Bowater: Dexter Appoints Response Team

Its another avenue to help those affected by the Bowater closure. Premier Darrell Dexter has announced the creation of a provincial response team. The team is expected to bring expertise and resources from across government to get the support and services for people who need them. Dexter says it is a top priority for government and the province is committed to do what it takes to see the community and industry through a very tough time. The team is led by Jeff Larsen, executive director of investment and trade in the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, and Allan Eddy, senior director with the Department of Natural Resources. It will also include resources from the departments of Labour and Advanced Education, Natural Resources, Community Services, Energy and Nova Scotia Business Inc. The team will support transition advisor Ron Smith, who was appointed earlier this week to help communities impacted by the Bowater mill closing. The response team will focus on three key areas:

• Community Adjustment: Help community, workers and businesses through transition. Increase and diversify the local skills base.
• Economic Diversification: Identify growth opportunities in key sectors. Implement strategies to attract investment and create jobs. Support entrepreneurship.
• Forestry Transition and Supply Chain: Pursue opportunities to support the forestry sector. Transition regional forestry sector and supply chain. Identify short, medium and long term opportunities for forestry innovation.

 The team will also meet with the forestry sector to discuss immediate needs. The province is also gathering information on the 500,000 acres of land for sale by Resolute. 

Support Builds Around Shelburne Food Bank

Residents of Shelburne are ready to return the favour and help an organization in need. The Shelburne Loyalist Food Bank is preparing for its summer food drive and community members are stepping up to help re-stock their shelves. Students and staff at Shelburne Regional High School have already indicated they are willing to help. Principal Mary Manning says parents and students are being asked to bring a donation to this year's prom and graduation celebrations later this month.



Food bank volunteer Wayne Dukes says a two-week food drive will begin next week. He says the food bank sees around 80 to 100 people on a regular basis.



Donations will be accepted at location throughout Shelburne including  Sobeys, Goulden's Shell and the Post Office.

South Shore Under High Risk For Forest Fires

DNR Fire Weather Index Map as of June 20

Its considered a risky time to have a fire on the South Shore. The entire region is under a high risk hazard for forest fires. The Department of Natural Resources says dry conditions mixed with warm temperatures has led to the warning. Supervisor of Wildfire Management, Jim Rudderham, says the high risk is typical for this time of year.



He encourages people not to have fires right now, but if they do, to make sure its properly extinguished. Rudderham is hoping weekend rains will reduce the risk.

What Will Become Of Bowater Woodlands?

What will become of the assets of Bowater Mersey? 
Thats a question bothering many people.

As private woodlot owners in the western part of the province struggle to find a new buyer or buyers for their product, the president of the woodlot owners association hopes his fears don't become a reality.

Marc Chisholm hopes a big international conglomerate will not be allowed to buy up the 600-thousand acres of Bowater woodland, harvest the trees and ship them elsewhere.  He and his fellow members are hoping government will step-in to protect private woodlot owners.



Chisholm says allowing Bowater's woodland assets to be sold indiscrimately would be a disaster for the forest industry in general.

Serious Injuries In New Germany-Area Crash

A man and a woman are in a South Shore hospital this morning as a result of a crash involving two motorcycles Tuesday evening near New Germany. The collision between the two occurred in Maplewood on the Newburne Road. 

RCMP investigators say the man has a severe injury to his left leg and is in critical condition at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Police don't know the woman's condition, but say she's not as badly hurt.

The names of the injured haven't been released.

Lunenburg: Zwicker Will Not Re-Offer

 A town councillor in Lunenburg has decided not to re-offer in the upcoming municipal election. Peter Zwicker was first elected in 2004 and announced on Tuesday he will not seek re-election in October. During his eight years on council he has served as deputy mayor, chair of the Planning Advisory Committee and a strong proponent and supporter of Lunenburg’s first Strategic Plan. In making the announcement, Zwicker told CKBW/HANK FM it has been a pleasure and an honour to have served the residents of the historic community.

Zwicker says it was a tough decision but hopes it will allow others the opportunity to become involved in their community.

