Gasoline Price Tumbles Unexpectedly

The price of gasoline has taken a major drop overnight. The province's Utility and Review Board used its so-called interrupter clause to make the change. Gasoline is down today 5.5 cents. A litre of regular gas along the South Shore is now selling for $1.25.5. High-test is down a little as well. Diesel is unchanged though at $1.39.3 per litre. The interrupter clause is used when there's a sudden market shift. It was last used on September 20th, when the price fell six cents overnight. The biggest change today in gas prices is in Prince Edward Island. The price of gas on the island tumbled more than seven cents overnight. Drivers there are paying about $1.21 for a litre of regular gas today.

Man Charged In St. Margarets Bay Break-Ins

There was a large turnout yesterday of St. Margarets Bay residents at a courtroom in Halifax. They were there to see one their own, formally charged with break, enter and theft at a number of homes in the area in recent months. 34 year old Kevin Arthur Whiting of Boutliers Point faces 18 charges, including 6 counts of break and enter and 6 of breaching probation. His legal aid lawyer appeared for him. Whiting was arrested September 20th. He's accused of breaking into homes in the St. Margarets Bay area and making off with electronics, computer gear, jewellery and cash. The case returns to court next Wednesday.

North Queens Roof Replacement Finished

The roof replacement project at North Queens Community School is wrapping up. The project started earlier this summer to replace an old section of roof. Director of Operations, Steve Prest, says there are a few things left to check off the list.



Prest says it was one of their major capital repair projects, after sections of the roof leaked in major rain storms last year. The Department of Education shelled out over $300,000 to do the work.

VIDEO: Lumberjacks Fall To Mariners

Defenseman Brandon Leonardo scored the lone goal for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks in a 4-1 loss to the Yarmouth Mariners. The loss is the fourth in a row for the Lumberjacks, who sit in 5th place in the Eastlink Division. Jordan Lee stopped 28 shots in the loss. Head Coach Terry Rhindress was happy with his team's effort.



The Lumberjacks look to break their current losing skid Friday night when they host the Metro Shipbuilders. Watch below as Brandon Leonardo scores the lone goal for the Lumberjacks.

Campbell Named To Canada East Selection Camp

Colin Campbell

A forward with the Yarmouth Mariners and a goalie with the Metro Shipbuilders highlight four MHL players chosen to be a part of Canada East's selection camp for the 2012 World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge. Colin Campbell and Anderson Snair will try and crack the roster when the camp opens up October 28 in Toronto. The 19-year-old Campbell has 23 points in 13 games this season for Yarmouth while the 18-year-old Snair is 0-7 with the Shipbuilders, posting a 5.41 goals-against-average. Other MHL players invited include Justin McDonald of the Dieppe Commandos and Brandon Pye of the Truro Bearcats. The camp wraps up November 1 before the team travels to Digby for an exhibition game against Russia November 3. The Challenge gets underway November 5 in Yarmouth. For more details, visit http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php?ci_id=170547&la_id=1 .

Province Searches For Yarmouth Ferry Operator

It's another step toward starting a new ferry service in Yarmouth. The province is working to attract a qualified ferry operator through a transparent and competitive process. A draft request for proposals was issued today to be used in discussions with potential ferry operators. Information gathered will be used for revisions to a formal request for proposals. The new ferry operator will need to meet the requirements set out in the province's aid package and show they will be able to turn the ferry run to Maine into a profitable service. The Nova Scotia government is prepared to commit as much as $21 million over seven years to attract a new long-term cruise ferry operation in Yarmouth.

Greenfield Students Sent Home After Power Outage

Students at Greenfield Elementary were sent home early today after a power outage in the community. Nova Scotia Power reported a car accident caused the outage to roughly 830 residents in the area, as well as Middlefield, LaBelle, and Buckfield. The outage was reported around 12:30pm this afternoon and restored just before 2pm.

Bayview Students Stand-Up To Cyberbullying

A group of students at Bayview Community School are working with the province to help combat cyberbullying. Evan Hennigar, Grace Adams, Maggie Baxter and Connor Zinck have been selected to promote their message through a public awareness campaign. The group of four from Mahone Bay created a video encouraging other students to look past a person's online identity and get to know them. Bayview Principal Craig Pottie says he's proud of the students.



