Busy Day in Queens County

RCMP and firefighters in Queens County kept busy between an accident and fire  earlier this afternoon.  One person was taken to hospital following a collision between a vehicle and tractor trailer on Highway 8 near the River Road between the NS Power Depot.  Staff Sgt. Jeff Wells says the vehicle was hit from behind by the tractor-trailer.  That incident happened around 1 p.m. and traffic was tied up for a time.  Meantime a number of fire departments responded to a fire at 266 Main Street . The vacant building used to house a book store.  The sprinkler system did activate, however, there was a lot of smoke coming from the building and firefighters had to smash down the door to access the building.  No word yet on the cause.

Bridgewater Mayor studies town culture of alcohol

Carroll Publicover

The mayor of Bridgewater is one of three Nova Scotia mayors that participated in a study of alcohol-use in their communities. Carroll Publicover spoke with police officers, paramedics and local principals to help put a report together called "In Our Words: What Alcohol Use Looks Like In Our Towns." Publicover says alcohol is becoming more of a target for younger people, stating between 5-10 per cent of grade seven students already consume alcohol. The most common forms of alcohol related problems in Nova Scotia include assault to domestic violence, binge drinking, and property damage. Publicover, along with Wolfville Mayor Robert Stead and Antigonish Mayor Carl Chisholm documented alcohol-related problems in their communities to try and help create solutions.

Feds announce funding for new Chelsea Cenotaph

Gerald Keddy

The Chelsea Maple Grove Cemetery Committee is receiving a maximum of $13,414 from the Federal Government. South Shore- St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy, made the announcement in Chelsea Monday morning. The project will include the construction of a new black granite cenotaph. In a release, Keddy says "the Chelsea & District Cenotaph will commemorate the men and women from the community who served in war time and will honour the peacekeepers who have dedicated their lives to the country." November 5-11 is Veterans Week in Canada. The funding is provided through the Community War Memorial Program.


 

Mustangs drop weekend contests to Halifax

The Halifax Titans proved to be too much for the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs. The first place Titans completed a weekend sweep of the Mustangs with a 3-1 victory Sunday evening in St. Margaret's Bay. Halifax dumped the second place Stangs 5-2 on Saturday. The Mustangs host the Cape Breton Tradesman this weekend with games in Bridgewater and Chester.

Park View, Bridgewater High win provincial soccer titles

Bridgewater Vikings

A pair of South Shore schools won Provincial High School soccer titles over the weekend. The Park View Panthers took the NSSAF Division One boys crown by shutting out Riverview 2-0 in the final. The Bridgewater Viking boys squad grabbed the Division Three championship with a 3-2 win over Ecole du Carrefor.

Cenotaph Funding Announcement

Gerald Keddy

Federal government funding for a new cenotaph will be announced in Chelsea Monday morning. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will make the announcement on behalf of Veteran's Affairs Minister Steven Blaney. The funding announcement will take place at 9am at the Chelsea Fire Hall,1426 Highway 210.

Adoption Awareness Month

South Shore residents and all Nova Scotians are encouraged to consider adopting school-age children. November is being marked as Adoption Awareness Month. 
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says there are many children, most of whom are between six and sixteen years old, who are waiting for a loving, caring place to call home. More than 120 children were adopted by Nova Scotia families last year, but there are still many more waiting for a permanent home. Peterson-Rafuse says many of the nearly 350 children in permanent care and custody available for adoption are older, have siblings, or have special needs.
        The Department of Community Services offers information and training sessions to families when they choose to adopt. Ongoing support and financial assistance are also available for families who adopt a child with special needs. More information about adoption, and how families can take the first step toward adopting a child in Nova Scotia, is available by calling 1-866-259-7780 or watching the department's online adoption video series at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .

