Astor Theatre Hopes For Improvements From Fund Raising Campaign

Liverpool's Astor Theatre is on a fund-raising campaign. Officials are hoping to raise $100,000. over the summer months to modernize the theatre's sound, projection and lighting systems. Among other things, theatre manager Chris Ball says having a digital system will help get access to all the current movies.



About a quarter of the funds, $25,000. has already been raised. Its hoped the remaining funds will be acquired through the summer and improvements completed in time for the fall movie season.

MacKinnon, Drouin Lead Moose To Game One Win

In "Q" League playoff action Saturday night in Halifax, Jonathan Drouin's goal midway through the third period broke a 4-4 tie and sent the Mooseheads to a 6-4 win over Rouyn-Noranda. Drouin finished the night with two goals and three assists. Linemate Nathan MacKinnon had a hat-trick and an assist. The win gives the Herd a 1-0 lead in the best of seven semi final series. Game two goes tonight at 7 at the Metro Centre.

Woman Suffers Minor Injuries After Vehicle Goes In Ditch

A 67-year-old woman has been taken to the South Shore Regional Hospital after her car went off the road in Northfield. RCMP say the incident occurred near the intersection of Penny and Northfield Roads just before 10:30 this morning. Corporal Jamie Vacon says the woman didn't make a proper turn and went into the ditch. He says the local fire department had to remove the woman from the car with the jaws of life. The road was closed down for over an hour because of the incident. The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Deadline For Bravery Nomination Approaches

Nominations are still being accepted to recognize people who have put themselves at risk to protect others. The nomination deadline for Nova Scotia's sixth annual Medal of Bravery is May 1st. The award is a chance to honour friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues who have acted courageously to protect the life or property of others. Medal of Bravery Advisory Committee chair Duncan Miller says the province wants to help recognize acts of bravery and hopefully inspire other Nova Scotians. Nomination forms are available at Access Nova Scotia Centres, offices of members at the legislative assembly and at www.novascotia.ca/bravery

 

Mooseheads, Huskies Open Semi-Final Series

The Halifax Mooseheads open the "Q" League semi finals Saturday night as they host Rouyn-Noranda. Game one in the best of seven series at 7 o'clock at the Metro Centre is already a sellout. Game two, also in Halifax, goes Sunday night. In the other league semi-final, Baie Comeau edged Blainville-Boisbriand 2-1 in the opening game of that series Friday night. 

Truro Scores Double OT Win; Evens MHL Final

The Truro Bearcats edged the visiting Summerside Western Capitals 4-3 in double overtime Friday night. That evens the best of seven MHL Kent Cup Final at a game apiece. Game three goes tomorrow afternoon at 2pm in Summerside.

Whalen Wins Shotput Event In North Carolina

Chelsea Whalen continues to set a high standard in the shotput. The 20-year-old from Liverpool won the Atlantic Coast Conference's Outdoor Track and Field Championship women's shotput event today with a top throw of 16.33 metres. The throw will also re-write the record books for Nova Scotia senior women. It also eclipses her record mark of 16.23 metres for Florida State, which she set recently at the Seminole Invitational in Tallahassee, Florida.  It's Florida State University's first title in the ACC shotput event since 2000.

Will Quick Fix Be Found For SW Nova Economy?

Its like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. That is how the Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation sums up the recent establishment of a committee to explore ways of ramping-up the tourism industry in this region. Kevin Lacey says the economy in the area since the Yarmouth ferry was shut down has tanked and it may be too late for a fix-up.

Lacey says the government is trying to protect its $21-million investment in a start up of the ferry service.  Tourism minister Percy Paris announced the setting up of the committee of business and community leaders earlier this week. He also says parameters of the hunt for a new ferry service operator will be relaxed a bit from the first attempt.

Lunenburg-Based Film Opens In Bridgewater

A movie that was filmed off the coast of Lunenburg opens is coming to the Bridgewater theatre. 'The Disappeared' tells the story of six men, stranded in two lifeboats, lost at sea and fighting for their lives in the Atlantic Ocean. Shandi Mitchell is the writer and director. She says the film hits close to home.



She says bringing the film to a local audience can be a bit frightening because she feels they are the biggest critics. It has been shown to audiences across the country after screenings at a number of film festivals. The film features a number of local actors and Hollywood star Billy Campbell, owner of the Lunenburg-built vessel 'Martha Seabury.' The movie opens this evening at Empire Theatres in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Down Again!