The students will work with a marketing group to develop their campaign later this fall.

Leblanc Case Delayed Until November 14

Nova Scotia Legal Aid will not represent a 47 year-old man charged with kidnapping, sexual assault and forcible confinement. David James Leblanc's court appearance in Bridgewater was brief and quickly set over this morning in order to give him more time to seek private counsel. He is accused of confining and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy last month in Upper Chelsea. Legal aid lawyer Barry Whynot says a conflict of interest handcuffs their ability to represent Leblanc. However, Whynot says their office will help the accused find private representation.



Leblanc is facing seven charges in total and will remain in custody until his next court appearance.  He appeared today in Bridgewater provincial court, three weeks after he was arrested in northern Ontario. He appeared to be in better health but still wore bandages on his frostbitten feet. The matter has been adjourned until November 14th.

School Board, Ex-Teacher Headed To Judicial Review

A judicial review has been scheduled between the South Shore Regional School Board and a former elementary school teacher. The two sides will be in Halifax court Tuesday morning to discuss details around the board's firing of the employee. The teacher plead guilty to one count of willfully engaging in indecent acts in 2009. The court issued a conditional discharge in 2009, but the accused was fired by the local school board because they felt his actions were inappropriate for a teacher. The male teacher is arguing he was unjustly fired by the board and is looking to be re-instated. The review will begin at 11am in Halifax.

Chester Council Will Select New Warden On Nov. 8

The new council in Chester will select their warden by secret ballot on November 8th. Veteran warden Allen Webber successfully retained his District 4 seat in a hard fought victory over newcomer Stephen Bond on Saturday night. Webber will be the favourite to return to the warden's office in Chester. He has held the position for the past 18 years. The new council will feature a mix of veteran and rookie members. Andre Veinotte and Tina Connors are the new faces after election night victory's in their respective districts. Incumbents Brad Armstrong, Floyd Shatford, Bob Myra and Sharon Church Cornelius will round out the remaining seats on council.

VIDEO: Skilled Trades Funding For Forest Heights

A new skilled trades centre is just the start of some major renovations about to begin at Forest Heights Community School. The province has announced the Chester Basin school will also get a new roof, sprinkler system and energy-efficient lighting. The new additions are expected to cost $920,000 as part of the Dexter government's $15-million funding announced for the South Shore in August. Vice Principal John Doucette says the centre and renovations are a benefit for the future.



Forest Heights will be the second South Shore school to have a skilled trades centre. The program will be offered to students next September.

Accused Kidnapper Back In Court On Tuesday

A bail hearing will take place on Tuesday in Bridgewater for a 47 year-old man charged with kidnapping, forcible confinement and sexual assault. David James Leblanc will make his second court appearance since his arrest in northern Ontario earlier this month. Leblanc led police on a week-long man hunt which ended on October 1st when police picked him up on a logging road near Long Lac, Ontario. He is accused of confining and sexually assaulting a 16 year-old boy for over a week in Upper Chelsea. Leblanc is facing seven charges in total and is being held at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth.

Lunenburg Teen Faces Stunting Charge/Fine

RCMP have charged a Lunenburg-area teenager with stunting after he was clocked going 63 kilometres over the speed limit near Exit 12. According to police, the 17 year-old was traveling 163 in a 100 zone along the stretch of Highway 103, near Bridgewater. RCMP say the driver had just recently received his license. If convicted, a stunting charge carries an automatic fine of nearly $2,500.

Newcombville Resident Being Awarded Queens Medal

A local cancer survivor is being rewarded for his work with prostate cancer awareness and Lunenburg County veterans. Dan Hennessey is receiving a Queens Diamond Jubilee medal this weekend. He says he's excited about receiving the honour.



Hennessey helped work on a video involving World War II veterans on the South Shore and has written a book and directed a video promoting the need for men to get checked for prostate cancer. He is expected to accept the medal during a presentation at the Bridgewater Days Inn on Saturday.

