Updated: Red Cross Helps Family After Fire Destroys Home

The Canadian Red Cross has stepped-in and provided emergency lodging after fire destroyed a home Tuesday afternoon in Midville Branch. The blaze started around 1:30pm along the Upper Branch Road. A woman and the family’s pet dog escaped unhurt.  The woman's husband was at work in Bridgewater while their two kids were in school at the time of the blaze. Five fire departments including Midville, Hemford, Bridgewater, Northfield and Tri-District responded to the call. Fire officials say the blaze appeared to start in the basement and spread quickly, but the cause is under investigation.

Lumberjack Forward Butterworth Drafted Into USHL

One of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks top rookies has been drafted in the United States Hockey League. Jeremy Butterworth was taken in the fifth round, 73rd overall by the Fargo Force of North Dakota. The 17-year-old enjoyed a standout season with the Lumberjacks, notching 42 points in 45 games. Butterworth says he's looking forward to the opportunity.



He says the USHL is known to produce hockey players to the NCAA and Butterworth adds, it's been a goal of his to play college hockey since he was about 10-years-old. Tryouts for the club will be held this summer.

United Way Of Lunenburg County Celebrates Million Dollar Mark

The coordinator for the United Way of Lunenburg County says people have two reasons to come to a event being held Wednesday in Bridgewater. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but it's also marking its $1-millionth dollar invested in the community. Michael Graves says it's a major accomplishment.



He says the United Way of Lunenburg County gave out just over $180,000 this year to 32 groups. The event will be held from 9:30 until 11:30am Wednesday at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

Police Chief: Drug Drop-Off Day "A Success"

It's considered a good first step by police and mental health officials concerned about pills getting into the wrong hands. Bridgewater held their first prescription drug drop-off day over the weekend, and collected just over 6,600 pills. Police Chief John Collyer says among the old and unused meds were roughly 500 pills commonly found in the town including hydromorphones. He says they're pleased with the turnout.



Collyer says from what he's heard, Bridgewater had some of the best results across the province. He's hoping the event will expand further down the South Shore next year.

Fire Leaves Two People Homeless

A fire in Windsor has left two people homeless. It happened Monday  evening. A woman and her teenage daughter escaped injury as the blaze extensively damaged their apartment at 1011 Burgess Crescent in the town. They're receiving help with emergency lodging, clothes and food from the Red Cross. Other tenants in the 24-unit building were evacuated while the fire was put out and the smoke ventilated. They were later allowed back in. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Local Winery Expansion Gets Federal Boost

A New Ross-based winery is getting a financial boost from the federal government. A $150,000. repayable loan is being given to Muwin Estate Wines to help with its expansion. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the money will also support the purchase of new equipment to help the company meet increasing export demands for its products in Asia, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The company has also sold small quantities to the Netherlands and Nigeria. Keddy says the wine industry is quickly becoming a major economic driver for the province and continues to expand.

Bridgewater Approves 2013-14 Budget

The town of Bridgewater has approved its 2013-14 budget, agreeing to hold the line on its tax rates. Council kept the residential rate at $1.65 per 100 of assessment and the commercial rate at $3.99 after lowering both last year. Members also gave a green light to a capital budget of just over $3-million and an operating budget of $18.7-million. Mayor David Walker believes it is a sound budget.



The budget was unanimously approved by council.

Mounties Investigate Barrington Fire

Mounties say an early morning fire in Barrington last week is suspicious. The fire took place on Villagedale Road and was reported around 2am on Friday. Police say no one was living at the home - which has been destroyed. In an email, RCMP Sergeant MJ DeLuco stated evidence at the scene suggests the fire was deliberately sparked. Several fire departments in Shelburne County responded to the fire. No injuries were reported.

South Shore Volunteer, Association Recognized By Hockey NS

A local volunteer with the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks and Western Nova Hockey Association has been recognized for his efforts. Hockey Nova Scotia held its annual awards banquet over the weekend and selected Devan Naugler as its recipient of the Jed Ritcey Award for volunteer of the year. The 36-year-old from Newcombville says he's volunteered for about 10 years. Naugler says it's nice to be honoured.



He credits several other volunteers for helping him win the award. The South Shore Minor Hockey Association was also recognized, receiving the Lauchie MacIsaac Award for Association of the Year.

