South Shore School Board Supports Ministers Initiatives

The province is undertaking a two year pilot project to curtail skipping classes. Beginning next September students who miss more than 20 per cent of class time in a course will receive a failing grade. The Director of Programs & Student Services for the South Shore Regional School Board, Steve Prest, says the Board will be examining it's attendance policy.  He says recognizing that quality classroom instruction is one of the most important factors affecting student learning, and realizing also that instrution can only have an impact when students are present and engaged ,Prest says he thinks the Minister has addressed areas where there is potentional to have impact on the issue of promoting student engagement in schools. Prest also says the focus should be on the emphasis of placing more value on graduating, He says increasing the drop out age to 18 from the current age of 16 would have a minimum impact on keeping students in school. Education Minister Marilyn More has accepted 10 of 13 recommendations made recently by a working committee on absenteeism and classroom climate. The recommendations deal with a mix of greater support for students and stiffer consequences for missing too many classes.

WEATHER THE STORM

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is reminding Nova Scotians to prepare for flooding after parts of the mainland received more than 200 millilitres of rain today.


EMO has activated its Joint Emergency Operations Centre and continues to monitor the storm.

Emergency management planning officers are reporting that various areas of mainland Nova Scotia are experiencing some localized flooding and that many of the rivers and streams are now full. There is concern that the waterways are reaching capacity.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to protect their property and prepare for flooding in their areas by moving furniture and personal property away from possible flood water and to secure property that might be swept away or damaged by a flood.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure they have access to drinking water in case their regular supply is unavailable or becomes contaminated.

Bridgewater isn't Blooming!

"Communities in Bloom" is recognizing communities across the province for their excellence in tourism, beautification, environmental awareness and heritage conservation.
The Town of Bridgewater isn't one of them.

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia recognized Louisbourg, Stellarton, Truro, Baddeck, Oxford, Parrsboro, and Pugwash at an Awards Ceremony.

Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's not surprised Bridgewater was left off the list.

"I've said many times publicly at council meetings and otherwise that we don't spend enough on aesthetics. We need to pretty up our town and make it more visually inviting and we've started that," say Publicover.

Publicover says Bridgewater will soon be on the list, as town projects improve the look of the waterfront and the downtown core.

KEDDY'S ABSENCE 'ARROGANT'

Veterans and their supporters are protesting nationwide, calling for better benefits for wounded soldiers.

Veteran, Craig Leonard led a march at MP Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office on November 6th.

Leonard says the MP for South-Shore, St. Margaret's emailed him and had promised to face protesters and their concerns on the picket line.

Leonard says Keddy's absence speaks volumes.

"This does, in my mind, show the government's arrogance and unfeeling towards veterans. Again that's my opinion...But to send an email out to the fact that he would show, and then decide not to, is not right," says Leonard.

Keddy has said that veterans in Canada receive the best treatment in the world and that the government deserves 'thanks' for the hard work and 2.5 billion dollars it has put into improving Veterans Affairs.

Boat Builders Stay Competitive with Marketing Funding

Nova Scotia's boat builders got a financial boost to support  competitiveness in the global market and export sales.  Covey Island Boatworks, Norseboat Ltd, The Dory Shop, ABCO Industries, Mahone Bay Boatworks, Lutwick's Boatbuilding and Repair and  Tern Boatworks, LaHave are all receiving support . Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced on Friday, (November 5th) more than 300-thousand dollars in funding for 21 boat building companies and industry associations to improve marketing and promotion efforts outside Atlantic Canada.The funding is distributed through the Boatbuilders' Marketing Assistance Program.

MARKETING ACTIVITY
--Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg
-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.
-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg
-- The Dory Shop, Lunenburg
-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg
--Tern Boatworks, LaHave, Lunenburg Co.
-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

MARKET RESEARCH
-- Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg
-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.
-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg
-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Dixon's Marine Group 2000 Inc., Lower Woods Harbour, Shelburne Co.

-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

MARKETING MATERIALS

-- Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg

-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.

-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Samson Enterprises Ltd., Arichat, Richmond Co.

-- The Dory Shop, Lunenburg

-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Lutwick's Boat Building and Repair, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

-- Tern Boatworks, LaHave, Lunenburg Co.