Bridgewater: Change In Council And Mayor

Bridgewater residents have voted for change around the council table. Five of the six people elected will be new to the position including Sandra Mailman, Jennifer MacDonald, Wayne Thorburne, Andrew Tanner and Michael Graves. Bill McInnis is the lone incumbent at the council level. Meanwhile, David Walker defeated Gary MacNeil by only 122 votes to claim the mayor's seat. Walker says the people have spoken.



The newly-minted mayor and council will be sworn-in during a ceremony November 5 at Bridgewater town hall.

Town Of Lunenburg: Bailey Defeats Stockton For Mayor

The town of Lunenburg has spoken and elected its first ever woman as mayor. Rachel Bailey won in convincing fashion defeating Ron Stockton by a count of 854 votes to 285. Bailey has spent the last four years as a councillor and deputy mayor in the town. She says she expects some challenges when she takes office.



Bailey says she expects the new council to be proactive in making changes that make sense for the historic community. She will be sworn-in as the new mayor, along with the council during a meeting in November.

New School Board To Be Sworn-In November 14

The former board chair is the lone incumbent to return to the South Shore Regional School Board. Elliott Payzant was re-elected in District 1 to serve the Region of Queens over four other candidates. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Crossland was voted to the board in District 2 along with Cheryl Fougere in District 3, serving the town of Bridgewater. Rounding out the newly-elected board includes Jennifer Naugler in District 4, Elmer Garber in District 5, and Theresa Griffin serving Chester in District 6. The members will be sworn into their new roles during the School Board's meeting November 14.

Beaulieu Out In Clark's Harbour

David Beaulieu is out as a councillor in Clark's Harbour. He finished 25 votes behind Rex Stoddard for the final seat on council. Meanwhile, status quo for mayor as Leigh B. Stoddard was acclaimed. The elected councillors have their name bolded below.

Mayor

Leigh B. Stoddard (acclaimed)


Council

Russell W. Atkinson - 202 

*Sherry Atkinson - 212 

Vaughn R. Atwood - 60

Irene Baker - 332 

*David Beaulieu - 171

Bridget Brannen - 167

*Cecil W. Brannen - 204 

Carter Mitchell Nickerson - 143

Trudy Perry Quinlan - 236 *

*Rex Stoddard - 196

South Shore: Sweeping Changes After 2012 Election

There are some sweeping changes to report from the South Shore after last night's municipal election. Rachel Bailey was elected mayor in Lunenburg after defeating Ron Stockton in convincing fashion.  She will serve as the first female mayor in the historic town following an impressive run by Laurence Mawhinney spanning 33 years. Mawhinney announced his retirement from municipal politics in the summer. Meanwhile, in the most heated race on and off the campaign trail, Don Downe was elected to a second term as mayor for the Municipality of Lunenburg. Downe defeated his opponent Kirk Meisner in landslide fashion by a margin of over 4,000 votes. In Bridgewater, veteran politician David Walker will be sworn in as Bridgewater's new mayor after a hard fought race against challenger Gary McNeil. In Queens, Christopher Clarke will return to the mayor's chair after a 12 year absence from municipal politics. Clarke will take over from outgoing mayor John Leefe. Residents in Shelburne elected Karen Mattatall to serve as their new mayor for the town. Mattatall defeated incumbent Al Delaney for the top job in Shelburne. In Chester, Allen Webber was re-elected in District 4 serving Chester Basin. He will join newcomers Andre Veinotte and Tina Connors on the new council combined with three other incumbents. Brad Armstrong also retained his seat representing residents of the Village of Chester. The new Chester council will select their warden during the next council meeting.

Fresh Start For School Board

The South Shore Regional School Board will only have one incumbent when the members swear-in next month. Elliott Payzant, the board's former chair, was elected by voters in the Region of Queens. Voters chose to select five new people to represent students in the local area. Winners in each district are bolded and in italics.


Electoral District 1 - The entire Region of Queens Municipality (including the Maitland Bridge area of the County of Annapolis in polling District 8.)

Allan Foster 
Clifford 'Butch' MacLeod 
Karen Ohrt 
Elliott Payzant 
Courtney Wentzell 

Electoral District 2 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 5, 6, 7,and 9.

Wallace Rex Cross
Elizabeth Crossland
Bob Mertens
Dan Thimot

Electoral District 3 - Town of Bridgewater

Cheryl Fougere
Jerome Tanner

Electoral District 4 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12.