Dollivers Brook Bridge: Closes For Repair

The province's department of transportation will begin work on the Dollivers Brook Bridge in Voglers Cove on Thursday. The bridge will close until the end of the month while the structure is being replaced. In the meantime, a detour, using Highway 103 and Hirtle Road is available for motorists. The bridge is located on Route 331.

Support Offices Open In Liverpool & Bridgewater

The province is offering more support for workers affected by the shutdown of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Offices in Liverpool and Bridgewater are staffed with a team of career counsellors and specialists in job training. The province's deputy minister of labour, Jeff Conrad, says the team will work with people on career options and services, skills assessments and training. Conrad says information sessions that will cover issues such as EI claims will begin next month.



The team includes members of Employment Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Adult Education, as well as municipal and federal staff and resources. Support teams are located in two locations. South Shore Opportunities in Liverpool, 7 Henry Hensey Drive, 902-354-2616 and Employment Solutions Society in Bridgewater at 215 Dominion Street, 902-543-2479. Additional information can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/employmentnovascotia 
 

Support includes:

-- making sure workers have accurate information about career options and services so they can make informed decisions about their next steps

-- individual skill assessments

-- essential skills development such as computer use, resume writing, literacy upgrading

-- identification of self-employment options and support for business startups

-- customized training options for people that move them directly into employment, through programs like One Journey or Link, that match people with specific skill sets to employers.

Baillie: Resolute Needs To Compensate Bowater Workers & Companies

PC Leader Jamie Baillie

The province needs to insure a lot of people aren't left in the lurch financially with the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill.  That comment today from provincial PC Leader Jamie Baillie.  During a CKBW/Hank-fm News interview, the PC leader says sawmills and truckers owed money by Bowater's parent company, Resolute Forest Products, need to be paid and right away and the hundreds of workers at the plant itself need compensation too.


Baillie says there is still a bright future for the forest industry on the South Shore despite the demise of  Bowater.  He says the right business just needs to be found to tap into it. Baillie tells us everyone pulling together: politicians, business and the community in general, will insure that happens.



Baillie says among other things, the transition committee setup by the government needs to spearhead the way in finding newer and stronger markets for wood chips and lumber to help take up a bit of the slack from the closure of Bowater.

BREAKING: Don Downe To Re-Offer For Mayor

The mayor for the District of Lunenburg has announced he will re-offer for the position. Don Downe confirmed his decision Tuesday during an exclusive interview with CKBW/HANK-FM. The mayor was first elected into the seat in 2008 after representing Lunenburg West as an MLA from 1993 until 2003. He says he's ready for another term and expects to be challenged for the seat.



The decision didn't come easy for Downe. He says he was approached to run for provincial politics again, but decided against it.



He adds, it was a tough decision to make because of time commitments and daily challenges that come with the position. Downe says he's proud of the work council has done over the last four years. But, he says issues remain like improving services at the solid waste facility in Whynott's Settlement and potentially sharing services with Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. More details to come.

VIDEO: Transition Team Will Support South Shore

Premier Darrell Dexter

A transition committee has been assembled to help with the loss of a major industry in the South Shore. The team was created over the weekend after Resolute Forest Products announced they were closing their pulp and paper operation in Brooklyn on Friday. Its role is to gather ideas from residents, community and business leaders about what they think could help broaden the region's economy. The team is made up of a veteran group of business leaders led by former Emera and Aliant chief financial officer Ron Smith. He will be joined by Andrew Button of the Lunenburg Queen's RDA. Button talked to CKBW/HANK FM about why he accepted the job.



Other members include Chamber of Commerce president Barry Tomalin, CAO for the Region of Queens Kathleen Rafuse, Blair Douglas of N.F. Douglas Lumber Limited and MLA Vicki Conrad.

Mayor Downe: "Region Needs To Rally"

Residents of the South Shore continue to try and recover after the region was hit with a crushing blow last week with the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Since December, nearly 450 direct jobs were eliminated in the Region of Queens due to struggles at the mill and within the pulp and paper industry. Political leaders are now working to try and save hundreds of other jobs in the sawmill, trucking and harvesting sectors. District of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe says the region's forestry industry has been changed forever.



Downe says he's behind the provincial government in its efforts to create a transition committee to seek new opportunities for the region. The committee was unveiled today in Liverpool and is made up of members of the business community in Lunenburg and Queens.

