Survey Says: Safe

Most Nova Scotians are satisfied with the provincial highways system, according to the 2008 Highway Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey says 76 per cent of Nova Scotians feel safe driving and 65 per cent feel safe walking in their communities. Overall satisfaction with the highway system remains relatively consistent at 61 per cent. Cellphone use while driving was the top issue among respondents, followed closely by speeding and distracted drivers. This fiscal year, the department has dedicated More than 530 million dollars to highway spending, an almost 87-million-dollars more than last year. The 2008 Overall Highlights Report is available on the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/publications/ . The 2009 survey has begun.

Toddler Improving

RCMP from Queens tell CKBW the young boy run over in Bang's Falls is improving and is on his way to recovery. Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau says the three year old is scheduled to leave the Intensive Care Unit at the IWK later today. The child was hit by a car in the driveway of his home around 3:30 Monday afternoon. His mother was driving the vehicle at the time. He was rushed to hospital in Bridgewater by paramedics. The provincial air ambulance then flew him to Halifax. Deveau says the investigation is ongoing and police are still waiting to speak to the boy's mother about what happened.

Former Premier Speaks

It's a special guest speaker for a special meeting. This will be the first Annual General Meeting in a long for members of the Lunenburg Progressive Conservative Association where there is not a sitting MLA from the riding. The Association says it's membership is working hard, taking on challenges with a renewed optimism in the rebuilding process. Their A-G-M is being held at the Barss Corner Community Centre on Saturday November 28, 2009. And the guest speaker is the Honourable Senator John Buchanan, QC. John Buchanan served as Premier of Nova Scotia from 1978 to 1990 and member of the Senate from 1990 to 2006.

Torch Run Money

The Town of Lunenburg is receiving $15,000 as they host celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay’s visit. MP Gerald Keddy announced the funding support for the Town yesterday. Keddy says "When the Torch comes to Lunenburg, the Olympic spirit will touch each and every one of us." The Torch will visit the Town of Lunenburg on Friday, November 20th for an evening community celebration on the Lunenburg waterfront (Fisheries Museum Parking Lot). Celebrations are from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm with a fireworks display wrapping up the evening.

Toddler Injured

Few details and no update yet. Police say a three-year-old Queens county boy was taken to hospital with head injuries after he was hit by a vehicle driven by his mother. The accident happened yesterday afternoon in a private driveway in Bangs Falls while the woman was backing up. RCMP Staff Sgt. Bruno Deveau says the boy was conscious after the accident. But Deveau did not have details on the boy's condition. He says an investigation of the mishap continues. The boy was reportedly airlifted to hospital in Halifax.

Heath Fund Audit

An investigation is being conducted into accounting irregularities within the shared financial services of South Shore Health, Annapolis Valley Health, and South West Health. The matter was reported to the Kentville Town Police Department and an investigation is ongoing. Criminal Charges are possible. The three Health Authorities are also together conducting their own forensic audit.As a result of its own internal investigation, an employee based at Annapolis Valley Health has been dismissed for cause. The full extent of the circumstances won't be known until the police investigation and audit are complete.The three Health Authorities are cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Greenfield Fire

A Greenfield man is being treated in hospital for non-life threatening burns according to the fire chief in the community. Harry Nelson tells CKBW he and the Deputy Fire Marshal went through the house on Highway 210 this morning. They figure the cause of the fire was electrical. Crews from Greenfield Volunteer Fire were paged out just after four this morning to the house at 4939 Highway 210. Chief Nelson says they got help fighting the fire from Liverpool and North Queens crews. He says the man had been renovating the property and was staying there by himself. The man was apparently woken up by a loud noise this morning before smoke started filling the house. He went to a neighbour's to call 9-1-1. The interior is badly damaged by fire and smoke but the chief says the building is still standing. It's not known if it is insured.

No Shooting

Queens RCMP say an incident Friday night reported as a shooting in Charleston turned out to be an accident involving a man on an ATV. Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau tells CKBW it started with a 9-1-1 call that ended abruptly around 5:15 Friday. Another call came in minutes later suggesting there had been a man had been shot and the shooter was in the woods. RCMP and Paramedics responded to a cabin in the Riversdale area where they found a 51-year old man with head injuries. He was taken to hospital in Bridgewater claiming he was shot at while riding his all terrain vehicle. In the meantime, a perimeter was set up in the area by Natural Resources and RCMP. It was not long after the doctor called police the man had NOT been shot. S/Sgt Deveau says it appears the man drove over an object that came up and hit the man in the back of the head. The Charleston man has since been treated and released from hospital.

Sudden Death

RCMP in Lunenburg county are calling it a sudden death but say no foul play is suspected. Staff Sergeant Mark Furey says their members were called to a home in Barrs Corner just after midnight Saturday. Paramedics were already on scene when officers arrived. The crews had already started working on the 48 year old woman but she was pronounced deceased about 15 minutes later. An autopsy is being conducted today. Again, police do not suspect foul play.

Winter Weather

Cape Breton will bear the brunt of an early winter storm. Environment Canada says the island will be experiencing very strong winds and snowfall amounts in some areas up to 25 centimeters. The south shore has been mainly seeing rain falling with the storm system moving past the province. Some areas are getting snow but it's not really adding up. The relatively warm pavement is keeping it from amounting to a lot although road conditions may get a bit slippery with slush, wet snow and rain.

From Environment Canada: A low pressure system south of Nova Scotia will lie southeast of Cape Breton this evening. Up to 15 centimetres of snow is expected inland and over high terrain. The Cape Breton highlands could see up to 25 centimetres. Additionally.. strong northerly winds will develop tonight with gusts up to 110 km/h beginning this afternoon and evening. For the south shore, it's periods of rain ending this afternoon then cloudy. Rain at times mixed with snow this morning. Rainfall amount 5 to 10 mm except snowfall amount 5 cm inland and over higher terrain. Wind northeast 40 km/h gusting to 60 becoming north 50 gusting to 70 this morning.

Snow turning to Rain

It may end up more wet than white by later in the day. According to Environment Canada, a low pressure centre is forming off the Carolina coast this morning. It is expected to deepen rapidly as it passes off the Shelburne coast after midnight on it's way to lie just east of Cape Breton Island late Friday. Strong northeasterly winds will develop overnight over the province and strengthen considerably out of the north on Friday as the low passes by. Rain is expected where winds blow onshore off the warm sea. Wet snow is expected tonight inland especially over higher terrain. Areas away from the sea may have amounts of wet snow up to 10 Centimetres. However..the weather office says these same areas will see increasing amounts of rain rather than snow through Friday as temperatures moderate. They are asking people to keep an ear on the forecast as conditions and details may change.

