Justice Opening

Bridgewater's new Justice Centre on High Street opened for business a month ago, but today there will be a formal ceremony to officially open the centre. Premier Darrell Dexter and Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry will be on hand to officially open the new building at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Public tours of the new building will take place from 3;30 to 5 p.m. The new justice centre was first announced in 2003 with construction not getting underway until 2007. The 49,000-square-foot facility was originally pegged to cost 10 million dollars, but the most recent figures released by the Department of Justice put the cost close to 16.8 million dollars ($20.2 million including land, design and construction management). The building was dedicated in February to Lunenburg M-L-A Michael Baker, just weeks before he died of cancer.

Parkview Parking

A tender will be awarded today to begin work to address the parking problems at Parkview Education Centre. The project as tendered came in at 606 thousand dollars but through reconfiguring some of the components the South Shore Regional School Board came up with cost reductions of 178 thousand, 655 dollars.Board Chair Elliott Payzant says the project will create additional parking and address the safety issue. Parkview was awarded funding of 2 million dollars over three years back in April by then area MLA Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. The announcement was part of a $307 million, seven-year commitment for major school renovations and constructions by the provincial government.

Bridgewater Michelin H-1-N-1

With the word of Pandemic planning comes a confirmed case of H-1-N-1 influenza at the Michelin plant in Bridgewater. An employee tells CKBW there was a staff memo circulated this morning saying the one worker had been diagnosed with the swine flu - but it is described as a mild case. Another plant official unofficially confirms that but says the name of the affected worker is being kept confidential. The medical staff is the only group in the plant who are aware of all of the details. But workers are being directed to follow the precautions that are laid out by the Nova Scotia Health department in their pandemic guidelines. Things like frequent hand-washing, sneezing or coughing into your sleeve or isolating yourself if you feel sick.

Queens Fish Show

Fishing enthusiasts will get a glimpse of Queens county later this year. The Dimestore Fisherman is filming as they fish for small mouth bass with Dennis Lavender and Ken Maynard and for maco shark with Peter Cook and Myles Winters. It's the first time in the 11 years the Calgary-based fishing show has been on the air that they host has gone shark fishing. In addition to the fishing components of filming, Jim Hoey and his crew will also be filming local attractions for the "How the heck do you get here?" portion of their show which will promote and advertise tourism in Queens County. In a news release, Mayor John Leefe calls it a great opportunity to send the message across North America that the Region of Queens is a great place to visit, live and invest. The fishing show will be filming in the area until Monday.

Big Exhibit

An Exhibit on Canadian Engagement in Afghanistan will be on display at the South Shore Exhibition this week. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the Afghanistan360 exhibit featuring stories from the field and short video segments on the training and development projects that Canada supports in Afghanistan. You will also be able to record 15-second video messages to our civilians and soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The exhibit offers Canadians the opportunity to learn about progress in the six focused areas in which Canada is providing assistance in Afghanistan. It also showcases Canada's three signature projects in Afghanistan.

Rudy Retires (a bit)

It's the end of an era for a Visionary Environmentalist. Tonight will see Martin Rudy Haase stepping down as Executive Secretary of the Friends of Nature Conservation Society - a group he founded in Maine in 1954. Haase emigrated to Nova Scotia, forming a Canadian Chapter in 1967. Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May will be at Monday night's meeting. Rudy will be Sheldon's special guest this weekend on South Shore Sunday Morning.

Tucker's Tripdate

It's been almost seven weeks on bicycle crossing Canada to raise awareness for Amnesty International for a South Shore father and son. After 22 biking days in Ontario, Bob and Tucker Mertens are now in Winnipeg. Tucker tells CKBW he's pleased with the amount of money they've raised so far - $2,000. The father and son are trying to make it to BC before the start of the school year travelling a hundred kilometers a day. They've been updating their adventure on the website www.tuckersbike.blogspot.com . You can hear an update about the trip from Tucker on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning.

Green Bin Blaze

Another green bin fire. And there's a warning from RCMP. Thursday evening a bin in a private driveway near Blockhouse was burning when neighbors called 9-1-1. Lunenburg and District firefighters responded. The bin was destroyed but there was no other damage to the property or to the nearby properties. This is the second green bin fire in just over a week. And police are encouraging you to keep the bins away from the side of your home or other structures. And they are asking you to report any suspicious activities.

Festival Funding

Another event on the south shore is in line for federal dollars. Gerald Keddy announced $13,200 in funding for the South Shore in Motion Festival Society. The event will be held at the Exhibition Grounds in Bridgewater from August 7 to August 9, 2009. Charlie Horstman says the grant from Canadian Heritage has allowed South Shore in Motion to expand its regular events to include a chance for Bridgewater to showcase some of the accomplishments of current and former residents and businesses of the area. He says this year they've invited local artists to display their works and local musicians to perform for festival goers. The first edition of this event was organized in 2005. Activities will include an exhibition of contemporary visual art and folk art created from car parts, lawn tractor races, truck pulls, emergency vehicle show and shine and musical performances by local artists.

BBBS Golf Event

No major rain, but it was a perfect day for support to pour in for South Shore Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The organizers held their eighth annual golf tournament yesterday. The event this year was held at Richard Homburg's Sherwood Golf and Country Club on a misty Thursday afternoon. And after expenses, the event raised 15-thousand-250 dollars. 28 teams participated with the winners - Sun Life - coming in at 13 under par. Big Brothers and Big Sisters needs to raise 80 percent of its funding requirements through events like their golfing and bowling events. Sheldon wants to thank his teammates John Collyer, Earl Lantz, Jason Mailman and Mike Dunham. We finished four under - with credit going to Big Mike for the loooong ball.

Natural Resources Panel

A dozen Nova Scotians have been appointed to guide the development of a new natural resources strategy for the province. The appointments were recommended by a steering panel chaired by former Chief Justice Constance Glube. The four expert panels will soon begin the job of consulting with stakeholders, and their findings will be reported to the steering panel late this fall. Jonathan Porter, of Liverpool, the manage of Forestry and Fibre Resources, Abitibi Bowater has been appointed to the Forestry Panel as has Donna Crossland, the senior park warden of Kejimkujik National Park.

Furey Returns

His journey from top cop to politician and back again is completed. RCMP Senior Management have officially returned Mark Furey to the job of District Commander for the Lunenburg County RCMP. He officially started his duties as Staff Sergeant on Monday. Furey left his job on April 15th on unpaid leave to run as the Liberal candidate in Lunenburg West. He finished third with 25 percent of the popular vote in the June election where Gary Ramey was elected MLA. Two-term MLA Carolyn Bolivar Getson finished second. Furey is a 29-year veteran of the RCMP and is back in the saddle again.

Jubilee Accident

One person was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and another is facing charges after an accident on Jubilee Road. Bridgewater Police say it happened just before nine last night. A vehicle was overturned with two people in it. Fire Chief Wayne Thorburne says they were out by the time their trucks rolled up. A news release from police says the passenger was taken to South Shore Regional and the driver was treated at the scene. They say the 21-year old man was then released into police custody. He is charged with impaired driving and impaired driving causing bodily harm. He has a court date set for September 23rd in Bridgewater. The 20 firefighters were on scene until around 11:30 last night.