Bluenose Academy Officially Opens

Education Minister Ramona Jennex & Students Unveil Plague

The ribbon has been cut at Bluenose Academy. Students and families from Lunenburg and surrounding areas are celebrating the new school in the heart of their community. Education Minister Ramona Jennex joined Pam Birdsall, MLA for Lunenburg, representatives from the South Shore Regional School Board, students, teachers, parents and community members for the official opening of Bluenose Academy Monday afternoon. Jennex says the facility is an excellent addition to Lunenburg and will provide students with learning opportunities for many years to come. Along with the gymnasium and regular classrooms, the new school has small group work rooms, a multi-purpose science lab, and a raised classroom that can act as a stage. The library and seminar room on the third floor provide a unique view of the harbour.The school also features a youth health facility, a student services suite, assistive-care washrooms and a resource and multi-sensory room. Visual arts space and tech production and innovation labs and are expected to be ready in the fall. Bluenose Academy has been operating since March and has 565 students in grades primary to 9.

Board, Former Members Debate Future Size of SSRSB

Still no light shed on the size of the next South Shore Regional School board. Five former members that include Karen Reinhardt, Max Rafuse, Marg Forbes, Herb Seymour and Elliott Payzant spoke Monday at the hearing with the province's Utility and Review Board. Many of them believing a one-person school board shouldn't be tasked with making recommendations about its future size. Judith Sullivan-Corney says it's all part of the hearing.



The majority of the five former members favoured a nine-member board with two at-large representatives. Sullivan-Corney says the preferred option is a six-member board with two representatives from the African Nova Scotian and Mik'maq communities. The URB is now tasked with reviewing all the information. Mr. Roland Deveau, acting vice-chair with the review board, indicated a decision will likely be made in the next 30-60 days.

Liberal Leader Says Resolute Forests Need Protection From "Outsiders"!

The closure of the Bowater Mersey mill in Brooklyn has a lot of people concerned about what happens to parks and pockets of rare old-growth Acadian forest currently owned by Resolute Forests Products.

In addition to the closure of the mill, Resolute, Bowater's Montreal-based parent company, also announced it would be selling its assets - including the land.  There are worries a new owner might simply cut the wood and send it elsewhere with no advantage to the region.  Provincial liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that issue has to be dealt with quickly.



The province maintains it's forming a team to consider all its options.  Its already appointed former Emera and Aliant chief financial officer Ron Smith to lead it.

From Nfld To BC Or Bust!

A journalist and author is making a cross-Canada road trip.  The Canadian Automobile Association is the lead sponsor of Mark Richardson's two month oddessey.  He writes for McLean's Magazine, and left St. John's, Newfoundland, June 4th, arriving in Halifax over the weekend for a brief stay before heading to New Brunswick and beyond. 

Another of Mark's sponsors ... GM ... has provided a new Chevy Camaro for the journey.  Its commemorating two significant anniversaries this year .... 50 years since the Trans Canada Highway was completed ...and 100 years since the first cross Canada road trip.  Mark tells us, he doesn't know what to expect on the journey.



Mark expects to arrive in Victoria on August 8th.  He plans to write a book about his trip, experiences and people he meets along the way.

CAA clubs across the country are supporting him for the duration of the trip, organizing local events to commemorate the journey. Richardson will celebrate his 50th birthday on July 30th during their stay in Revelstoke, BC. Ironically, Mark was born July 30, 1962 - the same day, and even at the same hour, that the Trans-Canada Highway was first opened, near Revelstoke, to cross-country traffic.

His daily reports about his adventure will be tracked online at macleans.ca, or by following @WheelsMark or @CAA_Atlantic on Twitter. His weekly video blogs can also be viewed on CAA.Atlantic on YouTube.----------------------------------------------------------------
Here is Mark's schedule:
Monday, June 4: Official start to journey. Dip wheels in Atlantic at St. John’s.

