Eat Local

Agriculture Minister John MacDonell is inviting Nova Scotians to join him in his pledge to eat only Atlantic food on September 4th. He says Atlantic food is good for our health, community, and the environment and supports our economy. He is joined by Atlantic ministers from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The province with the most pledges will be declared the challenge winner. The competition was started by Co-op food stores in 2008. To sign up for the Eat Atlantic Challenge, visit www.eatatlantic.ca.

Power Outages

Hurricane Bill was vicious on the trees and because of that, there were numerous power outages across the province yesterday. And Stacy Pineo with Nova Scotia Power says the only are still without electricity is in Lunenburg county. There are trees down on a section of feeder line that runs through the woods. Crews will be touring that line as soon as the sun comes up this morning. They expect the power to be restored by midday. The areas affected are in Maders Cove, Sunnybrook, Hermans Island, Martins Brook, Second Peninsula, Stonehurst, Eastern Points and the area around there. And Pineo says there are scattered or individual outages around the province bringing that total number this morning to 435 customers.
Click here for a link to the Nova Scotia Power outage map.

Bill Damages

The causeway at Western Head was a casualty of the storm over the weekend. A large section was destroyed with waves washing away the pavement entirely. It will likely take some time for crews to repair the damage and rebuild the causeway. Several roads closed because of Hurricane Bill are back open today. In Lunenburg County, sections of Green Bay Road in Green Bay and Point Road in Blue Rocks had been blocked off because of water. They are reopened. And in Queens County, a section of Trunk 3 near Hunts Point and Summerville previously closed because of flooding are now passable. As roads re-open, drivers are reminded to watch for water and debris, and to adjust speed according to conditions.

Attempted Murder Fugitive Arrested

As a result of a double stabbing which occurred in the early morning hours of June 29th, 2008, the Bridgewater Police Service had been seeking a Lunenburg County man, Cory Kyle LANGILLE, 21 years of age.

Mr. LANGILLE was charged by police with two counts of Attempted Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Breach of Probation in relation to this incident. A Canada wide warrant was obtained that same date.

Two Lunenburg County men received serious, life threatening injuries which required hospitalization and surgery.

Bridgewater Police had received information Mr. LANGILLE was hiding in Alberta. The Alberta Sheriffs Fugitive Apprehension Team became involved in the search for Mr. LANGILLE. It was this team that located Mr LANGILLE in a south west Calgary apartment Friday, August 21st, 2009.

The unit with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service Tactical Unit surrounded the apartment and called upon Mr. LANGILLE to surrender himself. Mr. LANGILLE did so without incident.

Mr. LANGILLE has been remanded into custody in Alberta. Members of the Bridgewater Police Service will travel to Alberta to return Mr. LANGILLE to face his charges later this week.

Hurricane Preparedness

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Preparing for Hurricane Season as Hurricane Bill Gains Strength
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The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is advising the public to take necessary precautions as Hurricane Bill gains strength in the southern Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometres off St. Martin in the Caribbean as of 1:30 p.m. today, Aug. 20.
"Environment Canada indicates that this storm will maintain its hurricane status as it heads north," Ramona Jennex, Emergency Management Minister, said. "While we know that hurricanes are unpredictable, this is an opportunity to remind all Nova Scotians that the best way to keep our families safe is to be prepared."
EMO is monitoring the storm closely to ensure the most current information is available to the public.
"The most important things individuals can do is keep informed by listening for updated weather information and public safety bulletins and act accordingly," said Dennis Kelly, acting deputy head and CEO of the Emergency Management Office.
Other ways to prepare for a weather-related emergency are:
-- Maintain an emergency kit, including food water, clothing, blankets, a flashlight, battery or crank-powered radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, extra prescription medications and copies of important papers
-- Have cash on hand in case of a prolonged power outage.
-- Prepare freezer packs by placing water-filled soda or plastic milk containers in deep freezers. These can be used to help keep the freezer and/or refrigerator cold in the event of a power outage.
-- Choose a family shelter area away from windows. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide a good shelter in a severe storm.
-- Choose a meeting place for family members and set up some form of communication to notify each other of whereabouts and safety.
-- Make arrangements to help a senior or other people in the neighbourhood that may need help.
-- Secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around. Protect homes as much as possible from heavy rains and floods.
-- Refrain from going to coastal areas to watch a severe storm. It can be very dangerous.
Visit the EMO website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/emo for more information on emergency preparedness.

