 seat NHL size arena with walking track, 25 metre - four lane pool, fitness centre, community room and Youth Health Center.

More dollars

2009-04-08 06:11:22

South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will be doling out more dollars today.  Keddy, on behalf of  Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, will highlight contributions to assist seniors at the Forties Community Centre and the Mahone Bay Centre.  The funding announcement for the Forties is set for 11 o'clock this morning at the Community Centre, while Keddy will be in Mahone Bay for a 2 o'clock announcement at the Mahone Bay Centre Society.

Restrictions lifted

2009-04-08 06:09:40

The Virus has left the building.  South Shore health officials are announcing the inpatient Mental Health Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Medical Unit at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool are now open to visitors.
Visitation has been restricted on both units since March 30 due to illness circulating among patients and staff.

Broad River to Sable River

2009-04-07 10:32:39

For years it's been called a sub-standard section of Highway 103. And there's now a plan to construct a controlled access section of highway from Broad River to Sable River. This section is in the Port Mouton area and officials say the bypass will reduce traffic through that residential area. Conservative M-P Gerald Keddy was in Liverpool this morning to make the 33-million dollar announcement along with Provincial Transport minister Brooke Taylor and Premier Rodney MacDonald.Officials say construction on the eight kilometer section of Highway bridging the Queens and Shelburne county line will begin in late 2011. They say the delay in getting the project started is because of an Environmental Assessment survey along with land acquisition and detailed design work will happen over the next two years.

Municipal Report Card

2009-04-07 10:01:21

Report cards come out today, and the best grade is going to the second smallest municipality in the province.  The Atlantic Institute for Market Studies carried out a survey and is releasing the information today.  A Top mark of "B" went to the Town of Lockeport when it comes to spending and services in Nova Scotia.  The Shelburne county seaside community was one of four in our area to make the top ten.  Shelburne Town ranked fifth with a "B-minus".  Bridgewater was seventh and Lunenburg District eighth - also with a "B-minus".  The next south shore community on the list was Lunenburg town at 19 with a "C-plus".  Region of Queens was 21st, Shelburne District 23rd and Barrington 25th - all at "C-plus".  Chester got a grade of "C" coming in at 37.  There are 55 municipalities in Nova Scotia but seven were not given a ranking because of missing information those included Clarkes Harbour and Mahone Bay.  The findings were collected and compiled over two years and looked at governance, police and fire service, taxation and recreation facilities.
View the entire report at http://www.aims.ca/library/MPRNovaScotia.pdf.

Nurse Practitioner

2009-04-07 09:28:48

Nurse practioner Rob Snelling has been successfully recruited for the New Germany and Area Medical Centre.  South Shore Health says Snelling will begin working in the District on May 4.  He will begin providing some services at the New Germany and Area Medical Centre later this spring following an orientation and set up period.  More details about the hours and types of services available will be announced in the near future.  CEO Kevin McNamara says "having a nurse practitioner working in the New Germany area will support  efforts to improve access to care, respond to the needs of the community and recruit family physicians to the area."  The position is being funded by the Department of Health.

Elmer Statesman

2009-04-07 09:20:58

After the passing of Michael Baker, there have been many questions about who will be looking to step in and run for the Conservatives in Lunenburg.  Elmer Garber has been one name mentioned as a possible candidate.  And CKBW News was one of many to ask him about it.  He says he has no interest in running for the position of M-L-A for the Lunenburg Constituency. Garber was a member of Lunenburg Municipal council and deputy warden up until he placed second in the mayoralty race last October.  He says he has no ambition to sit in the Legislature saying his passion in with local politics and local issues.  And Garber adds he doesn't neccesarily have to be elected to serve the community.  He recently took on a position of Special Assistant to the Minister in Lunenburg West M-L-A Carolyn Bollivar-Getson's office.

Queens Announcement

2009-04-07 06:17:33

A major infrastructure funding annoucement being made in the Region of Queens this morning.  Premier Rodney MacDonald, Brooke Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, and MP Gerald Keddy,  representing the government of Canada, will be on hand for  the announcement at 9:30 this morning in the Municipality's Council Chambers.

