Health Dollars

2009-05-14 06:22:39

South Shore Health is still waiting for specifics on a government anouncement on projects at the hospitals in Bridgewater and Liverpool.   C-E-O Kevin McNamara says it's abnormal for them to be told they are getting financial help but not the amount or when they can expect it.  But he says it is positive to know what projects the funding has been approved for.  He says another challenge is that the district is still waiting for budget figures from the province. McNamara says they may end up in a situation where they would have to make cuts or adjustments to their budget but in a shorter time span. While campaigning with Peter Zwicker and Carolyn Bollivar Getson Wednesday, Premier Rodney MacDonald told CKBW News the funding for the projects at South Shore Regional amounted to 12-million dollars.

Sudden Death

2009-05-13 08:27:10

A 59-year old Lunenburg county man is dead after an unusual call for first responders.  According to the RCMP, police, paramedics and members of the New Germany fire department were called to the sudden death of a Stanley Section man.  When they got there, they found the man on his property, in a well.  Sergeant Dean Warr says he was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police say they are still investigating and an autopsy is scheduled for today by the medical examiners office.  But they add no foul play is suspected.  His name is not being released.

Fire Tax Credit

2009-05-13 08:23:51

Rodney MacDonald is looking to increase the volunteer firefighter tax credit if he's returned to office next month.  The Premier announced this morning an increase in the tax credit from 375 to 500-dollars in 2009.  When it was introduced as part of the 2007 budget, the credit was $250 and was for volunteer firefighters. It was a campaign promise by the Tories in the 2006 campaign. It was increased to $375 last year, and expanded to include the ground search and rescue teams.   There are about 8000 volunteer firefighters in Nova Scotia and about 1700 members of ground search and rescue teams.   Both the Liberals and New Democrats have introduced similar measures in the Legislature over the past three years.

Health Board

2009-05-12 12:05:36

Nova Scotia's Health Minister has appointed one new member and re-appointed three others to the Board of Directors for South Shore Health.  Christopher Clarke, Walter Freeman and Doug Nauss are all returning to the board.  Dr. Al Doucet is the new face. He has practised as a family physician in Liverpool for 31 years and was a recent president of the District's Medical Staff. He retired from family practice last year and is currently working part time as South Shore Health's physician leader for Continuing Care.  Dr. Doucet replaces retiring Board Member Dr. David Large who did not reoffer for his position.

Salmon Habitat

2009-05-12 12:03:26

Community groups in two south shore counties and across Nova Scotia will soon be starting projects to improve fish habitat in their local river systems. The money is coming from the Nova Scotia Sportfish Habitat Fund.     Repairing stream channels, planting trees to stabilize banks, and restoring historic trout and salmon migration routes are all parts of projects supported by the Adopt-a-Stream program.       Fisheries and Aquaculture director of inland fisheries Murray Hill says the many volunteer groups across the province who have waterway projects should be proud of their work.          Over the next year, 18 community groups will receive money from the 2009 Nova Scotia Sportfish Habitat Fund. A five-dollar and 44-cent fee added to the general and salmon fishing licences in the province provides the income for the fund.
 Two projects are earmarked in Lunenburg County: The LaHave River Salmon Association will get $12,000. And for there is $15,000 for Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation for work on Mushamush River. In Queens County, there's $400 for the Medway River Salmon Association.   Additional information on sportfishing can be found online at  www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing .

 

Queens Ballot

2009-05-12 06:15:20

It's now official - the ballot is set with all three candidates in place.   Kerry Morash is the Conservative party candidate in Queen's.  Morash - a lifelong Queens resident - was first elected in 1999 and re-elected in 2003.  He was acclaimed as candidate at a nomination meeting Monday night.    He has served as caucus chair and held two portfolios in cabinet and most recently was Rural Outreach Coordinator.  Morash was defeated by the NDP's Vicki Conrad in 2006 - the first time the Tories lost in Queens in fifty years.  Many said it was the lack of a Liberal candidate in the riding that allowed the NDP to take the seat by 55 ballots last time. The Grits have Wayne Henley on the ballot this time.  Conrad is fighting to hold onto the seat for the New Democrats heading into a very competitive campaign.