Bring your Own Toys

In a move to reduce the potential spread of the H-1-N-1 flu virus South Shore Health is removing all magazines, books and toys from patient waiting areas and in patient areas. Patients or children with day appointments or coming into Emergency Departments at South Shore Health are advised to bring their own washable toys and reading materials with them, and take them home when they leave. The recommendation comes from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Jail Time

Refusing to comply with court orders to abstain from alcohol along with assaulting his ex and making harassing phone calls to her has landed a Lunenburg County man behind bars for five months. Forty-four year old Jeffrey Wayne Warner admitted he has an alcohol problem and when he drinks he gets into trouble. His latest charges stem from incidents going back to last May when RCMP responded to an assault complaint in Hemford. Warner kicked in the bedroom door and pushed his girlfriend who then said she was leaving. He threatened to use an axe on anyone who came to pick her up. As a result of that incident he was ordered to have no contact with the woman, but last July 22nd he called the woman 12 times and sent 50 text messages. While the Mounties were at the residence taking the complaint Warner called the woman another 10 times. The Crown consolidated a number of breach charges involving a no contact clause and the consumption of alcohol. Following his jail term, Warner will be on probation for a year with orders to take counselling for substance abuse and spousal violence. He is also prohibited from contacting his former girlfriend.

Alcohol to Minor

Four rum and cokes turned out to be on the expensive side for a Bridgewater man charged with supplying a minor with alcohol. Thirty-four year old Scott Campbell of Maple Street was fined $500 after pleading guilty to giving a 14 year old girl liquor. Police received a call from a woman who said her teenaged daughter might be at the Maple Street address. When police arrived Campbell first denied the girl was there. Police entered the apartment and found the girl highly intoxicated and partially disrobed. She was transported by ambulance to hospital. Campbell told the Judge he thought the girl was 18, which is still under the legal age for consumption of alcohol.

Dayspring Infill Fine

A case that's been before the courts for four years concluded yesterday with a Bridgewater area woman being fined more than $18,000 for infillng a saltmarsh area on the LaHave River. Corinna Kincaid-Lowe and her company Nova Stone Exporters infilled the environmentally sensitive property in Dayspring back in August 2002. The Provincial Environment Department became involved after learning the matter was under their jurisdiction, not the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Three years later Kincaid-Lowe was charged with contravening a Ministerial order to remove the infill. Numerous delays involving changing lawyers resulted in the case dragging on with no resolution. Yesterday, in Bridgewater Provincial Court Judge Anne Crawford admonished Kincaid-Lowe for her foot dragging and lack of good faith saying the situation cried out for remediation. The fine of $18,379 covers the cost of the remediation effort and is more than the property itself which was assessed at $13,400. Kincaid-Lowe also has to pay a 10 percent victim fine surcharge.

Eat Local

Farmers, chefs, musicians, and vendors will join together to celebrate local food at the Incredible Picnic this Sunday in communities across the province including White Point Beach Resort in Queens County. The Incredible Picnic is a celebration of local food mixed with live music, children's activities and learning opportunities. Agriculture Minister John MacDonell says a publicly supported buy-local initiative is a beginning for a more competitive and profitable agriculture sector.

New Doctor in New Germany

Welcome news for a rural Lunenburg County Medical Center that has been without a family doctor since November. South Shore Health and the Board of the New Germany and Area Medical Centre Association are welcoming a new physician to the community. Dr. Kory Jollymore will start seeing patients the week of August 31. He is relocating from Bridgewater, where he has been practicing since October 2008. The Center says Dr. Jollymore will be working in a collaborative practice with nurse practitioner Rob Snelling, who began seeing patients in June. The District Health Authority has been trying to recruit someone to set up practice in New Germany since the medical centre lost its two full-time family physicians last fall.

