Province Advances NovaStar Ferry $5 million

The province is advancing money to Nova Star Cruises to support its first season of operation between Yarmouth and Maine. The ferry operator is trying to secure a $5-million operating line of credit with the State of Maine, however, they are having trouble getting the money. The Nova Scotia government says it will advance the company the money while discussions continue. Tourism Minister Michel Sampson says the ferry is important for tourism and understands the company has encountered some early challenges. The money will be used for operating costs, including fuel and supplies necessary for running the ferry. Roughly $19 million in taxpayer money has been given to the ferry - including the $5 million advance.

Home Construction Site Thefts/Vandalism On the Rise

Its that time of year when home construction sites across the region are being increasingly targetted by thieves. The RCMP have been receiving more reports of thefts and vandalism at many of those sites.
Corporal Scott MacRae says anyone who sees something suspicious should report it to the RCMP right away.



MacRae says construction companies should also report if they've been victims of thieves. Reports can be called-in to your local police, RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.

From the RCMP ... some things to look for:
- Suspicious people and vehicles who may be around at odd times.

- Large box style tricks pulling up after normal business hours could be considered suspicious.

- Thieves often steal fixtures, construction material, or tools. These may be later sold online.

- Brand new appliances sold online or through other means, without proof of purchase or warranty

Halifax: Search For Missing Biker Underway

A ground search is underway for a missing 30 year-old biker in the Halifax area. Marty Legere hasn't been seen since he left to go biking yesterday afternoon around Spider Lake. He left over the lunch hour and was expected to back around 4 o'clock. Legere is tall about 260 pounds with short hair and a beard and moustache. Mounties say his bike was found at the end of Spider Lake Road. A dog team is also helping with the search efforts.

Interim CEO Appointe At Municipality Of Lunenburg

The Municipality of Lunenburg will turn things over to a new chief administrative officer after today. CAO Tammy Wilson has accepted a new position as a director with the province's Department of Municipal Affairs. Wilson has spent 18 years with the municipality. She says she'll miss a few things including working with council. The municipality has named Darrell Hiltz as interim CAO, starting Monday. Hiltz is a former CAO of the Municipality of Chester and has served a number of roles with the province.

Only Diesel Fuel Priced Lower

If you drive a vehicle that takes diesel fuel, you're the only ones who will notice any change at the gas pumps this morning. Diesel is down half a cent to $1.35.6 a litre. No change in prices for the other types of fuel.
Regular self serve is selling for $1.39.3 per litre .. no change. High test unchanged also at $1.48.2

Bridgewater Baseball Players Named To Provincial Team

A number of South Shore boys will represent Nova Scotia at the under-15 baseball nationals this summer. Zach Zinck, Ryan O'Toole, Matt Sabean of Bridgewater along with Keeshaun Such and Yarmouth's Brad Jones have been named to the team. Bridgewater's Dennis Woodworth was also named coach of the team. He says he's hoping to build off a fourth place finish from last year.



The nationals will take place from August 21-25 in Vaughn, Ontario.

Queens: Former Gym Floor Section Being Sold

Looking to grab a piece of your childhood in Queens County? Students at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool are selling sections of the old gym floor as part of a fundraiser. Roughly 300 sections of the 57 year-old gym floor have been shined up by students in shop class and are ready to be sold beginning Monday. Principal Leo Campbell says it's a neat way for some people  remember their years at Liverpool Regional High School.



Campbell says those who buy a section can get them personalized with the years they went to the school. More sections can be made if there is demand. The money raised will be invested back into the school.

Bridgewater Mayor: Loss Of Community Christmas Would Be Disappointing

The potential loss of the Bridgewater Community Christmas would be disappointing for the town's mayor. The group is looking for new leadership after organizers decided they wanted to pursue new activities in the area. The Christmas Day event attracts hundreds of residents every year. Mayor David Walker feels it would be a big loss.



Walker is hopeful a new group of volunteers or individuals will help keep the dinner afloat. However, if no one steps forward, the event will be cancelled. Organizers will issue another call for help later this summer.

Bridgewater First With Pro-Active Approach To Protecting Dogs From Heat

A South Shore community is the first in the province to take action to prevent our four legged friends from being trapped in locked-up, hot vehicles and suffocating. The Town of Bridgewater, its police service and the volunteer group "Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia" have teamed up to educate the public on the dangers facing dogs if left in hot cars. Group member Angela Robar says its becoming a serious, summertime issue. She says pet owners need to be taught the danger involved.



Robar suggests you leave your dog home where its cooler on a hot day! With town and police support, a special event is planned for this Saturday. Members of the group will be handing out educational material, doing public demonstrations, answering questions and selling life meters which measure temperatures inside cars. It will take place at the PetValu store in the Eastside Plaza from 12 noon to 3pm.