Triple Gold For Bridgewater Badminton Club

The Atlantic Junior Badminton Championships were held in Truro over the weekend with more than 170 players competing for titles in Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19 age classifications. Several members of the Bridgewater Junior Badminton Club participated in this event and swatted their way to outstanding results. Sara Hirtle won the gold medal in U14 girls singles and Olivia Bazot brought home gold medals in U12 girls singles and U12 mixed doubles with partner Trevor Hayne of Antigonish. Medals were also awarded to Joshua Fortin who placed 1st in the consolation round of U12 boys doubles with partner Trevor Hayne of Antigonish and to Rielle Doucette and Catherine Talbot who placed 1st in the consolation round of U12 girls doubles. Catherine Talbot also placed 2nd in the consolation round of U12 girls singles and won the Yonex True Sport Fair Play Award for outstanding sportsmanship.

RECAP: Final Minutes Of Mooseheads President Cup Win

The Halifax Mooseheads erased 19 years of close calls and missed opportunities by winning their first President Cup Friday night with a 5-1 win over Baie-Comeau in game five of the best-of-seven series. The Mooseheads will now play in the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon from May 17-26. This video is from an upper bowl perspective.

More Impressive Numbers For Chelsea Whalen

Another great weekend for Liverpool native and Florida State junior Chelsea Whalen. She continued her breakout season at the Georgia Tech Invitational with career-best marks in both the shot-put and javelin.
For the third consecutive meet, Whalen improved her own school record in the shot-put with a mark of 16.45 meters, which was good for a second place finish. She then followed-up with a huge personal-best in the javelin, 48.85 metres, which was good for the win. Whalen is tied for seventh among shot-putters in the NCAA East and jumped from 16th to ninth in the javelin. She now has a week-off to get ready for the first round of the NCAA qualifiers in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Former South Shore NDP Candidate Leaves Provincial Party

The last candidate to run for the federal NDP in South Shore-St. Margaret's has quit the provincial party. Gordon Earle ran for the New Democrats in the riding from 2004-2011. Earle and his wife have withdrawn their membership from the party because of the provincial government's handling of abuse allegations at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. In a letter, Earle says the government is taking too long to respond positively and directly to the former residents of the home and feels they are being re-victimized. He was the first black member of Parliament in Nova Scotia. Earle represented Halifax West as an MP from 1997-2000. The province announced late last week an independent panel would address the abuse allegations.

Improvements At Shelburne County Arena Aimed At Seniors

The Shelburne County Arena will soon be more senior-friendly. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy has announced federal funding to the tune of $25,000 to install accessible washroom facilities at the arena. Funding for the project comes from the New Horizons For Seniors Program. Officials with the Shelburne Arena Association say they'll be able to continue with Old Timer's hockey, senior skating and community events. Since its beginning several years ago, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12-thousand projects across the country.

Yarmouth Tories Pick Candidate

Yarmouth Progressive Conservatives now have their candidate for the next provincial election. John Cunningham is a municipal councillor and a long-time area resident. He was selected over the weekend at a three-way contested nomination meeting. In his acceptance speech, Cunningham said he believes the party's plan creates the winning conditions for economic success: lower taxes, responsible government spending and less waste, and will lead to more jobs and relief for the family budget. PC Leader Jamie Baillie was guest speaker at the meeting. He said: “John's experience as a Councilor will be put to use as he advocates for the people of Yarmouth." Baillie said: “The high-tax plan of the NDP has made life harder for Nova Scotians and Yarmouth will be well served by having someone of John’s experience representing them in the House of Assembly.”

Woman Suffers Minor Injuries After Highway 103 Crash

RCMP say a 71-year-old woman was taken to Halifax hospital following a single vehicle crash on Highway 103. Corporal Scott MacRae says the incident happened around 10:30 Sunday morning between Exits 5 and 6 heading towards Chester. MacRae says its believed the woman lost control of the vehicle after it hydroplaned and went into the ditch. Police say the woman suffered minor injuries.

Tri-County Youth Outreach Program Seeks More Federal Help

A youth outreach program in the Tri-County area has applied to the federal government for continued funding. Its last grant expires at the end of June. Officials at the SHYFT Youth Services Society in Yarmouth hopes its federal funding will be renewed before then so there's no lapse in service to homeless and unemployed youth in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby  Counties. The chair, Bernadette MacDonald, says they couldn't function without government support.