No Lobster Permits

The province has removed the permit fee put in place last fall for lobster fisherman who sell live lobster roadside. Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sterling Belliveau says lobster fisherman have been struggling with low prices in the past year, and they have traditionally sold direct to customers without needing to purchase a permit. Vendors selling live lobster roadside are still required to have a permit, but there will be no fee.

Vendors can get a food permit online at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/agric/paal006.asp, by contacting a food safety specialist in their region, or by calling the food safety division at 902-424-1173.

For copies of the 2009 Lobster Sellers weekly report, visit the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture website at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/licensing/conditions.shtml or call fisheries licensing services at 902-424-0335.

Baker Praises

She's the Pride of Port Medway, and Region of Queens Municipal Council thinks Carroll Baker is pretty special. To that effect a special resolution was approved by council to convey its congratulations to Carroll Baker on being named to the Order of Canada and express its pride in her extraordinary accomplishments in the music industry. Baker has had more than 20 number one records, 12 of which were consecutive, a record that remains unbroken in Canada by a Canadian country music performer. She has been inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame and has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the provinces of Nova Scotia and Ontario. Picture from http://www.carrollbakersinger.ca/ website.

Crosby Honoured

N-H-L star Sidney Crosby, of Cole Harbour, was presented with his Order of Nova Scotia for 2008 Tuesday (August 18). Crosby is the youngest person to receive the Order of Nova Scotia and is the first person to receive it in the youth category, introduced in 2006. He is one of six recipients for 2008 selected by the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council from 68 nominations from across the province. Crosby had an exceptional year, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and leading the NHL playoffs with 15 goals. Picture from http://www.gov.ns/ website.

Crime Warning

Shelburne County residents are being warned about a telephone scam making the rounds. A person identifying themselves as a grandchild or other loved one, says they are in trouble with a law enforcement agency and need a specified amount of cash wired to them to get out of jail. The caller will be accommodating and may provide a fraudulent law enforcement name. Any such incident should be reported to your local RCMP or Phonebusters.

North Queens Hall

Four years ago the North Queens Fire Association pitched a proposal for a new fire hall and community centre in Caledonia to Region of Queens Council. Since then feasibility studies and conceptual plans have been completed but the project is still nowhere being shovel ready. Following an updated presentation earlier this week, Mayor John Leefe says Council has agreed in principle it wants to be a significant contributor to the project. The Fire Association would like to replace its current building constructed in 1974 with a a new, 19-thousand square foot fire hall/community centre. The estimated cost of the project is 3.1 million dollars plus HST.

Shutdown Delayed

A bit of a reprieve for the workers at the Bowater Mersey mill in Brooklyn ,Queens County. The plant was scheduled to shut down for five weeks on August 29th. An email was sent to the newsprint mill employees Tuesday morning advising them the production curtailment will be delayed one week because of additional orders for Latin America. The projected shutdown date is now scheduled for Friday September 4th, with the start up date for the mill unchanged at Monday, October 5th.

Real Estate Growth

Real Estate prices on the south shore don't seem to be negatively affected by the current economic challenges. The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® says the average price for MLS® home sales from May to July was up 5% over the same three months in 2008. The average single family dwelling in the province sold for $202,676. The south shore saw average prices go up by 4.9 percent to $156,216. Yarmouth saw the only decrease, dropping 0.9% to $122,848 and Highland went up the most, 9.2% to $143,366. A total of 3492 homes sold through the MLS® System in Nova Scotia from May to July 2009, down 9 per cent from one year earlier. The dollar value of these home sales totalled $707.7 million during the period, a decline of 5.2 per cent year-over-year. Interest rates are at historic lows and there's been no sign of any significant increases on the horizon.