Fatal A-T-V Accident

2009-05-11 11:56:29

An all terrain vehicle accident has claimed the life of a 40-year old Queens county man.  RCMP Staff Sergeant Bruno Deveau says the RCMP were called out yesterday morning to a private dirt road in North Brookfield in Queens.  That's where they found Terry Scott Rawding of Pleasant River. He was pronounced dead at the scene. S/Sgt Deveau says he had been at a camp the night before and he left that night headed for home. That's when they believe the accident happened.  Police say Rawding was wearing a helmet. They are still investigating.

Sawmill Fire

2009-05-11 11:54:52

Officials with Bowater's sawmill operation in Lunenburg county call it a minor fire. Robin Anthony says there was only slight damage in a Stacker Outfeed area of the sawmill in Oakhill. And there were no injuries.Oakhill and Dayspring responded to the call last night around twenty to ten. The fire was reportedly in the same outbuilding where some welding had been done earlier in the day.

Leader's Tour

2009-05-11 11:41:07

Rodney MacDonald was the first.   Darrell Dexter wasn't too far behind.  And today, the Leader of the Liberal Party will be campaigning in Lunenburg county.  Stephen McNeil says the area is important to his party. McNeil will be in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay today and in Tantallon with the Chester St. Margaret's candidate this evening.  Darrell Dexter is in Lunenburg today where he will be taking a tour of video-game developer H-B Studios.  Premier MacDonald is spending the day in the Halifax area.

Tax Credit

2009-05-11 05:50:54

Lunenburg's NDP candidate says one of their party's campaign planks would be a help to companies like Composites Atlantic.  Pam Birdsall says the ten percent manufacturing and processing tax credit would help businesses grow and would create employment in Lunenburg.  Thursday, she took a tour of Composites with party leader Darrell Dexter adding their proposal would allow them to invest in new equipment.  She adds it's not just a tax break but an incentive for companies to upgrade and become more competitive.  Lunenburg's total manufacturing labour force accounted for just over 42-hundred jobs according to statistics from 2001.

French School Land

2009-05-11 05:49:11

Now that the sale has closed, we're finding out how much the Municipality got for a piece of land for a new French school in Cookville.  C-A-O Tammy Wilson says the property is just over ten acres. It was sold to the province earlier this year at a cost of $400,000.  The piece of property is just off Highway 10 near the WalMart development.   A replacement for École de la Rive-Sud in Blockhouse will be built near the Osprey Ridge development.  The school will have up to 285 French first-language students from the region. It will cost about $13 million and should be completed in 2010.  A local real estate agent says forty-thousand an acre is a fair price for a lot that size near the Exit 12 development.  She says that's where a lot of people want to be right now as the retail area continues to grow.  The municipality isn't sure if the 1 percent deed transfer tax applies to the sale between the two levels of government.

Beach Protection

2009-05-08 06:29:13

The dunes of Cherry Hill Beach are being protected .  Effective today, (Friday, May 8th,) vehicle traffic along the dunes and the beach is banned.Beach access for traditional uses such as clam digging, waterfowl hunting and swimming  will continue to be permitted. There will be a designated area for parking.  Cherry Hill Beach is  an important nesting habitat for the endangered piping plover and a vital feeding and resting area for many thousands of migrating shorebirds." The ban will be enforced by Department of Natural Resources officers and, when appropriate, RCMP. Operators who ignore the ban can be charged under the Crown Lands Act and/or the Motor Vehicle Act.

McHappy BBBS

2009-05-08 06:26:13

They're awfully McHappy at South Shore Big Brothers and Big Sisters today.  The group was the beneficiary of the funds from yesterday's McHappy Days at the Bridgewater McDonald's restaurant.  A dollar from each mcmuffin and Big Mac sold yesterday were given to charity.  And after the numbers were crunched, it looks like there were a lot of sandwiches munched.  Sandra Murray says they will be receiving $2,000 to help pay for their programs to help boys and girls in the area.