Lumberjacks Chugging

It might be the middle of summer but Bridgewater's Junior A Hockey team continues to chug along. The Nauss Timbermart Lumberjacks have announced a couple of major events for next month. The club will host a golf tournament at Osprey Ridge on August 20th and they'll be conducting a summer hockey school at the Bridgewater Arena during the final week of August. Training camp will open for the Jacks' on August 29th and their first exhibition contest will be against the visiting Yarmouth Mariners on Monday, August 31st. Newly-hired coach and GM Jim Bottomly says players not willing to give one hundred percent commitment to winning will not make his squad. Bottomly has also hinted that a trade or two might take place prior to training camp.

No Plea

A Bridgewater man facing a number of charges relating to a series of hit and run crashes in April still hasn't entered pleas. Forty year old Stephen Richard Burton appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court yesterday and his case was set over to August 12th. His lawyer says he's still awaiting outstanding disclosure from the Crown. Burton is charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and one count of property damage. The charges were laid following a string of collisions in Bridgewater back on April 22nd. That night around 9 p.m. a grey Chev Cavalier struck a vehicle on LaHave Street. An RCMP officer off duty at the time approached the driver of the Cavalier who fled the scene. The Mountie followed in his own vehicle. The Cavalier then struck another vehicle on Aberdeen Road, turned onto Hirtle Drive and ended up smashing into a residence on Hollingsworth Drive and damaging a car that was parked in the lot at Eastside Apartments. The Cavalier eventually went off the road on Streatch Drive where the driver ditched the car and fled on foot. Burton was arrested at his residence a short time later.

Shelburne Job Concerns

Union members with Shelburne Ship Repair have started a petition to gather public support as well as taking their concerns to local politicians in Shelburne county. Municipal Warden Sherm Embry says council has written to Irving Shipbuilding and the Premier's office to ask for help in resolving outstanding issues. Embry says the municipal interest is advocacy for jobs in the Municipality of Shelburne. Irving currently leases the property in the Shelburne Industrial Park from Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Mahone Bay Parade

Mahone Bay's Classic Boat festival is coming up on the first weekend of August. And again this year, there will be some traffic issues in and around the community for the street parade. Clearway street will be shut down from 10 until 11:30 on Saturday August 1st as they line up for the annual trek through town. And Main street will shut down to traffic between 11 and noon. Side street traffic will also be held back until the event finishes.

Fraser moves in pictures

Thanks to Karen Thorburne Holland. More pictures available here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=289058&id=895730153


And as she was turning downriver in Dayspring:







Visit our photos page for more images. http://www.ckbw.ca/ckbw/1148/PHOTOS

Fraser Moving Day

After a dozen years in the same spot, it kind of becomes part of the landscape. This morning, two tugs will pull up and get ready to start hauling the retired Naval Destroyer Fraser down the coast to Halifax. Lt. (Navy) Al Blondin tells CKBW it will be a daylong job leaving around 8am and arriving in Halifax at about 8pm. This will happen after a ceremony this morning officially transferring ownership of the vessel back to the Canadian Government. Rick Welsford of the Artificial Reef society says he'll be close by for that part of the process. The future of the vessel still hasn't been settled officially with previous discussions suggesting it will become a museum or sunk to create an underwater diving attraction.

Queens Place Pool

Queens Place is coming, but with changes.. Mayor John Leefe says Council made a decision to move forward to the design development phase of the recreation complex including all original components except for the aquatics centre. Leefe says Council had to make a decision on moving forward with Queens Place so they decided to remove the swimming pool from the construction plan. Leefe says Queens Place will be sited and designed so a pool could be constructed at a later date.

Camp Outbreak

Summer camps in Ontario aren't the only ones seeing an increase in the numbers of swine flu or H-1-N-1 Influenza. South Shore Health officials say there have been several cases reported in Lunenburg and Queens counties. And that includes infections reported at a summer camp in the District. It was only last week health officials confirmed the first case in the county saying the person was recovering and didn't need hospitalization. And just like that case where the health district held back the gender and community they were from, they aren't saying where the summer camp is that is dealing with the new swine flu cases. The Medical Officer of Health for the district says prevention is the best way to stay healthy. Dr. Richard Gould says wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters frequently.

For more information on swine flu:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/cdpc/h1n1-influenza-groups.asp

Doe, a Deer

If you wanting to hunt antlerless deer - or does- in certain sections of Lunenburg and Queens counties this fall, you won't be required to apply for a special permit to do that. The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says antlerless deer permits will not be required in Zone 2A, a result of the province’s efforts to reduce deer populations in that district. Zone 2A takes in an area that stretches roughly from East River westerly to the Medway River and inland from the Atlantic Coast to a multi-line power transmission corridor that runs from Halifax to Queens County.

Fraudster in Lunenburg

It's an age-old scam. But that's probably because it still works. A Lunenburg woman was taken in by a scammer last Tuesday according to RCMP. They say she was called at home by a man who told her he was with Internal Security from a local bank. He told her there was an internal theft investigation underway and that he needed her help. She was told to go withdraw a large amount of cash and meet him at a location uptown. She did. And then he told her to go home and not discuss the matter with anyone else for a few days. When the woman got back home, he called her again and asked her to do the same thing. The third time, she was told to go to a bank in Bridgewater. She met him in the mall parking lot this time. And that was the last she heard from him. She later was told by her bank she was the victim of a fraud. RCMP are telling you about this so you don't fall for the scam.

Motorcycle crash

A motorcyclist had to be taken to the Q-E-2 in Halifax after crashing in a residential area of Bridgewater. Police say it happened around nine o'clock Friday evening. The driver lost control of his bike on Empire Street near the intersection of Queen. His injuries were described as non-threatening. He had apparently been thrown quite far when the bike hit the curb. Police say he was taken to South Shore Regional before being transferred to Halifax. The cause of the crash is still being looked into.

Shipped Out

After more than a decade tied up alongside in the LaHave River, a tentative date has been given for the removal of retired Naval Destroyer Fraser. All indications are that tugs will arrive to start towing the ship out towards the ocean starting Tuesday morning. She will be moved at High tide which is at around 8:30 that morning. Staff with the Department of National Defence will be releasing details of the move after the ship is purchased from the Artificial Reef Society of Nova Scotia. That official process won't happen until the tugs are alongside. Fraser has had its supporters and detractors over the years after several ambitions plans were scuttled by battles over assessments and court challenges. The future of the vessel still hasn't been settled officially with previous discussions suggesting Fraser will become a wharfside museum somewhere or possibly even sunk to create an underwater diving attraction. The ship, a St. Laurent Class destroyer commissioned in 1957 was brought to the port of Bridgewater in 1998 after it was declared surplus by the Navy.

H-1-N-1 Update

Swine flu continues to make the headlines with the latest outbreak spreading through three summer camps in Ontario. Here in Nova Scotia there have been 358 confirmed cases of H1N1, human swine influenza. There has been one confirmed case in the South Shore Health District, however, the person did not require hospitalization and is recovering. South Shore Health will not be releasing the person's gender or any other details. Meantime, Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says the District H1N1 readiness planning committee is meeting weekly to get provincial updates, share information and discuss current local concerns and questions.