Heat Issues

Severe and lengthy heat waves can be dangerous. St. John Ambulance urges families to watch for these signs and provide immediate first aid measures.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to excessive heat and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some of the following signs and symptoms may be present; muscular cramps; headache; dizziness; exhaustion; cold, clammy, pale skin; weak and rapid pulse; and rapid shallow breathing.
1) Place the person at rest in a cool place with feet and legs elevated.
Loosen constrictive clothing and remove excess clothing.
2) Give a fully conscious casualty as much water as he or she is able to
drink. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth. Put the
unconscious person into the recovery position. Monitor airway,
breathing and circulation closely.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, is caused by exposure to high temperatures and hot, dry winds or high humidity and poor circulation. Signs and symptoms include a flushed face and hot skin, which may be either wet or dry, a temperature of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) or higher, a rapid and full pulse, noisy breathing, restlessness, headache and dizziness.
Unconsciousness may develop quickly and convulsions may occur. The person may die unless the body temperature is reduced quickly. To do so, remove the casualty's clothing and bathe him or her in cool water or wrap in a wet, cool sheet. Keep the sheet wet. If unconscious, put the person into the recovery position. When the body temperature is lowered to 38 degrees C (slightly above normal), cover the person with a dry sheet and keep as cool as possible.
Sunburn
For minor sunburn, place the person in the shade and apply cool water or cloths soaked in cool water. Commercial ointment or cream may be used (Caution: an allergic reaction might occur.) Extreme sun exposure may cause swelling and blistering. Such cases should be treated as a severe burn.
Burns

1) Lessen swelling and blistering, and relieve pain by immediately
immersing the burned area in cool water or by applying cloths soaked
in cool water. Do not place a burn under extreme water pressure, such
as a strong-running tap, since it may further damage the tissues.
2) Remove rings or other jewellery and constrictive clothing before
swelling or blistering occurs. Do not remove clothing that is stuck
to the burned area. Do not apply butter, ointments or oil dressings.
3) Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing if possible,
otherwise use a clean cloth.
These survival tips will assist you with heat-related emergency situations but they should never be considered as a replacement for a first aid course. In any emergency situation always obtain trained medical assistance as quickly as possible.
These first aid and survival tips are put together by experienced first aid professionals from St. John Ambulance Canada.
For further information: visit www.sja.ca to download Spring and Summer - First Aid and Survival Tips

Underground Power

The Region of Queens is borrowing $280,000 for the installation of power and street lights for Queens Place Drive. That's the site of the proposed Queen's Recreation Complex and the newly opened Best Western Hotel. Mayor John Leefe says Council took the decision they did not want the area cluttered up with power poles. He says the powerlines will be run underground. Council also gave approval to the Best Western to locate a sign adjacent to the right of the entrance of Queens Place Drive with the electrical connection to be underground.

Queens Council Support

Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says a five week shut down of the Bowater paper mill in Brooklyn is not an indication the plant will permanently close. He says he doesn't understand comments to that affect by the head of the local union. Leefe says the employees can take comfort that Municipal Council is fully behind them adding the mill is an important contributor to the economy in Western Nova Scotia. He adds the company is one of the largest shipper out of the port of Halifax. The Abitibi Bowater Mersey plant will be idle from August 29th until October 4th

New Building

Word there's an arrangement that's been worked out to allow construction to proceed on a building for a new post office in Bridgewater. Acadia Broadcasting Vice President Jim MacMullin says they will start work soon on the North Street lot where a Canada Post facility will be located on the main floor. And he says the building will also be the home for both a new south shore country music station and CKBW. MacMullin says they expect the project to be complete with both stations operating out of the new location in early 2010. The project was held up when Bridgewater staff turned down an appeal of a variance to allow the new building to go up too close to neighbouring properties. Kevin Harris with the developer says there's a confidentiality agreement with a neighbouring property owner so he can't discuss what lead to the breakthrough. CKBW has attempted to contact Bob Richards to find out. And Planning Department staff in Bridgewater's town office say there's still no development application from the company. They say the owners can clear the lot on North street but can't start any construction until they have the necessary permits.

Unsightly Property

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in the case of some properties deemed unsightly, it's the definition that needs to be clarified. Council for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is putting forth a resolution asking for a review of that section of the Municipal Government Act. Mayor Don Downe says they're seeking a revised definition of dangerous and unsightly premises that does not restrict normal and/or usual rural activities such as piles of wood shavings or sawdust. The Municipality is sponsoring the resolution at the fall conference of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

F-O-I-P-O-P Fees

The province is making it easier and more affordable for Nova Scotians to access information about their government. Effective August 14th, the application fee under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is being reduced from twenty-five dollars to five dollars. Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry says the government is committed to being open and accountable and access to information needs to be affordable. The act is designed to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy.

