Bridgewater Celebrates $25,000 Donation From Kraft

A raucous crowd gathered at Shipyards Landing in Bridgewater last night with the town in the national spotlight. The South Shore Seahawks Minor Football Club were awarded a $25,000 cheque from Kraft Canada as part of their Celebration Tour before TSN broadcasted a live edition of sportscentre. The money will improve drainage at the Kinsmen Field. Resident Shawn Woodworth says the event was a crowd-pleaser.



Thousands of people attended. This part of the tour moves on to Fredericton, New Brunswick to broadcast again Tuesday.

UPDATE: Fatal Plane Crash Near New Germany

A 65-year-old Barss Corner man has died after a ultralight plane crash earlier this morning in Barss Corner. RCMP say Byron Varner was the pilot and only person in the plane at the time of the crash just after 10am. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Mounties say early investigation reveals the plane burst into flames after impact. RCMP don't yet know the cause of the crash.

BREAKING: Plane Crash In New Germany

RCMP say one man is injured after an ultralight plane crashed near the Old Barss Corner Road in New Germany. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says the incident happened around 10:20 this morning. A cause has yet to be determined. EHS and members of the New Germany Fire Department are on scene.

Kraft Celebration Tour Arrives

Thousands of people are expected to be in attendance when festivities kick-off this evening for the Kraft Celebration Tour at Shipyard's Landing on King Street. Things open up to the public at 5pm, with Rod Smith and Kate Beirness anchoring the live edition of TSN's Sportscentre at 7pm. A member of the organizing group, Tanya Bolivar, says she's hopes people will show their community spirit by wearing jerseys, painting their faces and creating signs. She says people from surrounding communities should enjoy the event as well.



Kraft will present a $25,000 cheque to the South Shore Seahawks football club to help fix drainage issues at Kinsmen Field.

Meanwhile, if you're heading to Shipyard's Landing this evening, make sure you travel ahead of time. The town has closed a number of streets to allow Kraft and TSN to set up equipment for the Celebration Tour. The closures include King Street between Cornwallis Street and Jubilee Road, School Street will be shut down between Prince Street and King Street, and Park Street will be off-limits between Prince Street and King Street. The closures last until 10pm.

Summer Games: Whalen Wins Second Gold Medal

The feeling of winning gold at the Canada Summer Games is twice as nice for Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen. The 20-year-old won the women's javelin event Friday night in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Whalen had a top toss of 48.83 metres. She won her first gold earlier this week in the women's shot put. Nova Scotia sits at 56 medals heading into the final day of competition at the Summer Games on Saturday.

Summer Games: McIntosh Records Another Gold For South Shore

Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh won gold in the women's heptathlon at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The 22-year-old dominated the competition, scoring 5,407 points and winning six of the seven events in the discipline. McIntosh's effort puts a stamp on South Shore accomplishments in athletics. McIntosh, along with Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan, Conquerall Mills' Mattias Wolter and Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen all won gold medals this week. Whalen still has the women's javelin final later tonight. Courtney Langille of Bridgewater will also run in the women's 4 x 400 metre final tonight.

Premier Says No Election Call This Weekend

Opposition party candidates and voters may have to wait awhile yet for a provincial election call. In a CKBW-HANK-FM News interview, Premier Darrell Dexter says you can pretty well rule out an election call this weekend, despite all the talk to the contrary for the past week. He tell us, there is still work to be done including a fiscal update to be unveiled next week outlining the province's current financial state.



The premier by law must call an election before next June. NDP candidates on the South Shore are ready to officially kickoff their campaigns when the premier "drops the writ". Shelburne MLA and Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau will offer his name up for re-election in the newly created Queens-Shelburne. Elsewhere, the Minister of Community Services and Seniors Denise Peterson-Rafuse is re-offering in Chester-St. Margarets, Pam Birdsall hopes for re-election in Lunenburg, Gary Ramey is looking to be returned in Lunenburg West. The NDP is yet to choose its candidates for Argyle-Barrington and Yarmouth.