First Nation Funding

The Mi'kmaq and Acadian Festival and Reunion getting a helping hand from the federal government to the tune of 64 hundred dollars. South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced the funding during a visit to the Mi'kmaq/Acadian Burial Ground in Petite Riviere yesterday. Ellen Hunt, head of the Mi’kmaq Burial Grounds Research and Restoration Association says the funding will help make the festival and reunion larger as it helps us to promote and share the heritage and culture of the Mi'kmaq/Aboriginal and Acadian Cultures and traditions. Hunt says they'll be able to have a website, more advertising, a genealogy site, and bring in traditional elders to teach more of the culture and traditions.The Mi'Kmaq and Acadian Festival and Reunion will take place at the Fort Point Museum, LaHave, August 21st and 22nd.

Still Working

There's work going on behind the scenes now that a wrench has been thrown into plans to relocate Bridgewater's post office to North Street. Council rejected a developer's building plan because it was too close to the neighbouring apartment building. Genevieve Latour with Canada Post says there's nothing that would keep them from having their operation outside town limits. But she says they are trying to stay in Bridgewater's perimeter and the North Street location was the one they were pleased with. But she adds they have nothing to do with the town and its bylaws since they will only be renting part of the building. So far, there's been no comment from the developer about their plans for 131 North Street since council rejected the appeal for a varience from the town's planning guidelines.

E-I Fine

A hefty fine for a Lunenburg man who defrauded Employment Insurance over a 20 month period. Thirty-nine year old Leonard Clarke pleaded guilty to 39 counts of EI fraud between October 2004 and May 2006. He was fined $200 on each count for a total of $7,800. Clarke was also placed on house arrest for 6 months as part of a conditional sentence. Authorities say Clarke also received Workers Compensation benefits and was working some of the time he filed for unemployment. EI is recovering the fraudulent payments internally, and Clarke has already repaid more than $6,000.

Parking Review

Bridgewater Council has decided to review parking all over town since councillors couldn't come to a consensus on Glen Allan. Mayor Carroll Publicover strongly feels if people won't pay to use the hospital parking lot, they should be forced to pay to park on the surrounding streets. Publicover says staff has been asked to bring back a report on options which could include revamping some parking meters to raise the parking fees.

False Alarms

The Municipality of Lunenburg along with the RCMP will develop and implement an education program on the issues and impact of false alarms. Mayor Don Downe says they're trying that approach before implementing a by-law. Downe says there has to be accountability. The education program will be reassessed at the end of a one year period to see if there has been a decrease in false alarms.

Shipshape Help Wanted

Lunenburg will be the only tall ships stop on the South Shore. And organizers expect a very busy two-day festival of historic sailing ships, displays, musical entertainment and a variety of family activities. Because of that, they are looking for help. Linda Baker of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic says there were more than 50 volunteers at the 2007 event. They took on roles including shuttle drivers, security, staffing admission gates and retail sales. Baker says if you have an hour or two to spare, they could use your help. All you have to do is get in touch with the museum in Lunenburg. The 2009 Lunenburg Tall Ships Festival is a partnership of the Town of Lunenburg, the Lunenburg Board of Trade and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

Postal Review Details

All rural mailboxes in Lunenburg county are being assessed to see if they are in a safe place. Canada Post spokesperson Genevieve Latour says the company is obliged by law to review 800-thousand mailboxes Canada-wide because of employee safety concerns. The review will take until the fall. She says a team will evaluate each mailbox and will let the homeowners know what they've found. She says the process involves speaking with people and letting them know what's taking place. And Latour adds this isn't just happening in our area, rather it's a county-wide review that was ordered after workers' complaints. Latour says there is absolutely no plan to get rid of rural mailboxes in Canada adding this inspection issue is about occupational health and safety. You'll be able to hear more about this review coming up this weekend on South Shore Sunday Morning.

Acadia Broadcasting Expands

The owner of the Bridgewater radio station is buying two FM stations in Thunder Bay, Ont., from Newfoundland Capital Corporation for $4.5 million, plus working capital. The stations, CKTG-FM The Giant 105.3 and CJUK-FM Magic 99.9, are being bought by Acadia Broadcasting Limited - the owners of CKBW FM. The deal is subject to approval from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and is set to close at the end of this year. Acadia Broadcasting vice-president Jim MacMullin said the two stations will be a great addition to its existing radio stations in the Ontario cities of Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden. Newcap has 81 licences across Canada. Acadia Broadcasting is a community-focused radio broadcaster with 10 licences in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Lunenburg Tallships 2009

Bluenose II is one of five vessels that will be in her home port of Lunenburg for the 2009 Tallships event. Organizers have two days of events planned for the seaside UNESCO town. Along with the replica of the Grand Banks schooner, visiting ships include: the full-rigged Friendship of Salem, the recently restored Boston schooner Larinda, the gaffed rigged schooner Peer's Fancy, and the topsail schooner Unicorn. Other events will be held along the Lunenburg Waterfront in and around the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. And along with the music and entertainment there will be a discussion on Tall Ships of Lunenburg with Ralph Getson. The event in Lunenburg is being held on Wednesday and Thursday. Be listening for more on the event on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning.
**NOTE - CORRECTION** - Lunenburg Recreation director Robin Scott tells CKBW, Friendship of Salem has reported seaworthy issues and will NOT be a part of Tallships in Lunenburg. He says Caledonia will be arriving instead.

Mail Delivery

Proposed changes to rural mail delivery causing more than a bit of concern for Lunenburg Municipal Councillors. Mayor Don Downe says he's been fielding numerous calls from constituents worried their home mailbox delivery will be changed to community mailboxes. Downe says Council plans a more aggressive approach to the problem. Downe says Canada Post seems to have an agenda to rid itself of all rural home mail delivery. Council will send a letter of concern to Canada Post and also discuss the matter with the area's MLA's and MP.

Seized Drugs

A drug bust in Hubbards netted police 3 thousand grams of marijuana bud, 221 marijuana plants, scales and extensive grow equipment. Police also seized six assorted long rifles and ammunition. The search was conducted on the Fox Point Road Tuesday morning by members of the HRM Integrated Drug Section with assistance from the South Shore RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit, RCMP Federal Drugs Grow Team, and Nova Scotia Power . A 34-year-old male was arrested and charged with Cultivation, Possession for the Purpose, Theft of Power, Unsafe Storage of Firearms, and Possession of a stolen Nissan Pathfinder SUV. He'll appear in court at a later date.

Armed Robbery

Correction: Gold Reserves A.F.N. was the name of the business robbed at gunpoint. R-C-M-P incorrectly identified the business in both a news release and on the telephone when CKBW News called to question the business name they provided. - July 16/09 SBM

No one was hurt in a brazen armed robbery in Gold Reserve. RCMP Sergeant Paul Coughlin says there were staff and customers in the Gold Nugget Casino on the Beech Hill Road when the two masked men burst in around 10:10 Monday night. The two got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. A white Jeep Cherokee that was stolen earlier from a Chester Basin area business was used in the crime. It was found abandoned on a gravel road at the intersection of Beech Hill Road and Highway 103 Sergeant Coughlin says the suspects might have been picked up on the highway, or they could have taken off along the ATV trail. He says they are hoping someone noticed the two either before or after the armed robbery and that they get in touch with police. The Chester RCMP detachment is handling the investigation.