Generous Enough

2009-05-08 06:23:36

A May 20th public meeting on the Queens Place recreational facility has been cancelled because of a lack of "information gaps".  One of those according to the Region's Rec department is a shortfall in funding. The group says the five-million dollars from the province doesn't quite come up to one third of the cost.  They were also hoping for additional money to develop the land around the construction site.  Premier Rodney MacDonald says his government has already given what it can to the project.  The group says a public meeting on Queens Place will be held, but not until they have all of the information they need to provide to residents of Queens.

Leaders Tour

2009-05-07 09:33:24

NDP Leader Darrell Dexter hits the south shore area to campaign with local candidates today.  Dexter will be doing some mainstreeting at the Bridgewater Mall Plaza with Lunenburg West candidate Gary Ramey at noontime. At 2 o'clock this afternoon the Provincial New Democrat leader will tour Composites Atlantic in Lunenburg with Pam Birdsall who's running for the NDP in the Lunenburg riding. Later in the afternoon Dexter will join  candidate Denise Peterson Rafuse for a meet and greet at the NDP Campaign Headquarters for Chester-St. Margaret's at 4171 Highway 3 in Chester.  Dexter will also pay a visit to Shoreham Village.

After an intense day of Campaigning on the south shore including an appearance at the Lunenburg nomination meeting, Premier MacDonald is in Pictou county today. Peter Zwicker was elected as the Conservative's candidate for the Lunenburg riding last night.

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil will be in the valley campaigning today.

 

Queens Place stall

2009-05-07 09:31:59

 

A public meeting for Queens Place scheduled for later this month is being postponed because of outstanding issues including funding.   A news release from Recreation says the purpose of the meeting was to present the Schematic Design for the recreation facility as well as provide specific information about capital and operating costs.   But they point to "information gaps" that need to be resolved before a public meeting.  Those include a need for completed site development costs and more federal and provincial money.  They say the seven million from the Federal Government was 1.8 million less than what they asked for. And the five-million from the province was less than the one-third project funding in many other communities.  The Region has asked for a top up but says that hasn't materialized yet. They also say the election campaign underway will likely impact a request for funding to help defray the costs of developing commercial land next to Queens Place.  They add the combination of these three critical areas impact on the Region's capacity to provide the best information possible to the public. Once full information is available, they say the meeting will be rescheduled.

Home Invasion

2009-05-07 06:26:05

Charges have now been laid against two people allegedly involved in a home invasion on Pleasant Street early yesterday afternoon. Twenty-three year old Matthew Kevin Glavine and 18 year old Shaun Tyler Greek are facing charges of  break and enter into a dwelling and committing an indictable of aggravated assault.  Breach charges as well as a charge of trafficking in crack cocaine are also alleged. Arrest warrants for the pair have been issued.  Meantime, An individual who was initially arrested by police yesterday has been released without charge.  This incident, is still under investigation.   Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of GLAVINE and GREEK to contact  Bridgewater Police, 543-2464 or CRIMESTOPPERS

Home Invasion

2009-05-07 06:26:05

Charges have now been laid against two people involved in a home invasion on Pleasant Street early yesterday afternoon. Twenty-three year old Matthew Kevin Glavine and 18 year old Shaun Tyler Greek are facing charges of  break and enter into a dwelling and committing an indictable of aggravated assault.  Breach charges as well as a charge of trafficking in crack cocaine are also alleged. Arrest warrants for the pair have been issued.  Meantime, An individual who was initially arrested by police yesterday has been released without charge.  This incident, is still under investigation.   Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of GLAVINE and GREEK to contact  Bridgewater Police, 543-2464 or CRIMESTOPPERS

Inspection Changes changed

2009-05-07 06:24:03

 A bit of a reprieve for tuners and off-roaders.  Government officials say concerns from vehicle owners and the motor vehicle industry have prompted an in-depth review of the processes for inspecting modified vehicles.     A recent clarification to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual explicitly states testers are required to fail a vehicle that has been raised or lowered, unless the alteration had been previously approved by an engineer.  And that would have required taking the vehicle to New Brunswick to be certified.  The clarification has raised a number of issues, which the review will address. The review will take up to one year to complete and will result in recommendations for the appropriate next steps.   In the meantime, testers will continue to follow the same safety standards in place for all other vehicles.

