Achievement Awards

The Town of Bridgewater presented Achievement Awards to a number of teams and individuals on Monday April 12th. Shown in photo are members of the Lunenburg Queens Special Olympics. The Team has competed and won in their Floor Hockey Division for five consecutive years from 2003 - 2007, and have participated in the national meets.

Members include: Krista Stockman, Joey Bruhm, Robbie Veinot, Zach Crosswell, Jennifer MacIntosh, Shawn Thompson, Susie Vienneau, Danny Eichel, Adam Wentzel, Adam McKinnon; Coaches Russel Corkum, Lousie Corkum, Jim Stockman & Gary Mailman.

Cigarette Seizure

A West Northfield man is facing charges under the Federal Excise Act and Provincial Revenue Act following the seizure of a quantity of illegal smokes. A search at a residence on Highway 10 netted police over 11 thousand illegal cigarettes and a small amount of illegal cigars. A 58 year old man will appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on July 14th to enter a plea.

Preventing Identity Theft

Preventing identity theft is the driving force behind the province's plan to move to more secure driver's licence and photo identification cards later this spring. As part of this initiative, Access Nova Scotia Centres will start collecting height and eye colour information from Nova Scotians beginning Thursday, April 15. The driver's licence and photo identification cards will be made using enhanced technology to capture and store photos, signatures and other information. The new cards will be phased in at Access Nova Scotia Centres later this spring. It is expected to take four to six weeks to complete the process. There will be no extra cost to consumers.

Digital mammography machine

The new digital mammography machine was unveiled today at the South Shore Regional Hospital.

The new machine puts Nova Scotia at 5 now, which will reduce wait times for breast screening.

The other four units are in Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow and Antigonish.

No Injuries when Logging Truck Loses Trailer

The RCMP report no injuries in an early-morning highway mishap in Lunenburg county.

A truck hauling logs travelling toward Bridgewater lost its load just past the Northfield Overpass on Highway-103 shortly before 6:30 this morning.

The logs rolled into the ditch without striking anyone.

Traffic along the highway was trmporarily reduced to one-lane before officials cleared the roadway.
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Oakland Planning

Oakland is a community divided over proposed changes to its planning by-law. At issue is an attempt to limit the number of dwellings units on a single lot. Lunenburg Municipal Council defeated a motion to give second reading to amend the Oakland Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law and is sending it back to the Area Advisory Committee for further public consultation. Mayor Don Downe says Council would like to get a consensus from the community rather than make a decision which could split it even more. He says dividing the community is not the answer.
Downe says the Municipality will work with the community but the residents have to become involved in the planning process and determine what they want regarding development for the future of their community.

Bridgewater Community Garden

The site of the former Tourist Bureau in Bridgewater will be the new location for a community garden. Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's a "Feel Good Project." He says there's a core of 40 to 50 people that want to be involved in the gardens project, and from all indications, the interest is going to grow. Publicover says there will be quite a number of 4 by 8 raised beds, and it will be fun to watch it develop. The Community Garden will be located at the corner of Elm Street and Aberdeen Road.

Volunteer Recognition Day

Volunteers throughout the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg were recognized Tuesday with a special luncheon in their honour. Mayor Don Downe and Council hosted the volunteers during their regular council session presenting each of the nominees with a special plaque. Sherry Veniot of Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue was also the Municipalities Provincial Volunteer who attended a ceremony in Halifax on Monday. Other volunteers honoured by the Municipality include:
John Walters and Allan Keddy (Blockhouse Fire Department)
Elizabeth Conrad and Tony Michener (Broad Cove Community Association)
Shirley Wilkie and Donna Hebb (Dayspring & Dist. Fire Dept. Ladies Aux.)
Doris Eisnor and Esther Eisnor (Pinehurst Community Hall)
Frances brown and Maureen Risser (Royal Canadian Legion, New Germany Branch)
Sherry Russell and William "Bill" Alesander (New Germany Canada Day Committee)
Gary Wentzell (Minor Hockey)
George Weldon and Allen Cook(LaHave River Water Shed Enhancement Foundation)
Myles Wentzell and Linda Wentzell (New Germany Lions)
Aubrey Conrad and Garnet Veinot (Simpson's Corner Community Hall Society
Elizabeth Frank and** Barbara Wicks**also nominated for provincial recognition
( LaHave Manor Corporation)
Betty Demone and Sandra Robar (North River Community Hall)
Greg Selig and Janis Power (New Germany Area Promotions Society)
Lindy Guild and Jean McKiel (Elderfit)
Robert Joundrey and Judy Wile (Lunenburg County 4-H Council)
Ardythe Boss and John Parnell (Rosedale Home for Special Care)
Enid Oickle and Councillor Arthur Young (St. James Lutheran Church, Branch LaHave)
Edgar Bolivar Jr. and Ronald Veinot (Branch LaHave Community Hall)

