Baillie & McNeil Call For Vast '103' Improvements

Nova Scotia politicians are lining up to join the chorus of calls for a major overhauling of Highway 103 along the South Shore. Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says if he's elected premier in the next provincial election, he will make twinning whats been called "Canada's deadliest highway" a priority. He says doubling the road from Exit five to at least 13 is long overdue.



McNeil says the federal government can easily afford to cost-share the project when you consider the money it hauls in yearly in gas taxes. Meanwhile, PC Leader Jamie Baillie says its outrageous the issue has dragged on so long with no action plan implemented.



Baillie says the province and Ottawa need to work together and cost-share such a large project. He says if elected premier, he will make it a priority to encourage the federal government to come on board a multi-year plan to overhaul the highway.

Lower East Pubnico Fisherman Dies At Sea

A man has died after a fishing accident about 170 kilometres south of Cape Sable Island. A spokesperson with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax says a man fell from a high mast around 4pm Tuesday afternoon while on a sword fishing vessel. Yarmouth RCMP have identified the man as 55-year-old Brex Malone of Lower East Pubnico. Police say he was aboard the fishing vessel 'Savana & Jax' from Lower East Pubnico during the time of the incident. RCMP are partnering with the Department of Labour to continue the investigation.

Online Petition Calls For Twinning Highway 103

A former Bridgewater resident has started an online petition to get Highway 103 twinned from exits five to 13. Tim Conrad now lives in Grande Prairie, Alberta and started the petition following this weekend's fatal crash near Hubbards. He's no stranger to the issue after forwarding a similar petition with 5,500 names to the Conservative government in 2008-09. Now with technology changes, every time a person signs online, an email is sent to the premier, prime minister and other federal and provincial politicians. Conrad says something needs to be done sooner rather than later.



The petition states over 65 people have died in the last six years on Highway 103. Conrad says it will take time to do the work, but feels governments should provide money to twin the highway within the next year. He is hoping to gather 10,000 signatures. To sign the petition, click here.

Grand Opening Planned For Sawpit Wharf Upgrades

Upgrades to Sawpit Wharf Park will be the cause for celebration this week. The Municipality of Lunenburg will host a grand opening to show-off the new upper parking lot and floating dock. Area councillor Errol Knickle says the $65,000 parking lot will allow people to stay in the area longer.



The $25,000 floating dock provides space for roughly 16 punts or small watercraft to be tied up. The grand opening will be held Thursday afternoon from 2-4pm at the Sawpit Wharf Park in Garden Lots.

Big Ex Parade Set For Tonight

The Big Ex Parade is still on for tonight. There were some concerns it would be cancelled due to the forecast. However, officials with the exhibition confirmed the parade will go ahead as scheduled. It leaves from the NSCC in Bridgewater and gets underway at 6PM. The annual parade helps mark the official kick-off of the South Shore Exhibition.

Good Response From Business On SW NS Future

The committee studying the future of tourism in the Southwestern part of the province has received numerous suggestions from businesses in the area. They're suggestions on how to make improvements and bolster the region's economy. Committee chair, Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, says she's somewhat surprised but encouraged.



Meanwhile, the mayor says much of it all depends on getting a ferry service up and running again between Yarmouth and Maine. Her committee expects to have an initial report ready early in 2014.

Chester: Municipality Covering HST To Fix Heritage Property

The Municipality of Chester is handling a bulk of the HST costs for work to a heritage property in the area. Council agreed to cover 71 per cent of the tax towards the Lightfoot Tower restoration project. The cost is $10,714. Warden Allen Webber says the municipality also received a grant request, but council decided on the best option for them.



The Trust has raised roughly $105,000 for the project since fundraising began in 2008. Council approved proceeding with restorations to the property earlier this month. A local firm is preparing to begin restoration work to the Tower on Regent Street, which includes replacing doors, windows, the roof and exterior staircase.

New "Super" Excited To Work In Rural Setting

Providing more opportunities and course selection for students on the South Shore will be a key focus for the region's new superintendent. Geoff Cainen has been selected for the top job within the South Shore Regional School Board. He has worked for the Halifax Regional School Board for the past 17 years. Cainen is also a former teacher and principal. Cainen says he'd like to explore further opportunities to offer online courses.



Cainen says a top priority will be to work with board members on creating a new strategic plan and vision for the areas school system. He will officially begin his new role on August 1st.