Friday, June 8: Arrive Port Aux Basques

Saturday, June 9: Ferry to Nova Scotia, stay in Cape Breton

Monday, June 11: Ferry to PEI

Thursday, June 14: Cross Confederation bridge to New Brunswick, head back east to Halifax

Tuesday, June 19: Dip Wheels in Atlantic at Halifax, stay night at Amherst

Wednesday, June 20: Stay night at Moncton

Thursday, June 21: Stay night at St. John

Friday, June 22: Stay night at Fredericton

Saturday, June 23: Stay night at Grand Falls

Sunday, June 24: Enter Quebec, stay night at Riviere du Loup

Monday, June 25: Stay night at Quebec City

Wednesday, June 27: Stay night at Montreal

Thursday, June 28: Stay night at Ottawa

Friday, June 29: Home to Cobourg

Tuesday, July 3: Drive up Hwy. 7 to Ottawa, stay night at Ottawa

Wednesday, July 4: Head north on Hwy. 17, stay night at Rapides des Joachims

Thursday, July 5: Stay night at Sudbury

Friday, July 6: Return south to Cobourg

Tuesday, July 10: Drive north, now with 12-year-old son. Stay night in Sudbury

Thursday, July 12: Stay night at Sault Ste. Marie

Friday, July 13: Stay night at Wawa

Saturday, July 14: Stay night at Marathon

Sunday, July 15: Stay night at Thunder Bay

Monday, July 16: Stay night at Dryden

Tuesday, July 17: Stay night at Kenora

Wednesday, July 18: Stay night at Winnipeg

Friday, July 20: Stay night at Brandon

Saturday, July 21: Stay night at Regina

Sunday, July 22: Stay night at Moose Jaw

Monday, July 23: Stay night at Swift Current

Tuesday, July 24: Stay night at Medicine Hat

Wednesday, July 25: Stay night at Calgary

Saturday, July 28: Stay night at Banff

Sunday, July 29: Stay night at Golden

Monday, July 30: Birthday! At the Rogers’ Pass. Stay night at Revelstoke

Friday, Aug. 3: Arrive in Vancouver, dip wheels in Pacific

Sunday, Aug. 5: Ferry to Nanaimo

Monday, Aug. 6: Stay night in Port Alberni

Wednesday, Aug. 8 Arrive in Victoria, dip wheels in Pacific again

MODL Pursues UNSM For Help With Surplus Schools

It's another avenue for help with surplus schools. The District of Lunenburg is branching out to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities to help pass a resolution to the province regarding closed schools in the area. The municipality feels Riverport Elementary, Blockhouse and Centre Consolidated have been downloaded on them to deal with. Mayor Don Downe says the province is in the wrong.



Downe says the municipality contributes roughly $3.8-million to the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. He says they would be looking at the same cost to take care of the three schools.

The resolution asks for two changes, which include requesting the province to change the existing agreement to give municipal units the option of owning a school.

Liberals To Nominate Lohnes-Croft As Lunenburg Candidate

The provincial Liberals have found their person for the job in Lunenburg. The area's Riding Association is expected to nominate Suzanne Lohnes-Croft as their candidate for the next provincial election Monday night at 7pm. The meeting will be held at the Mahone Bay Centre. Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil will deliver the keynote address.  

Martin Tops Field At Donovan Bailey Invitational

Jenna Martin was a winner out west over the weekend. The Bridgewater native captured the 400 metre dash at the Donovan Bailey Invitational Track Meet in Edmonton on Saturday. Her time was 52.03 seconds. Martin, the reigning Canadian champ, needs an Olympic 'A' standard time of 51.55 to qualify for the London games. She will compete later this month at the Canadian championships in Calgary.

Lumberjacks, Crushers Swap Forwards

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have traded away one of their offensive threats for a top ranked local player. Brennan Saulnier was shipped to the Weeks Crushers over the weekend. The speedy 18-year-old was the Jacks' third leading point-getter last season with 40 points in 51 games. In return the Bridgewater club gets 17-year-old Shaun McEachern and two fifth round draft picks. McEachern, a six foot, 195-pound forward from Hebbville, led the South Shore Mustangs last season with 49 points in 35 games.

Bluenose Academy Officially Opening

It's been in the works for some time and now its finally here. Bluenose Academy will officially open Monday afternoon. The Lunenburg school started holding classes in March but never cut the ribbon on the new facility. Education Minister Ramona Jennex will be on hand, along with students, teachers and families. Two student presentations are also planned by the school's band and glee club. There will also be a plaque ceremony. The event begins at 1pm at the school at 18 Tannery Road in Lunenburg.

