Holy Trinity Church in Dire Need of Repairs

A Bridgewater heritage property is in desperate need of repairs. Town council heard Monday night the Holy Trinity Anglican Church could be in need of more than $250,000 to fix interior and exterior problems with the building. Some of the repairs needed include visible rot in the siding, a rotting beam in the bell tower, a deteriorating foundation wall and many electrical issues. The church has a $3600 grant request into council. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the condition of the heritage property is surprising to learn.

"It goes to show you that you cannot go by the surface veneer when you look at a building, it can look solid, it's a great looking building, who would have ever guessed it had that kind of trouble. I feel badly for them, I do."

Council will take the church's request under consideration during its budget process.

Public Transit Group Exploring Pilot Project for Bus Service

A group advocating for a bus service through Lunenburg County is proposing a three-year pilot project with local municipalities. Barbara Carthew and Jack Schoon with the Citizens for Public Transit presented the option to Bridgewater council Monday night. They spoke about setting up a bus service that would travel through Bridgewater, Municipality of Lunenburg, the town of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay. Carthew says having buses available would be a positive for people in Lunenburg County including seniors.

"That would be a great boon to them because often they have to cancel hospital appointments, etc, etc. Some of the people would be people who are now wanting to go to the community college for upgrading their skills, so they can join the job market. Some of the people are people who are on social assistance or have court appointments and have no means of transportation."

The group is looking at running two 26-passenger buses, with a third as a spare, running fixed routes and schedules around the county. They are hoping to receive 50% funding from the province while the other 50% would be divided between the four municipalities. Bridgewater council referred the matter to senior management staff.

Ferry Issue Studied To Death - Time for Action: MLA Churchill



Former Yarmouth Ferry: The Cat

 There's lots of reaction to Premier Darrell Dexter's plan to study the need for a revised ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine.  The premier has announced a panel of tourism, ferry and business experts will examine whats needed to make the service economically viable.  Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says the issue's been studied to death already.  He says a restored, ferry service is badly needed for the region and the province.  He says: "A ferry is not only viable ... its needed for the economy of southwestern Nova Scotia and the tourism sector across the province. What I would hope is the premier would take immediate action and provide the necessary resources in the economic, rural development and tourism (department) to start restoring the service instead of pushing this off for more people to look at."  Churchill says the Dexter government is simply trying to make itself look good after dropping the ball more than two years ago when it cancelled a subsidy to keep the service operating without first determining the potential impact.

VIDEO: Streetscape Plan Has Support in Chester

Residents of Chester were able to have their say during a public hearing Monday night on a streetscape plan for the Highway 3 corridor. Approximately 30 people attended the meeting to hear details on the plan which encompasses a stretch from Robinson's Corner to Stevens Road. Some of the main concerns centred around density, roof pitches and the exclusion of mobile and mini homes from the central village core area.  Warden Allen Webber thought the meeting went well and says council is much closer to approving the strategy. "Actually, I think we are closer to making a decision on how to move forward then I may have anticipated. I think the four or five meetings our planning staff conducted has really helped make people understand where we are at with this plan. It probably saved us quite a bit of time here this evening," The visionary document has been in the development stage for the past two years and is designed to encourage development but maintain the unique landscape in Chester. Council is expected to get some clarity on a few items before voting on the streetscape plan later this week.

(From left to right: Councillors Cheryl Scott, Brad Armstrong, Sharon Church-Cornelius and Warden Allen Webber)

Bridgewater Councillors Discuss 2012-13 Proposed Budget

It could be a sign of things to come in Bridgewater. Town councillors went over the proposed 2012-13 budget during their meeting Monday night. The figures indicate an operating budget of almost $19.3-million, an increase of over $850,000 from 2011-12. The capital budget would be $2.6-million with the tax rate holding steady at 1.669 per hundred of assessment. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he is pleased with how it looks so far.

"I think its a responsible budget. It doesn't call for a tax increase in either commercial or residential. Fortunately, we did receive some increased revenue from our increased assessment and we will use that wisely and in mostly areas for capital."

Council will hold three more budget meetings with the next one scheduled for April 30 at 6pm. Other meetings will be held May 7 at 6pm and the final debate is scheduled for May 14 at 7pm.

