NS Firms Ready To Tap Into Shipbuilding Contract

Premier Darrell Dexter says Nova Scotia firms are well positioned to take advantage of a $25 billion opportunity under the federal government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The province commissioned Duke University's Center for Globalization to compile a study detailing how home-grown companies could become suppliers to the shipbuilding program. More than 100 Nova Scotia firms were named in the study including Allendale Electronics in Lockeport and the Lunenburg Industrial Foundry. However, Dexter says the report focuses more on opportunities for local companies rather than guaranteeing work.



The report cost $135,000 to compile but Dexter says it's a relatively small amount when you look at the overall amount of the shipbuilding contract. He says ship designs could be announced by Ottawa in the near future with work tentatively set to begin in mid 2015.

Mustangs Host Titans In Support Of Shay Family

The South Shore Mustangs fell 6-2 last night to the Valley Wildcats. Jordan Messenger and Riley Donaldson scored for the Mustangs while Cole Skinner allowed six goals on 48 shots in the loss. Meanwhile, the club is looking for local support this weekend in their second to last game at home this season. The team hosts the Halifax Titans on Saturday. Canadian Tire has donated a $200 barbecue to be raffled off. All proceeds from the game and raffle go directly to the family of Ryan Shay, a former Mustang player who was seriously injured in a car accident earlier this month. The game goes Saturday night at 8pm in Bridgewater.

Bridgewater: More Charges After School Lock Down

Police have laid more charges against a 37 year-old man at the centre of Monday's school lock down in Bridgewater. Sheldon Earl Bowers is now facing nine charges in total. Bowers was arrested earlier this week at his York Street home after police ordered the lock down of two nearby schools. Officers seized eight guns and drugs including an undisclosed amount of cocaine after a search of a home. The new charges include careless use of a firearm in relation to allegations of shots being fired and threatening a witness. Bowers is also facing allegations of uttering death threats, careless storage of a firearm and various possession and trafficking offences. Police say their investigation is still active and more charges could be laid. Bowers is due back in court on January 30.

More Money Needed For Maintenance: Operations Director

The director of operations for the South Shore Regional School Board is looking to increase the maintenance budget for schools. Steve Prest indicated recently they have about $7-million worth of work to do on 33 schools and the figure keeps growing. The work ranges anywhere from electrical to sprinkler systems and ventilation. Prest is proposing an increase of $330,000 for the 2013-14 maintenance budget. But, he knows, it's a difficult decision.



Prest says their three year average for maintenance spending is around $890,000, which he says is at the low end of industry standards. The board didn't make a decision on the request.

Two Companies Interested In Yarmouth Ferry

Two companies have submitted proposals to set up and run a commercial ferry service between Yarmouth and the United States. The Nova Scotia government says that proposals were received from Quest Navigation Incorporated and Maritime Applied Physics Corporation. The request for proposal to restart the ferry closed on Thursday afternoon. The proposals will be evaluated with a decision expected on by the end of February. The province has promised to provide up to $21 million over seven years to help kick start the defunct ferry service which hasn't been running since the government cut its subsidy in 2009.

New Clinic To Help With Non-Urgent Health Care

South Shore residents are getting help to access non-urgent health care. A new, six hour clinic will begin running early in February to give patients dealing with issues like minor cuts, sinus problems or prescription refills a chance to see a doctor. CEO for South Shore Health, Peter Vaughan, says the new clinic is a small step towards addressing what has become an urgent need for doctors in the community. The new clinic begins February 4 at the regional hospital in Brdgewater. A doctor will be available to see patients by appointment from 3-9pm every Monday and Wednesday next month. Residents will have to book appointments with the doctor between 10 and noon on the day of the clinic for that day only.

MODL To Further Discuss Potential Skate Park

The Municipality of Lunenburg will check their finances before deciding to support a future skate park  Council heard from proponents of the skate park earlier this week, who are asking for almost $6,000 towards construction design. The group is also asking for a four-year commitment from the municipality at $25,000 each year.  Mayor Don Downe says they will talk more about the issue.



