Woman Charged After Boxer Dogs Allegedly Sold

Bridgewater Police have laid charges after a lengthy investigation involving the alleged sale of a pair of boxer dogs. The investigation began last month when a Saint John, New Brunswick woman placed an online ad looking for a dog sitter. A Nova Scotia woman responded to the ad and the dogs were sent to Halifax to be temporarily cared for. However, the rightful owner eventually lost contact with the person who accepted the dogs. After a three week investigation, police recovered the two boxers and they were returned. Gail Benoit has been charged with fraud, theft of under $5,000 and identity fraud. She is due to appear in Bridgewater Court on May 8th.

New Visitor Centre Remains On Track To Open In May

The new visitor information centre off Exit 11 in Blockhouse is nearing completion. CAO for the Municipality of Lunenburg, Tammy Wilson, says the project remains on track to open May 1. She says the centre is roughly 80 per cent complete, with some interior work still to be finalized. Wilson expects a parking lot to be created once the weather warms up. The municipality, along with the town of Bridgewater approved a joint venture to fund the new centre and will cost-share just over $23,000 for at least the first five years of a 10-year lease. A grand opening is tentatively planned for mid-May.

Health: More People Using Cancer Patient Navigator

The CEO for South Shore Health says increased awareness for people diagnosed with cancer is a good thing. Dr. Peter Vaughan was commenting on the fact that the authority's Cancer Patient Navigator has seen a jump in visits by over 30 per cent. The navigator supports cancer patients and their families by improving access and coordinating treatment, follow-up and support. Vaughan says he's pleased to hear more people are accessing the service.



He says its a great resource for people with cancer to get answers to questions and concerns. More information on South Shore Health's Cancer Patient Navigator can be found here .

Who's Scamming You?

A few days ago we told you Shelburne RCMP were investigating complaints of internet fraud. A phone scam is making the rounds in which a would-be victim is told by phone they've won a huge Publishers Clearing House prize. The victims are told to provide personal information and wire cash to a bank account in order to retrieve the 2.5 million dollar prize. Jill Atkinson of the Better Business Bureau says thats a new one to her but the BBB is looking into it. The Bureau has also released its list of top 10 scams making the rounds these days. Leading the way are phishing scams, like the one which involves the Better Business Bureau with a nasty twist to it. Atkinson tells us: "Scammers from, they believe eastern Europe, are using the BBB's name to send out fake emails to businesses that actually ask the business that they have a complaint and/or want information updated. Its not actually from us and we're very concerned because some of these scammers have attached viruses to the links." Other scams making the list are door-to-door sales, vacation scams, group coupon buying and disability tax reduction services. Here's the Top Ten List:

1. Phishing Scams.
2. Debt Settlement Services.
3. Computer Virus Fixing Scam.
4. Door-to-door Sales.
5. Vacation Scams.
6. Mystery Shopping.
7. Advertising Trolls.
8. Disability Tax Reduction Services.
9. Advance Fee Loans.
10. Group Coupon Buying.

Atkinson reminds consumers to check with the BBB before doing business with any firm.
She also gives the following advise:

Do not provide your credit card or bank account number to any unknown firm.
Do not open email attachments or click on links from any unknown person or company.
If you have won a prize, do not send money to the promoter for taxes or other fees.
Never agree to provide any upfront fee for a “guaranteed” loan.
Never agree to wire money back to a firm or individual if they have overpaid you for a good or service or have hired you to perform a mystery shop.
Limit what personal information that you put on social networking sites.
Always shred any unwanted documentation, unsolicited mail or credit card applications that contain personal information.
Carry only the identification that you need. Put other identification such as SIN, birth certificate and passport in a safe place.
Never let your debit card or credit card out of your site when conducting a transaction at point of sale.

South Canoe Wind Project: Part 2

The second half of a public hearing regarding a $200 million wind project will be held Monday in Chester Basin. Members of municipal council in Chester were forced to defer making a decision on whether or not to support the South Canoe Wind project nearly two weeks ago. The February 21 public hearing drew 150 people in attendance and lasted nearly four hours. The distance wind turbines would be constructed from homes is the major sticking point among area residents. The proposed wind project is being led by Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power. South Canoe would feature 34 turbines between Vaughan and New Russell. It would generate enough power to hear 32,000 homes and annually inject more than $650,000 into the municipality in tax revenue. The meeting begins at 7 o'clock and will be held at Forest Heights Community School.