Inflated Tire Demand

With snow in the forecast, snowtires are top of mind. And it's extremely busy at the tireshops on the south shore today. Wally Pike with Goodyear Tire Center says it's been non-stop for the past few days since the talk started about the upcoming snowfall. He says they were there until late last night and it will likely be the same story in the next few days. Valley Tire staff has been busy as well trying to fit in all of the customers who have been stopping in for winter treads. And Rick Womboldt of G-C-R tire center says it's the same at their shop. He feels winter tires are more top-of-mind this season because of what happened last year. There was a shortage of tires in the maritimes because Quebec had legislated the use of winter tires. He says it sparked interest and has educated drivers about the benefits of snow tires. Most of the shops that sell or service tires are very busy with some booking appointments for next week even with extended hours trying to catch up to the demand.

Gearing Up

It's the first forcast snowfall of the season. And crews with the Department of Transportation are gearing up for whatever comes down tomorrow. Snowfall of between 2 and 10 centimeters could be hitting inland areas through tonight and tomorrow. It's expected to be rain along the coastal areas of the south shore. There's a good supply of salt on hand and the mechanics are getting the ploughs ready for the snow tomorrow. But the biggest factor will be how drivers deal with the first snowfall. And D-O-T crews are hoping people will use care and caution as they head out on potentially slippery roads.

Registry Wounded

The federal long-gun registry was in the crosshairs of Parliamentarians. A bill to dismantle the registry came up for a vote where it passed 164 to 137. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy says he has been clear from the very beginning, he's never changed his position and never wavered on this bill against the registry for rifles and shotguns. Keddy says along with saving money, the streets will be safer because of more police officers being available with the money that will be saved. Meantime, Quebec's public safety minister has written to all M-Ps in the province, demanding they vote against the private member's bill tabled by the Conservatives. The legislation now goes to committee for further study and possible changes.

Mr Leonard's Opus

A long-serving Park View music teacher is being held up as one of the best according to a music education charity. Scott Leonard is the fifth annual winner of the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. Anne Murray presented him with the honour at a ceremony this week. Leonard has been a devoted mentor to music students for 24 years - 21 of them at Park View. The group says he epitomizes the spirit of the award as his commitment to music education extends far beyond the classroom. He was director of Park View's first school musical and he also teaches at the Lunenburg County Band Camp. Leonard teaches guitar, band, and embraces innovative new ideas, having created his own class - Recording Arts Technology. He will receive a $10,000 cash award, plus an additional $10,000 for his school's music program, a hand-crafted statuette created by JUNO Award statuette designer, plus an all-expenses paid trip to the 2010 JUNO Awards in St. John's.

Pregnant Clinic

Officials have been saying their supressed immune system should put expectant moms at the front of the line. South Shore Health is holding an H1N1 vaccination clinic today for pregnant women. They will be able to get the H1N1 vaccine at the obstetrics clinic at South Shore Regional Hospital. And in order to reduce wait times, the clinic is scheduling women based on trimesters. Women six to nine months pregnant should come from 9 a.m. to noon; women three to six months pregnant should come from 1 to 4 p.m.; and women less than three months pregnant should come from 4 to 7 p.m. And a Shelburne clinic planned for today, (Wed. Nov. 4) has been cancelled according to Southwest Health.

Clinic Busy

Business is brisk at the Flu Assessment Centre located at South Shore Regional Hospital. Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says the numbers have been steady since the clinic opened on Monday. The centre is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Most cases of H1N1 are mild and will clear up in a few days by resting at home. However, people are encouraged to visit a flu assessment centre, instead of hospital emergency department, if they have flu-like symptoms and get sicker instead of better after a few days. People who are severely ill – especially with breathing difficulties -- should seek immediate help by going to your nearest Emergency department or calling 9-1-1.

Most cases of H1N1 are mild and will clear up in a few days by resting at home. However, people are encouraged to visit a flu assessment centre, instead of hospital emergency department, if they have flu-like symptoms and get sicker instead of better after a few days; or they have the flu and are in a high-risk group, which includes those: with a chronic medical condition, women who are pregnant, and children under 5.

Mersey Hydro Open House

They've done this in the past, but it's been a few years. And it's part of the process for a license renewal. Nova Scotia Power is holding an open house to talk with residents about the Mersey hydro system. Those who attend will learn more about how the system operates, and the ongoing environmental monitoring done by NS Power. Employees will be on hand later today (3pm-8pm) to answer questions at the Best Western in Liverpool. The open houses are part of the re licensing process for the province's hydro systems. They are held every 10 years for renewal of the system's operating approval. Another session is planned for next Thursday (Nov 12th) in Tusket Falls.

Hebbville Academy Power

Power was only out for about a half hour at Hebbville Academy this morning. There was a fire in a transformer behind the school just before 8:30 that was blamed for causing the outage. The electricity was back on just after nine. The students were kept inside waiting for the lights to come back on. Apparently they booed when the lights came back on...hoping for a bit of a break from classes.

Flu Assessment Clinic

Health officials are doing what they can to help people deal with the changing information in regards to H-1-N-1. South Shore Health points to the newly announced priorities for the vaccination: pregnant women; children younger than five (six months to 59 months); people living in First Nations communities; and health-care workers who provide direct care to patients. And in response to more people coming to their emergency departments by people with flu-like symptoms, there is an influenza assessment centre at South Shore Regional Hospital. The clinic will be open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. The Walk-in Clinic will be held as usual. The Health authority wants to be clear, the Centre is not providing vaccinations or H1N1 testing. They say you should come to the centre if you think you have the flu and get sicker instead of better after a few days; or you have the flu and are in a high risk group.

Lunenburg Burial Ground Request

The Mi'kmaq Burial Grounds Research and Restoration Association wants to erect a monument in Lunenburg's 250th Anniversary Park behind the fire hall. Ellen Hunt in a presentation to Lunenburg Council says the children's playground would have to be moved as it is sitting on top of a burial site. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says it's too premature to make a decision. He says council is going to research the matter further by looking at their own files and check with government departments who may have information. They want to firmly establish what was there and where it was located. Mawhinney says they've also asked the Mi'kmaq elders to come forward with a schematic for what they would like to see there. But he cautions they haven't given approval yet but are still working on gathering all of the necessary information before taking a decision. Mawhinney says there have been other occupants of the land including the C-N-R, and Council wants to make sure any action taken is for the right reasons.

Lunenburg Car Show?

It could be a dream come true for antique car buffs. Bruce Smith, Executive Director of the Great Atlantic Antique Automotive Show pitched a proposal to Lunenburg Council to have a one day show on the waterfront next July 3rd. The public will not be charged to attend. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says Council supports the idea in principle, but wants to consult with the Board of Trade and the Fisheries Museum before giving the go-ahead. Smith told Council there could be up to 500 antiques vehicles taking part in the one day show which he hopes can become an annual event. A similar request to provide funding for a two day car show at the MARC this past July was turned down by Bridgewater Town Council.

Film to Remember

It's "Time to Remember". And for hundreds of students, it will be a chance to see and hear from those who served our country overseas generations ago. The video project will be unveiled today (November 2nd) at Empire Theatres in Bridgewater. The project was started in October 2008 and dealt with interviewing some of our World War Two vets in front of a video camera. These interviews have now been edited and the by-invitation only screening is happening today. Officials with the South Shore Regional School Board will be bussing children to the theatre from Nov 3rd to the 6th to view the videos as part of the Media Literacy Project. It's expected more than 1,800 kids will get to enjoy these memories and the DesBrisay Museum will be adding the collection to their facility to help all of us Remember over time.