Digital Mammography Machine

A new digital mammography unit will be unveiled tomorrow at South Shore Regional Hospital.

On behalf of Health Minister Maureen MacDonald, MLA Pam Birdsall and MLA Gary Ramey will unveil the unit which is one of five new Full Field Digital Mammography units recently installed around the province.

The event will begin at 11:15 a.m. in lecture rooms 2 and 3, on the 3rd Floor.

King St. parkade assault

Bridgewater Police are still investigating the assault between two young men at the King Street parkade last month.

The incident took place March 31st between 7pm and 8pm. The unknown man, described by the victim as being 5'5, short dark hair, a chin bread, and between the ages of 15 and 18.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police or CrimeStoppers.

Cookville RCMP investigate assaults

Cookville RCMP are investigating after two Crousetown men were injured after three males forced their way into a residence last night.

Shortly after 10:30pm the suspects entered the residence wearing ski masks and gloves, following the assaults they fled the scene.

Police say this was not a random act and all parties are known to police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP or CrimeStoppers.

Temporary VIC at Exit 12

Looks like there will be a tourist bureau to serve the area this year. Bridgewater Town Council has endorsed a recommendation for a temporary VIC to be located at Exit 12 for the next two seasons. The Town along with the Municipality of Lunenburg formed a partnership to explore options for Visitor Information Services. A joint committee has recommended the Exit 12 SmartCentres option, given the visibility of the location, the easy access off Highway 103 and the ample parking. The former VIC was located on Aberdeen Road and was run by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce which pulled out in 2007 saying it wasn't financially sustainable. Councillor Bill McInnis says the Town cannot afford to be subsidizing tourism and other like businesses which should be stepping up to the plate.He says all parties should be contributing financially.Bridgewater has pre-approved funding of almost 16 thousand dollars from the next two budgets for the development of a temporary VIC, providing the Municipality agrees to an equal financial contribution.

Cadets Recognized

**Photo from Regional Cadet Support Unit, Atlantic**

The first Saturday in November will be declared Sea, Army, Air and Navy League Cadets Day in Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter introduced a bill Monday to recognize, celebrate and honour Nova Scotia's cadets. Dexter says as a former cadet, he is proud to support a bill that recognizes a program that helps youth develop self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills. Sea,Army,and Air Cadets are national programs for youth aged 12 to 18. They are a partnership between the Canadian Forces and three civilian organizations -- Navy League, Army Cadet League and Air Cadet League. The Navy League also sponsors the Navy League Cadets for youth aged 9 to 13. There are 3,600 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets in 86 corps and squadrons across Nova Scotia with a history that dates back more than a century. Among the notable Nova Scotians who have been cadets are former premier John Hamm, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly and country singer George Canyon.

Affordable Child Care

The province is investing five-million dollars to help make child care more affordable for families and provide more support for the child-care sector.
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse was in Dartmouth today (April 12th) to announce 400 child-care subsidies, the elimination of a parent fee for families and a new grant for child-care providers. Peterson-Rafuse says the funding will make child care more affordable for Nova Scotia families and help strengthen the child-care sector. The funding is provided through Nova Scotia's Early Learning and Child Care Plan.

Carroll Baker at Privateer Days

Canada's Queen of Country is coming to Privateer Days this summer. Liverpool will welcome home Juno Award winner and Country music great, Carroll Baker, for a free outdoor concert on Friday, July 2nd at Privateer Park starting at 7 pm. Although born in Bridgewater, Baker grew up in Port Medway and attended high school in Liverpool. She moved with her family to Ontario in 1969 and was discovered when sang "Stand By Your Man" with a local bar band. In the last 35 years, Baker has had more than 20 number one records, is a three time Juno award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, multiple Canadian Country Music Award winner, and inductee of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.