Lumberjacks Secure Offense In MHL Draft

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks selected a 17-year old forward from the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League with their first pick in Saturday's MHL draft in Yarmouth. Jeremy Butterworth of the Halifax Titans finished in the top ten in league scoring with 38 points this past season. With their next two, second round picks the Jacks grabbed a pair of 17-year old Charlottetown Islanders. Forward Damon MacDonald earned 37 points last season while Luke McIssac is a six foot three inch defenceman. The Jacks took four South Shore Mustangs including six foot three inch forward Jamie McIntyre, forwards Brandon Challoner and Riley Strowbridge and goalie Cole Skinner. Another Mustang, forward Avery Clarke, was the sixth overall pick for the Metro Marauders.

UPDATED: Bowater Mill Closing Indefinitely

It will be an indefinite closure for the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Premier Darrell Dexter confirmed in Liverpool late Friday morning that with the global economic changes including the struggling euro, the company is no longer in a position to operate the mill in Brooklyn. He says it's a huge blow to the workers, their families and the Queens County community. But, he feels they will pull through in the end.




Dexter says they plan on setting up a transition advisor to help bring government and community together and keep the economy growing.



Meanwhile, Queens MLA Vicki Conrad stood by the Premier as he made the announcement. She remains hopeful the community can survive the closure.



The closure throws about 320 people at the mill out of work. Meanwhile, a sawmill owned by the company in Oakhill and the Brooklyn Power Corporation are also affected by the shut-down. Resolute Forest Products says it's looking at selling all of its assets in the province, including the paper mill, sawmill and Brooklyn Power. The premier also says all money advanced to Resolute against the loan was returned to the province this week. The company says the facility in Brooklyn will be idled starting on Sunday morning.

BREAKING: RCMP Identify East River Crash Victim

RCMP have identified the person involved in a single vehicle crash in East River earlier this week. Police say 78-year-old Stig Owe Larsson of Chester Basin died when his vehicle crashed on Highway 329. RCMP responded to the call Monday afternoon after a vehicle was found on its side in a ditch and on fire. Police still don't know what caused the car to go off the road. The investigation continues.

Liverpool To Host 2014 Junior Curling Championships

A National curling event is coming to Liverpool. The 2014 M & M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Men's & Women's Curling Championships will be played January 18 to 26, 2014. They'll be held at the Liverpool Curling Club and also at Queens Place Emera Centre. The finals will be broadcast live on TSN. Nova Scotia had previously hosted six Canadian Junior championships, the last in Truro in 1994. The official announcement was made Friday morning by the Canadian Curling Association.

Beware Of Buying Meds OnLine

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  To mark the occasion, the RCMP is reminding South Shore seniors and care givers of the dangers of buying medication and health care products on the internet.
Cpl. Angela Hawryluk says it can be down-right dangerous.



The RCMP are reminding older adults of the following tips to protect themselves from falling victim to a fraud when ordering medication or health care products on line:

- Does the price reasonably reflect the value or is it "too good to be true"?
- Is the packaging properly labeled?
- Are there spelling mistakes and is the wrapping material of poor quality?
- Are you familiar with the place of purchase?
- Are you shopping on a reputable retail site?
- Does the quality of the product seem acceptable?

There are legitimate online pharmacies.  However, there are also numerous fraudulent ones that may sell medications illegally or do not follow proper procedures for filling out a prescription.  Seniors are advised not to buy from an online pharmacy that offers to prescribe a medication for the first time without a physical exam or if it sells a prescription medication without a prescription from your doctor.

As with all on line services it is important to take the time to become informed and aware of possible scams and fraudulent companies.

Valerie White of the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors says seniors can be targeted as vulnerable consumers, however with some research, on line use can be done in a safe manner.

BREAKING: Bowater Mill Closing Indefinitely

The future of the paper and pulp industry is about to change on the South Shore. Resolute Forest Products says its mill in Brooklyn will close indefinitely. The company made the announcement early Friday morning while meeting with union executives. More to come on this story once it becomes available.