Shelburne Mayor Hopes RCMP Back In Full Force This Spring

There is a shortage of RCMP officers to patrol the town of Shelburne and some residents fear the crime rate will jump as a result. However, Mayor Karen Mattatall doesn't think that will happen. She says: "It just happens to be a situation where four officers at the same time ended up having time off. Its probably quite unique. The issue seems to be Ottawa doesn't have a very good plan in place for when that happens." Mayor Mattattal says she and her council have received assurances from the RCMP their numbers will be back to the normal complement in the spring. There are usually ten officers available but that number's been cut in half by officers who have left the force or taken sick leave.

MODL: Group To Design Plan For MARC North

The Municipality of Lunenburg is entering into an agreement with the province's Off-road Riders Association to help develop MARC North in New Germany. Council has approved a proposal from the group to design a site plan, entry and parking lot for the property. The roughly 115 acres of land has been earmarked for recreational space since the fall of 2011. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says the municipality will help advise the group.



Zwicker says getting the off-road association involved was an opportunity council couldn't let slip away. He expects work to start this spring.

Review Hearings End, Board Faced With Tough Decisions

Now that the six school review public hearings are in the books, board members are faced with some tough decisions. The meetings wrapped up Thursday night at Hebbville Academy. Now, it's up to eight board members to crunch the facts and determine the future of schools in Mill Village, Pentz, Petite Riviere, Gold River-Western Shore, Hebbville and New Ross. Chair Jennifer Naugler says she heard lots of comments at the hearings that the board shouldn't close schools to help balance their budget.



The board is facing a $1.8-million cut for its 2013-14 budget. Members are planning to hold at least three more meetings before a decision on the six schools under review is made March 27.

Section of Highway 325 Closed Due To Vehicle Problems

Police along with officials from Tri-District Fire Rescue and the Departments of Transportation and Environment are currently on scene on Highway 325 near the Newcombville Irving where multiple vehicles are tied up. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill of the Lunenburg County RCMP says two semi-trucks have jack-knifed and are stuck in the middle of the road while a fuel truck is in the ditch. The vehicle did have a minor spill of oil. No one is injured. Hill says tricky driving conditions led to the incident.



Hill says Highway 325 is closed from the Lapland Road to the intersection of Highway 210. He expects it will take a couple more hours before that section is re-open.

Shelburne County RCMP Seize Cash And Cigarettes

RCMP in Shelburne County have seized cash and contraband cigarettes in two separate incidents. Police searched a Barrington residence on Tuesday and seized over 7,000 contraband cigarettes and approximately $3,000 in cash. A 60-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were arrested but released later that evening. During a separate investigation, a second search warrant was executed at a residence in Lower Clark's Harbour on Wednesday. Over 24,000 contraband cigarettes and approximately $3,000 in cash were seized. A 40-year-old man and woman were arrested at the residence and released later in the evening. All suspects involved are facing possession of contraband tobacco charges. They are scheduled to appear in Barrington Provincial Court April 11th.

Last Day For Feedback For Bridgewater Plan

Ekistics Planning and Design is reminding Bridgewater residents to provide their feedback for the future look of the town. Today is the final day for people to give their thoughts on the draft version of the Downtown and Waterfront Plan. Director of Planning, Jill Robertson, says they've received good feedback to date.



Ekistics will take the collected data and create a master plan to show town council members in April. To provide feedback, please click here .

Lower South Shore Gasoline Prices!

Gasoline prices have taken a drop over night. Regular self serve is selling today at South Shore pumps for $1.37.7 per litre. That iss about 3 cents less than yesterday. Diesel is also lower this morning by close to 4 cents.

MODL Extends Lease Agreement With School Group

A one-year lease is being extended to the South Shore Ventures Co-op. The group is behind the retrofit at the old Blockhouse School. They agreed to the lease last year with the Municipality of Lunenburg. Now, council is extending the lease until August 30. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says the group needs a bit of extra time.