UPDATE: Two Men Safe After Boat Capsizes In Mahone Bay

Two men are safe after a power boat capsized this afternoon off the coast of Mahone Bay. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax issued a mayday call around 1:45pm after the 20-foot vessel overturned. The incident happened roughly 40 metres from shore. JRCC spokesperson Mike Bonin says the two men appear to be in good shape.



The Mahone Bay Inshore Rescue and Coast Guard auxiliary were involved in the rescue operation. Bonin says the two men will be assessed on shore and will be taken to hospital if necessary. It's not yet known what caused the incident.

FireFit: Bridgewater Earn Personal Bests, Third In Team Event

Volunteer firefighters from Bridgewater made quite an impression over the weekend at the Maritime-Atlantic FireFit competition. Ryan Buck finished fifth overall after running the obstacle course in one minute and 30 seconds. Meanwhile, Steve Freeman set a new personal best time by 25 seconds, finishing in a time of one minute and 35 seconds to finish 10th. Nick Mercer also set a personal best by 12 seconds with a time of one minute and 49 seconds to finish in 22nd place out of 86 competitors. Robbie Smith posted a time of three minutes and three seconds while Craig Wentzell also finished in a time of three minutes and 13 seconds. The results led to a third place finish in the team event for the local fire fighters. Buck says it was a job well done.



Bridgewater was the lone South Shore team in the event. He says the team expects to compete at the national championships in Edmonton, Alberta from September 4-8.

Trail Group's Financial Request Goes To Committee

A funding request to help develop a route plan for the LaHave River Trail will be discussed further. The Municipality of Lunenburg has sent the $15,000 request to its audit-finance committee. The LaHave River Trail Association is looking to undertake a study that will connect trail sections in Cookville and Pinehurst. Mayor Don Downe says it's about creating a link for trail users that doesn't exist.



Downe says the audit-finance committee will determine if there is money available in the budget framework to complete the request. The group is hoping to use public land where possible while creating partnerships with private landowners. Downe expects the issue to be back in front of council in the fall.

UPDATE: Yarmouth Fund-Raiser Not Just A Drop In The Bucket!

The weekend "Zach In A Box" fund-raiser at the Yarmouth Mall parking lot was a big success! More than $10,000. was raised as Liberal MLA Zach Churchill spent half his weekend in a bucket attached to a construction crane high above the parking lot. Passers-by chipped in money to keep Churchill in the bucket through the 24 hour time-limit. He says it was a long 24 hours by times but, well worth it!



Money raised will help support programs of the Memorial Club which assists local seniors and veterans.

Big EX Ready To Start

The South Shore Exhibition is set to start this week in Bridgewater. The popular July event will get underway Tuesday evening with a parade that spans around sections of the town from the community college to the exhibition grounds. Other events planned for this year include South Shore Idol, demolition derby, TCW wrestling and Maritime Horse Pull. Manager Christine Sarty says there is lots of buzz around musical performances from Kira Isabella and Chad Brownlee.



Sarty says there's something for all ages at the Exhibition. The event runs from Tuesday until Sunday. All the details can be found here .

Bridgewater Remembers "Lead Rock" In Curling Community

A key rock in Bridgewater's curling community will be honoured tomorrow. Members of the curling club will gather to remember Helen Naugler.  Naugler passed away at the age of 94 last week. She was a curling coach at the national level and the recipient of Nova Scotia Ladies Curling Association Award of Merit in 1992. Naugler also helped develop Bridgewater School Curling Programs and was instrumental in getting the Little Rocks Youth Program up and running. Her passion for curling and love of helping others led her to be named Volunteer and Year for the Town of Bridgewater and Province of Nova Scotia in 2004. A celebration of life will take place Monday at the Bridgewater Curling Club between 11am and 3pm.

South Shore: Three Killed In Tragic Weekend Crashes

Two separate crashes on the South Shore have claimed three lives. The first collision took place around 11 o'clock Saturday morning near Exit 6. RCMP say an elderly woman was killed when her van crossed the centre line and slammed into an SUV. The woman has been identified as 75 year-old Myrtle Veinotte of Beach Hill. Meanwhile, four of the six people traveling in the SUV were sent to hospital - three were listed in critical condition. However, in an update on Sunday, RCMP said an 87 year-old Ontario man passed away overnight from his injuries. All of those in the SUV are believed to be from the Toronto area. A section of Highway 103 was closed for nearly five hours while investigators looked over the crash scene. Later in the day, a single vehicle rollover in East River claimed the life of a 25 year-old man. RCMP say the incident occurred when their vehicle stuck a culvert, rolled and hit a power pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Three others, all from the Halifax area were taken to hospital with various injuries. Police have not released the name of the man killed in the crash.