Leader's Schedule

2009-05-06 06:05:20

With the provincial election campaign starting to rev up, the Conservatives are giving the south shore a lot of attention. Premier MacDonald spoke with CKBW news yesterday morning at seven o'clock, one of the first interviews of the day about the election.
Today, the Conservative leader is campaigning with Carolyn Bolivar-Getson. He's scheduled to be serving Big Macs with her for McHappy Day at McDonalds in Bridgewater.
Then this afternoon, it's off to Queens to start campaigning with Kerry Morash.  Party officials tell us he will be the only person seeking the PC nomination in Queens when their meeting is held next Monday.
And tonight, MacDonald will be in Mahone Bay for the nomination meeting to see if it will be Peter Zwicker or Ron Allen who will be vying for Michael Baker's former seat in Lunenburg.
Liberal Leader, Steven McNeil is campaigning in Metro.
And NDP leader Darrel Dexter is in the Truro and New Glasgow areas today.

Drug Arrests

2009-05-06 06:00:02

Two Pinehurst males facing  drug and weapons charges after a search warrant was executed at a Penny Road residence.  The South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit with assistance from RCMP and Bridgewater Police executed the warrant May 1st.  A quantity of marijuana plants were seized as well as firearms that were unsafely stored in the residence.   A 59 year old male and an 18 year old male are facing charges of production of a marijuana and unsafe storage of firearms.  The accused are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on June 17th for election and plea.

Election Budget

2009-05-05 06:15:18

What started out as a budget document is now a plank in the Conservative's election platform.    Premier Rodney MacDonald will pay a visit to the province's lieutenant-governor this morning.    That's when he is expected to ask Mayann Francis for an election on June 9th.    MacDonald's minority Conservative government was defeated last evening after losing a vote to amend the Provincial Finance Act.    Both opposition parties had repeatedly said they would not support the bill.    The defeat means this year's budget would have a 260-million dollar deficit.    Expect the political rhetoric to have both the Premier and the opposition blaming each other for forcing us to the polls this summer.

The ballots aren't quite set yet for the five ridings on the south shore. There are two more nomination meetings to come, and both of them involve the Progressive Conservatives.

Community Services minister at dissolution, Judy Streatch is running again in Chester St. Margaret's.  The Liberals will have JoAnn Grant and Denise Peterson-Rafuse is running for the NDP.
In Lunenburg, Rick Welsford is on the ballot for the Liberals and Pam Birdsall for the NDP.  The Conservatives will be chosing between Ron Allen and Peter Zwicker at their nomination meeting tomorrow in Mahone Bay.
Lunenburg West has Natural Resources minister Carolyn Bollivar Getson for the PC's running against Mark Furey for the Liberals and Gary Ramey for the NDP.
In Queens, incumbant New Democrat Vicki Conrad is on the ballot against Wayne Henley of the Liberals and a Conservative candidate who will be chosen next Monday.
And in Shelburne, Sterling Belliveau will be working to hold the seat for the NDP while running against Eddie Nickerson of the Conservatives and Darian Huskilson of the Liberals.

Health money

2009-05-05 06:13:05

South Shore residents are going to be seeing an enhancement of service at the South Shore Regional Hospital. MLA  Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, on behalf of Health Minister Karen Casey, says a multi-million dollar  investment in South Shore Regional Hospital will enhance emergency room service and accommodate a satellite dialysis unit.  Funding was also announced for design work on Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The design work will enable the Queens project to move forward.  Christopher Clarke co-chair of the hospitals fundraising committee says they've been working towards the project for about 6 years. The 22 medical beds that were built in 1965 will be replaced with modern up to date facilities and there will be a new primary care centre meaning better medical delivery in Queens

Harbour Cash

2009-05-05 06:11:27

17 South Shore harbours will be receiving some money from the Federal Government.  South Shore- St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy says the funding will go towards harbour maintenance and dredging projects.  Bush Island, Fox Point, Indian Point, and Mill Cove are among the communities Keddy hopes will see a strengthened economy and new jobs in the commercial fishery as a result of the improvements.  The money is coming from Canada's Economic Action Plan. Nova Scotia will see about 40 million dollars of the 200 million the government set aside for similar projects across the country.