Permit Denied

Bridgewater Town Council has turned down an appeal for a variance setback request for a planned development at 131 North Street. The proposed two storey, concrete, steel and glass building was to be the future home of a new Bridgewater Post Office. Mayor Carroll Publicover says council's decision was unanimous, but he hopes some other arrangement can be worked out to allow the project to proceed. He says they hope the develper goes back to the planning department saying they've revised their plan to meet the required setback requirements under the bylaws. Mayor Publicover says he's not overly concerned the developer will cancel the project saying they are smart people who know what the rules are. The town's bylaw requires a setback of 50 feet from a residential property, but the building proposed for North Street only allowed for 36 to 37 feet.

Michelin Anniversary

July 1969. Apollo 11 astronauts launch for the moon. The Beatles record "The End" and Michelin announced it was coming to North America. That year, the tire manufacturer said it would build two plants, one in Granton and one in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Michelin is now celebrating 40 years in the province. During the last four decades Michelin has produced millions of tires, created thousands of jobs, invested billions of dollars and announced a number of expansions, including the addition of a third facility in Waterville in 1982. As part of the celebration, Michel Rollier, managing general partner, Groupe Michelin; Francois Michelin, retired managing partner, Groupe Michelin; and Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president, Michelin North America, visited the Granton facility. There they thanked employees for their dedication and contributions to the success of the company.

Rifle Arrest

A few tense moments Friday evening ended with RCMP arresting a 23-year old Shelburne county man who is still in jail. Around 6:15, police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a man walking along McGray's Avenue in Northeast Point with a rifle. As they were responding, they were told the man had fired several shots. When the members from Barrington and Shelburne detachments showed up, the man turned and ran away from police, throwing the rifle to the ground. Police chased him down and arrested him. He's been held in custody all weekend and will be brought to court sometime today. The Mounties say they are following up on reports of threats, pointing a firearm and break and enter. A woman who was taken into custody at a nearby residence was later released. No one was injured in the incident.

Fire Loss

Cash donations are being accepted for a family of five that lost their Pleasantville home earlier this week. John and Lori Outerbridge and their three children - including a boy marking his ninth birthday - escaped the fire unharmed Thursday night but lost their belongings. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The family is staying with relatives for the time being. Donations to the family can be made at any Scotia Bank branch along the South Shore.

Political Mailboxes

The NDP member for Lunenbug West says Canada Post must make rural delivery a priority. Gary Ramey says rural mailboxes are a necessity for many seniors, people with disabilities and those living on fixed incomes, Ramey says. Canada Post needs to ensure this essential service will continue. His comments come in light of a flyer being circulated by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. The flyer says Canada Post is replacing rural mailboxes with community boxes to ensure the safety of mail carriers. Lunenburg County residents who are concerned about their mail delivery should call the Canada Post customer service line or contact South Shore-St. Margaret’s MP Gerald Keddy.

Pleasantville Fire

A family of five is staying with relatives after fire destroyed their home Thursday evening in Pleasantville, a few kilometres east of Bridgewater. A couple and three children - including a boy marking his 9th birthday - escaped unharmed, but lost their belongings. Red Cross volunteers who met with the family say relatives have provided them with a temporary place to stay. Family, friends and neighbours also organized a birthday party for the youngster within hours of the blaze. The cause of the fire, at 19 Church Road in Pleasantville, is under investigation. It's believed the home was insured. (Images from Littlemac Custom Computers & Electronics littlemac@eastlink.ca)

Queens Place Shortage

The Queens Place project is somewhat in limbo until Region of Queens Municipal Council makes some critical decisions. There's a considerable shortfall of funds for the estimated cost of the project now pegged at $25.2 million dollars. Remaining funds need to come from other sources. The federal government has confirmed that Queens Place will not be eligible for further federal support and the past provincial government declined the Region's request for a top up that would have brought their commitment closer to the one third precedent they have set with other similar facilities in the province. Commitments include $7 million from the federal government, $5 million from the province and a fundraising goal of $2 million. Council will have to make a decision on the direction of the project and its affordability. Possible options include scaling back or phasing the facility in components.

Chester Taxes

Tax rates are going up slightly in the Municipality of Chester. Warden Allan Webber says regrettably the trend of lowering the tax rate over the past four years could not be continued. Residential rates increase by 1.67 percent to 61 cents per 100 dollars of assessment. Commercial rates rise by 2.72 percent, to $1.51 up from $1.47. Council approved a 19.5 million dollar budget yesterday. Warden Webber says a number of factors came into play including the current global economic situation. One casualty of this budget is the proposed indoor swimming pool complex which has been cancelled. Webber says the project did not receive broad based public support for an expenditure of this magnitude.

Mertens Mileage

A month into their cross-Canada bike tour and a father and son from Pinehurst have made it as far as Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Bob and Tucker Mertens left on their bicycles on June 9th as they headed out to raise money and awareness for Amnesty International. The idea for the nation-wide trek came from 14-year old Tucker. He had started origami in elementary school when he heard the Japanese legend that a wish is granted to anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes. Tucker has been giving cranes away in exchange for donations on their trip - which they are paying for themselves. In an email to CKBW, the Mertens plan to check in with the radio station when they get to Winnipeg in the next week or so.

Second Fatality

There's now a second death as a result of a motorcycle collision in Oak Hill last Friday. Kenneth Emino of Bridgewater died in hospital Tuesday evening. His wife, who was a passenger on the bike is still in hospital. RCMP are still investigating the cause of the crash. A preliminary investigation shows that one motorcycle crossed the centre line and hit the other one head on. Fifty-two year old Gregory Allen Naugler of Pine Grove died at the crash site on Highway 325. His funeral service was held earlier this week.

Playground Pitch

A Bridgewater couple is hoping the town uses the vacated Visitor Information Center lot for something other than a building. A large structure, they contend, will greatly hamper the view plane from their land on Aberdeen and Elm Street. Patricia and Fazal Rahman have written council asking them to build a playground for young kids on the lot next to North Street. They write the North side of town has been grossly underserved, especially for younger children. They point out there are three fair sized playgrounds and parkspace on the opposite side of the river. And the Rahman's say the concrete slab where the building used to sit has been covered with dirt so all they would need to do is put up a fence and equipment. Also, they say more open space and recreation facilities would be welcome. The site has been vacant since the building was removed from the lot several weeks ago.

Monumental Task

In a small town, you may think that everyone knows everyone. But, in Mahone Bay with 900 residents, there is little known about the 39 soldiers whose names are on the cenotaph in the middle of town. Now, Mahone Bay is working at identifying and paying homage to the men from the community who died for Canada in the Great War, World War II and the Korean War. Mayor Joe Feeney is organizing a group to establish a Celebration of Honour for the 39 fallen soldiers. Feeney says they are hoping to publish a booklet giving information about each of the men. And he says they want to hear from people in the Mahone Bay area who may have information about the men. He adds there is some information available for the World War I veterans but less available for the World War II or Korean War soldiers. He's asking people to get in touch with him or town staff if they can help shed some light on their identities and connections to the community.

Golden Dozen

An editorial urging people to rein in the rumours about a murdered 12 year old girl has given Vernon Oickle a spot on the Golden Dozen. The award recognizes the best non-daily opinion writing in North America through the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. Oickle tells CKBW the Karissa Boudreau story was tough but there were things that needed to be said. This year's winners were selected from 81 entries. Hear more with Vernon and Sheldon this weekend on South Shore Sunday Morning.

