Solar Energy for Town Hall

It came down to quality. Bridgewater Town Council has approved a tender for the supply and installation of of a solar thermal energy system at Town Hall. Scotian Renewables was awarded the contract for 102 thousand 721 dollars, over budget by 22 thousand dollars. Mayor Carroll Publicover says despite the overrun, it was the best way to go. The company achieved a better all-round design with higher quality components, a stronger offering of customer service, and better and more qualified corporate experience. Funding for the project is coming from the Federal Gas Tax. The Town can expect to achieve a simple payback of its solar costs in about 6 to 8 years.

Business Excellence Awards

Eighteen businesses in Lunenburg and Queens have been selected as finalists from more than 100 nominations received for the Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards.The category winners will be announced at the gala Awards Dinner being held this year at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island on October 4th, 2010. As well as the honour of being deemed leader in their category, the finalists will be vying for a beautiful plaque crafted by Amos Pewter of Mahone Bay. The Nominations are:

ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD:
Helping Nature Heal, TecBox, and The Nodding Group
EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
MacIntyre-Purcell Publishing Ltd., HEKA Electronics Inc., and LP East River (Canexel)
HOSPITALITY AWARD:
Fleur de Sel Restaurant, Bridgewater Comfort Inn, and White Point
LARGE BUSINESS AWARD:
High Liner Foods Inc., J.M. Reynolds Pharmacy, and Julien’s Pastry Shop Ltd.
NEW BUSINESS AWARD:
School House Gluten-Free Gourmet, Able Engineering Services Inc., and Apple Berry Farm Market
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD:
Windhorse Farm, Meisner & Zwicker Construction Ltd., and Safe Home Security

The guest speaker at this years awards ceremony is Aileen Reid, Founder and CEO, A.P. Reid Insurance Stores Limited.

BIDDING FOR MUSIC

The Region of Queens Municipality is funding a bidding war.

Council awarded ten thousand dollars to a group trying to bring Nova Scotia Music to the Region of Queens in 2011.

Mayor John Leefe says there is no guarantee, but hopes their contribution will land them the winning bid.

"We anticipate that this will be a good investment at a low tourism time of the year, to encourage people to come and stay in Queens and enjoy all the wonderful things that are here, including wonderful music, " says Leefe.

The municipality will find out if they won the bidding war during this year's Music Week which gets underway in Yarmouth on November 4th.

CAP SYSTEM 'UNFAIR', MAYOR LEEFE

The Region of Queens Municipality Mayor says the Provincial CAP system is hurting the people its supposed to protect.

John Leefe says many of his constituents don't realize how harmful the taxation system is to the value of their homes and their savings in the bank.

"The people who capping was supposed to assist most is people on low incomes, which almost always is people who live in modest housing. Modest housing does not increase in value as much as rapidly as more upscale housing, yet it's upscale housing that tends to be capped," says Leefe.

Leefe says homeowners who want to maintain a cap on their homes are also reluctant to sell, and that's stunting the real estate market.

The municipality is recommending the CAP system be phased out and replaced with a series of low income exemptions and deferral programs.

The province says the system was introduced in 1995 to protect Nova Scotians from dramatic increases in market values.

OPERATION IMPACT

Lunenburg County RCMP will be undertaking a traffic initiative from October 8th to the 11th. Called OPERATION IMPACT, the enforcement-driven initiative is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures and ultimately, to save lives. Part of the activities will involve targeted enforcement in the areas of impaired driving. The other part is an education campaign to address the importance of safe driver behaviour. The Mounties also want to raise the public's awareness of Road Safety Vision 2012- to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

Supporting the Arts

The province is seeking advice and opinions from the arts and culture sector on government's role in supporting and fostering artistic and cultural activity. Public meeting are scheduled for a number of communities including the Town of Liverpool on Wednesday Ocober 6th from 7 to 9:30pm at the Lions Hall on Gorham Street. Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage says with the consultation, government is taking the first step toward keeping its commitment to address governance and funding for the arts and culture sector. A summary report will be made public after the consultation process.
Information regarding the online, mail and fax surveys is available at www.gov.ns.ca/tch/culture-consultation.asp .

Anterless Deer Stamps Available

Hunters are getting another shot at for antlerless deer stamps. The Department of Natural Resources has announced that 688 antlerless deer stamps are still available for deer management zone 103, which includes Lunenburg County,Halifax and parts of Hants, Queens, Kings and Annapolis counties.
The remaining stamps will be available on a first-come,
first-serve basis starting at 7 a.m.,today Wednesday, September 22nd. Applicants are reminded that antlerless deer stamps are not transferrable or refundable and you may apply only once.
To apply for one of the zone 103 stamps applicants must:
-- be a resident of Nova Scotia
-- be eligible to hold a 2010 deer hunting licence
-- be 16 years of age or over
-- hold a Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Card
-- not already hold a 2010 antlerless deer stamp in any deer management zone
-- not have suspended hunting privileges

Applications will be accepted by phone at 1-900-565-3337 or at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/draws/deerdraw/ for $7.25 plus HST. Calls cannot be made from cellphones.

ROCKY ROAD FOR THE REGION OF QUEENS

The Mayor of the Region of Queens says the municipality should not be paving the way for the province.

John Leefe says the municipality should not have to pay the Department of Transportation for maintenance of J-class roads in the region.

"They're are not municipally owned roads, yet the province is requiring the municipality to take property taxes for maintenance and service. Really, we shouldn't have to pay anything towards them...but we are required and we have no choice, " says Leefe.

Leefe says the the municipality is being discriminated-against.

He says they pay more than 250 thousand dollars in annual maintenance when regions, like Clare, pay nothing.

Leefe says the same bureaucrats who created the payment mandate in 1995 are still in power today.

PURCHASES APPROVED, REGION OF QUEENS MUNICIPALITY

Region of Queens Municipal council has approved a 14 thousand dollar budget for new computers and a server system for their offices.

Mayor John Leefe says the current system is seven years old and is long overdue for the garbage heap.

The purchase will be funded from the Computer Equipment Reserve.

Meanwhile, council has also approved the purchase of a 2010 Chevrolet Canyon four-wheel drive truck.

The extended cab pickup truck will replace the Bylaw Enforcement Department truck that was recently damaged in an accident.