Chrysler Optimism

2009-05-05 06:09:32

A new month, a new agreement and a new sense of optimism at a Bridgewater area Chrysler dealership.  Co-owner Peter Saunders tells CKBW, it was a difficult few months with the uncertainty surrounding the Chrysler Corporation.  Saunders says the agreement with Fiat is an exciting development for the manufacturer.  Business as usual will continue, although Saunders says there may be some challenges with the supply of vehicles but overall he and his staff are relieved with the situation.

H1-N1 Update

2009-05-04 06:28:49

As of today (May 3rd) two new lab-confirmed cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) virus have been reported. To date, a total of 33 cases have been confirmed in Nova Scotia. Both new cases are related to the King's-Edgehill school
community.   Of the six confirmed cases announced Saturday (May 2nd) from outside the King's-Edgehill community, five are still under investigation and one is a teenage student in Baddeck. That student had recently visited King's-Edgehill.     Deputy chief medical officer of Health Dr. Maureen Baikie says public health officials are not surprised to see confirmed cases in other parts of the province but she remain confident in the vigor of the public health system.     Taking preventative action is the best way for Nova Scotians to protect themselves for H1N1 (human swine influenza) or seasonal influenza. That means washing your hands thoroughly and often, coughing or sneezing into your sleeves, staying away from public areas if you are sick and frequently cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces and items such as doorknobs and counters.

Furey Acclaimed

2009-05-04 06:23:49

The top mountie in the District has been selected as the Liberal candidate for the riding of Lunenburg West.  Mark Furey, a 29 year veteran of the RCMP was unopposed at a nominating meeting Friday night in Bridgewater.   Furey has served as adviser to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Justice, been involved in public education initiatives, and performed a tour of duty in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1995.  Liberal Party leader Stephen McNeil was on hand for Friday nights nomination meeting.  Along with Furey, the other candidates for the Liberal team on the South Shore include Rick Welsford, JoAnn Grant, Wayne Henley and Darian Huskilson.

 

River Recognized

2009-05-04 06:19:20

An historic south shore river used by Mi'kmaq travelers for centuries, is now protected by a designated wilderness area.     Shelburne River Wilderness Area in Queens County, is close to six thousand acres. Environment Minister David Morse says the province is living up to its commitment to protect lands purchased from Bowater Paper Company in 2007.            The wilderness area protects the old canoe route celebrated by the popular Tent Dwellers festival last year. The new wilderness area will protect most of the lower Shelburne River, about 40 kilometres of river frontage. Upper parts of the river are within the Tobeatic Wilderness Area.

MODL Taxes

2009-05-01 06:52:29

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is holding the line on its tax rates at 79 cents per $100 of assessment for residential and a $1.92 per 100 for commercial.  Mayor Don Downe says Council approved a good budget responsible to the needs of the municipality but which enables the municipality to move forward with the provision of services to the residents.  Highlights include a "Compassionate Tax Policy " to provide relief to low income property owners, a grant support staff position, investment in infrastructure at Osprey Village, promotion of active living and enhanced recreational opportunities, meeting environmental obligations and sustainability initiatives.

Peter Zwicker

2009-05-01 06:48:50

And now there are two.   The next candidate for the Progressive Conservatives in the riding of Lunenburg will have to win to get in.  Peter Zwicker is the second person to announce he is going after the nomination in the riding formerly held by Michael Baker.  Zwicker is a current Lunenburg town councilor, into his second term.  He says he believes there is no greater calling than to serve the people of the Lunenburg riding adding the chance to represent the community at a broader level is a challenge he's eager to embrace.  Earlier this week, retired Michelin supervisor Ron Allen announced he would be seeking the nomination.  The party will choose its representative at a nominating meeting in Mahone Bay May 6th.