Good news today for South Shore drivers! Gasoline prices took another drop overnight. The province's utility and review board has set the coming week's prices at $1.25.9 for a litre of regular self serve. High-test  gasoline is down by a similar amount, about three cents lower. Diesel has taken a substantial drop too. Its now selling at $1.23.4. Thats several cents lower than yesterday.

Streets In Boston Eerily Quiet As Manhunt Continues

A former CKBW/HANK FM employee says the streets of downtown Boston are eerily quiet today. Police have locked down the entire city of Boston and are telling people to stay home as heavily armed officers search for the lone remaining suspect of the marathon bombings. One of two suspects in the bombings has been shot dead, and an intense manhunt is under way for the second suspect, described by police as a terrorist. Andrea James of Dartmouth says she is stranded in the city after police locked down.



James says Bostonians showed an unbelievable amount of pride during a Fleetwood Mac concert last night. However, she says the mood has completely shifted after the events overnight.

Volunteers To Clean Up Parts Of Highway 103

Volunteers will be out in droves Friday to begin cleaning up the 100-series highways across the province. In Lunenburg County, crews branded in fluorescent vests will be in the Bridgewater and Chester-areas of Highway 103. The clean-up campaign is designed to remove garbage and recyclables from the side of the highway. Gina Bain with the Adopt-A-Highway program says they're encouraging people to stop throwing waste from their vehicles.



She urges people to use caution while driving tomorrow as volunteers will be walking along highways. Over 5,000 bags of garbage and recyclable material was picked up last year from the side of provincial highways.

Liverpool's Whalen Grabs Third In Javelin At ACC Championships

Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen has picked up a third place finish in the javelin event at the Atlantic Coast Conference's Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Whalen had a top toss of 45.70 metres during today's competition. She will now turn her attention to the shot put event. It gets underway Friday afternoon in North Carolina.

Yarmouth: Stabbing Victim Released From Hospital

A 20 year old Lunenburg County man has been released from hospital following a stabbing in Yarmouth. Police say the individual arrived at the town's hospital Tuesday evening after an incident on Southeast Street. A 16 year old boy has been charged with aggravated assault in relation to the matter. Police say the incident occurred at a home in Yarmouth. The victim and the suspect know each other. The youth appeared in court Wednesday and was released from custody on a number of conditions. He's due back in court August 1st.

Charges After Police Raid York Street Home

Police have laid charges following the search of a home on York Street in Bridgewater. Officers carried out a search warrant Tuesday when they found a large quantity of marihuana, cash and drug paraphernalia. A 27 year-old Bridgewater man was arrested and is facing various charges. Police say Josh Lang was released with conditions to appear in court June 19th. Meanwhile, a 27 year-old woman was also arrested on allegations of possessing marihuana. Stacy Murray has been released from police custody and is due in court at a later date.

MacNeil's Impact Felt On South Shore

Anne Murray and Tommy Hunter are just two of the many singers paying tribute today to Rita MacNeil, who has died suddenly at the age of 68. Murray is remembering MacNeil as a "dear sweet woman" and a gifted singer-songwriter who represented women and her beloved Nova Scotia eloquently in her songs. Those are words being echoed by the manager of the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. MacNeil packed the Astor Theatre in Liverpool on two occasions in 2009 and 2011 and Chris Ball says he will never forget his experience with her.



MacNeil also held a concert in Lockeport in 2009 and that venue was also packed with her legion of fans. She died last night following complications from surgery. MacNeil leaves behind two adult children.

Rollover Sends Woman To Hospital

A 51-year-old woman has been transported to Halifax hospital after a single vehicle rollover near Exit 9 along Highway 103. RCMP confirm the incident happened just before noon today. Sgt. Derek Smith says the vehicle was heading towards Bridgewater when the crash occurred. Police don't believe speed or alcohol are a factor. The woman has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hospital. Her injuries were not considered to be serious.

MODL: Fire Fighter Recognition Sufficient At 50 Years

The Municipality of Lunenburg has decided against recognizing volunteer firefighters who put in more than 50 years of service. Council voted in favour of the idea, while Lee Nauss and John Veinot stood up against it. The municipality currently honours those with 50 years of service, and council feels it is an appropriate cut-off date. Veinot says he disagrees.



