Accounting Firm Still Interested In Future Library Space

The president of a Bridgewater accounting firm says the future space of the library building is his best option to move into. John Swain of Swain and Associates says an opportunity to move his business to another location in the town has fallen through. He explains the company has been growing and are in need of a new spot.



Swain's group, along with the non-profit group Cafe 12 are under consideration for the library space, once they move into their new home near the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The issue is expected to be in front of town council next week.

RCMP To Review Its Operations In Shelburne Town

The RCMP will conduct its own review of service to the Town of Shelburne. This follows a meeting this week between the Mayor and CAO of the town and the regional superintendent of the force. Mayor Karen Mattattal says the review should not be interpreted as a sign the Mounties might be doing a bad job in her town but rather to determine several things.



The mayor says a shortage of RCMP officers in the town is being addressed. A new officer has arrived and another is on the way and a third will hopefully be added in the coming months.

Court: Dog Dealer Drops Appeal, Due Back In May

A well-known dog dealer has dropped her bid to reserve a court ordered ban prohibiting her from selling canines. Gail Benoit was schedule to have a hearing on the matter today. However, she notified the court of her intention to drop the appeal Wednesday. Benoit will still return to court next month in relation to various charges of fraud and theft. The 43 year-old was charged in March based on allegations that she sold two boxers that she didn't own. A New Brunswick woman contacted police after she noticed her dogs were up for sale on the Internet. It's alleged Benoit was looking after the dogs at the time. Following a police investigation the dogs were returned to their rightful owner in Saint John.

Clippers Set To Defend Atlantic Junior 'C' Hockey Crown

The Chester Clippers open up play today at the Atlantic Junior 'C' Hockey Championship. The club is traveling to Hampton, New Brunswick to defend their title from last year. They will represent Nova Scotia following a five game series win over the Barrington Ice Dogs. Chester hits the ice at 3:30 this afternoon against the Western Valley Panthers of New Brunswick. The Clippers will then play last year's Atlantic runner-up, the Kivilliq Canucks of Nunavut at 8:30pm. You can follow all the action by clicking here .

New Germany: Child Hospitalized After Dog-Attack

RCMP are investigating after a pit-bull attacked a five-year-old child at a home in New Germany. Police say they responded to a 911 call from a home owner stating that her 18-month-old pit bull attacked a child. The call came in at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. RCMP and paramedics responded to the incident and the child, who suffered serious facial injuries, was transported to the IWK hospital in Halifax by ambulance. The dog has been seized by the Lunenburg County Animal Control officer and will be put down at the owner's direction. Police do not anticipate charges.

UPDATED: Minister Halts Review, Board Chair Questions Timing

In a stunning move, the province's Education Minister has requested school boards suspend the school review process for next year while a new process be developed. Ramona Jennex has also asked school boards to delay any school closings decided this year until the new process is in place. This includes four South Shore schools, most notably Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, which the board decided would close this fall. Jennex says they want to delay a decision for one year.



The department of education is waiting for a report from 'The Commission on Building Our New Economy' to help develop the new approach. Meanwhile, the chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says she's surprised by the announcement. Jennifer Naugler says board members worked hard and dedicated themselves to putting time and energy into their recent decisions on school closures. She says she's caught off guard by the education minister.



The new review will also look at the current process of turning schools over to municipalities after they are closed. A discussion paper for public input will be ready this fall, with the new process expected to be in place early next year.

BREAKING: Education Minister Suspends School Review Process

Education Minister Ramona Jennex is calling for new school review process to be developed. This new process requests school boards across NS to suspend school review in for 2013-14. School boards are also being asked to delay any school closings decided this year until the new process is in place. Four schools in the South Shore region were slated for closure within the next few years. They now get a reprieve. We'll have more on this story shortly.

Blockhouse Fisherman Killed In Wharf Incident

Police say a 61 year-old lobster fisherman was the victim of a mishap at a wharf just outside of Mahone Bay. The incident happened Tuesday morning in Indian Point as two fishermen prepared to head out to tend to their lobster traps. The Mounties say one of the two men fell into the water and was found floating unconscious. Police have identified the individual as Reid Risser of Blockhouse. Risser was unconscious when he was pulled out of the water shortly after 7 o'clock. He later died in hospital. Corporal Jamie Vacon of the Lunenburg County RCMP says the matter is being investigated by the Department of Labour.

