Update: Bed Shortage Situation Improving

The critical bed shortage at South Shore Health's three hospitals is easing. The situation has been aided by less visits to the emergency department at hospital in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Liverpool over the past few days. Vice President of Health Services Janet Simm says fewer people arriving for non-emergency care has helped ease pressure on hospital staff and wait times for patients. South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg are both still over capacity. Queens General Hospital in Liverpool is near capacity with admitted patients. However, Simm says all three sites are able to manage the patient flow.

Yarmouth Intl. Airport At 75: More Important Than Ever!

Yarmouth International Airport

There's a celebration planned today at the Yarmouth International Airport. The facility is marking its 75th anniversary with a variety of aeronautical museum displays and aircraft. The public is invited to head to the airport between 10 this morning and 4pm to take it all in. Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney says the airport, after 75 years, is more important than ever to the area.



One of the key attractions today will be the Snowbirds and a display at 4:30pm over Yarmouth harbour. Its the only performance this year in the province by the famous Canadian aero-fleet

Local Legions Receive Provincial Funding

A pair of South Shore legions have received funding from the provincial government. The NDP has granted $1,294 to the New Germany branch for roof repair. It is also providing almost $2,875 for insulation work at the A.L. Patterson legion in Caledonia. Eight other legion buildings across the province are also getting money for various projects. The money is provided through the Legion Capital Assistance Program.

MODL: Boat Speed A Concern Near Gifford Island

The Municipality of Lunenburg is taking steps to reduce boat speeds between Indian Point Road and Gifford Island near Mahone Bay. Council decided to bring the issue to their police advisory board and also post signs on government wharfs and boat launches in the area. The problem became apparent after a nearby resident brought it to the municipality's attention. Mayor Don Downe says there are two issues to consider.



Downe is optimistic posting signs will remind boaters to keep their speed at a minimum when they enter the narrow channel. If convicted, boaters can face fines up to $350.

Kippers Gymnastic's School Hosts Olympian

 

A 16 year-old gymnast fresh off a solid performance at the Summer Olympic's will make a stop in Bridgewater later this week. Ellie Black of Halifax helped lead the Canadian team to a fifth place finish on the balance beam, vault, floor and uneven bars in London. Black and her coach David Kikuchi will take part in a meet and greet on Thursday at Kippers School of Gymnastics in the Gateway Plaza. Instructor Nena Erickson says local athlete's are excited about the opportunity to meet the young Olympian.




Nearly 300 athletes from Chester to Yarmouth are currently training in a variety of sports at Kippers. The event will be held at the gymnastics club beginning at 10 o'clock.

Food Bank Bikers Begin South Shore Leg Of Trip

A community barbeque is planned early this afternoon in Bridgewater. Its to welcome Cyclist Roger Boutlier and the rest of his crew from the provincial realtor's association. Its the end of another leg of their ride from Sydney to Yarmouth to help food banks across the province.



Today's event goes over the noon hour at Shipyard's Landing. The public is invited to attend and bring along a cash donation or a non-perishable food donation. The realtors' trip began a week ago in Sydney. It wraps up in Yarmouth on Saturday after travelling to Liverpool, cross-country to the Valley and to Digby. The campaign is to help restock Feed Nova Scotia's food banks. The campaign goal is to raise 25-thousand dollars.

Walker Elected To National Police Board

Bridgewater's deputy mayor has accepted a role as an executive member on the Canadian Association of Police Boards. David Walker is now the secretary and treasurer of the national board after he was elected during a conference in Victoria, B.C. last week. His responsibilities include overseeing finances and disbursing funds to members. Walker says he wanted to be a part of the board's transition.


Walker says he will hold the position for one year. He is also a member of the local police commission and president of the Nova Scotia Association of Police Boards.

Chester: Open House On Wind-Energy Project

Residents of Chester will have an opportunity to learn more about the municipality's new wind-energy project. Members of council will host an open house this afternoon to explain how the project will proceed. The $5 million dollar project will be fully owned by the municipality and feature a large 2.3 megawatt turbine. The turbine will be constructed at the Kaizer Meadow Management Centre and is expected to begin generating power in 2013. Minas Basin Pulp and Power is developing the project and tasked with selecting the turbine and permitting work. The open house will provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions and talk about the project one-on-one. The event will held at Kaizer Meadow and begins at 1 o'clock.

BREAKING: Police Recover Body From LaHave River

Bridgewater Police and members of the local fire department have recovered a body from the east side of the LaHave River. In a release, police say the victim is an adult male and the death is not considered suspicious. Constable Will Creamer says the body was found near the Bridgewater Marina around 4 o'clock Monday afternoon. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time as police officers are notifying the family.

Fire Protection By-Law Passes First Reading

An important piece of information has been given a preliminary thumbs up by Bridgewater council. The town approved first reading of a Fire Protection bylaw. The bylaw explains construction requirements, rules around outdoor fires and types of enforcement. Mayor Carroll Publicover says credit should be given to the town's fire inspector.



The bylaw is expected back in front of council September 10.

Lunenburg: Bluenose II Nearing Re-Launch

 

The massive dome covering Bluenose II during it's rebuild has been completely dismantled. The temporary shelter has covered the schooner for the past two years during its restoration on the Lunenburg waterfront. Its tear down, signals a major step in the process towards re-launching the vessel. After the dome is removed, Bluenose II needs to be repositioned onto the slipway in preparation for relaunch. Further prep work and tide conditions will then play a large factor in determining when the vessel returns to the water. The schooner is expected to be completely rigged in the fall and ready for public sailing next summer. The province has yet to officially announce a launch date for Bluenose II.

Lunenburg's Deputy Mayor Will Re-Offer

 

The deputy mayor in Lunenburg will re-offer for another term in the upcoming municipal election. John McGee was first elected in 2008 and is rounding out his first term on town council. If re-elected, McGee says he'd like to see the town take a more pro-active approach and be more aggressive in initiating change. He says his first term has been an educational experience for him and believes it's important to run for a second term.



McGee says council is faced with a number of challenges going forward including the future of Lunenburg Academy. He also points to the rising cost of utilities and economic development as areas that will need attention.