The park is pegged to be located near the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The matter will go to the municipality's budget/finance committee for further discussion.

South Shore Hockey Team Helps Food Bank

The Bantam Major BMO Western Hurricanes hockey team played the Bubba Ray Gulls this past weekend at Queens Place-Emera Centre in Liverpool. Admission to the game was in Support of the local Food Bank.

A good turnout of fans helped the team in drumming up one hundred bags of groceries and one hundred and twenty-five dollars in cash donations. The Western Hurricanes team and management would like to thank everyone for their support. By the way, the Hurricanes and Bubba Ray Gulls tied their game at 3-3.

 

Blandford Man Faces Charges For Stealing From Vehicles

A 26-year-old Blandford man is facing charges of stealing from motor vehicles and trespassing following an early morning spree in Middle Sackville. Halifax RCMP tracked the man for up to two hours this morning after reports of thefts from vehicles. The incidents were linked between Lucasville Road and Exit 2A on Highway 101. The man was taken into custody and is facing 12 charges relating to the arrest.

Boudreau Remembers Slain Daughter

It's been nearly five years since Karissa Boudreau was murdered by her mother in a case that made headlines across the country. And after year's of grieving, the girl's father is speaking out about his 12-year-old daughter. Paul Boudreau says the pain will never go away, but adds focusing on good memories helps each day. However, like any parent who has lost a child, Boudreau has his ups and downs.



One avenue that has helped Boudreau get over his loss has been the Karissa Boudreau Memorial Pet Food Drive, which has raised thousands of dollars over the last five years for local animal shelters and programs. He says communities like Bridgewater have really come together and supported the fundraising initiative. The 40-year-old Shelburne County native says he has fond memories of his daughter, and will always remember his daughter's joy around Christmas.



Penny Boudreau is serving a life sentence in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years in relation to Karissa's death.

Third Suspect In Confinement Case Elects Supreme Court Trial

A Lower Sackville man will face a judge and jury in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in connection with the alleged confinement of a 16-year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. The election was entered by the lawyer for 63-year-old John Leonard MacKean, who did not appear at a hearing today in Bridgewater provincial court. MacKean, who is charged with sexual assault and prostitution related offence is scheduled to appear for a preliminary inquiry on July 25. He was arrested in November at a hotel in Fredericton. Police launched an investigation in September after a woman reported that a barefoot and shackled teen had shown up on her doorstep seeking help. David James LeBlanc also faces seven charges in the case and is to return to court in April for a preliminary inquiry.

Brrrr! Baby! Its Cold Outside!

Its a mid-winter reality check as temperatures all across the region dip to minus double-digit figures. Here on the South Shore, temperatures could reach minus 29 overnite tonight, when the wind chill is factored in. Daytime "highs" tomorrow won't be much more than that either! Schools in northwestern New Brunswick are closed today because of the cold. In Grand Falls, the wind chill factor hit minus-36 at 10 o'clock this morning. Wind-chill warnings are in effect all across the Maritimes with northern Nova Scotia, all of New Brunswick, P-E-I and western Labrador feeling the most cold. Expect these kind of temperatures right into the weekend before it warms up on Monday.

Third Suspect In Confinement Case Due In Court

A 63 year-old man allegedly connected to the sexual assault and confinement of a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea is due in court this morning. John MacKean of Lower Sackville is facing a charge of sexual assault and another prostitution related offence.  MacKean was arrested in November in relation to the case at a hotel in Fredericton. He is the third suspect charged in the disturbing case where a 16 year-old told police he was held captive and sexually assaulted for about a week last September. Forty-seven year-old David James Leblanc is facing seven charges and will return to court in April for a preliminary inquiry. The third suspect, Wayne Alan Cunningham, was found dead in northern Ontario toward the tail of a nation-wide manhunt.  Charges against Cunningham have been withdrawn.