Former Queens Mayor Gives Amalgamation Pep Talk

There's interest in possibly amalgamating some municipal units in West Hants. The area chamber of commerce has called upon a veteran of the process for some information and guidance. The West Hants Chamber of Commerce has arranged for former District of Queens Mayor John Leefe to address a special meeting. The former mayor will share his experiences with amalgamating the various arms of government into one in Queens County back in 1996. He says it helped simplify the process of government.



The Town of Windsor has already said amalgamation might be an alternative action if suitable cost-sharing arrangements are not realized with the Municipality of West Hants. The amalgamation information meeting is set for tonight (Wednesday) starting at 6:30 at the Hants County War Memorial Community Centre in Windsor. There will be no admission charged.

Acadia Band Chief Questions High Salary Allegation

Fiscal mismanagement at the Acadia First Nation is being alleged by aboriginal protesters. They picketed yesterday outside the band office in Yarmouth. They claim thousands of dollars in salary advances have been paid to some band Councillors and staff, but haven't been re-paid. One protester has alleged Chief Deborah Robinson hauled in more than a million dollars since 2010 in salary and travel reimbursements. The chief says that figure is a puzzler and she doubts the amount quoted is really accurate.



Meanwhile, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has lobbied the federal government for accountability legislation for all politicians and its now being made the law. CTF spokesman Kevin Lacey says the salaries of many band chiefs and councilors are huge!



Acadia First Nation Chief Deborah Robinson says her salary is now 130-thousand dollars a year and another 20 thousand for travel. She says all band councilors and herself are audited regularly and nothing unusual's been found.

School Board: Dr. Jim Gunn Hired As Interim Superintendent

A man with 36 years in public education has been selected to be the interim superintendent for the South Shore Regional School Board. Dr. Jim Gunn has served as a superintendent of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board for nine years until he retired in 2005. Before that, he was a principal for a decade. He will take over for Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, who has accepted a position with the Department of Education. Gunn says he's only in this for the short term.



He will join the board early next week until at least mid-July. A release from the school board says a request for proposal has been issued to look for a company to begin the search for a full-time superintendent.

Chester: Workshops To Focus On Road Safety

Road safety will be the focus of two workshops in Chester later this week. The municipality has been selected to participate in a "Share the Road" awareness campaign led by the Nova Scotia government and Dalhousie University. The workshops will seek public input and examine how road safety can be improved so drivers, cyclists and pedestrians feel safe using the roads in their community. Chester's transportation co-coordinator, Gordon Tate, says each community offers a different form of road-use.



Chester will partner with Dalhousie for the community consultations set to be held on Thursday. The workshops will be held at Forest Heights in Chester Grant (3PM) and Aspotogan Heritage Trust building in Hubbards (7PM).

South Canoe Wind Project Needs To Clear Another Hurdle

A community group against a large Lunenburg County wind farm has filed an appeal with the province's regulatory board. "Friends of South Canoe Lake" are opposed to the construction of 34 wind turbines between Vaughan and New Russell. They claim the development will lower their property value and cause health issues. The appeal was filed Tuesday with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. The organization is appealing Chester council's decision to enter into a development agreement with the proponents of the $200 million dollar wind energy project. Councillors voted 6-1 on March 14 to approve the project after a pair of exhaustive public hearings. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power are leading the project. If it moves ahead, it would generate enough power to heat 32,000 homes.

BREAKING: Fisherman Dies After Falling Overboard

Lunenburg County RCMP have confirmed a fisherman who fell overboard earlier today in waters around Indian Point has died. The individual passed away shortly after he was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital. Mounties say they are investigating the incident that occurred at the Indian Point wharf around 7 o'clock this morning. They say two fishermen were heading out to check their traps when a man fell into the water. The individual was unconscious when emergency crews pulled him out. The man's name has not been released.

Funding To Improve Shelburne County Wharf

A Shelburne County wharf will see additional improvements thanks to some federal funding from Ottawa. Roughly $450,000 has been announced to assist with improvements to Jones Harbour in Sable River. MP Gerald Keddy made the announcement on behalf of Defence Minister Peter MacKay. The money will be used for ongoing wharf reconstruction at Jones Harbour to provide safe and additional berthage for fishing vessels and to ensure safe navigation. The work is in addition to major projects and dredging work being carried out at approximately 95 fishing harbours throughout the country announced last July.

