Seven Years And Counting: Shelburne Waiting For High Speed Internet

It's been almost seven years and some areas of Shelburne are still waiting for high speed Internet. The Nova Scotia government awarded a contract to Eastlink in 2007 to provide the service province-wide. However, there are still roughly 1,000 people along the South Shore and Annapolis Valley with no service. Municipality of Shelburne CAO, Kirk Cox, says that includes many in the community.



Cox says with seven councillors, the issue comes up at meetings every month. He says it's positive news that the province has given Eastlink a December deadline to complete the work.

Whalen: Gov't Committed To More Education Dollars

Nova Scotia's finance minister says investing more money into education remains a top priority. Diana Whalen says the Liberals will follow through with re-investing $65 million dollars into education during their mandate. During a stop in Bridgewater, Whalen says that will be done over time.



Whalen says the government wants to make sure students have more support in areas such as literacy and math.  She says some new money could also help with ideas coming out of the recently announced school system review.

Blandford: SAR Exercise Planned

There will be a search and rescue exercise Tuesday in Lunenburg County. It's being organized by the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, US Coast Guard and RCMP. It will take place near the coastline in Blandford and is expected to begin at 10 a.m. and end by mid-afternoon. Residents can expect to see helicopters, flares and boats in the water. The exercise should take up to four hours to complete.

Chester: Wind Project Enters Sewer Rate Discussion

A Chester councillor feels the South Canoe Wind project could help solve problems with sewer rates. Brad Armstrong suggested the option because five of six sewer systems are in a deficit position. The municipality is proposing a universal tax rate and few councillors seemed to lend an ear to Armstrong's idea. He was under the impression they backed the wind project to help taxpayers in the area.



Deputy Warden Floyd Shatford disagrees. He feels it doesn't make sense to take tax dollars from the wind farm to cover sewer rates.



The issue will be back in front of council next week.

Beware Of Scammers Phishing For Your Personal Info

Visa Canada has a new survey out shedding light on the prevelence of internet phishing scams. The survey has found 92 percent of digitally-connected young Canadians under age 35 have become regular targets of these fraud attacks. They're trying to get your personal information for financial gain. Jill Atkinson of the Atlantic Better Business Bureau says anything emailed by a bank or a company you deal with should be considered "suspicious".



Phishing scams go after information such as your bank account numbers, passwords, debit and credit card numbers and social insurance numbers.

Lunenburg: Fishermen's ER Closure

The ER at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital is temporaily closed today. It shutdown at 7 a.m. and will reopen at 7:30 p.m. A shortage of staff is the reason. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to South Shore regional Hospital. If you need medical information, call 811.

Region of Queens "Snow" Budget In Good Shape Despite Storms

The Municipality of the Region of Queens may be one of the few districts along the South Shore and elsewhere with a snow removal budget thats still in pretty good shape! However, after a long period of relentless storms, the Region of Queens does have fewer funds left in the budget than usual. Mayor Christopher Clarke says the Region's staff is always prepared.



The Region of Queens does have reserve funds on standby if needed. However, the mayor doubts they'll be needed.

Shelburne: Pot Use Leads To Impaired Driving Charge

A Shelburne man has been charged with impaired driving by a drug after an incident early Friday morning. Police say they pulled over a vehicle around 1 a.m and found some marijuana. The 24 year-old driver was taken back to the detachment and questioned by an RCMP drug recognition expert who determined he was impaired. He was later released and will appear in Shelburne court May 29. The man is facing charges of impaired driving and possession of marijuana.

Mustangs Earn Split In Halifax

The Halifax McDonalds have evened their playoff series with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs. Halifax skated to a 4-2 win Sunday to tie the best-of-seven series at one. The Mustangs won game one Saturday night 2-1 in overtime. Alex Nauss scored both goals for the Mustangs, who will host games three and four at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena this coming weekend.

Lunenburg Snow Removal Budget Headed For The Red

Lunenburg's mayor says they will need to look at their reserves to help cover the cost of snow removal this winter. Rachel Bailey says they started the winter with a budget of $106,000. However, that's been whittled down to roughly $3,000 before the last storm hit last week. Bailey says it's been an unusually difficult winter.