STAND-OFF ON ITALY CROSS ROAD

A Lunenburg County man is facing charges after an armed standoff with police.

Lunenburg County RCMP responded to a complaint last night of a combative, intoxicated man at an address on Italy Cross Road.

Police say they were immediately engaged in standoff with a male suspect who was brandishing a knife.

After a few minutes, the subject was subdued and taken into custody.

He will appear in Bridgewater Court later today to face charges of 'Breach of Probation' and 'Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace'.

Anyone with more information on this incident is asked to contact Lunenburg County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

HIDE-AND-GO THIEF

Many children slip under the bed to hide from ghosts and goblins but one local robber decided to use the same ploy to hide from police.

Shelburne RCMP responded to a call of a break and enter on Woodlawn Drive on Saturday night.

While at the scene, police received a second report of a break and enter down the road.

Police say they eventually found the seventeen-year-old hiding under the bed.

The accused Shelburne resident appeared in Yarmouth Provincial Court on Monday to face two charges of break and enter and one charge of breaching probation.

Hydrant Fees

The Municipality of Luneburg has accepted a cost-sharing proposal from the Northfield Fire Department regarding funding of the hydrant fee. The fire department was asked to cost-share the maintenance fees for hydrants along MacCulloch (Ma-CULL-ah) Road and within the Exit 12/Osprey Village Development. The department has agreed to pay two thousand dollars in 2010 and 11. The hydrant fees will increase to three thousand dollars for 2012 and 13 and five thousand dollars for 2014. Fire Chief John McKay says the fire department will re-evaluate its support at the end of 2014 unless expenses increase to the point the department cannot afford the payments. Should that happen, the department will hold discussions with council to either alter or stop the payments.

Bridgewater Bails on Bus System

Bridgewater is backing out of being part of a joint-transit system proposal for the next two years. Along with Bridgewater,the towns of Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, and the Municipality of Lunenburg were exploring the implementation of a a hybrid Lunenburg County model, integrating fixed route services with on-demand services . Studies show start-up costs for a municipally owned and operated service could total more than 555 thousand dollars to be cost-shared between the partner units. Allocated TRIPP funding for an analysis and action plan will be put into a reserve fund.

Temporary Traffic Lights for Haven Drive

Trying to get on North Street from Eisenhaur Place or Lahave Heights will get a little easier in the near future. Town Council has awarded the tenders for temporary traffic lights at Haven Drive. Solar Signals Inc. of Ontario has been awarded almost 19 thousand dollars for the supply of the majority of the components. The one exception, a separate tender for 22 hundred dollars to Tacel Ltd. of Ontario for the pedestrian push buttons. That company's push buttons are more rugged and vandal resistant than all the other manufacturers. The target date to have the lights operational is November 1st.

Cemetery Commission to be Dissolved

Bridgewater Town Council is in the process of undertaking the dissolution of the Brookside Cemetery Commission. Deputy-Mayor David Walker who also chairs the Cemetery Commission says it was discussed for a private operation to come in, however, the cemetery will be run and operated by Town staff. The Commission itself recommended to Council to begin the dissolution process conditional on the development of a mechanism to assure community input and involvement. The Commission manages the Brookside Cemetery which is owned and operated by the Town. The management function of the Commission allows its members to make "Binding" agreements for the perpetual care and maintenance in good order, or for any designated time of any lot, grave, tomb, monument or enclosure in the Cemetery. The Cemetery Commission for the Town of Bridgewater has managed Brookside Cemetery since 1930.

Bridgewater Listed by WCB

It's a list the Town of Bridgewater doesn't want to be on. The Worker's Compensation Board has named the town on its list of employers with bad safety records. The list is 16 percent longer this year. WCB reports that 92 employers will receive a surcharge in 2011, up from 79 this year. An employer’s claims costs must be at least three times their industry average for at least four consecutive years to be surcharged. Surcharges are cumulative and can add an additional 20 per cent to a firm’s base rate each year. Before they are surcharged, employers receive two warnings – one in each of the preceding two years.
Mayor Carroll Publicover says the CAO is looking into the matter and will report on the impact on the town in terms of dollars, and how to get off the list. Publicover says he doesn't have the specifics, but they're probably public works kind of accidents that made the list and the police force could even come into play.

LIFE RAFT AND WRECKAGE RE-IGNITE SEARCH

Search Boats are back out on the water today after a life raft capsule and life ring were found.

Both items, marked with "RLJ" were found yesterday evening by two fishing vessels headed to sea.

Police say the life raft capsule appeared to be intact and it is believed the raft is still inside.

The fishing vessel "RLJ" was last heard from on September 10th. At the time she was six nautical miles from St. Martins, New Brunswick.

RCMP from Digby Detachment and RCMP Patrol Vessel "Preventor" continue to search the waters of the Bay of Fundy today.

The initial search effort was called off on September 14th.

THIRD PARTY WILL CONDUCT CENSUS

The village of Chester is planning on distributing a census.

The voluntary questionnaire will be used to gather information regarding residents and business owners within the village limits.

Iris Tolliver with the Chester commission says council came up with the idea when planning for Lido pool.

"When they were going to do their renovations with the Lido pool. The question came up, 'how many people who use the pool live within the village boundaries?' The information was no where to be available and the idea gained momentum from that," says Tolliver.

Tolliver says both council members and Chester citizens questioned the merit, privacy and accountability of a commission-made report.

That's when council decided to bring in a third party.

Tolliver says the party has not been selected and the cost of the project is still undetermined.

PARK PLAN PROCESS SLOW, SAYS MAYOR

Mahone Bay Town Council is getting the cold shoulder.

Town council has seen a slow response to their proposal to turn the waterfront into a designated park.

Mayor Joseph Feeny says he has yet receive word from the three churches and the proprietor of the Teazer gift shop has said they're not interested.

Feeny says some people who use the area bring with them loud music, noisy cars, foul language and drinking. But not everyone uses the space the same way.

"The problem for the RCMP officer is, if he tells me to leave because I'm being noisy. He has to tell you to leave, regardless of whether your being noisy or not because that's the way it is. Everyone has to be treated the same," says Feeny.

Feeny says erecting signs with closure times for the area would help give police some control.