Fred Daugherty
Brian Eisener
Jennifer Naugler
Karen Reinhardt

Electoral District 5 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 1, 3, 4 along with the Town of Mahone Bay and Town of Lunenburg.

Rick Carey
Elmer Garber

Electoral District 6 - All polling districts in the Municipality of the District of Chester.

Theresa Griffin
Warren Laws
Maxwell Rafuse

African Nova Scotian Member of the South Shore Regional School Board - Vernon Simms (acclaimed)

Downe Elected To Second Term In MODL

It was a convincing victory for Don Downe in the municipal election on Saturday night. Downe defeated his opponent, Kirk Meisner in a landslide fashion and will return for a second term as mayor in the Municipality of Lunenburg. The results are listed below for all district seats with several new faces set to appear on the new council including Errol Knickle, Michael Ernst, Claudette Garland, Terry Dory and Carolyn Bolivar-Getson.






Mayor: Total Votes

Don Downe - 5646

Kirk Meisner - 1575


District 1:

Nancy Allen-Rogers - 290

Errol Knickle - 420

Basil Oickle - 196



District 2: 

*Don Zwicker (acclaimed)



District 3: 

*Frank J. Fawson (acclaimed)



District 4:

Michael S. Ernst - 296 

Nancy Wentzell - 260



District 5:

Claudette E. Garland - 388 

Larry Power -188



District 6: 

Wade S. Carver - 281

Terry Dorey - 322

Dave Moore - 129


District 7: 

Cathy Moore - 704

Ron S. Seney - 79


District 8:

Dexter Halliday - 26

Dan Hennessey - 165

John Veinot - 466


District 9:

Carolyn Bolivar-Getson - 298

John Harley -189

Gary Mailman -125


District 10:

*Lee E. Nauss (acclaimed)


District 11: 

*Martin E. Bell (acclaimed)


District 12:  

*Eric Hustvedt (acclaimed)

Residents Vote For Change In Bridgewater

The town of Bridgewater is getting a new look around its council table. Incumbents Patrick Hirtle, Greg Ritcey and Jim Bell will not be around the table for the next four years. Instead, new blood will fill their seats as five of the six positions will be filled with first-time representatives. The mayor's race was also highly contested, but in the end David Walker pulled out the win over Gary MacNeil. Election results are listed below, with those names bolded indicating the elected officials.

Mayor

Gary MacNeil - 1316

David Walker - 1438


Council 

Jim Bell - 961

Beverlee Brown - 876

Michael Graves - 1407

Patrick Hirtle - 1175

Sandra Mailman - 1668

Kevin Marlin - 1075

Jennifer McDonald - 1211

Bill McInnis - 1306

Greg Ritcy - 745

Andrew Tanner - 1480

Wayne Thorburne - 1291

Dennis Woodworth - 918

Clarke Returns To Mayor's Chair In Queens

Christopher Clarke will return to the mayor's chair after 12 years away from municipal politics in the Region of Queens. Clarke defeated three other formidable opponents in Saturday's election. Here are the results from Queens County.









Mayor: Total Votes

Chris Clarke - 1961*

David Dagley - 1414

Owen Hamlin - 384

Mervin Hartlen - 382


Council: Total Votes

District 1 

Darlene Norman - 407*

Brittany Wentzell-Verge - 162


District 2: 

Bruce Inglis - 306*

Heather Kelly - 217

Gene "Gino" Wong - 40


District 3: 

Brian G. Fralic - 312*

Roger Jollimore - 215

Stacy Smart-Chandler - 38

Joel Zwicker - 190


District 4:

Bev Davison - 248

Gary Levy - 149

Susan MacLeod - 257*

John Townsend - 56

District 5:

Jack Fancy - 235*

William "Billy" Joudrey - 45

Linda Rafuse - 177

Wayne M. Wentzell - 121


District 6:

John F. Croft - 180

Dwight Crouse - 84

Raymond Fiske - 336*

Doug White - 65


District 7:

*Peter Waterman (acclamation)

Tight Races Within Municipality of Shelburne

There were a few tight races within the Municipality of Shelburne in Saturday's election. Doris Townsend, Ardith Van Buskirk, Norman Wallet, Cathy Holmes, John Roscoe, David Levy and Roger Taylor were all elected. The municipality will choose its warden via secret ballot at its next council meeting.