Grow-Op

2009-05-01 06:47:46

An indoor marijuana grow-op has been seized from a Lunenburg county home and the couple living there are now facing charges.   Members of the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant Wednesday night at a home on Bridgeview Drive in Gold River.  Police officers say they found an indoor growing system with 347 pot plants along with electrical equipment and fertilizers. They also seized several unsafely stored firearms.  Constable Jacques Rioux says a 38 year old man and a 32 year old woman are looking at cultivation and firearm charges. A court date has been set for June 17th for election and plea in Bridgewater Provincial Court.

Earth Day Totals

2009-05-01 06:38:40

Although the weather was against them again this year, organizers are pleased with the level of participation for this year’s Earth Day Challenge.  Totals this year rivalled peak numbers from the past according to Solid Waste Management.   Valda Walsh says many of the cleanups did not happen on the 22nd, but they happened nonetheless. And she says the amount of litter collected highlights the importance of this event.   More than 2,000 people in four counties rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter in their communities collecting more than 5,000 kilograms of litter.  Walsh calls it a banner year with more people registering than ever before adding it's an indication people understand litter is an issue that affects us all.  But she says with littering up 21 percent, people's attitudes toward litter have change but their behaviours have not.

Lobster Thief

2009-05-01 06:31:10

A Riverport fisherman has been fined $4,236 and will serve a 10 day suspension of his fishing licence beginning midnight May 21st. Tom Drake was scheduled to go to trial but changed his plea to guilty for having possession of stolen lobsters which were removed from someone else's traps. Drake was charged last May 30th under section 22 of the Fishery General Regulations. The Judge accepted a joint recommendation in imposing the fine and licence suspension.  As well, proceeds of the sale of  the lobsters seized, valued at $763.88 will be forfeited to the Crown.

Slipped Up

2009-04-30 06:13:35

A slip on the ice ended up hurting in more ways than one for a Bridgewater man in his 60's.  Paramedics were called to the scene of a man who was lying on a path after slipping on an icy surface.  John William Godfrey was taken to his apartment and helped inside.  However, police were called to assist in locating Godfrey's medication.  They spotted a plastic bag of cigarettes on top of a microwave and Godfrey was charged with having unstamped tobacco product.  He was fined 500 dollars for having 148 illegal cigarettes.

 

Murder Charges

2009-04-30 06:11:45

A Bridgewater court judge has approved a warrant allowing the extradition process to get underway for a man serving a life sentence for a murder in New York state.  Glen Race of Dartmouth faces two counts of first degree murder in connection with the death of two Nova Scotia men in May of 2007. Bridgewater Crown Prosecutor Paul Scovil says amending the charges and getting the warrant were the last steps in preparing the extradition documents for the Federal Department of Justice. Twenty-seven year old  Race is currently in prison after being convicted of the murder of Darcy Manor of Mooers, New York , May 10th, 2007.   He's charged in the deaths also in May of 2007  of Paul Michael Knott and Trevor Brewster.

Lunenburg Conservative

2009-04-30 06:10:26

A big week for a long-time Dayspring resident.   Ron Allen is now a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. And he is the first person to announce his candidacy for the riding of Lunenburg.  A 38 year resident of the community has retired after more than 36 years with Michelin.  Allen is an ironman competitor who believes in promoting awareness about physical activity.  He tells CKBW he's never run for office before and feels he can offer good representation for the people in the riding.  The Constituency Association will chose it's candidate at a meeting next Wednesday evening at seven o'clock at the Mahone Bay Firehall.  So far, Ron Allen is the only person to tell us he's interested in running for the Conservatives in Lunenburg, a seat held by the late Michael Baker for ten years.

United Winner

2009-04-29 10:30:23

Pictured from left. Clare Leblanc –Northcott (UW Canada), Mark Winfield (UW Lunenburg), Michael Graves (UW Lunenburg), Helen Himmelman (UW Lunenburg) 

A local Bridgewater businessman has won a national award from the United Way of Canada.. Mark Winfield, Chair of the  Board of United Way of Lunenburg County is the recipient of  the prestigious Chair's Award of Distinction.
The  award recognizes the critical role that volunteers play with their sustained dedication to their communities and the United Way Movement .  Since it's inception in 2003, the United Way of Lunenburg County has invested over 300,thousand dollars  in over 60 Lunenburg County based organizations and projects. Winfield says if every single working person in Lunenburg County invested 1 dollar per week they would have $1.1 million dollars each and every year to invest in programs that will make a measurable difference to Lunenburg County residents"