Volunteers Honoured

Eighteen year old Gillian Bond of Chester among the volunteers from across Nova Scotia honoured today (Monday, April 12th) at the 36th annual Provincial Volunteer Awards in Halifax. Bond, who volunteers with several organizations including Junior Achievement, Cadets Canada, the Chester United Baptist Church and the local legion is one of the nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year. More than 70 dedicated volunteers, nominated by people in the communities they work so hard to improve, received a well-deserved thank you. The Provincial Volunteer Awards serve as an early kick-off to National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 18 to 24. Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of volunteering in Canada.

ER Overcrowding Update

South Shore Health’s emergency departments remain over capacity.

As of 11am this morning there were eight admitted patients in to the ER at South Shore Regional, four at Queens General Hospital and four at Fisherman's Memorial Hospital.

The emergency departments remain open, however the public should expect longer than normal delays for non-urgent services.

People with non-urgent medical problems should contact their family doctor or nurse-practitioner, visit a walk-in clinic, or call NS HealthLink 811 to speak to a registered nurse.

Court appearance for Italy Cross man

A 31 year old Italy Cross man will appear in court this morning after pointing a firearm at an Italy Cross woman and her son.

The man will also answer to charges of impaired driving, breach of undertaking and uttering threats.

Canoe overturn in LaHave River

No injuries reported in connection with the sighting of a canoe floating upside down on the LaHave River.

The "Bridgewater Fire Department" received a call shortly after 5:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon after people reported seeing an overturned canoe floating in the LaHave River.

The Bridgewater Department called in boats from Northfield and Dayspring to search the waters and the surrounding area.

Everyone who had been in the boat had made it to shore safely.

Off-duty Mountie Charged with Impaired Driving

The Mounties have charged one of their own with impaired driving . Lunenburg County RCMP received a call April 4th reporting a vehicle had gone off the road by Risser's Beach. Witnesses reported the driver was intoxicated , and had identified herself as an RCMP officer. The vehicle was pulled out of the ditch and the driver left the area before the Mounties arrived, however, the parked vehicle was located in Conquerall Bank. After searching the local area, the driver was located and arrested. Forty-three year old Catherine Frances Mansley has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle. She is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on June 9th. The officer was off duty at the time of the incident.

Finance Minister visits Bridgewater

Finance Minister, Graham Steele was in Bridgewater this afternoon for his first public meeting after releasing the Provincial Budget on Tuesday.

Steele spoke with CKBW News on what his main focus was in today's meeting.

"I wanted to talk to the people from the Bridgewater area and the Chamber of Commerce about what was in the budget and about the governments plan to return to a balanced budget."

Steele and his Cabinet Colleges plan to visit many communities across the Province in the weeks to come to talk about the budget and what it means for the Province

Overcrowding Protocol Initiated

South Shore Health has initiated its overcrowding protocol this afternoon due to large numbers of patients in the emergency departments.. Communications Director Theresa Hawkesworth says as of this morning, there were 11 admitted patient in the emergency department at South Shore Regional Hospital. Although the emergency departments remain open, the public should expect longer than normal delays for non-urgent services, especially at South Shore Regional Hospital. Patients may also experience delays in admission and possible transfers to another hospital for care. Surgeries may also be cancelled and the District will seek support from neighbouring Health Authorities.

Budget Affordability for Seniors

Chester/St. Margaret's MLA and Minster of Seniors, Denise Peterson -Rafuse says a new Poverty Reduction Credit will help about 15-thousand Nova Scotians living in poverty, many of whom are disabled.Peterson- Rafuse along with Finance Minister Graham Steele visited Sackville Heights Community Centre on Wednesday (April 7th) to discuss how the budget makes life more affordable for seniors. Steele says
removing the Guaranteed Income Supplement from calculation of the adjusted family income will benefit roughly 18-thousand low-income seniors. The minister says the new Affordable Living Tax Credit is a way to alleviate any tough measures in the budget.