Nauss adds, it's insulting to volunteers who continue to put in time and aren't recognized for their prolonged service. Veinot believes there is less than 10 people in the municipality with over five decades of volunteering in fire departments and recognizing them shouldn't be a problem. A municipal clerk pointed out that council does have a policy in place for substantial achievement, which could be used to honour fire department members with over 50 years of service.

Southwestern NS Looks For Tourism Boost

A committee is being set up by the Dexter government to help promote tourism in southwestern Nova Scotia. Declining tourism has been a hot topic in the region since the province cut funding to the Yarmouth to Maine ferry service, resulting in the end of the service in late 2009. Speaking in Yarmouth this morning, tourism minister Percy Paris says the new committee, chaired by Mayor Pam Mood, will include local community, tourism and business leaders. He also says the province is renewing its efforts to find an operator to run a new ferry service. Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says this should have been done three years ago, not during the lead-up to an election campaign. Last month, Paris said bids by two potential ferry operators were rejected because they did not meet the criteria for a viable operation.

Queens: Region Looks To Attract New Business

The Region of Queens is putting a strong emphasis on attracting new business in the county. Mayor Christopher Clarke says council is working proactively to build the economy nearly a year after the loss of the Bowater Mersey mill. The municipality recently approved $85,000 in funding to help market the region to new business. Clarke says it's been an ongoing initiative.



President of the South Queens Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news in a media release. Barry Tomlin says council has clearly recognized there is a need to focus on economic development to create jobs and increase the county's population.

Crews Knock Down Fire In Dayspring

A homeowner and his dog escaped unscathed after an early morning fire in Dayspring. Fire crews from Oak Hill, Dayspring and Bridgewater battled the blaze at 190 Oak Hill Road before knocking it down. Dayspring Fire Chief Stanley Slauenwhite says the mobile home went up in smoke around 4am.



RCMP, EHS and NS Power crews were also called to the scene. The Red Cross is expected to step-in to help the homeowner, who has been displaced.

Communities Hold Meeting To Discuss School Closure Options

The communities of Gold River and Western Shore are holding a meeting Wednesday night to discuss their options to avert a school closure. Residents are up in arms with the school board's decision to close their school this summer because of the lack of transition period for students to attend Chester District Elementary in September.The school board stood by their decision to keep the school closed during a meeting late last week and Education Minister Ramona Jennex has said she won't interfere or make changes to the Education Act. The meeting will be held at the Western Shore Fire Hall at 7pm.

Yarmouth Teen Facing Assault Charges After Stabbing

A 20-year-old man from Lunenburg County suffered serious injuries after a stabbing in Yarmouth. The incident happened sometime Tuesday afternoon after the man showed up in the town's hospital around 6pm. RCMP say the man suffered stab wounds, but didn't indicate where. The man told officers he had been stabbed in a home on Southeast Street. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy at the home without incident. RCMP say the victim and suspect were known to each other. The 16-year-old from Yarmouth is facing charges of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. He is in police custody and will appear in Provincial Court on Wednesday.

Town Agrees To Downtown Plan, In Principle

Town council in Bridgewater has agreed in principle to the final plan for the future look of it's downtown and waterfront. Ekistics Planning and Design presented their vision to councillors and residents. Mayor David Walker says the plan recommends the first five years focus on reconstructing King Street from Old Bridge Street to Dufferin as well as removing the south parkade. He says they are two big issues.



Walker says long-term the plan continues to reconstruct King Street from Victoria Road to Old Bridge Street, and build a North Street roundabout. More than 10 years down the road, the plan focuses on building a new bridge across the LaHave River while converting the old bridge to a pedestrian walkway and constructing roundabouts at King and Victoria streets. For now though, council will work on establishing a committee to work on the project's components.

Shelburne: Roseway Hospital ER Closure

The emergency department at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne will be temporarily closed Wednesday. Officials with the South West Health Authority indicate the closure is due to the sudden and temporary unavailability of a physician. The closure will span for a twelve hour period between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shelburne area residents requiring emergency services during the hours of closure should visit the nearest open emergency department or collaborative emergency centre. The public is reminded to dial 911 in the case of a health emergency.

MODL: No Decision On Town Of Lunenburg Funding Request

The town of Lunenburg is looking to its municipal neighbour to help cover costs of its recreational facilities. Mayor Rachel Bailey along with the town's recreation director have approached the Municipality of Lunenburg for $30,000. Bailey says $20,000 would help the town with an anticipated reduction of $200,000 in arena revenue in the coming year because of the opening of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. She says the financial request isn't based on a formula, but a number that might work.