Council

District 1: 

Doris Townsend   ****Winner***     96

Robert (Bob) MacLean            67




District 2:

Ardith Van Buskirk  ****Winner*** 165

Carol Mahaney                     96




District 3:

*Norman Wallet (acclaimed)




District 4:

Cathy Holmes ***Winner** 133

Joan Bower   99




District 5:

*John Roscoe (acclaimed)



District 6:

David Levy   **** Winner ***** 112

Benjamin (Benny) Acker   83

District 7:

*Roger Taylor (acclaimed)

Two Incumbents Ousted In Mahone Bay

A pair of familiar faces around the Mahone Bay council table have been ousted from their seat. Election results in the town indicate Virginia Uhlman and Lila O'Connor are on the outside looking in. Results are listed below with those bolded elected to council.

Mayor  

*Joe Feeney (Acclaimed-No Race)

Council

John Bain - 275

Penny Carver - 279

David Devenne - 305

Lynn Hennigar - 290

Karl Nauss - 249

Lila O'Connor - 210

Virginia Uhlman - 233

Kelly Wilson - 269

Two Incumbents Knocked Down In Chester

There will be two fresh faces at the council table in Chester. Andre Veinotte and Tina Connors both defeated incumbents in Saturday's municipal election. Meanwhile, veteran warden Allen Webber retained his seat in a hard fought election victory against newcomer Stephen Bond. The unofficial results are listed below.







District 1:

*Marshal A. Hector - 253
Andre Veinotte - 478

District 2:

*Floyd P. Shatford (acclaimed)

District 3:

Brad Armstrong - 486
Ben Wiper - 108

District 4:

Stephen Bond - 297
Allen Webber - 357

District 5:

*Robert (Bob) Myra (acclaimed)

District 6:

Phillip Broome - 132
Tina Connors - 470
Cheryl Scott - 150

District 7

*Sharon Church-Cornelius

*Elected in Bold

Town Of Lunenburg Election Results

Residents in the town of Lunenburg have elected Rachel Bailey to replace Laurence Mawhinney as their new mayor. Voters also chose to re-elect three incumbents and three new faces to the council table. Election results are listed below.



Mayor

Rachel Bailey  -  854 votes

Ron Stockton  -   285 votes

Meanwhile, six people were elected to town councillor. Those elected are in bold below.  

Thom Barclay - 568

*Danny Croft - 684

Tyler Hayden - 534

*John McGee - 701

Peter Mosher - 533

*Jamie Myra - 494

Cindy Sangster - 485

Robert Young - 329 

*Peter Zwicker - 765


     

New Mayor Elected In Shelburne

Residents of Shelburne have elected Karen Mattatall as their new mayor. She defeated incumbent Al Delaney in the town's municipal election on Saturday. Join her on council - Roy O'Donnell, Rick Davis, Elizabeth Rhuland and Tony Mahaney.






Mayor Total Polls  5-5

Karen Mattatall -365

Al Delaney -245

Robert Sinden -183

P.G. Comeau -130



Council - Total Polls 5-5

Roy O'Donnell -682

Rick Davis -525


Elizabeth Rhuland -500

Tony Mahaney -433

Joshua Brown -404

Bob Strang -254

Frank Slate -179

*Elected in Bold

Ramblers Double Up Lumberjacks

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks fell 4-2 to the Amherst Ramblers last night in Bridgewater. Jeremy Butterworth had a goal and an assist while Cody Coffin supplied the other tally. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says it wasn't the team's best effort.



Jordan Lee stopped 30 shots in the loss. The Lumberjacks are on the road against Yarmouth Saturday night at 7:30.

