Man released from custody after armed standoff

A man charged after an armed standoff in Chester Basin last month has been released from custody.


Nelson Frederick Bond of New Minas had been in jail since the incident after the prosecutor asked for a forensic psychiatric assessment.

The 47-year-old accused appeared Monday in Bridgewater provincial court.

The Crown agreed to his release under certain conditions, including paying a $10,000 surety and agreed to stay with his brother and sister-in-law.

Bond is not allowed to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs and must stay away from his alleged victim.

Bond faces numerous charges, including three counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, one count of pointing a firearm and one count each of forcible confinement and assault.

Bridgewater mayor sounds off on Fairview Inn

The mayor of Bridgewater says he's worried about the safety of the Fairview Inn.


Carroll Publicover says though the building has survey tape surrounding it, kids could still wander inside and injure themselves.

He says he wants round-the-clock security at the Fairview Inn until its demolished, or demolished in a timely fashion.

Publicover also hopes changes can be made to the former car dealership at 99 Aberdeen Road, calling it a blight in the community.

He says he's felt this way for months but decided to make his feelings public during Monday night's council meeting.

White back to school following major brain surgery

A Bridgewater girl is back to class at Hebbville Academy after undergoing major brain surgery in the U.S.


Six-year-old Chelsea White returned to school after post-surgical problems kept her in hospitals in California and Halifax until mid-August.

Chelsea's mother, Shannon Price, says her daughter has been active and in great spirits since coming home.

Price says doctors have told her it could take up to two years for Chelsea's brain to completely heal from the surgery.

She says Chelsea will have to visit neurosurgeons and cardiologists in October, to see if her heart is still enlarged because of extra blood flow.

Medical Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital reopens

The Medical Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital has reopened to visitors.


Visitation has been restricted on the 4th floor since September 6 due to an increased number of patients testing positive for the antibiotic-resistant organism MRSA.

Visitors are asked to check in at the nursing station before visiting and to wash their hands when entering and leaving the hospital, and before and after visiting patients.

Regular and thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of illness.

Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Pedestrian

Queen's RCMP are asking for public assistance in identifying the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision with a pedestrian. A woman was struck by a grey Chrysler Sunday evening around 6:45 p.m. (September 25th), The pedestrian was walking on the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot at Lane's Privateer Inn. The suspect vehicle was exiting the parking lot and eventually headed toward downtown Liverpool.   The male driver of the car is described as approximately 55 to 60 years old with short grey hair. He spoke with an accent, possibly British and was travelling with a female companion.

Illegal Drug Seizure

A bail hearing is being held this afternoon for a Yarmouth man facing charges following a seizure of illegal prescription pills and drugs. Fifty-two year old Charles Raymond Blades is facing charges of Possession for the Purpose for Trafficking in Hydromorphone, (commonly known as Dilaudid), Possession of Cannabis Marihuana and Breach of an Undertaking. RCMP Southwest Nova Federal Drug Section assisted by the Shelburne Street Crime Enforcement Unit seized the contraband near Barrington on Friday. (September 23rd)

Minimum Wage to Increase October 1st

You might soon see a difference in your paycheck. As of Saturday, October 1st, the minimum wage is increasing to $10 per hour . This is a 3.6 per cent increase from the present rate of $9.65. The minimum wage for inexperienced workers, with less than three months' experience in the work for which they were hired, will rise to $9.50. After the increase Saturday, future increases will occur in April, beginning in 2012, indexing the minimum wage to the Low Income Cut Off, a figure set by Statistics Canada where people are devoting a significantly larger than average percentage of their income to the basic necessities of food, shelter and clothing. Increases will be based on the national Consumer Price Index from the previous calendar year.

         The government is also investing an additional $18.25 million this year to help income assistance clients and low-income Nova Scotians make ends meet. These include a 22 per cent increase per child, per month, to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, a $15 per month increase in the Income Assistance Personal Allowance, indexing the Affordable Living Tax Credit and the Poverty Reduction Credit to keep up with inflation, and allowing working income assistance clients to keep more money each month.