Fatal Accident In East River Point

A 25-year-old man is dead following a single vehicle crash in East River Point. RCMP say the incident happened around 9:20pm Saturday night along Highway 329. Police say preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle left the roadway, struck a culvert, rolled and struck a power pole, coming to rest on its roof. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other passengers, from the Halifax area, were transported to the QEII Hospital. One was air-lifted while the other two were transported by ambulance. They remain in Halifax hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one in serious but stable condition. An RCMP Collision Reconstructionist has been called to assist with the investigation.

Crash Kills Elderly Woman, Three In Critical Condition

A 75 year-old Beech Hill woman has died following a serious crash near Exit 6 involving seven people. Mounties say Myrtle Veinotte was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision involved a maroon van and white SUV and occurred around 10:45am on Highway 103. A section of the highway was closed for more than five hours. Four of the six people riding in the SUV were taken to hospital - three of those are listed in critical condition. Those in the SUV are thought to be from the Toronto area. Investigators say the collision happened when the elderly woman's vehicle crossed the centre line and collided head on with the SUV. She was the only person traveling in the van. The highway has re-opened.

Fatal Crash Near Exit 6

Emergency crews spent nearly six hours at the scene of a fatal two-vehicle crash at Exit 6. The incident ocurred around 10:45am on Highway 103. The highway had been shut down but has since re-opened. Mounties say one-person was killed in the crash. EHS, fire crews and a Life Flight helicopter were called to scene. RCMP say a traffic analyst was also called in to help with their investigation. No other details have been released.

Smoke-Eaters Square Off In FireFit Competition

It's been dubbed the ''toughest two minutes in sports.'' Firefighters from across the country are preparing to show residents of Lunenburg County some of their on-the-job duties in a timed obstacle course. Volunteer and professional firefighters are in Bridgewater to compete in the Maritime Atlantic FireFit competition. Individual races are held Saturday and team trials on Sunday. The winners will qualify for nationals in Edmonton, Alberta this September. The action can be seen at the Bridgewater Fire Hall. A full schedule of events can be found here .

Local Fire Fighter To Battle Quebec Fires

A Lunenburg County man is one of 21 wildfire fighters from the province being sent to Quebec to help battle several forest fires. Corey Conrad with the Department of Natural Resources will fly out to Quebec on Saturday. He's the lone official from the South Shore making the trip. The province is responding to Quebec's request for help just as other jurisdictions have helped Nova Scotia fight wildfires in the past. The firefighting crew will be battling one or several fires over a 14-day assignment period.

Weekend: Bayswater Beach WILL Re-Open

Bayswater Beach will re-open after a swimming ban was imposed due to high levels of bacteria in the water. The Department of Health and Wellness issued the original closure notice Wednesday.

Chester: CAO Preparing Options For Former School

The keys to Gold River-Western Shore Elementary School will fall into the hands of the Municipality of Chester today. School board officials will revert the building back into the municipality's possession following the closure earlier this spring. The municipality is in the process of getting the school appraised and the CAO expects to deliver a list of options to council in early August. Warden Allen Webber reserved his opinion on the matter until he gets more details.



Webber expects the options will include demolition, selling the property or keep it for municipal use. A major obstacle with the school is the roof, which is slated to cost $110,000 to replace.

Zach In A Box Fund Raiser Set To Go

The Liberal MLA for Yarmouth feels he's reaching for new heights in raising money for a charitable organization. Zach Churchill will climb into a bucket at the end of a construction crane in the Yarmouth Mall parking lot over the supper hour today to begin raising money for the Yarmouth High School's Memorial Club. He will stay there for 24 hours except for brief breaks along the way. Churchill says he couldn't resist the challenge.



Money raised this weekend by the "Zach In A Box" campaign will go to the Memorial Club and its programs to help veterans and seniors in the community.

Investigators Probe Fatal Shooting In Wedgeport

Investigators remain at the scene of a fatal shooting in Wedgeport. RCMP in Yarmouth say they will continue to investigate the matter but don't expect to lay charges. A 47 year-old man was found dead early Thursday morning on Corporon Road. An autopsy on the victim's body is being conducted today in Halifax. In a media release, police say a 46-year-old man was also injured but they aren't releasing how the incident unfolded. A 49-year-old female also connected to the shooting was not hurt. More details on the shooting are expected to be released early next week.