South Shore Election Has Several Races To Watch

South Shore residents will learn who will represent them at the municipal and school board level tomorrow night. The outcomes of the races won't be known until after the polls close but a few big changes are already certain. A brand new South Shore Regional School Board will be elected almost a year after the previous board was fired by the Education Minister. Meanwhile, there will be new mayor's elected in Bridgewater, Queens, Lunenburg and Yarmouth. There is also a dog fight race shaping up in the Town of Shelburne with four candidates vying for the mayoral position. In Halifax, six candidates are in the running to replace longtime mayor, Peter Kelly. The CKBW news team will provide complete coverage of Saturday's election from key locations throughout the South Shore. CKBW's John Waterman will anchor the program with special guests Laurence Mawhinney, Carroll Publicover and John Leefe providing expert analysis. Our coverage begins when the polls close at 7 o'clock. We will feature live reports from Lunenburg, Bridgewater, Chester, Shelburne, Queens, Mahone Bay and Municipality of Lunenburg.

Lunenburg Mayor Reflects On 33 Years In Office!

Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney

There are many residents of Lunenburg who have never known the town without Mayor Laurence Mawhinney. But in the next few weeks, the 33 year veteran of the office will be retiring, making way for one of two candidates running in tomorrow's municipal election. Mawhinney's first foray into politics was at age 29. Later, he ran provincially and federally but lost. Then, he became involved in municipal politics and never looked back. Mawhinney says he's grateful for the course his life has taken.



Mayor Mawhinney is an ordained Presbeterian church minister. After retirement from the mayoralty, he and his wife plan to continue ministering to several churches in the area.

Lower Gas Prices

A nice surprise when you pull up to a South Shore gas pump today. You'll find regular self serve is down 6.5 cents, selling for $1.30.9 a litre. If you drive a vehicle that uses diesel fuel, you'll pay a bit more. Diesel is up just over a penny at $1.39.3 per litre

Strong E-Voting Numbers In Chester And Bridgewater

The latest e-voting stats are in for Chester and Bridgewater. As of this morning, 1,467 residents have cast their ballot through e-voting in Bridgewater. The numbers show 1,250 voted online and 217 over the phone. It means 23.8% of eligible voters have used the service. Meanwhile Chester had 1,665 votes. In total, 1,114 votes were cast through web voting while 465 were received over the phone. E-voting has wrapped up in Chester but people can still vote online in Bridgewater until the polls close at 7pm tomorrow night.

FibreOp Coming To Lunenburg

A new and improved Internet and TV service is coming to Lunenburg. Bell Aliant is bringing its FibreOp network to the town. The company is investing $750,000 to bring the service to about 1,500 homes and businesses. Bell first announced the FibreOp expansion in Nova Scotia in May 2010. VP for Residential Markets, Andre LeBlanc, says two years later, they've made it to Lunenburg.



LeBlanc expects to have the service ready for residents and businesses this winter. Lunenburgers can pre-register on October 19 for FibreOP service at http://www.bellaliant.net/fibreop/ .

Violent Robbery Near Bridgewater Mall

Police are looking for two men after an aggressive robbery near the Bridgewater Mall earlier today. The alleged incident occurred behind Zellers on LaHave Street when two men approached another man who was walking in the area. Police say the male victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment and later released. The two men wanted in connection with the robbery are described as white and in their early 20's.

South Shore Health Cuts Acupuncture Services

South Shore Health will no longer provide acupuncture services beginning in November. The move will affect approximately 50 clients across Lunenburg and Queens. The treatment was offered through a program under Addiction and Mental Health Services. In a news release, South Shore Health says research does not support acupuncture's effectiveness for treating addiction and mental health. The health authority believes the change will free up staff and put more focus on improving access and reducing wait times. The acupuncture services through South Shore Health will cease on November 2nd.

South Shore: E-Voting Numbers Remain Strong

The latest stats continue to show residents of Chester and Bridgewater have taken a liking to e-voting. In Chester, 1,452 residents have already cast their votes either online or over the phone in advance of this Saturday's municipal and school board election. In total, 987 votes were cast through web voting while 465 were sent in over the phone.  In Bridgewater, 1,248 residents have cast their ballot through e-voting. The number show 1,066 voted online and 182 over the phone. E-voting wraps up in Chester today while residents in Bridgewater can e-vote right up until the time polls close on Saturday at 7 o'clock.