Residents Seek Less Government Connection to Freedom of Information Office

**Dulcie McCallum**
FOIPOP Information Officer




Residents of St. Margarets Bay are calling for less government control over the provincial Freedom of Information Office. Currently, government employees who process F.O.I. requests work for the departments whose information is being disclosed. Residents' spokesman Sean Kirby says departments shouldn't be able to pick and choose what they release to the public. He says: "The St. Margarets Bay connector road censorship case I think was a real eye-opener for us and a lot of people. Its a terrible example of the government breaking its own Freedom of Information law in order to hide information from residents about the connector road. Our concern is if the government is doing this on our little issue, clearly it must be taking place on other issues as well."  The Freedom of Information review officer issued a scathing report back in June which criticized the government for censoring documents about the St. Margarets Bay connector road. Residents have taken their case to the provincial supreme court and a hearing will be held in mid-January.

South Shore Weather -- Monday, September 26, 2011

TODAY
Sunny. High 24. (((**UV index 6 or high**))).

TONIGHT
Clear. Low 13.

TOMORROW
Sunny. High 20.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Wednesday
Sunny. Low 6. High 16.

Thursday
Sunny. Low 11. High 20.

Friday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 15. High 21.

Saturday
Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 15. High 17.

Sunday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 12. High 15.



THE TIDES

High- 7:45am
Low- 2:10pm
High- 8:00pm

Lumberjacks get first win, top Campbellton 5-1

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks finally have a notch in the win column.


Michael Crawley led the Jacks with two goals while Billy Clarke made 31 saves as the hometown club earned a 5-1 victory over the Campbellton Tigers.

Head Coach Terry Rhindress says it's a great feeling to get the first win.

"The kids played well today, they stuck together and played another complete 60 minutes. It's nice to get the monkey off our back, a little later than we expected, you know, couple games earlier we should've had a 'W' but we'll take it tonight and we'll move on."

Brad Donaldson, Jake Bullen and Brennan Saulnier also scored for the Jacks.

The Lumberjacks take on the Yarmouth Mariners Thursday night at 7pm in Bridgewater.

Last week for sales at Bridgewater Blockbuster

It's your last week to take advantage of good buys at Blockbuster.


The Bridgewater store is listed to close September 30 and is offering 50-70% off all its stock.

The Bridgewater location is one of 253 remaining stores in Canada that are expected to close their doors by the end of the month.

Up to 10 people are expected to lose their jobs.

Bridgewater Zellers remains unaffected by TARGET sale

Bridgewater Zellers is staying put, for now.


Target Corporation has identified 84 Zellers locations it will take over, as part of an agreement announced in January.

The External Communications Manager for Hudson's Bay Company, Tiffany Bourré, says the Bridgewater Zellers is one of 84 remaining stores continuing to operate while the company reviews its options.

Target has purchased 189 stores from Zellers.

The agreement with Zellers allows Target to buy up to 220 stores for $1.825-billion.

They expect to have their first stores to open in Spring 2013.

Banner Year for VIC

The numbers are in and it was a banner year for the Bridgewater and area Visitor Information Centre at Exit 12. The VIC opened in June and the last day of operation was Friday, September 23rd. Manager Dan Hennessey says it has been a tremendous year for visitors with 4 thousand 750 people coming through the doors, almost twice the number of the year before.  Hennessey says there are two keys to success for a Visitor Information Centre, accessibility and visibility.   The Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg jointly funded the temporary centre for two seasons while they work to finding a long term solution. A regional partnership is one of the options being discussed

Memory Project

Second World War and Korean War veterans will be able to have their stories preserved thanks to the the Memory Project. On Wednesday September 28, the veterans will gather in Bridgewater to take part in a nation-wide oral history project. An initiative of The Historica-Dominion Institute, The Memory Project Archive is creating an unprecedented record of Canada's participation in the Second World War and Korean War as seen through the eyes of thousands of men and women who were there. It is providing every living veteran with the opportunity to preserve their memories through recorded interviews and digitized memorabilia. Their stories are available, in both official languages, at www.thememoryproject.com.

          The sessions will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel, Bridgewater.

