Glass Half Empty; Union Rally's Against Farmers Dairy

Locked out CEP workers want to send a message to Farmers Dairy Cooperative and they're shouting it in the streets.

The local employees rallied with fellow union members in downtown Halifax today in a demonstration five-hundred people strong.

Union workers are asking for secure pensions, improved training and regular hours without forced labour.

Local strike captain, Frank Davis says they've added a plea for 'anti-scab legislation' to their growing list of concerns.

Farmers Dairy says the non-unionized workers they now employ are well qualified and trained

Davis disagrees. He says they pose a threat to public safety.

“No way they are qualified to do our jobs. It takes two years to just learn certain machines in there. You can't just have a scab worker come in to make milk,” says Davis.

Men have been off the job and on the picket line since July 10th.

Farmers Dairy could not be reached for further comment at this time.

Youths Arrested in Lunenburg Street Fighting

The Mounties have made a number of arrests after street fighting in Lunenburg between two groups of youths sent one young person to hospital.

The R-C-M-P responded to a call at around 10:20 last night reporting that about 15 youths were fighting on Faulkland Street.

When they arrived, the Mounties found six youths in the area and a severely damaged vehicle in the middle of the street.

Staff Sergeant, Bruce Hill says one male sustained non life-threatening injuries and walked to hospital for care.

Hill says some of the individuals involved will be charged as adults.

The R-C-M-P expect to make more arrests as a result of the disturbance in Lunenburg.

Prime Minister Visits South Shore

Prime Minister Steven Harper has a full day of activities lined up for a visit to Nova Scotia. Following an announcement at the Michelin Tire Plan in Waterville this morning, the P.M. heads for the South Shore. He'll be in Lunenburg this afternoon to make an announcement at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic at 2 o'clock.
The Prime Minister will be joined by Premier Darrell Dexter and South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy. Later this afternoon at 5 p.m., Harper will address the Nova Scotia Members' Reception at the Forties Community Centre in New Ross.

Queens Approves 5 Year Capital Plan

Region of Queens Council has approved a capital investment plan for the next five years through 2014/15. Mayor John Leefe says Municipalities must submit a five year plan to be eligible to receive the transfer of federal gas tax revenues. Leefe says capital work and spending is spread over a gamut of projects and purchases.
Queens Place would be one of the projects funded over the period. Others projects include extending sewer and water into Brooklyn, building a salt shed, work on the new public works garage and completing the new septage lagoon. Leefe says along with the gas tax revenues, monies to fund the capital projects will also come from reserves that the Region has set aside.

Fire Truck Loan

The Region of Queens is helping the Liverpool Fire Fighters Association to purchase a new fire rescue vehicle from Ontario. Municipal Council has approved a draft loan of 197 thousand 41 dollars to the Association . The funds taken from the Region's Special Operating General Reserve are to be paid back over 11 years. Mayor John Leefe says the Municipality provides a loan program to the fire departments within the Region of Queens. The Liverpool Fire Fighters Association used the loan program in November 2005 to acquire two used fire vehicles. The outstanding amount of that loan is being paid off with the new agreement.

West Dublin Arson Suspects Court Appearances

Three people accused of setting a fire that destroyed the old Risser's General Store in West Dublin several weeks ago are beginning to move through the court system.
One of them has been remanded back into custody until her next court appearance.
A 16-year-old girl facing several charges including arson, and theft not exceeding $5,000 returns to court September 8th.
Her lawyer successfully adjourned the matter last week after requesting additional disclosure material from the Crown.
Two other people accused in the July fire are scheduled to appear in court September 29.

Canada Games Medals Unveiled

The design of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games medals was revealed today,
(August 16th). The unveiling took place at Saint Mary's University, where medal designers Marlon Solis and Amber Whyley studied marketing together and where 122 of the 1065 medals being produced will be awarded to Games athletes competing in judo and squash. More than 90 design submissions were received in an open design competition. Entrants were asked to reflect the unique nature, theme, culture and spirit of the 2011 Canada Games and Nova Scotia.
More information about the medal design and designers can be found at
canadagames2011.ca/medals.

Waterfront Town Houses

The Region of Queens Municipality has amended its Land-Use By-law to allow row house and group dwellings in the Liverpool Waterfront C-4 Zone. Mayor John Leefe says an application was submitted to the Planning Department for an amendment which would see row house dwellings and group dwellings added to the list of permitted uses. Following a public hearing the amendment was passed unanimously by Council. Leefe says people opposed to the amendment were in support of the proposal following a presentation by Ken Anthony's planner.
Anthony is proposing to build approximately 30 townhouses at Shipyard's Point around the perimeter along the water.

Queens Place Tender

The winning tender will soon be announced for the construction of Queens Place. Six bids have been received and Region of Queens Municipal Council had hoped to announce the award at Monday's council meeting. Mayor John Leefe says the Halifax architectural firm asked for more time to review the tender documents. The tender bids ranged from 14.6 to 20 million dollars for the multi-use facility. Mayor Leefe says the project is moving forward and by late summer or early fall people will see a building starting to be erected on the site. The multi-use facility will include an NHL sized arena, a walking track, fitness centre with aerobics studio, community room, canteen, youth health centre and associated common areas.
The federal government has contributed close to 7 million for the facility while the province kicked in 5 million. The Region of Queens will contribute the remaining funds through reserves, fundraising of $1.5 million and capital financing up to $4 million.