Vaccinating High Risk Only

South Shore Health’s H1N1 Vaccine Clinics scheduled for this week (November 2 through 6) in Lunenburg and Queens Counties will be targeted at specific high risk groups. Because of national vaccine supply issues, H1N1 vaccine will be limited to those most at risk from the virus.
These are:
· Pregnant women
· Children younger than five (six months to 59 months)
· People living in First Nations communities
· Health-care workers in district health authorities, long-term care facilities and home-care agencies who provide direct care to patients. This includes family physicians, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. If you do not belong to one of these groups you will not receive vaccine at this time.

The province will re-assess its vaccine supply on an ongoing basis, and will offer vaccine later to other groups, based on risk, as vaccine supply allows. Physician’s offices will not receive H1N1 vaccine until further notice. Physicians who have already received vaccine will be asked to only immunize people in the groups listed. Workplace immunization clinics for H1N1 will be postponed until further notice. http://www.ssdha.nshealth.ca/H1N1%20and%20Seasonal%20Flu%20Vaccine%20Poster.pdf

For an updated list of clinics visit www.ssdha.nshealth.ca or call HealthLink 8-1-1.

Halloween and Later

A quiet and uneventful Halloween night in the Town of Bridgewater. Police report three individuals were arrested and charged for intoxication in a public place, while another three people were charged with liquor control offences. One person was issued a 24 hour suspension of his driver's licence. Members of the Bridgewater Fire Department were patrolling the streets of the Town, and Police also send their thanks to the general public for making Halloween a safe and happy event.

Bridgewater Police are investigating a break-in at Lawton's Drug Store on Lahave Street around 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Police responded to a complaint of a Break and Enter in progress and upon arrival discovered a quantity of money missing from within. Bridgewater GIS and K-9 were called to the scene and conducted a follow-up investigation. The matter is still under investigation at this time and Police are asking for public assistance in identifying those responsible.

Celebration of Honour

Thirty-nine Canadian flags are posted to honour the veterans whose names are listed on the cenotaph in Mahone Bay during the Celebration of Honour. The ceremony was held Sunday November 1st, in Mahone Bay on the waters edge across from the three churches at 1:00 pm. In collaboration with the Mahone Bay Legion Branch #49, the celebration included a ceremony that posted a Canadian flag on the water’s edge for each of the soldiers, forming a Field of Flags. Each soldier’s next of kin was invited to post their relative’s flag. The flag will be given to the family after it has stood sentry in the Field of Flags until November 12th. Lieutenant- Governor, Mayann Francis was there to lay a wreath on behalf of the Veterans.

Woman Attacked

Police say a woman wasn't seriously hurt after allegedly being attacked in the streets of Bridgewater early this morning. Officers say they were called about ten to five by the adult female who told them she had been sexually assaulted in the area of York and Phoenix Streets. The incident happened between 3:30 and 4:30. The story as relayed by Bridgewater Police is that she was approached by two males. One of them grabbed her, knocked her down and assaulted her. Both men then ran off, northbound on York Street. Police describe them as white, early to mid-forties, five and a half feet tall, 170 pounds. One was wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans and a goatee. The other was wearing a hoodie and black jeans. A police dog was brought in and several streets were blocked off for awhile this morning while police were looking for them. So far, no one has been arrested and police are still looking for them.

Clocks Change

Nova Scotians will experience brighter mornings beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends. People are reminded to set their clocks back one hour at 2 a.m., or Saturday evening before going to bed. Three years ago, Nova Scotia extended daylight saving time to mirror changes made in the United States. Daylight saving time now begins three weeks earlier in the spring and lasts one week longer in the fall. Along with watches and clocks, don't forget to set microwave ovens, VCR and DVD players, answering machines, car clocks and automatic timer lights. It is also a reminder to change the batteries in smoke detectors. Smoke alarms should be fully replaced every ten years. People are advised to check computer calendars to ensure appointments are up to date when the time change takes effect.

Shelburne Crier Passes

He was a grown man who wasn't afraid to cry. In fact, he was one of the best. Residents and fellow town criers are remembering Perry Wamback as the loudest man in Nova Scotia. The 65-year old Jordan Falls man passed away at home on Monday. An electrician by trade, he won several town crying competitions including the Nova Scotia, the Atlantic, the North American Championship and International Championships in both Halifax and England. He was appointed the Town Crier in Shelburne in 1982 and was highly regarded for carrying on a tradition dating back to the 18th Century. Wamback is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Pam and Son Rob. A memorial service for the late Perry Ivan Wamback will be held this (Friday) afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Shelburne Community Centre.

Assessment Clinic Opening

South Shore Health will be opening an Influenza Assessment Centre this coming Monday, November 2nd, beginning at 9 a.m. The flu assessment centre is in response to increasing visits to local emergency departments by people with flu-like symptoms, The assessment to be located in the third-floor Ambulatory Care Centre at South Shore Regional Hospital will operate Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. Adults and children with worsening flu-like symptoms who wish to see a health care professional should visit the Assessment Centre instead of going to hospital emergency departments. This will ease congestion in emergency departments and help prevent the spread of flu to other patients. It is anticipated that wait times for flu complaints will be shorter at the Assessment Centre than at an emergency department.

7 Hour Wait

For people lined up for the flu shot at the first clinic in Bridgewater, the average wait was six to seven hours. People started lining up at seven yesterday morning. South Shore Health volunteers ended up staying at the Michelin Athletic Club until around ten last night to vaccinate those who had been waiting since two in the afternoon. That was when they were starting to turn people away who wanted to line up. There were between eight and nine hundred people who were able to get the H-1-N-1 shot yesterday. The next clinic in Bridgewater will also be at Michelin. That's on The 9th of November. This coming Monday, it will be at the Community Center in Lunenburg.

H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics
For the confirmed clinic schedule visit ssdha.nshealth.ca. For schedules or more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1, or call HealthLink 811 or Public Health at 543-0850.

All clinics from 12:30-7:30 pm (unless noted)
Lunenburg County
Big Tancook Island
Clinic 11:30 am - 1 pm
Community Centre
• Friday, Nov. 13
Bridgewater
Michelin Social & Athletic Club
• Thursday, Oct. 29
• Monday, Nov. 9
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall
• Monday, Nov. 16
Chester Municipality
Oak Island Resort
• Tuesday, Nov. 10
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Hall
• Wednesday, Nov. 25
Lunenburg
Lunenburg Community Centre
• Monday, Nov. 2
• Tuesday, Nov. 17
New Germany Royal Canadian Legion
• Wednesday, Nov. 4
• Wednesday, Nov. 18
New Ross
Clinic: 1:15 - 7:30 pm
New Ross Consolidated School
• Thursday, Nov. 12
• Tuesday, Nov. 24
Queens County
Caledonia
Caledonia Fire Hall
• Thursday, Nov. 5
• Thursday, Nov. 26
Liverpool
Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall
• Tuesday, Nov. 3
• Monday, Nov. 23

Flu Clinic Priority

At the beginning of the week, they were worried no one was going to come out for the H-1-N-1 vaccination. That has not been the case with people lining up for hours at clinics across the province and across the country. This afternoon, South Shore Health is holding it's first in a series of clinics in Lunenburg and Queens counties. Public Health officer Dr Richard Gould is suggesting people wait who are NOT in the usual risk groups. More than a dozen health care professionals will be at the Michelin Social club for the clinic this afternoon. Additional clinics are scheduled throughout November. Details can be found at ssdha.nshealth.ca.