VIDEO: Police Reveal Seized Weapons From York Street Home

The Bridgewater Police Service revealed the weapons seized from a home on York Street Monday after a pair of schools were put in lock down as a precautionary measure. The man who was arrested at the scene, 37-year-old, Sheldon Earl Bowers, is facing seven charges including uttering threats to cause death, unsafe storage of firearms and federal drug charges. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on January 30.

Lunenburg Councillor Upset With Flyer Distribution

A councillor in Lunenburg is upset with a Halifax company over flyer distribution. Peter Zwicker says he has written The Chronicle Herald to persuade its drivers to deliver flyers to the door instead of throwing them onto driveways and yards from their vehicles. Zwicker says it's an issue mainly in nNew Town, not Old Town.



Zwicker says council dealt with the concern a few months ago but it has since gotten worse. He hopes the company will take responsibility and fix the issue.

Seven Charges Laid After Schools Locked Down

A 37 year-old man will remain in custody until his next court appearance after police found a large cache of weapons inside a home near two schools in Bridgewater. Sheldon Earl Bowers is facing multiple drug and weapons related offences after police searched his home on York Street. Town police say the search uncovered eight long guns, including shotguns, rifles and an assault-style weapon. Officers say they also found marijuana and cocaine inside the home. Crown attorney Leigh-Ann Bryson says the accused is facing seven charges in total.



Bridgewater Elementary School and the nearby high school were locked down for more than an hour Monday after police warned school officials about a potential threat to the community. Bowers will return to court on January 30th.

Couponers Beware: You Could Be Scammed

The Better Business Bureau has a warning for South Shore consumers looking to save money by gathering on-line coupons. It says beware of scammers! Yes, even they are trying to cash-in on the coupon-craze. Scam coupon sites often ask for your contact information. You need to make a purchase, but you hope to save money by finding a coupon online. A Google search turns up dozens of websites. Most of the online coupons promise a modest 10%-15% discount. But one offers a significantly better deal: 50% off your purchase. You click the link, and the website looks official. It uses the logo of the business. It asks you to enter your email address and telephone number, promising that your coupon will be sent to you. Jill Atkinson of the Better Business Bureau says "bait and switch" is big among scammers who are trying to get your info to sell to others.




Atkinson says avoid anything that seems suspicious and if you have questions, contact the Atlantic Better Business Bureau.

Police Seize Rifles, Shotguns & Drugs From York Street Home

A 40-year-old Bridgewater man remains in custody following an arrest yesterday at his York Street home. Police chief John Collyer confirms a search of the man's home found a large number of weapons including eight long guns ranging from shotguns to rifles including an assault-style weapon. Collyer also says they found marijuana and cocaine inside the home and have dismantled a grow-op. The Bridgewater Elementary School and the nearby high school were locked down for more than an hour yesterday because the man's home is located just a few blocks away. The man has not been formally charged but police expect him to appear in court later this afternoon.

Early Budget Talk Reveals Potential Deficit In Bridgewater

It's still early in the town of Bridgewater's budget talks for 2013-14, but there's preliminary talks of a deficit. The town's director of finance indicated a potential $1.1-million shortage if the projected numbers are maintained. But, the mayor says there's still plenty of information to gather before the budget is approved in the spring. He expects it to be tough to balance.



Some suggestions from councillors to crawl back the debt includes asking town departments for as much as a 10 per cent cutback in costs. More public budget meetings will be held in early February.

Bridgewater Man Arrested During School Lockdowns

A 40 year-old Bridgewater man has been arrested after two schools were put under lock down this afternoon. Bridgewater police received a call around 11:30 this morning about a distraught man who was allegedly threatening other people. Chief John Collyer say the man will undergo a mental health assessment and charges are pending. Bridgewater Elementary School and Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School were locked down at the request of local police due to the potential threat in the community. Collyer says the man gave himself up after exiting his home.



He says police seized a firearm from the man's house at 201 York Street - located just down the street from both schools. Police have not released the man's name and would not confirm if shots were fired. The lock down began around lunch time and lasted for more than an hour.