Beach Parking Warning

Sunshine and 30 degrees, beach weather for sure. And you can consider this your heads-up if you're planning on heading to the Risser's area. RCMP say there's a two-kilometer stretch of Highway 331 between Crescent Beach and Rissers that's a no-parking area. Constable Rob James says residents frequently park along the highway at the entrance to the boardwalk south of the reception gate of Rissers. He says there are signs up that show this is not permitted. And he says they will be starting to write tickets and tow vehicles in the next few days. He says guests of the Risser's Beach Provincial Park should use the designated parking area at Risser's Beach.

Team Nova Scotia

Rookie netminder Billy Clarke has been named to the Team Nova Scotia U16 Squad. Billy is from Dayspring and will be attending Park View Education Centre this fall. He is a recent graduate of the South Shore Bantam 'AAA' Ice Sharks, and top goaltender at the 2008/09 Bantam 'AAA' Provincial Championships. Clarke was among 46 players who tried out for the team - including 12 goal tenders. He'll get to play for Team Nova Scotia in the Atlantic Challenge Cup in Moncton this fall.

Racing Fun

They come from all over for Chester Race week almost splitting the Village at its seams. It's a party atmosphere, but Warden Allan Webber says they don't want the party-goers to get out of hand and the area will be well patrolled. Whether you're a landlubber or a yacht racer, the welcome mat is out at the Chester Yacht Club. This years Chester Race Week runs from the 12th to the 15th.

Cookville Improvements

A call for tenders has been approved by Lunenburg Municipal Council for the second phase of Champlain Drive infrastructure. The first phase completed in July was to provide an access road for the provincial government to build the new French School in Cookville. Municipal Engineer Pierre Breau says the next phase of the project is to install a water line and sewer system to provide municipal services to the Ecole-de-la Rive Sud currently being built. The budgeted cost for the work is $496,000.

Bowater Shutdown

A five week shutdown for close to three hundred workers at the Abitibi-Bowater Mersey Paper Mill in Queens county accortding to Union officials. They confirm they were notified Thursday morning of the fourth work stoppage at the plant since Christmas. Courtney Wentzell with the Communications Energy and Paper Workers says the Nova Scotia plant has been down more weeks than it's been running this year. The Queens paper mill will be shut between August 29th and October 4th. Company officials have been citing tough market conditions brought on by the current economic downturn.

NOTE: Company spokesperson Robin Anthony tells CKBW the shutdown will affect under 175 employees.

A Day on the Range

The General Training Course Cadets will participate in familiarization training throughout the two weeks that they will spend here at the Greenwood Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. From survival training and recreational training to trips in a glider and range training, the day of a GT cadet is filled with many fun activities. Today, many of the GT cadets spent time on the range. For many, it is their first time being able to shoot the air rifles. Cadet Makayla Whynot of 545 Liverpool Privateer Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron located in Liverpool, N.S., is pictured here getting ready to take her first shot. The Cadet Program is available across Canada to young people ages 12-18. It is one of the largest youth programs in the country (over 55,000 cadets nationally) and is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment where young people can develop as strong leaders and active citizens. (Story and picture submitted)

Camperdown Obama Carver

Bradford Naugler of Camperdown, a renowned Nova Scotia folk artist is having his life-sized carvings of the Obama family unveiled as a new addition to the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on Monday, August 17th. The work depicts Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama and joined by the family dog Bo. The work won rave reviews at the recent Lunenburg Folk Art Festival and will be on view at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia until September 7, 2009. Bradford Naugler is considered one of Canada's most prominent and successful folk artists', with his work exhibited and collected in both North America and Europe.