Recreational Fishing Meetings Scheduled

A series of meetings gets underway next week inviting Nova Scotians to discuss angling regulations and provide input on sportsfishing issues . One of the six scheduled meetings to be held across the province is set for Tuesday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Fire Hall/Community Centre. The Recreation Fishing Advisory Council meetings are an opportunity for the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to share information on research, fish stocking programs, education and extension programs, and discuss regulatory issues with the public. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau says sportsfishing generates about $94 million annually in economic activity and is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Information on angling and meeting dates can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing or by calling 902-485-5056.

14-year-old girl charged after alleged stabbing in West Dublin

Lunenburg County RCMP say a 14-year-old girl faces charges including aggravated assault after a stabbing in West Dublin. Police say they went to the community Friday after a 21-year-old man was stabbed once in the left shoulder. He was treated in South Shore Regional Hospital for injuries police describe as not life-threatening. The girl is also accused of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

Evening of Remembrance

It's a gathering honouring military men and women from past and present. The Evening of Remembrance will be held Sunday night, November 6, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridgewater. The coordinator, Dan Hennessey, says this is the first year for the event.

"It's just going to be an evening of relection and remembrance that's going to be done through music and images. So, it's a gathering of people, and for lack of better words, it's a lead-up to events on Remembrance Day, November 11."

Hennessey says the evening will include the video "Time to Remember", as well as music from a variety of South Shore artists. The event gets underway at 7pm Sunday night at St Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Mustangs, Titans square off in first-place battle

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs will face their toughest opponent of the year this weekend. The Mustangs travel to St. Margaret's Bay for a two game set against the top-ranked Halifax Titans. The Mustangs, who sit in second place, play a Halifax team that has only lost once in 13 games this season. Mustangs Head Coach Tim Boyce says he's not worried about Halifax's record.

"They're definitely beatable. You have to play a good game to beat them, there's no question about that, they are a very good hockey club but any team in the league is beatable."

The two clubs square off Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3pm at the St, Margaret's Community Centre.

Time to Change Your Clocks !

Daylight Time ends this weekend so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday
November 6th,  or before going to bed Saturday night. Watches and clocks are not the only items that need adjustment. Microwave ovens, answering machines, car clocks, automatic timer lights, mobile devices and computers may need to be turned back as well. It is also a reminder to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Remember FALL BACK...SPRING AHEAD !

Heating Assistance Rebate Applications Available

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program is being offered again this year to benefit those most in need. The application based program offers a rebate of up to $200 for eligible applicants who heat their home with oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets. propane, electricity or coal. Households with net annual incomes of less than $42,000 and single people making less than $27,000 and who purchase home heating fuels, qualify for the rebate. Last year, more than 50,000 Nova Scotians received the rebate. Applications have been mailed to last year's recipients to encourage them to re-apply. They must meet all program requirements for this year to receive the rebate. Applications are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices, Department of Community Services' offices, online at http://www.homeheatinghelp.ca/ , or by calling 1-800-670-4357.

Speed Limits to be Reduced in School Areas

You might want to pay closer attention driving through school zones. To protect students and make roads safer the province has introduced legislation (November 2nd) to reduce speed limits in school areas. Speed limits in school areas will be reduced from 50 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour in school areas where the surrounding speed zone is 50 kilometres an hour. In school areas where the surrounding speed zone is higher, the speed limit will remain 50 kilometres an hour. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says slowing drivers down in school areas will give them extra time to react and help keep children safe. The legislation would go into effect in fall 2012.

South Shore Members Attend National Conference

Three Lunenburg County residents are among 13 Nova  Scotia 4-H members attending a national conference in Toronto which runs through to Sunday November 6th.. The conference is a five-day program in leadership and agriculture for 4-H members between 16 and 21 years old. Eighty-five members from across Canada, two from the U.S.A. and one from the United Kingdom, will attend. Science and technology is the focus of this year's conference. Throughout the week, members will discuss global issues, hear lectures from guest speakers and make a group presentation.  Discussion will include energy, water, land use, soil loss, air and water quality, climate change, plant and animal production, biodiversity, sustainability and biotechnology.
The three Lunenburg County members attending are:

-- Lianne Lenihan, New Ross, Lunenburg Co.
-- Murray Clements, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.
-- Katie Dufresne, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.