Gas Prices Climb Almost Four Cents

As expected, Nova Scotia gas prices took a hike overnight. Here on the South Shore, the price for a litre of regular self-serve is now $1.40.4.  Thats an increase of almost 4 cents from yesterday.  High test is up by a similar amount.  However, diesel remains steady, no increase.  Its selling for $1.34.4 per litre.

Yarmouth Seafest Celebrates Life By The Sea

A salute to the area fishing industry and the town of Yarmouth is underway! This is the 35th year for Seafest.
Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood says the event has grown into a major tourist attraction and money maker for the town. She says there's good reason for it!



Among the scores of events are dorey races, a walking tour of the town looking at the area's history, scallop & oyster shucking, double rope splicing & rope coiling, lobster shucking and banding, haddock filleting, lobster pot building, net knitting and knitting bait bags. Seafest in Yarmouth runs until July 27th with activities scheduled at numerous venues across the town.

Minor Injuries After Vehicles Collide In Conquerall Mills

An elderly woman has been taken to South Shore Regional Hospital after a two-vehicle collision in Conquerall Mills. Constable David Cullen with Bridgewater RCMP says it appears a car pulled out of Lakeview Circle and was hit by a half-ton truck travelling the Conquerall Mills Road near Fancy Lake. The incident happened around 1:20 this afternoon. The driver and passenger in the truck were unharmed. Police say the 77-year-old driver of the car is dealing with minor injuries.

Nowe Wins, Chandler Tenth At Atlantic Golf Championship

Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe has gone wire-to-wire to win the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship in Antigonish. Nowe shot a final round two-over par, 74, Thursday to win by seven shots over Bedford's Bruce Tomie. The 17-year-old never trailed in the event and earns an exemption into the 2013 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, which will be contested July 29 to August 2 at the Timberwolf Golf Club in Sudbury, Ont. Meanwhile, Chester's Allison Chandler struggled to a 92 today, but managed to finish in 10th place.

MODL: Council Awards Riverside Work To Dexter Construction

Dexter Construction Company Ltd. is being hired to provide upgrades to the Riverside Wastewater System. The Municipality of Lunenburg awarded a tender contract to the group, who had the lowest bid out of five companies. The scope of the work will focus on replacing the collection system and installing treatment plant equipment. Mayor Don Downe says they're trying to get the system working properly.



The tender price from Dexter Construction was $462,242.50. Downe expects work to begin soon.

Chester: Council Seeks Crown Land In Western Shore

A parcel of land in Western Shore could become property of the Municipality of Chester. The Nova Scotia Government owns roughly an acre of Wild Rose Park. The municipality is interested in acquiring the land through a 20-year lease arrangement that would include an out-clause regarding the seawall, which is provincially-owned. Warden Allen Webber says they don't want to be held responsible if the seawall erodes and causes flooding. He says the lease would provide the municipality with a sense of security.



Webber didn't know the cost but says its a marginal amount of money. The matter has been back and forth between the municipality and the province for over a year.

Wedgeport: RCMP Investigate Fatal Shooting

A man has died after a shooting overnight in Wedgeport. According to the RCMP, the incident happened on the Corporon Road around 1:20am. They say a 47-year-old man died and a 46-year-old man was injured. A 49-year-old female also connected to the shooting was not hurt. Mounties say all those involved are known to each other and investigators don't consider the shooting a random act. The RCMP Southwest Nova Major Crimes unit is in the preliminary stages of their investigation.

Gold River: Accused In Alleged Shooting Remains In Jail

A Gold River man will remain behind bars after an alleged shooting over the weekend on the Lunenburg County reserve. Ronald Lorne Paul is facing three charges after an incident Saturday night that sent a man to hospital with an apparent gunshot wound. The 60 year-old has been charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent to endanger a life and assault with a weapon. The 31 year-old shooting victim was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Paul will return to court August 2nd.

Dish Washing Made Easier At South Shore Regional Hospital

Doing the dishes at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater has just become a lot easier and safer. A new system of loading up the dish-washers involves staff now only having to put dishes in the racks, pushing a button and automation doing the heavy work. Gone are the days of manually lifting heavy dish racks on to a conveyor belt. South Shore Health's Manager of Facility Services, Robert Barss, says tried-and-true manufacturers could not solve the problem. It took a local company to come up with something new.



According to Barss, its the first such automated system in the province. Funding for it, $150,000. came from the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.