Drug Raid

A 38-year old Petite Riviere woman is looking at an October court date on drug charges after a police search of her home. Members of the Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit went into the Italy Cross Road home yesterday. Police say they seized a quantity of Marihuana Plants, Ecstasy and prescription medication in the raid. Bridgewater police, RCMP and a dog unit were there with a warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Hospital Pickets

Picket lines will be up at South Shore Regional Hospital Friday. They'll be manning the lines from 6:30 to 9 a.m. to highlight the challenges CUPE local 1933 is facing in provincial bargaining talks. One of the health workers who will be on the line says they're hoping to avert a strike by informing the public and members about what's going on at the table around acute care bargaining. The picket lines will be at the entrance and exit of the hospital property on Glen Allan and Nafthal Drive. The Union's lead negotiator Wayne Thomas will also be taking part in the picket tomorrow morning.

Blacktop Topup

Four different roads in Lunenburg County on the list of road improvements announced yesterday by the province. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Bill Estabrooks says the department is determined to keep the road builders of Nova Scotia busy by getting these jobs into their hands during the current construction season. The seven projects have an estimated value of almost 12-million dollars, and include paving, repaving and other road improvements. All seven projects are scheduled for completion before the end of 2009. Among the tenders is 7.8 kilometres of repaving on four different roads in Lunenburg County.

Black Loyalist Support

It was a big Community Welcome of the Amistad Freedom Celebration 175 on the Shelburne Waterfront today. And Gerald Keddy brought a present from Ottawa. The MP for the South Shore announced $13,700 for the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Keddy says these events help people understand the history of slavery and allows residents commemorate and celebrate the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Concerts, tours of Freedom Schooner Amistad, a march from Shelburne to Birchtown, the Junior Leaders Freedom Camp, a reception honouring elders from the local African Nova Scotian community; and a display of quilts and art are all part of the festivities running through till Sunday.

Gold River Bridge

Lunenburg County residents and visitors have a new modern six-million-dollar bridge. Gold River Bridge on Trunk 3 has been replaced and the new bridge is now open. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says that the replacement of the bridge was an important project in maintaining the beauty of the historic Lighthouse Route. The replacement project began in early 2008, as the original structure approached the end of its structural life. Work to dismantle the temporary detour bridge will take place over the next two to four weeks. Drivers are asked to proceed with caution in the area during this time.

Coastal Habitat Protection

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is thrilled to announce the protection of pristine coastal habitat at Port Joli in southwest Nova. Still unspoiled by development, the Port Joli area is a vital home for a number of migratory bird species, including Canada geese and Harlequin ducks. The area contains sandy beaches, eel grass flats, inter-tidal mudflats and coastal forests and was designated a Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1941. Gerald Keddy South Shore/St. Margaret's MP says the Federal Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada's environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. While NCC already owned 136 acres (55 hectares) at Port Joli, the additional 341 acres (138 hectares) will ensure this unspoiled habitat remains in its natural state.

New Home Rebate

Applications for the province's new home construction rebate are now available at Access Nova Scotia Centres and online. The rebate is on new home construction and is equivalent to 50 per cent of the provincial portion of the HST, to a maximum of seven-thousand dollars. Up to 1,500 individuals who build or purchase a new home will qualify for this one-time rebate. The province has also moved the municipal building permit eligibility date to Jan. 1, 2009. Premier Darrell Dexter says this will help keep skilled tradespeople at home and boost the home-building industry. Application forms and information on eligibility for the rebate program are available at Access Nova Scotia centres or online at www.getyourrebate.ca .

No Idle Project

We'll know this week if the Town of Bridgewater has been selected to take part in the Ecology Action Centre's "Idle-less Project'. Two municipal units will be selected to take part in the eight month project. Deputy-Mayor David Walker says the concept certainly blends into the Town's sustainability initiative. He says idling causes problems with greenhouse gasses but he's interested in finding out how the balance will be made between the environment and businesses like drive-thru's. The project involves two primary components. A community oriented campaign to reduce idling, including targeted business. And an examination of government policies and practices to reduce the amount of energy consumed by vehicles.