Premier Opens Bay Side Home

Seniors in the Barrington area will receive better care and have the option to continue living in the community they call home thanks to an expansion at the local long-term care facility.  Premier Darrell Dexter joined residents and employees of Bay Side Home today, (Friday Sept. 23) to celebrate the opening of the expanded facility. Before the expansion, the Barrington facility was dedicated to mentally challenged and physically disabled residents. Forty new beds were added to the existing 22-bed home, nearly tripling its size and adding the capacity to care for elderly residents.
       The facility features four new households, each with 10 resident rooms that follow the same layout and design as the existing facility. The home has private rooms and bathrooms, combined dining, kitchen and living room space, accessible gardens and spa facilities. The design also allows couples who both require nursing home care to live together in the same household. An outdoor garden can be accessed from the hallway of each household. Clients at Bay Side Home have access to 24-hour nursing care, medical services, nutrition services, pharmacy services, recreation, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The facility has hired 60 new staff, many of whom live in the Barrington area to provide care and manage the facility.

34th Nova Scotia 4-H Show

South Shore 4-H members will join their provincial counterparts at the 34th annual Nova Scotia 4-H Show being held in Bible Hill from September 30th to October 2nd. The event is hosted by the Eastern Region 4-H Leader's Councils.  Agriculture Minister John MacDonell says the 4-H program has a long history of developing excellent agriculture, community and business leaders. 4-H members, age nine to 21, are eligible to compete at the Nova Scotia show after achieving top honours at a local exhibition with life skills or livestock projects. Highlights include livestock auctions, a public speaking competition, dog obedience and handling trials, tug of war competition, bake-off, fashion show and cattle selections for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
           The free event at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Grounds is open to the public.

Gas Prices Down Again

The price of gasoline is down again this morning at South Shore pumps.

The Utility and Review Board has set the price for a litre of regular self serve gas at $1.23.7.

Thats down 3 and a half cents from yesterday.

Shelburne County man facing child abduction charge

A Shelburne County man is expected to be in court Friday morning after an alleged domestic dispute with his wife earlier this week.

Colin Lawrence is in custody and facing charges of forcibly abducting his own baby.

Police say a man had taken his 11-day-old baby from the mother without her consent around 4pm Wednesday afternoon.

Police located the man seven hours later, around 11pm on Highway 104 near Oxford, roughly 350 kilometres from Shelburne.

The baby has been returned to her mother.

Lawrence was charged with child abduction and mischief in Bridgewater Provincial Court Thursday afternoon and remanded in custody.

He's scheduled to make a another court appearance at 9:30 Friday morning.

Bay Side Home opening 40 new beds

Premier Darrell Dexter says the opening of 40 new beds at Bay Side Home in Barrington has been talked about for too long.

He says he remembers at least three elections that the beds were promised, and also believes preliminary talks first began in the 1970s.

Dexter says the expansion is a big asset for Shelburne County.

"It's going to supply them with a high quality facility that means that seniors in that area, the loved ones of that part of Shelburne County are going to have a place that they can go and stay near there families."

Dexter calls the Bay Side Home expanision a significant increase, basically tripling its size.

The opening will be held at the Home at 1pm Friday afternoon.

Seatbelt-Exemptions

Nova Scotia's transportation minister says everyone should be required to wear a seatbelt in the province and that exemptions should be ended. Bill Estabrooks says a road action committee is looking at the issue of whether firefighters should be exempted from wearing seatbelts. He says everyone is safer wearing a seatbelt and police and firefighters should be setting a good example to the public.  Couriers, taxi drivers, emergency health-care workers and people with certain medical conditions can get exemptions.