BREAKING: Arrest Made In Relation To Lockdown

Police have made an arrest after two schools were put under lock down in Bridgewater. Officers arrested a man at a house on York Street. Bridgewater high school and elementary were put under lock down shortly after lunch due to a possible threat in the community. An official with the South Shore Regional School Board told our Newsroom the schools were both put under lock down as a precautionary measure. Police say students and staff are all safe. Parents of students attending Bridgewater Elementary are being asked to pick up their children at the NSCC - Lunenburg Campus. The Bridgewater Police Service is holding a press conference to brief media on the situation.

BREAKING: Bridgewater Schools Under Lockdown

Two Bridgewater area school's are under lock down. Police confirm Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School and the neaby elementary school were ordered to undergo the procedure shortly after lunch. CKBW and HANK FM's Nick Yorston says police have not revealed the reason for the lock down.



Students from Bridgewater Elementary are being relocated to the NSCC - Lunenburg Campus. Police have the situation under control. We will have more on this developing story as information becomes available.

Duckworth Finishes 10th At Snowboard World Championships

Kingsburg's Alex Duckworth was the lone Canadian to crack the top 10 over the weekend at the FIS Snowboard World Championships in Quebec. Duckworth finished in 10th place in the women's halfpipe, her career best finish at the major event. The 26-year-old is competing in several world cup events this year to try and reach the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Memorial Pet Food Drive Raises $1740 For Local Groups

It was a successful final year for the Karissa Boudreau Memorial Pet Food Drive. One of the organizers, Tracy Daniels, says Shaid Tree Animal Shelter received four heaping shopping carts of food and supplies. She says the Trap Neuter Release program also received a full cart of cat food and $1740 in cash from donations and t-shirt sales. Daniels hopes people will continue to donate to local animal shelters and programs.

Grief Counselors Help Students In Petite Reviere

Grief counselors will be working with students at Petite Riviere Elementary today. Nine year-old Olive Moore was a student at the school and was killed after she was hit by a van backing up in a driveway on Saturday. The girl was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital where she later died from her injuries. A 30 year-old woman from Mount Pleasant was arrested for impaired driving but was released from custody on Sunday. No charges have been laid. RCMP say their investigation is ongoing.

Mounties ID Young Girl Killed In Driveway

Lunenburg RCMP have released the name of a young girl killed during an incident in a driveway in Pleasantville on Saturday. Nine-year-old Olive Moore of Mount Pleasant died as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck by a van that was backing up. A 30-year-old Mount Pleasant woman was arrested for impaired driving. She has been released from police custody and the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been laid against the woman.

Yarmouth: RCMP Find Drugs During Traffic Stop

Texting while driving has landed a Yarmouth man in hot water. RCMP say a 32 year-old was pulled over because he was seen texting while driving last Thursday. However, a strong smell of pot was coming out of the vehicle during the traffic stop. A search of the vehicle turned up more than a few text messages as neatly a half kilogram of marihuana was discovered inside the vehicle. Police made the find on Highway 1 in Hebron. The man is facing possession and trafficking charges. He's due in Yarmouth court in April. 

New Police Community Response Unit Created

The Bridgewater Police Service has a new community response unit. The Board of Police Commissioners for the town and the Bridgewater Police Association have signed on to the one-year pilot project. The unit is expected to be focused on crime prevention and enforcement of community issues like break and enters or speeding. Constable Will Creamer says the new unit makes sense strategically and financially.


Creamer says the unit will be made of of three constables to start, with room to add a fourth member. He says the unit's goal is to enhance the level of police service to the town.

Pleasantville: RCMP Investigate Death Of Young Girl

A nine year old girl is dead following an incident on Saturday in a residential area of Lunenburg County. RCMP say a girl was severely injured when she was hit by a van that was backing out of a driveway in Pleasantville. The girl was taken to South South Regional Hospital where she later died from her injuries. The incident occurred around 11:30AM. Police had a section of Corkum Road tapped off for a several hours while they conducted their investigation. A 30 year-old woman was taken into custody at the scene. No charges have been laid. Both the victim and the woman are from the Mount Pleasant area.