-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

Time Changes This Weekend

This is the weekend you get an extra hour of sleep.  Nova Scotians are reminded to set their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 7th, when daylight savings ends at 2 a.m., or before going to bed Saturday evening. Along with watches and clocks, microwave ovens, VCR and DVD players, answering machines, car clocks and automatic timer lights need to be adjusted. It is also a reminder to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.  People are also advised to check computer calendars to ensure appointments are up to date when the time change occurs.

Missing for Four Years

Shelburne RCMP will be conducting a search this Sunday, November 7th for a man who has been missing for four years.  Eric Helton Dorey was reported missing by family members on October 23rd, 2006.   Dorey who resided with his mother at Woodlawn Drive in Shelburne has never been located.  He was regularly seen walking in Shelburne or along the 103 between Shelburne and Yarmouth. In the weeks after Dorey was reported missing, a wooded area near his residence was searched  with negative results.  The Mounties will be searching another wooded area near Dorey's former residence this weekend for clues related to his disappearance.  Dorey would be celebrating his 53rd birthday next month.

Fishermen's Memorial ER Recommended for Change

Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is one of the rural hospitals recommended to be used as a collaborative assessment room for emergencies (CARE) centre. The recommendation was contained in a report on emergency health care in Nova Scotia by Dr. John Ross. He stated in his report that of those who accessed ER services at Fishermen's none were life or limb threatening. Dr. Ross stated that according to data most patients could be seen in an office setting. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says he hasn't seen the report yet and wants to thoroughly review it and discuss the impact of the report with South Shore Health officials before commenting.

Fishery Amendments Introduced

Nova Scotia's lakes and rivers will be better protected through amendments to legislation introduced Thursday (Nov,4) by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau . The proposed amendments to the Fisheries and Coastal  Resources Act will better protect against the non-authorized introduction of fish into provincial waters and clarify definitions in the act.  Belliveau says Nova Scotians expect marine and  freshwater resources to be well-managed for present and future . The Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act outlines a structure for sustainable development of Nova Scotia's coastal resources. It has been in effect since 1997.

Keddy on Veterans Protest

The member of Parliament for South Shore St-Margaret's says the federal government offers Canadian veterans the best treatment in the world. A group of soldiers and their supporters will challenge that statement at Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office on Saturday, November 6th, as veterans protest nationwide. Keddy says the 2.5 billion dollars the government has pumped into Veterans Affairs since coming to power has improved benefits and increased the number of pension pay-outs. He says they would never be able to afford to make it perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than it was. Keddy says the Government deserves a lot of support and thanks for the good things they've done. He says if people want to advocate for more and advocate for the government to do things in a different way than do that in a legitimate way. Keddy says this Saturday's nationwide protest isn't valid because it claims the government has failed outright in its handling of Veterans Affairs.

Head-On Crash on Highway 103

A head-on crash on highway 103 near Chester around midnight last night sent four people to hospital in Halifax with non-life threatening injuries. It happened between exits 6 and 7.  An ambulance pulled in behind a vehicle parked along the side of the road to see if those inside needed assistance. But the vehicle took off. The ambulance followed and a short time later the other vehicle crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into another. The driver fled the scene on foot into the woods but was apprehended not long after with the help of a police tracking dog. Lunenburg County RCMP continue their investigation.

New Judge to Sit in Bridgewater

There'll soon be a new judge on the bench in Bridgewater. Judge Gregory E. Lenehan will be sworn-in to the Nova Scotia Provincial and Family Courts at a ceremony in the Provincial courthouse in Halifax on Friday, November 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm. Judge Lenehan who was appointed October 19th, has served as a Crown Attorney for the past 21 years.  He will be sitting in Bridgewater, replacing Judge Richard MacKinnon who recently moved to the Truro courthouse.

Lunenburg Council Defers Decision on Development

Another contentious development project for the Town of Lunenburg. Stellar Investments plan to construct a resort hotel/ condominium/ apartment complex on Mason's Beach Road. About 80 people packed the Lunenburg Courthouse Tuesday evening for a public hearing on the proposal. Stellar Investments plan to develop a 60 room 120 bed resort hotel, 60 residential condominium units and an additional 30 apartments . The project will be developed in three phases beginning with the condominiums. Developer Gunther Reibling says the bottom line..if the condo's don't sell there won't be a project. The project is expected to constructed in three phases beginning with the condos. Council has deferred a decision on the application requesting more time to study all the information presented at the public hearing..