CLOSED: Three Lunenburg County Swimming Holes Off-Limits

Three popular swimming areas in Lunenburg County are now off limits. Bayswater Beach, Sand Dollar Beach and Sawpit Wharf in Lunenburg Back Harbour have all been temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria in the water. It's the second time this summer Bayswater Beach has been closed because of unsafe bacteria levels in the water. If you are looking for updates, call the Lifeguard information line at 477-6168.

Martin, Canada Miss Relay Final At Worlds

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin and her Canadian teammates gave it their all, but didn't advance to the finals of the women's 4 x 400 metre event at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, Russia. The team finished fifth in their heat, in a time of three minutes, 31 seconds, failing to qualify for the finals by less than two seconds. Team Canada set a seasonal best time with their results.

Summer Games. McIntosh Closing In On Gold Medal

A busy day coming up for several South Shore athletes at the Canada Summer Games. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh has a hold on first place, heading into the final three events of the women's heptathlon. Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe and Chester's Allison Chandler tee-off in round three of the golf event. Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen competes in the women's javelin final. Bridgewater's Courtney Langille will run in the women's 4 x 400 metre relay final.

Bridgewater: Street Closures Due To Kraft Celebration Tour

People will need to find some alternate routes around Shipyard's Landing on Sunday. Bridgewater's Public Works department is closing a number of streets to allow Kraft and TSN to set up staging and other equipment for the Celebration Tour. The closures include King Street between Cornwallis Street and Jubilee Road, School Street will be shut down between Prince Street and King Street, and Park Street will be off-limits between Prince Street and King Street. Some streets will be available for detours in the area. The closures take effect Sunday from 7am until 10pm.

RCMP: Two Men Charged In illegal Smokes Bust

A pair of Lunenburg County men are facing charges after Mounties seized some illegal cigarettes. In the first case, officers found some contraband smokes when they raided a home in West Northfield. Police say 2,400 illegal cigarettes were seized or enough to make about 100 packs. William Oswald Russell faces several charges. He was due to appear in court this week. Meanwhile, Robert Murphy of Upper Branch also faces several charges for the same reason. RCMP say the 32 year-old was found in possession of approximately 1,200 illegal cigarettes. He's due in court in October.

Delays Expected For South Canoe Wind Project

The warden of Chester says he's worried about a delayed decision on the South Canoe Wind project. The province's regulatory board has yet to make an announcement on the issue, over a week after their 60-day deadline passed to make a decision. But it's not the only concern on the table. A court challenge is also scheduled for November on the financing package for Nova Scotia Power in respect to the project. Allen Webber says it throws a wrench on a construction start date.



Webber says he has no idea when the Utility and Review Board will render its decision. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power are behind the $200-million project.

Provincial Funds Help Local Fire Departments

Fire departments in the region will have extra cash to buy some new equipment thanks to the Nova Scotia government. The province is investing more than $125,000 in 10 organizations in the Region of Queens, Lunenburg and Shelburne counties. The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment such as personal protective equipment, communication equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. The money is coming from the Emergency Services Provider Fund. The program provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects, to a maximum contribution of $20,000.

In total, the program is providing about $500,000 to 55 organizations.

Fire Departments, Emergency Responders receiving funding are:

-- Big Tancook island Emergency Response Association, Lunenburg County, $6,353

-- Hebb's Cross Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $5,519

-- Indian Point Volunteer Fire Department, $10,873

-- Island and Barrington Passage Fire Department, Shelburne County, $6,492

-- Lunenburg and District Fire Department, $20,000

-- Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue, $3,333

-- Mill Village and District Fire Department, Regional Municipality of Queens, $19,455

-- New Ross Volunteer Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $20,000

-- Tri District Fire/Rescue, Lunenburg County, $13,518

-- Western Shore and District Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $20,000

Sustainability Festival Kicks-Off Fifth Year

People are encouraged to take the next step at this year's Growing Green Festival in Bridgewater. The unique festival has events scattered around Lunenburg County, but is primarily featured on King Street with sustainable booths set up for people to visit. Films began showing earlier this week and concerts will also be held Friday night and Saturday. Festival Chair Patrick Hirtle says the event has grown over the years.