Postal Pre-emptive

Rural home mail delivery in Lunenburg County could be a thing of the past if Union's fears are realized. Canada Post is assessing its delivery service as a result of safety concerns expressed by rural mail drivers. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is alleging it's a move to save millions of dollars by eliminating home delivery and setting up community mailboxes. Toni Mckafee, the Education and Organizational Officers for CUP-W Atlantic Region says customers will likely be contacted in Lunenburg County in the next few weeks and customers have to voice their concerns and demand to keep their roadside mailbox. The Union has sent flyers to rural customers advising them of actions they can take to protect their rural mail delivery.

Water Speed Limits

With things about to get busy on the water with Chester Race Week, a timely advisory from the RCMP. Constable Brandy Steeves sent out a news release about complaints police were getting about seadoos speeding in Chester Harbour. She says they wanted to remind boaters and pleasure craft operators to note the posted speed limits and respect them. Chester Race Week starts tomorrow. It's billed as Canada's largest keel boat regatta.

Health Helpers Helped

Some caregivers in Nova Scotia will soon be able to receive financial help from the province for the work they do supporting loved ones and friends. Caregivers and the person requiring care must both meet certain criteria to be eligible for the 400 dollars per month caregiver allowance. Eligible caregivers must be residents of Nova Scotia, 19 years of age and older and provide 20 or more hours of assistance a week to qualified care recipients. Eligible care recipients must be Nova Scotia residents, 19 years of age or older and have a high level of disability or impairment. Their income will also be reviewed. More information about the allowance is available on the Department of Health website www.gov.ns.ca/health .

South Shore Visits

No better time than the summer to see the south shore. And two of the federal party leaders are heading our way. Jack Layton of the New Democratic Party was scheduled for a boat tour of Chester Harbour last evening. Today, he'll be spending time with Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall and Lunenburg West's Gary Ramey. This evening he's scheduled to have dinner with Mayors Joe Feeney, Don Downe and Lawrence Mawhinney and Deputy Mayor David Walker. And Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is in Cape Breton today and will be in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Clarke's Harbour tomorrow.

Recreational Center Holding

An architectural firm has been retained and legal and financial expertise is being put in place but the proposed Lunenburg County Lifestyle Facility is not yet at the "Shovel-Ready" stage. Deputy Mayor David Walker says they still haven't heard anything about federal funding. He says they are still optimistic there will be something coming. But he adds it doesn't make it any easier knowing they are ready to go and are waiting for the last piece of the puzzle to come from Ottawa. The two councils jointly announced a proposed multi-use facility back in 2004.

No Parking-lot

Another school year with the same limited parking lot at Parkview Education Centre. Construction to separate school bus and private vehicle traffic has been delayed by the South Shore Regional School Board. The project will now be carried out next summer. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake tells CKBW the late date in the current construction season and concerns for student safety drove the decision. Pynch-Worthylake says school and school board officials will work with students to address any safety concerns that may arise.

DOMESTIC STANDOFF

Charges are pending following a domestic incident that turned into a standoff with RCMP yesterday afternoon. The Mounties Emergency Response Team and local officers responded to a 9-1-1 domestic call to a bungalow in Newcombville around 2:30 p.m. Staff Sgt. Mark Furey says twhen they arrived on scene they were able to secure the safety of the female occupant of the home. The male barricaded himself in the residence. The ERT, police negotiators, local officers and a police service dog remainded on the scene until 1:45 in the morning. ERT officers entered the home and arrested the male resident without incident. Highway 325 was closed to traffic for almost 12 hours. The individual remains in custody pending further investigtion.

Police Files

Bridgewater Police investigating a number of complaints of property damage. On August 4th, between 8 and 10 p.m. a silver vehicle was keyed in the area of 215 King Street. Between August 1st and 2nd, a vehicle was damaged while parked on Olympiad Avenue. That incident happened between 11:30 p.m. and 8am. There was also damage done to mailboxes at 65 Marie Avenue sometime overnight of July 28th and 29th. And during the early morning hours of July 24th, unidentified teens threw eggs at a residence on Nauss Avenue.

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

A sod turning ceremony to highlight a new water treatment plant for the Town of Lunenburg is set for Thursday morning at 11 o'clock at the top of Northwest Hill. The project, funded jointly by all three levels of government and announced in August 2006, will ensure that approximately 950 households will have improved drinking water. The project will not only result in a substantial improvement in water quality but will also ensure compliance with provincial water quality standards. Along with Mayor Laurence Mawhinney, South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy and Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall will attend the sod turning ceremony.

