MODL provides lifeline for Osprey Ridge Golf Course

Another step in the waiting game to find a possible buyer for Osprey Ridge Golf Course. The Municipality of Lunenburg has approved a temporary borrowing resolution to pay a balloon payment of $2.9-million to the Municipal Finance Corporation. The municipality issued a default notice to operators of Osprey Ridge last September and assumed title of the property in December. CAO Tammy Wilson says council could have decided to pull money from their own reserves.

"That would put the municipality in a position where we'd be depleting our reserves to address this issue. We are developing a marketing strategy and hopefully being able to market the golf course in the near future and because of that we chose a three-year loan as opposed to anything longer."

The Minister of Service Nova Scotia will need to approve the temporary borrowing resolution. The balloon payment is due in May.

Yarmouth Chases Down 'Hockeyville' title

On-line and telephone voting is intense as Yarmouth chases the crown to become Canada's Hockeyville. The town is one of five across the country in the running for the 100-thousand dollar prize and chance to host an NHL pre-season game. Mayor Phil Mooney says its an uphill battle with a place like Kelowna, BC for instance, having the potential for 2-million votes. "People right across southwestern Nova Scotia have been contacting everybody they know to cast one, one-hundred or one-thousand votes for Yarmouth," Voting can be done online at http://www.krafthockeyville.ca/ or by calling 1-866-533-8066.  The other communities in the running are Amos, Quebec; Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario; West Duck Lake, Saskatchewan; and West Kelowna, BC. The deadline is midnight tonight and Canada's top hockey community will be announced March 31st.

Judge To Render Decision In Whitney-Joudrey Case

A South Shore woman has testifed that she felt her life was threatened before she thrust a knife into her boyfriend's neck and stabbed him repeatedly. Katelin Whitney-Joudrey said yesterday she saw ``utter hatred'' in Kiel Naugler's eyes before she used the knife on him on New Year's Day 2011. Whitney-Joudrey was testifying on the third day of her trial on two counts of aggravated assault and one count of assault with a weapon. Prosecutor Leigh-Ann Bryson told the accused she could have taken the option of simply leaving the scene, rather than acting violently. Defence lawyer Alan Ferrier said testimony has shown the couple's relationship was based on addiction to drugs and they argued frequently. Judge Jim Burrill will make his ruling in the case next Monday.

Businesses Affected By Ferry Loss Urged To Submit Their Stories of Tough Times

Former Yarmouth Ferry, "The Cat"

Businesses along the South Shore and across the western part of the province can voice their concerns and frustrations over lost revenues, jobs and the overall economic impact of no ferry service. There's a new website for them to do so, launched by the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership. The ultimate goal is re-establishment of the link to Maine. Yarmouth mayor Phil Mooney tells us its a means of pitching a business case to the province. He says "one of our biggest supporters has been Mayor John Leefe in Queens and Mayor Don Downe (in Lunenburg). The percentage of business thats been lost at White Point Beach. Those are major players on the South Shore, large employers and they've been affected by the loss of the ferry. So, we want to get those stories, build the business case again and get those facts and figures." Mayor Mooney also says its not a matter of "if" a ferry service will be re-established. Its more like .. "when"! He says it will take government help though to set up.

Public Meeting to discuss Eagleridge Estates

A meeting to explore changing Olde Town golf course into housing units goes this week. Town officials and the developer are expected to be on-hand during a public participation session at 6pm Wednesday night in council chambers. Planning Director. Eric Shaw, says he expects some people to be upset over a golf course closing.

"Certainly at this meeting, that will be mentioned but the focus really is regarding the proposal, the development proposal, and the specifics associated with that."

The town of Bridgewater and Genivar Inc. are currently looking at building 157 units in the first phase of the proposed Eagleridge Estates. The meeting will discuss amendments to the town's Land-Use by-law and Municipal Planning Strategy.

Animal activist heading to Bridgewater

Education and Awareness; two things being promoted by Gene Baur. The president and co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, an animal protection organization, will visit Bridgewater Wednesday to hold a public discussion about the abuses of factory farming and the need for people to change their eating habits. Baur says there's lots to talk about.

"I'll just be talking about some of the things I've seen at factory-stocked farms, some of the conditions that exist commonly in the production of meat, milk and eggs; conditions most people are appalled by. But then, I'll also be talking about solutions, about ways we can eat that will not support that sort of factory farming but instead support a more sustainable healthy eating system."

Baur says switching to a healthier diet would reduce health-care costs, and limit the amount of people suffering from illnesses like heart disease. The public discussion goes Wednesday night from 7-8:30pm at Park View Education Centre.