This is the fifth year for the event. A full schedule for the event can be found here .

Queens: Municipality Trying To Save Piping Plovers

The Region of Queens is doing all it can to give a pair of newborn Piping Plovers a fighting chance. They are reminding anyone who goes to Beach Meadows Beach to take their dog for a walk to make sure their pups are on a leash. Director of Recreation Norm Amirault says it will give the sparrow sized birds a better chance to survive. He says a nest of five hatched earlier this month and already three have not survived.



The small birds are sand-coloured and are unable to fly for the first few weeks after they are born. According to statistics, half of the dwindling Plover population live on the Atlantic Coast.

Gasoline Prices Expected To Drop Again!

Look for another drop in South Shore gas prices come tomorrow morning, possibly by as much as 2 cents a litre.  In New Brunswick today, the price there is lower for the third time in the past month. Regular self serve in New Brunswick is down a couple of cents to $1.32.1 a litre.  Diesel is down almost 2.5 cents with no change in the price of propane.  Nova Scotia's Unity & Review Board will set the coming week's prices here at midnight tonight.

Summer Games: Golf Begins, Men's Soccer Into Quarters

A Bridgewater golfer is five shots of the pace at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Ryan Nowe shot an opening round two over par 75. Meanwhile, on the girl's side, Chester's Alison Chandler shot an 89. Both Nowe and Chandler play their second rounds Thursday. In other action, Mahone Bay's Hunter Vaszily and Lunenburg's Nick Tanner are off to the quarter-finals as part of the men's soccer team. They beat PEI yesterday 3-0 and will play B.C. Thursday afternoon with a chance to advance to the final four. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh opens up competition today in the women's heptathlon. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

No Opposition To Communications Tower In Gold River

There is no opposition to build a communications tower in Gold River. There were no residents at Tuesday night's hearing in Chester or any letters opposing Eastlink's proposal to construct a tower at 165 Beech Hill Road. Warden Allan Webber says they will issue a letter of concurrence to Industry Canada, who has final say on the matter. He says the tower should help residents with improved coverage and data.



Webber says the municipality will earn minor tax revenue from the auxiliary building built near the tower. He's unsure of the construction timeline, but believes it could be complete in the next few months.

No Swimming: Bayswater Beach Closed

A Lunenburg County beach is off-limits to swimmers. Bayswater Beach has been closed because of high levels of bacteria. The province's Department of Health and Wellness indicates the beach will reopen when water testing shows it is safe. It's the second time this summer Bayswater Beach has been closed because of high bacteria levels. If you are looking for updates, call the Lifeguard information line at 477-6168.

Chester Race Week Sets Sail

The largest keelboat regatta in Canada is underway. Chester Race Week set sail today, and features nearly 125 entries. They will compete for bragging rights in a dozen different divisions on a challenging course in waters around Mahone Bay. Committee Chair JP Currie called it a highlight of the summer sailing season. He says it's also a great community event.



A large percentage of the participants hail from Lunenburg, Chester, Mahone Bay and Halifax. Chester Race Week continues through until Saturday.

Veteran PC MLA Gives Thumbs-Up To Minister For Ferry Announcement

Chris d'Entremont is the Progressive Conservative MLA in Argyle. He says Tuesday's announcement about talks pending between the province and a potential new Yarmouth ferry operator about a resumption of service is the best news he's heard in some time. d'Entremont is also giving full marks to Tourism and Economic Development Minister Graham Steele. He says Steele has added credibility to these two major government departments that seemed for years to lack guidance.



At the same time, d'Entremont says the ferry announcement will no doubt form some part of the Dexter government's re-election campaign in this region.