If plans for Edgewater Park are approved the area would be closed to the public from 11 pm to 5 am, every night.

Mahone Bay Purchases Watershed Lands

Mahone Bay is taking steps to better protect its water supply.

Town council has purchased two parcels of land bordering Oakland Lake.

Mayor Joe Feeny says the ten acres was acquired as part of an ongoing attempt to protect the town's watershed.

It was six months ago when the town first bid on the property.

Chief Administrative Officer, James Wentzell, says purchasing the land through a tax sale led to processing delays, but removed large leans on the property from the previous owner.

The town now owns six lake-side properties.

Drug Sentencing

Production and trafficking marijuana has netted a Queens County man a year and a-half on house arrest. Thirty-six year old Craig Allan Whynot of Brooklyn received a conditional sentence which includes house arrest to be followed by a year on probation.Whynot was also charged with careless use of a firearm. Police discovered a large quantity of freshly harvested marihuana drying in an outbuilding in Milton, and a large quantity of marihuana at Whynot's property in Brooklyn. Whynot was also fined 31 hundred dollars after pleading guilty to possession of illegal cigarettes. His spouse, 35 year old Jennifer Lynn Westhaver was sentenced to 12 months probation and fined 15 hundred dollars on a charge of possession of marijuana.

School Gray Zones Meetings

The South Shore Regional School Board will be hosting public meetings to discuss current gray zones in specific catchment areas. The Board is reviewing areas from which students are attending more than one school. Options will
be discussed at the meeting where the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. The first meeting was held last night and other sessions are set for September 27th, 28th and 29th.
MEETING DETAILS:
Location: Forest Heights Community School
DATE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2010
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Schools involved: Chester District Elementary School and Gold River Western Shore Elementary School
Current Option Area: Route 12 from cr. Hwy 3 in Chester Basin to and including the Lacey Mines Road.
o These students currently have the option of going to either Chester District Elementary School or Gold River Western Shore

DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Place: Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School
Schools involved: Bridgewater Elementary School, Pentz Elementary School and Hebbville Academy
Option Area: Gravel section of Hillside Drive, Meadowbrook Subdivision.
o These students currently have the option of going to Bridgewater Elementary, Pentz Elementary or Hebbville Academy

Location: West Northfield Elementary School
DATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Schools involved: New Germany Rural High School and Park
Option Areas:
o From Bridgewater Town Limits, to and including, the Bruhm Road along Highway 10
o Junction of Hwy 10 and Pine Grove Road to the Dauphinee Road (across from cemetery on Pine Grove Road)
o From Bridgewater Town Limits to and including the Bruhm Bridge along the Lower Branch Germany Rural High and
Park View Education Centre.

Break,Enter & Theft Charges

A Bridgewater man is facing charges in connection with the theft of laptops from a Wileville residence. The 19 year old male has been charged with break enter and theft in relation to an incident on July 22nd. The teen is also facing charges of assault, threats and breach of undertaking on unrelated matters. He has been released on conditions and will appear for pleas in Bridgewater Provincial Court on October 6th.

Queens Place Open House

The public is invited to an open house and information session regarding Queens Place Recreation and Community Facility. Staff and architects will be available to discuss all aspects of Queens Place including design and construction, operations and programs, budgets and fundraising and opportunities for development. The open house is slated for next Wednesday, September 22nd from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Best Western.

International Student Orientation

International Students who will be attending South Shore schools will undergo two days of orientation at White Point Beach Resort beginning today. Trish Smith, Communications Director for the South Shore Regional School Board says on the first day students will relax, get to know one another, and take part in recreational activities and have opportunities to practice English and share cultures. Day two will cover cultural information and Canadian law, among other things. Smith says this is a time for students to meet other International Students as well as staff and host parents involved in the program.

Sewer Service for Shore Road Residents

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. Municipal Council has accepted the residents' petitions and authorized staff to explore the feasibility of extending the services to the properties. Mayor Don Downe says until a study is done to determine the actual cost and have acceptance from the Town to work on the issue, it will still be a few months in the process.

Facilitator for Oakland Area Advisory Committee

The Municipality of Lunenburg is providing a facilitator to work with the Oakland Advisory Committee in hopes of healing a division within the group. The community has been at odds since a proposed development of a subdivision a number of years ago. Mayor Don Downe says Council is trying to show leadership and attempt to bridge the views of the groups members. The Municipality has approved a thousand dollars to hire a facilitator to conduct at least one meeting with the Advisory Area Committee.

MAHONE BAY TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY

Mahone Bay will have to fund the paving of two roads without the help of the Province.

Council submitted cost-sharing proposals to both the Department of Highways and Transportation and the Department of Municipal Services for the paving of Edgewater and Main Street.

Both departments declined to provide financing.

Mayor Joseph Feeny says that means plans for repairs to the town wharf will have to wait until next year.

He says council has seen a steep decline in provincial support.

"We've always argued because our main street is part of the provincial government highway system it's not fair we get treated (this way). We one time used to get assistance from the Department to help with ditching and snow plowing and maintenance... well that's now since gone by the by, " says Feeny.

The paving of both roads will cost approximately 250 thousand dollars.

PURCHASE OF LAKESIDE PROPERTY CONFIRMED

Mahone Bay is expanding its real estate horizons.

Town council has purchased two parcels of land bordering Oakland Lake.

Mayor Joseph Feeny says the ten acres was acquired as part of an ongoing attempt to protect the town's watershed.

"We, over the past three to five years, have been gradually, when the opportunity arose, purchasing pieces of property as they became available on the market," says Feeny.

It was six months ago when the town first bid on the properties.

Chief Administrative Officer, James Wentzell, says purchasing the land through a tax sale led to processing delays, but removed large leans on the property from the previous owner.

The town now owns six lake-side properties.

PLEASANTFIELD THEFT

Queens County RCMP are investigating a theft.

Police say thieves entered a property on Highway 8 in Pleasantfield.

Two large batteries were removed from a truck and a quantity of electrical wire was taken from a sawmill located on the property.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact Queens County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

MAHONE BAY AT LOW RISK OF WASTE-WATER OVERFLOWS AND SPILLS

Mahone Bay has been designated as a low risk region for wastewater overflow and spillage.

That rating means council won't need to upgrade the system for thirty years.