Yarmouth in final five for Hockeyville 2012

Courtesy of the Yarmouth County Vanguard

A western Nova Scotia community is among the finalists of a national sports challenge. Yarmouth is the top Atlantic Canadian town in Kraft Food's Hockeyville 2012. It will compete for the crown as the nation's top hockey community. Yarmouth will also be competing to host a 2012-13 NHL pre-season game at the local arena. If it does, $100,000 in rink upgrades will be undertaken. The other communities in the running for the coveted crown are Amos, Quebec; Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario; West Duck Lake, Saskatchewan; and West Kelowna, BC. Voting is underway now until Tuesday night at midnight,  online at www.krafthockeyville.ca, on your mobile device (available only via www.krafthockeyville.ca through your mobile browser) or by calling 1-866-533-8066. On Saturday, March 31st, the winner will be announced live on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

New Life for South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters

It's a huge turn around for South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters. The organization is rebounding after some financial problems almost crippled the group. Director Sandra Murray says local MLA's have worked to secure just over $9,000 through the department of community services. She says the money will help bridge the gap until they can access grant money in the new fiscal year. "I feel this community understand the value of raising our children as a village and seeing that these one on one mentorship programs that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides is extremely preventative in nature as well as creating life long relationships and creating community minded citizens," Meanwhile, the Rotary Club will donate all the proceeds from this weekend's curling fun spiel in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Murray says after a rough stretch, the future is a lot brighter.

Flu Outbreak: Queens Manor Closed to Public

The Queens Manor in Liverpool is closed to the public because of a flu outbreak. Infection control nurse Sandra Woodford says 11 patients are currently dealing with flu like symptoms. She says staff want to be cautious and limit the spread of the virus. "We've had a few cases and we want to keep it contained, so we're doing what we should be doing - which is close the building to family, visitors and volunteers. We will be closed until there are no  new cases, so its hard to say how long we will be closed," Staff are asking family and visitors to call the manor with any questions they have. The closure is in effect until further notice.

Hurricanes lose in semi-final; win bronze

Another tough loss for the Western Hurricanes. The major bantam hockey club suffered a 3-2 loss Sunday to the Bedford Barons in the semi-finals of the provincial championships in Liverpool. The Hurricanes were ranked #1 after going 4-0 during the round robin. Ty Duffus and Jordan Messenger scored for the Hurricanes while Aaron Mantle suffered the loss in goal. The Bay Gulls won the championship game 3-1 over the Bedford.

Provincial PC's Launch Fish Study

PC Leader Jamie Baillie

A study will be undertaken by provincial Conservatives, examining the region's fishing industry. They particularly want to determine what can be done to help aquaculture and the wild fishery survive, side by side, here on the South Shore and elsewhere.
Leader Jamie Baillie says the party's fisheries critic will be travelling the province in the coming weeks: "to meet with all sides, pro and con, to get all the evidence so we can make a smart decision about how to go forward with a sustainable, wild fishery, lobster fishery, as example and whether we can risk a co-habitation between fish farms and our natural fishery."
Baillie says findings of the study will help formulate party policy on the fishery and how to expand it and increase jobs.

Bridgewater Mayor here to stay until October

Bridgewater's mayor plans to man the helm until October. Carroll Publicover says he will finish his term of mayor until municipal elections October 20.

"I see that as a commitment I've made to the community and I don't like to leave things undone. I want to get as much done as I can, be a part of positive and progressive growth in the community between now and October."

Publicover wouldn't get into details about what he planned to do after finishing mayoral duties. He says he has a number of things in the works, but isn't commenting at this time.

Yarmouth Catches Hockeyville Fever

Hockey fans in Yarmouth could have a lot to cheer about this weekend. The MHL Bent Division finals kick-off on Saturday night at the Mariners Centre. In addition, CBC Sports is also expected to reveal the top five communities in Canada to go on the final round of the Kraft Hockeyville contest. Yarmouth is one of the communities in the running to take home the top prize in the contest. The winner receives $100,000 for arena upgrades, not to mention an NHL pre-season game. Both municipal units in Yarmouth have made financial contributions for two huge banners to promote their Hockeyville bid which will be unveiled at the Mariners game this weekend.

Homeless Youth Shelter Facing Possible Shutdown

Yarmouth MLA: Zach Churchill

A shelter for homeless youth in the Yarmouth area may have to shutdown within a few weeks if the province stops financially covering its monthly operations.  The government has been picking up a 25-thousand dollar monthly deficit at the Supportive Housing Youth Focus Team.  A shelter official says though, that will stop after this month. Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill tells us, he's appalled.
He says: "Its unbelievable that the government is willing to funnel clients into the shelter, that there's a lineup of homeless youth waiting to get in and we have a model service thats actually working and the government refuses to fund it. Its absolutely mind-blowing!"  Churchill says the government will essentially be putting kids back on the street.  However, Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says providing beds around the clock is not sustainable.