Liberal Reaction To Yarmouth Ferry Announcement

Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says the ferry service announcement on Tuesday was long overdue. He says, in hindsight, the service should not have been cancelled. Churchill says tens of millions of dollars in potential revenue for the tourist industry and other business has been lost as a result. He says a lot of repair lies ahead.



Churchill hopes the federal government will soon officially come on board and help with the resumption of the ferry service, including renovations to the abandoned ferry terminal in Yarmouth.

Memorial Softball Tourney Raises $5,500 For High School Bursary

A softball tournament has helped raise over $5,500 for a bursary at Barrington Municipal High School. The first ever Katlin Nickerson Memorial Mixed Softball Tournament was held last weekend at the Sherose Island, Shag Harbour and South Side ball fields. The event was held on the same weekend as Mariner's Day and Seaman's Memorial Day, paying tribute to men and women in the fishing industry and remembering those who have lost their lives at sea. Organizer and Katlin's mother, Della Sears, says it makes sense to have the tournament on that weekend.



Sears says she's thankful for the community support during the event.

Local Mayors Pleased By Ferry News

A pair of Lunenburg County mayors are pleased to hear steps have been taken to revive the Yarmouth ferry. The province is entering into negotiations with STM Quest to operate the service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Bridgewater Mayor David Walker says its good news for the region.



The mayor for the District of Lunenburg agrees. Don Downe says a ferry service will benefit the entire province by bringing in more tourists.



Negotiations with the company are scheduled to begin later this week and last roughly three weeks. An update is expected early next month.

Summer Games: Golden Night For South Shore Athletes

It was a golden night Tuesday for South Shore athletes at the Canada Summer Games. Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan started the gold rush by winning the men's decathlon. The momentum continued with Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen earning top marks in the women's shot put. She had the top toss of 15.54 metres. And finally, Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills raced his way to first in the men's 3,000 metre steeplechase. He finished in a time of eight minutes, 58 seconds. Bridgewater's Courtney Langille along with her teammates also qualified for the women's 4 x 400 metre relay final. They finished third in their heat.

TSN Anchor Excited For Kraft Celebration Tour

One of the on-air personalities with the The Sports Network says he's looking forward to traveling to Bridgewater for the first time. Rod Smith has worked for TSN for 26-years, but will make his first appearance on the Kraft Celebration Tour since it began in 2009. Smith will team up with Kate Beirness to host Sunday's live broadcast at Shipyard's Landing. He says he's excited for the experience.



Smith says he's expecting a loud broadcast, with plenty of raucous people during the Bridgewater stop. Festivities get underway at 5pm Sunday before TSN begins its live broadcast at 7pm.

MODL: Local Group To Construct Highway 10 Sidewalk

A portion of Highway 10 near the French school in Cookville is getting over 300 metres of sidewalk. The Municipality of Lunenburg has awarded a tender to Town and Country Property for $108,507.37 to construct the sidewalk and around 270 metres of widened shoulder along Champlain Drive and Evanagelie Court. Funding is being provided from gas tax, as well as roughly $60-thousand from the Nova Scotia Moves grant. Mayor Don Downe says it's a community benefit.



The main purpose for the work is to allow children to have access to a sidewalk if there is an emergency at the French school. The start date for the work is not known.

Bridgewater: Town Exploring Plastic Bag Ban

The town of Bridgewater is exploring the option of banning plastic bags. Council is directing staff to further research and engage the community on the issue. Councillor Andrew Tanner says banning the plastic carry-out bags would help reduce litter and protect water quality in the area. He says things need to change.



Tanner says people could adjust to using reusable bags or paper bags when shopping. He hopes staff will report back with a goal to create a by-law banning plastic bags in the town by January 1, 2014.

STM Quest, Province To Negotiate Yarmouth Ferry Service

The Nova Scotia government will enter into negotiations with STM Quest to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele announced the decision today in Yarmouth. Three companies submitted business plans to operate the ferry service beginning next year.  A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans based on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience. STM Quest is a joint venture between ST Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation. The province has committed to investing up to $21-million over seven years for the service.