The designation is part of a Canada-wide strategy by the Public Works Department to determine the sewage treatment needs of each region based on their size, industrial activity and proximity to coastal regions.

The evaluations were conducted by the "Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment" for the" Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent".

MAHONE BAY TO GET NEW LIGHTING AND A TRUCK

Mahone Bay town council has decided to light up Main Street with some new LED lighting.

Forty dark-sky friendly lights will be installed by "LED Roadway Lighting" of Amherst.

The tender was awarded at Tuesday night's council meeting at a cost of more than 33- thousand dollars.

Fifty percent of that cost will be subsidized by an Eco grant from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.

Mayor Joseph Feeny says eventually the lights will be installed throughout the whole town.

Council also approved the purchase of a new 4WD 1-ton Dodge truck, complete with a plow and Combination Dump-Box Spreader, at a cost $64,800.00

SEARCH ENDS FOR MISSING SCALLOP DRAGGER AND ITS CREW

The search for four crewmen from a scallop dragger that failed to return to port from a fishing trip on the Bay of Fundy has ended in heartache.

The search for the dragger R-L-J was called off last night after officials conceded no one could have survived whatever happened to the vessel.

The 13-metre boat from Digby went out last week and was supposed to return home Sunday.

Riverfront Renaissance Celebration

There's a party planned for downtown Bridgewater on next month. The cause for celebration is the completion of improvements to the downtown waterfront including King Street Court. The park is one of the phases of a multi-year
Riverfront Renaissance project and includes the fountain in the LaHave River between the two bridges. Town Council has approved up to 15 hundred dollars for the community celebration and to cover any shortfall. Other improvements include a look-off point and the installation of interpretive panels. The community celebration is set for Saturday October 2nd from 9:30 a.m till 2 p.m.

Traffic Disruptions

It's a nuisance, but a necessary evil. Traffic in downtown Bridgewater will be disrupted for the next couple of weeks as infrastructure upgrades continue. Town Engineer Harland Wyand says crews are replacing storm sewer and sanitary sewer systems and water mains that in some cases are more than 50 years old. Crews are currently working at the King and Dufferin Street intersection and on Dufferin Street to Alexandra Avenue. Work is expected to take about 6 weeks to approximately November 1st, and is carried out from 7am to 7pm daily. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

State Your Name

Be prepared to give your name if you file a dangerous and unsightly premises complaint in the Municipality of Lunenburg. A ratepayer or resident can no longer remain anonymous. Councillor Basil Oickle says he's opposed because people will be reluctant to identify themselves fearing repercussions. Municipal Council approved a motion that each complaint must be accompanied by a name and the matter will be followed up within 14 days. A person's name could eventually be revealed through a request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act.

Be Quiet

Noise complaints associated with an automotive event at the Exhibition grounds is prompting Bridgewater Town Council to consider implementing a Noise By-law. Councillor Greg Ritcey says he fielded 14 calls regarding the South Shore in Motion Festival. He says he fully supports the festival but perhaps the organizers could look at rescheduling the events or change its hours to end earlier in the evening, even extending the event over a longer period such as a week. Bridgewater Town Council is looking at possibly implementing a Noise By-law. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the challenge is to encompass all the types of noise violations . Noise issues are currently covered under several Town By-laws and Provincial Legislation

AIR & SEA SEARCH FOR MISSING NOVA SCOTIA FISHING VESSEL & ITS CREW OF FOUR

Aircraft and ships are continuing a search for a fishing boat with four people on board that's missing in the Bay of Fundy.

So far, the search has turned up some debris, but it's not known whether it's from the scallop dragger "R-L-J" out of Digby.

A life-jacket and a picnic cooler have been found.

The 13-metre vessel went out fishing last week and was due back in port Sunday but failed to show up.

The vessel's last known position was east of Saint John.

The names of those on board have not been released.

Developer Seeks Amendments

The developer of a major multi-phased housing project is now seeking changes to the proposal. Jo-Lo Developments received approval from Bridgewater Town Council in June 2007 to construct a project consisting of 224 condo units, including semis, townhouses and multi unit residential buildings off Glen Allen Drive. The developer now wants an amendment to reduce the rear yard setbacks 4 units in Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 due to rock issues and the wider public street right-of-way requirements.
Town Planner Eric Shaw says the changes are substantive and there are a number of outstanding issues that have to be resolved. A number of Hollingsworth Drive residents have also expressed concern over the construction timeline. Council endorsed the planners recommendation that the applicant submit all outstanding requirements for review before the matter can be scheduled for a public participation meeting.

Mushroom Foray

This year, friends of fungus will get together to unearth a little more of Nova Scotia's biodiversity. The Nova Scotia Mycological Society, a young group with an old-sounding name, will bring together nature lovers and mushroom experts for their 3rd annual foray, an organized walk into the woods to gather and identify mushrooms. The foray is structured around a 3 to 4 hour walk in the woods with an expert, collecting samples and learning about mushrooms in nature. Groups return from 3 or 4 trail locations to an indoor setting to lay out their samples, and begin the difficult work of identification. The 2 night, 3 day program including talks, clinics, field trips and entertainment, this year's foray is scheduled for September 24-26, 2010, at White Point Beach Resort in Liverpool. Those interested in the foray and the samples collected in previous years, are invited to visit www.nsmushrooms.org.

SCHOOL VANDALS

Chester County RCMP are investigating an act of vandalism.

Sometime between Friday night and Sunday morning the Aspotogan Consolidated Elementtary School was damaged.

The vandals placed debris around the schoolyard and damaged siding on the building.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact Lunenburg County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

SCHOOL ZONE SPEEDERS

RCMP are ramping up traffic patrols in our region.

According to Western Traffic Services, 75 school zone speeders were ticketed in the south-western part of the province in one week.

Speed enforcement operations at schools in Barton and Weymouth in Digby County and in Arcadia and Yarmouth in Yarmouth County led to the onslaught of tickets.

According to the RCMP these increased patrols, and those on the South Shore, will continue as a way of reminding motorists to slow down in school zones.

RCMP education campaigns in playgrounds, parking lots and classrooms will also help increase safety for students, cyclists and pedestrians.

Western Traffic Services are reminding the public to use extra caution behind the wheel now that school is back in session.