The provincial government has refused to provide any funding for the project. The latest application to Ottawa, if approved, will assure another 130-thousand dollars for operations until the end of March 2014.

Caps Win, Bearcats Lose At RBC Cup

It was a tale of two different starts for both MHL teams at the RBC Cup in Summerside. The host Western Capitals got off on the right foot, scoring a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Wilderness. In the tournament opener Saturday afternoon, the Truro Bearcats were thumped 7-1 by the Brooks Bandits. The Bearcats are back on the ice this afternoon against the Surrey Eagles. Summerside has an off-day and will play their next game on Monday.

Minor Injuries After Car Goes Into Ditch On Highway 12

Two women were taken to hospital after their vehicle went off the road and into a ditch. The incident occurred around 4:20 Saturday afternoon in Chester Grant. Members of the Chester Basin Fire Department along with RCMP and EHS were called to the scene along Highway 12. Police say the two women were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater with minor injuries.

Training Courses "Must" For Off-Road Vehicles

The province is reminding ATV, dirt bike and other off-highway vehicles drivers to make sure they take the mandatory safety training course. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says they must also register their vehicles and have liability insurance. All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia executive director Barry Barnet, says riders who ignore safety laws give responsible riders a bad name. Off-highway vehicle users also need to remember that laws  against drinking and driving apply to them and they must wear helmets while operating their machines. Some vehicle drivers qualify for exemptions from the training. More details are on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Mooseheads Clinch Spot In Memorial Cup

Nineteen years of frustration has turned into jubilation and joy for the Halifax Mooseheads. The club earned their first President Cup in team history, defeating the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-1 in game 5 of the QMJHL final. The Moose clinched the best-of-seven series four games to one. Stephen MacAuley scored twice while Stefan Fournier, Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon each added one to pace the Mooseheads to victory. Drouin was named playoff MVP after notching 35 points in 17 games. The Mooseheads will now travel to Saskatoon for the Memorial Cup from May 17 until the 26. They'll open up play against the WHL champion on May 18. Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey is the lone South Shore native on the hockey team.

RCMP: Five Chester Men Charged With Sex And Drug Offences

Five men from Chester are facing a number of sex-related and drug charges following an investigation by Lunenburg County RCMP. Police say they began investigating after officers received tips that the men were allegedly exchanging drugs for sexual acts with four teenage females between the ages of 16 and 18. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says 16 charges have been laid and they include sexual offences, unlawful confinement and trafficking hydromorphone. Police say three of the men are in their 20s, one is in his 30s and another in his 70s. LeBlanc says the accused won't be named to avoid possible identification of the victims in the investigation. He adds, four of the five men will appear in Bridgewater court later this month.

Mooseheads Look To Win First Ever President Cup

The Halifax Mooseheads have a chance tonight to end nearly two decades of frustration. The Moose will play game five of the QMJHL final series against Baie-Comeau with a chance to wrap-up their first President Cup title. Halifax leads the Drakkar 3-1. This is the third time in 19 seasons the Mooseheads have played in the league final. In the other occasions, the herd lost in seven games in 2002-03 to Hull and were swept in 2004-05 by Sidney Crosby's Rimouski club. Game five goes at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.The series winner advances to the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon from May 17-26.

Minor Injuries After Trailer Fire In Bayport

Two people suffered minor burns after a trailer caught fire overnight at a campground in Bayport. Riverport Fire Department Deputy Chief Pat Lohnes says they were called to the scene around 1:30 Friday morning and didn't leave until just before 5am. Lohnes says the trailer was fully engulfed when they arrived. The fire marshal's office has been called-in to investigate the cause of the blaze. (Photo Courtesy: Lori Gurney)

Gas Prices On The Rise!

After slowly coming down for a couple of weeks, then holding steady, gas prices on the South Shore have increased overnight. They're up today by two cents a litre for regular self serve. Its selling for $1.27.3. Diesel is selling for $1.26.2 per litre.