BREAKING: Bowater Union Execs Meeting With Resolute

Union executives from Bowater Mersey have been called to a meeting with managers Friday. Two union leaders will talk with a representative of Resolute Forest Products, the mill's parent company. Union leader Don MacKenzie says he's concerned about the meeting and the future of the mill. Yesterday, Premier Darrell Dexter said he expected the company to make an announcement about the factory soon. More information will be posted once it becomes available.

Chester & Yarmouth Host Relay For Life Events

Family, friends and volunteers will gather to celebrate cancer survivors and lost loved ones in Chester and Yarmouth. Both communities will hold Relay for Life events this evening. The 12-hour relay is the Canadian Cancer Society's signature event and helps support research, prevention and advocacy. The event in Chester will be held at the Middle School while the Mariners Centre will serve as the site in Yarmouth. Opening Ceremonies for both relay's get underway at 7 o'clock.

Bridgewater Councillor To Re-Offer In October

A Bridgewater town councillor is sticking to what he knows best. Bill McInnis has decided to run for councillor again in October, despite contemplating the mayor's seat. He says he recently came to the decision.




McInnis says being a town councillor is a challenge with many responsibilities but its something he enjoys. He says he wants to be part of new initiatives like shared services with the town of Mahone Bay and Municipality of Lunenburg. David Mitchell and current mayor Carroll Publicover are the only two members of Bridgewater council who won't run in October. Mitchell will run in the next provincial election while Publicover is stepping down as mayor.

BREAKING: Future Of Bowater Uncertain

Premier Darrell Dexter is suggesting there will be a development concerning the future of the Bowater Mersey pulp and paper mill in Queens County. Dexter wouldn't reveal details today when asked if a closure was coming, but says the management of Resolute Forest Products should be making a statement soon. CKBW/HANK FM is working to contact officials from Resolute Forest Products. Dexter was the quarterback of a $50 million bail-out package in December aimed at saving the troubled mill in Brooklyn, Queens County. Dexter says none of the money advanced to Resolute Forest Products from the province has been spent. The mill hasn't been on stable ground since the bailout package was announced and has been forced to call for several temporary closures. The mill in Brooklyn shut down last month and is due for another temporary closure on June 17th, marking the third and fourth time the mill has called for down time since December. We'll have more on this developing story as information becomes available.

Scam Targets Businesses

A scam that has been around for awhile is now back and haunting businesses on the South Shore and elsewhere in the province. A company, believed to be operating out of Switzerland, is seeking payment for ad-space in the Yellow Pages that businesses here haven't even requested.

The invoice looks very legitimate. It features the name Yellow Page-Nova Scotia.com, for example, and includes a logo of a telephone receiver. Businesses are misled by the name and logo and think they are dealing with the legitimate organization that distributes local telephone books and Yellow Pages directories. The invoice states that the company owes a debt for an ad that they never agreed to in the first place or may have been tricked into signing up for last year.

Jill Atkinson is the Director of Communications for the Better Business Bureau..



The BBB suggests the following tips:
1. Read the fine print of any solicitation you receive so that you understand what you are agreeing to.
2. Take the time to check with the company to verify that they actually sent the invoice especially if it is delivered by a different method. i.e Fax vrs mail or email.
3. Always review invoices and bills before paying and confirm that you or someone in your company has agreed to the purchase.

If you have received one of these invoices, you can report it to the following:
Better Business Bureau –www.atlanticprovinces.bbb.org
The Competition Bureau 1-800-348-5358
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501
Your local police of RCMP division

Illegal Stun Guns Case Begins Today

A trial involving a Shelburne County man accused of smuggling stun guns through the mail gets underway today in Halifax. Twenty-three year old Scott Wade Nickerson is facing a slew of charges including five under the customers act. Some of the charges involve smuggling, possessing a prohibited weapon, and importation. Three packages were flagged at a sorting facility in Vancouver last year - each destined to a home near Shelburne. That's when the Canada Border Services Agency seized 32 illegal stun guns and 10 cans of pepper spray. Nickerson was arrested in May after police searched a home and a vehicle.

VIDEO: Omnibus Protest in Bridgewater

Over 40 people took part in a protest in front of South Shore-St.Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy's office in Bridgewater on Wednesday night. The protest was over the Conservative's massive omnibus budget implementation bill - known as Bill C-38.

