Bluenose II: Launch Date Nears

The Nova Scotia government is expected to announce the launch date of the Bluenose II by the end of the month. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM, Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra says the province plans to firm up a relaunch date in the next few days. The schooner has undergone a $16 million rebuild on the Lunenburg waterfront. Workers have already started to dismantle the massive dome that has been covering the vessel while it was being

Mayor Confident In Return Of Ferry Service

Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney

The pressure is on for re-establishing the ferry link between Yarmouth and Maine. Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney says he's getting the sense the province is under a lot of pressure now that yet another business in the region has folded, that one being Bowater Mersey. 

The mayor says the region's largest industry and employer needs saving before its too late.



Mayor Mooney says it was made evident last week when the provincially-appointed panel met with various community leaders and groups; there's a serious problem that needs fixing and quickly.



The mayor believes a conventional ferry service will be up and running by next spring.

New Additions Coming To Veterans' Memorial Park

Two new granite monuments will soon honour those who served in the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force. The monuments will be placed on the York Street side of Veterans' Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Chair of the park's committee, Roger Purnell, says the monuments should be in place later this year.



Purnell is optimistic the new monuments will be in place in time for Remembrance Day. The five foot cenotaphs are expected to be placed across from two other memorials.



Purnell suggests the monuments will cost around $8,000. MP Gerald Keddy announced up to $3,685 in federal funds to help with the project.

Power Out This Morning For Some South Shore Residents

A number of South Shore residents are without power at this hour.
About 132 Nova Scotia Power customers are affected along the Naugler Rd, Maitland, Maitland end of Mullock Rd, Hirtle Rd, Blockhouse, Aulenback Point, Sweetland, Woodstock Rd, Clearland, and the Mahone Bay end of the Oakland Rd and surrounding areas. Its not known what has caused the outage. NSP hopes to locate the problem, fix it and have the power restored by 1:30 this afternoon.

Renovations Planned For South Shore Regional Hospital

Changes are coming to South Shore Regional Hospital. The hospital's auxiliary has approved funding for two renovations; one for the front lobby and reception area, the other is on the main floor to expand clinic space for chronic disease management. Outgoing CEO Alice Leverman says more cubicles will be added to the lobby to improve confidentiality.




The auxiliary has set aside roughly $70,000 for the two renovations. Leverman expects the work to start very soon.

LaHave Ferry: Out Of Service Tuesday

The LaHave Ferry will be out of service Tuesday from 9am until about 6pm for repairs. Steve Smith with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says the shutdown is due to mechanical repairs. The ferry is expected to be up and running Wednesday.

Mahone Bay: Tax Bills To Rise In 2012/13

 

 Property taxes for residents and business owners in Mahone Bay are on the rise. The residential rate has been set at $1.15 which represents an increase of about 1.6 percent. Mayor Joe Feeney says setting the tax rate is a balancing act for the town.



The commercial rate has been set at $2.88 per hundred of assessment. The town will spend $500,000 in capital projects this year with just over $12,000 approved in grant requests.

Martin Confident, Prepared Ahead Of Canadian Trials

Jenna Martin says she's in the best shape of her career and ready for the challenge. The 400 metre runner from Bridgewater has to be at her best this week at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Calgary, Alberta. Martin needs to break a time of 51.55 seconds and finish in the top 3 to qualify for the London games. She says she's focused and not feeling any pressure.



The reigning Canadian champion is the top-ranked runner heading into the 400 metre event. Martin says she has trained hard and is confident she will get the job done.




Qualifying will be held Wednesday evening with semi-finals scheduled for Thursday and the finals on Friday.

Hennessey To Run For Municipal Council

The manager of the Visitor Information Centre in Cookville will try his hand in municipal politics. Dan Hennessey is throwing his name into the hat for District 8 councillor in the Municipality of Lunenburg. Hennessey believes his experience in sales and marketing and prior work with the provincial government will help in the municipal circle. He says he's ready to do his part for Lunenburg County.




Hennessey says he wants to promote the county to more tourists and residents. Current District 8 councillor John Veinot remains undecided if he will re-offer.

Poll Respondents Split On Future Of Sawmill Industry

There's a flip-flop of opinion among listeners to CKBW and those of Hank-fm when it comes to our latest poll at both of our websites.  We asked the question .... Can the sawmill industry in Lunenburg and Queens Counties survive with the shutdown of Bowater?

46% of those voting at "CKBW.ca" said ... NO ... it cannot survive!  32% believe it can.  22% said they don't know .... the situation is too volatile right now.

Meanwhile, the same question was asked at "Hank-fm.ca" and the results are opposite. 40% say the sawmill industry can survive!  31% don't think so.  Many people ... 29% of those who responded are not sure.

Here's what the premier is saying about the future of sawmills in the area now that Bowater is closed.



Darrell Dexter is not sure but .... he's remaining optimistic a solution or solutions can be found.