During the week, 4-H members will also visit several points of interest in Toronto, including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Rogers Centre, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower and the University of Guelph.

Province searching for solutions for Bowater Mersey Mill

Premier Darrell Dexter

The Premier of Nova Scotia says officials with the Bowater Mersey paper mill have told him they need help to address increased labour, wood and energy costs. Darrell Dexter attended an emergency meeting in Liverpool Wednesday with staff and management at the mill. He says the company is in desperate need for the province's assistance to find a solution to cut down costs. Dexter says Bowater Mersey has significant price gaps they need to close.

"They need to take the cost of manufacturing price per tonne from $537 to $480. They need to take their labour costs from $97 per tonne to $80 per tonne. So, as you can see, those are very, very significant gaps."

The President and Chief Executive Officer of AbitibiBowater, Richard Garneau, says the Brooklyn mill will remain open, unless they can't reduce costs. He says the mill will close if costs don't improve. Dexter says Bowater Mersey is a vital part of Queens County and the South Shore and he will be actively looking for help to keep the mill open.

Nature Conservancy of Canada acquires two new properties near Shelburne

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has added two new properties to the land it is protecting along the South Shore. The conservation organization says it has acquired two privately held properties totalling about 370 acres southwest of Shelburne. The pieces of land fall within the boundaries of the Bowers Meadow Wilderness Area in Round Bay.
The program manager for Nature Conservancy of Canada's operation in Nova Scotia, Craig Smith, says the land is critically important to the local eco-system.

"The head waters of the Round Bay river are located within the Wildnerness area, which drains out into the Atlantic Ocean, it's a potential habitat for the endangered mainland moose, there are a couple of rare plant species located there and its also a stopover or staging ground for a few different waterfowl species among their migratory roots."

Smith says they purchased the two properties of land for roughly $131,000. He says it took just over a year to purchase the properties. The Nature Conservancy of Canada owns roughly 723 acres of land along the South Shore.

40th Boston Christmas Tree to be Cut

Ken and Donna Spinney of Central Argyle, Yarmouth County, are this year's donors of Nova Scotia's big Christmas tree gift to Boston.
A 45foot white spruce will be cut at the Spinney property during a public ceremony November 15.
The tree-cutting ceremony will include students from three Yarmouth County elementary schools, a town crier declaration and a storytelling and poetry presentation about the Boston tree. Provincial and municipal government representatives and RCMP, in ceremonial red serge, will attend. The truck will leave after being loaded to board the ferry at Digby. After it crosses the Bay of Fundy, it will continue through New Brunswick and the U.S. to Massachusetts. Elementary students and all Nova Scotians will be able to track the truck's progress online through website updates.
         Each year since 1971, Nova Scotia has sent Boston a large Christmas tree in gratitude for help Bostonians provided after the devastating Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917. Boston provided medical personnel and supplies to help treat explosion victims. The Nova Scotia tree is decorated on the Boston Common and lighted at a ceremony attracting about 30,000 people and broadcast live on television. To learn more about the Yarmouth County tree cutting ceremony, visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/ .

Bridgewater MD Reprimanded

Bridgewater doctor, Anthony Atkinson has been reprimanded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Atkinson, who has a history of drinking problems has been ordered to abstain from drinking alcohol, be tested for alcohol and get treatment. He denies being drunk while practicing medicine or on call. Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says Atkinson was suspended last July pending the results of an internal investigation and resigned his privileges on July 30th before the investigation was complete. She says Dr. Atkinson has not worked within South Shore Health since that time. In a released statement, the College said Atkinson had been repeatedly warned about his use of alcohol because of the risk presented to his practice.