Jail Time

Being involved in a home invasion has landed a Bridgewater man five years behind bars. Twenty year old Timothy Charles MacKenzie entered guilty pleas to robbery and breach of an undertaking. He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday but entered the pleas instead. Mackenzie was one of three people initially charged in the invasion of a Churchill Street apartment last October 24th. Meantime there are still court appearances pending for 19 year old Matthew James Chase who is due in court July 15th, and a September trial has been scheduled for 19 year old Joshua Lamont Mosher. Charges have also been laid against three others for being parties to the crime even though they didn't enter the home. Twenty three year old Timothy Barry Stewart returns to court July 13th, while a preliminary hearing has been set for November for 23 year old Sean Andrew Ivany. A warrant has been issued for 23 year old Matthew Kevin Glavine who failed to show for an earlier court appearance.

LEED School

Wherever the new P to 9 school is located in Lunenburg, it will be LEED silver certified. LEED is a rating system used by the Green Building council of Canada to rate new buildings on their energy and environmental features. Three recommended sites approved by the South Shore Regional School Board have been sent to the Minister of Education who will who will request a formal review of the sites by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The School Steering Team for the new facility also reviewed the School Space Allocation Program and at it's next committee meeting will review possible amendments to the program.

Woodlot Winner

To say Rex Veinot is excited might be understating it - he says he's still walking on the ceiling. The Veinot Family, who own a 142-hectare property in Maplewood, is being recognized as Woodlot Owner's of the year. It's the second time the property has been given the honour by the Department of Natural Resources in the 20 years since the program started. Veinot says the family has been on the land since 1890. A presentation will be made to the family at their Lunenburg county farm on October 3rd.

Motorcyclist Funeral

A motorcyclist killed in an unusual and tragic accident will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon. The funeral service for Gregory Allen Naugler is being held at St. Paul's Lutheran church in Bridgewater. The Captain with the Oakhill Volunteer Fire Department was killed when his bike hit another motorcycle on Highway 325. Two other people, a man and woman also in their 50's are still in hospital. Investigators are still at a loss to explain exactly what happened that night. The collision happened about 8:15 and the bikes were travelling towards each other when somehow Naugler's ended up crossing the centerline. Police say speed doesn't appear to have been a factor. And neither were alcohol or drugs.

History Winners

Two South Shore teenagers have been selected as the Nova Scotia delegation of 8 students to attend the 15th annual National Historica Fair in Ottawa from July 7 to 13. The National Historica Fair will bring together 100 students from across Canada for a week of learning and adventure that includes a public display of their history projects on Thursday, July 9th, at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Fifteen year old Jean Clarke, , from Lunenburg,has a project entitled Fisherman’s Suits, while 14 year old Haleigh Atwood from Shelburne will be there with a project entitled New France: The Electric City. The 100 National Fair delegates were selected from among the over 250,000 students in more than 1,000 communities who participated in local and Regional Historica Fairs in April and May.

Bike Collision

Questions still remain about what exactly happened to cause a head-on crash between two motorcycles that killed a Lunenburg County man. The accident happened on Friday night on Highway 325 in Oak Hill, just outside Bridgewater. R-C-M-P say a preliminary investigation shows that one motorcycle crossed the centre line and hit the other one. The driver of the motorcycle that crossed over -- a Lunenburg County man in his 50s -- was pronounced dead in South Shore Regional Hospital. He has been identified as Gregory Naugler of Pine Grove. The male driver of the other bike and a female passenger were injured. Their names have not been released yet.

Found Kids

It was a frantic five hours for an Ohio family visiting the south shore. But it ended with the nine-year old boy and five year old girl being reunited with their overjoyed family last evening. Lunenburg county RCMP say the family had just arrived in Rhodes Corner and were visiting with relatives when the kids wandered off from the back yard. They were last seen around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Family and neighbours spent several hours looking for them before they called the RCMP. That was just before six last evening. A huge effort went into action with RCMP, a police service dog, members of the Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue team, Natural Resources workers and a D-N-R helicopter all responded. The kids were found before dark. They were found walking on a woods road about a half a kilometer from the Lunenburg County home. Both the boy and girl were in good condition when they were reunited with their parents just after 8:30 last night.

Farmer's Market

It's the return of the Farmer's Market to Bridgewater this weekend. Councillor David Mitchell says 15 vendors are confirmed and you'll be able to buy meat, produce and breads, crafts, pottery, jams and flowers. The market will be open on the town-leased parking lot on King Street, between Empire Street and Dominion Street. It will open rain or shine. There is no admission fee. The market will stay open Saturdays during the same time frame throughout the summer season, likely until October.

Privateer Funding

While the weather may not look the greatest for Privateer Days, the economic forecast is a little brighter today. Gerald Keddy was on hand for last night's opening ceremonies, and he had more than 20-thousand dollars in federal booty ($20,800). The Conservative Member of Parliament for the area says the Government is proud to support Privateer Days - something that celebrates our shared history. Anne Langille - the Chair of the event this year - says the money will help to bring back local entertainment to Privateer Days and celebrate the history of Queens county and it's privateering heritage. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Liverpool Township. The festival runs right through the weekend.

New Tourism President

A tough job ahead with declining numbers and a struggling tourism economy. A new president is in place for Destination Southwest Nova. Dan Myers of Oak Island Resort has been appointed by the association's board. He's been an active member of the group for the past two years and has been very involved with the marketing committee. Myers chaired the first meeting of the new board saying he believes in a regional approach to marketing the area. And he is looking forward to helping the Association build strong partnerships that will lead to increased visitation. Past President Rick Welsford helped lead the regional tourism industry association through the complicated amalgamation in 2006 but recently stepped down. The board thanked him for his leadership, hard work and commitment to the industry.

Health Workers

Two former recipients of the South Shore Health Bursary Program ,one RN and one LPN, have completed their return-for service agreements and are now working for South Shore Health. The program was established in 2006 and has provided funding to students from Lunenburg and Queens Counties who are interested in pursuing a career. The Bursary Program is funded by the Health Services Foundation and the Queens General Foundation and last year receivedadditional funding from the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Successful recipients are required to enter into a return-for-service agreement with the District equal to the number of years supported by the program. This year, there are 6 recipients graduating from their chosen field of study: 4 RN's; 1 Medical Laboratory Technologist; and 1 Medical Radiology Technologist. Five of the recipients have or will begin their return-for service agreement over the next several months. The District is currently supporting 3 RN's and 1 Physician and hope to support an additional 5 students in 2009-2010.

Pavement vs Classrooms

A South Shore School Board member feels the province is putting asphalt ahead of student programming. Gary Mailman says the former government announced 2 million over 3 years for Parkview Education Centre and almost $250-thousand of that is to be used to construct a parking lot. Mailman says Parkview wasn't even identified as a Board priority, and he feels the money should be put into the Skills/Trades program. Mailman says New Germany Elementary and South Queens Junior High were overlooked by the province even though both schools were on the South Shore School Boards priority list.

