Canada's Public Safety Minister Visits Birchtown

Canada's Public Safety Minister Vic Toews will be visiting Shelburne County on Tuesday. The minister is to announce the security infrastructure improvements completed at the Birchtown Historical Site as the result of a pilot program. The Black Loyalist Heritage Society has historically been vulnerable to hate motivated crimes including arson, threats and vandalism. To increase the security and safety of our historical site, the BLHS’s applied to the Security Infrastructure Pilot Program. The approval of the application resulted in the installation of infra-red motion detection security cameras complete with DVD recorder and improved exterior lighting on all buildings at the Birchtown site.

Boat Adrift on Highway

The Lunenburg District RCMP are currently investigating a boat found on Highway 12 near Chester Basin.

Police says it appears the craft became dislodged from its trailer.

Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the ownership of the boat to contact Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Drug Bust

Two residents of Central Caribou, Nova Scotia are facing charges of producing marijuana.

More than twenty mature plants were seized by Pictou County District RCMP and investigators on Wednesday.

The accused, a man and a woman, are scheduled to appear at the Pictou Justice Complex on October 19th.

TWO MEN HEAD FOR TRIAL IN SHELBURNE ON HUMAN SMUGGLING CHARGES

Two Ukrainian men accused of smuggling eight eastern-Europeans into Canada aboard a sailboat have asked for a jury trial in "Nova Scotia Supreme Court".

A preliminary-inquiry will begin October 13th in Shelburne for Mykola Tyshkivskyy and Vasyl Aksenin.

They are charged with helping people without proper documentation to enter Canada and have been remanded in custody until their October court-appearance.

Both men had earlier been denied bail.

The accused were arrested June 19th after a 13-metre sailboat was intercepted off Shelburne and escorted to the Shelburne Yacht Club.

TENDER AWARDED FOR NEW LIVERPOOL COMMUNITY CENTRE

A tender has been awarded for construction of the proposed new multi-million dollar community centre in Liverpool.

The Council of the Region of Queens has awarded a 14.5-million dollar contract to "Maxim 2000 Inc."

Initial construction work on the site is already underway and the entire project is expected to be completed and open by January 2012.

The Mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality, John Leefe, says Queens Place may be a catalyst in attracting people to live in the area.

The Mayor says: "We are very confident that it will be a catalyst for people looking to move into a Nova Scotia community to look at ours and say ...wow, one of the things they have here is a tremendous community centre and thats what our family needs so, we're going to come and live in Queens County."

When completed, Queens Place will have a new and larger arena, a walking track, fitness centre, community rooms and other facilities.

Residents of the Liverpool area are invited to an open house on September 22nd from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Centre to meet the architects and learn more about the project.

Queens County Man Found Guilty of Child Luring

A Queens County man will be sentenced later this month for luring a child.

Richard Austin Maclean of Wellington Road, Greenfield pleaded guilty in Halifax Provincial Court Yesterday.

Between October 14th and November 1st Maclean made contact with a undercover police officer posing as a fifteen year-old girl.

Maclean was arrested in the parking lot of the Bloomfield Center in Halifax as he sat waiting for a meeting with the girl.

Chris Hansen of the Public Prosecution Service says its premature to speculate on his sentencing.

But says Maclean's lack of a prior record and his level of remorse for the crime, will play a role.

Maclean will be due back in court for sentencing on November 1st.

OPPOSITION GROWS TO HIGHWAY 103 CONNECTOR FOR ST. MARGARET'S BAY

A growing number of residents in the St. Margaret's Bay area are becoming increasingly alarmed by the province's proposed connector road to highway 103.
The transportation department has selected 5 possible locations for the route and expects to decide soon which one is best.
The budget for the project is 10-million dollars.
Many residents in the area are opposed to any connector being built thats going to gobble up properties.
They're calling for a referendum to settle the issue.
Residents have shown their opposition to the connector since they first learned it was in the planning process with a write-in campaign to the Transportation Minister and a public meeting in Black Point earlier this summer which attracted several hundred people.

Egging in Bridgewater

A Bridgewater residence has egg on their facade.

a Brook street home was egged last night around 10;30 pm.

Police say a small vehicle was heard accelerating away from the residence.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Bridgewater Police or Crime Stoppers.

The house was not damaged in the incident.

RCMP Report an Increase in Break and Enters

Break and Enters are on the rise in Lunenburg County.

Comparing reports from news years day until the end of July in 2009 to the same six-month period for this year, shows an increase of 19.6 percent.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says two major factors encourage people to commit these crimes.