Bowater Mersey Mill closing for one week

The Bowater Mersey Paper mill in Brooklyn is shutting down for one week later this month. The company is examining the mill's future and is expected to close from November 14-21, mainly due to market conditions. The director of public affairs with Abitibi Bowater, Pierre Choquette, says the Brooklyn Mill needs to address issues including power rates and labour costs. Choquette says the company is also in talks for another closure from December 19 until January 2, 2012, but the dates are tentative because no decision has been made.

Petite Riviere Elementary turns 50

Petite Riviere Elementary is celebrating the 50th anniversary of opening its doors. The school will celebrate the past and present during a celebration Tuesday night. Former principal and teacher at Petite Riviere, Janet Baxter, says the community helped her through each position.

"It was a huge growing experience for me to move from classroom teacher to prinicipal, but I was supported by both staff and community members and students and so, again, it was a very positive experience."

Baxter adds the community is behind the school, despite having less than 100 students. The 50th anniversary celebrations kick off Tuesday night at 6:30 until 8 at the school.

One dead, another injured after collision in Conquerall Mills

One person is dead and another in hospital after a car struck a power pole Monday night in Conquerall Mills. A 21-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene while a 19-year-old man was seriously injured and is in stable condition at South Shore Regional. The collision forced a road closure and caused a power outage for several hours in the Conquerall Mills area. Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating the cause of the collision but believe speed was a factor.

Leopold jailed four months for assaulting ex-girlfriend

A Liverpool man has been sentenced to four months in jail for assaulting a former girlfriend by sitting on her and cutting off her air supply. James Leroy Leopold already had a previous conviction for assaulting and threatening another former girlfriend. The 32-year-old Leopold was sentenced in Bridgewater provincial court Monday after pleading guilty to assaulting Debbie Lohnes when she broke up with him in June 2010. The court was told that as Leopold sat on Lohnes's stomach and she struggled to breathe, he threatened to kill himself. Leopold has a criminal record that includes assaulting another former girlfriend in 2006 and two counts of threatening her last year.

MODL Approves 5 Year Capital Investment Plan

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has approved a five year capital investment plan through 2017. Deputy-Mayor Lee Nauss says there's over 2.3 million dollars worth of projects planned for next year and Council has not included any borrowing for any of the projects. He says they plan to do it all out of revenue or existing monies.  An agreement regarding the transfer of federal gas tax monies requires municipalities to prepare and submit a 5 year capital budget each year.

RCMP Remind Drivers to Slow Down Tonight.

On Halloween night, the scariest thing a motorist can encounter is a neighbourhood swarming with trick-or-treating children. Here's a few tricks to ensure everyone gets home safely with their treats. Motorists are reminded to stay well below the speed limit and be prepared to stop at any time. Children dressed in dark costumes can dart out from anywhere. It's also important not to pass any stopped cars as they may be dropping children off. Newly licensed drivers should also be extra careful on Halloween night as there are many distractions on the road.

Park View boys win JV soccer provincials, clinch berth in Division 1 provincials

It was a successful weekend for Park View's boys soccer teams. The JV team defeated Halifax West 3-0 to win the provincial title on home soil. Chance Harnish scored twice and Lucas Wile also tallied. Also, the Division 1 Boys provincial qualifier final was held at Park View. The home town Panthers beat Halifax West 2-1 and advances to provincials at Dr. J. H. Gillis in Antigonish this weekend.

New Germany soccer teams off to provincials

New Germany Rural High School's senior boys soccer team is off to provincials. The club defeated East Antigonish 5-1 and Dalbrae Academy 5-3 over the weekend to clinch a berth in the division 3 provincials. They will be held this weekend at Hants North.

Meanwhile, the New Germany Rural High School senior girls soccer team also clinched a spot for the Division 3 provincials this coming weekend. The Saints defeated Musquodoboit 4-1 and Strait Area Recreational Education Center 3-0 in the Provincial Qualifying tournament. They will travel to Ecole du Carrefour in Dartmouth for the provincials.