Green CommUnity School Grants

Here's a chance for South Shore area schools to turn green ideas into reality. The World Wildlife Federation is looking for ideals to make schools and communities more environmentally friendly. Schools can win up to five thousand dollars from the WWF Green CommUnity School Grants Program. Funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, the program aims to connect students with nature, help reduce a community's impact on the environment and stimulate environmental leadership. The deadline for applications is October 13th. Winners will be announced in December West Northfield Elementary School was a Spring 2011 recipient. For more information visit herehttp://www.wwf.ca/greengrants

Fire Tax Rates

Fire tax rates for Municipal fire departments will increase slightly for four department and decrease for three.  The rates per 100 dollars of assessment  have been approved by Lunenburg Municipal Council.  Mayor Don Downe says  a number of departments actually increase the fee if they purchase a big piece of equipment and  once the equipment is paid for the  tax is reduced down. Downe says that speaks well of the community fire departments and their sensitivity to the tax issue by residents. Additionally, all fire departments have a rate of point 01 per acre for forestry land assessment class.

Shelburne Baby Safe After 7 Hour Disappearance

    An 11 day old infant is safe and doing well after a harrowing experience yesterday for her family in Shelburne. The baby girl was forcibly removed from her home by her father following a domestic dispute with the new-mother.
    The RCMP were alerted and a 7 hour search was initiated. RCMP Sgt. Brigit Leger says father and baby were spotted late last evening by the Mounties, far from home, in the northern part of the province. Leger says: "Shortly after 11pm last evening (Sep 21), the father and child were found in a vehicle heading west on highway 104 near Oxford. Both were safe and in good health."
    The infant has been returned home and re-united with her mother.
    The father is in RCMP custody but no charges have yet been laid.

Dayspring Doggie Day

We've heard before how man's best friend can often lift the spirits of the sick and elderly at a time when they need a boost. With that in mind, there will be a doggie wellness day a week from this Saturday in Dayspring.    
The "Bluenose Agility and Recreational Canines", also known as "BARC", is partnering with
the Lunenburg County Community Health Board in hosting activities designed to promote healthy living ... with the aid of man's best friend. Its called "Woof For Wellness Day" and kicks off October 1st at 11am and runs till 1:30 at the MARC in Dayspring.   
Everyone's invited to bring their furry friends and all of them must be on a leash.   
The event will happen, rain or shine.

Dismissed Africville Heritage Trust Exec. Has Shelburne Connection

A white Anglican minister, let go from her 3 month old job as executive director of the Africville Heritage Trust in Halifax, has a South Shore connection.   
Rev. Carole Nixon had a posting at Christ Anglican Church in Shelburne a couple of years ago where she served as the parish priest. Nixon was living in Toronto before she applied and approved for the position with the Africville Heritage Trust.   
She says she wasn't given a reason for her termination by the trust board and will be talking to a lawyer about it. Nixon was let go a day after some media outlets reported she had left jobs in Ontario and elsewhere over allegations of inappropriate spending. The chair of the Africville Heritage Trust, Daurene Lewis, says race wasn't an issue in the decision to terminate Nixon.  
Her dismissal follows weeks of angry comments by some members of the Halifax black community who said Nixon's appointment was inappropriate.

South Shore Weather -- Thursday, September 22, 2011

TODAY
Increasing cloud and a chance of showers or drizzle this afternoon. High 21.
(((**UV Index: 4 or moderate**))).

TONIGHT
Cloudy with showers or drizzle and fog spreading inland late this evening. Low 16.

TOMORROW
Mainly cloudy and a chance of showers or drizzle early in the morning. High 21.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Saturday
Cloudy and showers. Low 15. High 18.

Sunday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 15. High 21.

Monday
Cloudy. Low 16. High 21.

Tuesday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 11. High 16.

Wednesday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 11. High 16.



THE TIDES

Low- 10:20am
High- 4:00pm
Low- 10:55pm

Lumberjacks Coach remains positive despite shaky start

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are off to a shaky start this season.

The club dropped its first three games, was outscored 22-13 and fell to the bottom of the Bent Division standings.

Head Coach Terry Rhindress says although he's concerned, it's still early in the season.

"We knew going in when we lost some veterans to University and injuries and stuff like that and didn't come back, that we were going to be younger and that we're going to need to be patient. So I mean, no, I think it's too early to hit the panic button."

Rhindress says he's raised the level of intensity in practices in hopes of helping the team compete late in hockey games.

