Lunenburg's Deputy Mayor Will Re-Offer

 

The deputy mayor in Lunenburg will re-offer for another term in the upcoming municipal election. John McGee was first elected in 2008 and is rounding out his first term on town council. If re-elected, McGee says he'd like to see the town take a more pro-active approach and be more aggressive in initiating change. He says his first term has been an educational experience for him and believes it's important to run for a second term.



McGee says council is faced with a number of challenges going forward including the future of Lunenburg Academy. He also points to the rising cost of utilities and economic development as areas that will need attention.

Mill Buyer Offered Big Provincial Dollars

As a final agreement nears for the sale of the idle NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill in Cape Breton, Premier Darrell Dexter says the provincial government is offering the potential buyer, Pacific West Corporation, financial incentives including $66.5 million in loans. The premier says $26.5 million of that could be forgiven, based on the Vancouver company meeting certain criteria. The announcement comes after the province's Utility and Review Board approved an arrangement between Pacific West and Nova Scotia Power. The mill shut down last September, laying off some 600 employees and affecting another 400 forestry contractors. Pacific West wants to buy the mill for 33-million dollars and restart production this fall.

Wolter Breaks National Track And Field Record

A local runner has claimed a record at the National Legion Track and Field Championships. Tobias Wolter of Conquerall Mills won the boys under-16 1500 metre steeplechase event in just over four minutes and 15 seconds. Wolter snapped the previous record by four seconds. He also took home silver medals in the boys 1200 metre race and 1600 metre sprint medley. The event was held over the weekend in Charlottetown, PEI.

Board OK's Power Deal For NewPage Mill

The province's Utility and Review Board has given its approval to a proposed power rate deal that could help resume operations at the NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill. Pacific West Commercial Corp. applied for the arrangement with Nova Scotia Power as part of its deal to buy the shuttered operation in Cape Breton for $33 million. The decision also needs approval from the Canada Revenue Agency. It comes just as Premier Darrell Dexter is expected to make an announcement in Port Hawkesbury about the mill later today. The mill shut down last September, throwing some 600 employees out of work and affecting another 400 forestry contractors.

Bed Shortages At South Shore Hospitals

There's a shortage of beds at South Shore hospitals.  A big run on the ER's at hospitals in Liverpool, Bridgewater and Lunenburg has resulted in an unusual number of patients needing to be admitted to the hospitals. Officials at South Shore Health say some of the causes include an elderly population, a high number of palliative care patients, warm weather, and complicated conditions that require longer stays. They say if you don't need emergency care, you should visit your family health care provider, call 811 to receive medical advice from a Registered Nurse, or visit the nearest walk-in clinic. South Shore Health hopes the bed shortage is eased shortly.

Food Drive Bikers Head For South Shore

Don't be surprised to see a large group of energetic cyclists peddling along the 103 in the next few days.

Its a contingent of provincial real estate agents raising money and food donations for Feed Nova Scotia, the charitable organization that looks after people needing food and shelter.  Roger Boutilier (BOOT-leer) of the province's Realtors Association is the lead rider. 


The journey began in Sydney last week and the group of riders will peddle into Bridgewater and Shipyard's Landing on Tuesday with the wind-up in Yarmouth on Saturday.  $25,000.00 is the goal and the group is also collecting canned food donations along the way.

Bridgewater Approves Snow Clearing Reserve

The town of Bridgewater has approved setting up a reserve for snow clearing. Council members have agreed to set up a policy to provide funding for costs not included in their operating budget. The policy allows for funds to be set aside when snow clearing costs are less than budget. It also allows the funds to be withdrawn when costs are greater than budget. The reserve has a $125,000 cap. The town's surplus or deficit for any given year will be impacted by the amount of transfer to and from the reserve.

Health Officials Issue Notice Of Bed Shortage

South Shore Health is experiencing a critical bed shortage at its three hospitals. The health authority says bed space is extremely limited at hospitals in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Queens. It means wait times at each of the Emergency Departments is longer than usual. South Shore Health is encouraging residents who do not require emergency care to use the 811 phone service or the nearest walk-in clinic. Those who require emergency assistance should call 911.

Riverfest Opens Up In Pine Grove

Over 30 musical acts will take the stage this weekend at Riverfest. The festival kicks off Friday evening in Pine Grove and features bands including 7 Mile Stare, Short Notice and Drumlin. The weekend-long festival has been a local favourite since it started in 2004. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the event gives bands a chance to showcase their talent.



All money raised, after cost, is donated to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and 4-H. The concert location is off Dauphinee Road along Pine Grove Road. More details can be found at http://rockthebush.com/ .