Derby Winners

2010 LOCKEPORT SEA DERBY WINNERS:

YOUTH LARGEST MACKEREL
(Scott Smith)

YOUTH LARGEST GROUND FISH
(Amanda Roy)

ADULT LARGEST MACKEREL
(Andre Fiske)

ADULT LARGEST GROUND FISH
(Ingrid Cheshire)

LARGEST SHARK
(Austin Greene..406.78lbs round)

Bad for Fish, Good for Lockeport

It was a difficult weekend for fish in the waters off Lockeport this weekend,

But Lockeport Mayor Darien Huskilson says it was good for those ashore.

The community was celebrating its nineteenth Annual Sea Derby.

One-hundred and seventy people signed up for fishing competitions for groundfish, mackerel and shark.

Mayor Huskilson says its a good opportunity to introduce tourists to the community and keep them coming back for more.

"It generates a lot of interest for the businesses that are local and it brings people to community that haven't been here before. I suggest that they're going to be coming back not only for the Sea Derby but for vacations or just a visit,” says Huskilson.

The event is in its nineteenth year and is the longest standing derby in Nova Scotia.

Farmers and Failed Negotiations

Local C-E-P workers are back on the picket line today.

Negotiations between the Union and Farmers Dairy have come to a standstill.

Brett Whynott held a sign on the corner of Victoria Road and York Street in Bridgewater today

Last week he was optimistic about the talks taking place.

“They have made quite a bit of progress to hopefully ending this thing soon. There are still some issues that they haven't completely settled on. But its definitely looking better,” says Whynott.

Whynott now says he's not sure why the negotiations have 'fallen apart'.

C-E-P workers have been off the job since July 10th.

Achievement Award

The members of the Bridgewater Barracuda Swim Club were recently honoured at Bridgewater Town Council. Deputy-Mayor David Walker presented the team members with an achievement award. The team competed and won the Boys 15-16, 200 SC Meter Freestyle Relay. The members were presented with a plaque bearing their names and the inscription...
"2009 Summer Swimming Provincial Champions Boys 15 - 18"
"200 Meter Medley Relay"
"Billy Hebb, Ben Church, Ryan Veinot, Ian Smith"

Busted for Butts

Friday the 13th unlucky for a Hebbs Cross man who is facing charges under the Federal Excise Act and Provincial Revenue Act following a seizure of contraband cigarettes. The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit with the assistance of the Lunenburg County RCMP searched a residence on the Mines Road, Number 2 in Hebbs Cross Friday. Police seized 1800 illegal cigarettes during the search. A 59 year old man is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court October 8th to enter pleas.

Property Damage on North Street

Two adult males are facing charges in relation to incidents of extensive property damage on North Street. The series of incidents took place along the entire length of North Street during the early morning hours of Thursday August 12th. The pair are alleged to have damaged several vehicles parked along the street as well as several properties in the same area. Damage is believed to be in excess of 5 thousand dollars. The men, residents of Middle Musquodoboit and Halifax County have been released on undertakings and will appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court November 3rd.

Lost/Stolen Prescription Drugs

A warning from Queens RCMP regarding lost or stolen prescription drugs. Many of the drugs could be fatal if consumed in the wrong quantities or combinations. RCMP say the prescription drugs were lost or stolen from a patient leaving the PharmaChoice in Liverpool around 11:30 this morning. (Friday, August 13). The drugs were all contained in a white PharmaChoice bag. Anyone having any information regarding the drugs is encouraged to contact Queens RCMP at 354-5721

Re-launch a Piece of History

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is giving new life to one of the most sought after racing yachts and reviving a piece of Canada's sailing history. The museum will hold a public re-launch of WHIM, a 1937 C-Class sloop, that was designed and built in Chester by the late Joseph Reuben Heisler, and represents a unique part of the community's heritage. WHIM, originally owned by the Pew family, is one of five C-Class sloops launched in 1937 at the Heisler boat yard. The re-launch will be at the same location, the boatyard, at 130 Tremont Street, Chester,on Sunday, Aug. 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Marijuana Grows

A Lunenburg County resident is facing cultivation charges following a search of his property in Port Joli. Queens RCMP and the South Shore Street Crime Unit searched the residence on Highway 103 on August 6th and seized marijuana plants. A 33 year old man is scheduled to appear in Liverpool Court on October 5th.
Meantime the Shelburne County Street Crime Enforcement Unit seized 115 marijuana plants between three individual sites on August 11. No charges have been laid in relation to the incidents.

Lock-Up Your Vehicles

A reminder to keep your vehicles locked and secure all valuables. Police are investigating thefts from a number of vehicles on the night of August 2nd. In some cases, small items such as phone chargers, loose change and wallets had been removed from the vehicles. In other cases, the owners reported nothing was missing, but the glove box or console had been opened and their contents strewn over the inside of the car. The incidents happened in Pinehurst and two young males were seen in the area the night of the thefts. Police say the incidents appear to be crimes of opportunity as all of the thefts took place from unlocked vehicles.

New Ross Freighters Re-enactment

History will be re-enacted this weekend as part of the 250th anniversary of Chester Basin. The Ross Farm Museum and the Chester Basin 250th Anniversary Society and their partners will resurrect the trek of the New Ross Freighters with a two-day oxen walk. The wagons will be loaded on Saturday morning at 8:30am and handlers will guide eight teams of oxen on a two-day walk from Ross Farm Museum along route 12. The relay will culminate with a line of nine oxen team-led wagons arriving in Chester Basin on Sunday, Aug. 15, just after 3 p.m. Oxen teams known as the New Ross Freighters regularly travelled the 25 kilometers of road between New Ross and Chester Basin, bringing materials back and forth.