FRIDAY NIGHT VANDALS

Bridgewater Town Police are investigating an act of vandalism.

Sometime overnight on Friday, Sept 10, the windows of an unoccupied home at the top Winburn Avenue were smashed out.

Meanwhile, on the same evening, a vehicle parked at 415 Dufferin Street had both mirrors smashed off.

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

MAN ARRESTED IN CALEDONIA

A local man is facing charges after Queens County RCMP were tipped off about an impaired driver.

Police received several calls, on Sunday night, from citizens concerned about a man driving under the influence in Caledonia.

Patrols were made and a 42 year old was arrested and lodged in cells.

He is facing charges of impaired driving and possession of a controlled substance.

The accused will appear in Liverpool Provincial Court on November 16th.

Award for Water Plant

The Town of Lunenburg's water supply upgrade has been selected as the Project of the Year by the Atlantic Canada Water and Wastewater Association. The award is to be presented at the ACWWA Annual Conference in Saint John New Brunswick tomorrow . The water utility of the Town of Lunenburg completed a 7.5 million dollar water treatment facility in May of this year. The water utility serves about 25 hundred customers.

Living Well by the Sea..Library Conference

Education Minister Marilyn More will be the guest speaker at the provincial Library Boards Association of Nova Scotia conference this coming weekend in Queens County. Library Staff and Board Members will gather at White Point Beach Resort on September 17th,18th, and 19th. Minister More will address library delegates about the importance of library service in Nova Scotia.

LCLC Looks for Funding

The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Society is hoping other municipal units will contribute to their capital campaign. The 33 million dollar facility to be built in Bridgewater will house an indoor aquatic centre, one NHL sized rink, a new library, multi purpose and active living space. The federal and provincial governments have each kicked in 10 million dollars with the Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg cost sharing a third . LCLC members pitched a proposal to Chester Council last week extolling the virtues of the centre for Chester residents and asking Council for a commitment of half a million dollars. The towns of Mahone Bay and Lunenburg will also be asked to commit funding to the project.

Chester Development Plan for Highway 3

A draft plan on development for the outskirts of Chester will now go to the public for feedback. The consultants plan for development of Highway 3 has been presented to Chester Municipal Council for review. Warden Alan Webber says it's a controversial issue and Council is trying to find a way to balance residential and commercial concerns. Public pressure resulted in Council voting down an amendment to rezone a portion of Highway 3 from the WIndjammer Restaurant to Collicut Building Supplies. Council then decided to undertake a broader planning approach with public engagement.

DEADLY CRASH

A woman from the United States has died on a Nova Scotia highway.

On September 11th, at approximately 3:15 PM, members of the Halifax District RCMP responded to a single vehicle crash which occurred in the 8700 block of Highway 333, Peggy’s Cove Road.

A Peggy’s Cove bound vehicle had failed to negotiate a slight curve in the road and hit the ditch on the right hand side of the road.

A rear seat passenger was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deceased is a 62 year old female from the United States.

Three other people in the vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A traffic analyst was called to the scene to complete an investigation but neither speed nor alcohol is believed to be a factor at this time.

WALKING FOR CHANGE

More than 300-thousand Canadians of all ages live with type one diabetes.

Barb Conrad with the Diabetic Walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation says fortunately there is a chance to make a difference in our region.

Conrad explains how Roseanne and Mike Tanner of Mahone Bay started the walk three years ago.

"They decided they wanted to see if we could raise money in our local area, Lunenburg County, Queens, to get people together and raise the awareness of juvenile diabetes, " says Conrad

If you missed the the Diabetic Walk on September 19 just drop your bottles off to "Oickle's Bottle Exchange" at 100 High Street in Bridgewater and have donated them to the JDRF account.

THOSE WHO SERVED AT SEA REMEMBERED

The Annual Lunenburg Fishermen's Thanksgiving took place today at 2 o'clock at Central United Church.

The ceremony serves as a time of remembrance and proclaims a note of faith to those who still go to sea.

Mayor Laurence Mawhinney read a Roll of Hounour, including the names of all those fishermen lost in the years ending in zero, beginning in 1900.

Following the service those present proceeded to the waterfront where wreaths will were placed aboard a fishing vessel.

The Clergy will take part in the Prayer of Committal as wreaths were deposited in the ocean in memory of those lost at sea.

In the last century alone, more than 660 fishermen were lost while fishing out of Lunenburg County ports.

LIGHTS OUT, SOUTH SHORE

The lights are out over much of the South Shore.

More than five thousand customers are currently without power.

According the Nova Scotia Power website, the outages occurred shortly after 2 o'clock today.

Customers from various regions including New Germany, East Dalhousie, Springfield, Bridgewater, Lower and South Cornwall and West Northfield are experiencing outages.

As of 4:30 PM, 12101 customers are without power

The cause of the outages is being investigated.

The estimated restoration time for all outages is approximately 5 o'clock today.

For more information follow the link provided below.

http://www.nspower.ca/en/home/residential/outageinformation/liveoutagemap.aspx

First Responders Funding

Fire departments and first responders will once again benefit from improved equipment through the Emergency Services Provider Fund. The 500-thousand-dollar provincial funding program helps fire departments and first responders purchase equipment such as jaws of life, pumps and hoses. The program provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of 20-thousand dollars for approved projects. The deadline for applications is October 15th. Application Forms are available online at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/espf .

Input Sought on Academy Use

The future use of the Lunenburg Academy after it ceases to be used as a school is under review and a task force is seeking public input. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says on Thursday September 16th, from 7 o'clock on, members of the community are invited to take a walk through the national heritage site. He says it's been well preserved by the Lunenburg Academy Foundation and was well used by Class Afloat when they occupied the space. He says it's quite impressive to see the sparkling condition of the 115 year old Academy.
Mawhinney says the general thrust he's hearing is for the Academy to retain its use as a place of learning. He says that might be a broad range of subject matter that could include cultural, artistic creative fields as well languages or architecture, things of that nature. He says once a review by the community has taken place expressions of interest will be solicited from across the country. Mawhinney says with the help of the Government of Nova Scotia they hope to come up with some creative ways to use the space and to pay for it.

