South Shore Under High Risk For Forest Fires

A Fire Control official is urging people to be extra cautious as the province's forest fire index is at high across the South Shore. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties have been in the high-risk category all week. Kara McCurdy says people need to be careful.



McCurdy suggests if it is dry and windy then people shouldn't burn. The forest fire index could drop as rain is in the forecast starting Thursday until Tuesday.

National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Comes To Bridgewater

Local police and health authorities will be accepting old and unused drugs this weekend. National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is Saturday and a number of groups are working to reduce trafficking and limit the spread of prescription pills and illegal drugs. Police say its a no-questions asked drop-off. Director of Addiction and Mental Health Services, Todd Leader, says they want to minimize the risk.



A similiar campaign in Kentville last year netted 35,000 pills. People can drop off their old and unused drugs Saturday from 10am-3pm inside the Bridgewater Mall, next to Bell Mobility.

Bridgewater's Martin Headlining Halifax Track Event

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has been named one of two headliners for this year's Aileen Meagher International Track Classic. The 25-year-old along with Geoff Harris of Halifax will share the track when the event kicks off June 9 at Saint Mary's Huskies Stadium. Both runners made it to the semi-finals in last summer's Olympics. Martin won the 400 metre at last year's Track Classic. The event, which is marking its 20th year, is considered the premiere track and field competition in Atlantic Canada. It also allows athletes to achieve qualifying marks for the World Track and Field Championships in August. The event is the only maritime stop of the National Track League and kicks-off the cross country schedule. Other meets will be held in Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

MODL Explores Pension Options For Laid-Off Workers

The Municipality of Lunenburg is exploring its options when it comes to funding pension plans for 13 laid-off workers at the recycling centre in Whynott's Settlement. Council members need to make a decision on whether they want to pay up to $190,000 in a lump sum or installed payments of $40,000 per year for five years. Mayor Don Downe says they're leaning towards the lump sum option because they have the money available in their operating budget.



The 13 workers were laid-off after recycling operations at the plant moved to a facility in Kentville. Council is expected to confirm its decision during next week's meeting.

Which Bumpy Road Bugs You?

Which road really ... bugs the life out of you? You know, the one full of pot-holes, of all shapes and sizes! The road that you fear may, or may already have broken a tire or the springs on your car! The Canadian Automobile Association is trying to weed-out the really nasty top-10 worst roads in the region. Gary Howard of CAA says their "Worst Roads Campaign" also embarrasses governments into action to fix them up.



Its the third annual campaign by CAA, running until May 31st. You can vote for the road in your area that really, drives-you crazy, by going to ... www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads. As the voting continues, the Forties Road in New Ross and the Kemptville Road in Yarmouth County are among the top ten in the region.
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Here is the top ten list as of May 8,2013:
1. Cape John Road ------ River John
2. Foxbrook Road ------- Hopewell
3. Ridge Road ----------- Digby
4. Forties Road ---------- New Ross
5. Rothesay Road -------- Saint John, NB
6. Balmoral Road -------- Tatamagouche

7. NS 203 ---------------  Kemptville
    Fredericton Road ------ Salisbury, NB

8. NB 122 ---------------- Skiff Lake, NB
9. Hanwell Road ---------- Fredericton, NB
10. South River Lake Road --- Guysborough

Trial Dates Will Be Set Thursday In Confinement Case

Trial dates for a man charged in an alleged sexual assault and forcible confinement case will be set Thursday. Provincial court Judge Gregory Lenehan ruled last week during a preliminary hearing that David James Leblanc will be tried by a judge and jury. The 47 year-old is facing seven charges in relation to an incident in Upper Chelsea last fall where a teenage boy claims he was held captive and sexually assaulted. Police began their investigation last September after a woman reported that a barefoot boy arrived at her home chained at his wrists and ankles. The RCMP have said they believe the boy was held captive for about ten days before he was able to escape. The trial will take place in Supreme Court.