Speed Fines Double in School Zones

With another school year just a couple of weeks away, the province is taking steps to remind drivers and pedestrians to pay attention at crosswalks and intersections. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will be installing signs to remind drivers that speed fines are double in school zones. Municipalities will be offered the signs at no cost.Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says he hopes municipalities take advantage of this opportunity to remind drivers that there are serious consequences for speeding in a school zone. For more information on crosswalk safety and to view the ads, visit the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran.

LUNENBURG MOUNTIES INVESTIGATE ATTEMPTED B & E

RCMP in Lunenburg are seeking public information as they investigate an incident on Montague Street.
Someone tried to break into the Sail Inn in the early morning hours back on July 30th.
Investigators are asking that anyone who might have some information about the incident call Lunenburg RCMP or Crimestoppers.
Nothing was taken during the attempted break and enter but the investigation is on-going.

Farmers and CEP Negotiate

Farmers Dairy and CEP workers are back at the negotiating table

Strike Captain, Frank Davis, says the deal could be finalized by the end of the week.

During the last week or so both sides have been negotiating and now were just waiting for the company to come back with some small stuff to finish up (negotiations),” says Davis.

Despite the dialogue, Davis says many questions remain for workers on the lockout picket line.

The conditions of the deal; the state of their pensions, wages, and their return date for work are still being worked out with the help out an arbitrator.

One of the men standing on that picket line is Brett Whynott says even if demands are met some of the workers will have a hard time going back to work happy.

“I'm sure there will be grudges being held for putting us here...but hopefully it's a smooth transition,” says Whynott.

Non-unionized workers have kept Farmers Dairy products on the shelves since the July 10th.

Mounties Investigate Abandoned house Fire

The Mounties are investigating an overnight fire at an abandoned house in Lunenburg County.

The R-C-M-P received a report of a house fire on Italy Cross Road at around 3:00 o'clock this morning.

The building was fully engulfed in flames when the Petite Riviere Fire Department and the police arrived at the scene.

The Mounties ask for your help in their investigation into the blaze.

If you have any information regarding this fire, the R-C-M-P ask you to contact them at 527-5555 or “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-TIPS (8477).
___

HighLiner Foods Reports Growth in Profits

Lunenburg based High Liner Foods is continuing to grow in profitability. Second quarter financial results show the frozen seafood company reported its net income increased 6.5 percent to $4.4 million, or 28 cents per share. Sales for the quarter were $134.7 million . Company president and CEO Henry Demone says second quarter results were highlighted by growth in profitability across all key measures Demone, says their bottom line continued to benefit from lower input costs and a stronger Canadian dollar, as well as ongoing commitment to cost management.

Award Presentation

South Shore Health will be hosting an awards presentation to honour some special volunteers. Lloyd McKnight and Maggie Mae were recently named the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Team of the Year. The award presentation will be made on
August 25th at 10 a.m. in the Lecture Rooms of South Shore Regional Hospital.

Sustainability Festival

Bridgewater is Growing Green . The Town will be hosting a free street festival to highlight and celebrate green community initiatives. Bridgewater Sustainability Festival is set for Saturday August 21, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Festival organizers expect over 500 participants including guests, volunteers, vendors and performers. This festival is family friendly and there will be activities for all ages. Admission is FREE to Growing Green which will take place on King Street , between Empire and Dominion Streets.

Child Abuse Investigated

Queens RCMP are looking into a case of possible child abuse. The incident was initially reported to the authorities on Thursday, August 5th. An infant girl currently remains under care at the IWK Hospital in Halifax with undetermined injuries. The Mounties are conducting a criminal investigation in collaboration with Family and Children's Services.

Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy Updated

The Town of Bridgewater has revised its Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy to meet provincial standards. The catalyst for the review of the policy was a change to Nova Scotia Labour Standards which stipulated that employers must allow employees to continue to participate in benefit plans while on pregnancy/parental leaves. The Town's policy which was approved by Council now meets those minimum requirements.

Town Stays Out of Postal Business

The union representing postal workers is seeking support from municipal units in the province. CUP-W wants an improved Canadian Postal Service Charter and is asking the units to submit and endorse two resolutions. A motion by Bridgewater Town Council was lost on the floor due to the lack of a seconder. One councillor called it political propaganda and says the town has no business getting involved. Deputy-Mayor David Walker says it seems to be a labour management issue and he believes there will be negotiations with the union.

DUMB Car

Award-winning Be Smart. Be Safe.will be stopping in Bridgewater this Thursday, August 12 to help visitors lead safer lives, protect their property & prepare for emergencies . Be Smart. Be Safe. is bringing its safety messages to the Children’s Fair from 10am to 4pm at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena . The DUMB Car 2.0 simulator, The Rain Cycle, Survivor 72 and other interactive displays will highlight the tour. The DUMB Car driving simulator demonstrates the dangers of driving while distracted by talking on a cellphone or text messaging. It also allows drivers to brush up on their skills in a number of situations including driving in adverse weather conditions, avoiding road hazards and identifying the point-of-no-return at traffic lights. In addition, an eco-driving segment teaches drivers how to improve fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC’s), award-winning community outreach program, now in its sixth year, will visit approximately 30 fairs and festivals throughout Atlantic Canada this summer.

Fire Hall Bands to Play Bridgewater High

The United Kingdom's West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Band and Bridgewater's very own Fire Department Band will play a gala concert on Wednesday night

Percussionist for Bridgewater, Ian Bolton, says the concert is part of a cultural exchange two years in the making.

“We were contacted... about doing an exchange and through two years of emails and letters and conversations back and forth...we've now managed to be hosts to the West Yorkshire group,” says Bolton.