Ross Farm Museum receives $2.3-million for new learning centre

The Ross Farm Museum received $2.35-million for a new learning centre. The centre will include program rooms to learn about a variety of traditional skills, an administration area and a gift shop. Construction of the 14,500-square-foot structure will take about a year and is expected to begin next spring. Funding was announced Saturday and is coming from all three levels of government, topped up by community fundraising efforts. The province will provide $1-million through the Tangible Capital Asset Program. This will be matched by $1-million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The community will contribute $235-thousand through the New Ross District Museum Society, including $100-thousand from the Municipality of the District of Chester.

Crowhurst resigns as Bridgewater Police Chief

Brent Crowhurst, left, sitting with John Collyer, right.

Bridgewater's chief of police is stepping down from the job. Brent Crowhurst is resigning from the post, effective November 3, to become the Bureau Director of Criminal Intelligence Service Nova Scotia. In a letter to council, Crowhurst says the past nine years in his position has been challenging, yet very rewarding. Current Deputy Chief John Collyer will become Acting Chief of Police.

Mustangs edge Weeks 6-5, move into second place

Morgan Messenger scored twice and added two assists as the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs earned a 6-5 win over the Weeks Major Midgets Sunday in New Glasgow. Shaun MacEachern added two goals and an assist while Brennan Bailey and Brandon Challoner also had a goal for the Mustangs. Cole Skinner stopped 32 of 37 shots in the win. The local major Midget club is now in 2nd place with a 10-3-0-1 record. They take on the top-ranked Halifax Titans this weekend in St. Margaret's Bay.

Lumberjacks trade Noseworthy to Dauphin for 18-year-old and future considerations

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks made a couple of moves Friday. They acquired the rights to Michel Lefevbre from Cornwall, Ontario. The 19-year-old forward played in both games Friday and Saturday night.
The Jacks also traded Tyler Noseworthy to the Dauphin Kings for 18-year-old Jung Ahn and future considerations.

Oh Deer

Deer hunting season in Nova Scotia opens  on
Friday, Oct. 28th and runs through till Saturday, Dec.3rd.   Hunting is NOT permitted on Sundays. Natural Resources minister Charlie Parker says hunting is a popular sport, a means to obtain an inexpensive food source, and a way to help manage the wildlife population He reminds hunters to be familiar with hunting regulations and always wear hunter's orange in the woods. There are 12 deer hunting zones. Hunters applying for a licence should review the zones carefully to make sure they get a deer stamp for the zone they want.

Move Over Information Checkpoints

Information checkpoints are being set up this afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. on Highway 103 in Chester Basin. There will be two checkpoints taking place - one in the east-bound lanes and one in the west-bound lanes - on the divided portion of Highway 103 near Exit 9. Members of the RCMP along with Emergency Health Services, Vehicle Compliance officers, and members of the local Fire Department will be passing out literature to remind motorists about "Move Over" legislation. Motorist are required to reduce speeds to 60 km/h when passing an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its emergency lights on.

Tall Ships to Return

Lunenburg will be a port of call for the Tall Ships that are returning to Nova Scotia next summer. The ships will arrive in Halifax July 19th to the 23rd and visit outports across the province July 24th to the 30th. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris announced the provincial commitment of 780 thousand dollars for the event.  The provincial contribution will fund the cost to bring the ships here and attract more visitors to the province. Along with Lunenburg the ships will also visit Shelburne, Yarmouth, Pictou Pugwash, Port Hawkesbury, Louisbourg and Sydney.
        The event is part of the Tall Ships Challenge - Atlantic Coast 2012 Race, organized by Tall Ships America. The ships will start in Savannah, Ga. and sail up the U.S. eastern seaboard, stopping in Charleston, S.C., Greenport, N.Y., and Newport, R.I.  The event will also include a special historical piece that will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.  Theodore Tugboat is playing a big role in the Tall Ships event. He is headed to the United States for the winter and bringing the Tall Ships back to Nova Scotia next summer.