The seasonal influenza vaccination will now be available to the usual risk groups: the elderly, the young, and anyone with chronic medical conditions and those in close contact. Everyone over 6 months of age should get the H1N1 vaccination, especially in risk groups like pregnant women and people with heart disease, asthma or diabetes.

School Board Candidates

Two candidates have put forth their names for a vacant seat on the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says a by-election has been set for Saturday,November 21st to to fill the position left vacant when Karen Kinley resigned from the Board earlier this year. Craig Buffett of Spectacle Lake and John Jenkins of Lunenburg - have filed their nominations to represent District 7 on the Board. District 7 comprises the Town of Lunenburg and Polling Districts 1 and 2 in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Voting will take place at advance polls from noon until 8 p.m. on November 14 and 17 and on election day, November 21, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The advance polls are located in the Royal Canadian Legion #23 in Lunenburg. On election day, polls are located in Palmer's Slipcovers & Draperies in Dean's Corner, the Riverport Community Centre, Royal Canadian Legion #23 in Lunenburg, the Little Tancook Activity Centre on Little Tancook Island and the Big Tancook Recreational Centre on Big Tancook Island. There will also be mobile polls on election day in Lunenburg at the Veteran's Unit of Fisherman's Memorial Hospital from 10 a.m. to noon and at Harbour View Haven from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Only residents of the Veteran's Unit and of Harbour View Haven are eligible to vote in the mobile polls. In order to qualify to be on the list of electors and vote, a person must be 18 years or older on election day, be a Canadian citizen and have lived in District 7 since August 21, 2009. People can find out whether they are on the list of electors by contacting Returning Officer Ted Bulley by telephone at 902-354-2563, email at bulleyt@eastlink.ca or in person at 92 Union Street, Liverpool.

Woman Killed by Coyotes

A horrifying story has a tragic ending for a young Toronto-area woman attacked by wild animals. RCMP confirm a 19 year-old woman who was attacked Tuesday by two coyotes while hiking on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highland National Park has died. The women sustained serious injuries the attack. At 3:15, Cheticamp RCMP received a 911 call that a hiker was being attacked by two coyotes. On arrival at the scene, RCMP found the young woman in serious condition. She wa airlifted to hospital in Halifax for medical attention where she later died of her injuries. For officer and public safety, an RCMP member shot and killed one of the coyotes that continued be aggressive. One coyote escaped into the woods.

Flu Shot Patience

South Shore Health officials say you should expect line ups and maybe even the possibility you'll being turned away tomorrow. Theresa Hawkesworth says they want to manage people's expectations for the first H-1-N-1 clinic in Bridgewater. She says demand may exceed capacity for the Community vaccination at the Michelin Social Club tomorrow afternoon. Hawkesworth says there are a lot of doctors and nurses scheduled to work in the clinics but they're not sure about how many people they will be able to immunize in the first seven hour event. There are clinics running throughout Lunenburg and Queens counties over the next month.

Quick Facts:
- H1N1 activity has been highest in the Guysborough-Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Capital Health.
- Women in the second half of their pregnancy, and women at any stage of pregnancy with chronic health conditions, are most at risk of complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu.
- Because of increased H1N1 activity in Nova Scotia, Dr. Strang recommends pregnant women, at 20 weeks gestation or less, who have pre-existing health conditions, consider receiving adjuvanted vaccine.
- It is also recommended that all pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancy (more than 20 weeks gestation) receive adjuvanted vaccine.
- Healthy pregnant women in the first half of their pregnancy are at less risk of complications, and can wait to receive the unadjuvanted vaccine.
- Unadjuvanted vaccine will start to be available in Nova Scotia next week.
- H1N1 vaccine will be available, free of charge, to all Nova Scotians who want it.
- H1N1 clinic dates and times from across the province are available at www.gov.ns.ca/H1N1 or through HealthLink 811.
- This is the largest immunization campaign in the province's history.

Dr. Strang urged Nova Scotians to be patient and to get the vaccine when it becomes available at a clinic in their community.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Dr. Strang said Nova Scotians should continue to take other precautions to avoid illness. Most importantly, stay home if sick with flu-like symptoms, which are fever and/or cough with unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat. Wash hands often with soap and water and cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Bridgewater Police Honour

A south shore man is among a group of 75 Police officers from across Nova Scotia being recognized for contributions to law enforcement. They have been presented with the Nova Scotia Provincial Long Service Award. Detective/Sergeant Scott Feener of the Bridgewater Police Service has been recognised for his 15 years of service with the force. Justice Minister and Attorney General Ross Landry presented the awards in Halifax today (October 27th). The awards recognize police officers who have served in the province for 15 and 25 consecutive years. Landry says it is important to recognize these men and women because they are creating a province that is safer for all Nova Scotians.

Day Care Dollars

Nova Scotia is investing six-million dollars in 12 child-care centres to expand facilities and create 300 new child-care spaces. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was in Spryfield today (October 27th) at the Edward Jost Children's Centre to present $1.5-million to help the centre build a second building and double its capacity. Peterson-Rafuse says the funding will provide more Nova Scotia families with access to affordable, quality child care. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's 10-year Early Learning and Child Care Plan. On the list for 2009/2010 is Association De la Garderie de la Rive Sud in Blockhouse with funding of $585,401. Other south shore facilities to receive money in recent years include the Chester & Area Family Resource Centre with $706,590 and the Lunenburg Daycare Centre with support of $88,566.

Legion Help

Bridgewater Town Council has agreed to supply a letter of support to the local Legion in it's bid to secure capital assistance funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Branch #24 is seeking a grant of $25,000 for the repair of a leaking foundation wall and to make some repairs to the Legion kitchen. Both projects are deemed as high priority for health and safety as well as aesthetics. The application for funding must be post marked by November 5th.

World Vision Help

It is the epitome of the gift that keeps on giving. And a dairy cow for $600 is a huge investment in a developing country. World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Last year, there were 61 Bridgewater area residents who used the group's Gift catalogue to help families overseas. World Vision says south shore residents spent more than $8,610 to help buy things like livestock, school uniforms and medical supplies for children and families.