Local School Board Getting Additional Teachers

The South Shore Regional School Board is getting some added help from the province. The board is receiving an additional two-and-a-half teachers to meet the need of oversized classrooms in some of their schools. The help is being provided as part of the government's move to reduce class sizes in primary to grade three. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says they have 15 classrooms with more than 25 students between those grades. She says at least two schools will benefit from the extra help.



Pynch-Worthylake says it hasn't been determined where the remaining position will be filled. She says the additional help will be in the schools as soon as possible.

Queens Mayor Reflects On His Long Career

Mayor John Leefe

He was elected to the Nova Scotia legislature six consecutive times (1978 to 1999 as a PC) and he was a cabinet minister and deputy speaker and more recently, the Mayor of the District of Queens. Now though, in these final days of John Leefe's 12 years in the mayor's office, he's reflecting on his long career. In an interview, Leefe tells us what's led to his success over all those years has been the loyalty of the residents of Queens County and beyond.



And that job as mayor has included leading the way in infrastructure improvements in sewer and water and tourism promotion. Leefe says another highlight has been the development of Queens Place-Emera Centre. After retirement later this month, Leefe will continue as honorary colonel of the West Nova Scotia reserve regiment.



He may also write another book and he and wife Nancy will likely be travelling quite a bit too.

Gas Prices Here May Drop Tonight!

South Shore gasoline prices may take another drop overnight tonight! In New Brunswick this morning, the price of gas has taken a dip for the second week in a row. Regular self-serve in New Brunswick is down just over two cents, selling for about a-dollar-32-cents a litre. Gas has fallen more than seven cents a litre since October 4th. However, diesel is up this week in New Brunswick by just over two cents, the third consecutive increase. Here on the South Shore, regular self serve gasoline is selling today at $1.37.3 a litre. Diesel is $1.38 a litre.

Bluenose II Masts Returning!

Bluenose II Masts

Over the next day or two, the giant masts that are a major feature of Bluenose II will be raised into place. To kick off the event, there's a ceremony this morning on the Lunenburg waterfront. MLA Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra, will be joining Bluenose II Captain Phil Watson. Known as stepping the masts, the process begins with the placement of two coins under the base of both masts. After the placement of the coins, the masts will be raised into place by a crane, a process that will take as long as two days to complete. Bluenose II is nearing the end of a major rebuild costing about 16-million dollars.

Mustangs Lose Heartbreaker To Cole Harbour

The South Shore Mustangs put together 58 minutes of hockey Wednesday night, it was the last two that hurt the most. The Mustangs led 6-4 before the Cole Harbour Wolfpack scored twice in the final minute and 36 seconds of play and eventually beat the local club 7-6 in overtime. The loss is the club's sixth in a row. Alex Nauss had two goals while Christian Tufts, Jordan Messenger, Jamie Arsenault and MacKenzie Woodman also tallied. Cole Skinner allowed seven goals on 25 shots. The Mustangs will try and break their losing streak when they head to Pictou County this weekend for a pair of games against the Weeks Major Midgets.

Lone School Board Member Wraps Up Term

The lone member of the South Shore Regional School Board has wrapped up her term after 10 months on the job. Judith Sullivan-Corney attended her final meeting Wednesday night before a newly elected board takes her place after this Saturday's election. She was brought in by the Education Minister after the previous school board was fired following a scathing report by Deloitte Inc. Sullivan-Corney says all the recommendations put forward by the report last November have been implemented.



Sullivan-Corney says she enjoyed her time working with staff and the community. She hopes to become a consultant, now that her role with the board is finished.

Mustangs Look To Break Losing Skid In Cole Harbour

The South Shore Mustangs look to break a five-game winless skid when they travel to Cole Harbour tonight to play the Wolfpack. Cole Harbour skated away to a 4-0 win over the Mustangs when the two teams met last weekend in Bridgewater. Tonight's game gets going at 7:30.

RCMP Arrest Man For 2010 Fire At Yarmouth Golf Club

RCMP in Yarmouth have finally got the man they believe is responsible for a fire two years ago at the Pubnico Golf and Country Club. The incident occurred on August 5, 2010. Several golf carts were destroyed by fire causing over $140,000 in damages.  RCMP arrested a 33-year-old man from Shelburne County without incident after receiving new information. The man faces 14 counts of mischief over $5,000. He has been released on a promise to appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court November 27th.