Road Critic

2009-04-07 06:16:51

Queens MLA and NDP Transportation Critic, Vicki Conrad says the Conservative government must address the deplorable road conditions in Queens. Conrad has written to Minister Brooke Taylor and has forwarded a petition with 250 signatures of concerned citizens.  Conrad says the condition of the Green Bay, Petite Riviere and Italy Cross Roads continue to be of great concern to all that live and travel the roads. She adds it's time the Conservative government take advantage of the road improvement needs for the constituency of Queens and ensure that roads in communities across Nova Scotia are made safer.

Woodlot site

2009-04-06 09:48:34

Woodlot owners who produce maple syrup, Christmas trees and other non-timber forest products are getting a boost to help sell their goods.    A new publication called From Our Atlantic Woods lists more than 260 businesses that promote goods and services other than conventional wood products like timber and pulpwood.    Natural Resources Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson says the directory will help woodland owners develop a diverse and sustainable non-timber forest products industry.  Non-timber forest products are goods and services other than conventional wood products like timber and pulpwood. Examples include fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, bentwood furniture,  greenery, berry wines, essential oils, and eco-tourism. Free copies of the directory will be available Tuesday (April 14th) provincewide at Natural Resources offices, Sobeys stores and farmers markets. The link to the directory is available online at http://www.FromOurAtlanticWoods.com. 

Osprey Arts Support

2009-04-06 05:45:54

A group supporting a Shelburne performing arts center is getting a financial boost from the Federal Heritage Department.  South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced 10-thousand dollars in funding for the Osprey Arts Center Association.  The money will help support the upcoming season which includes performances of dance, theatre, and music presented by more than 300 culturally diverse professional and emerging artists.  Keddy says the Osprey Arts Centre plays an important role in bringing diverse artistic experiences to the people of Shelburne County.  Artistic Director Susan Hoover acknowledges they are located in a remote community with few opportunities to access cultural activities. But she adds they are especially appreciative of the funds from the Government of Canada to help bring a variety of the best artists in Canada to their venue.  The Osprey Arts Centre was Established in 2003.

Concert of Hope

2009-04-06 05:44:56

It's being billed as a Concert of Hope. And the idea is to raise money for Poverty Intervention in the schools in the South Shore district.  Education week is coming up later this month and the school board is working to highlight the theme of Bringing Arts to Life.  The concert is planned for April 23rd at Hebbville Academy.  Rock music, choirs and folksingers are all lined up to perform and you get in for a free-will donation.  There are also plans to have local groups there with displays to show what they are doing to fight poverty and offer support.  Funds raised will support the committee's activities to raise awareness, and to promote equal access to programs and activities for all students.

Justice Award

2009-04-03 06:12:55

Queens RCMP Corporal Grant Webber one of a number of Nova Scotians recognized for their efforts to prevent crime and make communities safer.  The inaugural awards were handed out yesterday at a crime symposium in Halifax. Awards were presented in six categories including individual, youth, community group or organization, community policing, media and business community. Forty-three nominations were received. Corporal Grant Webber  was honoured for his Cops for Kids program and help with Citizens on Patrol. He tied in the Police Category with Const. Randy Wood of the Halifax Regional Police  who was recognized for his leadership in organizing block parties and bringing residents and landlords together.

Computer access

2009-04-02 06:20:51

A Bridgewater man sent to jail last year for possessing more than a thousand images of child pornography has requested the Court allow him access to computers for business purposes. Fifty year-old David Blake Conrad was sentenced October 8th to six months in custody to be followed by three years probation. Conrad was first arrested in May of 2005 when employees of a local coffee shop discovered graphic images of children on a computer that Conrad had purchased internet time on. Police seized more than one thousand child porn images on computer discs at Conrad's home, and in his jacket when he was arrested  They also seized a folder of printed photos and images on his home computer.
Terms of Conrad's probation prohibit him from access to the internet or any computer connected to the internet.  That has been amended by the court to allow Conrad who prepares tax returns to use a computer for employment purposes only. He is to make himself available to police between 9 a.m and 11 p.m at their discretion to conduct a review of his hard drive.  All other terms of his probation  remain in effect.