Mouzar Named Honorary Chair For Local Curling Event

A familiar face is returning to Liverpool as the honorary chair for the 2014 M and M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships. Queens County native Jill Mouzar, who led Nova Scotia to a junior curling championship in 2001 and a provincial Scotties title in 2007 has been named to the position. The 29-year-old says she's excited about being involved with the local tournament.



Mouzar adds, she looks forward to meeting and providing guidance to the teams during the event. She also won events including the 2010 Canadian Mixed and 2004 Canadian Juniors. A 'one-year-to-go' celebration was held at the Liverpool Curling Club this afternoon.

Occupy Winter Movement Hits Keji National Park

A grass roots movement is gaining momentum across the country this weekend. Occupy Winter events are planned nation-wide including an event at Kejimkujik National Park in Maitland Bridge. People are expected to gather at the park and demonstrate their position of having national parks open and accessible year-round. A supporter of the movement, Peter Rogers, says they want to inspire change.



The Federal government decided last year to make most parks seasonal, meaning they only offer services during peak times. People are encouraged to visit Keji this weekend to hike, ski or snowshoe and show their support for a year-round national park.

Baille Puts Different Spin On Michelin Expansion Money

Premier Darrell Dexter is being criticized for handing out millions of dollars to another large corporation. The N-D-P government will provide 8.9-million dollars to Michelin for expansion of their plant in Waterville, a project that will create 50 jobs. Critics say Michelin is big and doesn't need the money and the jobs have cost the province about $170,000 each. However, PC leader Jamie Baillie tells us he's glad Michelin is up-sizing and not downsizing or pulling out.



The premier says it's a worthwhile, one-time investment to create long-term jobs in such a competitive job environment.

Adult Residential Centre Services Threatened?: Baillie

The newly unionized staff at a South Shore adult residential centre is the first group of workers in the province to get their initial contract under the First Contract Arbitration law. The law was passed by the legislature last year despite stiff opposition from the Liberals and PC's. The 50 or more workers at LaHave Manor in Bridgewater are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers Union. PC Leader Jamie Baillie fears First Contract Arbitration at the Manor will lead to cutbacks in service to clients.

There will be a public open house this afternoon (Friday) at LaHave Manor and Jamie Baillie says he will be there to show support for the staff and their families.

Stomach Virus Clearing, Restrictions Remain

A nursing home in Bridgewater has re-opened to visitors after a stomach virus broke loose earlier this week. Shannex-Ryan Hall is allowing limited visits after a restriction was imposed on Wednesday. Infection control nurse Pasty Rodding says the home is open to immediate family members.



Meanwhile, Hillside Pines will keep their visitor restriction imposed over the weekend. Residents at the group home are dealing with a similar illness. Officials say they will reevaluate the situation on Monday.

Nova Scotia: Gasoline Prices Drop

Gasoline prices are down today at South Shore pumps. The utility and review board set the coming week's prices at midnight. Regular self serve is now selling for $1.25.7 a litre, that's a drop of just over 3 cents. Diesel is unchanged though at $1.35.4 per litre.

Clippers Stave Off Huskies In Overtime

It was a sea saw battle last night as the Chester Clippers managed to get by the Shannon Huskies in overtime. The Clippers were down 2-0 early but stormed back to take a 5-3 lead in the second period. The Huskies didn't quit though, tying the game late in the third. Kyle Dilosa was the overtime hero, giving the Clippers a 7-6 win, the team's league-leading 20th victory of the season. The Clippers next game will be at home Saturday night at 7:30 against the Clare Lions.

Park View "Fever Weekend" Begins

Panther Fever Weekend begins tonight with both Park View J.V. and Division one teams in action.  J.V. boys will play Lockeport and the division one boys will look to continue this years dominance of the crosstown rival Vikings. Any elementary or Junior players that attend wearing there team jerseys will receive free admission.  All students that come to the game will receive a ballet for a chance to take the $200.00 half court shot at half time of the division one games. The Panther Booster club lounge will be open for those adults looking for a snack and some conversation. "Catch the Fever" this weekend.