Mahone Bay Taxes

An increase in the Mahone Bay's residential assessment means a decrease in tax rates. Overall assessments are up more than five percent to almost 107 million. Most homeowners will pay about the same tax bill as last year. Council was able to drop the residential tax rate down to a dollar 18 cents. Commercial rates increased by nine cents to 2.83 to cover the business occupancy tax phase out. Mahone Bay's budget this year is worth 1.96 million dollars.

Privateer Booty

Federal dollars are being made available for Privateer Days. The funding will be announced on Thursday at the Queens County Museum, just as the festival is getting underway. South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will be making the presentation on behalf of the Conservative Government.

CKBW's Wiles Winner

Describing it as a junior farm system, Dave Bannerman says CKBW and Acadia Broadcasting are helping young people get into the broadcasting business. Bannerman is an instructor with the NSCC's Waterfront Campus. He says John Wiles has been named National Broadcaster of the year by the Broadcaster Educators Association. CKBW's station manager John Wiles was recently presented with an award recognizing him and the radio station for their continued support of broadcast students. He is a native of Liverpool who has worked in broadcasting in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia over his 30 year career.

Tuition Winners

Four Nova Scotia high school students have each won five thousand dollars in tuition for a Nova Scotia university or college of their choice through the online game Mission Tuition. Mission Tuition was designed to encourage more high school students to plan careers in Nova Scotia, by making them aware of the range of successful business and job opportunities here at home. More than 23-hundred people played the interactive online game on a website telling Nova Scotians about opportunities in growth sectors such as aerospace, finance, skilled trades, IT and health. The four winners are: David Cann, Riverview Rural HighSchool (Sydney); Kelsie Johnston, Sackville High School; Alessandra Pagnottella, Sacred Heart School (Halifax); and Allison Rand, Bridgewater Junior and Senior High School. They were randomly chosen from more than 900 entries.

Health CEO Deputized

South Shore Health CEO, Kevin McNamara, has been appointed acting deputy minister of the Department of Health. Premier Darrell Dexter in making the announced today says McNamara understands the unique challenges of Nova Scotia's health-care system and will be able to help government prepare to address those challenges. The appointment will take effect Friday (July 3rd) and will last about three months.

MLA's Appointed

Two South Shore NDP MLA's among eight appointed to the role of ministerial assistants. They will represent ministers and government to build relationships with important stakeholders, and oversee policy and program development that helps government keep commitments. Lunenburg West's Gary Ramey has been named ministerial assistant to the Department of Health while Queens MLA Vicki Conrad, has been appointed to Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Ministerial assistants will not receive additional pay for their role and it is not a full-time position.

Justice Center Opens

Bridgewater's new justice center opens Monday, months later than scheduled and millions of dollars over original budget estimates. The exact cost has not been released by officials but at last count it was close to double the original estimate of 9-point-75 million dollars. The building was supposed to open last November but was delayed another six months because of labour issues according to the Department of Justice. The justice centre includes a centralized court administration area and four courtrooms. The late Michael Baker, who was credited with pushing to have a new court house built in the community, got to tour the building in February.

Justice Issues

Shelburne RCMP say drug charges are pending after a 9-1-1 call to a Parr Street residence. They don't say what prompted the emergency call. But they say when they got there, they found a marijuana grow-op. Officers got a search warrant to dismantle the grow and seize exhibits. They say a large number of plants in various stages of growth were seized.

Chester Mounties are looking into a break, enter and theft in Chester village. Someone broke into Chester Area Middle school and stole a silver Hewlett Packard 15 inch computer monitor. It's believed it happened overnight Thursday.

Furnace Finances

The Forties Community Centre is looking for a lifeline from Chester Council. Warden Allan Webber says they're asking for a $16,000 grant to replace their hot water furnace Webber says the Municipality has been swamped with grant requests this year and there's only so much money to go around. The Community Centre still has four years left on its mortgage and has no additional funding for the emergency cost of replacing the furnace.

King of Pop dies

The Los Angeles County coroner's office has confirmed that Michael Jackson has died.
He was 50. Ed Winter, the assistant chief coroner, confirmed his office had been notified of the death and would handle the investigation. Jackson died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. The circumstances of Jackson's death were not immediately clear. A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department says Jackson was not breathing when paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m California time. The paramedics performed C-P-R and took him to the hospital.The tragedy struck amid a concerted effort by Jackson to resurrect his singing career after years of tabloid headlines. Earlier this year, he announced his impending comeback: a marathon series of massive back-to-back concerts in London.

Back To Work

After dipping his toes into the political pool, the Detachment Commander for Lunenburg County RCMP is expected back in the office soon. Mark Furey went on an unpaid leave of absence back on April 15th when he announced he was running for the Liberal party in Lunenburg West. Staff at the detachment office in Cookville say he is scheduled to be back in his office on Monday. Staff Sergeant Furey is a 29-year veteran of the RCMP. At the time of his nomination, there was no guarantee he'd reclaim the district commander's job or that he'd remain with Lunenburg County's RCMP following election day. New Democrat Gary Ramey was elected as the MLA for the area, defeating former Cabinet Minister Carolyn Bollivar Getson.

School Sites

Three possible sites for the new P to 9 school for Lunenburg have been identified by the South Shore Regional School Board, Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says the Board approved the Finance and Operations report on the ranking of the host sites, which now gets forwarded to the Department of Education. A public meeting has been scheduled for Lunenburg Junior Senior High School for June 29th at 7 p.m., but Pynch-Worthylake says that's only for information purposes. The sites will not be announced publicly until they are evaluated and considered by the province.

Party Crashed

RCMP from two Shelburne county detachments had to be called in to break up a house party that appeared to have gotten out of hand. Sergeant Bob Forbes says officers from Barrington were called around one o'clock Wednesday morning to a complaint of assault. That was at a home on Highway 103 near Clyde River. Sergeant Forbes says there were around 200 people there when they rolled up. Beer bottles were thrown at the police cruiser and a fire was started on the highway. More officers were called in from Shelburne and Barrington as the party-goers spread out onto the highway. The RCMP and the homeowner closed down the party and moved the revellers along. One male was taken into custody and was later taken by ambulance to Roseway Hospital in Shelburne. He was treated for minor injuries and released. Sergeant Forbes says the scene was cleared by around two this morning. He adds members are still investigating and are still deciding if charges will be laid.

Foley Lane Frustration

He's persistent, but it hasn't paid off. And Billy Rhodenizer says he won't be asking Town Council anymore about upgrades to Foley Lane. The street needs storm sewer, curbing and gutter work to bring it up to standards but has never been considered an operational imperative. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he knows there is a possible development planned for the area and feels the street will be upgraded down the road. The Foley Lane upgrade was scrapped from the 2008/09 budget when a tender for the project came in over budget by almost 200 thousand dollars.