She says the town has over $20,000 in reserves and other resources if they end up in the red.

Health Minister Applauds Recent South Shore Radiothon

Recently, the Health Services Foundation on the South Shore raised tens of thousands of dollars to help purchase a new piece of medical equipment for the South Shore Regional Hospital. The province's health minister is applauding the campaign and others across the region which Leo Glavine says is becoming the "norm".



Glavine says the South Shore's annual funding drive and others across the province won't be touched during reform of the health care system.



The Valentine's Day Gift For The Heart Radiothon raised more than 103-thousand dollars for a new portable X-ray unit at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Mustangs Score Overtime Win Over Halifax

The Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs drew first blood against the Halifax McDonalds. Jordan Messenger scored the overtime winner as the Mustangs defeated Halifax 2-1 Saturday night. The win gives the Mustangs a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series. Alex Nauss also scored while Colby Muise stopped 36 shots in the win. Game two goes Sunday afternoon in Halifax

High School Hockey: Panthers, Falcons Meet For First Place

In boys high school hockey, Park View doubled up West Kings 6-3 on Saturday night. The win gives the Panthers a shot at first place overall in the Valley High School Hockey League. However, they will have to play a team that is undefeated so far in the regular season. Park View will meet the Forest Heights Falcons at 5pm Sunday evening at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Lunenburg: ER Closure At Fishermen's

The emergency department at the hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed this afternoon. The closure will began at 2:00p.m. It will reopen at 7:30am Saturday morning. Residents needing emergency care will need to go to the regional hospital in Bridgewater or call 9-1-1.

Mustangs Open Series Against Top-Ranked Halifax

The Charlies Pizza South Shore Mustangs will play their first semi-final series in 12 years. The Mustangs open up their best-of-seven series against the top-ranked Halifax McDonalds this weekend. The Stangs are coming off a series win over Valley. However, they were winless against Halifax in five games during the regular season. Assistant Coach Don Dodman says the team is ready for the task.



Game one will be held Saturday night at 7pm at the Halifax Forum. The two teams will also meet Sunday afternoon at 12:30 at the Forum before the series shifts to Bridgewater for games three and four March 1 and 2.

Will New Yarmouth Ferry Service Meet May 1 Startup?

Will the Yarmouth to Maine ferry service be able to meet the May 1st startup date? That question is haunting business and politcal leaders in Nova Scotia now that the province has been asked for financial guarantees for refunding cancelled trips. The ferry operator, Nova Star Cruises, has even removed passenger fare information on the route from its webside. Progressive Conservative House Leader Chris d'Entremont says the government needs to clarify whether or not May first is in jeopardy.



d'Entremont says if the province looks after the refund, will that be in addition to the 21-million dollars already guaranteed as backing for the service? He also says a problem like this, so late in the game indicates to him, closing the deal last fall with ferry operator, Nova Star Cruises, was a rushed job.

Chester: Worms Could Become Future Composting Source

The future of large-scale composting in Chester could be in worms. A group of students from Dalhousie University introduced vermicomposting to the municipality, which uses worms to consume organic waste. Councillor Andre Veinotte proposed the idea. He challenged the students to find a less labour-intensive operation.



The students have designed a machine and are looking to begin testing in early March. Veinotte says it could be a good fit, but they need to make sure it makes sense.



The municipality currently spends $200,000 a year to deal with organic waste. Vermicomposting would cut down that cost and make its way to Kaizer Meadow.

Higher Gasoline Prices

Gas prices have increased overnight. Regular self serve is actually past $1.40 now, selling this morning for $1.40.2 per litre. That's a jump of almost three cents. High test is at $1.49.2. Diesel has increased about a cent. It's selling this morning in some places along the South Shore at $1.48.7 a litre.