Heritage Property Designation

The Old Stone Bridge on Victoria Street , Chester is one step closer to being designated a Heritage Property.  The Municipality of Chester has agreed to enter into a partnership with the provincial Departments of Communities, Culture and Heritage, and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal to both designate and maintain the  property.  MLA for the area, Denise Peterson-Rafuse brought forward the proposal at a previous council meeting. Once the application for provincial heritage registration is accepted, the province's Advisory Council on Heritage Property will review the submission and assess if the Old Stone Bridge has provincial heritage value. A recommendation will then be forwarded to the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage who has final sign-off on the provincial heritage designation.

Mustangs' Nickerson selected for Canadian Youth Olympic hockey team

Brendan Nickerson during NHLPA Camp in August

A member of the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs has made the Canadian Youth Olympic hockey team. Defenceman Brendan Nickerson received the nod from Hockey Canada as the lone player from Nova Scotia to be named to the squad. Mustangs Head Coach Tim Boyce says the organization is proud of Nickerson's accomplishment.

"It's great for Brendan, he's a great kid and very deserving of the honour. He's been fast-tracked quite a bit over the last few years in his hockey career. He's a special young talent, he's very skilled for his age and he's got great size."

The team is for hockey players born in 1996. The 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games will be held from January 13-22 in Innsbruck, Austria.

NDP Topp enjoying leadership race

NDP Leadership Candidate Brian Topp

Federal NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp stopped in Bridgewater earlier this week for a meet and greet with the general public. Topp says he's enjoying the leadership race.

"A number of very good candidates are in the race. They're all colleagues of mine, we're all on the same team and when this is over, we'll all be working together. But, I think a job, is to outline your own vision, your own background, answer questions as best you can and the members will decide."

Topp is running against five other party members including Deputy Leader Thomas Mulcair, Quebec MP Romeo Saganash and Ontario MP Paul Dewar. The party will choose its new leader at a convention in Toronto in March.

Wigg, Noseworthy no longer with Lumberjacks

Andrew Wigg



Tyler Noseworthy



The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are looking to trade forwards Tyler Noseworthy and Andrew Wigg. The two players have approached Head Coach Terry Rhindress about being traded to clubs, they feel, are contenders. Rhindress says its part of the business.



"I think they're not happy with the teams direction right now. I think they thought we were going to have more veterans back than we did, so, I think they're just looking to finish it out on a more contender team."

Rhindress says he's actively trying to trade the two players, but can't divulge what teams are involved. The Lumberjacks host Truro Friday night at 7pm at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Forest Hills Road residents annoyed with No Frills noise

Shelley Moran

A refridgeration trailer at No Frills in Bridgewater is leaving Forest Hills Road residents annoyed and sleepless. Shelley Moran, a resident of Forest Hills Road, says the trailer tends to run for about 45 minutes straight, stops for 10 minutes and begins to run again. She says the noise irritates her to the point she has to wear earplugs to fall asleep. Moran says the trailer is typically behind their homes anywhere from two weeks to two months at a time. Mayor Carroll Publicover says a noise by-law isn't the answer, but expects Council to come up with solutions for the problem.

RCMP trying to identify Break and Enter suspect

RCMP are looking for the public's help in identifying the suspect involved in breaking and entering into a Mahone Bay business. Lunenburg County RCMP say the suspect allegedly stole a substantial amount of money and prescription drugs from MacQuarrie's Pharmasave during the early morning hours of Saturday September 24. The Mounties say they've gathered pictures and video footage of the suspect, hoping someone can identify the person. If you know the person in the above picture, please contact RCMP at 527-5555.