Bailey says roughly 65 per cent of facility users are from the municipality and they're hoping to receive money as a contribution to help residents who benefit from them. The other $10,000 will go towards improving the condition of the town's skateboard park. Council didn't make a decision on the matter and is expected to send the matter to budget deliberations.

Queens: Council Supports New Caledonia Fire Hall

The Region of Queens has come through with some long awaited financial support for a new fire hall in Caledonia. Councillors approved $375,000 in funding for the association to help achieve their goal of raising $1.5 million for the new hall. The fire association has been working to secure money for the project for nearly and decade and was seeking a $700,000 contribution from the municipality. However, Clarke says they did the best they could under their current financial circumstances. The group has been working for nearly a decade to secure funding for a new fire hall in North Queens. Clarke is hopeful the municipalities contribution will spark other levels of government to chip in on the project.

New Lease On Life For South Shore Transplant Recipient!

Jessica Carver considers herself one of the luckiest people on the planet! The South Shore native, originally from New Germany and now living in HRM, underwent a double lung transplant just before Christmas. She had been living with, and was slowly dying from cystic fibrosis. Carver tells us it all seems now like she'd been living a bad dream for years but it had a very happy ending.



Carver says she's grateful she's been given a second chance at life. She tells us she would like to become more active in promoting organ donation, such as her proposal for on-line registration.




Carver says she will be on medication for the rest of her life to prevent her body from rejecting her new lungs. Her condition has even improved to the extent where she's considering returning to her career in a few months as a staff consultant for a metro-Halifax company.

South Shore: Local Boston Marathon Participants Checking-In

South Shore participants in the Boston Marathon have confirmed they are safe following Monday's tragic incident at the finish line of the historic event. Chester`s Erin Greenwood-Beaudin touched base with our newsroom shortly after the explosions were first reported. Beaudin, resides in Coldbrook and works for the Municipality of Chester. She told our newsroom her husband was right in the middle of the blasts but is okay. Meanwhile, brothers Chris and John Anderson of Lunenburg also confirmed they are safe after finishing the race. A pair of Yarmouth County runners, Marco Albright and Denise Robson checked in with loved ones soon after the blasts. Victor Nickerson of Liverpool also finished the race and escaped any harm.

BREAKING: Nova Scotians Reported Safe In Boston

At least two people are dead and hundreds were injured in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. A runner from Toronto, one of more than two-thousand Canadians taking part in the race, describes ``really, really bloody'' victims being pulled into the medical tent. Roughly 2,000 Canadians are participating in this year Boston Marathon. CKBW/HANK FM News can report the following Nova Scotians are safe after the explosions in Boston. Please note the list below is made up of those we have heard from via Twitter, Facebook, email, family member, loved one or credible organization. If a name doesn't appear below, the number to call for checking status on family and friends: 617.635.4500