Caledonia Robbery Suspects Back In Court Next Week

Two Lunenburg County men, charged in connection with last week's robbery at a drug store in Caledonia, have been remanded to jail until May 16th. 27 year old Shane Michael Hall and 28-year-old Jamie Jerome Renouf, both of West Clifford, will return to Bridgewater court on that date for a show-cause and bail hearing. Both were arrested earlier this week and are accused of being involved in the armed holdup of the Caledonia Pharmasave. A man walked into the drug store and demanded prescription drugs. Its believed he escaped in a waiting vehicle. Renouf faces seven charges, including possession of hydromorphone, morphine and dextro-amphetamine and possession of stolen property under $5000. Hall faces five charges, including robbery and carrying an imitation handgun with the intent of committing a crime. Police say they have seized a significant amount of prescription pills believed to have been taken in the holdup.

Mobile Health Care Unit Comes To Bridgewater

An event to try and create more awareness for men's health will be held Friday in Bridgewater. Medibus is bringing its mobile health unit to Bridgewater mall parking lot from 9am until noon. The wellness event is expected to offer an open forum and provide information on men's health. Medical examinations will be offered for those who qualify and provide a valid health card. The event is being provided by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Two Men Arrested In Connection With Pharmasave Robbery

Two people have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery last week at the Caledonia Pharmasave. Twenty-seven year-old Shane Michael Hall and 28-year-old Jamie Jerome Renouf of West Clifford were arrested in Lunenburg County on Tuesday. Renouf faces seven charges in relation to the matter. They include possessing hydromorphone, morphine and dextroamphetamine and possession of stolen property under $5,000. Meanwhile, Hall faces five charges. They include robbery and carrying an imitation handgun with the intent of committing a crime. Both men were due in Bridgewater Court today.

Trial In Teen Confinement Case Set For Next March

A Supreme Court trial will held next year for a man involved in a high profile sexual assault and forcible confinement case. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to an incident in Upper Chelsea last fall where a teenage boy claims he was held captive and sexually assaulted for about ten days. Seven days have been set aside for the judge and jury trial beginning March 3rd in Bridgewater. Leblanc's lawyer, Mike Taylor says he will submit an application to the court for a challenge for cause hearing. It would give the defence an opportunity to question potential jurors about their knowledge of the case. It's used to ensure jurors selected for the trial are not bias in any way.

School Board Receives Top Transportation Award

The South Shore School Board's Transportation Department is being recognized as the top school bus carrier in the province. The group has received the Gerald W. Buchan award, the highest achievement presented in Nova Scotia. This is the first time the board's transportation department has been given the honour. The group also received it's fifth consecutive gold award for exceptional performance. The awards are presented jointly by the Departments of Education and Transportation, Infrastructure and Renewal for exceptionally high scores in a number of safety and performance-related areas. The awards were given to the board earlier this week.

Mooseheads Dump Drakkar, Skate To 3-1 Series Lead

A six goal second period has helped put the Halifax Mooseheads one win away from the Memorial Cup. Marty Frk scored two goals and added three assists as the Moose downed Baie-Comeau 7-4 in game four of the QMJHL championship series. Jonathan Drouin added a goal and three assists for the Mooseheads, while Zachary Fucale made 39 saves. The Moose lead the series three games to one and will look to clinch the best-of-seven series at home Friday night.

South Shore Under High Risk For Forest Fires

A Fire Control official is urging people to be extra cautious as the province's forest fire index is at high across the South Shore. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties have been in the high-risk category all week. Kara McCurdy says people need to be careful.



McCurdy suggests if it is dry and windy then people shouldn't burn. The forest fire index could drop as rain is in the forecast starting Thursday until Tuesday.

National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Comes To Bridgewater

Local police and health authorities will be accepting old and unused drugs this weekend. National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is Saturday and a number of groups are working to reduce trafficking and limit the spread of prescription pills and illegal drugs. Police say its a no-questions asked drop-off. Director of Addiction and Mental Health Services, Todd Leader, says they want to minimize the risk.



A similiar campaign in Kentville last year netted 35,000 pills. People can drop off their old and unused drugs Saturday from 10am-3pm inside the Bridgewater Mall, next to Bell Mobility.