HABITAT FAMILY

Eileen and Ron White along with their grandchildren Mason and Bailey Whynot have been selected the family for the build by Habitat for Humanity in Queens County. The grandchildren have been with the Whites since their oldest daughter lost custody of the two children. Part of the requirements for the Whites to take the grandchildren was for them to have a three bedroom house. They are currently renting a home in Port Medway but have been struggling to make ends meet. They look forward to being able to move to Liverpool which is closer to the schools and offers sports opportunities for the children. As part of Habitat for Humanity's mandate, the chosen family has to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity" which could involve helping with the build to assisting in fundraising. To date over 50 thousand dollars for the build has been raised of the total goal of 60 thousand by the end of this month. It's hoped the build can start in early September.

SHIP for SALE

The Fraser sailed off last month now another ship tied up at the Port of Bridgewater could be soon going as well. The former Canadian navy diving support ship the Cormorant is now for sale.. Rick Welsford of the Artificial Reef Society of Nova Scotia, says they recently received permission from the Federal Court to sell the ship which has been under arrest at the Bridgewater Port for several years. There are a number of claims against the ship, including one filed by the society for 175-thousand dollars in unpaid wharfage fees. Welsford says that figure escalates every day that the ship remains tied up there. She was put out of service in 1997 and was towed to Bridgewater in 2002, where she has become the focus of several lawsuits. The auction closes at 4 p.m. on September 2nd. The ship will be sold by sealed envelope auction ``as is, where is,'' including all the equipment that's on board.

POLICE FILES

Lunenburg RCMP are looking for those responsible for breaking into the United Church on Lincoln Street. The break-in took place during the night of July 29th/30th. Several offices and cabinets were opened and some minor damage was done. Anyone having information is asked to contact the Lunenburg RCMP or CRIMESTOPPERS. Meantime Bridgewater Police are investigating a theft from a shed on Aberdeen Road sometime between 6:30 p.m. on Friday July 31st and 9:10 a.m. on August 1st. A red 1979 Honda TRX 4-wheeler was stolen.

Bank Fraud

RCMP are warning citizens of a recent trend of bank fraud taking place throughout the province. Three incidents have been reported to police within Lunenburg and Yarmouth areas within the last month. The fraud involves a male caller indicating he is an employee of a particular Bank and is conducting an internal investigation on an employee. He requests assistance by asking for your participation in an undercover operation by withdrawing large sums of money from your bank. After the cash has been withdrawn, he requests you meet him in a parking lot. Once the money has been handed over, the male asks not to discuss the situation for 72 hours as it would compromise the investigation. Within a few days, the male calls back and the process is repeated with additional cash withdrawn. RCMP believe there are two individuals operating this fraud throughout the province . One of the suspects is described as a white male, 50-60 years old, medium build, wearing a ball-cap. If you suspect or know you are a victim of a fraudulent scam, contact police.

BIX EX D.U.M.B Car

Visitors to the South Shore Exhibition will be among the thousands of people in Atlantic Canada who will learn how to lead safer lives, protect their property and prepare for emergencies, thanks to the Be Smart. Be Safe. Tour developed by the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The interactive exhibit, features The Rain Cycle and driving simulator, the D.U.M.B. Car. The IBC will be making two special presentations tonight at 9 p.m. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey, will receive five Child Safety Link children's storybooks on playground safety - for all of the elementary schools in his riding. As well, Janice Rand of the Lunenburg/Queen Recreation Coordinators/Directors Association will be presented with a donation in support of the valuable work it does for the community.

Slip Slide

The workers at Shelburne Ship Repair are tired of waiting to hear when and if repairs will be made to the slipway. Union spokesman Gary Nickerson says it's at the point now they are not being certified to haul any more ships until major repairs are made. He says talks have been going on forever, and the Union has decided to jump in and try and get the ball rolling. Nickerson says they'll be meeting at 11:30 this morning with MLA Sterling Belliveau in Barrington to present their case and see if things can be speeded up.

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.