Fishermen's ER And Roseway Desk Closures Sign of Healthcare Dilemma: PC Leader

We told you a day or two ago about the pending overnight closure of the front desk and switchboard at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne.  There are fears this will only lead to even more shutdowns in health services in the area.  Now, the province's PC leader is weighing-in on the move.  Jamie Baillie says he too is worried about whats going on.  He says its a symptom of a health care system meltdown.



Baillie says there are way too many health authorities and their high-paid executives that are draining the system of money and resources.  He proposes cutting back on the number of authorities and administrators and increasing health services.

Welcome Home Jenna: Coverage From Celebration

Supporters gather in Bridgewater to welcome home Olympian Jenna Martin. Here's some video from when she addressed the crowd. Click on the file below to watch.

South Shore Woman Gets Two Years In Prison

A South Shore woman has been sentenced to two years in prison for stabbing her boyfriend on New Year's Day 2011. 22 year old Katelin Whitney-Joudrey of Bridgewater was given a 23 month sentence in Bridgewater court on charges of aggravated assault endangering the life of Kiel Naugler and assaulting him with a knife. The extra month was tacked on for stealing blank doctor prescriptions and forging prescriptions for hydromorphone and methadone. Following the trial earlier this year, the judge said the couple's relationship was largely based on their mutual addiction to prescription pills.

Gasoline Prices Increase

South Shore gasoline prices have increased overnight.  The provincial Utilities and Review Board has set regular self serve at a dollar-34-point-7 a litre .... just over a cent more than yesterday.  Diesel is up by about 2 cents to a dollar-34-point-9.

Under-18 Girls Host Soccer Provincials

A local soccer team is gearing up to host the provincial championships this weekend. The girls under-18 South Shore United tier one squad will take on Valley United Saturday morning at 10am. The team features girls from across the South Shore including New Ross, Mahone Bay and New Germany. The winner will play in the gold medal match on Sunday. All games will be played at Park View Education Centre.

Former Principal Charged With Accessing Child Porn

Police have charged a former teacher and principal at Lunenburg Academy with accessing and possessing child pornography. 62-year-old Brian Jobb of Lilydale was charged after allegedly accessing child pornography last February and possessing it in July. Police searched Jobb's home last month and seized computer equipment. Jobb taught along the South Shore for over 20 years before retiring as principal at Lunenburg Academy in 2006. He is due in court December 19.

Hundreds Gather To Greet Olympian Jenna Martin

A dozen roses, signed cards, well wishes and an offer to take a ride on Bluenose II next summer. Those were just some of the gifts presented to Olympian Jenna Martin last night as residents of the South Shore welcomed her home from London. Hundreds of supporters were on hand at HB Studio's Sport Centre to greet Martin back to the area where she grew up. Town Crier Ozzie Styles kicked off the celebration with a rousing address.



On numerous occasions, Martin thanked residents for their continued support during a speech to the crowd. Her mom, Lynn, told the youth in the crowd to follow their dreams at all times.

Familiar Group Chosen For Downtown And Waterfront Master Plan

Bridgewater council has chosen a familiar group to develop a Comprehensive Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan. Ekistics Planning and Design was awarded the contract over eight other proponents. The group received top marks by the committee and also submitted the lowest project cost at $78,850. Ekistics also designed the final plan for Generations Active Park. The group will also complete a branding and signage program for $15,000. The total cost of $93,850 is well-under the town's budget. The project is expected to be completed by March 1, 2013.

South Shore Health Awards Tender For QGH Project

South Shore Health has selected a Halifax construction company to carry out work on the Queens General Health project. The health authority has announced the work contract has been awarded to Avondale Construction after the group submitted the lowest bid. The Queens General Health project will upgrade and modernize the hospital's existing 22-bed medical unit and build a new collaborative health care facility. Construction is expected to begin before the end of the month.

Western Shore: Eastlink Nixes Cell Phone Tower

 

Eastlink has scrapped the idea of constructing a cell phone tower in Western Shore. The company was proposing to build a new tower near Frank Swinimar Road. However, many residents were against the location because it was too close to where they live. Councillor Bob Myra says the company told him in a letter they would no longer pursue the Western Shore location. He says residents are very pleased with the news and praised the company for listening to their concerns. Eastlink says they will continue to explore a potential location for another cell phone tower.

South Shore Prepares For Martin's Home Coming

 

It's a home coming for South Shore Olympian Jenna Martin. A large crowd will welcome Martin back to Bridgewater after her solid performance at the London Olympics. Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe says he's looking forward to seeing the rest of the community celebrate her efforts.



The celebration will take place at HB Studio's Sports Centre on Glen Allen Drive beginning at 7:30PM.

Will Gas Prices Rise Tonight?

