South Shore Double Lung Recipient Helps With CF Campaign

A South Shore native is doing her part to help in the search for a cure of a deadly disease. Jessica Carver of New Germany underwent a double lung transplant in Toronto more than a year ago after suffering for years with cystic fibrosis. She's now campaigning for CF Canada's annual fund raiser, a 5-kilometer walk to take place all across the country in late May. Carver says its only right she helps with the campaign.



There are numerous fund-raising events for CF research taking place in communities all across Canada.
The Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis takes place on May 25th.

Tories Looks For Answers Around Bluenose II

The handling of Bluenose II restoration project is facing some criticism. The project is more than two years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget. The latest on the $16.7 million project, indicates the ship has steering problems. Tory leader Jamie Baillie says the government needs to be more open about the status of the project.



The Bluenose II is set to begin public sailing this summer. However, it has to undergo sea trials to determine the schooner is safe.

Transportation Department Fixing Potholes

With winter on its way out, the Nova Scotia government wants to hear about potholes closest to you. A toll-free phone number has been set up to connect people to their nearest Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal base. Crews are filling potholes with a temporary patch called cold mix. Executive Director of maintenance and operations, Barb Baillie, says they have some catching up to do.



The starting date for permanent patching depends on location and weather conditions. People can call in problem potholes to the toll-free number, 1-888-432-3233.

New Wildfire Fighting Truck Headed To Shelburne

They're brand new, high tech and ready to go! Two new fire trucks have been unveiled by the province's Natural Resources Minister. Zach Churchill says the vehicles will be based in Cape Breton and in the Shelburne area and ready to join the fight against wild fires when they break out.



The fire truck steel bodies were manufactured and outfitted by Specialty Steel in Debert.

New Fire Services Committee Established In Barrington

A new committee is expected to provide more effective and efficient fire fighting and emergency services in the Barrington area. The municipality says the new structure has been developed through the efforts of five fire departments and municipal council. The committee is made up of the municipality's fire service coordinator, five chiefs, three deputy chiefs and a municipal councillor. Warden Eddie Nickerson is optimist the group can work to create some positive change.


Nickerson says the committee will discuss issues among the fire service and bring forward any concerns or recommendations to council. He expects there will be cost-savings in the future. The change is expected to allow the municipality to adapt for future development, and improve service at a reasonable cost to residents.

Cape Sable Island Man Killed In Fishing Mishap

A Cape Sable Island man drowned after falling into cold water while fishing earlier this week in Annapolis County. Fifty-one year old Cecil Ellsworth Brannen was killed when his small boat overturned on Tuesday in Fisher Lake. Another man was able to swim to shore and call for help. Police say the vessel hit a rock and caused the boat to tip over. Search crews found his body Wednesday morning.

South Health CEO Appointed To Deputy Minister Post

The head of the health authority on the South Shore has been appointed to a key role within the Nova Scotia government. Dr. Peter Vaughan will be the new deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors. Vaughan has served as the CEO of South Shore Health for the past two years. He also spent time leading the Canadian Medical Association. Meanwhile, Sandra MacKenzie will become the deputy Minister of Education. Frank Dunn will move from education to the deputy ministers post in Natural Resources. The appointments take effect April 28.

Get Set For Yet Another Gas Price Hike

This doesn't bode well for South Shore gasoline prices come tomorrow! In New Brunswick overnight, a significant rise in the price of self serve regular after the weekly setting. The maximum price has gone up by more than 4.5 cents a litre. The price of diesel is also higher this morning in New Brunswick, up by a cent a litre. If the price increases here overnight tonight by the same amount, it will push the price for a litre of regular self serve to almost $1.45.

Bayport's Anderson Ready For 26th Boston Marathon

A Bayport runner is sprinting towards the Boston Marathon for a 26th year. Chris Anderson is among 10 South Shore runners making the trip to run the event on Monday. The 66-year-old keeps qualifying year-after-year to return and says he'll keep going until his body tells him otherwise. Anderson says there is no other event like the Boston Marathon.



Anderson began training in January and hopes to complete the 42.2-kilometre trek in about three hours and 30 minutes. His best time is two hours, 57 minutes. Anderson says this year is special after last year's tragic events.



Anderson says it was an anxious situation to be involved in, with about 12 of his family members in Boston at the time. Memorials were held this week to pay tribute to the three people who were killed and more than 260 injured during last year's bombing. There are 36,000 official entrants for this year's Boston Marathon.

Dayspring Double Homicide Added To Rewards Program

The RCMP continue to look for answers in the unsolved murder case of a Dayspring couple. Jack and Micheline Hulme were found dead in their home in June 1985. Their bodies were found by Bridgewater RCMP following a house fire. However, autopsy results later revealed the couple had been shot to death. Now, the case has been added to the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program. Sgt. Al Leblanc says they're hoping people who may have been silent in the past, will speak up now.



Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest or conviction could receive up to $150,000. If you have any tips, you can call the Rewards for Major Unsolved Crimes program at 1-888-710-9090.

