Program To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse Introduced In Queens

Youth in Queens County are about to learn better ways of preventing sexual abuse. The Canadian Red Cross introduced its 'Be Safe!' program Wednesday afternoon at Dr. John C. Wickwire Academy in Liverpool. The program gives kids ages five to nine-years-old educational tools to recognize and prevent situations that may lead to sexual abuse. School Board Communications Manager, Trish Smith, says the program engages kids through activities.



'Be Safe!' will also be available at North Queens Community School. Both Queens County schools are the first to offer the program in Nova Scotia. Additional information about the Canadian Red Cross program is available online here .

Bridgewater Youth Shelter In Limbo

The future of a youth shelter in Bridgewater is unclear. Empire House for youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless is transitioning. It has been run by the province since 2007 but the Nova Scotia government is looking for a community organization to take over control. However, it's not known what will become of the current shelter on Empire Street. The home opened in 2002. The new service model will begin in July. Four youth workers will be re-assigned within the department. The province says the program will link youth with health providers, school, housing, employment and other social support.

No Need For Bridgewater Memorial Arena: Deputy Mayor

What started as an outdoor arena in 1948 appears to have at least one more year of service left. Town council has tentatively approved another year of operation for the Bridgewater Memorial Arena. It was a 4-3 vote in favour of providing almost $155,000 to keep the rink open for 2014-15. Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis voted against. He feels arenas in Chester, Lunenburg and Liverpool could fill the void if the rink at the new Lifestyle Centre is booked.



McInnis says the recent Ivany Report calls for more regional services and feels this could be one way to take advantage of it. A final decision is expected to be made on this topic and the town's budget on Monday.

School Closure Still Up To Elected Board

Elected board members will have the final say when deciding whether or not to close schools in Nova Scotia. Education Minister Karen Casey introduced changes in legislation today around school review. Casey says the new process puts an emphasis on better planning and more collaboration when a school is up for review. No schools are currently under review and none can be put forward until the new process is in place. A review committee was established last year to look at the process in depth and come up with a modified system. The new school review process will be in place by September.

For more information:

The recommendations and Casey's click the link Department of Education.

Funding Boost For Family Resource Centres

Family resources centres in Nova Scotia are getting a boost. The provincial government is increasing its annual funding to the centres by two million dollars. The money will be spread out equally throughout the province's 26 facilities. It will mean roughly $75,000 more in funding. New money will also be made available for training. Local family resources centres are located in New Ross, Bridgewater and Yarmouth. They offer support and programs for parents, children and families before and after birth - normally up to age six.

"Government Supporting New Grads" - Samson

The Liberal government is firing back at both of Nova Scotia's opposition parties over the availability of jobs for graduating university students. The Tories and NDP are accusing the government of coming up short when it comes to incentives for new graduates to stay and work in the province. Economic Development Minister Michel Samson told the Legislature during question period, they're trying to set up an economically-friendly working environment in the province.



New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan offer thousands of dollars in rebates to students who stay and work in those provinces following graduation. Samson says nothing like that is being considered for here.

Any Oak Island Treasure & Artifacts Need Protecting Says MLA

Protecting Oak Island from being plundered and historic artifacts spirited out of the area for international sale is the focus of a bill being introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature. Chester-St. Margarets NDP MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse is leading the charge in the house, drawing attention to the consequences if fellow members, opposition and government, don't guarantee its passage.



A reality show on the History Channel has renewed interest in the tiny Mahone Bay island, with many viewers indicating their wish to pay a visit. The latest intriguing theory claims not only Captain Kidd's treasure may have been buried on Oak Island centuries ago. There may also be significant religious artifacts connected to the Knights Templar and even Shakespeare.

QMJHL: Moose Stage Huge Comeback, Look For More

Just when most people had written off the Halifax Moosehads last night as headed for defeat in Game 3 of their Q-League playoff series something happened that turned the tables on Val D'Or. After trailing 5-1 to Val D'or, the Moose stampeded out of the gate with sticks and goals flying to send the game into overtime. Jessie Lussier  scored the winner. The final score 6-5 Halifax. The Mooseheads still trail the series 2-1. They'll try to even it in game 4 tonight, again in Val D'Or.

Roseway Manor: Head Colds Shut Down Visitation

There is a visiting ban in place at Roseway Manor in Shelburne. Administrator Sharon Callan says roughly 10 residents are dealing with head and chest colds. She says the move is precautionary.



She advises loved ones to call and speak to their staff if they have any further questions. Callan says they will let the public know when the visitation ban is lifted.

Top Doc Saying Goodbye To South Shore Health

The CEO for South Shore Health says it's an emotional week as he wraps up his time at the position. Dr. Peter Vaughan spent almost two years as CEO. He is moving on to be the province's deputy minister of health, wellness and seniors next Monday. Vaughan says he enjoyed his time at the helm and feels South Shore Health is well-positioned for the future.



He points to collaborative health centres in Lunenburg, Bridgewater, New Germany, Caledonia and another in the works for Liverpool as good foundations. Vaughan says he would have liked to see more work done on redeveloping the emergency rooms in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. A replacement CEO has not been named.