Bridgewater's Martin Headlining Halifax Track Event

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has been named one of two headliners for this year's Aileen Meagher International Track Classic. The 25-year-old along with Geoff Harris of Halifax will share the track when the event kicks off June 9 at Saint Mary's Huskies Stadium. Both runners made it to the semi-finals in last summer's Olympics. Martin won the 400 metre at last year's Track Classic. The event, which is marking its 20th year, is considered the premiere track and field competition in Atlantic Canada. It also allows athletes to achieve qualifying marks for the World Track and Field Championships in August. The event is the only maritime stop of the National Track League and kicks-off the cross country schedule. Other meets will be held in Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

MODL Explores Pension Options For Laid-Off Workers

The Municipality of Lunenburg is exploring its options when it comes to funding pension plans for 13 laid-off workers at the recycling centre in Whynott's Settlement. Council members need to make a decision on whether they want to pay up to $190,000 in a lump sum or installed payments of $40,000 per year for five years. Mayor Don Downe says they're leaning towards the lump sum option because they have the money available in their operating budget.



The 13 workers were laid-off after recycling operations at the plant moved to a facility in Kentville. Council is expected to confirm its decision during next week's meeting.

Which Bumpy Road Bugs You?

Which road really ... bugs the life out of you? You know, the one full of pot-holes, of all shapes and sizes! The road that you fear may, or may already have broken a tire or the springs on your car! The Canadian Automobile Association is trying to weed-out the really nasty top-10 worst roads in the region. Gary Howard of CAA says their "Worst Roads Campaign" also embarrasses governments into action to fix them up.



Its the third annual campaign by CAA, running until May 31st. You can vote for the road in your area that really, drives-you crazy, by going to ... www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads. As the voting continues, the Forties Road in New Ross and the Kemptville Road in Yarmouth County are among the top ten in the region.
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Here is the top ten list as of May 8,2013:
1. Cape John Road ------ River John
2. Foxbrook Road ------- Hopewell
3. Ridge Road ----------- Digby
4. Forties Road ---------- New Ross
5. Rothesay Road -------- Saint John, NB
6. Balmoral Road -------- Tatamagouche

7. NS 203 ---------------  Kemptville
    Fredericton Road ------ Salisbury, NB

8. NB 122 ---------------- Skiff Lake, NB
9. Hanwell Road ---------- Fredericton, NB
10. South River Lake Road --- Guysborough

Trial Dates Will Be Set Thursday In Confinement Case

Trial dates for a man charged in an alleged sexual assault and forcible confinement case will be set Thursday. Provincial court Judge Gregory Lenehan ruled last week during a preliminary hearing that David James Leblanc will be tried by a judge and jury. The 47 year-old is facing seven charges in relation to an incident in Upper Chelsea last fall where a teenage boy claims he was held captive and sexually assaulted. Police began their investigation last September after a woman reported that a barefoot boy arrived at her home chained at his wrists and ankles. The RCMP have said they believe the boy was held captive for about ten days before he was able to escape. The trial will take place in Supreme Court.

Local Band Tunes Up For Lieutenant Governor's Party

The Bridgewater Fire Department Band has a date with the province's Lieutenant Governor. The band has been invited to play in front of Brigadier-General J.J. Grant at the annual garden party in Halifax next month. It's one of the few times a civilian band will play at the prestigious event. Music Director Wendell Eisener says it's an overwhelming feeling for the band.



Eisener says the band is slated to play for roughly three hours and will focus on ceremonial tunes along with a selection of spring and summer collections. The event will be held June 19 at Government House in Halifax.

Three Local Companies Win Export Achievement Awards

Three South Shore companies are being recognized for their work in exporting goods. Terra Beata Cranberry Farm in Lunenburg, Cotter's Ocean Products Inc. in Lockeport and Novatec Braids Ltd. in Yarmouth are among nine recipients this year of the Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards. Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris says each year, about 850 companies produce exports worth almost $16-billion. The winners will be recognized during a luncheon event in Halifax May 14. This is the 29th year the awards have been held. Full details are available here .

New Funding For Search & Rescue Groups

Search and Rescue organizations in Nova Scotia are getting a much needed financial boost. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy has announced nearly $135,000 to boost response and safety across the province. He says the funding will improve search and rescue capacity and capability. The money is part of the Search and Rescue New Initiative Fund as part of an $8.1 million dollar investment for organizations across the country. The fund was established by the federal government in 1998.

MODL Planning To Change MARC North Name

The Municipality of Lunenburg is planning to move ahead with a name change for MARC North near New Germany. The space will now be called 'River Ridge Common' after a municipal committee held a contest in the surrounding communities. Councillor Cathy Moore says they received roughly 25 names. She says they wanted to have a unique name to separate it from the MARC in Dayspring.




Council still has to approve the idea at its next meeting.