The British band will return the favour next summer when the Bridgewater band travels across the pond.

Bolton says attendees can look forward to classical notes, disco beats, rock and folk melodies that fill the room.

“(When we play together) it's just a marvelous sound,” says Bolton.

The concert begins at 7pm, tickets cost ten to fifteen dollars.

The Lieutenant Governor will also be in attendance.

Bridgewater Hit and Run

Bridgewater Police are asking for the public's help involving a hit and run on Saturday, August 7th. A pedestrian was struck around 9 p.m. while crossing the street by the corner of Empire and Pleasant Streets. The suspect vehicle fled the scene without stopping at the accident. The car is described as a dark coloured Toyota, possibly a Corolla. The pedestrian suffered minor injuries and was treated in hospital and released.

Shore Road Sewage

Shore Road residents say they no longer want to be responsibility for dumping raw sewage in Lunenburg harbour. The properties in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg border approximately 500 meters of Lunenburg harbour shoreline in an area almost at the centre of the eastern side of the harbour. In a presentation to the Municipality, Nancy Rogers says their properties continue to dispose of raw sewage and the harbour cannot be fully cleaned until that changes. Rogers says connecting Shore Road to Lunenburg's waste water collection and treatment system is not only the right thing to do environmentally, it is the neighbourly thing to do. Mayor Don Down says the next step would be to do a study to determine the feasibility of the proposal to scope out the cost and impact.

Deere Beats CAT

John Deere beat out the CAT. Bridgewater Town Council awarded Wallace Equipment Limited a tender for 143 thousand 925 dollars for the purchase of a 4X4 John Deere backhoe/loader. The difference in cost between the two machines is almost 8 thousand dollars. However, Deputy-Mayor David Walker says both tenders were evaluated based on 13 criteria and the lowest price is not always guaranteed to be the winning bid. Four proposals were received but two of the bids did not meet engineering specifications. The proposal still came in slightly under the approved budget of 150 thousand dollars for the project

Park Zoning Amendments

Bridgewater Council has approved amendments to the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-Law to re-designate and rezone various town properties to parkland. Deputy-Mayor David Walker says in most case these parcels are recognized and used as parkland but have not been designated and zoned accordingly. He says the amendments also included minor text changes including the addition of "community gardens" as a permitted use in the Park Zone. The amendments cover a number of properties including donated land on Pine Street to be used as a passive park and the former V-I-C property on Aberdeen Road.

Cultural Sector Investments

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages in Lunenburg today to announce funding for 15 arts, heritage and community projects on the South Shore. James Moore says the federal government is committing over 300 thousand dollars in funding for a variety of projects including the Mi'kmaq Acadian Cultural Festival and Reunion, to the restoration of Chester's First Municipal Office and many others. Moore says it shows the great diversity that exists culturally in the region. He says the federal government is not going to cut funding to the arts nor maintain funding, but increase funding to the arts. The minister says more money will be coming this fall to support culture on the South Shore.

Statuesque Woman Missing

Lunenburg Police are seeking assisstance in a disappearance.

A statue disappeared on Wednesday night from a garden porch on Hobson Street in Lunenburg.

She is described as a woman in a robe carrying lilies and is approximately five feet, two inches tall with white skin made of resin.

The statue was heavy and police suspect it may have taken more than one person to move it.

Anyone with information on this matter is asked to contact Lunenburg RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Marijuana Grow Operation Busted

South Shore RCMP are trying to determine who's responsible for the marijuana grow op they busted over the weekend.

RCMP staff-sargeant Jeff Wells says Queens County RCMP and the South Shore Integrated Crime Enforcement unit executed a search warrant on a home on highway 103 in East Port L'Herbert.

"When they searched there was no one was at the residence. We're trying to determine who in fact who owns the property," says Wells.

Wells says approximately twenty plants, in various stages of growth, were siezed from the home.

He says a tip from a 'reliable source' led them to the grow operation.

Wells says the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit has taken over the investigation.

Hit-and-Run in Liverpool

Queens County Police are seeking help from the public in the investigation of a hit-and-run in Liverpool.

An unknown vehicle collided with a red Dodge Caravan in the Real Atlantic Superstore parking lot on Saturday.

Billie-Joe Bond says her vehicle was left unattended for a short time. Her husband and baby daughter had joined her inside the store, minutes before the collision occured.

She was suprised with what what she found upon her return.

"The back end was so dented that I couldn't open the back...You could see skid marks on the pavement from where they sped away," says Bond.

Bond says the van was moved several inches from the force of the other vehicle.

Police say they are still seeking the person who fled the scene.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Queens County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Fishermen's Memorial ER Closure

A staff shortage forcing a temporary closure of the Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. The Lunenburg E.R. will be closed tonight (Aug.6th) from 6:30 pm until 7:30 Saturday morning (Aug.7th) due to the unavailability of staff to cover the shift. Area residents requiring emergency services are advised to call 9-1-1 or visit South Shore Regional in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or Health Link 8-1-1 for medical advice.

Stockwell Day Addresses Chamber of Commerce

The president of the Treasury Board says our nation's economy is in better condition than those of other countries emerging from the global downturn.

Stockwell Day said during a luncheon address to the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday that they should not to take his word for it.

He says that the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development -- as well as the World Economic Forum -- have praised Canada's economic performance.

Day also noted that the magazine, "The Economist", calls Canada an "economic miracle."
___

MURDER ARREST IN LUNENBURG

A young man facing a charge of second-degree murder has been arrested in Lunenburg. R-C-M-P found 20-year-old Robert Harris Lamb at an apartment in the town on Wednesday evening.
Lamb was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant in connection with a fatal New Year's Eve brawl at a house party in Antigonish.
25 year-old Jonathan Beaton died in hospital New Years Day, four hours after police were called to a brawl that broke out at a house party in Antigonish.