Nova Scotia: "New Health Model Will Improve Service"

The process to streamline the health care system is underway. CEO of Pictou County Health, Patrick Lee has been appointed to lead the efforts as Nova Scotia moves to consolidate its 10 health authorities into two. Lee has spent 33 years in the health care system. He says he believes in the idea to reduce the health authorities.



The province is hoping to complete the process by next April. The new system would mean one health authority for the province and another for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

Yarmouth Native Receiving Medal Of Bravery

A Yarmouth native is one of three Nova Scotians who will receive a medal of bravery at a ceremony in Ottawa. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will present 43 medals at Rideau Hall on Thursday morning. Among those being honoured is Angel Margaret MacEachern. She rescued a boy in July 2011 who was in danger of drowning at Ingonish Beach in Cape Breton. MacEachern swam out against the strong current without rescue equipment to reach the boy and struggled in the choppy water to bring him safely to the beach. Other provincial recipients include Constable Andrew Robert Aucoin of Centreville and Jeffrey Wakeham of Dartmouth.

Rugby: Park View Girls Host Kings Edgehill

An explosive start to the rugby season for Park View's girls team. The team recently defeated North Kings 74-0 and West Kings 60-0. They host Kings Edgehill in their home opener at 5pm Tuesday evening at the Kinsmen Field in Bridgewater.

Delicate Issue Coming Before Queens Council

Region of Queens Council will have to deal with a delicate issue later this week. Council will decide whether to re-zone a piece of land in Liverpool to allow for eventual construction of a crematorium. The land is behind Chandler's Funeral Home, which is behind the project. General manager Kevin Samuels says public perception of cremation has changed in recent years.



Samuels says the demand for cremation has increased 75 percent along the South Shore over the past decade or so. Chandler's is looking at increasing the availability of it on the South Shore. Right now, cremation facilities are available in Yarmouth, Bridgewater and Halifax.

Digby: Stabbing Sends Teen To Hospital

Two teenagers are in police custody after a stabbing in Digby. Police say a 17 year-old was taken to hospital last night. He was stabbed in the side following an incident near the Post Office in Digby. His injuries are not serious. RCMP say an 18 year-old was arrested shortly after the incident while another teenager was taken into custody this morning. They are facing charges of assault with weapon.

South Shore Teachers Recognized During Education Week

A pair of South Shore residents are among a number of teachers being recognized for their work with students. Julie Ramey of North Queens Community School and Krystal Snyder of New Germany Elementary will each receive awards as part of Education Week. This year's theme is Active Citizenship: Get Involved, Take Action, Be the Difference! It recognizes outstanding educators who integrate active citizenship into their daily lessons. Ramey leads the Social Justice group at North Queens, and provided opportunities for her students to participate in 'We Day' in Halifax, a fundraising effort to build a school in Mexico, and hosted a 30-hour Famine event at their school. Snyder is a primary teacher in New Germany and has developed skills to teach young students about responsible citizenship and how to contribute to the community. A ceremony will be held in Bedford Tuesday afternoon.

Habitat For Humanity Looking For Land In Lunenburg County

The South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity is in search of their next project in Lunenburg County. The group is looking for space to build a home around Bridgewater, Mahone Bay or Lunenburg. They have built four homes since 2008 including one in Liverpool and two in Mahone Bay. Board member Hank Middleton says they want to acquire more land.



Middleton says the land needs to be on an allowable lot, preferably with sewer and water infrastructure. He asks anyone who is interested in donating land to contact the South Shore chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

UPDATE: Wanted Man Found

A Halifax area man, on the lam from police for several days, has been arrested and is in custody this morning. The Quinpool Road Superstore in HRM was robbed of cash yesterday afternoon and a few minutes later, regional police arrested two men on Gottingen Street. One of them was 38 year old Richard Hartlin. He had been wanted on a Canada-wide warrant after not returning to his half way house last week.
Hartlin is alledged to have been involved in two other armed holdups last week in the Halifax area.

Chester: Exploring Funding Options For 'Our Health Centre'

Chester appears ready to financially support 'Our Health Centre.' The municipality has created a pair of options that would see them provide $300,000 to the collaborative health facility over two years. It would see a $200,000 investment this year and $100,000 next year or $100,000 this year and $200,000 in 2015. Warden Allen Webber says the money is a good starting point.



Officials representing 'Our Health Centre' originally asked the municipality for $1-million last year, but that request was denied. The health facility has raised over $2.25-million and hope to have the project complete late in 2015. Chester council will look at their budget figures this week to see if either option will work.

Canada-Wide Warrant Issued For Halifax Man

A Canada-wide warrant is out for a Halifax man connected to a pair of recent robberies. Thirty-eight year old Richard Lee Hartlin did not return to his halfway house as expected last week. He's considered armed and dangerous. Police say Hartlin is a potential suspect in a robbery at a Sobeys on Windsor Street on Wednesday. The other robbery occurred at a gas station on Herring Cove Road on Saturday. Hartlin is white, about six feet tall and a 190 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Halifax police right away. (Halifax police photo)