Grand Opening for Chester Daycare

The Chester and Area Family Resource Centre is holding a grand opening celebration tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. The new centre at 188 Pig Loop Road offers 36 licensed child-care spaces for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. As well the kid zone program has the capacity for 28 children. The new permanent home for the resource centre will continue to offer licensed spaces, part-day as well as before and after school for children from ages 5 to 12.

MS Treatment Benefit

A benefit auction and dance is being held this Friday September 10th to help raise funds for a Shelburne woman to undergo a controversial medical treatment overseas. The Angela Archer Benefit is to help fund Multiple Sclerosis Liberation Treatment in Bulgaria. The event will be held at the Shelburne Curling Club getting underway at 7 p.m. Further information is available at "Angela Archer Benefit" on Facebook.

Fishermen's Thanksgiving Service

The Annual Lunenburg Fishermen's Thanksgiving is set for this Sunday, September 12th at 2 o'clock at Central United Church. It serves as a time of remembrance and proclaims a note of faith to those who still go to sea. The Roll of Honour will be read by Mayor Laurence Mawhinney and include the names of all those fishermen lost in the years ending in zero, beginning in 1900.
Following the service those present will proceed to the waterfront where the service will continue with wreaths being placed aboard a fishing vessel. Once clear of land, the Clergy will take part in the Prayer of Committal and the wreaths will be deposited in memory of those lost at sea. In the last century alone, more than 660 fishermen were lost while fishing out of Lunenburg County ports.

Drug Trafficking

A Queens County man is facing a charge of possessing marihuana for the purpose of trafficking following a search of a residence in Milton. Police seized a quantity of processed marihuana as well as a substantial amount of cash during the search which was carried out on Monday. A 24 year old male from Milton is scheduled to appear in Liverpool Provincial Court on October 19th

FAKE FIRE

The woods near McGowan Lake, outside Bridgewater will be on fire today.

Three eight-man Instant Management teams will be simulating a real forest fire.

Jim McNaughton, a fire tech with Bible Hill detachment says the training exercise is an important opportunity to improve public safety.

"We're constantly training. And with the Instant Management team it takes a fair amount of planning, bringing in members from across the province. It's designed to improve our skills so we can work more effectively when the real thing does happen, " says McNaughton.

MacNaughton says the members are recruited from various regions across the province so there is less stress put on a single detachment in the case of a real emergency.

The simulation began early this afternoon.

FRASER, SCRAPYARD BOUND

HMCS Fraser is en route to a scrap yard in Lake Erie, Ontario.

The president of the Artificial Reef Society, Rick Welsford, says there is only one thing that could save the vessel from being scrapped.

"Only time. The tow from Halifax through the St. Lawrence Seaway, through Lake Ontario into lake Erie is going to take them twelve or fourteen days. So we at least we have (that time) to try and come to sort of satisfactory resolution on this with the Department of National Defence, "says Welsford.

A federal court has quashed an arrest warrant slapped on the former Canadian Navy destroyer, which means the de-commissioned vessel that called Bridgewater home for a decade can be scrapped.

The vessel was resold to the Department of Defence in 2009 after years of sitting dockside in Bridgewater.

Welsford says his organization will continue to fight,

"There are alot of negotiations going behind the scenes and I would suggest that you'll see both parties back in court, shortly," says Welsford.

Welsford says the scrapping contract will cost taxpayers 2.6 million dollars and an additional 700 thousand for towing it away.

NEW REBATES FOR 'GREEN' HOMES

New Nova Scotia rebate incentives are easy on the wallet and the environment.

Rebates under the PerformancePlus program range from $3,000 to $7,000 for homes with an energuide rating above an 83.

Brian Hayes, an energy engineer with Conserve Nova Scotia, says this is an opportunity for the PerformancePlus program to encourage Nova Scotians to construct greener homes.

Hayes says its important to consider your options before you build.

"To convince consumers to take a real good look a their options while they have the opportunity to do it at the lowest possible cost, which is when they're building. Once homes the are built there are many options that disappear altogether, " says Hayes.

Hayes says homeowners can improve their energy rating by using solar power, improving insulation or by increasing their heating power by using drain water heat recovery systems.

The province says the program is capped at 1,200 homes on a first-come, first-served basis.

THEFT ON WOODLAWN DRIVE

Shelburne County RCMP are investigating a theft.

A 2003, blue Ford F-350 was stolen from Woodlawn Drive in Shelburne, Nova Scotia.

The theft took place sometime between 5:00 AM on September 5th and 5:00 PM on September 6th.

The license plate number is ENS-466.

The RCMP are seeking help from the public with this investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the crime is asked to contact the Shelburne Detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Recruits Wanted for Seniors Police Academy

**SENIORS SAFETY COORDINATOR - BETH GEORGE***

The Bridgewater Seniors Police Academy is looking for new recruits. Beginning September 30th, seniors will have a unique opportunity to learn something new about staying safe by participating in the Seniors Police Academy. The Academy
is a series of workshops designed to build skills and knowledge and reduce the likelihood seniors will become victims of crime.
The RCMP, VON Lunenburg County and Bridgewater Police Service are partnering to offer the seniors’ police academy in Dayspring at the Municipality Activity and Recreation Complex (the MARC) this fall.
Classes are offered for six consecutive Thursdays, from 1:30 – 3:30 pm in the afternoon and participants must be 55 or over. Seniors interested in enrolling in the Seniors Police Academy can contact Kathy at VON Lunenburg at 624-1897.

Yeah Jonathan Crouse !!

Congratulations to our own Jonathan Crouse, the morning host of HANK-FM. He is one of the nominees announced for this year's Music Nova Scotia Music and Industry Awards. Riverfest has been nominated for the Event of the Year Award. As well, Jonathan is also nominated for Radio Program of the Year for "That East Coast Show" which airs on CKBW. The awards will be handed out during Music Week activities being held this year in Yarmouth, November 4th to the 7th.

LCLC Information Sessions

A number of information sessions are planned for next week to update the public on the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The meetings scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. will be held in a number of rural communities including New Germany and Petite Riviere. There will be a video presentation, details on government funding, the capital budget and a project timeline. There will also be an update on the Capital Fundraising Campaign. You can hear more about the information sessions on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning.