E-R Closure

2009-04-29 10:28:49

Another hospital E-R closure because of staffing shortages.  The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is closed today (April 29). The Health Authority says it's because of  the unavailability of staff to cover the shifts.  The department will be closed from 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 to 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 30.  A spokesperson says the closure has nothing to do with the outbreak of swine flu in Nova Scotia.  Although South Shore Health says two staff within the district were sent home yesterday because they had been in close contact with King's-Edgehill students from Windsor.  Communications director Theresa Hawkesworth says those staff did not exhibit any signs of having contracted the virus and have in fact been allowed to return to work.  They are being watched in case they do develop symptoms.

Staying On

2009-04-29 09:21:05

He's into his 10th consecutive term at the helm of Lunenburg Town Council and that's where Laurence Mawhinney is staying put.  He has no plans to jump from municipal to provincial politics when the election writ is dropped, possibly this week. Mawhinney is one of Nova Scotia's longest-serving municipal leaders. He is into his 30th year as Mayor, a position he has held since 1979.  His name has been rumoured as a possible  Conservative candidate for the Lunenburg  riding  held by Michael Baker who died March 2 at the age of 52 after battling Cancer for nearly three years.

Lobster Trap

2009-04-29 06:15:03

The NDP's Fisheries Critic says the Conservatives are smothering lobster fishermen with red tape.  Shelburne MLA Sterling Belliveau says adding red tape will limit the fishermen's ability to sell directly to consumers and impede them from providing for their families.  Belliveau says he was approached by a number of fishermen last winter who wanted to sell their product directly to the public as it was the only way they could survive.  Belliveau says the announcement that  food permits will now be required show the Fisheries Minister and the Rodney MacDonald government have done nothing but show that they are turning their back on Nova Scotia lobster fishermen.

Cruiser Crash

2009-04-29 06:13:08

A Sergeant with Bridgewater police is recovering from minor injuries after a crash involving the police car he was driving.
Police say the accident happened last Friday afternoon.   The officer was responding to a complaint when the Dodge Charger and a Chevy pickup collided at the intersection of Aberdeen Road and LaHave street.  Both vehicles sustained serious damage.  The couple in the truck is from Upper LaHave. Neither of them was seriously hurt either.  Police say they are still investigating the accident.

Breastfeeding Support

2009-04-29 06:09:46

The Lunenburg & Queens Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee has a new community resource  available for businesses and organizations to create supportive environments for breastfeeding families.  Susie Wood, Co-chair of the  Committee unveiled the Action Support Binder, Make Breastfeeding Your Business at Bridgewater Town Council Monday night. Wood says support and education are key in creating a community that supports breastfeeding. Wood says it's an opportunity for Bridgewater to serve in a leadership role and act as a champion in creating supportive environments for other places of employment throughout the community in making breastfeeding the cultural norm in Bridgewater.

Mourning Day

2009-04-28 08:53:56

The South Shore Labour Council will hold a candlelight vigil this evening at the Kinsmen Hall, 1153 King Street to mark the 25th anniversary of the Day of Mourning.  A ceremony is being held at Province House to remember, pay tribute to and mourn for the 29 Nova Scotian workers who lost their lives in 2008, the highest number since the Westray disaster. 
Tonight's vigil in Bridgewater gets underway at 7 o'clock.

Car Show Cash

2009-04-28 08:51:53

Bridgewater Town Council has decided not to back an antique auto show projected to draw 10,000 visitors creating a projected economic spinoff of more than $600,000.  The Great Atlantic Antique Automotive Show requested $3,000 from Town Council to help market the two day show July 17th to the 19th at the MARC in Dayspring.  Mayor Carroll Publicover says Council voted 4 to 3 against referring the request to budget deliberations, partly because they needed an immediate answer, and the request came in late. The group is also approaching the councils of Mahone Bay and town of Lunenburg for support, and has already received considerable support from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg.