Boston Marathon: Nova Scotia Participants - Confirmed Safe

Wade Keller - Lawrencetown
Wanda Mulrooney - Halifax
Dan MacNeil - Halifax
Lee McCarron - Antigonish
Darren Kaulback - Eastern Passage
Chris Anderson - Lunenburg
John Anderson - Lunenburg
Malcom Pain - Halifax
Dave Holder - Bedford
Cathy Carter - Halifax
Bruce Gallagher - Halifax
Ray Williams - Dartmouth
Marco Albright - Yarmouth
Denise Robson - Yarmouth/Halifax-area
Erin Greenwood-Beaudin - Chester/Coldbrook
Victor Nickerson - Liverpool
Stacy Juckett Chesnutt - Dartmouth
Edie Baxter - Halifax
Brenda (Skinner) MacDonald - Halifax/Lunenburg
Francine Comeau - Beaver Bank
Nicole Gushue - Tusket
Annette M. Love - Halifax
Rami Bardeesy - Halifax
Heather Lee-Callaghan - Timberlea
Doran Donovan - Halifax
Laura Leslie - Halifax
Doreen Redmond - Halifax
Steve Taylor - Middle Sackville
Scott Norton - Bedford
Audrey Norton - Bedford
Clint Cummings - Halifax
Nick Tentomas - Halifax
Frank Reinhardt - Ketch Harbour
Mike Hennessey - Truro
Dan McDougall - Truro
Ian Johnstone - Truro
Jody Mattie - Truro
Victoria Jollimore - Halifax (not running)
Barry Morsehead - Halifax
Clint Cummings - Halifax
Bettina Bentley - Halifax
Dean Simon - Antigonish
Ethan Michaels - Halifax
Mike Fitzsimmons - Fall River
Chad Randell - Halifax
Dave Nevitt - Dartmouth
Paul Gallant - Halifax
Nadia Farbstein - Halifax
Elizabeth Corkum - Hammonds Plains
Laura Keefe - Halifax (Did Not Start)
David Kachan - Halifax
T.J. Armstrong - Halifax
Sandra Jamieson - Halifax
Gary Burns - Halifax
Petra Spires - Hubley
Sheila Blair-Reid - Halifax
Craig Hawkins - Halifax
Christine Pound - Halifax
Norma MacIntyre - Elmsdale
Scott MacIntyre - Elmsdale
Steve Allen - Dartmouth
Harry Neynens - Enfield
Colleen Neynens - Enfield
Darrell Spears - New Glasgow
Vernon MacIntosh - Hopewell
Deborah MacDonald - New Glasgow (Did Not Start)
Sam Gyde - Halifax
Elizabeth Hill - Enfield
Douglas Archibald - Enfield
Shawn Lewis - Beaver Bank
Kerri Lewis - Beaver Bank (Did Not Run)
Susan Campbell - Waverley
Evan Bezanson - Centreville

South Shore Volunteers Recognized By Province

Fourteen South Shore individuals and a Bridgewater company were honoured in Halifax today for their volunteer work. The 39th Annual Provincial Volunteer Awards were handed out to people and groups from across Nova Scotia. Over 70 people received the awards. Nova Scotia continues to have a high participation rate for volunteering, and one of the highest rates of youth volunteers in the country. More than 450,000 Nova Scotians give their time to a variety of worthwhile causes, programs and organizations. A full list of South Shore recipients can be found below.


SOUTH SHORE REGION

Rev. Bill Newell - Town of Yarmouth
Kaitlin Scott - Region of Queens Municipality
Doreen Holdright - Region of Queens Municipality
Sue Kelly - Town of Lunenburg
Dawn DeMings-Taylor - Town of Lockeport
Melvin Landry - Municipality of the District of Argyle
Virginia Stoddard - Municipality of the District of Yarmouth
Mary Schnare - Municipality of the District of Chester
Della Smith - Town of Clark’s Harbour
Ellen Nickerson - Municipality of the District of Shelburne
Gloria Corbett - Town of Shelburne
Vernon Whynot - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
Darrell Stoddard - Municipality of the District of Barrington
Robert Boudreau - Town of Bridgewater
LaHave River Credit Union - Small Business Volunteer of the Year Award

RCMP Recover Stolen Antique Dolls, Cologne And After-Shave

It's been almost two years in the making, but Shelburne County RCMP have recovered some stolen property. The area's street crime unit has recovered nine antique dolls and 21 antique colognes and after-shaves valued at almost $2,000. Police recently found the items in the Ingomar-area after receiving new information regarding a break, enter and theft that happened in September 2011. The owner, an elderly woman, now lives outside Canada and arrangements have been made to return her items. There have been no arrests made and police are still investigating.

Queens: Commercial Tax Rate Down, Residential Rate Increases

Municipal council in Queens County has approved a budget focused on growth and economic prosperity. The commercial tax rate in Liverpool has gone down by two cents to support existing businesses. Mayor Christopher Clarke says it's hoped an appealing tax rate will also attract new businesses to the area. The commercial rate is the third lowest in the province. Meanwhile, home owners will see a small hike on their tax bills. Council has approved an increase of between two and four cents in the residential tax rate. It will represent about $20 to $40 more on annual tax bills. The operating budget is $17.7-million dollars while the capital budget has been set at $1.8-million. An additional $85,000 has been allocated in continued investments in economic growth. The budget was the first since the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. It represents a loss of about $500,000 in revenues for the municipality.

Liverpool's Whalen Sets Shotput Record At Florida State University

Mark down another win and record for Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen. At the Seminole Invitational in Tallahassee, Florida over the weekend, Whalen had a throw of 16.23 metres to win the women's' shotput. Along with setting a new Nova Scotia senior women's record, she now holds the all-time women's shotput record at Florida State University. Whalen won the javelin competition as well over the weekend. She is now preparing for the ACC Championships which will be held in North Carolina this coming weekend.