Bird Construction Preparing to Start LCLC Build

Proponents of the LCLC could soon see the fruits of their labour. Workers with Bird Construction have started bringing supplies onto the Wentzell Drive site, gearing up to start building the highly anticipated project. Chair Paul Belliveau says Dexter and Brewster workers are finishing up site preparation. He says work is almost ready to begin.

"It feels pretty good because basically this is what we have been working to get to, you know, we still have some things to iron out; we have to get some slate off the site but the day we see some cement poured and some steel going up is going to be a great day because its, you know, we've finally have gotten there."

Plans for the facility include an NHL-size ice surface, a six lane 25 metre pool and library. Belliveau remains optimistic the LCLC will be built before the end of next April.

NS Gov't Wants Yarmouth Ferry Service Restored

The Nova Scotia government is reopening the Yarmouth ferry debate more than two years after it stopped subsidizing the money-losing crossing to Maine. Premier Darrell Dexter says it has appointed a panel of tourism, ferry and business experts to determine what is needed for an economically viable service. A high-speed ferry link between Yarmouth and Maine was discontinued in December 2009 after the NDP said it would no longer subsidize the Bay Ferries Limited operation. The government says the arms-length, independent panel will review existing studies on the crossing and give advice. It says that will help the government make a ``definitive recommendation'' on a ferry service. Dexter says the government wants to see a ferry service return to southwestern Nova Scotia.

Annual Bad Roads Campaign On the Final Few Miles

Its your chance to make a point about that bumpy, pot-filled road in your area that's been driving you crazy for months.  The Canadian Automobile Association's annual Worst Roads campaign for the Atlantic region is underway and you can vote for the nasty road in your area on-line.  Here on the South Shore, the Woodstock Road in Mahone Bay is among the leaders in voting so far.  Gary Howard of CAA says governments tend to watch and listen to whats being said by the campaign.  "Our research keeps telling us the safety of roads, condition of roads, is a top priority of Canadians year after year. So, this allows us to really get the government to listen and they have responded quite well I must say. Most levels of government have very attentive to this."  Voting ends tomorrow. You can cast yours for your favourite or least favorite bad road at www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads.

Provincial Money For Tri-Star

A Yarmouth-based company that designs and builds ambulances, mobile clinics and specialty vehicles will receive additional government funding.  Nova Scotia premier Darrell Dexter is expected to announce a provincial funding to Tri-Star Industries during a tour of the facility this afternoon.  Last week, the federal government provided a 195-thousand dollar repayable loan to the company.  Its geared for marketing and promotional development as Tri-Star expands its international markets.  The province is expected to provide a similar amount today.  The money will assist in preparing promotional materials, website development, prototype marketing, trade shows and product demonstrations.

South Shore Teachers Receive Education Week Awards

Warren Dobson

Two local teachers are being recognized for their work in the classroom. Warren Dobson of South Queens Junior High and Greg Millman of Chester Area Middle School were both nominated for awards to celebrate Education Week in Nova Scotia. Dobson says he's flattered by the award, but doesn't know why he was chosen.

"I thought at first they made a mistake, maybe they had it mixed up with somebody else. I'm not an exceptional teacher in my view, I just show up everyday and try and do the best I can like 99% of the rest of the teachers in our school board."

Nominations show people believe both teachers spend countless hours helping students. The two teachers are expected to receive their awards during a ceremony Monday in Halifax.

CUPE Hosts Annual Convention in Yarmouth

CUPE Nova Scotia will host its 49th annual convention beginning today in Yarmouth. The two day convention kicks off this morning with a speech from Premier Darrell Dexter. Among the issues being discussed include pension reform and the latest federal and provincial budgets. Other speakers include CUPE National President Paul Moist and Rick Clarke of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

VIDEO: South Shore Residents Protest Education Cuts

Members of the general public were out Friday afternoon to protest education cuts on the South Shore and across the province. NSTU President Alexis Allen urged parents, teachers and students to protest in front of NDP constituency offices to try and evoke change. These people began their protest on King Street in Bridgewater towards NDP member Gary Ramey's office.

Sold Out: Mooseheads Kick Off Semi Final Series

A sold out Metro Centre will greet the Halifax Mooseheads tonight against Rimouski. Over 10,000 moose maniacs are anticipated for game one of the 'Q' semi-final series. Halifax won the season series two games to one while outscoring the Oceanic 10-8. Puck drops at 7pm.