Daycare Tax Break

A request for a full property tax exemption for a York Street daycare was turned down earlier this year, now the Board of Directors is asking Bridgewater Town Council to take another look at the matter. Treasurer Michael Dunham says the exemption would put all daycares on a level playing field. Samantha Crouse, Chair of the Centre's Board of Directors says they want to be competitive with the other child care centres in the area. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the Small World Learning Centre currently has a partial tax exemption and granting full exemption would level the playing field. Council did consider a special by-law for registered charitable organizations but it only got as far as first reading. Council will discuss the issue at the next briefing session and re-table the by-law for second reading at it's November 23 meeting.

Theater Concerns

It may be easier said than done.. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he doesn't want to see an X-rated movie theatre set up shop in Bridgewater, but it's more than just saying no. The Town's planner says at this point the Town has limited control under the current by-laws and municipal planning strategy but he's researching the matter. The owner of Sister Sarah's has said he might consider setting up theatres in various locations which would screen skin flicks in order to make up for lost revenue because of provincial fees he has to pay the province to rate the porn films he sells in his shops. Franklyn Rhyno who is originally from Bridgewater mentioned the Town as one of the possible sites for a movie theatre.

Dr. Hamm Appointment

A long-time physician and one-time premier has been re-appointed chairman of the Board of Directors of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada. The federal health minister says Dr John Hamm's medical career and his strength in working on complex issues with diverse stakeholders have served the Agency well. Dr Hamm has served on the Board as Chairperson since AHRC began operations in 2007. Assisted Human Reproduction Canada was established in 2006 to administer and enforce the Assisted Human Reproduction Act. Its mandate is to protect and promote the health and safety, dignity and rights of Canadians who use or are born of assisted human reproduction technologies, and to foster ethical principles in relation to assisted human reproduction and other related matters under the Act.

Old Falls Road Traffic

Region of Queens Municipal Council has decided to take not further action in relation to traffic issues on Old Falls Road. Mayor John Leefe says there are presently 10 homes on the road and five children living on the street. A request for children playing signage was turned down. Leefe says in the meantime the speed zone signs will remain as they are at 30 km/h. although they have no legal effect.

Scrappy Crimes

Bridgewater Police are investigating a break and enter into a Bridgewater business. Sometime during the overnight hours of Thursday October 22nd to Friday morning, October 23rd, a person or persons broke into Oickle’s Bottle Exchange on High Street. A sum of money and several other items were stolen. Police are asking anyone who witnessed these events to contact Bridgewater Police Service or Crime Stoppers.

You can pretty much guess more than one person was involved in this heist. Barrington RCMP are investigating the theft of scrap metal from a business in Barrington Passage that happened overnight last Thursday. Culprits cut open a gate to a fenced compound and stole two thousand pounds of scrap aluminum and 700 pounds of scrap stainless steel. Anyone with information concerning the theft is asked to contact the Barrington RCMP. (902-637-2325).

Shelburne Business Awards

The best in business in Shelburne county have been recognised at the Osprey Arts Center. Last night the Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Shelburne County Business Development Center held their annual awards. The Community Service Award went to "Shelburne Association Supporting Inclusion". The Tourism Award went to Ocean Mist Cottages. The Green Award was won by Beandock Coffee and Collectables. Windward Flutes won the Export Achievement Award. Entrepreneur of the year was Pat Melanson of the Pipers Guild. And the Business of the year is the Whirligig Book Store. Congratulations to all of the participants and the winners from CKBW.

Cornwall Road Fire Call

An early start to the day for volunteer firefighters. Blockhouse was called out to a shed on fire at 448 Cornwall Road around quarter after five. They were rolling up on the scene within fifteen minutes. Mahone Bay crews weren't far behind as they were called in to assist. And a team from Lunenburg was called in to help with a cascade system. Nova Scotia Power showed up to cut off the power to the property and RCMP were also called in to the scene. So far, no word on what may have caused the fire. The last of the trucks were backing in to the Blockhouse hall around ten to eight.

Prayer Breakfast

A special guest for a special breakfast. Coming up next Wednesday, municipal leaders and others will join the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia for the South Shore Leadership Prayer Breakfast. The event will be held early that morning at White Point Beach Resort. When the first prayer breakfast was held more than 2,000 years ago, Jesus invited his disciples to join him for breakfast on the Sea of Tiberias. Organizers say their breakfast will be an opportunity to come together as a wider Christian community to pray for the leaders of their organizations, institutions, businesses, region, province and nation. The organizing committe includes Doug Fawthrop, John Leefe, Susan MacLeod, Don MacKenzie and Revered Donald J. Lawton. John Wiles will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Lunenburg Assault

Not a whole lot is known about an alleged incident in Lunenburg this week that landed a teenager in hospital and an adult male in police custody. RCMP say it started with a call just after eight o'clock Tuesday night. They responded to a complaint of a young man being sprayed with some kind of irritant before being hit in the head with the canister it was in. It happened at the Lunenburg Community Center Parking Lot. Police say they youth ended up at Fishermen's Memorial where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. An adult male was arrested later Tuesday evening. He was released on conditions and a court date was scheduled for December 16th in Bridgewater. Charges pending include assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.

H-1-N-1Vaccine

The province's chief medical officer of health, Doctor Robert Strang, today (October 21st) announced details of Nova Scotia's immunization plan. H1N1 vaccine will be available for free to all Nova Scotians who want it. People in high risk groups for seasonal flu can get both seasonal flu and H1N1 shots at the same time. H1N1 vaccine will be available through community clinics, some doctor offices and workplace clinics. Community clinics will begin across Nova Scotia within the next two weeks. Doctor Strang says he has every confidence in the safety of the H1N1 vaccine and he strongly urges all Nova Scotians to be vaccinated. If Nova Scotians have questions about the vaccination, they can go to www.gov.ns.ca/h1n1 , call their local public health unit or call HealthLink 811. Along with immunization, people are also encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent illness:
-- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative.
-- Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve.
-- If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands.
-- Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth.
-- Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils.
-- If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Clipper Grounded

It's the end of a south shore community newspaper - at least in a format that you can light the woodstove with. This week's edition of the Chester Clipper says their last publication will be coming up on November 10th. An article on the front page says owner Colin MacDonald is assessing it's future because ad revenues have dropped to a level that the paper is no longer viable. The website associated with the Chester Clipper will continue to operate though. The paper was started almost ten years ago and they show a current circulation of just over 10,000 copies.

Pot Seizure

A Gold River man is facing charges after a seizure of more than 70 pounds of processed marijuana . Officers of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit searched two homes in Gold River on Monday, one on Bridgeview Drive the other on the Beech Hill Road . Thirty-nine year old Leroy James Hatt is facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for illegal production of marijuana and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Hatt is slated to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on December 16th for election and plea. Police are continuing their investigation.

Crime Sheet

Bridgewater Police being kept busy with a rash of break-ins.Sometime during the overnight hours Sunday October 11th to Monday morning, October 12th, a person or persons broke into the Bridgewater Memorial Arena as well as the Senior's Club upstairs. A sum of money was stolen and items damaged. During that same time period the Olde Town Gold Course was also broken into. An undisclosed amount of money was taken and items were also damaged. Police are also investigating a broken window at a business located at the corner of Empire and King Streets. That incident happened sometime overnight Saturday, October 10th. And between Friday evening October 9th and Tuesday morning, October 13th, a laptop computer was stolen from an office at South Shore Regional Hospital. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police or CRIMESTOPPERS.