Bridgewater: Exhibition Funding Request Going To Budget Deliberations

The South Shore Exhibition will have to wait to find out if the town of Bridgewater will become a major sponsor for this year's event. Council has sent a funding request between $3,000 and $5,000 to their budget deliberations. Over 42,000 people attended last year's event, and has grown to become the largest exhibition in the province. Mayor David Walker says it's a major event for the town.



Walker believes this is the first time officials with the exhibition have come to council for a financial contribution. This is the 122nd year for the South Shore Exhibition. The budget is expected to be approved by the end of May.

Man In Serious Condition After Indian Point Incident

An incident in Indian Point this morning (Tuesday) has resulted in a man being hospitalized. It happened at the Indian Point wharf as two fishermen prepared to head out to tend to their lobster traps. One of the two fell overboard, emergency crews were summoned and when they arrived on scene, the man was found floating unconscious in the water. Local fire fighters and paramedics attempted to revive the individual with CPR but were unsuccessful. He was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, unconscious and in serious condition.

Lunenburg Runner Has Solid Showing & Sets PB

A Lunenburg runner has set a huge eight-second personal best in his opening race at an event in California. Mattias Wolter also broke his own Nova Scotia senior record, running 8:43:73 in the 3,000 meter steeplechase. The event was the Stanford Invitational Meet over the weekend. Wolter's time now ranks him number one in both the Canadian and NCAA collegiate systems. Its also just three seconds off the Canadian FISU Team standard. They travel to Russia in July. 

Shelburne: RCMP & Town Discuss Officer Shortage

The head of the RCMP in southwest Nova Scotia will be in Shelburne tomorrow to meet with municipal officials regarding a shortage of officers patrolling the town. Mayor Karen Mattatall has expressed concerns over the shortage in recent weeks. Medical, maternity and paternity leaves have reduced the number of Mounties from ten to about five to patrol the town of Shelburne.  Mattatall says she hopes the situation will be resolved soon.



Mattatall says another officer will be added to the force for a total of six. RCMP Superintendent Sylvie Bourassa-Muise hopes to assure Shelburne officials the situation will be corrected soon.

Belliveau Calls For Fed Help in Rural Job Creation

Shelburne area MLA and provincial fisheries minister Sterling Belliveau is putting in a pitch to Ottawa to help create rural jobs. He says the federal government is the biggest obstacle to job creation along the South Shore. Belliveau believes the fishing industry here has plenty more jobs to offer. He says it would help if the federal government would only step up to the plate and lend a hand!



Belliveau is running for re-election these days. He hasn't decided yet which riding he'll be in, either of the new ridings of Barrington-Argyle or Queens-Shelburne.

More Dates For Bridgewater's Non-Urgent Clinic

South Shore Health is extending its non-urgent care clinic in Bridgewater. Five additional dates have been announced for the medical clinic at the South Shore Regional Hospital. The appointment only clinic will be open Tuesday and Wednesday of this week between 10:30am and 3:30pm. Dates have also been selected between Monday and Wednesday of next week. Those with minor illnesses or in need of prescription refills will need to book an appointment in order to see a doctor. 

Additonal Info:

A doctor will be available to see patients with non-urgent health issues
(ie minor cuts or bumps, bites, sore throats, sinus problems and prescription refills)

 
Clinc Hours: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Dates: April 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 10th

 
Same day appointments can be made by calling 527-5815 between 8 and 10 am on the day of the clinic for that day only.

Chalk Up Another Marker For Whalen

Its another record for Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool. At the 86th annual Texas relays in Austin over the weekend, Whalen posted a new outdoor personal-best and new Nova Scotia senior woman's provincial record in the shot-put. Her throw was 15.68m. She beat her previous mark of 15.59m, set in mid-March at the University of South Florida.

QMJHL: Halifax Faces Gatineau In Round 2

The Halifax Moosheads will face the Gatineau Olympiques in the next round of the "Q" League playoffs. Gatineau edged Rimouski 2-1 last night to win that series in six games. The Herd will open the best of seven quarter-final series at home this Friday and Saturday.