Here's some more coverage of the event from CKBW and HANK FM:

South Shore: Residents Protest Omnibus Bill

South Shore residents hit the streets on Wednesday night in Bridgewater in a protest over the Conservative government's omnibus budget bill. The demonstration took place just before MP's began a marathon voting session in Ottawa. More than 40 people took part in the protest in front of MP Gerald Keddy's office on Aberdeen Street. The government's budget bill changes over 70 laws. The Opposition decries the huge bill and over the next 24 hours will force votes on about 800 amendments. However, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the omnibus budget bill is essential to create jobs and long-term prosperity for Canada.

Yarmouth Area Man Charged In Gas Station Holdup

A 34 year old Yarmouth-area man has been arrested and charged in relation to an armed robbery earlier this week.  Murray Langille Nickerson of Hebron was arrested at his home yesterday.  He has been  charged with robbery with a firearm, wearing a disguise, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats.  Nickerson returns to court June 18th.

Around 2:30 Monday morning, a man wearing a mask enterred a gas station on Starr's Road in Yarmouth and demanded cash and cigarettes.  The station attendant handed over an undisclosed amount of money and smokes and the robber fled on foot.  No one was injured.

Illegal Cigarettes Seized In Yarmouth & Charges Laid

There has been a major illegal-cigarettes bust in Yarmouth.  Two people have been charged and smokes seized.  A Yarmouth residence was searched by the RCMP and more than 13,000 contraband cigarettes were seized and a 75-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were arrested.  Both are facing charges under the Federal Excise Act and Provincial Revenue Act.  They have been released and will appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 11th.

Long-time MODL Councillor Not Re-Offering in October

A District of Lunenburg councillor is calling it quits after representing his constituents for the last 42 years. Arthur Young has decided not to run in the October election, opening a seat that hasn't been filled by another person since 1970. He says its time to move on.



Young says he plans to keep busy on his farm and woodlot and hopes to travel with his wife. Seven District of Lunenburg councillors intend to run again, two are unsure, while two others will not seek re-election. The councillor decisions look like this as of June 12, 2012:

• Councillor Arthur Young will not re-offer
• Councillor Basil Oickle intends to re-offer
• Councillor Sandra Statton will not re-offer
• Deputy Mayor Frank Fawson intends to re-offer
• Councillor Martin Bell intends to re-offer
• Councillor John Veinot is undecided
• Councillor Eric Hustvedt is undecided
• Councillor Don Zwicker intends to re-offer
• Councillor Cathy Moore intends to re-offer
• Councillor Milton Countway will not re-offer
• Councillor Lee Nauss intends to re-offer
• Councillor Wade Carver intends to re-offer

Documentary To Discuss Salmon Aquaculture

A special documentary into the issue of open net salmon aquaculture will make its premiere Wednesday night across the province. Salmon Wars will be played on the South Shore at the Jordan Bay Hall and the Port Mouton Recreation Centre. The movie, written and hosted by Silver Donald Cameron, takes the viewer from one end of Nova Scotia to the other to discuss salmon aquaculture. Cameron speaks to lobster fishermen, conservationists, anglers about the issue. The movie will begin at 7pm. People can also watch the documentary online at http://www.salmonwars.com/ . After the screenings, a distinguished panel will discuss the issues and answer audience questions. People in remote locations may submit their questions via email and twitter. Panel members include:

• Ricky Hallett, Jordan Bay lobsterman 
• Judith Cabrita, longtime executive director, Tourism Association of Nova Scotia 
• Jeff Carr, science head, Atlantic Salmon Federation 
• Mark Parent, former Nova Scotia environment minister

Dexter: Euro Has Direct Impact On Bowater

 Premier Darrell Dexter says the European debt crisis continues to have a direct effect on the economy in Nova Scotia. He says the impact of a devalued euro is causing tremendous stress on the province's pulp and paper industry. The euro was trading at $1.24 on the market on Tuesday - it's lowest level in nearly two years. Dexter says it allows overseas paper manufacturers to flood the paper market with a cheaper product which impacts operations like Bowater Mersey.