Shelburne: RCMP Search Home, Issue Charges

A Shelburne man is facing more charges after he was caught with marijuana in addition to breaking conditions related to his house arrest. Police say they searched a home Monday night on George Street. The house was empty but some grass and drug related property was seized. Police tracked down the person they were looking for about two blocks away. They seized roughly 30 grams of pot in total. Vincent William Buchanan is facing new charges and was taken into custody. The 34 year old is due in Shelburne court in April.

Land Clearing Halfway Done For South Canoe Wind Project

Over half the land needed for the South Canoe Wind Project has been cleared. Representatives with Nova Scotia Power and Minas Basin Pulp and Power met with Chester council Thursday to give an update on the project. Land clearing began towards the end of January for the 34 wind turbine project in the New Ross area. Community relations manager for Minas Energy, Mary-Frances Lynch, says they have lots of work coming up.



Looke CanCut of Barss Corner was hired to complete the land clearing. Lynch says they're working on developing a local route to deliver the turbines near the Lake Lawson Road and the New Russell Road. However, it still needs final approval from the province. A project office for South Canoe has also been set up on the Forties Road in New Ross at Cottage at the Cross if people are looking for more information.

South Shore School Board Chair Welcomes Study

Former Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Myra Freeman will be heading up a study of the province's education system. Freeman and 5 panelists will be seeking public input on what's working with the system and what needs improvement. Here on the South Shore, School Board chair Jennifer Naugler welcomes the study.



Education Minister Karen Casey says the education system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in a quarter century. An action plan will be developed to reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation process.

Skills Canada Showcases Trades For Local Students

Local students are getting a hands on introduction to skilled trades and technology. Skills Canada is hosting a workshop today at the NSCC in Bridgewater for high school students along the South Shore. They will take part in a program called TechShop. It's a one day event offering students the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology career options. The workshop also gives students an opportunity to learn information on training, potential salary for certain position. Some of the programs being featured range from natural resources environmental technology to diesel engine repair.

Gas Prices Will Likely Rise Again Tonight

Don't be surprised if South Shore gas prices take yet another jump overnight tonight. It could increase by as much as 3 cents a litre. New Brunswick prices are up this morning (Thursday). Regular self serve is selling for 2.5 cents more a litre there while diesel is up by half a cent.

MODL: Municipality Exploring Clear Plastic Bags

Clear garbage bags could soon be coming to the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council members decided to make changes to a bylaw that would provide them with more information on the issue. The province has set a waste disposal target of 300 kilograms per person by next year. Right now, the municipality is above that number. MODL Mayor Don Downe says they're trying to take the necessary steps.



If it moves forward, residents could still use one black bag for private items. Forty-one out of 55 Nova Scotia municipalities use clear plastic bags in the their waste pick-up. The town of Mahone Bay is also moving towards implementing clear bags. The issue will come to Bridgewater on Monday night.

Yarmouth: Baseball Bat Used In Assault

A 49 year old man in Yarmouth is recovering after he was allegedly beaten with a baseball bat. RCMP say the man was hit in the head twice after an argument broke out involving an 18 year-old. He was taken to hospital where police were made aware of the situation. Wiliam Jamie Nathan Weagle was arrested without incident and is facing two assault charges. The teenager was expected in court today.

Minister: "Education Review Needed"

A former lieutenant governor will lead a panel to identify what Nova Scotians think needs to be done to strengthen the public education system. Myra Freeman and five panelists will seek public opinion on what is working with public education and what needs improvement. Education Minister Karen Casey unveiled the panel today. She says the system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in 25 years. The panel has reps from Digby, Brookfield, Sydney, Pugwash, Sydney and a former Yarmouth resident. They will review curriculum, technology and student outcomes. An action plan will be developed that will reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation period.

VIDEO: Businesses Concerned About Proposed Sewer Rates In Chester

Businesses in Chester are worried over new proposed sewer rates. Council is looking at introducing a universal rate to help eliminate deficits in five of the six sewer systems in the municipality. However, businesses are worried the increases will cost them thousands of dollars more each year. Chamber of Commerce President Jo-Ann Grant says more work on the issue needs to be done.



Council is looking into a flat fee or increased assessment as options for applying a universal sewer rate. Staff will gather more information and report back to them in March. Video of Grant's speech to council can be watched below.