Tent Dwellers Canoe Festival

The 2010 Tent Dwellers Canoe Festival will be celebrated at Kejimkujik National Park next week. Parks Canada, in cooperation with Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia and Friends of Keji Cooperating Association, will celebrate wilderness camping, conservation, local history, and the canoe on Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15. As part of Friday nights festival there will be a viewing of a Meteor shower at 9:30pm. Tent Dwellers activities are free with regular admission to park. Bring or rent a canoe to recreate a section of the Tent Dwellers route Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. Depart Jakes Landing as part of a large canoe flotilla and head for tea and biscuits at Kedge Beach. For a complete schedule of events for this weekend celebration, please visit www.tentdwellers.ca, or for more information call (902) 682-2772. Tent Dwellers activities are free with regular admission to park.

Property Damage at Petro-Can

Bridgewater Police are investigating property damage to the Petro-Can station on North Street. On July 25th, during the evening hours a canopy was loosened and eventually fell over. There were no injuries and relatively minor damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police or CRIMESTOPPERS.

TWO ARRESTED IN SEFFERINSVILLE DRUG RAID

The RCMP have arrested two people in connection with a pot growing operation in Lunenburg County.

The Mounties say they interrupted an outdoor marihuana growing operation when they raided a residence in the Sefferensville area yesterday.

The police seized a quantity of maraihuana during the raid.

The two people arrested in the operation will appear in court at a later date to face numerous charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

Age-Friendly Community

The Municipality of Chester is looking at ways to become an "age friendly" community. Warden Alan Webber says Chester is pretty much a retirement community. Council is applying for funding of 5 thousand dollars through the Age-Friendly Communities Grant Program of the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors. The money will be used to assess the age friendliness of the Municipality. Webber says once the assessment identifies barriers or specifics that need to be addressed, the Municipality will be in a better position for future funding opportunities related to senior projects and initiatives.

Grants to Organizations

Over 41 thousand dollars has been approved for grants to organizations by Chester Municipal Council. The amounts range from 100 to 75 hundred dollars. Warden Alan Webber says there's never enough money to fund all the requests every year. He says Council looks at the necessity of the grant request and what the project is. Webber says Council also looks at the amount of money the organization itself is putting into the project . He says they didn't expend all of the money, there's still 33 thousand 500 dollars left in the grants funding. Webber says there's a lot of year left and they know more grant requests will come in.

South Shore in Motion

The South Shore in Motion festival gearing up for this weekend in Bridgewater. Town Council has approved closing a portion of King Street from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday night to accommodate a meet and greet show vehicle display. The street closure takes in the main street between Dominion and Dufferin, and includes the old bridge. Most of the events for the festival are set for the Exhibition grounds between August 6th to the 8th and feature burnouts, truck pulls, celebrity lawn tractor races, a motorcycle poker run and an ATV challenge.

Stockwell Day to Address Chamber

The President of the Treasury Board of Canada will be in town on Friday (Augsut 6th) . Stockwell Day will be the featured guest speaker at a luncheon sponsored by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce. Friday's event
is set for at the Days Inn and Convention Centre on North Street in Bridgewater. Tickets are $20.00 for chamber members and $25.00 for non-members. Registration starts at 12:00 and the lunch will start at 12:30. All tickets must be reserved prior to the event. Please email bacc@eastlink.ca or call 902-543-4263 to reserve you seat.

South Shore Exhibtion Seeks More Safety

The South Shore Exhibition is adding new safety features after four people suffered injuries last week.

Organizers will add a new exercise area, in the rear parking lot, for pull horses next year.

South Shore Exhibition Commission Board Member, Christine Sarty, says the "scoot" area will help prevent any further accidents.

She says the board considered adding the pen this year but a lack of government funding hampered their plans.

Sarty says the commission doesn't take accidents lightly and will be discussing more safety measures at next month's board meeting.

Three young girls and a horse handler were injured when a horse became spooked and ran freely through the grounds.

Sarty says this year's fair was a success despite the unfortunate accident.

More than 44 thousand people attended the event, almost twelve hundred more than last year.

FIRE DAMAGES BRIDGEWATER SAVE EASY

Police and officials from the Fire Marshall's office are investigating a fire that took place early Sunday morning at the Bridgewater Shopping Plaza.

They suspect that the fire began after someone set a stack of wooden pallets on fire behind the Save Easy store.

The fire scorched the side of the building and sent flames to the roof before firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control.

There was smoke and water damage to the area of the plaza nearest the fire.

COMPUTER THEFTS FROM PENTZ ELEMENTARY

The RCMP are continuing their investigation into a weekend burglary at a Lunenburg County school.

Thieves made off with a number of items from Pentz Elementary School.

Among other things, they stole a computer laptop and two desktop computers.

Pirates Take Over Town

Pirates will be taking over the Town of Mahone for a three day festival that will be launched this morning. The Mahone Bay Regatta replaces the Classic Boat Festival which attracted approximately 50 thousand tourists last year. The New event will feature dory races, boat displays, historical re-enactments and free family entertainment. A news conference at the Mahone Bay Civic Marina,at 10:30 this morning will officially launch the Regatta.