Chester: Public Hearing On Proposed Cell Tower

A communications tower will be topic for discussion Tuesday evening in Chester. Council is holding a public hearing on the matter, to gauge resident opinion on the installation of a 76-metre tower planned for 165 Beech Hill Road in Gold River. Eastlink is proposing the tower to meet the increasing demand of wireless services in the Chester, Chester Basin, Gold River and Western Shore areas. The hearing begins at 7pm at Chester Municipal Council Chambers.

Town Agrees To Sell King Street Library Building

The town of Bridgewater is selling the current library building on King Street. Council agreed to direct staff to advertise a tender that would list the property for sale, before the current tenants move to their new location in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The decision was 5-2 in favour of the motion, with councillors Jennifer MacDonald and Michael Graves voting against it. Graves hopes council doesn't live to regret the choice.



Mayor David Walker says he's confident with council's decision.



The decision comes after the group known as Cafe 12 withdrew their proposal to use the building for a non-profit community cafe.

Riverfest Founder Reflects On Summer Festival

Final prep work is underway before the start of Riverfest. The popular grassroots festival - which is held in the heart of a Lunenburg County turnip field - is entering it's ninth year. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the concert grounds have been cleared and staging is being assembled today (Tuesday). Crouse says it's been special to watch the event grow over the years.



All the proceed from the event go toward Lunenburg County 4-H and St. Andrews Lutheran Church. For more information on tickets and performers - log on to www.rockthebush.com.

Summer Games: South Shore Athletes Making Their Mark

South Shore athletes are making their mark to open week two at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan sits atop the standings in the men's decathlon after five events on Monday. He'll have another five events Tuesday in his quest for gold. Lunenburg's Nick Tanner scored twice to lead the men's soccer team to a 9-1 victory over the Northwest Territories. They play again Wednesday against PEI. Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen qualified for the women's javelin final with a toss of 45.77 metres. Whalen will begin competition in the shot put Tuesday. Also, beginning competition Tuesday will be Bridgewater's Courtney Langille, who races in the women's 4 x 400 metre relays and Conquerall Mills' Mattias Wolter runs the men's 3,000 metre steeplechase.

Bridgewater: Assault Leaves Man In Critical Condition

Bridgewater police say a man is in critical condition after an assault over the weekend at the Exhibition grounds. They say the incident took place shortly after 2am on Sunday. A 21 year-old Lunenburg County man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He's due in court at a later date. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the assault to contact their detachment at 543-2464.

Bridgewater Man Faces Drug, Weapon Charges

A 21-year-old man from Bridgewater will be in court next month after police seized marijuana and weapons from his home last Friday night. Members of the Bridgewater Police Service, along with its street crime unit and RCMP police dog service found the items at the King Street residence. Constable Will Creamer says Derrick Robar is facing drugs and weapons-related charges. Creamer says they collected a pair of knives, a shotgun and a rifle. Robar was arrested Friday night and was released with conditions Monday morning. Robar is due back in court September 12.

Tuesday: Yarmouth Ferry Update Expected

There will be an update tomorrow (Tuesday) on the search for a new ferry operator between Yarmouth and Maine. Economic and Rural Development Minister Graham Steele will be in Yarmouth to give an update on the process. He will be joined by Keith Condon, chair of the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. They are expected to provide an update on the evaluation of business plans submitted for a new ferry service in Yarmouth. Last month, Maine Governor Paul LePage indicated his support for re-establishing the ferry link. In a letter to Premier Darrell Dexter, the governor threw his support behind a proposal by STM Quest to operate the ferry. LePage indicated his office would also help the company secure an operating line of credit in the amount of $5 million.