Caucus Appointments

Premier Darrell Dexter announced three government caucus appointments. Vicki Conrad, MLA for Queens, will serve as the caucus chair, Mat Whynott, MLA for Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville, will be the whip and Dave Wilson, MLA for Sackville-Cobequid, will serve as Deputy House Leader. Conrad was first elected to the Legislature in 2006 and has served as critic for Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. She has worked with the Scotian Windfield network, has been a rural outreach assistant for the NDP caucus and was employed as a residential councillor and home support worker. Whynott, at 24, is the youngest member of the Legislature. He represented Canada at the United Nations, speaking at the UN's World Programme of Action for Youth. While this is Mr. Whynott's first term as an MLA, he ran for the NDP in 2006, taking 36 per cent of the vote. Mat was employed as an NDP Caucus outreach worker until the most recent election. Wilson has been an MLA since 2003. He has served as Health critic and, before becoming an MLA, was a paramedic for eight years. He is a former vice-president of the Sackville Volunteer Firefighters Association and an associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Forwarding Address

A fixture in the Town's landscape will soon be vacated. Canada Post is moving from the King Street location in Bridgewater. Mayor Carroll Publicover was coy when asked about a North Street location and any plans for the historic building. Publicover says the old post office is pivotal to the downtown core. As well , the old court house on Pleasant Street will soon be vacant. Preparations are underway for the move to the new Justice Centre on High Street this weekend.

Beer Tent Canned

The Molson Zone has been canned. The Bridgewater Canada Day Committee wanted to relocate the beer tent to a town owned property next to LaHave Landing near School Street. Council voted 5 to 2 against the proposal. Dennis Woodworth, Chair of the Canada Day Committee says with Council's decision, there will be NO beer tent. Woodworth says he's stepping down as Chair of the Canada Day Committee. Mayor Carroll Publicover says they may have to look into restructuring the Canada Day Committee. This year's Canada Day events will be limited to Shipyards Landing.

Imprisoned Poison Peddler

Calling anyone who sells cocaine "a peddler of poison", Bridgewater Provincial Court Judge Jim Burrill sentenced a Blockhouse man to 34 months in prison. Twenty-six year old Arthur Abdul Mosher was given double credit for the seven months he spent in custody after being arrested in April 2007. A police search of Mosher's parents' residence in April 2007 turned up 37 grams of cocaine in a plastic bag in a shaving cream can with a false bottom. The can was in a pocket of Randy Mosher's bathrobe . Randy Mosher who has since died of cancer told police at the time , he was using the drug for pain management but his son later said he owed a 32 thousand dollar drug debt and his father was selling cocaine in an effort to save his life. Mosher was found guilty of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking at the conclusion of his trial this March 23rd. He was also convicted of two counts of breach of probation as well as charges of possession of marijuana and hashish. Mosher has eight prior convictions for possession, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Composites Trade Show

A delegation of 17 Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence companies and organizations have returned home following a successful trade mission to Paris, France. They attended the Paris Air Show, an international trade show for aerospace equipment and technology. Mission delegates , including Composites Atlantic in Lunenburg, were able to establish and build business contacts and take part in a number of industry-related meetings, roundtables and information sessions.

Fatal ATV accident

Not a lot of detail is known about the circumstances surrounding a fatal A-T-V accident in Queens county. A 52-year old man from Riversdale was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday according to RCMP. A news release says the members of the Queens detachment were called to an all terrain vehicle accident on the Medway River Road in Riversdale. They say the deceased was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which they say was one factor contributing to his death. The man's name hasn't been released. The community is north of Mill Village.

Cabinet Swearing In

It's still a mystery whether or not any of the five M-L-A's on the south shore are up for a cabinet post in the New Democratic government. The official swearing in ceremony is being held tomorrow evening at the Cunnard Center on the Halifax waterfront. Members of the Executive Council will be sworn in by Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis Friday evening. And a spokesman in the Premier's office says the names will be released only after they are being introduced at the event. Both Vicki Conrad in Queens and Sterling Belliveau of Shelburne are returning N-D-P Members of the Legislative Assembly. Pam Birdsall, Gary Ramey and Denise Peterson-Rafuse will be on the government side of the house representing Lunenburg, Lunenburg West and Chester St. Margaret's. There's word today, eleven members of the new N-D-P government will be getting an important phone call today. Premier-designate Darrell Dexter will be telling them they'll be serving in his cabinet but we won't find out about it untill tonight. The event will be held at the Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Rd., Halifax. It can be viewed online at http://gov.ns.ca/stayinformed/webcast/ .

Retraining Money

It's close to 90-thousand dollars from the federal government to help unemployed workers in Eastern Lunenburg County. South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced the funding today for the South Shore Community Service Association. The money is going to the Chester Career Resource Center. He says the Conservative government is pleased to help unemployed Nova Scotians develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to move forward. The Center will help 200 new unemployeed workers with job search support, skills workshops, career exploration services and referrals for appropriate interventions. The funding will also allow the organization to continue providing services to approximately 120 existing clients in Chester municipality.

Power of Change

Rodney MacDonald has attended his last official function as the premier of Nova Scotia. This week, MacDonald went to a ceremony to recognize 10 young Nova Scotians with a leadership award. One of the winners of the Power of Change Award is Kelsie Mosher. The grade eight student from Lunenburg goes to Centre Consolidated. After dealing with a difficult period from being bullied, Kelsie took charge of the situation and brought awareness to the dangers and effects of bullying. She approached her Home and School Association for funding to organize Pink Day at her school, and inspired other schools in her community to do the same. She is working closely with elementary students and has pledged to put an end to bullying. Congratulations Kelsie Mosher from all of us.

Firing up the barbecue in Queens County could be a bit of a problem this summer. The region is about to lose the last free-standing propane fill-up. Mayor John Leefe says the situation will also affect some businesses. There is still the availability for the 30-pound tanks to be filled in Queens through exchange programs.

Service Award

Judy Purcell of Bridgewater one of the team members recognized with the Premier's Award of Excellence, the highest honour of the Nova Scotia civil service. It recognizes public servants for outstanding contributions to the province. Purcell is a member of the Skill Development Coordinators Team, Department of Labour and Workforce Development. The team played a lead role in responding to closures in industry by creating on-site and community response teams, conducting job vacancy studies in affected and nearby communities, developing transition centres for displaced workers, and arranging and providing direct programs and services to help workers find new employment. Premier Rodney MacDonald presented the awards to two teams and three individuals this week.

Michael Hall Reward

Another case in Nova Scotia's Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes Program was added today (June 16th) by the Department of Justice. The department is offering a cash reward of up to 150-thousand-dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible in the case of homicide victim Steven Michael Hall of Seffernsville, Lunenburg County. Hall was last seen on Saturday, April 27th, 1996, hitchhiking towards Chester, after paying a bill at the Ultramar in Chester Basin. Hall was not seen again until his body was recovered in a wooded area of Lunenburg County on November 23rd, 1996. More information on the homicide case of Mr. Hall and other cases, can be found on the Department of Justice website.

Stroke Awareness

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada but work continues on the south shore to address the health issue. The District is working on a program to both treat and prevent brain attacks, also known as strokes. Clinical Services President Sandy Christie says on the South Shore, we have high rates of many of the risk factors for stroke. They include smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol levels. As part of the program, funded by the Department of Health, South Shore Health hired a Coordinator to help support District planning and implementation. South Shore Health has dedicated 4-beds on the Cardiovascular Health Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital to stroke care. Christie says evidence shows grouping stroke patients together improves functional outcomes, reduces mortality rates and decreases length of hospital stay.

Woman Located

A sad ending to a search for a Lunenburg county woman. RCMP say the body of Hazel Laurence was located in the Church Lake area yesterday. Police, members of the Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue team and a helicopter were all called in to search for the 58-year old woman. They had been called in to look for her in the Cornwall Road area Monday. She had last been seen around 4:30 Sunday afternoon. An autopsy is being completed by the Medical Examiner to find out the cause of death.