Clyde River Golfer Heads To National Championship

Berwick, N.S.

A Shelburne County golfer is one of the best in the Province.  Aaron Nickerson from the River Hills in Clyde River has captured the 2012 Mid-Amateur Championship at the Berwick Heights Golf Course in the Annapolis Valley.  Nickerson finished strong as he birdied the 17th and 18th holes to beat his playing partner Glenn Robinson of Ashburn by one stroke. Nickerson will lead Team Nova Scotia along with Robinson and Chris Topshee to the 2012 Canadian Men's Mid-Amateur Championship in Vancouver in September.

Bridgewater Police Retrieve Stolen Goods

Bridgewater Police have been able to recover thousands of dollars worth of stolen property thanks to some tips.  Officers were able to use public information to find a stolen motorcycle and a large amount of tools.  Numerous calls about the stolen property were made which helped police track down the items.
Police say the goods are valued at about $20,000.

No Job Guarantees Behind Cooke Deal: Canadian Taxpayers Federation

There are no job guarantees included in the deal from the province to provide Cook Aquaculture with millions of dollars for expansion.  The Atlantic President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation... Kevin Lacey ... is worried the arrangement may run into trouble like the one between the province and Resolute Forest Products.



The Dexter government announced last week 25 million dollars in loans and grants to allow Cooke to proceed with a fish plant in Shelburne, a salmon hatchery in Digby and a feed mill in Truro.  400 jobs could be created as a result.

Park View Graduate Receives NSCAD Scholarship

A former Park View student is getting some financial help for her post-secondary education. Lauren Dial has been named a recipient of the Harrison McCain Scholarship from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. The Lunenburg native graduated from Park View in 2011 with honours. The scholarship is in memory of Marion McCain, a community-minded New Brunswick philanthropist with a keen interest in the arts. The scholarship is worth $4,000 a year and is renewable.

Dexter: Ferry Service Needs To Make Sense

Premier Darrell Dexter says the Yarmouth to Maine ferry service could be re-established but only if it makes sense. Dexter says the ferry needs to be viable and sustainable over the long term in order to run again. An expert panel was in Yarmouth this week to gather information and discuss what would be required to bring the the ferry back to life. Dexter says the decision depends heavily on the panels findings.



Dexter says the difficulty with the Yarmouth to Maine link is the province has had a difficult time securing a partner to help fund the service. The ferry hasn't operated since 2009.

CAMS Receives Automated External Defibrillator

An important piece of medical equipment has been installed at Chester Area Middle School. Officials with the Heart and Stroke Foundation have set up an Automated External Defibrillator in the school's main foyer. Communications Manager, Jolene Titus-Roberts, says a school fits the bill for an AED.




It's the Foundation's hope they will set up 100 Automated External Defibrillator's over the next five years. AED's have been set up across the South Shore including at Queens Place in Liverpool, the Shelburne County Arena, the Forties Community Centre in New Ross and Forest Heights Community School in Chester.

Chester, Yarmouth Relay For Life Results

The results are in from the Chester and Yarmouth Relay for Life events. Communications Manager with the Canadian Cancer Society, Barb Johnson, says Yarmouth raised $78,000 while Chester took-in $62,000 during their June 15 relays. She says more money could filter in because fundraising is open until a month after the event ends. More relays will be held Friday evening in East Hants, Digby, Kentville and Pictou. To date, more than $1.7-million has been raised total for all events this year.

Destination White Point: Book To Be Released Soon

The history of a popular Queens County resort will be released in a book. 'Destination White Point' was written by East LaHave author Frances Jewel Dickson. It explains how the resort came to be and also talks about the recent fire that claimed the historic main lodge. The book was ready to be published until the fire happened. Dickson says it was quite a re-write to make sure the fire was included in the book.




Dickson says she spoke with former staff and resort users, and also current employees to help write her book. Copies of Destination White Point will be available soon at local book stores.

Bluenose II Assets Still Not Given To Province

 

Nova Scotia's heritage minister is frustrated over the situation brewing over the assets of the province’s iconic sailing ambassador. After seven years, the Bluenose II Preservation Trust Society has still not handed over all of the schooners assets to the province. Senator Wilfred Moore is head of the society and announced earlier this month they had handed over half of its $1.4 million in assets. However, Leonard Preyra says that's not the case and the province is still waiting for full disclosure of financial records.



Under an agreement with the province the society maintained and operated Bluenose II from 1994 until 2005. The "Company Store" in Lunenburg - which closed earlier this month - is considered their main asset.

South Shore Gasoline Prices Drop

As predicted, gasoline prices came down overnight.  The utilities and review board has set the new price for a litre of self-serve regular at South Shore pumps at $1.21.7.  Thats a 3 cent a litre drop from yesterday.
----
Meanwhile, the price of oil on the world market continues to fall after closing yesterday at an eight-month low.  Oil is down 60-cents this morning, and is trading at $77.60 U-S a barrel.  The price has tumbled 25 per cent since the beginning of May.