Convenience and addictions.

“A person may see something unattended and ma y use that occasion to commit a break and enter,or enter a house or a building and take something. We also find a lot of break and enters are related to the use prescription and non-prescription drugs,” says Hill.

The most items most commonly stolen include jewelry and electronics.

Hill says many of these items are easily sold to friends or traded at pawn shops, no questions asked.

He says people can protect themselves from theft by securing their homes with locks and alarms and keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood.

One-hundred and thirty-four break and enters have taken place in the county so far this year.

A figure, Hill says is comparable with other regions throughout the province.

Woman Held Captive by Welchtown Man

Shelburne County RCMP say they received an unusual call early this morning.

Sergeant Barry MacLellan explains.

“Members of our detachment received a 9-1-1 call that there was a woman being held against her will in a residence in Welchtown,” says MacLellan.

The twenty-seven year old woman was allegedly forced from her vehicle and held at knife point inside the home for several hours.

RCMP responded to the call at approximately three o'clock in the morning and the woman was able to flee the home, unharmed.

A thirty year-old man was found asleep inside and arrested without incident.

The accused faces charges of assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and sexual assault in Yarmouth Provincial Court today.

Maclellan says this was an unusual incident for local Mounties.

“It's not something we normally respond to. It's considered an isolated incident in this area,” says MacLellan.

Fire at Bull's Head Wharf

A suspicious fire at Bull's Head Wharf in Stoney Island, Cape Sable Island has sparked a police investigation.

The fire destroyed a bait shed and extensively damaged a nearby storage building.

Island and Barrington Passage Fire Department responded to the call at 12:30 this morning.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Barrington Detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Theft on Prince Street

Bridgewater Police are investigating a theft.

A large quantity of cash was taken from a Prince Street residence on Friday.

According to police the crime took place between 10am and 2pm.

Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact the Bridgewater detachment or the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Thief at Bridgewater Mall

Bridgewater Police are seeking help from the public in an investigation.

An unknown male came into Cardinal Fire and Safety outlet in the Bridgewater Mall and took a large sum of money from the till.

The male then departed the mall with a female companion.

The crime took place on the evening of August 4th at approximately 10 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police or Crime Stoppers.

Barrington Man Faces Child Pornagraphy Charges

A thirty three year old man was arrested and charged with accessing child pornography on Friday.

He has been released on numerous conditions.

He must remain in Nova Scotia, notify Barrington RCMP of any changes in address or employment and not possess any form of pornography.

He is also barred from unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of eighteen or accessing the Internet outside of work.

The charges come after an investigation by the Barrington detachment , the Atlantic Region Integrated Tech Crime Unit and Nova Scotia Internet Child Exploitation Unit of the RCMP.

The man is due in Barrington Provincial court on October 14th

Fire on North King Street

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating a fire at the parking lot of South Shore Truck Centre along North King Street in Lower Branch.

The Northfield District Fire Department and the Bridgewater Fire Department responded to the call at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Sunday.

The fire destroyed two semi tractors and damaged a third.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says the cause of the fire is still not known to police.

"One of the leads were following up (on) is that the fire may have been caused by a malfunction of one of the vehicles. But it's still under investigation," says Hill.

Investigators are asking anyone anyone who may witnessed the fire before the authorities arrived to contact Bridgewater Police or Crime Stoppers.

Firearms and Drug Charges Pending

Two males are facing numerous charges after a routine traffic checkpoint on highway 331 in Petite Riviere.

RCMP and members of the South Shore Traffic Services arrested two occupants of a vehicle on Friday.

A search of a vehicle resulted in seizure of a small amount of marijuana and sawed-off 12 gauge shotgun.

the youth and adult were held in custody and then released to appear in court at a later date.

There a pending charges against both, including firearms offences, possession of a controlled substance and breaching court orders.

The investigation continues.

Vandalism in Chester

The Lunenburg District RCMP are investigating acts of vandalism on Water Street in Chester.

Eight vehicles had their drivers side mirrors damaged in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Lilydale RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

History on Stage

Lunenburg History will come alive on stage this Wednesday. Glimpses: a look at history through scene and song, will be performed live onstage at Empire Theatres, in Bridgewater,August 25, 7:30 p.m. Glimpses is the second production of the recently-formed Bridgewater & Area Performing Arts Society. The Society was established to promote the performing arts on the South Shore. The August 25 production of Glimpses an expanded version of the show that first appeared at the Fisheries Museum in Lunenburg, in 2008.