The Jacks look to rebound from their tough start by welcoming the Woodstock Slammers to Bridgewater Saturday night at 7pm.

Conrad holding another Community Office Day

The MLA for Queens County is taking her office on the road again.

Vicki Conrad will be at the Middlewood Fire Hall September 30 from 10am until 2pm.

Conrad says a community office day gives the public an opportunity to meet their MLA and discuss relevant issues affecting the area and residents.

Conrad has already held office days in North Queens, Petite Riviere, West Queens and Greenfield since June.

South Shore schools selected for Indigo Adopt-a-School program

A pair of South Shore schools have been selected as part of this year's Indigo Adopt-a-School program.

New Germany Elementary and New Ross Consolidated will be accepting donations to fill their libraries with new books.

The principal at New Germany Elementary, Bill Bruhm, says it's a great chance to expand the school's library.

Bruhm says his school is supported by Coles in the Bridgewater Mall, while New Ross Consolidated has been adopted by Chapters in Bayers Lake.

You can help by making a donation at the local book store, or online at http://www.adoptaschool.indigo.ca/ and searching school number 439.

Bayside Opening Celebrations

Opening celebrations are planned for the this Friday for a Barrington long-term care facility. Premier Darrell Dexter will join residents and staff of Bay Side Home to celebrate the opening of their expanded facility, September 23rd. The long-term care facility has been expanded with 40 new beds. Bay Side Home previously housed 22 mentally challenged and physically disabled residents, and now has capacity for elderly residents as well. Opening celebrations begin at 1 p.m. and there will be tours of the facility.

Moose Alert

If you head into the city on a regular basis, RCMP are cautioning motorists to watch out for moose. The Mounties received a report Tuesday (Sept. 20th) of a large bull moose along the 103 highway near Timberlea at Exit 3. Motorists are advised that at this time of year which is mating season, moose are more mobile and likely to be moving across highways. Drivers should be diligent while travelling the highway especially during foggy conditions.

South Shore Weather -- Wednesday, September 21, 2011

TODAY

Clearing this morning then sunny for the rest of the day. High 22.
(((**UV index 5 or moderate**))).

TONIGHT
Clear. Low 8.

TOMORROW
Increasing cloud with showers beginning late in the morning. (Amount 2 to 4 mm). High 17.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Friday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 14. High 21.

Saturday
Cloudy with showers. Low 14. High 18.

Sunday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 17. High 22.

Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Low 12. High 18.

Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Low 9. High 17.



THE TIDES

Low- 9:15am
High- 2:50pm
Low- 9:55pm

Visitor restrictions remain in place at South Shore Regional Hospital

The 4th floor Medical Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital continues to be closed because of ongoing issues with MRSA.

South Shore Health says the antibiotic-resistant organism is creating longer than normal delays for people with non-urgent matters.

The VP of Medicine and Acting CEO, Dr. Peter Vaughan, says they're continuing to fight the outbreak and is optimistic things will turn around soon.

Family members who are assisting with a patients care are now permitted to visit, but restrictions remain in place for the general public.

MRSA does not pose a threat to the public or health care employees who are healthy.

Meeting to discuss future of Generations Active Park

A meeting to discuss the future of Generations Active Park will be held Wednesday night at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

Ekistics Planning and Design is creating the Master Plan for the park, and is looking for public input.

Bridgewater town councillor David Mitchell says it's important for people to have their say about what's included in the park.

An off-leash dog park is one idea considered for the space.

The meeting will begin Wednesday night at 7pm at the Days Inn Bridgewater.

MARC North

The Municipality of Lunenburg has acquired 115 acres of land in the northern part of the County for future park development. Mayor Don Downe made the announcement today
(Tuesday, Sept. 20th) at the Pinehurst Community Hall calling it a major milestone. The land acquired is located just before Guppy's on public highway, Trunk number 10. Downe says the MARC North has been a priority for the Municipality since the Open Space Strategic Plan was adopted back in 2003. He says over the last nine years, properties have been looked at, and it was only recently a piece of property that was affordable and suitable became available.