UPDATE: Hebbville Armed Robbery

A 50 year-old Hebbville man is facing numerous charges after an armed robbery a few months ago at a gas station. The alleged incident took place in February at an Irving gas station in Hebbville when a masked man, armed with a gun, walked into the store and demanded money. Michael Maxwell Drennan was arrested earlier this week after Mounties carried out a search warrant at a home in the area. Police say Drennan is accused of stealing approximately $1,000 from the store.  He appeared in Bridgewater court yesterday and will remain in custody until his next court date on Wednesday. Two women were also arrested in connection with the alleged crime but they were released the same day and are not facing charges.

Barrington Man Accused of Injuring Infant

Several charges have been laid against a 24 year old Barrington man. They're in relation to injuries suffered by an infant 5 months ago. Last November, Shelburne RCMP were called to Roseway Hospital to investigate a case of serious injuries to a 23-day-old baby boy. Yesterday, a suspect was arrested without incident at a home in Barrington. Adam Harold Hogg has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Failing to Provide the Necessities of Life, and Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm. He will appear in Shelburne Provincial Court on May 9th.

Inflation and South Shore Gasoline Prices Drop

Canada's annual rate of inflation fell to 1.9 per cent in March, from 2.6 per cent the previous month. Statistics Canada credits large declines in gasoline and food prices compared to the same time last year. However, unless we have long memories, we won't much notice the difference. In fact, it feels like the cost of these and other items are continuing to rise. That's because we paid 0.4 per cent more for most items in March than in February. On a year-over-year basis, however, which is how the inflation rate is measured, Statistics Canada says the growth rate in prices is slowing. Evidence of the decline in gasoline prices is evident today on the South Shore. The price of a litre of regular self service dropped two cents overnight at area pumps. Its selling today for $1.40.9. Thats a 2-cent drop from yesterday.

Halifax, Shelburne men face Drug Charges in Queens

Two men have a court date in June after police seized drugs and money from their vehicle. RCMP in Queens County stopped a vehicle Tuesday night on Highway 103 near Liverpool. Officers found 100 grams of marijuana and over $2700 in their search. A 27-year-old man from Halifax and a 27-year-old man from Shelburne were arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. They have since been released and are scheduled to appear in Liverpool Provincial Court June 12th.

MODL to make Funding Decision for Yarmouth Ferry

The Municipality of Lunenburg is contemplating funding towards the Yarmouth ferry. The Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership has sent a letter to council requesting between $500-$1000 to help the service get re-instated. The Partnership is developing a website asking business leaders to share the financial impact and job losses because of the ferry closure. Councillor Basil Oickle says he thought the group would be asking for more money.

"I'm surprised that its only that much because if that ferry was to be put back there today, I can tell you the spin-off that we would get back with the ferry being here to our residents and what not from that, we wouldn't be long getting our thousand dollars back."

Councillors debated the issue before deciding to send the request to the audit and finance standing committee. The committee will decide what to do and make a recommendation back to council. The website for the business community to explain the ferry's impact is http://www.nsusaferry.com/ .

South Shore Runner Finishes Boston Marathon

A long distance runner from the South Shore is upbeat after competing and finishing the Boston Marathon. Even though the conditions weren't exactly ideal, Erin Beaudin wanted to give the 42 kilometre marathon a shot. Sweltering heat forced thousands of runners to either withdraw or drop out of the race. However, Beaudin was determined to participate in the marathon regardless of the conditions. "So went without any time expectations, kind of threw the time goal out the window and went out slower than planned. Went through some heat exhaustion at mile sixteen so ended up walk/running it in...I was just happy to finish under those circumstances. It certainly wasn't a best effort but was happy to take in the crowds and spectators along the way," Temperatures in Boston on Monday were hovering around 26 degrees throughout the race. Beaudin lives in Coldbrook and is the CAO of the Municipality of the District of Chester.

South Shore Radiothon Big Success

There's a lot of cheering going on today at the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. The final total from the Valentine's Day "Gift For the Heart" radiothon on CKBW and Hank-FM is in.
72-thousand and 70 dollars and 76 cents was raised during the 10 hour radiothon. Thats way more than was expected.  The Foundation's Bernadette Jordan says money kept coming in even after the radiothon ended.  This year's final is 21-thousand dollars more than what was raised last year. The money will go toward the purchase of a new Echo cardiac monitor.