New Ferry Christened

The new cable ferry on the LaHave River, was officially christened today,(July 29,) as the Brady E. Himmelman to honour a long-time local ferry operator. The $3.5-million ferry can carry 14 full-size cars, two more per trip than its predecessor, the LaHave II. It was designed by E-Y-E Marine Consultants of Dartmouth and built by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River. Mr. Himmelman, who was in charge of the ferry at LaHave from 1948 until 1983, was on hand to witness the christening, which was performed by his wife, Ramona. Premier Darrell Dexter who was also on hand for the ceremony says the projectis one of many that are creating good jobs and growing our economy.

Arrests in West Dublin Fire

A fire last night in Lunenburg County has resulted in charges being laid against three people. RCMP have charged a male and female youth and an adult male with arson, break and enter and theft . The charges are in relation to the blaze that destroyed Risser"s General Store in West Dublin. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 6 last evening and found the building engulfed in flames. RCMP evacuated the area around the fire and blocked-off Highway 331 for a short time as firefighters from several area departments battled the blaze.

RUNAWAY HORSES INJURE 4 AT "BIG EX"

Four people, including three girls between the ages of seven and 13, have been injured by a runaway team of horses at the South Shore Exhibition.
Police were called to the exhibition grounds around 5 p-m.
The horses' handler and two of the girls suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to South Shore Regional.
The third girl was airlifted to Halifax as a precaution and was listed in stable condition last night.

Charges in Car/Pedestrian Accident

A 54 year old man is facing charges resulting from a motor vehicle/pedestrian accident with injuries last Thursday.. The man is charged with " Backing a Vehicle When Unsafe" and will appear in court for plea September 15th. The accident happened at the Apple Berry Farm Market July 22nd around 5:45 pm. A 74 year old man was struck by a vehicle and was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital with
non-life threatening injuries. Police are continuing their investigation.

Church Vandalism

It's becoming all too common...another local church has been damaged by vandals. Lunenburg County RCMP is investigating a complaint of damage to the United Church in First South. The incident happened sometime between noon on July 18 and 9 a.m. July 25th. A knife was thrown at the front of the church multiple times causing damage. This particular church has been targeted by acts of vandalism in the past. RCMP is asking the public for assistance to come forward with any information they may have regarding the incident.

Legion Funding Announced

Royal Canadian Legion branches in the province will benefit from improved infrastructure under a new program announced today.( July 26.) The Legion Capital Assistance Program is a $100,000 provincial funding program. The application-based program will provide funding for repairs to existing legion buildings. Eligible projects include upgrades to wastewater and water systems, bathrooms, kitchens, heating systems and repairs or replacement of windows and roofs. The funding program will provide up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of 10-thousand dollars for approved projects. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex was on hand for the announcement at the Bridgewater Legion Branch 24, on Churchill Street.

Lunenburg Break-Ins

Lunenburg RCMP are investigating three break and enters in the Town over two nights. Nellie's Take Out on Falkland Street was broken into overnight on July 11th. A small amount of produce was taken. Nellie's was again broken into overnight on July 12th, and again the only item taken was a small amount of produce. Later that same day the owners returned home after a night away, and reported their residence on the west end of Pelham Street had been broken into. A person of interest has been interviewed and the RCMP are continuing to investigate the three break-ins.

RDA Gets Immigrant Funding

Lunenburg/Queens Regional Development Agency has received 33 thousand dollars to help immigrants settle and integrate in the region. Funding totalling 306 thousand dollars is being provided to seven regional development authorities through the Office of Immigration. The RDA's will use the funding to provide direct support to immigrants to help them find the programs and services needed in the areas of assessment, orientation and referrals. They will also work with individual communities to help ensure a welcoming environment for immigrants that is inclusive and supportive.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

Farmer's Dairy is thanking its customers for their support and patience through-out a strike which was Launched July 10th by union members. While the company acknowledged experiencing a few disruptions in getting some products to its customers on time, Farmers shipped over 94 percent of the products its customers ordered during the first week of the strike. Vice-President of Marketing, Derek Estabrook says The work is being done by trained, qualified, and experienced non-union plant employees in accordance with stringent Canada Food Inspection Agency standards. Estabrook says Farmers Dairy remains committed to reaching a settlement that is fair and reasonable for union members and ensures the company can remain competitive. Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited has been a part of communities in Nova Scotia for over 80 years. Owned by more than 125 Atlantic Canadian dairy farmers, Farmers is a local co-operative that provides Atlantic Canadians with quality dairy products made locally in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Islands Protected

**Photo by Department of Natural Resources**
Two South Shore islands are receiving protection from the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Great Island and Selig Islands are located in Medway Harbour, halfway between Lunenburg and Shelburne. At 120 hectares, Great Island is the largest island ever protected from development off mainland Nova Scotia. The islands were owned by Bill Zimmerman and Susan Hauer, who sold the smaller island to the trust in 2009. This week, the couple signed a conservation agreement over Great Island.

John Ernest (Jack) Irving Passes Away

John Ernest (Jack) Irving, of Saint John, New Brunswick has died at the age of 78. He passed away today,(July 21st) following a short illness. Born January 1, 1932 he was a son of the late K.C. Irving and Harriet Lila “née MacNarin” Irving.
John E. Irving joined his father's business in 1952 and he worked all his life, along-side his brother Arthur in Irving Oil. In addition, John E. Irving was a Director of all Irving businesses and was responsible for and managed a number of the companies within the varied Irving enterprises.He was a Member of the Order of Canada, a Companion of the Order of The Business Hall of Fame, an inaugural member of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. Irving is survived by his wife Suzanne
Heather Cameron “née Farrer”, three children and six grandchildren. A funeral service will take place Saturday morning (July 24th) at 11:00am, at Trinity Anglican Church. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Big EX gets Financial Boost

The Big EX got a big financial boost today in Bridgewater. South Shore-St.Margaret's M-P , Gerald Keddy, announced federal funding of 19 thousand, five hundred dollars for the South Shore Exhibition. Keddy says the Exhibition has been a staple in the community since 1891 and has provided an opportunity for local farmers, artisans and companies to gain recognition for their work, while contributing to the local economy. The Exhibition gets underway in Bridgewater from July 27-August 1, at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds on Dufferin Street.