Lunenburg Light Concerns?

Maybe it's something they should consider in the town of Lunenburg office. A recent power outage has Antigonish council rethinking a plan to install energy efficient lighting throughout their community. The Town had been installing L-E-D lighting in street lamps after 60 of the units were provided free-of-charge on a trial basis. But none of the L-E-D lights came back on after power was restored following last week's outage. Mayor Carl Chisholm says plans to convert the entire town to energy efficient lighting may have to be put on hold. Lunenburg Council is getting ready to install 48 L-E-D streetlights that have been provided to them - along with several other Nova Scotia municipalities for evaluation and testing.

Drug Bust

A Gold River man is facing charges after a seizure of more than 70 pounds of processed marijuana . Officers of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit searched two homes in Gold Rive on Monday, one on Bridgeview Drive the other on the Beech Hill Road . Thirty-nine year old Leroy James Hatt is facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for illegal production of marihuana and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Hatt is slated to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on December 16th for election and plea. Police are continuing their investigation.

Some might call it a steal.. a used visitor information centre for $25.00. The Region of Queens put out a request for proposals to purchase and remove the old tourist bureau from the Liverpool waterfront. Only two bids came in, one for $2, the other for $25. Council decided to reject both bids and demolish the building and salvage what materials it could. However, that motion was defeated 9 to 1 . Mayor John Leefe says the view of council was two-fold. He says they felt it was environmentally sound to re-use the existing building that would have generated property tax when it was moved to another piece of property. As well, Mayor Leefe says there was no minimum price suggested so they felt they had to honour the highest bid. The VIC has to be removed by October 26th. Government funding of more than $200,000 was announced in August for a new structure to replace the 30 year old tourist bureau.

White Point Beach Resort won't be the same without him. After some 30 years, Doug Fawthrop is retiring. Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says Fawthrop has provided tremendous leadership in promoting tourism and has been more than a good-will ambassador for the Region. Leefe says before Fawthrop took over White Point Beach it was a seasonal business operating only about 3 months of the year, and local folks were not welcomed on the property.

Race Charges

Race on the track, not on the street. It's a message they didn't hear and now they are lucky enough to still be alive to face charges. Lunenburg County RCMP confirm there was a two vehicle accident in Lower Branch on Thanksgiving Day around 4:30 in the afternoon. Staff Sergeant Mark Furey says police were able to establish both vehicles were racing on the public road at the time. And that contributed to the crash. One vehicle left the road, ending up in the woods and according to witnesses, barely missed two telephone poles. One of the male drivers was taken to South Shore Regional where he was checked out and then released. Police say both drivers are charged with "racing" under the motor vehicle act and will be in court December 2nd to enter plea.

NSCC Strike Averted

Nova Scotia Community College and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union have reached a tentative collective averting a strike scheduled for tomorrow. A date for a ratification vote by the membership will be confirmed soon. Details of the agreement will not be available until the agreement has been ratified. There are Community College campuses in Bridgewater and Shelburne.

Quotes from News Release:

This has been a very difficult set of negotiations and the NSTU has worked diligently to arrive at a tentative agreement and avoid a strike,” says NSTU president Alexis Allen. “We feel this is the best deal possible for our members. The goodwill and spirit of cooperation shown between the NSTU and the College during this trying time have greatly assisted in reaching this agreement.”

“I am so grateful to our employees, students and partners who have demonstrated such a strong commitment to learning under enormous pressure,” says NSCC President Joan McArthur-Blair. “We must now ensure our NSTU colleagues have time to consider and vote on this tentative agreement while continuing to deliver the first-rate education our students deserve.”

School Bus Safety

Avoid Harm, Obey the Stop Arm. This is School bus safety week and a Halifax-based group is launching an awareness campaign in Bridgewater. Members of Safety Services Nova Scotia are at the South Shore Regional School Board bus garage on St. Phillips Street. This hour, they are doing a tour of the garage where they are explaining the twice-a-year inspection process. Then a police checkpoint will be set up to hand out safety information to drivers. They will be handed a card that explains the penalties for passing a school bus. For information on school bus safety or the school bus campaign, see http://www.schoolbussafety.ca/. For more information regarding Safety Services Nova Scotia, visit thier website at http://www.safetyservicesns.ca/.

No Tax Break

A local insurance company won't be getting any tax break from the Town. Danny Carey's Insurance Agency on North Street asked Bridgewater Town Council for an exception to keep his tax rate at the present commercial rate without adding on the extra rate to make up for declining Business Occupancy assessments. Carey says because the Property Valuation Services has changed the class his business falls under, he'll be paying an extra 9 percent over what other businesses in the town will be paying. Mayor Carroll Publicover says Council's hands are tied on the matter. He says they referred it to staff for study and they checked the Municipal Government Act and with advisors and he says they are not allowed to change the rate.
Publicover says Carey's situation was not unique and his was not the only business to be affected.

H-1-N-1 Response Plan

South Shore Health is gearing up for a second wave of H-1-N-1 flu to strike the area. Acting CEO Alice Leverman says the H-1-N-1 Response plan is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks. Leverman says the District has been working with Public Health who is gathering information on possible case numbers on the national and international level. Leverman says they have developed a Flu Plan Checklist and Tips for Caring for Someone with the Flu which are available on their internet site available here.

Ship Shape Support

The Town of Shelburne is getting a boost from the province to develop a festival and tourist attraction based on the history of loyalist longboats. The department of Economic and Rural Development committed nearly $47,000 towards the project. The theme of the new longboat festival will be based on last year's Loyalist Celebrations that helped establish the longboat as an icon for the area's tourism industry. The total cost of the project is about $130,000.

Boat Building Help

Nova Scotia is offering up money to help the province's boat building industry open new global markets. And seven businesses along the south shore will be benefiting. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced the 155-thousand dollars in funding this week. He says the long-term viability of boat building is important to our rural communities and the province's economy. The funding will allow companies to participate in market research, marketing activities and the development of marketing materials. The investment is part of one million dollars in cost-shared boat building funding over two years previously announced from the Community Development Trust Fund. Companies that have received funding from the south shore are: ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg; Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg; Goreham's Marine 2000 Inc., Woods Harbour; The Dory Shop, Lunenburg; Lutwick's Boatbuiling, Mahone Bay; Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg and Nova Trawler Company, Shelburne.

Suspicious Activity

RCMP are investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Chester Basin area. An unknown male allegedly approached two kids waiting for the school bus on Wednesday and asked them to get in his vehicle. The car is described as a large sedan with four doors and beige in colour. The male driver was wearing a grey knitted hat with a red lumber jacket, and he had a crooked tooth on his bottom row of teeth. Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact the Chester RCMP or Crimestoppers.