Chester Rink Captures Atlantic Championship

The Mary Fay team from Chester has captured the Atlantic Under 18 Women's Curling championship. Fay took the title yesterday with a 6-0 win over New Brunswick's Justine Comeau in the final. The Fay rink, which includes Jennifer Smith, Karlee Burgess, and Janique LeBlanc, completed the Stephenville, Newfoundland event with a perfect 5-0 record.

UPDATED: Two Dead After Blockhouse Crash

Two men involved in a serious crash have died due to injuries sustained in the collision near Blockhouse. The 48-year-old driver of the pickup, Eric Mervin Veinotte, passed away Friday night. The 27-year-old driver of the car, Matthew Arden Deal, died in hospital Saturday morning. The two men are from Lunenburg County. Both men were originally taken to Bridgewater hospital but later moved to Halifax. The passenger of the car remains in South Shore Regional Hospital with serious injuries. Police were called to the scene near the Exit 11 overpass around 4:30am Friday morning. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

School Board: Auditor General's Recommendations Almost Complete

The South Shore Regional School Board is well on their way to fulfilling recommendations from the province's auditor general. The 2008 report from Jacques Lapointe discovered the board did not adequately screen employees through criminal record and child abuse checks. The report also cited failure to carry out fire and safety drills as well as maintenance issues that required buses to be taken out of service until repairs could be made. But, as Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake points out, most of the issues have been taken care of.



Pynch-Worthylake says the lone recommendation they need to resolve deals with policies and practices designed to minimize risk in their system. She expects the auditor general to check-in with the board again later this spring.

Three People In Hospital After Vehicles Collide In Blockhouse

Three men are in hospital following an early morning crash in Blockhouse. RCMP say a car collided with a pickup truck around 4:30am along Highway 324 at the overpass of Exit 11 on Highway 103. Police say two men in the car and the driver of the truck have suffered life-threatening injuries. The car caught on fire and was fully engulfed when police arrived on scene. All three people were originally transported to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, however, the driver of the truck was then airlifted to Halifax by EHS Lifeflight and the driver of the car was transported to Halifax by ambulance.  The passenger of the car remains in the South Shore Regional Hospital. Highway 324 was shut down as police continued to investigate with the assistance of a traffic analyst. This portion of the highway should be reopened shortly. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

No Appeals Received On Bylaw Change For Evergreen Road

The province's Utility and Review Board has confirmed that no appeals have been received that would quash a decision for more residents to live at Compassion House in Bridgewater. The deadline passed Wednesday night without any opposition, although an official with the UaRB did note that one appeal was received earlier but withdrawn. Town council voted last month to approve bylaw changes, allowing the LaHave Manor Corporation to have up to five mentally or physically challenged residents in need of care to live under one roof on Evergreen Road. Mayor David Walker says he's pleased the development can proceed.



The corporation applied for the bylaw changes last year. It now defines the home as a single dwelling unit, not an institution and allows five people to live in the home, up from the previous three.

Blood Collection Returns To Queens General

Outpatient blood collection will return to Queens General Hospital Tuesday. The collection area will be located near the reception area on the main level of the hospital. The service has been offered from Queens Place for the past several months in an effort to reduce traffic on site during installation of underground pipes. That work was completed last week. South Shore Health has also announced the reopening of the hospital's kitchen and cafeteria. The health authority is reminding residents the hospital remains a construction area. Work on the Queens General Health project is expected to be complete next spring.

School Board Chair: "We Did The Best We Could"

The chair of the South Shore Regional School Board believes they did the best they could under their current budget situation. Jennifer Naugler says the board took their time, took their roles very seriously and made their decisions. Four out of six schools in the review process have been scheduled to close, including Gold River-Western Shore by September of this year. Naugler says the closure will help generate some savings for their upcoming budget, but it may not be enough.



The board's director of finance says closing Gold River-Western Shore and sending its students to Chester District could save just over $195,000 annually. The board will continue to look at balancing its 2013-14 budget over the next few weeks.

No Injuries After Two-Vehicle Collision In Bridgewater

Bridgewater Police say no one was injured after a two-vehicle collision along Aberdeen Road Wednesday night. The incident occurred just after 8:30pm near the traffic lights intersecting with North Street and Glen Allan Drive. Members of the Bridgewater Fire Department were also on scene. A section of Aberdeen was closed for roughly 45 minutes to clean up the site and remove the vehicles from the area.