Queens Fire

2009-04-28 08:49:30

 

Queens RCMP are investigating a suspicious fire in Harmony Mills.  The fire in the early evening hours of Friday, April 24th, was in a salvage yard behind a ballfield.  The North Queens Volunteer Fire Fighters responded to the call and extinguished the fire which consisted of mostly crushed and junked vehicles.  The location of the fire posed a significant hazard for the firefighters while attending and putting out the blaze.
On another matter, the Mounties are investigating damage to a vehicle on the Molega Lake Road in Labelle. The owner of a truck reported that the wiring harness on the vehicle was pulled off the engine and left at the scene sometime between April 22nd and the 24th.  Anyone having information on either incident is asked to contact the Queens RCMP Detachment.  (354-5721)

Swine Flu Watch

2009-04-28 05:52:19

South Shore Health is monitoring the Swine Flu situation very closely and is in regular contact with the  Departments of Health Protection and Promotion and the Department of Health as well as  provincial counterparts.Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says locally they are following all recommended guidelines and protocols and are working with Health Promotion and Protection to enhance existing surveillance for respiratory illness in Nova Scotia.  They are also working to ensure that heath care professionals get the information they need to identify and manage suspected cases.  Hawkesworth says  they have had a number of calls from the public with questions and concerns. She says  if you've been to Mexico recently and have severe flu-like symptoms, you should isolate yourself and contact your family doctors or other health care professional. Make sure you mention your travel history.  People with general questions or concerns should contact Public Health in Bridgewater

Chester Liberals

2009-04-28 05:50:03

Jo-Ann Grant will be carrying the Liberal banner into the next provincial election in the riding of Chester-St. Margaret's.  Described as a women's advocate and community volunteer, Grant won the contested nomination at a meeting on Friday night at the East Chester Recreation Center.  Grant is a professional sales manager with a background in small business. She beat Lea Russell for the chance to run for the Liberals against Cabinet Minister Judy Streatch.  Grant is a member of the Canadian Women's Foundation and its Women Moving Women program. She is also a member of the Village of Chester Tourism and Development Association and previously sat on the board of the Queens County VON.  Liberal leader Stephen McNeil spoke at the nomination meeting.

Swine Flu

2009-04-27 06:15:51

 

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection, working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, has identified four cases of swine influenza in Windsor, Hants County.  Dr. Robert Strang, chief public health officer for the province, says there is no reason for the Windsor community or Nova Scotians to be overly concerned. He says the individuals affected have all experienced mild symptoms and are recovering. No one, at this point, has been hospitalized because of this illness. Dr. Strang says the province remains vigilant and is continuing surveillance across the province.  Pat Dunn, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, says he has the utmost confidence in the ability of Nova Scotia's strong public health system and its highly skilled and caring  professional staff.  Anyone planning to travel to Mexico is advised to get a flu shot.  Prevention continues to be the best approach to prevent  illness. Nova Scotians are advised to wash their hands thoroughly and often, cough into their sleeves and stay away from the public if they are sick.

Canoe accident

2009-04-27 06:13:14

Police have identified Terry Lee Zwicker as the drowning victim of a canoe accident on a river in Queens county.  RCMP Const. Allan Nickerson says the 46 year old's floating body was found after a search of the Mersey River, near Dam No. 2.  Zwicker, from Queens county,  was declared deceased after being taken to Queens General Hospital on Friday evening.  Police say the other man in the boat managed to swim to shore and was unharmed.   RCMP say the men had been fishing and were not wearing life-jackets, although two were found in the canoe. Emergency Health Services received the call at 12:38 p.m. Friday that two men were in the water and sent two ambulances.

SPCA Funding

2009-04-27 06:11:08

The province has announced 100,000  dollars in funding to the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Minister of Agriculture Mark Parent, says the funding will support the S-P-C-A's work implementing the new Animal Protection Act, which will be proclaimed in the  coming months.  The new act shifts responsibility for farm animals from the SPCA to the Department of Agriculture. It will allow the SPCA to focus on the protection of non-farm animals.     The funding will allow the SPCA to focus on improving  investigations by providing operational funding and additional training.