And Then Some

South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will be handing out more federal funding today. Keddy will be making multiple announcements with respect to the Government of Canada’s investments in the community of Shelburne. The announcements are set for 11 o'clock this morning at the Shelburne Yacht Club. Yesterday Keddy announced more than 400 thousand dollars for Bridgewater's Riverfront Renaissance, to revitalize the LaHave River waterfront and downtown core. He also announced funding of 113 thousand dollars to be used for upgrades to the Mahone Bay Community Centre.

More Money

The Government of Canada is contributing more than $400,000 through the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the revitalization of downtown Bridgewater. The announcement was made Thursday by South Shore/St. Margaret's MP, Gerald Keddy. The funding is for Phase 1 of a five-phase concept to revitalize the LaHave River Waterfront and the downtown core of the Town. This phase will include site upgrades and the installation of a fountain in the King Street Court Park as well as a floating gazebo, gangway ramp, stairs, and look off point, site furniture, and interpretive panels and signage. Keddy then travelled to Mahone Bay for another funding announcement.The Town is receiving more than $100,thousand through the Innovative Communities Fund to support a series of upgrades to the Mahone Bay Community Centre. The investment will allow for the creation of resource space for youth, local groups, and entrepreneurs as well as reduce the operating and energy costs of the facility.

Lunenburg School Site

Lunenburg's new school will be built on the same site as the town's old school. Education Minister Marilyn More says the future home of the Primary to Grade 9 building will be the location where the existing Junior-Senior High school building is. The minister advised members of the South Shore School board in a letter that said the property at 12 Knickle road was the most appropriate for the new facility. It was one of three proposed by the Board which were then reviewed by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Construction of the new school is expected to get underway in mid-2010 and to be completed in late in 2011. Student populations of Lunenburg Junior High, Lunenburg Academy, Riverport & District Elementary and Centre Consolidated School will be moved to the new $23-million facility. Lunenburg Jr/Sr High was turned into a grade 6 to 9 school and the senior students were sent to Parkview or Bridgewater.

Another Apartment Fire

Another fire in an apartment building in Bridgewater and thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident either. Volunteers were called out to the 26-unit building on Pleasant Street around six last night. The flames in one of the apartments was doused quickly and the cause is still under investigation. Red Cross officials say tenants from up to seven apartments that received smoke and water damage may be out for at least a day or two while cleanup and repairs are carried out. Most found family or friends to stay with last night. It was a month ago that crews had to put out a fire on the balcony of an apartment building on North Street. No one was hurt in that incident September 15th.

More Riding Money

More money is being made available for South Shore towns today. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will be making funding announcement in Bridgewater and Mahone Bay with respect to Government of Canada investments in the communities. The Bridgewater announcement is set for 10 o'clock this morning at the Day's Inn, while the Mahone Bay announcement will take place at noon at the Mahone Bay Community Centre.

Keddy Checks Cheques

South-Shore St Margaret's MP, Gerald Keddy, Wednesday issued a release calling the presence of a Conservative party logo on a public cheque "inappropriate". On September 19, Keddy appeared at Church Memorial Park to highlight funding for the Eleanor Pew Morris Memorial Rink. During the event, an oversized cheque that had the Conservative Party of Canada logo printed on it was used as a prop during a photo opportunity. Calling it an "unfortunate mistake", Keddy says the use of a party logo on a cheque representing public funds was inappropriate.

Baby Case Postponed

An adjournment in the case of the couple facing charges in the sudden death of a newborn baby boy. RCMP say the deceased baby boy was brought to Queens General Hospital Monday night. Twenty-four year old Amanda Lynn Oickle of Liverpool is charged with one count each of neglect to obtain assistance in childbirth and concealing the body of a child. She has been released on an undertaking and will return to court in Liverpool November 3rd to enter election and pleas. Oickle is to live with her parents and report in person to the Queens County RCMP every Friday and to have no contact with her common-law husband. Thirty-one year old Andrew Gary Cunningham is accused of one count of concealing the body of a child. He remains in custody until his next court appearance in Liverpool Tuesday, October 20th when a hearing will be held into an allegation of breaching a conditional sentence order.

UPDATE: Charges Laid

A Queens county couple will be appearing in Court in Bridgewater this morning charged in relation to the sudden death of an infant. Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau tells CKBW the 25-year old woman will be answering to a charge of Neglect to obtain assistance in child-birth.
And a count of Concealing the body of a child has been laid against the woman and her 31-year old common law husband. RCMP say the infant's remains were brought into Queens General Hospital Monday. The pair were arrested a few hours later. Police believe the woman gave birth at home last Wednesday and the baby boy died then or shortly afterwards. An autopsy has been done, but no cause of death has been identified according to police. RCMP have not named the couple either.

Shelburne County Accident

**UPDATE - 6:24am: Highway 103 in Shelburne County has a single lane of traffic reopened.**

One person is being taken to hospital after a single vehicle rollover this morning on Highway 103 in Shelburne County. RCMP say it happened just West of Exit 26 this morning. Crews are still on the scene and traffic will have to be detoured for awhile. Drivers are being sent along the Old Number Three through Clyde River and the Ohio Exit. There are few details about the condition of the driver and the cause of this morning's accident.

Death of Newborn Investigated

Two people are under arrest in connection with the sudden death of a newborn baby in Liverpool. Queens RCMP Corporal Grant Webber says a deceased male infant was brought into Queens General Hospital last night.The mother gave birth at home on Wednesday evening and kept the infant at the residence until she turned it over to medical staff on Monday. Webber says no charges have yet been laid. but the 25 year old mother and her common-law husbnd have been arrested. An autopsy has been performed but the results are not known at this time. Units from the South West Nova Major Crime Unit and Street Untis from Shelburne and Bridgewater are assisting Queens RCMP.

S-S Conservative Spending

Two more announcements on the way in South Shore/St. Margaret's from the Federal Conservatives. Gerald Keddy will be at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic this afternoon. That's where he will be speaking on behalf of the Federal Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Jim Prentice. The news release says the event is for "the Government of Canada to highlight the National Historic Significance of Captain Angus J. Walters. He was the skipper of the famed schooner from Lunenburg, Bluenose. And tomorrow, Keddy will be on hand to announce federal funding for the Liverpool Ukulele Ceilidh Society. That will happen at the Astor Theatre tomorrow at two o'clock. (Photo from NS Archives)

Lunenburg Crimes

A break and enter being reported at the Golf Course in Lunenburg. RCMP say it happened overnight Friday or early Saturday morning. Someone busted into the Bluenose Golf Club and took off with a substantial amount of alcohol. Police think a vehicle was likely involved in the crime. They are asking for anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the Lunenburg golf course after hours this weekend to call them. They are also reporting damage to property on Maple Avenue in Lunenburg. That was Saturday. Lawn ornaments were thrown around and a vehicle was damaged.