THURSDAY  JANUARY   17th
5:30pm    Park View J.V.    vs      Lockeport
7:30pm    Park View Senior Night Presentation
7:35pm    Park View  D1    vs    Bridgewater

FRIDAY  JANUARY   18th
4:00pm Bridgewater        vs   Park View J.V.
6:00pm    H o r t o n    vs     Cobequid  Ed. Centre
7:40pm    Printers Corner 3 Point contest
8:15pm    North Nova        vs     Park View D1

SATURDAY JANUARY   19th
10:00am North  Nova  vs Bridgewater @ Centre Scolaire de la
Rive-Sud
10:00am  Charles P. Allen   vs     Horton
12:00pm  Park View D1   vs     Cobequid  Ed. Centre
1:40pm Printers Corner  2 Ball  Contest
 2:15pm Horton    vs     North  Nova
 4:15pm Cob. Ed. Centre    vs  Charles  P.  Allen

Bridgewater Offers Residents Budget Survey

The town of Bridgewater wants to hear from you. The town is collecting public feedback on this year's budget through an online survey. The questionnaire asks residents to provide a 'yes' or 'no' answer that would indicate a possible raise in taxes. Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Amy Wamboldt, says they welcome public input.



Residents have until February 15 to fill out the survey but are also encouraged to show up to public sessions.
The first one will be Monday night at town hall. You can find out more details on the survey by clicking here .

50 New Jobs Coming To Michelin In Waterville

Michelin has made a huge commitment at its operation in the Annapolis Valley. The tire manufacturer and the Nova Scotia government announced a $73 million dollar investment at the plant in Waterville. Michelin will invest $64.1 million at the facility in the Valley. The province will invest up to $8.9 million. The money will be used to improve its technology and business processes, and create 50 new jobs. The project will also include a 3,000 square-metre building expansion at the Waterville plant. The company employs about 3,500 in Bidgewater, New Glasgow and Waterville.

Junior 'C': Clippers Host Huskies In Chester

The Chester Clippers look to exact some revenge on the Shannon Huskies when the two teams square off tonight at the Eleanor Pew-Morris Arena. The Clippers were handed just their second loss of the season last Sunday when the Huskies beat them 3-2. Chester sits in first place in the Nova Scotia Junior 'C' League with a 19-2 record. They will go for their 20th win of the season against Shannon tonight at 7:45 in Chester.

Lockeport: Seven Town-Owned Facilities Get Funds

It's a big boost for seven town-owned facilities in Lockeport. South Shore-St. Margaret s MP Gerald Keddy has announced just over 55-thousand dollars in federal funding for renovations and upgrades under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Town Hall and Recreation Centre, the Lockeport Fire Station and the Lillian Benham Library will each undergo upgrades on their roofs. Meanwhile, new windows and doors will be installed at the recreation centre and the Crescent Beach Centre and Visitor Information Centre. The Community Health Centre and the Seacaps Lighthouse Outdoor Stage also received funding for upgrades. The federal fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure.

Ramey: Bill Restricting Land Owners Rights Won't Move Forward

The MLA for Lunenburg West says his government has no plans to proceed with a private members bill that would limit the rights of private woodlot owners. The Natural Resources Accountability Act was introduced by New Democrat Michele Raymond toward the tail end of the fall session of the legislature. The bill, if passed, would require a permit in order to make alterations such as cutting trees on private land with penalties reaching $1,000 if caught without permission from the province. Gary Ramey quashed the notion during an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News this week.



Ramey says he received numerous calls and emails regarding the bill but assured residents the government has no plans to move it forward.