UPDATE: 103-Exit 12 Crash-Woman In QE-2 Hospital

A woman who was injured yesterday as a result of a two-vehicle crash on the 103 near Bridgewater is in the QE-2 Hospital in Halifax. She was driving a pickup truck Wednesday afternoon when her vehicle collided with a sport utility vehicle at Exit-12 in Cookville. The victim was airlifted to the QE-2 from the site. She is being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries. Two occupants of the S-U-V were not injured. The accident is still being investigated. The cause hasn't been determined yet.

Gas Prices Expected To Rise Yet Again

Here we go again! Gas prices are expected to take another jump at South Shore pumps overnight tonight. In New Brunswick this morning, the provincial energy and utilities board has increased the price for regular self-serve there by 5.2 cents a liter. That brings the new maximum price in New Brunswick to $1.37.4 per liter. If a similar increase happens tonight here, the price for a liter of regular self serve will surpass $1.41. By the way, gas prices have gone up in New Brunswick 10.5 cents a liter in the past two weeks.

Men Defeat Women In Charity Softball Match

It was the men triumphing over the women in a battle of the sexes softball match Wednesday night in Mahone Bay. The men's team scored plenty of runs, despite batting from their weak side of the plate, notching a 23-15 victory. The game helped raise roughly $100 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Lots of fun was had by all players, with the idea of holding a game annually. The match was a prelude to the 'Batting For Breast Cancer' event, planned for Friday evening on ball fields across Lunenburg County.

Queens County: Injuries After House Fire

Nine fire departments were needed to contain a house fire in Queens County. The fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon on Charleston River Road. A person inside the home suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital. Firefighters spent more than four hours on the scene making sure the blaze was put out. RCMP, EHS and Nova Scotia Power Crews were also called to the scene. The home is described as a complete loss.

UPDATED: Serious Crash Near Exit 12

Mounties say a section of Highway 103 has re-opened. The highway was closed for roughly three hours near Exit 12 after a serious two-vehicle collision involving a pick-up truck and an SUV. RCMP say a woman who was driving the pick-up has been airlifted to the QE II Hospital in Halifax. Her condition is not known at this time. The two occupants of the SUV were not hurt. RCMP are asking motorists use alternate routes until the highway re-opens. The cause of the crash has not been determined.

Nowe Leads CN Future Links Atlantic Golf Championship By Four

Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe is poised to win the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship at the Antigonish Golf and Country Club. The 17-year-old fired an even-par round of 72 today, to remain at one-under overall through 36 holes. Nowe made four birdies, which were offset by four bogeys. He remains four shots ahead of the pack, heading into Thursday's final round. Meanwhile, Chester's Allison Chandler shot her consecutive 11-over par, 83 to sit in a tie for fifth place. She sits nine shots back. Chester Basin's Cole Mulrooney withdrew from the tournament. The top six competitors in the Junior Boys division will earn exemptions into the 2013 Canadian Junior Boys Championship at the Timberwolf Golf Club in Garson, Ont. The Junior Girls champion will earn an exemption into the 2013 Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship at the Cherry Downs Golf and Country Club in Pickering, Ont. Both events are scheduled July 29 to August 2.

UPDATE: 11 Break-Ins Tied To "Pillowcase Bandits" In Lunenburg County

Mounties say 11 of the three dozen break-ins related to the "Pillowcase Bandits" occurred in Lunenburg County. Those break-ins appear to be closely tied to a variety of thefts which took place over a two-week period in April in the communities of Baker Settlement, Newcombville, Chelsea and West Clifford. The accused, who police say refer to themselves as the ``Pillowcase Bandits,'' were arrested Monday at Halifax provincial court as they appeared on other matters. The name comes from the practice of allegedly using stolen pillowcases to transport loot. Investigators say online tools, such as Google Street View and the real estate listing service M-L-S, were used to identify target homes. Police laid 170 charges against 22-year-old Cory Jollimore, 26-year-old Jason Marriott and 28-year-old Ryan Marriott. Break-ins also took place in the Halifax area and Colchester counties.

Bayswater Beach Closed Due To High Bacteria Levels

A Lunenburg County beach has been closed because of high levels of bacteria. The Department of Health and Wellness has closed Bayswater Beach to swimmers. A spokesperson for Health and Wellness says the issue could be caused by a number of factors including water run-off from the land, to water feeding into the area from other lakes, rivers or streams, or high concentrations of feces from wildlife. Test results received Wednesday didn't identify a specific source. The beach will reopen when water testing shows it is safe. In the meantime, lifeguards will continue to be at the beach to inform the public it is closed. To check on the status of the beach, call the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service Beach Information Line at 902-477-6168 or visit their website here .