School Closures Pegged For Lunenburg, Queens Counties

Four schools are expected to close over the next few years after decisions were handed down from the South Shore Regional School Board. The immediate school to close will be Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, effective September of this year. That means students will attend Chester District Elementary this fall. SAC Chair for Gold River-Western Shore, Sarah Swinamer, says she wishes they could have had one more year for a transition period.



Meanwhile, Pentz and Petite Riviere schools are also pegged to shut down if a new school is built in the area and Mill Village in Queens will close in September 2014, with students transferring to Dr. J.C. Wickwire. Other changes will see students from grades nine at Chester Area Middle School go to to Forest Heights in September 2014. New Ross will be reconfigured to be a primary to grade eight school in 2014, with grade nines also going to Forest Heights. Full details are available below.

New Ross Consolidated

- Motion is to reconfigure New Ross for primary to grade eight with grade nines going to Forest Heights beginning September 2014 is approved by a 6-2 vote (Board Members Griffin and Crossland vote against)

Mill Village Consolidated

- Board approves option 5-2 (Board Members Fougere and Crossland voted against, while Board Member Stevens declares a conflict with child in the school, so she doesn't vote) to close Mill Village and transfer students to Dr. J.C. Wickwire effective September 2014. Also, grade five students at Mill Village be transferred to new South Queens middle school in Liverpool when they enter grade six in 2013, leaving Mill Village reconfigured as a grade primary to grade five school. Board approves by a 6-1 vote. (Board Member Simms voted against)

Gold River- Western Shore Elementary

- Board Members approve motion to close Gold River-Western Shore Elementary in September 2013 by a 5-3 vote  (Board Members Crossland, Griffin, and Stevens voted against). This means students will attend Chester District Elementary in the fall.

Chester Area Middle School

- The board approves a motion that will see students in grades 9 from CAMS attend Forest Heights in September 2014. This means CAMS would be reconfigured to include Grade 6,7,8 with 9-12 going to Forest Heights Community School in September 2014. The motion is approved by a 6-2 vote (Board Members Crossland and Griffin voted against).

Petite Riviere Elementary

- Board votes unanimously to permanently close Petite Riviere Elementary and request a new school be built to replace Petite and Pentz.

Pentz Elementary

- Board members vote unanimously that Pentz Elementary be permanently closed and request a new school to be built to replace Pentz and Petite Riviere Elementary.

Hebbville Academy

- Board members unanimously approve keeping Hebbville Academy open and with current configuration of  primary to grade five and grades six to nine. (Board Chair Naugler removed herself from vote because she has three kids in the school.)

UPDATED: Moore Case Delayed

An impaired driving case involving the death of a nine-year-old girl has been put over until May. Candice Roxanne Moore did not appear in Bridgewater court today but was represented by her lawyer. Moore is facing four charges after an incident January 19th in Pleasantville. Moore was driving when she dropped off her daughter, Olive, at a home. The nine-year-old was struck by the vehicle and later died in hospital. Moore is facing impaired driving cause death charges, refusal to comply with a demand for a breath sample, dangerous driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death. The matter will be back in court May 15.

Case Involving Death Of Young Girl Begins

The court case involving a 30 year-old woman accused of impaired driving causing the death of her young daughter begins in Bridgewater today. Candice Roxanne Moore is facing six charges after an incident January 19th. Moore's nine year-old daughter, Olive, was killed when she was struck by a van after being dropped off at home in Pleasantville. The Mount Pleasant woman was charged nine days after the tragic incident occurred following an investigation by Lunenburg County RCMP. The charges include impaired driving causing death, refusing to provide a breath sample, criminal negligence and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Dog Dealer Wants Court Condition Removed

A recognized canine dealer is challenging a court condition preventing her from selling dogs. Gail Benoit was charged with fraud earlier this month after she allegedly sold two dogs she didn't own. An investigation began after a New Brunswick woman told Bridgewater police her boxers dogs were sold without her permission. The two dogs were sent from Saint John to Halifax to be looked after temporarily. However, a few weeks later the owner claims she found out the dogs were sold. Benoit asked the condition be removed during a court appearance in Bridgewater. She explained selling dogs is her livelihood and felt the condition was unfair. Judge Gregory Lenehan scheduled an April 4th hearing to deal with the matter.