RCMP Search For Break-In Suspect

RCMP across the region are on the lookout for a suspect, wanted in connection with home break and enters in Colchester and Lunenburg counties. Locally, several homes in West Clifford, Newcombville and Chelsea were targeted. Lunenburg County RCMP Staff-Sergeant Bruce Hill says the suspect is not a local person and the break-ins happened during daytime hours last week.



Money, electronics and other house-hold goods of value were stolen.

Group To Reveal Final Plan For Bridgewater's Downtown And Waterfront

The town of Bridgewater is ready to see what the future of its downtown could look like. Ekistics Planning and Design will unveil its final plan for the downtown and waterfront this evening. A draft plan released in late January showcased better signage in the town, more prominent green space around Riverside Park and roundabouts at North and Aberdeen and King and Victoria. It also floated the idea of getting rid of the south parkade and instituting angle parking along King Street. A special council meeting has been called for 6pm tonight at town hall. It is open to the public.

MODL: Funding Helps Alleviate Lost Revenue From Mill Closure

The province is offering more financial assistance to the South Shore to help it cope with the closure last year of the Bowater paper mill. The Municipality of Lunenburg is getting $90,000 to cover part of the cost of upgrading its financial and information technology systems. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey says the funding reflects the estimated lost tax revenue resulting from the mill closure in June 2012.



Mayor Don Downe says the money helps them move forward.



Downe says the money allows them to spend more attention on other projects and helps keep the tax rate where it is. The province committed $500,000 last week to cover the municipal portion of bills associated with renovating Queens General Hospital in Liverpool.

Fire Damages Structure In Hubbards

No injuries have been reported after a structure fire on the Mill Lake Road in Hubbards. Fire officials from several departments including Hubbards, Chester, Black Point and Blandford responded to the call around 6:45 Sunday evening. Smoke could be seen funneling from the wooded area from across the lake. Crews were on scene for just over three hours battling the blaze. The cause of the fire is not known.

Committee Seeking Road Names For Brookside Cemetery

Bridgewater's Heritage Advisory Committee is looking for your help in naming the roadways in the Brookside Cemetery. The committee is gathering information and generating a list to bring to council in June.
Committee chair Patrick Hirtle says they are looking for names with historical significance around local geography or that connects to the industrial or technological past of the town. Hirtle says road names would be a good resource.



The cemetery is only one of two heritage properties in Bridgewater. Hirtle says people can make their suggestions to the town's facebook page, by calling him at 541-9417 or through email at brooksidenames@gmail.com .

BREAKING: Minister Not Planning To Intervene In School Board Decision

The province's Education Minister says she's disappointed with the decision by the South Shore Regional School Board. Ramona Jennex asked the board to delay school closures for one year, but the board ultimately chose to stay the course with decisions made at their March 27 meeting. That means Gold River-Western Shore Elementary will close in the summer. Jennex says she doesn't plan to intervene with the board's decision.



She adds, the government is not considering revisions to the Education Act.

Protest Draws Few, Alleged Changes Affect Turnout

There was a hitch in a planned protest this morning in front of the school board office in Bridgewater. Members of the Gold River-Western Shore community planned the event to voice their displeasure over the decision to close their school this summer. However, someone allegedly made changes to the group's signage which stated the time and date of their demonstration. Protester Sheryl Beaumier says a low turnout isn't deterring them.


Beaumier expected more people to show up throughout the day to join the protest. She says they just want what is fair, which would be another year to help transition their kids to attend Chester District Elementary School.

NS Gov't Look To Redesign Services for Independent Living

The province is seeking input to help redesign residential and related services for seniors and those with disabilities. Changes are aimed at making it easier for people to live independently by accessing services better focused on their individual needs and the needs of their families. Minister of Community Services Denise Peterson-Rafuse says government knows the current system needs to change to be more flexible and responsive. The MLA for Chester-St Margaret's adds the system needs to be easier for clients and  families to access the services they need. The public can offer their views and suggestions on how government can design a better system of support by visiting "Putting People First" on the Department of Community Services web site.