Moose Draw

2009-04-01 11:41:14

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 moose draw lottery. 336 licences will be offered through the lottery this year. Natural Resources Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson says last year, hunters took 274 moose in Nova Scotia. Phone lines for the 2009 moose licence draw are open from April 1st to May 31st. Licences will be drawn June 23rd and successful applicants will receive notice by mail, or can go to the government of Nova Scotia's moose draw website or contact a local Department of Natural Resources office to determine if they won. For more information, contact local Department of Natural Resources offices or visit their website at  www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/moosedraw/ .

RV Light Fix

09:45:56 2009-04-01

Bluenose RV's owner says they are willing to fix an issue with a light on their dealership off Exit 12. Darren Young tells CKBW they've been speaking with Department of Transportation about the issue for months. He adds they tried to get some clarification on the matter not long after the lights went up and someone complained to them. Young says one light will be moved as soon as the employee who is going to do the work returns from down south, within a couple of weeks.   And he says the D-O-T were fine with that since it took them three months to get back to Bluenose about the issue.  DOT says they were reacting to a complaint about a light on the RV dealer's property shining onto Highway 103. Under the Motor Vehicle Act no one is allowed to put up a light that creates a glare on the highway.

Lunenburg office

2009-04-07 07:43:09

It's been more than a month since the passing of Lunenburg MLA Michael Baker.   And staff in his office say things are pretty much winding down.  Former Executive Assistant Kim Langille says they will be doing their best to help out constituents where they can.  She adds they don't have a definite time line for a closure of the office.   And Langille says in the meantime most of the people looking for help are getting in touch with Carolyn Bollivar-Getson's Lunenburg West constituency office.  She says that has been the ususal route people have been taking when they want to bring a concern to the Conservative government.   Bollivar-Getson is the minister of Natural Resources.

Phone Scam

5:41 2009-04-01

Another  scam alert for the South Shore.  A number of people both members and non-members of the Lahave River Credit Union in Bridgewater have been contacted stating their credit or debit cards had been compromised. They were contacted from various phone numbers and were asked to provide the caller with their card number and up to three pieces of identification.  The calls are not being initiated from the Credit Union or a related company.  The public is being urged not to disclose information over the phone. Anyone with information about these incidents should contact the Bridgewater Police at 543-2464.

Parking lot lights

11:38 2009-03-31

Bright lights and a big glare from a business just off Highway 103 at Exit 12 are catching driver's eyes. And they've also caught the attention of the D-O-T's District Traffic Supervisor after people started complaining about them. Joe Crowell says under the Motor Vehicle Act you're not allowed to put up a light that creates a glare on the highway. The area manager is asking the owner of Bluenose RV to have the lights in their lot adjusted to change that. Joe Crowell says this type of issue doesn't come up often, but he says the business happens to sit at the top of the hill. He adds they are at a perfect level to mimic a vehicle coming at you down the highway but slightly offset.Crowell says they don't want people thinking the 103 was in a different locations. And with a less than perfect night, he says it does create quite a bit of glare. The area manager is sending a letter to the owners of Bluenose RV asking them to adjust the lights away from the highway.

Provincial Mixed Curling

5:58 2009-03-31

The Provincial Mixed Curling championship will be handed out today in Liverpool with three teams still in contention. In the 1-2 page playoff last night Mayflower's Paul Flemming stole three in the final end to top clubmate Mark Dacey 7-3. In the 3-4 contest it was Windsor's Ricahard Barker ousting Mark Kehoe 6-3. This morning's sudden-death semi final at 10 o'clock pits Dacey against Barker. The winner will advance to this afternoon's championship final at 3 against Flemming. The winners will earn a trip to the Canadian Mixed championship next fall in Burlington, Ontario. All of today's action takes place in Liverpool.