Little Change Expected Tonight In South Shore Gas Prices

Don't expect much change, if any, when the utility and review board sets the weekly gas prices tonight. South Shore prices will likely stay the same. In New Brunswick today, self serve regular has increased about half a cent and diesel is unchanged. On the South Shore today, regular self serve is still selling for $1.39.3 and diesel $1.36.3.

Baillie Promotes Economic Stimulation/Job Creation During South Shore Address

The province's Opposition Leader had a speaking engagement over the noon hour on the South Shore. Jamie Baillie addressed a Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He's promoting getting the economy rolling and job creation to do it. Baillie says for the McNeil government to sail past 100 days since the Ivany Report was unveiled without doing anything is shameful.



Baillie says he's willing to work with the other political parties in the province and federally to help get the economy here rolling again.

Lunenburg Community Garden Is 'Awesome'

The Lunenburg Community Garden is officially awesome. Awesome South Shore named the group its first winner of $1,000 Wednesday night in Lunenburg. The money is expected to be used to help the group buy soil to start filling garden beds. Other nominees included RewardScout, which designed mobile app allowing businesses to send in-store surveys to customers and reward them with discounts and specials immediately. There was also a pitch for a 100-foot mega obstacle course for YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Sunday. Awesome South Shore is made up of local residents that donate money towards a $1,000 grant for new and different events in the community. Pitches are now being accepted for the next $1,000 giveaway in June in Liverpool.

Theodore Too Gettin' Spruced Up For The Summer

A famous floating television character that many young children are familiar with, has taken up temporary residence in Dayspring. Theodore-Too, an actual tugboat, painted up and retrofitted with a head and face somewhat resembling a Mario Brothers character, is at Snyder's Shipyard undergoing deck repairs, engine tweeking and painting. Work on Theodore Tugboat, made famous by the children's Saturday morning show of the same name, should be completed in a few days. Theodore Too will head to Montreal June 5th on its own power for a festival. Then, back to its permanent home on the Halifax waterfront for the summer where its a must-see for visiting kids and their parents.

100 Men Give To Support South Shore Charities

A group of men are looking to donate money to local charities. 'One Hundred Men Who Give A Damn' are a group of volunteers that are forming to help South Shore charitable organizations. The group gathers an annual donation of $400 from each member. It will award money four times a year to local charities. Organizer Jonathan Lewis feels the grassroots system could be a big help for local groups.



Lewis says they have 30 people committed to help at the moment but expects that to grow over the next few months. The group will award money to their first charity Thursday night at 6:30 at the Mahone Bay Centre. For more information, check out their website here .

New Leadership To Oversee Bluenose II Project

Premier Stephen McNeil has made a bold move in an effort to get some control of the Bluenose II project. David Darrow, deputy minister to the premier and clerk of the Executive Council, will assume oversight of the Bluenose II restoration project. Darrow has a background in engineering, large-scale project management, and with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. McNeil says his government has already taken steps to look into the handling of the project by asking the auditor general to conduct a full review of the project. He says Nova Scotians want answers about what's taken place on the project. This mornings delay in pre-sea trials - is just the latest in a series of setbacks for Bluenose II.

Skin Cancer Most Common/Fastest Rising

The Canadian Cancer Society is out with some alarming new data on skin cancer rates. Statistics show skin cancer is most common in Canada with an estimated 6,500 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year. Meanwhile, women in Nova Scotia have the highest rates of melanoma in Canada while men rank second in behind Prince Edward Island. Canadian Cancer Society spokesperson Kelly Cull says that's a major concern.



During the summer, the Canadian Cancer Society will begin an awareness campaign to talk about the dangers of tanning - they will target adults between 15 and 39. The risk of skin cancer is higher among those with pale skin, red hair, moles or spend long periods of time in the sun.

MODL: Councillors Actions To Be Probed

A municipal councillor will be investigated under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. A motion was made Tuesday night at a meeting held by the Municipality of Lunenburg. Councillor Don Zwicker made the motion following Frank Fawson's request to to remove streetlights in Dayspring, and recent comments questioning the openness and transparency of council. Fawson could lose his seat if found to be in conflict of interest. Zwicker says council has been under extreme pressure over the last few months because of the actions.



Zwicker also requested legal opinion to determine if Fawson and Councillor Terry Dorey were in breach of the municipal code of conduct suggesting the municipality isn't open or transparent without evidence. No action could be taken if Dorey or Fawson breached code of conduct.