KING BALSAM TO BE HONORED WITH TREE PLANTING

In Lunenburg County, the balsam fir is king and to recognize that, one of the small beauties will be planted tomorrow (Thursday) in Dayspring.

Janice Rand of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg says everyone will be able to watch the tree mature in the coming years.
When it reaches maturity in a few years, the tree will be decorated as the Municipal Christmas Tree.
Since 1995, Lunenburg County has long been officially recognized as the "Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World".
The public is invited to Thursday's tree planting ceremony at noon at the Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex (MARC) in Dayspring.

TIMBERLEA ATV DRIVER FACES HELMET AND D-U-I CHARGES

A man has been arrested in Timberlea on the "Rails to Trails" system and has been charged for alledgedly driving his ATV while impaired.

RCMP officers were conducting a foot patrol of the trail system when they stopped the individual for failing to wear his helmet and then arrested him on the drunk driving charge.
The 35-year-old from the Timberlea area is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle after providing two breath samples over the legal limit.
He appears in Halifax court in mid December.

Treasure Trove Act Repealed

Ownership of Nova Scotia's underwater cultural and heritage resources will be more secure as government introduces legislation today (Tuesday, November 2nd) to repeal the Treasure Trove Act, amend the Special Places Protection Act and create the Oak Island Treasure Act. Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says Nova Scotians are concerned that artifacts and cultural heritage are being exploited for commercial gain and changes to the legislation will help keep material from future excavations. Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Percy Paris says that artifacts in shipwrecks along the coast belong to Nova  Scotia and that government will act to protect that history.

DEXTER DEFENDS FUNDING CUTS

Premier Darrell Dexter is defending the government's plan to cut education funding.

The province is proposing a 5 percent cuts in the budget for school boards province-wide, that's 196-million dollars.

Dexter says budget cuts are necessary in difficult economic times but HIS government is taking a better approach.

"Unlike governments in the past that have simply come forward and dictated across the board reductions, we took a different view, we said that the leadership on the issue of financial stability, the leadership on the issues on how we get back to balance should belong to the people in control of the budgets," says Dexter.

Chairman of the South Shore Regional School Board says the province is in too big a rush to balance the budget.

Elliott Payzant says a hasty attempt to pull the province out the red will threaten student education.

No details of the budget cuts have been finalized.

Literacy Action Week- Book Launch

To celebrate Literacy Action Week, the Community College's Lunenburg Campus is hosting a book launch and signing this Friday. The Way it Works is the sixth and latest novel by William Kowalshi, established author and NSCC faculty member for the School of Access and School of Trades & Technology. The launch will take place at NSCC's Lunenburg Campus, 75 High Street in Bridgewater, on Friday, Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mr. Kowalshi will be on hand for a reading and book signing. The Way it Works is a short novel for adults and has recently been nominated for the Ontario Library Association's reader's choice award, the Golden Oak Award.  Literacy Action week is held the first week of November each year. It is the time when Literacy Nova Scotia and individuals and organizations who have an interest in supporting adult literacy concentrate on ways to inform governments and the public about literacy in their community.

CYBER-Safety Program

An anti-cyberbullying program will be unveiled this Friday by Bridgewater Police. "CYBER: Programmed for Safety" teaches children the problems of bullying behaviour and how to protect themselves when on the Internet. According to statistics

- 50% of Canadian children say that they are online most of the time.
- 25% of young Canadian Internet users say that someone has sent them messages that have said hateful things about others.
- 42% of kids have been targeted while online.
- Only 10% of those kids who were bullied told their parents about the incident.
- A mere 18% of the cases were reported to a law enforcement agency.

The public event to launch the new program takes place Friday, November 5th at the Bridgewater Elementary School at 11:15 a.m.

Lunenburg Pair Face Drug/Weapons Charges

Two residents of Lunenburg are facing drug allegations following a search of their residence on Pelham Street. Members of the South Shore Integrated Street Squad along with Bridgewater Police and Lunenburg County RCMP conducted the search on Friday, October 29th. Police seized cocaine, processed marihuana, "magic mushrooms", prohibited weapons and stolen property. A 26 year old man and 24 year old woman from Lunenburg have been charged with possessing cocaine, marihuana and "magic mushrooms" for the purposes of trafficking. The pair also face charges for for possessing prohibited weapons and stolen property under the Criminal Code. A date of January 12th has been set for plea in Bridgewater Provincial Court.