Board Sets Hearing Date For Proposed Blockhouse Facility

The province's Utility and Review Board has released the date for a public hearing concerning an appeal by Halifax C and D Recycling Ltd. for a demolition debris transfer facility in Blockhouse. The Halifax-based company is appealing the Municipality of Lunenburg's decision to refuse a development agreement for the proposed facility along the Cornwall Road. In a letter to the UaRB, Halifax C and D feels the municipality's decision does not reasonably carry out the intent of the municipal planning strategy. The hearing is scheduled for September 25 at 9:30am at the Blockhouse fire hall.  An evening meeting could happen at the same location if necessary.

Groups Receive Provincial Funds For Community Transportation

Three South Shore groups are cashing-in on provincial dollars for sustainable transportation. The province recently announced $650,000 in operating funding for 14 community-based organizations including the Municipality of Chester Transportation Society, the Handicap Organization Promoting Equality in Yarmouth County and the Sou'West Nova Transit Association in Shelburne County. The Shelburne County group received just over $26,093 to provide low-cost, door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transportation to the local residents. The Chester society is getting $19,078 and the Yarmouth County organization over $45,495. The funding will help offset operating expenses.

Gold River Shooting Trial Set For Thursday

A Gold River man will appear before a judge tomorrow after an alleged shooting. Ronald Lorne Paul is facing three charges after a man was taken to hospital over the weekend with an apparent gunshot wound. Mounties issued an arrest warrant for the 60 year-old on Sunday, he turned himself into police the next day. Paul is charged with aggravated assault, discharging a firearm with intent to endanger a life and assault with a weapon. The 31 year-old shooting victim was taken to the QE II in Halifax. However, his injuries were not described as serious.

Men, Women Square Off In Softball Fundraiser

A battle of the sexes on the softball diamond Wednesday night in Mahone Bay. A team of female players from the South Shore Women's Softball League will take on a crew of men from the Bridgewater & Area Mixed Softball League. The only catch is, the men's team will be batting backwards from their weak side of the plate. The game is raising money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Anyone interested in attending the game is asked to bring a cash donation. Game time will be 6:30pm.

Nowe Races To Early Lead At Atlantic Golf Championship

Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe has the first round lead at the CN Future Links Atlantic Golf Championship in Antigonish. The 17-year-old shot an opening round one-under-par, 71, to be the only man under par in the tournament. Nowe has a four shot lead in the junior boys division. Chester Basin's Cole Mulrooney shot 86. Also, Chester's Allison Chandler shot an opening round 83. The 15-year-old sits four shots back of the first round leader in the junior girls division.

Updated: Elderly Woman Dies After Incident In Italy Cross

An 82 year old woman has died after an incident this morning in Italy Cross. The RCMP say she fell into a small pond on a private property. Her death is being described as an accident. Mounties say there is no investigation into the matter.

UPDATED: Chester Woman Found Safe In Halifax

A Chester woman who was missing in Halifax for a number of hours has been found safe and sound. Seventy-nine year-old Millie Faulkner was found late this afternoon. She went missing after she stepped outside of a building on University Avenue for a smoke. Police had some concern because she wasn't familiar with the Halifax area. They are thanking the public for their help.

Local Firefighters Ready For Regional Competition

The Atlantic Regional Scott Firefit Championship is ready to go after two years of planning and preparation. The competition is being held in Bridgewater and pits firefighters through a timed obstacle course with duties including a victim rescue, forcible entry, running and a hose lift. Over 160 firefighters from across the country are expected to be in the town. One of Bridgewater's participants, Steve Freeman, says training is a six-day a week, 10-month a year commitment. He says they hope to reach they're goal.



The event opens Friday night with a charity relay for Lunenburg County departments. Individual races will be held Saturday while team competition goes on Sunday. The competition takes place at the Bridgewater Fire Hall. More details on the event can be found here .

Town, Municipality Cost-Sharing New Ice Cover For LCLC

Another perk is being added to the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg have agreed to share the cost of an ice cover for up to $215,000 at the new Clearwater Seafood Arena. The cover will allow the rink's surface to be converted for other uses in a matter of hours. Mayor Don Downe says the cost make sense.



Meanwhile, Bridgewater Mayor David Walker says the cost for both parties could drop if they can access government funding. He says they have submitted an application to the province for funding assistance.