The agreement has been extended to help the group complete necessary steps around an environmental approval, public hearing and development agreement.

Area Information Session Planned For April In Barrington

An event to help people learn more about what's happening in the Shelburne area has started planning for this year. The 'Our Community - Something for Everyone' initiative is in its eighth year of providing people with information on local organizations, agencies, programs and activities. Manager of Community and Economic Development for the town of Shelburne, Jerry Locke, says its an important event for community members.



Locke considers the event a trade show of sorts, which helps contribute to the quality of life in Shelburne County. The event is scheduled for April 20 at the Barrington Lions Hall.

Shelburne RCMP Issue Phone Scam Warning

Shelburne RCMP say they've responded to multiple fraud related complaints in the area. Investigators have determined a large scale phone scam is making the round across Canada. In this scam, a man claims he is from Publishers Clearing House and he is calling to say the person has won $2.5 million in sweepstakes. Police say the person uses the name Michael Bell. The man then tells would-be victims in order to claim the prize money, they either have to wire cash to a bank account or provide personal information. RCMP are asking those who receive these calls to hang up and contact your local police department.

Superintendent Leaving School Board For New Role

The head of the South Shore Regional School Board has accepted a position with the Department of Education. Nancy Pynch-Worthylake is leaving the role after spending six years as Superintendent of Schools. In a release, Pynch-Worthylake says the decision wasn't easy but adds she is looking forward to her new role. She will become the Senior Executive Director of Public Schools within the Department of Education. Pynch-Worthylake says students in the region will continue to be served by a strong senior team, effective regional support and amazing school-based staff. A transition plan will be developed for SSRSB leadership while a national recruitment search is conducted to fill the position.

Lunenburg: Council Pre-Approves Funds For Water/Sewer Project

Town council in Lunenburg has pre-approved funds to complete a large water and sewer project. The decision to commit just over $610,000 toward the last portion of the project was approved earlier this week. Work on the $1.2 million project began last fall with a large portion carried out on Bluenose Drive and Pelham Street. The project is being assisted by federal funding and will help increase water flows to assist with fire fighting in Old Town Lunenburg. Town Engineer Marc Belliveau says the project also involves splitting their storm and sanitary water lines. He says that will help with efficiently and keep costs down at the town's water treatment facility. Work will resume in the spring around Bluenose Academy.

Yarmouth Liberal MLA Will Seek Re-Election

The Liberal member of the Legislature for Yarmouth says there's absolutely no question, he will seek another term. Zach Churchill says he finds his role as the MLA rewarding and he wants to continue pushing for changes to education and health care. He says a major highlight of his first term was the public meeting in Yarmouth last summer during which 25-hundred residents stood-up to the Electoral Boundaries Commission. They unanimously rejected a proposal to split the Yarmouth constituency. Churchill was first elected in a June 2010 by-election in the Yarmouth riding. As a member of the opposition Liberals, he's served in the Legislature as their critic for the departments of Advanced Education and Labour, Tourism and the Youth Secretariat.

Gas Prices Will Likely Remain Unchanged

Be prepared for South Shore gasoline prices to probably remain the same or drop ever so slightly when the prices for the coming week are set tonight. The utility and review board will unveil prices at midnight. In New Brunswick, there's a small drop in the price there this morning. It's down half-a-cent. The new maximum price for regular self-serve is $1.36.7 a litre. However, it's not the only dip this week. Diesel is down in New Brunswick by 2.6 cents a litre, while furnace oil is down by 1.3 cents a litre.

Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks Begin Mainland Tourney

The South Shore Ice Sharks Bantam 'AA' hockey club will host the Mainland League tournament beginning today in Liverpool. The tournament is held every year once the regular season wraps up to determine which teams qualify for provincials. The Ice Sharks are ranked #1 heading into the tourney. Head Coach Jody O'Donnell says its gut-check time for his team.



Ten teams are in the tourney including Pictou, Brookfield, Yarmouth, Truro and West Hants. The club plays their first game at 4:30 against Cumberland at Queens Place Emera Centre.