Bridgewater: Surgeries Resume At Regional Hopsital

The three operating rooms at the largest hospital on the South Shore have re-opened after surgeries were put on hold because of air exchange issues. South Shore Health says elective surgeries resumed today at the regional hospital in Bridgewater. The ``OR`` closed Monday afternoon after maintenance staff found a badly worn part in the ventilation system. The system needs to be working properly in order for infection prevention. A total of 30 patients were impacted by the temporary closure of the operating rooms. Those procedures are in the process of being rescheduled.

More Delays For Bluenose II

Another delay in the comeback of Bluenose Two! The famous schooner was set to head out into Lunenburg Harbour this morning for pre-sea trials to check the engine, steering and anchor. However, the trip has been put off. According to the Deputy Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, the delay seems to involve a misunderstanding. Kelliann Dean tells us, verbal approval from Transport Canada for the trip turned out to be not good enough. Actual paper work was needed which the department hasn't received yet from the insurer, the American Bureau of Shipping.



Meanwhile, PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the issue surrounding Bluenose Two has become a joke and smacks of mis-management.



A new date for the pre-trial hasn't been set. Bluenose Two has undergone an extensive rebuild costing in excess of 16-million dollars and still hasn't returned to service as the province's sailing ambassador.

South Shore Health Excellence Awards Honour Staff

South Shore Health is recognizing outstanding contributions in patient care and service in the community. The health authority held it annual Excellence Awards last night. Four major awards were presented during the gala event at the Best Western. The Spirit Award was given to Irene Hirtle. Hirtle provides support to those going through challenging and difficult times under South Shore Health Palliative Care Service. She was also recognized for giving her free time to making significant contributions to the Health Services Foundation's Rose Fund and relief efforts around the world. The Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker and the Exemplary Service Award went to Dr. John Jenkins. The Outstanding Quality Initiative was given to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network. This year marked the tenth year of the Excellence Awards for South Shore Health.


Awards: 

The South Shore Health Spirit Award is presented to an individual or group who has made an exceptional contribution to any program or service within South Shore Health and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the organization’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Accountability and Leadership. Contributions can include supporting the organization’s mission, vision and values, contributing to staff health and wellness, creating a positive work environment or demonstrating outstanding care and support for colleagues. This year’s award is presented to Irene Hirtle, who provides bereavement support as part of South Shore Health’s Palliative Care Service. She consistently demonstrates an ongoing commitment and passion to support individuals who are experiencing challenging and difficult times. She gives freely of her personal time and energy to bring joy to others. One of Irene’s special talents is crafting with a purpose - making beautiful homemade greeting cards in support of worthwhile causes such as the Health Services Foundation’s Rose Fund as well as relief efforts around the world. Irene is a highly regarded member of her team and community who regularly demonstrates caring and support for colleagues, patients and families.

Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Community Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker. This award recognizes individuals and or groups who have made a significant contribution to the well-being of the public at the community level. This contribution may include activities that promote, protect or improve the health, safety and well-being of the public, or a specific population. Through strong and passionate leadership, Kelly has helped to improve access to timely and targeted addiction and mental health services. She has been instrumental in the integration of the intake systems for Addiction and Mental Health Services, creating a single entry point for clients.  This has made it easier for people to access services and helped to significantly reduce wait times. Kelly has also taken a strong leadership role in the launch of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) within Addictions and Mental Health Services by generating enthusiasm among her colleagues, providing support and education and finding creative ways to streamline access to services.

Exemplary Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution in the delivery of health services within South Shore Health. The individual or group will demonstrate exemplary service to the people that they serve as part of their profession as well as commitment to improving the overall health of the community at large. This year’s award is presented to Dr. John Jenkins who has practiced family and emergency medicine in the Lunenburg community for 20 years. Dr. Jenkins is a founding member of Lunenburg Family Health and is currently the head of the Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. He has also served on many committees and held various leadership roles, including mentoring student learners.  Dr. Jenkins has served his patients, community and profession as an advocate and champion. He is a team player who is always willing to pitch in when needed.

Outstanding Quality Initiative Award celebrates the tremendous efforts that are being made by individuals and teams throughout the District to continuously improve quality in all aspects of our programs, processes and services. It is awarded to teams who have worked together on a quality improvement project that is aligned with South Shore Health’s priorities and has resulted in positive changes. This year’s award was presented to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network for its work in providing consistent, timely, evidence-based, family-centred support to improve breastfeeding outcomes in our communities. The network brings together peer, community and clinical breastfeeding stakeholders to provide an innovative model of service delivery and partnership that supports families reach their breastfeeding goals. One of the key features of the network is a new referral process for health care providers, mothers and community in regards to breastfeeding challenges. Anyone can refer to the network and mothers can also contact the Network themselves. The partners include Lunenburg Queens Community Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee, staff from South Shore Health’s maternal and child health, chronic disease management and public health teams as well as midwives and doctors, the Better Together Family Resource Centre and LaLeche League.