Day To Remember Canadian Veterans Of Afghanistan

Today is a National Day of Honor, recognizing Canadian Forces men and women who served in Afghanistan. On the South Shore, Legion branches and the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron will hold a service this afternoon at the cenotaph at Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Captain Norm Clancy of the Engineers says its important to recognize the service and sacrifices of Canadians in Afghanistan, even though it was a small war compared to others in the past.



Today's service in Bridgewater begins at 1:45pm. It'll be held at the same time as the National service in Ottawa.

International & Aboriginal Students To Benefit From Universities Projects

A series of new projects will launch at Nova Scotia universities designed to attract international and aboriginal students. Education Minister Kelly Regan has announced $5 million in funding for nine different projects that will help recruit and support new students. The money will also help create an easier application process for students through an online application portal and electronic transcript system. Cape Breton, Saint Mary's and Acadia will study ways to create a Nova Scotia-China learning campus to offer local academic programs in China. Meanwhile, Kings College will pilot a new approach gear toward students from the United Stated. The money for the projects is funneled through the Excellence and Innovation Fund.

Fishermen's ER Closed Most Of The Weekend

The emergency department at the hospital in Lunenburg will be closed for most of the weekend. The ER will not be staffed beginning tonight at 7:30pm. South Shore Health says it's due to the unavailability of a doctor. It will reopen on Sunday morning at 7:30am. Residents that live near the hospital and need urgent medical attention should dial 9-1-1 or go to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Substantially Lower

As predicted, gas prices are lower this morning at South Shore pumps and even lower than expected. Regular self serve is down 5 cents to $1.38.1 per litre. High test is down the same to $1.47.1. Diesel has fallen by 2.5 cents a litre and is selling at many locations for $1.35.1.

Softball: Season Kicks Off Tonight

The summer softball season in Lunenburg County kicks off tonight. The popular co-ed league gets underway tonight in Dayspring. The "BMI Freaks" will be looking to defend their title in the mixed league. The women's league will begin Monday. Eight teams make up the league which is set to enter its third season. Last season, the Pitch Slappers won the league championship over the Lady Alers. The men's season begins on Tuesday. There are seven teams in the league this year. The Apple Auto Glass Impact will be looking to defend their title after winning the league in October last season over the Assassins. The opening of the season was delayed because of poor weather.

It's Definitely McHappy Day

It certainly going to be a McHappy Day for some young children on the South Shore in need of a mentor. Nearly $3,200 was raised yesterday through proceeds donated by McDonalds in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was the most raised for the organization on McHappy Day. A dollar from hot beverages and select menu items went directly to BBBS. The money helps fund mentoring programs and after school support for youth in the area. Over the years the partnership has helped raise more than $13,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Canada's Governor General Coming To Mahone Bay

The town of Mahone Bay is getting a special visitor next week. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will help officially launch the Smart and Caring Community Fund. It's administered by the Lunenburg County Community Fund and is expected to support initiatives focused on improving quality of life in the region. Johnston will also present several Governor General Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. The event will be held during the afternoon of May 14 at the Mahone Bay Centre.

Chester: Municipality Supports Debate Over Oak Island Bill

The spring session of the Nova Scotia Legislature may have ended late last week but that won't stop a local MLA from trying to protect artifacts on Oak Island. NDP member for Chester-St. Margaret's Denise Peterson-Rafuse tabled a bill in the house. However, it will have to be revived when the house resumes in the fall. She says current legislation isn't strong enough and doesn't provide restrictions to have an archaeologist on the island while treasure hunters search for the hidden loot.



Meanwhile, Chester will do what they can to help their area MLA get the legislation debated. The municipality has agreed to send a letter asking the Nova Scotia government to push Bill 68 through the Legislature to debate. Warden Allen Webber says it's important for them to show support.



Peterson-Rafuse says they have received hundreds of emails from Norway, Sweden and England supporting the bill.

RCMP Make Pot Bust In Hebbville

A Lunenburg County man with some past trouble with the law is facing more charges after police did a routine check up at a home in Hebbville. RCMP say they went to check on a 31 year-old man yesterday afternoon. However, they were allowed into the home. That's when Mounties came back with a search warrant and found some pot plants. He was arrested along with another 38 year old man. The 31 year-old was taken to Burnside Correction Centre for not following his court conditions.  The other man was released and will appear in Bridgewater Court at a later date.

Full Review Of Education System Underway

Residents of the South Shore can help shape the education system. The first major review of education in 25 years is underway in Nova Scotia. A six-person panel has been formed to gather input from teachers, students, parents, education groups and community members. The panel is being led by former Lieutenant Governor and teacher Myra Freeman. The review was originally intended to focus on curriculum, but it will examine all aspects of the public school system. A discussion guide is available online to help get the conversation started and includes a series of questions to help gather input You can submit input by emailing educationreview@gov.ns.ca  or by phoning 844-424-3777. You can also tweet @NSEdReview. The deadline for submissions is June 13.

Mail:

Minister's Panel on Education
c/o Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
P.O. Box 578 Halifax, N.S.,
B3J 2S9

Getson Rated Second Round Pick For Upcoming QMJHL Draft

A Bridgewater hockey player is rated as a second-round pick for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's draft by the Central Scouting Service. Sixteen-year-old Keith Getson is ranked 35th overall for the upcoming draft on May 31st in Sherbrooke, Quebec. However, things could change on draft day and Getson could move up or down. He says he just wants to be drafted.