COMFIT Applications

More than 60 community groups across the province including the Municipality of Chester, have applied to be part of a unique, made-in-Nova Scotia initiative to develop community based green energy projects. The Community-Based Feed-in Tariff, or COMFIT, opened Monday. The program encourages community groups to get involved in renewable energy development while reducing green-house gas emissions, securing a supply of clean energy at stable prices and

creating jobs. Almost 100 community projects are registered with the department from a variety of eligible groups.

Projects can include wind, biomass, in-stream tidal and run-of-the river tidal developments. Eligible groups include municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives and not-for-project groups. For more information on the program and to apply, visit herehttp://www.nsrenewables.ca/

Healthy Community Resource Centre

Details of the next steps in the proposal to build a Healthy Community Resource Centre in the Village of Chester will be revealed Wednesday night (Sept.21st). Following months of public consultation, the committee spearheading the Centre will announce its intentions to the public at a meeting at Forest Heights Community School at 7:30 p.m. Chairperson Barb Grigsby will discuss funding the centre, fundraising possibilities and informally discuss the visual concept of the proposed centre. The community health complex would be an expansion of the Heath Resources Centre at Shoreham Village over a a 5 to 10 year span. The concept will see a number of health related professionals including doctors and nurse practitioners together in a central location.


For more information visit here http://www.HealthCentreInfo.com

Shelburne Clearwater Lobster Fleet To Join Union

Clearwater's Lobster Fleet fishermen out of Shelburne have voted to join a union. The province's Labour Board has certified a recent vote by the fishermen, allowing them to become members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 864.

Chris Mayberry is a UFCW organizer. He says one of the main issues for the fishermen has been the disparity between time spent at sea and time home.
Mayberry says: "Equal time ashore, equal time at home. A lot of the guys have families and the company would come in and you'd go out on a trip for 5, 7 possibly 9 days and then you'd come back and they'd ask you to come back the next day and get on the boat again. So a lot of the guys though that was a big issue as far as shore time."
Clearwater and the UFCW will begin talks soon on a collective agreement for the fishermen.

South Shore Weather -- Tuesday, September 20, 2011

TODAY

Sunny. High 19. (((**UV index 6 or high**))).

TONIGHT
Increasing cloud and a chance of showers. Low 12.

TOMORROW
Clearing late in the morning then sunny. High 20.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Thursday
Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 10. High 17.

Friday
Cloudy. Low 14. High 20.

Saturday
Cloudy with showers. Low 14. High 22.

Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Low 13. High 19.

Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Low 11. High 19.



THE TIDES

Low- 8:10am
High- 1:50pm
Low- 8:55pm

Test

This is a test

Residents water concern passed to Public Service Commission

It's something David Wilkie has never encountered before.


The Bridgewater resident is complaining about his tapwater leaving a red-pinkish stain and black deposits on different fixtures in his bathroom.

Wilkie made a presentation to Council Monday night, explaining his situation.

Mayor Carroll Publicover says, while Council can't do anything, Wilkie should bring the matter up to the Public Service Commission.

"If it were me, I'd be on the doorstep on the Public Service Commission saying what's going on and hopefully he'll get an answer. He's saying it's also in other neighbours water, and so it's not just one individual crying in the wilderness, there's something there that needs to be looked at."

Councillor Bill McInnis explained to Wilkie that the red-pinkish stains are most likely bacteria.

Council suggested Wilkie to make a presentation at the next Public Service Commission meeting in mid-October.

Martin returns from World University Games and World Track and Field Championships

South Shore native Jenna Martin says competing overseas at the World University Games and World Track and Field Championships was an eye-opening experience.


Martin returned to Bridgewater from China and South Korea last week after a sixth place finish and setting personal best times in the 4 x 400 metre relay.

She says she has more confidence heading into future events.

"I know after coming from this experience and running how well I did in the relay, I know I can make an Olympic final or World Championships final."

Martin says she didn't run the 400 metre event at the World Championships because her body didn't recover enough from the World University Games.

Martin is enjoying some time off before getting back into practice sessions around the first week of October.