Conrad pleased

05:45 2009-03-31

Queens MLA, Vicki Conrad, the NDP's Transportation critic  is pleased the Transportation Minister  has reconsidered laying off road workers. Conrad says its great news for the workers and their families. She says retaining the workers is a good first step, but Premier Rodney MacDonald still has an obligation to unveil details of his infrastructure spending plan.  Conrad says the premier intends to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on highway and roadway work but the Department of Transportation workers, and all Nova Scotians, have been kept in the dark. She says the Premier refuses to call back the legislature, refuses to introduce a timely budget and refuses to give Nova Scotians the details they expect on the infrastructure spending plan. Approximately 200 Department of Transportation employees will avoid being laid off during the transition from winter to summer seasons.

Virus outbreak

12:22 2009-03-30

A gastrointestinal illness is making the rounds at Queens General Hospital.   And because of the outbreak among staff and patients, South Shore Health is trying to stop the spread by restricting visitation.  No one is being allowed to the Medical floor of the Liverpool hospital until further notice.  They say there might be some exceptions for immediate family of critically ill patients.   Hospital administrators say all regular outpatient services are available, they're just asking you to avoid visiting patients if you come to the hospital.

Grow op seize

11:24

 Another search and more drug charges laid by members of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit.
 A search warrant was issued last Friday and a team of officers headed into a home on Beech Hill Road in Gold River.
 Bridgewater police, Lunenburg county RCMP and a police services dog were involved in the raid.
 Constable Bill Wilcox says they seized an indoor marihuana grow operation with 18 pot plants, lights and marihuana. They also took a gun that was not stored safely.
 A Beach Hill resident is facing charges of production and possession of marihuana and unsafe storage of a firearm.
 The suspect still has to get a court date.

Critic criticism

06:20am

Shelburne's MLA is getting blasted by the Fisheries Minister for what is being described as the final exam in hypocrisy.
Ron Chisolm chastises Sterling Belliveau for saying he was extremely happy for fishermen who will benefit from the MacDonald government's plan for a new fishery license loan program.
Chisolm is asking the NDP member to explain why he voted against the fisheries loan program in the first place when it was part of last year's budget.
The new license loan program, introduced in the 2008-2009 budget will help young people get into the commercial fishery and current license holders wanting to buy licenses for new species get access to financial capital. 

Milton closure

2009-03-30 - 06:10am

The chair of the Milton School Advisory Committee says they are comfortable with the board's decision to close the school.
Margo Walsh-Leaman says they knew the time would come when Miilton school would close but they wanted to make sure there was a plan in place.
She adds they have to remember they are there for the best interest of the kids.
Walsh-Leaman says her only concern was the mandatory closing period, but the school board addressed it during the meeting.
Under current regulations, when a board decides to close a school it must be within two years. The Department of Education is expected to change this rule, and allow the school board to set the timeline.
If the regulation does not change, the board will retract the motion to close Milton.
When a new middle school is built, Dr. John C. Wickwire will change to Grades Primary-5, the new school as Grades 6-8, and the senior high as Grades 9-12. The province has yet to announce a new school though. 

 

Michelin Plan

2009-03-27

Some previously announced layoffs in Waterville have been avoided now that Michelin's Work-sharing program application has been approved.   The Service Canada program goes into effect April 5th.  And Michelin officials say that means they won't have to move forward with the planned layoff of 95 flexible workforce employees.  Over 500 Michelin regular and flexible workforce employees elected to participate in the program that will run for 18 weeks. It can be re-evaluated based on market fluctuations.  Under Work-Sharing, Michelin Waterville employees will work reduced hours with the remainder of their hours covered by Employment Insurance.  Earlier this month, the company announced 9 layoffs at the plant in Bridgewater and 33 at the Granton operation.