MEETINGS AS SCHEDULED:

Monday, September 13th New Germany Community Centre
Tuesday, September 14th Mahone Bay Legion
Monday, September 20th Petite Riviere Fire Hall
Monday, September 27th Chester Legion
Monday, October 4th Lunenburg Legion

DISRUPTIONS AND DETOURS IN BRIDGEWATER

The taps are running dry in parts of Bridgewater.

Town officials advise, customers in the area may be facing disruptions due to a water main break on South King Street .

Town officials also say water may be brown or discolored after service is restored.

Crews are on site asessing the estimated repair time.

A detour is taking place around the area and may be in place until nine o'clock this evening.

Motorists are advised to take an alternative route through Conquerall Mills to avoid delays.

PUMP THEFT

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating a theft.

A blue coloured sewage pump was stolen from a construction site across the street from the Department of Natural Resources Wiles Lake Depot.

The theft occurred sometime within the last six days.

Police are asking anyone with knowledge of this crime to contact Lunenburg County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

BONNIE LEA GETS A BARN

Good news for Bonnie Lea Farm in New Ross.

Almost a quarter of a million federal and provincial dollars will be funnelled into the facility for a major expansion.

Ottawa plans to invest 140-thousand dollars in the South Shore Community Service Association.

The Association operates Bonny Lea Farm which manufactures bark mulch.

Minister of National Revenue, ACOA and Atlantic Gateway, Keith Ashfield was at Bonnie Lea Farm this morning to make the announcement.

A 5,000 square foot expansion of the mulch mill will allow Bonny Lea to operate year-round, increase its production of consumer-ready products that embrace a variety of themes associated with greener living, and create more jobs.

THEFT ON PRINCE STREET

Bridgewater Police are investigating a theft.

Cash was stolen from a residence on Prince Street between 10 am and 2 pm on Monday, August 20th.

Police are seeking help from the public.

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

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT

An ATV accident on highway 332 in Lower Lahave has a local man in hospital.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill for Lunenburg County says RCMP, the LaHave Fire Department, and EHS officials respond to the call at 7 o'clock on Saturday night.

"There was one person injured at the scene. He was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital with serious injuries. He was then transferred to the Halifax Infirmary," says Hill.

The driver was a fifty-five year old man from the Lunenburg County area.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says police are looking at speed and alcohol as factors in the crash.

STORMY WATERS

A man at sea during the storm had help from hundreds of kilometres away.

The anchor on his sailboat was dragging and he was losing control in the powerful tides of hurricane Earl.

He made a distress call on his ham radio. Another boater in Florida responded and managed to get word to Lunenburg RCMP and South Shore coast guards.

Authorities made their way to second Peninsula, off the coast of Lunenburg, and helped the man from his boat to shore.

He made it safely to land in a small dingy.

Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says the investigation will focus on one question; Why was the man sailing during gale force winds and heavy rain?

"My question is, there was a lot of notice that the hurricane was coming, so that's one of the things we're looking into, " says Hill.

The man sustained no injuries during the Saturday incident.

SHED THEFT

Lunenburg RCMP have new investigation on file.

Police are investigating a break and enter and a theft from a shed situated on a residential property on highway 329 in Hubbards.

A black Mastercraft battery charger was stolen sometime between August 30th and September 3rd.

Police are urging anyone with information on the crime to contact Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

TICKETS AND TOW TRUCKS AT WHARF RAT RALLY

Police were busy at The Wharf Rat Rally in Digby.

Dedicated patrols on Highway 101 east and west of the Bear River bridge resulted in numerous charges.

Three people were charged with impaired driving and fifty summary offence tickets were issued.

Police say the charges include speeding, illegal possession of liquor, driving without insurance and driving while suspended.

Five vehicles were also towed away in the police sweep.

Despite the charges, police say it was a safe and enjoyable event.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN HANTS COUNTY

A man was taken to hospital after a motorcycle accident on Highway 326 in Clarksville, Hants County.

The driver and and lone occupant of the motorcycle was taken to Hants Community Hospital with undetermined injuries.

Police and Emergency personnel responded to the call at 7:30 pm on Sunday.

According to police reports the driver was injured after the bike left the highway and crashed.

Windsor District RCMP continue their investigation.

MAN DIES IN NEWPORT CORNER CRASH

One man is dead after a single vehicle rollover on Highway 14, in Newport Corner, Hants County.

The driver, and lone occupant , was pronounced at the scene.

Emergency Health Services personnel responded to the call at 6:30pm on Sunday.

Windsor District RCMP and Annapolis Valley Traffic Services continue to investigate the crash.

The name of the driver is not being released, pending family notification.

EMO and Earl

The Regional Emergency Management Co-ordinator for Lunenburg County, the Municipality of the District of Chester, the Town of Bridgewater and Mahone Bay says its Earl created a busy afternoon.

However, Heather MacKenzie-Carey says it appears the area has escaped any really serious damage from the storm.

"We've certainly had some pretty strong winds and heavy rain. We have a number of power outages and some trees down on the line... From an EMO point of view, we've had no requests from first responders," says MacKenzie-Carey.

The R-C-M-P have closed the road to Peggy's Cove to keep curious storm-watchers away from the dangerous, pounding surf.

There were also numerous flight cancellations at airports all across the Maritimes.

FERRY PROTECTED FROM EARL

The Lahave Ferry is heading back out on the water.

The service was shut down in anticipation of hurricane Earl

Bernie Ostebo with the Lahave ferry service said yesterday, the worst of the weather has passed.

We're expecting a little more wind to shift around here after the storm passes through. Possibly some more heavy rain showers but the storm has subsided now so it should be good for transporting the public back and forth," says Ostebo.

Ostebo says they were prepared for the worst but the severe damage they expected never materialized in the harbour.

"There's no visible damage around here anywhere. But where inside here, in the bay, in the mouth of the river. were pretty well protected from real heavy stuff," says Ostebo.

Ferry service was up and running at 1 pm on Saturday.

EARL UPDATE (12:55 PM)

Its been a busy few hours for power crews along the South Shore as hurricane Earl passes through the area.

Overnight the storm changed direction and instead of making landfall in communities bordering the Bay of Fundy, it moved more toward the northeast travelling along the Atlantic coast.

However, the high winds, some gusts as high as 120 km/hr, brought trees down and power lines with them.