Shelburne Shipyard Re-Opens

Shelburne is back in ship shape, busy repairing ships again, thanks to the province's 8.8 million dollar investment in Irving Shipbuilding's Shelburne Ship Repair. Irving Shipbuilding invested 16.6 million dollars in the upgrades to modernize the cradle and marine railway, as well as the wharf. The restoration, completed in August, will strengthen the
economy and sustain employment for local residents in the long term. Irving's purchase of the yard was a condition of the province's investment. Most of the upgrades were completed by Shelburne Ship Repair employees. There are currently 38 employees in the yard with repair work underway and bids for more work submitted.

Beach Access Acquired

The Municipality of Lunenburg has acquired a piece of property providing public access to Mason's Beach. Mayor Don Downe says the property was donated to the Municipality by Paul Young and his mother. Downe says Young talked about the issue of pride of culture, pride of community and pride of our people and history. The Mayor says having this open space given to the Muncicpality by a local individual for access to the beach is a remarkable thing to do and will add to the amount of property that will be kept in perpetuity for the community and people allowing access to the waterways.

Downe says Council recognized Young with a certificate.

Copper Wire Theft

RCMP have a theory concerning the theft of copper wire from the Lunenburg Electric Light Department . The copper wire was taken from the Town's utility trucks. One incident happened June 27th in which two chainsaws were also stolen. The other incident took place in July. In his quarterly report to Lunenburg Town Council, Corporal Derek Smith says they have not yet identified any suspects. Corporal Smith says police aren't getting a whole lot of help from scrap dealers where the wire might be sold. He says the stolen copper wire is also hard to trace.

Local Veterans Receive Commendation

Two local residents have been honoured for their commitment and dedication to Veterans. Richard Halliday and Gerald Sigrist were presented with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation at a ceremony in Halifax today. (Tuesday, September 13th). Halliday is a retired Canadian Forces Naval Veteran from East Clifford. He has been heavily involved with naval organizations since his retirement serving  as President of the South Shore Naval Association (SSNA) from 1994 1997 and was instrumental with the affiliation of SSNA with the Royal Canadian Naval Association. Halliday currently serves as Parliamentary and Veterans Affairs Officer on the National Executive of the Royal Canadian Naval Association and continues to assist Veterans in obtaining benefits. Sigrist is a retired Canadian Forces Naval Veteran from Bridgewater. He is the founding President of the South Shore Naval Association, which was established in 1985 and changed its name to the Admiral Desmond Piers Naval Association (ADPNA) in 2003. He is currently Director of the ADPNA, Divisional Vice President for the Maritimes, and National Executive Secretary.
             In April 2001, Her Majesty the Queen approved the design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care and well-being of Veterans or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans. To date, more than 600 individuals have received the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

Town of Bridgewater approached to sponsor Martin's Olympic bid

The town of Bridgewater is mulling over a decision to sponsor Jenna Martin's bid to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.


Council was approached by Martin's financial planner, Kevin Hayward Monday night, about a chance to support the Canadian Champion's chase for the Olympic dream.

Mayor Carroll Publicover says it will take time to make a decision.

"The actual written request and the brochure and all the financial requirements she has between now and the 2012 Olympics, just came across our desk tonight. I think Council wants a chance to fully digest that fully and understand what sort of financial obligation she has between now and the London Olympics before they make a commitment."

Publicover says Council also wants to think about how infrequent there's an Olympian in a community this size.

Council is expected to make a decision at their September 26 meeting.

Free Brake Inspections

South Shore truckers can take advantage of free brake checks this week, during the annual Brake Safety Awareness Week. Nova Scotia's inspection is Tuesday (September 13th) at the Kelly Lake Vehicle Inspection Station on Highway 102, near the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Vehicle inspectors from all three Maritime provinces will provide free checks for truckers who stop in from 9:30 a-m to 3 p-m. Inspectors will show drivers how to adjust air brakes and check for other brake-related defects. There will not be any enforcement action taken during the event. Its purpose is education and inspection, and to improve highway safety.