South Shore Health Adopts Healthy Eating Policy

South Shore Health is substituting chocolate bars and chips for granola bars and fruit. The authority adopted its healthy food policy to start creating an environment in their hospitals where smart foods will be provided. A team of health officials have been visiting different town councils in the area trying to get councillors to buy into the idea, but haven't been successful so far. Outgoing CEO Alice Leverman says they aren't deterred by the lack of enthusiasm shown so far.




But, Leverman suggests its their job as health officials to take the initiative when it comes to healthy eating.



The policy will apply to all of South Shore Health's cafeteria's, caterings, staff and community meetings, and vending machines. The policy follows Canada's Food Guide and will be implemented over a two year period from now until 2014.

BREAKING: Cooke Aquaculture Expanding In Shelburne

The province is lending $25-million to Cooke Aquaculture to expand its operations in Shelburne, Digby and Truro. The provincial government says in a release that $16-million of the loan will bear interest, but the remaining $9-million will be forgivable through the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund and jobsHere. Cooke plans to spend $150-million itself on the expansion, which is already underway. The provincial government says the money will create more than 400 jobs, including 320 positions in Shelburne County. Cooke is opening a fish processing plant in Shelburne, building a new salmon hatchery in Digby, and expanding a feed mill in Truro.

Women Have Their Say In New Book

It's a book empowering women to tell their story. '20 Winners at the Game of Life' gives 20 different women a chance to explain how they became successful in their own way. Co-Director of the book, Pat Watson, says its an eye-opener for women.





The book features successful women in all walks of life including five from the South Shore. It will be launched tonight from 6-8pm at Second Story Women’s Centre in Lunenburg.

Government Wrong In Dealing With Electoral Boundaries Commission: Baillie

NS PC Leader Jamie Baillie

The debate continues over the Nova Scotia Provincial Electoral Boundaries Commission interim report it presented in May.  The commission has been told by the government to go back and re-do it because recommending 4 minority-group constituencies be maintained was not part of its terms of refernce.

PC Leader Jamie Baillie says the Dexter government is out of line by telling the commission what or what-not it should be doing.

Baillie says: "The debate is not really about those seats anymore. Its about a government that is using its majority to write its own rules. That is why I say... what a disgrace if this was in Uganda. But, thats exactly what is happening with the rules of the next election here in Nova Scotia and that bothers me more than the protected seats does."

The commission said in its initial report, among other things, there should continue to be 52 members in the Legislature and the four "protected constituencies", including Argyle and Preston, should be retained. The commission now says it will rewrite its final report for release in late August.

Gasoline Prices Will Likely Drop Again!

This could be a fore-runner of what may happen overnight tonight with South Shore gas prices.  For a third straight week, the price of gas is down in New Brunswick.  Regular self-serve fell an even two cents last night to a new top price of $1.23 a litre.  Diesel has dropped three-tenths of a cent and furnace oil has fallen just over a penny to a new maximum price of $1.06 per litre.  The prices are at their lowest level in New Brunswick since last Christmas.

South Shore Company And Fishermen Go To Trial

Charges have been laid and trials are underway for a fish company on the South Shore and 12 individuals.  It follows a lengthy DFO investigation ... running from January 2006 to June 2009.  Some 66 charges in all are involved, dealing with alledged illegal activity in the groundfish and clam fishing industries.  Charges range from buying, selling or processing groundfish and clams in contravention of the fisheries act ... to ... fishing without a license.  The cases against Deep Cove Marine of Chester, its president and 11 other fishermen are back in Bridgewater court later in the summer and into the fall.

Injured Motorcyclist Transferred To Halifax

A motorcyclist, who suffered a critical leg injury in an accident in the New Germany area Tuesday evening, has been transferred to the QE2 Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. The female driver of the second bike involved in the crash has been released from South Shore Regional in Bridgewater.  The accident happened on the Newburne Road in Maplewood and involved two motorcycles and a car.  The driver of the car wasn't hurt. The investigation into the accident continues.

Provincial Money To Boost Aquaculture Industry

A Shelburne County fish farm operation is about to receive an infusion of money from the Dexter government.  Millions of dollars are expected to be heading to New Brunswick-based Cooke Aquaculture.
The company has plans to expand operations, including a processing plant in Shelburne County, a feed mill in Truro and development of a fish hatchery in Digby.  The announcement will be made later this morning by the premier at the end of a two-day cabinet meeting in Shelburne.

One Injured After Two Vehicle Collision in Bridgewater

At least one person has been taken to hospital after a two vehicle collision in Bridgewater. The incident occurred on North Street in front of Guys Frenchy's early Wednesday afternoon. Town police, EHS and the Bridgewater Fire Department responded to the scene. The extent of the injuries are not known at this time

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.