There have been numerous power outages all along the south shore from Barrington to Bridgewater and Lunenburg.

While the National Hurricane Centre in the United States categorized Earl as a tropical storm, the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Dartmouth confirmed the storm as a Category 1 hurricane late this morning.

Earl is now forecast to track across the mainland of the province through this afternoon in Halifax, Lunenburg, Guysborough and Pictou counties and into Antigonish.

High winds are also forecast for Cape Breton.

A tropical storm warning, hurricane watch, wind warning and a rainfall warning are still in effect for Bridgewater.

EARL Update

Environment Canada has advised that Hurricane Earl will likely have an effect on the province beginning Friday evening and through the weekend. A hurricane watch has been issued for Digby, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Annapolis, Halifax, Hants, Kings, Lunenburg counties, as well as the Fundy side of Colchester and Cumberland counties. As the storm moves closer, its potential impact and strength will become clearer, allowing officials to better assess risk and provide more specific guidance. People are encouraged to have an emergency kit, cash, family contact information and shelter ready. People should also check if they have enough propane on hand to operate a barbecue, that vehicles are fully fuelled and cellphones are charged. Travellers through Halifax Stanfield International Airport should check with airlines for up-to-date information, and monitor fly halifax dot com.

Bridgewater Elementary NOTICE

Due to the work taking place on the Bridgewater Elementary School roof, the P-1 playground will only be accessible through the gate located at Queen Street. Parents of students in grade primary can bring them into the building and proceed to the primary wing. Grade 1 students will meet their teacher on the playground (weather permitting). Until the roof work is complete, the York Street entrance to the P-1 playground will not be accessible

RCMP SEEK HELP

RCMP are investigating a Break and Enter in Auburndale.

Lunenburg RCMP are requesting public assistance in solving a break and enter into a shed and a theft from a vehicle on the Auburndale Road.

The incident occurred overnight on Saturday, August 21st.

Those responsible caused damage to four sheds and stole money and a hammer from an unlocked vehicle.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Lunenburg County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Funding for Seniors

Seniors at risk of financial, emotional, physical, and other forms of elder abuse will be safer and more informed after 270 thousand dollars in annual grants for community-based programs. Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the province is inviting proposals from community organizations interested in supporting a local seniors' safety program. Funding is available to a maximum of 20 thousand dollars per program, per year. The programs develop and enhance awareness about seniors' safety topics in communities, promote communication between seniors and police, and encourage more contact between seniors and young people. More information on the grants and application forms are available at www.gov.ns.ca/seniors .

Red Cross Ready for EARL

The Canadian Red Cross says its emergency teams and equipment are ready to respond if their help is needed in the wake of hurricane Earl this weekend. The Red Cross has about 900 disaster volunteers in Atlantic Canada, organized geographically into 21 emergency response teams. They're trained and equipped to provide services like setting up and managing shelters or keeping track of those who might be evacuated due to flooding, storm surges or other infrastructure damage. Bill Lawlor, director of disaster management for the Red Cross in Atlantic Canada says now is also the time for individuals to take some precautions such as making - or updating - a household emergency plan, a list of key contacts, and a disaster kit to use at home or grab-and-go if evacuated. Tips on making a plan and a kit are online at redcross.ca/ready.

FRENCH SCHOOL

French students in Cookville will have to wait another day to say "bonjour" to a new facility.

Construction is taking longer than expected.

But principal of the Le Centre Scolaire de la Rive-Sud says it will be well worth the wait.

Diane Racette says everything about the building is bigger and better.

"There is no comparison. We are right now in a very old building so that in itself is a huge improvement. So we're going into school with a better ventilation system. We are also going into a school that is just filled with windows so we'll have a lot of natural light coming in, " says Racette.

The facility also holds a community centre, daycare, a music room and more classrooms.

The school is built to accommodate about 250 students.

With 159 students registered so far, Racette says there's room to grow.

"Even though were not at capacity right now I don't think it will be long before we are," says Racette.

Classes start September 7th.

Parents are welcome at accompany their children on the first day of school for a treasure hunt and barbecue.

Registration is still open.

VANDALISM IN CARPOOL PARKING LOT

Chester RCMP responded to a call of vandalism today.

A driver returned to their vehicle, parked at the Car Pool Parking Lot, to find the windshield smashed.

The damage was incurred sometime between the 27th and the 29th August.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

LOGGING TRUCK LOSES CONTROL

Lunenburg RCMP are investigating a hit-and run.

A collision occurred on Highway 12 near the Gold River Bridge in New Ross yesterday morning around 8 o'clock.

Police say a fully loaded logging truck, travelling north, struck a small blue car.

No injuries were reported.

Investigators are seeking the driver of the truck who, they say, is likely unaware the accident even occurred.

Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

ST. MARGARET'S BAY RESIDENTS TO HAND BIG CHEQUE TO MINISTER ESTABROOKS

St. Margaret's Bay residents have a bone to pick with the province's transportation minister but they're also going to give him a gift.

Many residents are opposed to the government's proposal to build a connector road from highway 103 into the community.

The plan was devised without any prior consultation with residents in the area.

They fear properties will be expropriated and the way of life in the community disturbed.

Residents' spokesman Sean Kirby says their opposition hasn't wavered a bit through the summer.

However, they've got a present for the minister ... a check for ten million dollars.

Sean Kirby says... "its equal to the proposed cost of the connector road.
He says politicians love to hand out big cheques but the residents want to give this one back because they believe the money should be spent on more important things like improved highway safety in this province."

St. Margaret's Bay residents are calling for a referendum to decide whether the connector road should be built.

They've been very vocal on the issue in recent months with a public meeting in Black Point back in June and a write-in campaign to the minister's office.

EARLY EFFECTS OF EARL WILL BE FELT TOMORROW

The latest forecast from the Canadian Hurricane Centre in Dartmouth says hurricane Earl continues on its projected track and is likely to affect South Shore residents and others throughout Atlantic Canada by the weekend.

The powerful Category 3 storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 213 kilometres an hour, is moving northwest and is currently about 740 kilometres east of Nassau in the Bahamas.

The centre's Chris Fogerty says Earl is expected to continue its northwestward track before heading more towards the north.

Heavy wave action as a result of Earl should start showing up on South Shore beaches tomorrow.