Medial pot

2009-03-27 05:56

A Lunenburg County man who claimed he was growing marihuana for his medicinal needs has been fined a thousand dollars and placed on probation for a year.   Sixty-nine year old Anthony Edwin Eisnor was charged after RCMP found 24 marihuana plants growing in a tomato patch at a residence on the Newburne Road last September 5th.  Eisnor suffers from Barker's Syndrome, a form of kidney disease. He told the court he was using marihuana as a necessary medication. His lawyer said Eisnor takes up to 30 separate pills and undergoes dialysis once a week.  Court was told he previously had a medical exemption to use marihuana but his present doctor disagrees with the practice.  Judge Jim Burrill told Eisnor maybe he should be looking for another doctor.

Fisheries Loan

2009-03-27 05:53

Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau, the NDP's Fisheries Critic says he's pleased Nova Scotia fishermen will finally have an opportunity to apply for loans to help secure Commercial Fishing Licences.  The new program was announced yesterday and comes into effect April 1st.  Belliveau, a former fisherman himself says when first elected the issue was one of his top priorities and committments to the people of Shelburne and to all fishermen across Nova Scotia.
Belliveau says he's glad the Minister listened to the fishermen and has spread the loan period over 20 years. It makes the program very attractive and beneficial to fishermen and  provides an opportunity for young people to get into the fishery, which will be instrumental to the future of the industry.

Thursday 08:55

2009-03-26

A Gold River man charged with making child pornography and sexual assault did not appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court yesterday to enter pleas, having his legal aid lawyer adjourning the case. 58 year old  John Eldon Myra also faces an additional charge of possessing child pornography.  It's alleged he sexually assaulted a local 12 year old girl and photographed the assault.
  Myra  was arrested March 3rd following a police investigation which began last December.   Lawyer Barry Whynot says he still has to obtain and review a significant amount of disclosure and asked that the case be set over to April 15th.  Meantime, Myra is free on conditions including that he have no contact with children under 14, and stay away from computers.

Thursday 06:00

2009-03-26 Board members call it a compromise solution.  Elliott Payzant, Chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says the decision has been made to permanently close Riverport and District Elementary School .  However, the school will remain open until a new Primary to Grade 9 school is built in the Town of Lunenburg. Payzant says it was a tough decision for the Board members. Along with Riverport, the Board approved permanent closure of four other schools that were placed under review.  They include Centre Consolidated, Lunenburg Academy, Lunenburg Junior/Senior High and Milton Centennial.

Release from South Shore Regional School Board....

South Shore Regional School Board Schedules Five Schools for Closure 

At a meeting of the Board held Wednesday, March 25th at Hebbville Academy in Hebbville, the South Shore Regional School Board voted to close Riverport and District Elementary School when the new Primary to Grade 9 school slated for the Lunenburg area is ready.  The Board also voted to close Milton Centennial School in Queens County when the new capital construction project in the Municipality of Queens provides the opportunity to relocate the students from Milton Centennial.

Last July, the Board voted to close Lunenburg Academy, Lunenburg Junior-Senior High School and Centre consolidated School but had not determined the dates on which the schools would be closed. 

At the Wednesday night meeting, the Board voted to close Lunenburg Junior-Senior High School for high school students in June, 2009.  The high school students will have the choice of attending either Park View Education Centre or Bridgewater High School in Bridgewater.  The junior high students will remain in the current Lunenburg Junior-Senior High School until the new Primary to Grade 9 school planned for the Lunenburg area is ready.

Centre Consolidated School was scheduled for closure, as was the Lunenburg Academy, when the new Lunenburg area school is available for the students.

"The board reviewed all aspects of the issues using the thirteen criteria set out in the Regulations under the Education Act," said Board Chairman Elliott Payzant. "We heard and considered representations from School Advisory Councils, parents, municipal leaders and members of the community.  In the end the Board has made its decisions based on the best interests of our students."

The South Shore Regional School Board has set a new Primary to Grade 9 school for Lunenburg area and a new Middle School for the Municipality of Queens as immediate priorities for new construction.  The Board is awaiting the approval of the capital projects list by Cabinet and an announcement by the Department of Education regarding these schools.