Yarmouth Man Fit To Stand Trial

Gordon Frank Nickerson

A Yarmouth-area man charged in an alleged abduction of two women last month in Wedgeport has been deemed fit to stand trial. Gordon Frank Nickerson faces charges including kidnapping with a firearm, sexual assault with a weapon and break and enter. The 35-year-old made an appearance yesterday in Kentville provincial court. The case returns to court on April 5th.

Lobster Fishery Could Be Hurt By Careless Fishermen: DFO Official

Lobster Vessels Tied-Up In Port

A 35-hundred dollar fine has been handed a South Shore lobster fisherman. Elmer Leon Jollymore of Little Tancook Island pleaded guilty in Bridgewater court this week to a charge of having undersized and egg-bearing lobsters in his catch. DFO officers were carrying out a routine inspection at the government wharf in Blandford last November, when they found six undersized lobsters in an initial inspection of Jollymore's catch. A more detailed search of 14 crates uncovered 12 undersized lobsters and two bearing eggs in more than 576 kilograms of lobster. DFO conservation officer Bill Wolfe of Liverpool says the charges are serious and the consequences dangerous to the fishery.
He says: "You can imagine if there's anywhere between three and six thousand eggs or more on one single egg-bearing lobster, if that lobster is not left in the water, those eggs are not going to survive."  By the way, as for Jollymore, he has already paid the 35-hundred dollar fine.

Queens Museum Plans Expansion with Acadia First Naion

The Queens County Museum plans to expand its operation in a unique partnership with the Acadia First Nation. The expansion will nearly double the size of the exhibition gallery and cost $3.5 million dollars. Nearly all of the exhibits would be refurbished in addition to creating a new wing dedicated to first nation artifacts. Museum Director Linda Rafuse says part of their goal is to showcase the rich history in Queens. "We've been able to remain so positive about the project and the partnership even though we've had such an economical turn down in this community. You know, that hasn't scared us away, we're still hoping to play our part. We want to play a major role in bringing people back to Queens county," Rafuse says the expansion project has the support of the Region of Queens but organizers have yet to officially make a funding request. The museum will have to fundraise around $350,000 for the project - which could be completed in two or three years.

LaHave Manor to look for new home in Bridgewater

The chair of the LaHave Manor Corporation says they aren't deterred by the unavailability of a certain home in Bridgewater. Elmer Garber says the Evergreen Road location is ideal for a group home because it is one level, has a built-in wheelchair ramp and is in a quiet residential neighbourhood. Garber says whether the home is residential or institutional should be open for interpretation.

"We're trying to integrate disabled people into the community, we're set up for that purpose. So, we really didn't think that this was an institutional setting, it's trying to make sure that the disabled are integrated in society into the least restrictive environment."

Bridgewater's planning director, Eric Shaw, says Evergreen Road is classified as low density residential and cannot accommodate any institutional-type development. Garber says they aren't deterred by the bad news.

"We can certainly work within the parameters of the zoning by-laws of the town of Bridgewater. Now that we know that we're not regarded as being residential, that it's institutional, we realize that we have to move to an institutional zone or commercial zone or some other zone that isn't low density housing."

Garber says the potential home in Bridgewater would house five clients. He's hoping to find a new location and setup the home in the next few months.

Hurricanes open provincials with win

A good start for the Western Hurricanes at provincials. The local major bantam hockey club earned a 4-1 win over the Newbridge Academy Senators to open the tournament. Isaac Bridge, Matt Quigley, Scott Perry and Ty Duffus scored for the Canes while Aaron Mantle got the win in goal. Head Coach Brad Muise says it was a good defensive effort from his club.

"We played well defensively, all five guys took care defensively in their own zone and battled hard. We limited their chances, so we knew it was just a matter of time for our goals to start coming."

Muise says his club played well despite fighting some early nerves to start the game, outshooting the Senators 25-9. The Hurricanes take on the Bedford Barons Friday at 2pm at Queens Place in Liverpool.

The Best Spot to Celebrate St. Paddy's Day is......

If you're of Irish-descent and looking to attend a party for a short-time and not a long-time, try travelling to one of the key destinations around the world for St. Patrick's Day.
Saint Patrick's Day is on Saturday this year and more reason to get out of town for a couple of days and celebrate the birthday of Ireland's patron saint.
Our travel expert, Brian Simpson of "Travelocity.ca", tells us Toronto, Boston and New York are sure bets for fun times.
But, there are some places you'd never expect though ... like Buenos Aires, Argentina, which has the world's 5th largest Irish population.
Then there's Montreal, with the oldest St. Patrick's Day Parade on the continent.
Simpson says: "Like Buenos Aires, its sort of shocking with it being so French-centric. The people in Quebec say about 5.5 percent of them have some sort of Irish roots ... so again some strong Irish connection to Quebec!"
If you're looking for that perfect Irish getaway this weekend, Brian Simpson has created a list of the best spots for the best prices at "Travelocity.ca".