Wire Worries

Town Council has given the go-ahead for the construction of 4 two-storey semi-detached dwellings fronting on Glen Allan Drive, In a report to Bridgewater Council, Town Planner Eric Shaw says the matter of power connections was discussed in relation to the number of utility poles and wires in the subdivision. The applicant, Jamie Cochrane didn't support underground connections saying it wasn't fair to come up mid-way through the process. Council voted voted in favour of the option of above grade connections, contingent on early consultation between the developer and NSP.

Farmers Market Returns

It's now officially confirmed. A Farmers Market is coming to downtown Bridgewater, starting on Saturday, July 4th from 8:30am to noon. Councillor David Mitchell says the market will be held on King Street in the parking lot between Intelligent Choice Computers and The Garden of Reading between Dominion St and Empire St. Mitchell says the location provides the best of both worlds he says there is plenty of space for the vendors and that section of King St has parking of both sides of the street as well as parking on Empire. The market will also attract people to the downtown core and into the shops on King St. The first week will see at least 6 producers with, baked goods, meat and produce and Mitchell says that number will grow throughout the season.

Sewage Smell

2009-06-12 05:54:29

Something smells in the Municipality of Lunenburg and it's going to cost almost $100,000 to make it go away.  Council has awarded a tender for an odour control system at the Cookville wastewater treatment plant,  Deputy-Mayor Don Zwicker says there's been an odour issue at the plant for quite some time.  He says they've been told since day one there's not enough flow of sewage going through the plant so that's why there's an odour. He says that's why they have to do something to fix the odour issue. Western Plumbing and Heating Limited of Dartmouth was awarded the tender for almost $98,000 plus HST.  Work at the plant is expected to start immediately.

NSCC Grads

2009-06-11 06:19:59

She returned to school after 28 years, and this evening she'll be delivering the valedictorian address at the convocation ceremonies for NSCC, Lunenburg Campus.  Barb Tidd, is a student in the Office  Administration program. Tonight's ceremonies set for 7:00 p.m. will  recognize the achievement of all 223 Lunenburg Campus graduates who have earned diplomas and certificates over the last academic year.

Lunenburg School

2009-06-11 06:18:48

A new Primary to Grade 9 school will be built in Lunenburg in the next few years, but the exact location still has to be decided.   A School Steering team has been formed and a public meeting has been scheduled for later this month.  School board officials say the site selection is one of the first items that will be addressed by them.  The board passed a motion to have the school built in Lunenburg with the possible sites are being whittled down to three locations.  Board members will get those at the June 24th meeting and their recommended site for the Lunenburg school will then go to the Government.  The selection committee is made up from all four school communities and and a public meeting has been scheduled at Lunenburg Junior Senior High School for June 29th at 7:00 p.m.  The process for naming the new school is still being worked out.

South Shore Results

2009-06-10 06:29:59

Chester St Margaret's:

NDP   Denise Peterson-Rafuse 4,835 48.09% Elected
PC  Judy Streatch  2,762  27.47 %
LIB  Jo-Ann Grant  2,122  21.11 %
GRN  Ryan Cameron 335  3.33 %

Lunenburg:

NDP   Pam Birdsall   3,644   48.82% Elected
PC  Peter Zwicker  2,049  27.45%
LIB  Rick Welsford  1,190  15.94%
IND  Milton Countway  457  6.12% 
GRN  Jason A. Remai  124  1.66%

Lunenburg West:

NDP   Gary Ramey   3,600   39.60% Elected
PC  Carolyn Bolivar-Getson 3,045  33.50% 
LIB  Mark Furey  2,297  25.27%
GRN  Emily Richardson 148  1.63%

Queens:

NDP   Vicki Conrad   4,012   59.91% Elected
PC  Kerry Morash  1,926  28.76%
LIB  Wayne Henley 674  10.06%
GRN  Stuart Simpson 85  1.27%

Shelburne:

NDP   Sterling Belliveau  3,844 55.41% Elected
PC  Eddie Nickerson 1,637 23.59% 
LIB  Darian Huskilson 1,356  19.54% 
GRN  Robin Smith  101 1.46%

RESULTS

2009-06-09 21:13:24

 An NDP majority in Nova Scotia and a south shore sweep for the party. Vicki Conrad held on to her seat, winning in Queens. Sterling Belliveau was returned as the NDP MLA for Shelburne. Two cabinet ministers on the south shore were unseated with Judy Streatch falling to Denise Peterson-Rafuse and Carolyn Bolivar-Getson ceding her seat to Gary Ramey, a first time candidate.  In Lunenburg, Pam Birdsall was elected as the New Democrat representative.

The first N-D-P government elected east of Ontario has not only won -- it's won big.   Voters in Nova Scotia have delivered a decisive majority win to a party that offered a modest platform and a commitment to balance the province's books.
    The N-D-P is elected in 30 ridings and leading in one.   It appears the Liberals will be elevated to the Official Opposition, with the Grits elected in 10 ridings and leading in one.  The Tories have won 10 seats.
    
The New Democrats swept to a majority government by boosting their share of the popular vote to 45 per cent.    That's up from about 35 per cent in 2006.    The Tories fell to 25 per cent from 40 per cent in the last election.  The Liberals polled 27 per cent of the vote, up a touch from about 23 per cent in 2006.

Tune in tomorrow morning for results and reaction to this historic night.

Foul Play Ruled Out

2009-06-09 17:46:11

Bridgewater police say foul play has been ruled out in the death of a woman who's body was found in Glen Allen Park.  She has been identified as 50-year old Deborah Bell-Ivany of Bridgewater.  An autopsy is being performed today in Halifax at the Provincial Medical Examiner's office.  Police say they are still conducting interviews and they are waiting for results from additional forensic testing.  A man walking his dog in the park found the remains just before noon yesterday.

Voting Day

2009-06-09 06:19:43

It's Election day in Nova Scotia. Polls open across the province at 8:00 this morning as a general election gets underway. New Democrats are hoping to form government for the first time having led in opinion surveys for most of the 35-day campaign. At dissolution, there were 21 Tory seats in the 52-seat legislature, 20 NDP, nine Liberals, one Independent and one vacancy.  Polls are closing at seven tonight. And then join CKBW for team coverage of the results from the five South Shore ridings brought to you by the Home Center, North Street, Bridgewater.

Chester-St. Margarets: Ryan Cameron, Green; Jo-Ann Grant, Liberal; Denise Peterson-Rafuse, NDP; Judy Streatch (i), PC.

Lunenburg: Pam Birdsall, NDP; Milton Countway, Independent; Jason Remai, Green; Rick Welsford, Liberal; Peter Zwicker, PC

Lunenburg West: Carolyn Bolivar-Getson (i), PC; Mark Furey, Liberal; Gary Ramey, NDP; Emily Richardson, Green

Queens: Vicki Conrad (i), NDP; Wayne Henley, Liberal; Kerry Morash, PC; Stuart Simpson, Green

Shelburne: Sterling Belliveau (i), NDP; Darian Huskilson, Liberal; Eddie Nickerson, PC; Robin Smith, Green

(i)=incumbant