Four People Homeless After Liverpool Area Fire

Four adult members of a South Shore family are homeless as a result of a house fire yesterday near Liverpool. The fire broke out at 66 Shore Road, just outside the town. The two-storey home was extensively damaged. However, the four residents escaped unhurt. The Red Cross is helping with emergency lodging and relatives and friends are assisting by taking in several displaced family pets. There's no word on the cause of the fire.

School Board: Decisions Coming On Six Schools Under Review

The future of six schools will soon be decided by the South Shore Regional School Board. The eight members will vote on motions for each school during a meeting Wednesday night. The board has discussed a few options for certain schools including approaching the province to fund a new school for students at Petite and Pentz, and transferring grade nines at New Ross and Chester to Forest Heights in 2014. Board member Jennifer Naugler says it's time for decisions to be made.



Naugler says its been a difficult and emotional time for the board after meeting with parents, community members and students during the entire process. The meeting gets underway at 7pm Wednesday night at Hebbville Academy.

On This Date: Original Bluenose Launched 92 Years Ago

It was 92 years ago today when the original Bluenose was launched in Lunenburg. The historic fishing and racing schooner built by Smith and Rhuland Shipyard hit the water in 1921. Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic Curator Ralph Getson says it was an overcast day with a little snow on the ground and a light breeze blowing with the Bluenose was launched around 10 o'clock that morning. He says there was a launch party on board when the vessel slid into Lunenburg Harbour.

Getson says its a special day to look back at the craftsmanship of the people of this province. The Bluenose is a national icon and has adorned such items as the Canadian dime since 1937 as well as the Nova Scotia license plate. (Photo Courtesy of Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic)

Wolter Brothers Reaching New Heights On the Track

The Wolter brothers of Lunenburg County ran their way into the record books recently. Mattias Wolter ran a personal best in Nashville over the weekend to win the 2000 meter steeplechase in a very fast time of 5:38 in his season opener. He set a stadium record in the race, and a new provincial record. He will race this weekend in Stanford, California in the 3000 metre steeplechase. Meanwhile, his younger brother Tobias Wolter ran a personal best of 6:05 to win the 2000 metre steeplechase in Orlando, Florida. This is a Nova Scotia record and ranks him number one in Canada this year. The time also meets the standard for the Canadian World Youth Track and Field team, which travels to Europe in July.

Bridgewater Council Approves LCLC Operating Budget

It's a step in the right direction for the operating budget of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Bridgewater council approved the document last night. The draft budget presented to council states the town along with the Municipality of Lunenburg would be tasked to pay a combined total of just over $562,000 for the first year of operation. The figure then drops to about $385,000 the next year and $360,000 in 2015-16. Mayor David Walker says they have to pay more until they can start generating revenue.



Walker says he's pleased with how the budget looks and adds, all signs point to an opening on September 1. The Municipality of Lunenburg is also expected to approve the operating budget during their council meeting this evening.

Shipyard Alliance Named Finalist For Boatyard Of The Year

The three groups that make up the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance are finalists for boatyard of the year from a magazine in the United Kingdom. Classic Boat named the Alliance as one of five finalists. The magazine recognized the group for their work on Bluenose II, stating "the 200 years of experience shared by the Lunenburg Industrial Foundry, Snyder's Shipyard and Covey Island Boatworks, culminated on September 29 with a relaunch that was watched by thousands of proud Canadians." President of Covey Island Boatworks, Al Hutchinson, says he's proud of being nominated.



Hutchinson believes the winner will be announced in early April.

School Board: More Cuts Coming Over Next Few Years

The next few years are shaping up to be difficult for the South Shore Regional School Board. Finance Director Wade Tattrie revealed recently they are expected to cut another $2.2-million from their budget between 2014 and 2016. Tattrie says the cuts recognize the full transition of the Department of Education's HOGG funding formula. He expects the cuts will get worse.



The HOGG funding formula is a model used to distribute money for education among school boards. The board will get a better indication of what the next few years look like after additional details are provided by the province. Meanwhile, board members will make a decision on how to move forward on six schools in the region currently under review on Wednesday.