Bridgewater RCMP Officer Under Investigation

The province's Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a domestic assault allegation was made against a Bridgewater Mountie. The officer, who has been with the service for six years, was arrested after RCMP received the complaint from his wife on Tuesday night. The officer has been released with conditions. No charges have been laid. He will appear in Bridgewater court on May 7. The Serious Incident Response Team is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Former Premier Applauds Caledonia Initiative

A former Nova Scotia premier says he's proud of his Queens County heritage and the work being done to revive the economy in the area. Darrell Dexter says North Queens in particular was badly impacted by the closure of Bowater two years ago and he's impressed with the planned construction of a $1.9-million community hall in Caledonia. He says it shows a strong community-will to move forward out of the economic wilderness.



Meanwhile, the former premier has met in recent weeks with Region of Queens officials and offered his legal and political background to help if needed as the area recovers from the economic slowdown.

All Aboard! For Public Inspection

Its open-house today aboard the new Yarmouth to Maine ferry! The "Nova Star" arrived in Yarmouth yesterday for a courtesy call, to the thrill of hundreds of greeters at dockside. Natural Resources Minister and area MLA Zach Churchill says the waterfront was awash in celebration.



The vessel will be welcoming visitors through the day and will leave for Portland around supper time. The ferry service begins May 15th.

UPDATE: Body Of Missing Fisherman Found

A 51 year old man who was fishing Tuesday evening in a remote part of Fisher Lake in Annapolis County has been found dead. Search crews found his body around 7:30 this morning near the spot where he and another fisherman fell into the lake last evening when their boat overturned. The other man was able to swim to shore and phone police. A search was organized and continued through the night until the body was discovered this morning.

Charges Follow Western Shore Drug Bust

A Western Shore man is facing drug charges after police searched a home yesterday in the community. Seized were prescription drugs, marijuana and a large amount of cash. A suspect has been charged with drug possession and trafficking and Breach of Probation. He's been ordered to appear in Bridgewater court at a later date.

Bridgewater: Deputy Mayor Looking To Reduce Special Tax Rate

Bridgewater's deputy mayor wants to reduce the special tax rate. Councillors reviewed their draft budget for the upcoming year on Monday night. The town is proposing an operating budget of $18.5-million and a capital budget of $3.3-million. It also includes holding the line on residential and commercial tax rates, and a 15 per cent increase in the sewer rate. The town is also dealing with $2.2-million in new debt to pay for things like new LED streetlights. Bill McInnis says he would like to see the special tax rate cut from eight cents to four cents.



The special tax rate was put in place to repay $5-million that the town borrowed for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Town council will further debate the budget on April 22. It is expected to approve its final budget on April 28.

New Multi-Purpose Centre For Caledonia

A new $1.9 million multi-purpose centre will be built in Caledonia. The North Queens Fire Association and North Queens Board of Trade is partnering to build the new facility which will house a new fire hall and innovation centre. The project is being helped by various investors including a $750,000 contribution coming from the federal government. Fire Chief David Lohnes says it's a good day for residents of the area.



Lohnes says the building will be home to the fire department, office space, training rooms and also have high speed Internet. The Region of Queens is contributing $375,000 and the provincial government is contributing $100,000 toward the project. The remaining money came through a significant commitment by the District of Annapolis and fundraising. The 14,600 square foot facility should be open next summer.

Bridgewater: BMO Aquatic Centre Set To Open

The general manager of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre says its been a long time coming. The BMO Financial Group Aquatic Centre will open its doors on Thursday. It features a 25-metre, six-lane pool with a diving board, a shallow leisure pool, and a therapeutic pool. The facility is the final component of the LCLC to open following the launch of the Clearwater Seafoods Arena last September and the Margaret Hennigar Public Library in January. Kevin Benjamin says it's nice to see the fruits of labour.



There will be programming available for all ages including a synchronized swimming club and fitness classes. The aquatic centre will be closed Good Friday before it holds open swims all weekend.

Lumberjacks Land Eddie Shack For Celebrity Dinner

Hockey fans on the South Shore will want to "clear the track" on May 23rd. That's when four-time Stanley Cup winner Eddie Shack will be coming to Bridgewater for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks Celebrity Dinner and Auction. Shack, known as "The Entertainer" played for six NHL teams during his 17-year career. He was a member of the Maple Leafs last championship team in 1967. The annual event will take place at the Bridgewater Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Centre.

Municipal Units Approve REMO Budget

An emergency management group in Lunenburg County is looking for funding for contingency plans. REMO is provided money by the municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg along with the towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. The group is asking for $10,000 more in their budget for 2014-15 to help create plans in case of emergencies. Coordinator Heather MacKenzie-Carey says the plans would help answer questions.



MacKenzie-Carey says they have identified nine potential weather situations to prepare for including coastal storm surge, hurricanes, inland flooding and blizzards. Each municipal unit has agreed to the funding increase. REMO has a total budget of $88,151 for 2014-15.