Prepping For The Drive On Snowy Roads

As we get set for yet another snowstorm tonight and the usual bad driving conditions the morning after, the Canadian Automobile Association is advising South Shore motorists to bone-up on their driving habits and skills. Gary Howard of CAA says its especially important not to rush to get to work on a snowy-road morning. He says back off on the speedn and don't worry if you're a bit late getting to the office.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of all snow and ice before you head out, stay well behind other vehicles on the highway and do not use cruise control. Its dangerous to use in the winter.

Remembering The Wrath Of "White Juan"

As we plough through storm after storm this winter, many people say its nothing like 2004. Ten years ago this week, a weather-bomb known as "White Juan" struck the South Shore and the rest of Nova Scotia, crippling the region for days! More than 100 centimeters of snow, blown around by 120 kilometer an hour gales, trapped people in their homes, hotels and in a few cases, vehicles. Department of Transportation Area Manager Glen Strang went to work the evening the storm began and didn't get home for nearly three days. He and his fellow DOT crewmembers worked feverishly to keep things open.



Strang says there was an "upside" to the storm though.



The storm lasted for two days and was named "White Juan" because it had been less than 6 months since Hurricane Juan swept across the province.

Health Minister Eyes South Shore Health

Nova Scotia's Health Minister will be spending the day (today) on the South Shore meeting with health care officials at South Shore Health. Its a continuing series of meetings province-wide as Leo Glavine prepares to overhaul the health care system. The plan is to reduce the number of health authorities from 9 to 2, one for Capital Health/IWK and one for the rest of the province. Glavine will also be dropping by the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg to talk with doctors, nurses and specialists.



Last month, the minister was in Queens County and visited Queens General Hospital for similar consultations.

Steady She Goes On The Highways

Its a very messy drive this morning everywhere along the South Shore and particularly nasty driving in Lunenburg County! Queens County is a little better. The 103 is snow-covered with icy patches underneath.
Pretty much the same for most other roads. If you're heading out this morning, Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says don't risk speeding to make it to work on time.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of snow and ice, stay well behind other vehicles on the road and don't use cruise-control.

Bridgewater: More Information Needed On Big Rig Racing

A few issues are throwing caution flags in the air for a proposed event in Bridgewater. The town has been exploring the option of allowing South Shore in Motion to add big rig drag racing to its event in August. However, Mayor David Walker says insurance, the number of concrete barriers needed, along with a traffic plan and security are all a concern at this point. He says they're waiting for more details.



Organizers would need to temporary close Dufferin Street, between York Street and Hillcrest Street to hold the afternoon event. Walker says they're hoping to have more information for their next meeting on Monday night.

LaHave Ferry: Repaired Again After Minor Hydraulic Probem

The LaHave River ferry was quickly repaired after more damage was discovered. The ferry was pulled out of service for a few hours this afternoon. However, the Department of Transportation says workers fixed a hydraulic problem. The ferry was originally damaged after it broke free from its cables during a blizzard January 3.

Business Impacted By New Holiday?

Like most parts of Canada, this province will also have its own holiday in mid-February, starting next year. Some businesses in HRM are complaining though about possible lost revenue as a result. On the South Shore, Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce Manager Dan Hennessey doesn't see that happening here.



The holiday on the third Monday of February will honor notable historic figures important to the province. The first one, next February 16th, will honor Viola Desmond, a black activist. A province-wide schools contest to give the holiday a general name is now underway.

Best In Lunenburg-Queens Business Receive Awards

A Liverpool company has been named the best large business in Lunenburg and Queens Counties for 2013. J and H Industries took home the honour during the Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence Awards Monday night in Cookville. Also, Lanes Privateer Inn of Liverpool was recognized with the hospitality award. Other award winners include Bailly's Fuels in small business, Cocoa Organic Spa for best new business, RPS Composites for exporting and New Voice Language Academy for entrepreneurial.