Lumberjacks Defenseman Joins 'Q' Team For Playoff Run

The Sherbrooke Phoenix have called-up CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks defenseman Brendan Nickerson for the rest of the playoffs. The 16-year-old is expected to join the team for game three of their opening round series against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Baie-Comeau leads the series two games to none. Nickerson was selected 38th overall by the Phoenix in last year's league draft. He had three points in 41 games with the Lumberjacks during the regular season.

Peterson-Rafuse Nominated In Chester-St.Margarets

A South Shore member of the legislature has been nominated to again carry the NDP flag in the next provincial election. Denise Peterson-Rafuse of Chester-St. Margaret's was elected in 2009 and has served in the Dexter cabinet as minister of Community Services and Seniors. She's also chair of the Senior Citizens Secretariat. Peterson-Rafuse's nomination meeting was held over the weekend. Peterson-Rafuse said at her nominating session: “I am eager to continue making a positive difference for seniors, working poor and our most vulnerable citizens. This is important to me both as the Minister of Community Services and for the people I represent in Chester-St. Margaret’s".

Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks Bring Home Bronze From Provincials

The South Shore Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks brought home bronze from the provincials over the weekend. The hockey club finished second after the round robin and had to play Sackville for a spot in the final. Sackville shutout the Ice Sharks 4-0, relegating the local club to a third place finish. Sydney beat Sackville in the final to win the provincial crown.

Program Aims To Bring Youth And Seniors Together

A four-week program designed for seniors and youth to engage in physical activity is beginning this week in Bridgewater. 'Game Day' is bringing the two age groups together to help learn more about people in the community while also participating in activities like badminton, washer toss, yoga and pickle ball. The Seniors Safety Coordinator in Lunenburg County, Beth George, says they want to see youth and seniors doing more together.



The hour-and-a-half sessions will start this Wednesday and run until April 17 at Bridgewater Junior-Senior High. To register, contact Beth George at the Bridgewater Police Service.

Parking Space Limited At Liverpool Hospital

There will be limited parking available at Queens General Hospital this week. Officials with South Shore Health say the lower parking lot will be closed beginning Tuesday. Workers will be installing the main sewer line as part of the 16 million dollar hospital project. They should be finished on Friday when the parking lot is expected to re-open. During construction, parking will be available next to the nurses residence in Liverpool. The health authority is asking staff and the public to either car pool or use drop off and pick up over the next few days. The Queens General Health project will feature a new collaborative health care clinic and the redevelopment of 22 inpatient units. It's expected to be ready in the spring of 2014.

Clippers Win Second Straight Provincial Junior 'C' Hockey Title

The Chester Clippers are once again provincial hockey champions. Alex Armstrong scored 38 seconds into double overtime to give the Clippers a 9-8 win over the Barrington Ice Dogs Sunday night in Bridgewater. The 4-1 series win gives the Clippers a provincial title for the second year in a row. Chester's Kyle Dilosa received the playoff MVP award, recording 29 points in 12 games. The Clippers will represent Nova Scotia at the Atlantic Junior 'C' Championships in Hampton, New Brunswick from April 4th to 7th.

Belliveau Calls For Federal Help In Reestablishing Ferry Service

The province's fisheries minister and Shelburne area MLA is calling upon Ottawa to become an active participant in the campaign to restore ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. Sterling Belliveau says the feds need to be involved to turn the concept into a reality.



The province has committed 21 million dollars over seven years to the service and Belliveau says Ottawa needs to at least match that! Meanwhile, he is running for re-election. However, he doesn't know yet where he will run. Belliveau's Shelburne riding has been cut in half with one half becoming part of the new Argyle-Barrington and the other part of Queens-Shelburne. He says the issues haven't changed all that much since the last time he ran an election campaign. The economy, health care and transportation still dominate.

High School Hockey Game Raises Money For "Miss Ally" Crew Families

The Park View and Barrington High ladies hockey teams and the community of Lunenburg raised a thousand dollars yesterday for the families of the 5 crewmen who were lost at sea in February aboard the fishing vessel, Miss Ally. The referees donated their time, the winner of the 50-50 donated his take back to the cause, and there was a teriffic afternoon of hockey. ParkView came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the game 5-3. Top scorers were Janaya Nickerson for Barrington and Morgan Greek for Park View, each scoring two goals for their teams.