Bridgewater: Public Hearing To Discuss King Street Property

The future space at 814 King Street in Bridgewater is the topic for debate Monday evening. The town is holding a public hearing to discuss an application by Bond Street Capital, a group looking to construct a single story building on the property. The space is currently occupied by Melissa's Stop and Wash. Bond Street Capital are looking to enter into a development agreement with the town to build a 4,400 square foot complex. The hearing will be held as part of tonight's council meeting at 6pm.

SPTS-South Shore Soccer Team Wins In New Glasgow

The South Shore United Under-14 girls soccer team was in New Glasgow over the weekend for a game against XFC.  Lacey Acker, McKenzie Sinclair and McKenzie Kelly combined to help shut out New Glasgow 3-nothing.  Kaye Dorey was the winning goalie for South Shore.

Possible Election Call Coming: McNeil & Baillie On South Shore Issues

There could be a provincial election call later this week. Everyone in political circles is talking about the strong possibility Premier Darrell Dexter will visit the lieutenant-governor either Friday night or Saturday and ask that the legislature be dissolved and an election date set. Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says everyone has been in over-drive for months, expecting an election call and this could finally be it. McNeil tells CKBW and Hank-FM News, South Shore Liberal candidates are set to "officially" hit the bricks.



Meanwhile, PC Leader Jamie Baillie tells us, the South Shore will be a key area in the campaign and maybe even a political battle-ground.



The opposition parties and political pundits are saying September 17th will likely be the date for the election.
The NDP government is into its 5th year in office. It has to go to the polls before next June 9th.

Now, information on who's running and in which South Shore ridings in the election campaign:
All NDP Members of the Legislature on the South Shore are re-offering in the next election, with the exception of one. Vicki Conrad announced several months ago, she will not run again. Shelburne MLA and Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau will offer his name for election in the newly created Queens-Shelburne.
Elsewhere, Denise Peterson-Rafuse is re-offering in Chester-St. Margarets,  Pam Birdsall hopes for re-election in Lunenburg, Gary Ramey is hoping to be returned in Lunenburg West. The NDP is yet to choose its candidates for Argyle-Barrington and Yarmouth.
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The Progressive Conservatives have a full slate of candidates in the South Shore ridings. They include Janet Irwin in Chester-St. Margarets, Brian Pickings in Lunenburg, David Mitchell in Lunenburg-West. Bruce Inglis will carry the tory flag in Queens-Shelburne and veteran PC Chris d'Entremont will be re-offering in Argyle-Barrington. John Cunningham is running in the Yarmouth riding.
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The Liberals have all their candidates in place along the South Shore. Seeking election for the Liberals in Chester-St.Margarets is Tim Harris. Suzanne Lohnes-Croft is the Liberal standard-bearer in Lunenburg. Its Mark Furey in Lunenburg West, Benson Frail in Shelburne-Queens, Kent Blades in Argyle-Barrington and incumbent Zach Churchill in Yarmouth.

Wolter Wins Silver At Legion Track And Field Nationals

A Conquerall Mills runner picked up a silver medal at the Royal Canadian Legion Track and Field Nationals. Tobias Wolter finished in second place in the men's 2,000 metre steeplechase at the meet in Langley, B.C. He finished in a time of five minutes, 58 seconds, four seconds behind the eventual winner. Wolter also finished in 17th place in the men's 1500 metre run. Elsewhere, Liverpool's Sarah Mitton collected 3,744 points to finish seventh in the women's heptathlon. LaHave Islands resident Josh Bell placed eighth in the boys under-16 discus competition with a toss of 41.10 metres. Chester's James Lucas ran the men's 100 metre dash in 11.89 seconds to finish fourth in his heat. He didn't advance to the finals.

Teen Charged After Late Night Joyride

Police say a 13 year old boy got behind the wheel of a car and slammed into a fence late Friday night in Bridgewater. They got a call just after midnight regarding a car that was speeding and all over the road. Officers tried to pull the car over but the boy kept on driving before he crashed on York Street. He wasn't hurt and was taken home to his mother. Police say the boy is facing charges of theft of a vehicle, evading police and dangerous driving.