LaHave Ferry Returns To Service Monday Evening

Good news for LaHave Ferry users. The Brady E. Himmelman has underwent sea trials and will be back in service around 6pm Monday evening. Workers have fought several snow storms and icy conditions the past few weeks trying to get the ferry returned to residents. There was also a problem with the hydraulic pump, which caused another week long delay. The ferry has been out of service since January 3 after a strong wind and snow storm knocked the cable ferry loose and sent it adrift until it ran aground at Oxners Beach. It travels daily from LaHave to East LaHave.

Lunenburg: Mayor Backs Shipyard Alliance On Bluenose II

The town of Lunenburg's mayor is standing behind its shipyard alliance. Covey Island Boatworks, the Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering Ltd. and Snyder's Shipyard make up the group which is re-building the Bluenose II. The project is making headlines after the Nova Scotia government asked the auditor general to investigate its costs. However, Rachel Bailey feels the alliance isn't at fault.

The last confirmed cost of the Bluenose II was around $16-million, almost $2-million over budget. Bailey says she's interested to hear what the investigation concludes.

Bus Drivers Given Credit During Challenging Winter

It's been a challenging year for bus drivers traveling roads within the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says this winter has been atrocious when talking about road conditions. Cainen says local bus drivers deserve credit. He says back roads have been a major challenge.



Even with several major storms, no major incidents involving buses and students have been reported. Cainen says bus drivers face challenges even on the best of days.

Yarmouth: Three People Charged Following Robbery

Three people face charges following a violent robbery in Yarmouth. RCMP say the incident happened in the early hours Sunday morning on Tooker Street. Police arrived on scene to find a 46-year-old man who was assaulted with a weapon. He was taken to Yarmouth hospital with serious injuries and later released. Eighteen-year-old Ronald Higby, 21-year-old Desi Sisco and 22-year-old Trevor Jacquard, all from Yarmouth, are in court today. They have been charged with several offences including robbery and assault causing bodily harm. Police say the victim and suspects know each other and it was not a random act.

Tenth Anniversary of "White Juan's" Mighty Wrath

Remember this!? Ten years ago this week, one of the South Shore's most spectacular storms bore down on the region. It was a snowy hurricane called "White Juan", just a few months after Hurricane Juan smashed into Halifax in September 2003. More than 100 centimeters of snow crippled most of the region and winds, in some cases exceeding 120 kilometers an hour, destroyed trees, roofs and power lines and tied up transportation. Many people had no power for many days. In almost two weeks, the Red Cross helped more than 30,000 people province-wide.

Shelburne County Honours Miss Ally

Porch lights in Shelburne County will be left on over the next few days to remember the five fishermen killed in a tragic fishing accident last year.  It's being seen as a way to honour the young men killed a year ago when the Miss Ally capsized in rough seas. The lobster fishing boat was based out of Woods Harbour. The five fishermen that were killed were Captain Katlin Nickerson, Joel Hopkins, Tyson Townsend, Billy Jack Hatfield and Steven Cole Nickerson. Their bodies were never recovered despite a dramatic search. During the search last year, many people left their lights on in the symbolic hope that the fishermen would find their way home.

No Injuries As Fire Destroys Windsor Home

The Red Cross is helping a young family left homeless over the weekend in the Windsor area as a result of a fire. Firefighters were called to battle the house fire on Tongue Hill Road Saturday afternoon. When they arrived, flames were coming through the garage doors. Several other fire departments were called for help. No one was hurt and the family was apparently away at the time. They're now staying with relatives.

Opposition Leader Suspects Bluenose II Cover-Up

Nova Scotia's Opposition Leader says there's something fishy with the excessive expenses incurred by the still-incomplete Bluenose II re-build. Jamie Baillie suspects a coverup and he's calling upon the McNeil government to come clean!



Baillie also suspects the recent "retirement" of Freedom of Information officer Dulcie MacCallum had something to do with the release of information about Bluenose II from her office. He intends to bring the issue up when the Legislature resumes sitting in the spring.



The original cost for the rebuild was $14-million. Then, it jumped to $16-million, and now, many suspect the cost will be pushing $20-million by the time its completed. Bluenose II still has not returned as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador after nearly 4 years into the project.