Police Find Pain Relievers During Traffic Stop

A Lunenburg County man is facing various drug related charges after police pulled over a vehicle on Highway 10. Police say they arrested a 63 year-old man in New Germany after they allegedly found a quantity of pain relievers (Hydromorph Contin and Dilaudid pills). Gary Harold Bushen of Pinehurst, was held in custody overnight and is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and failing to comply with court orders. Bushen was remanded into custody during a court appearance yesterday in Bridgewater. He's due back in court April 19th.

South Shore: Messy Weather Expected

Weather warnings have been issued for the entire Maritime region. Environment Canada says much of New Brunswick, P-E-I, Cape Breton and a big chunk of eastern and northern Nova Scotia can expect between 10 and 15 centimetres of snow overnight and into Saturday. As well, a winter storm watch has been issued for the Halifax region and portions of western Nova Scotia. The South Shore is expected rain, freezing rain and ice pellets beginning this evening. However, no weather warning have been issued for the region. The forecast is calling for heavy snow in some areas, but much of the region can expect a messy mix of rain, snow and ice pellets by Saturday morning.

Gold River-Western Shore Elementary To Close This Summer

Gold River-Western Shore Elementary School will stay on the chopping block for this summer. The board decided not to accept the education minister's recommendation to delay school closures for a year, instead, choosing to stay the course with all decisions made at its March 27 meeting. Chair Jennifer Naugler says the education minister put the board in a tough spot.



Naugler says the minister's recommendation created a lot of turmoil and stress on communities, and she recognizes it's difficult on them. She says she's glad decisions have been made and the matter has been dealt with. However, the decision didn't sit well with parent Terri Lynn Melvin, who says they will continue to stand tall for the school.



Some Gold River and Western Shore residents have decided to protest to show their support for the community. The protest is planned to be at the board office at 9am Friday morning.

Three Chester Groups Get Federal Funding

Three organizations in the Municipality of Chester have received funding from the local member of parliament. Gerald Keddy has announced roughly $46,000 for the East Chester Recreational Association, the Chester Art Centre and the Helping Hands to Enrich Learning and Lifestyles Programming Society in Fox Point. The recreational association is getting $20,000 to repair its hall floor and joists. The floor has never been replaced since the building was built in the 1800s. President Betty Gagnon says the funding is important for their space.



Work is expected to start by the fall. Meanwhile, the Chester Art Centre received $19,786 to offer mobile art workshops for seniors and the Helping Hands to Enrich Learning and Lifestyles Programming Society got just over $6,120 to offer weekly fitness sessions and monthly speakers for seniors.

Crews On Scene At Yarmouth Fire

Fire crews from Yarmouth and several other departments remain on scene at structure fire in the town. The blaze began earlier this morning at 61 Waverly Street. Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke coming from the roof. It is owned by W.L. Nelson's Furniture and the owner confirms it is used as a warehouse. Jim Nelson says there is a major loss of appliances, furniture and bedding. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is not known.

Cooke Aquaculture Preparing New Sites In Jordan Bay

Cooke Aquaculture is putting the finishing touches on their new fish farms in Jordan Bay. The New Brunswick based company received approval from the Nova Scotia government to install the fish cages last summer. Cooke has already hired 16 people to oversee the project and will have room for 27 employees at full capacity. The sites should be up and filled with fish by the end of this month. Cooke Aquaculture is also working toward opening a new fish processing site in Shelburne County. The plant would be home to 320 employees at full capacity. They are also building a new salmon hatchery in Digby, and expanding a feed mill in Truro.

Pump Prices Down In New Brunswick

Could be good news for South Shore drivers when they wake up tomorrow. Gas prices in New Brunswick have taken a dive.  The price for regular self-serve is down 5.1 cents per litre to a maximum price of a $1.28 per litre. Diesel is down 6.8 cents to $1.32 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of furnace oil has dropped 3.5 cents per litre.

School Board: Special Meeting Called For Gold River-Western Shore School

The South Shore Regional School Board will reconvene Thursday evening to discuss the future of Gold River-Western Shore Elementary. A board member brought forward a motion Wednesday night to amend the decision to close the school later this year and delay its closure until 2015. SAC co-chair at Gold River-Western Shore, Sarah Swinamer, says their hopeful a decision will be made in their favour.



The common theme among the board was the feeling of uncertainty and confusion around the minister's recommendation to delay school closures for a year. A special board meeting will be held Thursday night at 7pm.