Similar events are being held in New Brunswick and P.E.I. For more information on Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week, visit "here"

Official Re-opening of Shelburne Ship Repair

Shelburne Ship Repair is officially re-opening at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning (September 13). Premier Darrell Dexter and Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau will join Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding, and Steve Durrell, president, Irving Shipbuilding, to officially open the facility. The province invested nearly 9 million dollars into getting the ship repair yard up and running again. the money was used to modernize the yard's marine railway and wharf, which date from the Second World War. Eighty percent of the loan is forgivable. The Shelburne yard is owned by the province and leased to Irving.


The event will take place at Shelburne Ship Repair, 29 Hero Rd., Shelburne, and will be followed by a reception on site.

Nova Scotia Hosts 10th Annual OPEN FARM DAY

A number of farms along the South Shore from New Germany to Pleasantville are opening their doors to the public, giving everyone the opportunity to experience life on the farm. More than 60 farms across Nova Scotia will be participating in the province's 10th annual OPEN FARM DAY on Sunday September 18th. Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture Communications Officer Wanda Hamilton, says the event provides a platform for our farmers to share their stories and their passion with members of their community. She says OPEN FARM DAY is a real backstage pass to meet your farmer and have a chance to taste local produce, get to know the animals, and really see where our food comes from.

Visit here for a complete list of participating farms and experience OPEN FARM DAY on Sunday September 18th!

Two South Shore men receiving Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation

Two South Shore residents are being recognized as exceptional citizens.


Richard Halliday of East Clifford and Gerald Sigrist of Bridgewater are receiving the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation during a ceremony Tuesday.

They are among 12 Nova Scotians receiving the award from Parliamentary Secretary Eve Adams.

The ceremony will be held at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon in Halifax.

Mustangs post solid record in Early Bird Tournament

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs went 3-1 this weekend at the Early Bird Tournament in Berwick.

The Mustangs open the tournament Friday afternoon by blanking the Cole Harbour Wolf Pack 2-0 with Cole Skinner recording the shutout.

On Friday night, the Mustangs defeated the Cape Breton Tradesmen 4-1 with Corey Peterson collecting the win.

The Mustangs suffered their only loss on Saturday, narrowly losing a close 4-3 battle with the Valley Wildcats. Cole Skinner took the loss in goal.

On Sunday, the Mustangs got back on the winning track with a 6-2 win over the Cape Breton West Islanders. Corey Peterson picked up the win.

The Mustangs open the regular season this Friday night in Berwick against the Valley Wildcats before taking on the Islanders in Bridgewater Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Bulldogs win Eastern Canadian Championship crown

Photo Courtesy of Baseball Canada

The Bridgewater Pee Wee "AAA" Bulldogs are the 2011 Eastern Canadian Baseball champions.

The Bulldogs earned a 7-1 victory over Dieppe, New Brunswick to take home the gold medal.

Bridgewater opened the scoring in the third inning when Keith Geston hit an RBI single and later came around to score for a 2-0 Bulldog lead.

After Dieppe got one run back in the top of the fourth, Bridgewater added three more runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 5-1 lead.

Zach Zinck threw 2 2/3 innings and fanned four batters to earn the win while Aiden O’Brien scored three runs for Bridgewater.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES TO BE AFFECTED BY SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS

A South Shore woman involved in the education system says students with learning disabilities will be the first to suffer from proposed provincial funding cuts.

Cathy Croft of the South Shore regional school board is a learning facilitator for students with severe learning disabilities.
She says if the province cuts 120 million dollars (over the next three years) to education on the south shore, some students will be excluded from the classroom.
Croft says the inclusive classroom model adopted in Nova Scotia will be dismantled when teacher's assistants and specialized programs are cut.
If the proposed cuts become a reality, the South Shore Regional School Board will try to cope by increasing classroom size, and decreasing in-class support and therapies for students with autism, learning disabilities and other behavioural needs.

FINAL DECISION ON SCHOOL "GRAY ZONES" COMING IN NEW YEAR

The South Shore Regional School Board will wait until the new year to make a final decision on student .. gray zones.

The board is hoping to eliminate areas from which students are attending more than one school.
A number of information sessions took place as school officials sought feedback from parents, students and citizens.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for January 26th.