Campaign School

Her first try at politics didn't win her a seat. But it's been a very busy year for Denise Peterson-Rafuse. In 2004, she made an unsuccessful run at a seat on Municipal Council. This year, she ran for the NDP in Chester St. Margaret's, winning the seat and earning a place in cabinet. And she's paying some of that forward. The Minister responsible for the status of women is helping with a campaign school next week trying to encourage more females to enter politics and bring the numbers up from about one in four. The school is being run at Mt St Vincent University this coming weekend. Brochures and application forms are available at www.women.gov.ns.ca or by calling 1-800-565-8662.

Drug Search

It's the latest success for the Integrated Street Crime Enforcement unit on the south shore. RCMP and Bridgewater police say they've seized twenty pounds of marijuana from a home they searched in New Russell, Lunenburg county. The warrant landed them the pot and an unsecured firearm. A 41-year old New Russell man is now facing charges of production and posession. His court date is set for December 2nd for the accused to enter a plea.

Lockeport Planning

It takes a community to raise a village. And Lockeport is working on a second day of planning for a sustainable future for the smallest town in Nova Scotia. Municipalities country-wide have to have a plan to access federal gas tax money. Dale Eshelby is the integrated community sustainability plan coordinator for Lockeport. She says sometimes the answers have to grow from the grassroots and that's why they are hoping the people in the community take part in the planning. There are events and displays at both Lockeport Regional High School and Lockeport Fire Hall.

http://www.lockeport.ns.ca/page_1228153171906.html for a schedule of events.

Seafood Support

Nova Scotia's seafood industry is improving its competitiveness in the global marketplace with support from the provincial government. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Sterling Belliveau announced today (October 8th), one-point-two million dollars in funding for a number of seafood processors through the Community Development Trust Fund. This investment will help to diversify markets, develop new products, improve productivity and product quality, and meet consumer expectations around food sustainability. Belliveau says government understands the issues facing the seafood sector and these projects will help renew the industry and meet current challenges.

Smoke Sentencing

A Mount Pleasant man who pleaded guilty to possessing tobacco not bearing the prescribed markings will be sentenced next month. Fifty-four year old Ronald Nelson Veinot was charged under the provincial Revenue Act. He's also facing charges of possession illegal cigarettes under the federal Excise Act and producing and possessing marihuana. The charges stem from a search of Nelson's Mount Pleasant residence in March. Police seized 29 thousand illegal cigarettes and three pounds of processed marihuana. A pre-sentence report has been requested. Nelson will return for sentencing November 18th.

Wharf Assault Delay

One of the men charged in connection with an assault at the Chester government wharf earlier this summer has requested more time to see a lawyer. Twenty-eight year old Chad Wesley Swinimer of Chester along with a co-accused are facing resulting from a late night altercation at the wharf on August 20th. A woman was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after she allegedly got involved in a disagreement between her husband and three other men. Swinimer is accused of striking the woman and her husband with a wooden fence stake. He's charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault, assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He's also facing two drug charges including production and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Swinimer is slated to return to court November 18th to enter pleas. Meantime, 26 year old Joel Ray Meister has elected to be tried by a Supreme Court judge alone on the charges he's facing in relation to the wharf incident. A preliminary hearing has been set for next March 25th.

Crash Charge Trial

A Bridgewater man facing a number of charges relating to a series of hit and run crashes in April has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial next May 25th.. Forty year old Stephen Richard 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.

Baker Order of NS

The investiture ceremony for the 2009 Order of Nova Scotia will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held in the Red Chamber of Province House, 1726 Hollis St., Halifax.


This year's Order of Nova Scotia recipients are:
-- Michael Gilbert Baker (posthumous), Lunenburg
-- Melvin James Boutilier, Halifax
-- Muriel Helena Duckworth (deceased), Bedford
-- Philip Riteman, Bedford
-- Viola Marie Robinson, Truro

Cynthia Baker accepting on behalf of Mike.

Michael Gilbert Baker (posthumous), Lunenburg, was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998, representing the constituents of Lunenburg. He served in cabinet as the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Minister of Communications Nova Scotia, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and Minister of Finance. During the final years of his tenure, he continued to provide exemplary service to the people of the province despite his own personal battle with a life-threatening and debilitating disease. His untimely death cut short a lifetime of dedicated, and committed service to Nova Scotia and its residents.

Crime Files

RCMP are keeping busy investigating a number of thefts in Lunenburg County. A number of items were taken from outside a residence in the New Germany area while the owners were away. The theft occurred sometime between Sunday September 27th and Tuesday, September 29th. Elsewhere a vehicle was damaged and items stolen while the vehicle was parked at the carpool parking lot at Exit 13 in Wileville. That incident took place Monday September 21st.


And Queens County RCMP are investigating a theft that took place at the Beech Hill Road in Hunts Point on the night of Tuesday, September 29th. The item taken was a large industrial type weedeater. It's described as a Honda, model UMK431. It has a red plastic cover over the engine and requires a shoulder harness which was not taken.

Tractor Trailor Accident

Lunenburg County RCMP continue their investigation into an accident last weekend that resulted in one man being airlifted to the QE2 hospital. The accident between a pick-up truck and tractor trailor happened on Saturday October 3rd around 1 a.m. on Highway 103 between Exits 11 and 12. The driver of the Chev pick-up truck was transported to the South Shore Regional Hospital and later airlifted to Halifax where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The two occupants in the tractor trailor were not injure

Arson in Shelburne

A male youth is facing charges of arson casing damage to property in relation to an incident in Shelburne last Saturday. RCMP responded to a fire at the George Street playground at midnight on October 3rd. Once the fire was extinguished by the Shelburne Fire Department, it was discovered that the large plastic slide was deliberately set on fire. The accused cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Ground Breaking for New Hotel

Bridgewater native and two-time NHL all-star Glen Murray is investing in a Best Western Hotel in his home town. He says the plan has been in the works for a couple of years. Murray and his partner, Rodney Grace have known for many years they would partner in a business benture at some point. After more than two years of strategic planning they're ready to hit the ground running. The land at Exit 12 , just beyone Boston Pizza was acquired from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg .The Three level 63 room hotel will also be home to "Lahave Peak Convention Centre", a fully serviced 4 thousand square foot banquet area. The new hotel will also include a large swimming pool equipped with an 80 foot spiral water slide and Jacuzzi. Site work will begin immediately, and General Contractor, Saulnier Lozier of Moncton, New Brunswick will work toward a spring 2010 completion.

Shooting in Shelburne

A Shelburne County man will appear in Yarmouth Court today for a bail hearing following a weekend shooting. Forty-nine year old Michael Goulden of Carleton Village is charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, careless use of a firearm and pointing a firearm. Goulden was arrested at his house early Sunday morning after a 28-year-old driver of an all terrain vehicle was shot in the back with a twelve gauge shotgun. RCMP say two ATVs were being driven in a reckless manner when a man fired two rounds from a twelve gauge, striking one of the drivers. The gun shot penetrated his clothing and lodged in his back. The victim was treated in hospital and released. His injuries are not considered serious. Police seized a total of 43 firearms from Goulden's residence along with a large quantity of ammunition.