Motorcycle Crash Sends Three To Hospital

Three people were taken to hospital after a three vehicle collision in Martins River. The Mounties say the incident happened around 7:15 Saturday night involving two motorcycles and a car along Highway 3. Police say one of the motorcycles collided with the car that was stopped ahead of them. The motorcycle then landed in the other lane, colliding with another motorcycle. Two people on the bikes were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital while the other was airlifted to QEII in Halifax. Their injuries are described as "moderate to serious." The driver of the car was not injured.

Bat Populations Cause For Concern In N.S.

The number of bats in Nova Scotia is catching the attention of the province. The government is looking to the public to help track the health of Nova Scotia's bat populations. A fatal infection known as white-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats in northeastern North America in just a few years. The syndrome causes bats to wake frequently during winter hibernation and with limited food sources available, they can die from starvation and hypothermia. The province has partnered with the Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Queens County to create two tools for the public to report bat sightings; a telephone hotline and an online reporting form. The public can report sightings of bats, including summer bat roosts and over-winter sites, by calling 1-866-727-3447 (toll-free) or by going online here .

Lunenburg: Expect ER Closures At Fishermen's Memorial

It's a weekend of overnight closures at the emergency department in Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. The shut downs are being attributed to staffing shortages. The ER will close Saturday at 5 o'clock until 7:30 Sunday morning. Emergency services will also not be available during the same times Sunday and Monday night. It's the ninth time in August emergency services have not been available at the Lunenburg hospital. Residents dealing with an emergency should call 9-1-1 or go to the regional hospital in Bridgewater.

Weekend: Tribute To Fishing Industry

Those who make a living at sea will be remembered Sunday as the province observes Mariner's Day and Seaman's Memorial Day. Fisheries Minister and MLA for Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau, says it's a day to pay tribute to all men and women who contribute to the economic prosperity of the province and those lost their lives in the process. A sunset ceremony will take place at the Fishermen's Monument in Eastern Passage. Meanwhile, a slo-pitch tournament is also planned in the Municipality of Barrington in memory of Katlin Nickerson, captain of the ill-fated Miss Ally. The money raised will go toward a memorial bursary. In April, the Mariner's Day Act was passed to observe the second Sunday in August as Mariner's Day.

Request For Proposals Issued For LCLC Ice Cover

The search is on for an ice cover for the new Clearwater Seafood Arena at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. A request for proposals has been issued by the LCLC. General Manager Kevin Benjamin says groups have until August 20th to submit their request. He says an ice cover will be a welcome addition to the new facility.



The town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg have agreed to share the cost of an ice cover for up to $215,000.

McNally Wins Second Bronze At Summer Games

Make it two bronze medals for Hebbville's Claire McNally. The 17-year-old won her second bronze at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec this week. McNally finished third in the S5-14 200 metre individual medley para-swimming event. She also won bronze in the 50-metre fly para-swim. Nova Scotia sits in seventh place in the overall medal standings with 13, heading into Friday's competition.

More ER Closures At Fishermen's Memorial Hospital

Another group of closures is ahead for the ER at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. The Lunenburg hospital's emergency department will be closed from 5pm today to 7:30 Saturday morning.  It will also be closed during the same hours on Saturday overnight, Sunday overnight and Monday overnight.  Staffing shortages are blamed for the closings.  PC health critic Chris d'Entremont of Argyle says the chronic closures of the Fishermen's ER and those less-often at Roseway in Shelburne are signals that health care dollars don't have priorities.



South Shore Health reminds anyone in the Lunenburg area needing emergency services during the Fishermen's closures to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.  Those with non-emergencies should contact their family doctor, go to the nearest clinic or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

Some Change In Gasoline Prices

A slight drop in some gasoline prices overnight. A litre of regular self serve is down half a cent at South Shore pumps. Its listed at $1.35.1.  High test is down by a similar amount to $1.44.1.  There is no change in the price of diesel though, listed at $1.32.8 per litre.