Composites Atlantic at Trade Show

A Lunenburg company is included in a delegation taking part in the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow. Composites Atlantic Limited is represented at the biennial event, one of the world’s largest international showcases for aerospace equipment and technology. ACOA has invested 167 thousand dollars toward the trade mission which is hoped to help Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence industry firms establish valuable international contacts and successfully compete on the
international stage.

Fish and Vessel Seized

Three men are facing charges of fishing without a licence following the seizure of 18 hundred pounds of halibut. A fishing vessel was apprehended off Blandford Monday afternoon in a joint operation involving fishery officers from six detachments led by Barrington. The vessel was escorted to New Harbour where the three men were arrested and their fishing gear and vessel were seized. Further charges are pending. The men have been released on an appearance notice and witl be back in Barrington Court on October 14th.

New VIC Officially Opens

The newly-constructed Liverpool Visitor Information Centre officially opened its doors today. (Tuesday, July 20). The Government of Canada invested just over 200 thousand dollars in the project last August through the Community Adjustment Fund.
In addition to the construction of the new VIC, the investment supported improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure, including safer, more attractive walkways, upgraded parking facilities and increased accessibility for recreational vehicles. Region of Queens Mayor, John Leefe says the new Visitor Information Centre will enhance economic development opportunities for the Municipality. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy was on hand for the official opening.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

The union president for Farmer's workers says the company hasn't been entirely truthful.

Brian Bennett says Farmers Dairy isn't using all non-unionized workers on the job.

He says they're also using SCAB workers, or people who aren't qualified to run the equipment.

Bennett says the fact that Farmers says its using ALL non-unionized workers is "completely false."

Andrea Hickey with Farmers Dairy says they are being forced to use temporary workers for distribution and are still dedicated to creating a quality product.

The strike has entered its ninth day and Bennett says there's still no planned talks between the two sides.

Jail Time for Drugs

A Bridgewater man has been sentenced to over two years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges. Twenty five year-old Jason Samuel Emmons fled to Ontario in 2007 to try to avoid the charges but was arrested in May and brought back to the province. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four Criminal Code charges late last week. Emmons will serve two years and four months in custody.

Sudden Death Investigated

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating the sudden death of a 23-year-old woman early Saturday morning. Emergency Health Services responded to a call at a home on Stovepipe Lane in Mahone Bay around 7:30am July 17th.Police say the woman was in cardiac arrest and emergency personnel couldn't revive her.

Man Injuured in Fall

A Lunenburg man was taken to hospital this morning (Friday,July 16) after falling off a ladder while trying to get on his boat. Lunenburg County RCMP responded to the call shortly after 9am at the Fisherman's Wharf. Reports indicate the man fell approximately eight feet and landed on the concrete below. The man, whose name wasn't released, is from the local area. He was conscious and transported to hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Employment Solutions Funding

People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of federal support for Employment Solutions Society. South Shore/St.Margarets M.P. Gerald Keddy, announced funding of 80 thousand, 434 dollars under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The project will help 16 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs. Employment Solutions Society has delivered funding programs as a community coordinator for the last few years to clients with disabilities in the Lunenburg and Queens counties. As of July 5th,program delivery for the Opportunities Fund has been expanded to clients in Windsor and East Hants.The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self-employment.

Chester Wharf Attack

He was supposed to have a trial date set, instead one of the men involved in a violent attack at a Chester wharf last summer entered a guilty plea to two charges of assault on Wednesday. Twenty-seven year old Joel Ray Meister admitted he kicked a man and threw rocks at a woman during the altercation last August 20th. The woman was sent to hospital with serious head injuries. The Crown and Defence both agreed Meister who had jumped into a scuffle to help a friend played a lesser role in the night's events and did not inflict the woman's injuries. He's been sentenced to 18 months on probation with a number of conditions and has been ordered to take counselling. Meantime, 29 year old Chad Wesley Swinimer has pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm and will be sentenced August 30th.

Truck Ties Up Traffic

A truck mishap tied-up traffic in Bridgewater Monday evening shortly after 6:00 o'clock. Apparently, the parking-brakes on a lumber-truck did not prevent the vehicle from moving forward, allowing it to block North Street by the "Cookville Irving" and strike a tree on the opposite side of the road. A "loader" was needed to remove the lumber off the truck before it could be moved. Members of the Northfield Fire Department received assistance from Bridgewater firefighters for traffic-control while New Germany fire-fighters remained on "standby" at the Northfield Fire Hall.
***Photo..courtesy of Casey Boutilier***

Farmres Dairy Dispute Update

Talks remain stalled between the two sides of a local labour dispute.

The CEP-Local 40 Union and Farmer's Dairy haven't spoken since a 17-hour bargaining session on July 9th, resulting in both sides walking away for the table.

Union President Brian Bennett says though there are no plans for further talks, he believes the non-unionized workers filling in can only last so long.

The union is holding out because of issues surrounding pay, pension and force labour.

Over 240 workers have been off the job since 12:01 Saturday morning.