Getson is coming off a terrific year with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs, notching 28 points in 29 regular season games and was named to the league's rookie all-star team. Four Nova Scotians are rated to be drafted in the first round.

A Famous South Shore Son Being Honored

Tomorrow (May 9th) will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of country music legend Hank Snow. The Liverpool area is preparing to celebrate the centennial of its most famous son and thousands of Snow fans are expected to attend. Hank Snow museum administrator Kelly Inglis says there is one event many Snow fans are truely looking forward to. Its tomorrow's unveiling of a new Canada Post stamp commemorating the life of the famous singer.



In addition to the stamp, there will also be the unveiling of a life-size Hank Snow statue near the museum.
There is also the release of a Snow biography by South Shore author Vernon Oikle, a new Hank Snow CD release, the opening of the new Hank Snow Community Park, a country music show at the Astor Theatre featuring headliner Larry Gatlin and a lot of other events. The centennial celebrations run through Sunday.

Gold Star For South Shore Bus Drivers/Staff

It's more recognition for bus drivers and staff within the South Shore Regional School Board's transportation department. They received the Gold Award for exceptional performance at the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Conference. The South Shore board scored a remarkable 197 out of 200 possible points in a number of safety and performance related areas. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says he's thrilled for their staff and drivers in achieving such a high standard of excellence. It's the sixth year in a row the board has picked up the Gold Award. The transportation department manages 87 buses, over 330 routes and employs 100 drivers.

A Drop In Gasoline Prices Expected Tonight At South Shore Pumps

Look for South Shore gas prices to drop some tomorrow morning (Friday). In New Brunswick this morning, prices there are lower. The price of self serve regular dropped overnight by about 4 cents a litre. Diesel has also been lowered by around 2.5 cents a litre. If similar decreases happen here overnight tonight, the price of regular self serve may drop to about $1.38 per litre.

Bridgewater Mayor: No Intent To See South Shore In Motion Cancelled

The mayor of Bridgewater says it's extremely frustrating and unfortunate to hear South Shore in Motion has been cancelled this year. The group decided to scrap the entire event Tuesday night. A deadline was imposed by South Shore in Motion on Monday night for the town to make a decision on their proposed big rig hill climb event. The town's insurer indicated there was too many risks and wouldn't financially cover the event. David Walker says it was never their intention to see it fold.



Walker feels there needs to be a clearly identified process that could have helped South Shore in Motion this year. Meanwhile, a digital image has surfaced mocking the town as the "Senior Citizen Capital of the World Where quiet-time will soon be everyday." Walker says people have their opinion but he's pleased with the work the town has done to be recognized as senior-friendly and the best community in Atlantic Canada to raise a young family. He hopes to sit down with the festival's chairperson in the next week to work out issues and talk about the future. Interviews with South Shore in Motion chairperson Darren Wentzell and Mayor David Walker can be heard on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning program from 8am-9am on HANK-FM and 9am-10am on CKBW.

Below is the digital image circulating on Facebook.

Famed Author Mowat Dies

Famed Canadian writer Farley Mowat has died. He was a native of  Belleville, Ontario. Mowat was best-known for works like Owls in the Family, The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be, and Never Cry Wolf. His career spanned 50 years and he received numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Award for literature, the Order of Canada and a number of honorary university degrees. Mowat was 92 years old.

NSCC: Tuition Costs Rising In 2014/15

Tuition is on the rise for those planning to attend a Nova Scotia Community College in the fall. Most programs will see a three percent increase. It means about $90 more for a majority of students - with annual tuition sitting at just over $3,000. VP of Academic Services Rosalind Penfound says they know any increase is concerning to students.



There are 13 NSCC's in the province - including Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Kentville and Yarmouth.


Tuition for 2014-15

Full-Time Core - $3,040

Advanced Diplomas - $4,650

Academic and Career Connections - $1,255

International Students - $9,800

Chester: Sewer Rates Back At Council May 15

The future of sewer rates in Chester will be back at the table later this month. The municipality was proposing to amend its sewer by-law and create a universal rate based on property assessment. However, a large number of residents opposed the idea based on unfair rate changes. Warden Allen Webber feels council is doing what it can to keep residents happy.



Council directed staff to look at a modified equivalent dwelling unit system, with a user fee for larger groups. Staff are expected to report their findings back to council on May 15.

No Charges Laid Against South Shore Police Officer

No charges will be laid against a South Shore police officer after allegations of domestic violence. On April 15th (2014), a woman lodged a complaint about her husband, an RCMP officer at the Bridgewater detachment. The province's Serious Incident Response Team launched an investigation. After weighing all the evidence including statements by both sides, SIRT has determined the officer in question did not use unreasonable force to protect his personal property from being damaged. SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Update: Woman Fined After Car Strikes Pedestrian

A 37-year-old woman has been fined after an incident Tuesday on Old Bridge Street in Bridgewater. Police Chief John Collyer says the woman must pay a fine of $291.45 as a first time offender for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. The woman was driving when she struck a 57-year-old female in a wheelchair who was trying to cross the street. However, Collyer says witnesses indicate the woman in the wheelchair did not press the crosswalk lights. She was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police are still investigating the matter.