Mooseheads Fever Hits Nova Scotia - Game 3 Tonight

The Halifax Mooseheads look to keep their undefeated play-off streak alive tonight in Quebec. The Mooseheads have been perfect thus far in the post season with a record of 14-0. They currently lead the Best-of-Seven series with Baie Comeau two games to none. This evening's Game 3 match-up will be shown on the big scene in Parade Square in Halifax. The game will also be televised depending on your cable provider. Puck drops at 8:30pm.

Heat Gun Believed To Have Caused Fire In LaHave

No one was injured after a fire broke out at a home in LaHave Monday afternoon. Crews from Riverport, LaHave, Pleasantville, Petite Riviere and Bridgewater were called to the scene along Highway 331. LaHave and District Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief, Nathan Ott, says a crew of painters reported the fire between the walls shortly after 3pm, near a side window. He says there was some damage to the home.



Ott believes the fire was caused by a heat gun, being used to strip paint around the window. He credits crews for knocking down the fire quickly.

Wolter Brothers Soaring In Steeplechase

A pair of Lunenburg County brothers were at it again on the track. Mattias Wolter dominated the field this weekend in New Jersey to win the Big East 3,000 metre steeplechase title. The junior at Louisville beat his nearest competitor by seven seconds. Meanwhile, his brother, Tobias Wolter, ran a 2,000 metre solo steeple in six minutes. The result now ranks him at the top of Canadian youth.

Police Chief Urges Public To Create 72-Hour Emergency Kit

A week reminding the public about the importance of being ready during an emergency kicks-off today across the country. Emergency Preparedness Week goes until May 11. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says the message is simple; make sure your family is prepared for up to 72 hours in case of an emergency. He says having a plan of where to go and what to do in an emergency is the best way to be prepared.



Collyer says a 72-hour kit should contain a number of items including lots of water, canned food, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight. The kit should also contain a list of important phone numbers including a doctor and emergency services.

Police Find Clothing Of Caledonia Robbery Suspect

Queens County RCMP are calling it a 'significant' break in their search for the alleged suspect in the Caledonia Pharmasave robbery. Corporal Victor Whalen says tips from the public led to police finding several pieces of clothing they believe the suspect was wearing at the time of the incident. He says the clothing was found just outside Caledonia. Whalen adds, the items will go to the forensic lab to be analyzed.



The drug store was robbed early last week. The suspect is described as a man in his 20's, five feet, 10 inches tall, with a slim build. Queens RCMP are hopeful more tips from the public will funnel in and help them locate the alleged suspect.

Work Continues Around Jordan Bay Fish Farms

A pair of fish farms in Shelburne County should be up and running by the end of May. Cooke Aquaculture has been working to prepare the sites over the past few months. The New Brunswick-based company has hired 18 new workers to maintain the sites.  Spokesperson Nell Halse says they've been focusing on hiring and training local people for their job openings.




Halse says the company is looking to hire 27 workers in total for the Jordan Bay operation. The aquaculture sites will be home to roughly 500,000 fish when its ready for operation.

VIDEO: Queens MLA Recognized By NDP

The MLA for Queens was recognized by her fellow caucus members during this weekend's NDP annual general meeting. Vicki Conrad is among six New Democrats who have chosen not to re-offer in the next provincial election. She says it was an emotional tribute by the party and was humbled by a standing ovation. Conrad says she has no regrets on her time as MLA.



She says she's working on a few projects in the region before her time as MLA ends. The NDP AGM was held at Pier 21 in Halifax.

Mooseheads Blank Baie-Comeau

The Halifax Mooseheads have grabbed the opener of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's championship series. Led by Zachary Fucale's 28 saves the Herd blanked Baie-Comeau 4-0 Friday night at a sold out Metro Centre. The best of seven set continues Saturday night at 7 in Halifax.

Liverpool's Whalen Sets New Career Bests

Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen had a day to remember Friday at the Seminole Twilight Invitational in Tallahassee, Florida. The 20-year-old junior at Florida State came away as the top performer after registering career best marks in javelin and shotput. Whalen started off in the javelin with a throw of 48.06 metres. The throw was good enough for third place but it surpassed her previous top score, which she set at last year's NCAA Outdoor Championship. In the shot put, Whalen continued her torrid pace this season, re-writing the school's record book for the third time with a throw of 16.35 meters. The toss was good enough for first place.