New Nurse for New Germany

The New Germany and Area Medical Centre is getting a temporary nurse. Dawn Chubbs has accepted a part-time role with South Shore Health, replacing Rob Snelling, who resigned earlier this month. Chubbs will see patients two to three days a week and will also work part-time with South Shore Health's stroke program. She'll start seeing patients starting July 26th.

Fire Departments to Merge

The Municipality of Lunenburg is going through a firefighting makeover. The decision to combine the Newcombville, Chelsea and Baker Settlement fire departments was approved at a Municipal Council meeting on Tuesday, July 13th. The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg, Don Downe, says the three fire department chiefs proposed the combination, to provide better service to the area. He says they're are also amalgamating because of issues surrounding old equipment, training and manpower.
Downe says the departments will get the help from the municipality's solicitor and clerk.

Car Hits Liverpool Bank

Queens RCMP are continuing their investigation into a motor vehicle mishap in which a car drove into the Scotiabank in Liverpool.

The incident occured Friday afternoon when a vehicle with two elderly occpants suddenly accelerated along Market Street and crashed into the ScotiaBank.

Before the car crashed into the building, it had already struck the Queens County By-Law Patrol Vehicle from behind and pushed it off the road.

The two occupants in the Patrol Vehicle, as well as the two elderly occupants of the car, were taken to the Queens General Hospital.

The Mounties report that all four people sustained "light to moderate injuries" and are expected to recover.

The Liverpool Scotiabank sustained extensive damage to its storefront.

The Queens R-c-M-P continue to look into the cause of the crash.

Two Men in Court for Alleged Robbery and Violence

Two men will appear in Bridgewater court Monday morning to face a number of charges.

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010, Bridgewater Police recieved a complaint of a robbery with violence on Victoria Road.

R-C-M-P arrested two men and held them overnight while the investigation continued.

On Friday, the two men were charged with numerous offences, including "robbery" and "assault causing bodily harm".

Man Hospitalized after Chelsea Highway Accident

A 46-year-old man has been taken to hospital after a highway accident in Lunenburg County.

The man was trapped inside a 2008 Astor after it went off the road on Highway-210 in Upper Chelsea shortly after 9:00 o'clock this morning.

The Chelsea Fire Department, along with the RCMP and an ambulance, were on the scene.

The Baker Settlement Fire Department also assisted at the site of the mishap.

Shelburne County Drug Raid

A 25-year-old man faces charges after an RCMP drug raid in Shelburne County.

The Mounties confiscated 63 marihuana plants yesterday when they used a search warrant to investigate a residence in Beaverdam.

They also found various articles used to grow marihuana.

The police arrested a Beaverdam resident in Shelburne in connection with the drug seizure.

They released him and he will appear at a later date in Shelburne Provincial Court to face a charge of "production of marihuana".

A member of the Shelburne county Street Crime Unit says there is no evidence that the pot was intended for sale anywhere other than in the local area.

Corporal Nancy Mason says that the marihuana would have had an estimated street-value of 60-thousand-dollars.

Alleged Killer in New Germany Shooting Asks for Lawyer

A Lunenburg County man accused of fatally-shooting his estranged-wife last week has apparently been able to tell authorities he wants a lawyer.

47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner remains in "critical" condition in a Halifax hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police allege that he shot 42-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor on June 30th in New Germany, before turning the gun on himself.

She died nearly eleven hours after the shooting.

He, however, survived and underwent surgery.

The court was told Monday that he remains in an "induced coma", under the watch of sheriff deputies.

A judge at Bridgewater Provincial Court was told yesterday that Wayne Eisnor is drifting in and out of consciousness but was able to write that he wants a lawyer.

Lunenburg Assault

The RCMP are investigating an assault that occurred last month.

During the early morning hours of June 26th, a male was assaulted on Falkland Street in Lunenburg.

The victim was then transported to hospital and later released.

Contact the Lunenburg County RCMP if you have any details regarding the incident.

Mountie Faces Impaired Driving Carges in Bridgewater

An RCMP officer will stand trial in December on charges of driving while impaired in Lunenburg County.

Catherine Frances Mansley was arrested on April 4th after a vehicle went off the road and into the ditch near Rissers Beach.

The 43-year-old Mansley is on "administrative duty" with the Mounties and, therefore, she is not working in a patrol car.

She did not appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court yesterday -- but her lawyer entered a "not guilty" plea on her behalf.

A half-day trial will be heard in Bridgewater on December 21st.

Bridgewater Sheriffs' Hours Not Reduced

The Department of Justice says it will cut back on the amount of hours worked by casual and part-time sheriffs.

The department confirms that the move will affect 23 out of 190 sheriffs working at courts across the province.

The exceptions are the sheriffs working at the courthouse on High Street in Bridgewater, as well as those at facilities in Halifax and Sydney.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Gavin says the affected workers will see their hours cut by 20-per-cent or more.

The justice critic for the Progressive conservatives says the reductions do not make sense.

Murray Scott says the previous Tory government beefed-up the sheriffs-service in response to some high-profile prisoner-escapes and complaints over a lack of resources.
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Outdoor Service for Tina Mae Eisnor

An outdoor service will be held Tuesday to celebrate the life of a woman who was gunned down in New Germany last week.

43-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor of Hemford died in hospital eleven hours after being shot while sitting in her van outside Barry's Freshmart last Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses said the gunman then turned the weapon on himself.

Her husband -- 47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner -- was charged with "first-degree murder" on Friday while lying in his bed in a Halifax hospital.

The memorial service is to be held at the home of her parents, Raeburn and Janet Illingworth, in Simpsons Corner.

The family has requested no visitation at the funeral home.