The best guestimate is: South Shore gasoline prices will likely remain about the same when the Utilities and Review Board sets the prices tonight. Here's what New Brunswick did last night: the provincial price regulator increased gas prices a bit. The biggest increase is for diesel which is up 2.9 cents to one dollar and 35.4 cents per litre. Regular self-serve gas prices, which jumped nearly five cents a litre last week, are up by one cent, to one dollar and 31 cents a litre.

South Shore: Local Priest Dies Suddenly In Alberta

 

Clergy members are mourning the death of a well-known pastor who served the Roman Catholic community on the South Shore. Father Joseph Christensen passed away suddenly Tuesday night while attending a convention in Edmonton, Alberta. A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth says Christensen had been battling serious heart problems. He was the priest at Saint Joseph's Church in Bridgewater, Saint Norbert's Mission in Lunenburg and St. Matthew's Mission in Elmwood. He had been stationed in the area since 2008. Christensen was 68 years old.

Group Looks To Library Building For Future Cafe

A not-for-profit organization is looking to access a long-standing building in Bridgewater. Local residents have approached town council to open up a cafe in the current location of the public library on King Street. Cafe 12 would replace the library, which is expected to move to the Lifestyle Centre once its complete. The idea came from Marc Langlois, the co-founder of the Heartwood Centre for Community Youth Development. Cafe 12 is expected to be the first in a growing network of cafes with an avenue for live music, art and community events. Mayor Carroll Publicover is behind the project.



The cafe 12 timeline indicates they hope to start renovations in the summer and fall of 2013 and open in 2014. Council has directed staff to proceed with negotiating a lease between the group and the town of Bridgewater.

Bridgewater's McIntosh Awarded $5,000 Scholarship

One of the South Shore's Summer Olympic hopefuls for 2016 is getting some financial help. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh is a student at the University of Calgary and is training for the heptathlon event in Rio De Janeiro. The 21-year-old visual arts student has received a $5,000 scholarship. McIntosh says the money will help alleviate some the pressure.



McIntosh is one of three Olympic hopefuls to receive the award. Recipients for the scholarship are chosen based on academic and athletic achievements.

Shelburne: Fears Over Cuts At Roseway Hospital

The emergency measures coordinator in Shelburne County has deep concerns over cuts within the local health authority. Beginning October 1st, Roseway Hospital will no longer have overnight staff working the front desk and switchboard. Don Bower says patients requiring medical attention after hours will need to ring a buzzer to get inside the hospital - which he says is unacceptable. Bower says it's a huge loss for the community and an issue of public safety.



The hospital is also responsible for providing dispatch for emergency services such as EMO and local fire departments. That service will also be discontinued due to budget restrictions. Bower says at least five or six local fire departments will need to find an alternate solution to their dispatching issues. He's hoping the community will rally and fight to keep the service alive in Shelburne.

Former Fire Chiefs Get Street Names In Bridgewater

A pair of long-time Bridgewater fire chiefs are getting streets named after them.Walter Gow and Harold Langille each have prominent family names in the area. The names "Gow Drive" and "Langille Drive" will become streets in the residential neighbourhood off Roundhouse Drive at the end of Hollingsworth Drive. The town's heritage advisory made the recommendation. Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's not unusual for streets to be named after significant figures.



Gow was the fire chief in Bridgewater for just over 30 years from 1914-1945. Langille served with the town's fire department for over 40 years, 19 as chief from 1955-1975. The street signs are expected to be up in the next few weeks.

Nowe Finishes 2nd At Atlantic Junior Championship

A Bridgewater golfer finished tied for second at the Canadian Junior Golf Association's Atlantic Junior Championship. 16-year-old Ryan Nowe shot even par in Tuesday's final round at Oakfield Golf & Country Club, finishing two strokes back of winner Bradley Curren of Hammonds Plains. Nowe says it was a missed opportunity after tying the lead with two holes to play.



Nowe says he's happy with how he played but would of been happier with the win. The tournament marks the end of the competitive season for Nowe, who will turn his concentration to representing Park View once school begins. With the second place finish, he believes he has accumulated enough points to represent Nova Scotia at next summer's Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Boundaries Commission May Seek Deadline Extension

A member of the provincial electoral boundaries commission says it will likely seek an extension to the month-end deadline to file its report.  Commission vice-chair Colin Dodds told more than 30 residents gathered at the commission's public meeting in Bridgewater last night ... "it looks increasingly remote that they'll meet the Aug. 31 deadline.''  Dodds says he can't guarantee the commission will seek an extension when it meets in Halifax today, but he says one was sought and granted during commission work 10 years ago.  The commission is holding public meetings because the provincial government rejected its interim report, filed in June.  That report went against the government's terms of reference in retaining three protected Acadian ridings of Clare, Argyle and Richmond and the African-Nova Scotian riding of Preston, where voter populations are well below those of other ridings in the province.