Record Breaking Valentine's Day Radiothon

It's a record fundraising drive for an organization trying to purchase new equipment for hospitals in Lunenburg County. The Health Services Foundation was able to raise just over $95,000 during its annual radiothon on Valentine's Day. They had set a goal of $100,000 for the day. However, more donations are expected to pour in over the next few weeks. Announcer with CKBW and HANK FM spent the day at the hospital helping to raise the money. It turned out to be an overwhelming success. It's the fourth annual radiothon. The foundation is looking to raise enough money to buy a mobile x-ray unit for the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. The total cost of the unit is $225,000.  More fundraisers are planned to help reach the target.

Officials Gather To Assess Emergency Situations

Three different scenarios forced Lunenburg County's Regional Emergency Measures Organization in action for a short time on Friday. The group activated its operations centre in Bridgewater for roughly 90 minutes to assess emergency calls for flooded basements, a fatal crash in New Germany and an overturned oil truck in Chester Grant. However, spokesperson John Collyer says they decided to shut down the centre because all situations were handled.



Collyer says officials will continue to watch the weather forecast with freezing rain, snow and rain in the forecast for Saturday evening.

South Shore Senior Groups Benefit From Provincial Grant

Four South Shore groups are getting financial support from the province. Senior Safety programs in Lunenburg, Yarmouth, Shelburne and Queens counties are all receiving money from Nova Scotia's senior safety grant. The money was announced earlier this week for South Shore Safe Communities, Yarmouth Town and County Crime Prevention Association, Shelburne County Senior Safety Society and Queens County Crime Prevention Association. The money helps support non-profit groups educate and raise awareness of senior abuse, prevent crime and encourage the overall health and safety of seniors. Funding for the groups is listed below.

South Shore Safe Communities:  Lunenburg County Seniors Safety - $20,000

Yarmouth Town and County Crime Prevention Association - $20,000

Shelburne County Senior Safety Society: Safety for Seniors - $19,998.12

Queens County Crime Prevention Association - $18,170

Bridgewater: Town Moving Ahead With New Logo

Bridgewater is moving ahead with plans to tweak a proposed new logo. The town has agreed to spend up to $5,000 to give its logo a facelift.  The proposed logo is a circle that includes the colours green, white and blue. The white represents the LaHave River while the green promotes sustainability and the blue represents the sky. Mayor David Walker says the colours remain up for discussion.



Walker says council hasn't made up its mind on the colours, which could change the final design. The logo would be placed on everything including town vehicles, signs welcoming people to the town and bills. Mayor David Walker welcomes the change.

The money is pre-approved from next year's budget. 

Emergency Officials Meet To Discuss Flooding

Emergency management officials in Lunenburg County are meeting to discuss a potential action plan after the region was hit with 40 to 50 millimetres of rain. A number of people are dealing with flooded basements. Officials are also dealing flooding on road ways. We'll update this story when we have more information.

Fatal Crash In New Germany

Police say a 60 year-old was killed when his car slammed into the ditch in New Germany. The crash occurred shortly after 4 a.m. Mounties say the man was from Pinehurst. A section of Highway 10 was shut down four more than four hours while investigators checked out the scene. Road conditions were poor at the time of the crash. However, police did not say if that was a factor.

Storm Causes Flooding, Closes Schools

It's a messy morning. The South Shore Regional School Board has cancelled classes in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Also, no classes at the Waldorf school in Blockhouse or the French School in Cookville. Schools under the Tri-County Regional School Board are open. However, buses will not travel on gravel roads. More rain is also expected today, another 20 to 30 mm of rain is in the forecast before changing to flurries later this afternoon. Some South Shore residents are reporting basement flooding as result of all the rain overnight. Meanwhile, RCMP are reminding motorist to reduce speeds in case of hydroplaning. There was a single vehicle crash this morning on Highway 10. A section of the highway is closed near Guppy's Restaurant in New Germany. No other details on the crash have been released. About 2,500 Nova Scotia Power custmers are in the dark this morning, outages are being reported in Digby, Halifax and Sydney.