South Shore: Tricky Driving Conditions Reported

Motorists throughout the South Shore are reporting difficult driving conditions. Comments on our Facebook page indicate slushy and slippery conditions are the norm in Chester, Milton, Lockeport and Newburne - among other areas. The forecast calls for up to four centimetres of snow this afternoon with another five to ten centimetres expected tonight. Residents could also see some ice pellets and rain in Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties.

MODL: Resident Decision Needed Before Paving Starts

The Municipality of Lunenburg has agreed to pay 40 per cent of the cost of paving two roads in Pine Grove. Council members agreed to spend an estimated $130,000 to pave Harold Whynot Road and Craig Chandler Drive. However, the onus is squarely on the residents of those streets, who have to agree to cover the rest of the bill. Mayor Don Downe says 75 per cent of residents will have to approve the decision in a petition.



There are 26 properties between the two streets, meaning 20 households would have to agree or paving wouldn't happen. The estimated cost to residents is $8,600. Downe says there are avenues people can choose to pay either by paying up front or financing with the municipality at 10 per cent administration charge.

Bridgewater: Stomach Virus Closes Group Homes

A stomach virus has restricted visitation at two group homes in Bridgewater. Hillside Pines and Shannex-Ryan Hall are temporarily off-limits due to a gastrointestinal flu. Both homes will be off-limits to family and visitors until further notice.  Officials will reevaluate the situation in a few days.

Bridgewater Building Permits On The Rise

Construction activity in the town of Bridgewater has gone up. The town saw an increase in building permits in 2012, from 159 in 2011 to 168 last year. Most of the activity was either residential or commercial. Mayor David Walker says it's nice to see a gain.



The total value of building permits from last year is estimated to be just over $10.8-million. Walker says its a good year but not spectacular.

Valley: Michelin Announcement Set For Thursday

The North American president of Michelin is expected to make an announcement tomorrow regarding the company's tire plant in the Annapolis Valley. Michelin Canada issued a brief statement today saying the announcement relates to an investment at the Waterville plant. Premier Darrell Dexter is expected to be on hand when Dana LeBlanc makes the announcement near the plant. The tire manufacturer has been looking at expanding its operations in the Annapolis Valley community. Last May, Dexter announced funding for a study that would look at relocating the Waterville Municipal Airport to allow for expansion at Michelin.

Preliminary Hearing for Leblanc Set For April 29th

A single day has been set aside for a preliminary inquiry involving a man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to an incident last year in Upper Chelsea where a 16 year-old boy claims he was held captive and sexually abused for about a week. The 47 year-old made a brief court appearance Wednesday in Bridgewater to set a date for the preliminary inquiry. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor told reporters the case could be complicated by the fact former co-accused Wayne Cunningham is dead. However, he says a one-day hearing will be enough to deal with the matter. Taylor has elected his client be tried in Supreme Court. The case will pick back up on April 29th.

Lumberjacks Seek Illusive Win

It was a spirited Maritime Hockey League game last night in Bridgewater as the Pictou County Weeks Crushers edged the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 4-3. The Crushers built a 4-0 lead after the first period and then held on. Jeremy Butterworth, Michael Crawley, and Shawn Boudreau scored for the Jacks. Goalie Jacob Edwards was very solid in his Jacks' debut making 43 saves. Bridgewater's next game is this Friday night when they host Luke Warner and the Summerside Western Capitals.

Watchdog Group Seeks Less Municipal Control of Tax Rates & Property Assessments

If you are a property owner, you will notice your assessment is up again this year! After a 3.5 percent hike last year, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says its little consolation in knowing its almost 2 percentage points lower than the bill in 2012 when you consider all you're paying out. CTF Atlantic director Kevin Lacey tells us, we are being taxed to death and paying more for everything. He says: "Keep in mind we are already paying more in provincial taxes this year and also many user fees. So, we are getting hit on many different sides. We're only 2 weeks into 2013, and we are paying more in property taxes and provincial taxes and other fees." The CTF is calling upon South Shore municipalities and those elsewhere to reduce  tax rates to ease the burden on residential and business taxpayers and also drop their control of both tax rates and assessments.