Workers at Bowater are preparing for the latest in a series of temporary shutdowns set to take place from June 17th to July 2nd. The Brooklyn-based mill has called for several shut downs since a $50 million dollar bail-out package was announce last year due to saturated paper markets.

Lumberjacks Choose Local Talent As Territorial Picks

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have selected a defenceman and a forward as this year's territorial picks. Lunenburg's Alex Mann and Fox Point's Josh Shatford have been added to the team prior to this weekend's MHL draft in Yarmouth. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says both players bring certain qualities to the team.




Rhindress says it means a lot to secure local hockey players to the organization. Mann had 11 points last year on the South Shore Mustangs blueline while Shatford notched 19 points in his rookie season in major midget.

MODL Taking Stand On Illegal Dumping

District of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe is fed up with illegal dumping. The mayor has decided to set up a meeting with the environment minister to explore ways to curb the problem and enforce fines. Downe says its an unfortunate issue in the county.




Downe says the municipality is working with the towns of Mahone Bay and Lunenburg to make policy changes to help create rewards for anyone found illegally dumping in the area. A date hasn't been confirmed for the mayor's meeting with the province's environment minister.

South Shore Mustangs Selected in QMJHL Draft

South Shore Mustang Brendan Nickerson is now property of the expansion Sherbrooke Phoenix. The Shelburne County native was picked first in the third round, 38th overall, in Saturday's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League midget draft. Nickerson is a six foot two inch defenceman who earned three goals and 11 points in 28 games last season.  Another Stang defenceman, Alexander Mann of Lunenburg, was drafted by Moncton with the 77th pick. Jamie MacIntyre of Dartmouth was taken 89th by Quebec. Shelburne County's Morgan Messenger was grabbed by PEI with the 95th pick.

Queens Co. Fish Hatchery Closure Could Endanger Whitefish: Mayor



Atlantic Whitefish

 As part of federal budget cuts, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be closing a fish hatchery in Queens County.  The Mersey Bio-diversity facility in Milton has been in operation for years, in conjunction with a similar one at Coldbrook in the Annapolis Valley.  Saving the Atlantic Whitefish from extinction by stocking lakes and rivers in the province has been a priority of the hatchery.  District of Queens Mayor John Leefe fears closing it will put the fish in jeopardy again.



The mayor says Atlantic salmon stocks could also be affected by the closure.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.

UPDATE: RCMP Look For Witness Of Fatal Crash

RCMP want to speak with a motorist who may have witnessed a fatal crash in the East River area yesterday afternoon. Sgt. Bridgit Leger says a black SUV or pick-up truck was traveling on Highway 329 around the same time of the single-vehicle crash. Leger says the person is not a suspect, but they would like to speak with the driver.



Mounties believe the driver was headed from Deep Cove to East Chester around 2 o'clock. RCMP are still investigating the cause of the crash and are working with the provincial coroner's office to identify the victim.

Minor Damage After Fire On Maple Street In BW

Minor damage to report after a fire at an apartment complex in Bridgewater last night. Damage was minor but enough to temporarily force one woman out of her unit for a few nights. The Canadian Red Cross stepped in to arrange emergency lodging, food and some clothes for the woman. The blaze was reported around supper time on Maple Street. Other apartments were not affected.

Two Men Rescued From St. Margarets Bay

Two men were sent to hospital for observation after being rescued yesterday afternoon from St. Margarets Bay.  They ran intro trouble when their 4 metre aluminum boat capsized near Boutliers Point.  The 50 and 63 year olds were picked-up by a passing sailboat and row boat.  Both men were wearing life jackets.  Its believed the men were mackerel fishing when their boat rolled over.

Feed NS Reports Rise In South Shore Food Bank Usage

Lunenburg County food banks are finding it difficult to keep their shelves stocked. Feed Nova Scotia has indicated there has been a 20% increase in usage at outlets in Lunenburg, Chester, Bridgewater and New Germany. Executive Director Dianne Swinemar says they can't explain the change on the South Shore. But, she says they have noticed other changes in Colchester and Cumberland.



Swinemar says food banks are facing a critical time of year when donations drop because people are enjoying the summer weather or taking vacations. She urges everyone to do what they can to help their local food bank. Over 22,000 people province-wide were assisted by food banks in 2011.