South Shore School Board Review

Education Minister
Ramona Jennex

A performance review of the South Shore School Board has not yet been handed over to the Education Minister. The review was launched in August following allegations that some board members tried to derail an open discussion on the future of 12 schools before a March 30 meeting. Deloitte Inc. was appointed by the government to conduct the review. Department spokesman Lucas Wide says as the work came forward the extra time was to make sure Deloitte had the opportunity to create a complete and comprehensive report that would be helpful to the Minister and the Department moving forward.. The review will address whether the board adhered to all provincial legislation, policies and regulations, as well as the board's bylaws and policies.  The report is expected to be submitted to the Minister in the coming weeks.

MLA Discusses Fire Fighter Concerns

Conservative MLA Keith Bain was on the South Shore recently to meet with area fire departments and first responders.  Bain the critic for labour and workforce development called it a factfinding mission. He says the biggest concern brought forward by all departments was the recruitment and retention of volunteers.  Another issue was the absence of a HazMat team for the area which is currently served by Kentville.  Bain met with about a dozen departments and mutual aid associations in Lunenburg and Queens Counties  during his two day visit. 

Former MLA Harold Huskilson passes away

Harold Huskilson

A former Nova Scotia cabinet minister and MLA has passed away. Harold Huskilson of Shelburne County died Monday night at the age of 91. He served in the provincial legislature from 1970 to 1993. He was also president and owner of Huskilson's Funeral Homes. A funeral service is expected to be held Friday at 2pm in the Shelburne Community Centre.

Council votes not to discharge Jo-Lo development agreement

The Village at Glen Allan project received a lifeline from town council Monday night. Council agreed to give Jo-Lo Development until November 14 to install fencing and landscaping. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he isn't ready to give up on the developer despite a number of missed deadlines. He believes the developer is doing the best they can in terms of securing financing, changing development plans and working with the town. The town voted not to discharge the current development agreement after Jo-Lo didn't meet the original October 15 deadline for fencing and landscaping requirements.

Government installing centre-line rumble strips from Tantallon to Chester

You can expect some slow-downs on Highway 103 over the next week. The province is working to improve road safety by installing centre-line rumble strips on a section of highway near Tantallon. The strips are being installed from Exit 5, at the end of the twinned section, to the start of the divided section of Highway 103 near Chester. The project is expected to be completed by Monday October 31. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says the centre-line rumble strips will allow safer passing and increase separation from opposing traffic.

FLU VACCINE CLINICS

           FLU VACCINE CLINICS FOR TUESDAY,OCT. 25
Today's Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics will be held in Caledonia from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North Queens Health Centre and at the New Ross Family Resource Centre from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  The shots are free for all Nova Scotians . Those encouraged to get the flu vaccine include the elderly, babies aged six to 23 months, pregnant women and anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes.

Bowater Mill Requests Power Discount

Bowater Mersey officials will have to wait for a ruling by the UARB on their request for a power discount. Officials of the paper mill in Brooklyn appeared before the provincial utility review board yesterday to ask for a five year discounted power rate for electricity. Abitibi/Bowater Director of Public Affairs, Pierre Choquette says they have addressed the challenges that lie ahead in regards to the energy issue. Choquette says the issue is critical to the paper mills future. Bowater Mersey and NewPage Port Hawkesbury, now closed, both applied for a load retention tariff from Nova Scotia Power. That would mean higher power rates for other consumers.

Truck for Tancook Island

Residents of Tancook Island will benefit from a truck donated by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. The truck is considered surplus to the department, but will be of value to the Tancook Island Emergency Response Association. Chester/St. Margaret's MLA, Denise Peterson-Rafuse says she's pleased she was able to work with municipal and provincial government officials to make this happen. Under the Surplus Crown Disposal Act, not-for-profit groups across the province can apply to receive surplus items from the department, including vehicles, recreation equipment and office furniture.

Solar Energy Installation Session

Shelburne residents will get a chance to hear about the benefits of solar energy installations at an information session this evening. Representatives from Nova Scotia Power, Efficiency Nova Scotia and Doctor Solar will also be providing information on programs and incentives for solar installations. The session which will present information for both commercial and residential settings takes place tonight, (Tues.Oct. 25th) at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Community Centre.