Shelburne: Awards Dinner Celebrates Local Business

Twelve businesses have been nominated for awards this year in Eastern Shelburne County. The 2012 Business Excellence Awards in Shelburne will be held on Thursday night at the Osprey Arts Centre. Five major awards will be handed out in various categories ranging from Export Achievement to Business of the Year. The evening's guest speaker will feature Deborah Hashey of Irving Shipbuilding. The Shelburne and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Business Development Corporation is hosting the awards dinner. The event is completely sold out.

Nominees include:

Export Achievement Award:

Cotter's Ocean Products Inc., Mike Cotter

Ven-Rez Products Limited

Green Award:

Shelburne Farmers and Artisans Co-op Ltd.

Consumer Service Excellence Award:

Jamie Cotter, Manager, Lockeport Cottages & Campground Ltd

Kevin Williams, Woodworkers Home Hardware

Rhonda Steele-O'Callaghan, CIBC Home Loans

Entrepreneur of the Year:

Anthony Gosbee, Gosbee's Sporting Goods Ltd

Timothy Gillespie, Best of Nova Scotia

Ulrich Johanns, Seeblick Printing & Cottage

Business of the Year:

Harlow Consturction Ltd, Rob and Jeff Harlow

Kenney & Ross Limited

TLC Pharmacy, Tami Crosby

VIDEO: Sod Turned For New Middle School

The sod has officially been turned at the site of the new South Queens Middle School. Premier Darrell Dexter along with grade seven student Shanyn Whynot plunged their shovels into the ground, marking the start of the project. Dexter went to the current school as a high school student, along with other members of his family. He says it's a day of mixed emotions.



Dexter says the new school will be the first of its kind in the province designed to support project-based learning. MLA for Queens,Vicki Conrad, echoed the premier's thoughts, saying the new school will be a great benefit for the community.



She says the new school will encourage good learning opportunities and attract families to the area. The school will be home to students in grades 6 to 8, with grade 9 students moving to Liverpool Regional High School. The new middle school is scheduled to open in September 2013.

South Shore Health Offers Free Flu Shots

It's almost time to roll up your sleeve and get a flu shot. South Shore Health is offering free vaccination clinics across the region beginning on October 23rd in New Germany and Caledonia. People at high risk of complications due to the flu are those 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and anyone with chronic medical conditions. The health authority is encouraging anyone who falls under those categories to get a flu shot and lower their risk.

A complete list of South Shore clinics is listed below: Remember to bring your health card

October 23rd, 25th: Caledonia from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm  at North Queen's Health Center

October 23rd: New Germany from 9:30am-7:00pm at New Germany Medical Center By appointment only. Call 644-2361

October 24th: Chester from 9:00am-12:00pm at Chester Community Clinic. By appointment only. Call 275-5268

October 24th: New Ross 29th from 6:00 pm-8:30 pm at New Ross Consolidated School

October 25th: New Germany from 9:30am-4:00pm at New Germany Medical Center By appointment only. Call 644-2361

October 29th: Tancook from 11:30 am-1:00 pm at Recreation Center

November 5th and 26th: Bridgewater from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church

November 6th: New Ross from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at New Ross Family Resource Center

November 6th, 8th: Caledonia from 1:00pm-4:00pm at North Queens Health Center

November 19th: Liverpool beginning at 2:00pm at Liverpool Family Resource Center. By appointment only. Call 354-1305

November 22nd: Lunenburg from 3:00pm-7:00pm at United Church Hall

December 6th: Caledonia from 1:00pm-4:00pm at North Queens Health Center

Retiring Yarmouth Mayor Happy With Term In Office

GG David Johnston & Mayor Phil Mooney

He's been Mayor for only one term. However, Phil Mooney believes he's helped his town accomplish a lot.
The Yarmouth Mayor is not running again for the job. He says the highlight of his tenure was the provincial funding announcement recently to help in re-establishment of the ferry to Maine.



Mooney says troubles surrounding the SouthWest Development Authority and town finances were areas he and council worked their way through over the past 4 years. While he's retiring from the Mayor's chair, Mooney "is" running for a town council seat in Saturday's elections.



Mooney will leave office as Mayor at the end of the month.