LUNENBURG FIRE INJURES ONE PERSON

One person was sent to hospital this morning (Friday) suffering smoke inhalation as a result of a house fire in Lunenburg.
The fire caused extensive damage to the building, located in the middle of the downtown heritage district.
Lunenburg fire-fighters were aided in battling the blaze by fire-fighters and a "pumper"-truck from the Mahone Bay department and a "rig"-team from the Dayspring and District Fire Department.
The Bridgewater Fire Department sent personel to stand-by at the Lunenburg Fire House.
Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control within an hour or so.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Keji Managment Plan

Establishing a Mi’kmaq advisory committee and redevelopment of Jeremy's Bay Campground are two of the priorities in a management plant for Kejimkujik National Park .The management plan has now been tabled in Parliament .
The management plan was developed through extensive public consultation and input from many people and organizations, including the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, local residents, visitors and stakeholders. Management plans are the primary accountability documents for the management of protected heritage places under Parks Canada’s care and will provide clear direction for the management and operations of the park for the next 10 to 15 years. The Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site Management Plan is available on the Parks Canada website at:http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/plan.aspx

Boathouse Vandalized

RCMP are looking for a couple of youths believed to be responsible for vandalizing a boathouse in Marriott's Cove . The property damage happened sometime between noon and 1 pm on Wednesday August 18th. A window was broken during the incident and patio furniture was thrown into the harbour. The suspects are described as two boys between the ages of 11 and 12, and were said to be riding black bicycles.

Goin Green Saturday

Growing Green...is the theme of a Sustainability Festival being hosted by the Town of Bridgewater on Saturday, August 21st. Together with the Farmer's Market and the Bridgewater Century Ride, the Festival is planning activities and entertainment on King Street from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m. Sustainability Planner Leon de Vreede says the festival will be a "Family Friendly" sustainable event which hopes to leave a lasting positive "green" impression on the community long after it is over.

VANDALS TARGET SCENIC CLARK'S HARBOUR BOARDWALK

RCMP in Barrington are trying to track down those responsible for vandalism along the boardwalk.
Several light poles and fixtures have been targetted causing substantial damage.
Investigators have no suspects and they're seeking public help in finding them.

ANOTHER SOUTH SHORE ISLAND HEADED FOR FULL PROTECTION

A South Shore coastal conservancy group has bought half of an island and hopes to be able to buy the rest so that West Ironbound Island will be protected forever.
The 57-hectare island is off the tip of Gaff Point, south of Lunenburg, and went on the market two years ago.
The group tried to buy it last year, but John Campbell of the Kingsburg Coastal Conservancy says it withdrew its bid when it couldn't raise enough money.
But he says an anonymous buyer came forward, bought the island, and then sold half of it to the conservancy for $775,000.
He has given the community group an option to buy the other half if it can raise the $775,000 by Dec. 20, 2011.
The island was first mapped by Samuel de Champlain in 1604 and initially settled in 1765 as a fishing outport.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT IN FARMERS DAIRY DISPUTE

A labor dispute between Farmers Dairy and its unionized workers may be coming to an end.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the company and Local 40N of the Communications and Energy Paperworkers Union.
Workers at Local 40N, including those on the South Shore, have been off the job since July 10.
Farmers claims it was a strike but the workers say they were locked out.
Details of the tentative agreement will be outlined to the workers before they vote on the package in the next few days.

New LCLC Sign to be Erected

It's a sign of movement.. Paul Belliveau, Chair of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre says they'll be putting up a new sign near the site off York Street this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Belliveau says they see this as the first step to getting to the sod turning which will happen once the land is transferred and they know the exact site where the facility will be going. Belliveau says they have now received a letter from the federal government approving them to start the project , and are now able to share any costs with them.

Bluenose Restoration Funds

The federal government is committing 4.9 million dollars to help with the refit of the Bluenose II. Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic yesterday afternoon. Harper says the Bluenose II is an important and lasting part of Canada’s proud maritime heritage, and the restoration efforts now underway will ensure that this important cultural icon remains part of the Canadian landscape for years to come.
This phase of the restoration work will replace the wood hull, frames and planking of the ship with improved laminated wood frames and conventional planking materials. The work will generate short-term local construction employment and ensure long-term tourism jobs. Financial support for this project comes from the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The total estimated cost for the project is over 9.8 million. The province of Nova Scotia is matching the federal contribution. The Bluenose II is currently being restored by the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance. The refit is expected to be finished in March 2012.

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."
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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.