***Photo from Government of Nova Scotia***

Four Homeless After Morning Fire

A family of four is temporarily homeless after fire this morning gutted their two-storey house near the rural community of Allendale, a few kilometres northeast of Lockeport Volunteer fire departments from Lockeport, Little Harbour and Sable River responded to the blaze,at 2784, Highway 3 around 10 a.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The couple, their two teenaged boys and several pets are staying with nearby relatives and neighbours for now. Canadian Red Cross volunteers have arranged emergency purchases of clothing and food, and provided them with some personal-care kits and blankets. A number of groups and the teenagers' school are also looking at fund-raising activities to help out.

Crosswalk Accident

Three people were taken to hospital following a car pedestrian accident on High Street earlier this afternoon. The adults were in the crosswalk adjacent to the Community College at the time of the accident around 12:45 p.m. The three adults were taken to hospital for assessment. It's not believed there were any serious injuries. A 79 year old male driving a silver Ford Taurus was being questioned by police. Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact the Bridgewater Police.

Design 2011 Canada Games medals

People in the South Shore have a chance to show their creativity in designing the 2011 Canada Games medals.
The Halifax Host society for the Games is accepting original designs that can be any shape but must incorporate the 2011 Games logo, and reflect the unique nature, theme and culture and spirit of the Games and the Province.
The competition is open to Nova Scotia residents ages 13
and up.
For more information visit

Smart Growth for Bridgewater

The Bridgewater Development Association is hosting an event to showcase and share success stories of the communities growth. BDA Manager Ida Scott says anyone can attend to learn more, share successes and celebrate while enjoying a complimentary breakfast. The public, partners, and developers are invited to attend on Thursday, April 22nd 7:30 am – 9:30 am at the Michelin Social Club. The BDA is the lead development agency that has been behind many of the initiatives and work that keeps Bridgewater’s growth at the forefront. Also partnering on this event is the Town of Bridgewater. If you are not able to attend the event, you can “visit growbridgewater.com to hear some of the stories about what’s happening and to discover how you can get involved in helping

Roseway ER Meeting

The Roseway Hospital Emergency Department the focus of a public consultation meeting next Wednesday April 14th at Shelburne High School.The meeting by South West Health is a chance to talk with the public about what is being done to improve coverage for the Roseway Hospital Emergency Department. It is also an opportunity for the public to share their ideas and solutions to help South West Health fulfill its commitment to minimize temporary closures and keep the Roseway Hospital Emergency Department OPEN 24/7.All information gathered at the meeting will be shared with the Minister of Health in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government Emergency Room Accountability Act which requires District Health Authorities to consult with communities affected by temporary Emergency Department closures. People unable to attend the meeting can still provide input by sending it to:
Blaise MacNeil, CEO, South West Health
60 Vancouver St.,
Yarmouth, NS, B5A 2P5
Fax: 742-0369

Nova Scotia Budget Tabled

An increase in the harmonized sales tax by 2 percentage points was unveiled in the provincial budget today, April 6th. Finance Minister Graham Steele says this is the first year of a four year fiscal plan to return to a balanced budget. Among the Nova Scotia budget highlights:

_ Total spending for 2010-2011 forecast at $9.0 billion with a $222 million deficit, less than half as big as this year's deficit.

_ Harmonized sales tax to rise by two percentage points to 15 per cent as of July 1, generating $215 million in revenue this fiscal year.Other measures will see the province remove the provincial portion of the H-S-T on children's clothing and footwear through a new point-of-sale rebate.

_ To offset the tax increase, rebates will be offered to households earning less than $30,000 annually, amounting to about $240 per household.
Meanwhile, the 18-thousand seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement will no longer have to pay any provincial income tax. That measure is expected to save the province's seniors about 12.5 million dollars.
_ No increases to corporate or personal income taxes, which are already the highest in Canada.

_ Those earning more than $150,000 annually will be subject to a new tax bracket that will claim 21 per cent of earnings over that amount.


_ The NDP government will also eliminate 1,000 jobs from the public service over the next four years through attrition, while imposing wage restraints and a pension earnings cap on those who remain.

Complete budget details are available at the Department of Finance website at www.gov.ns.ca/finance .

*** Budget Details & Photo courtesy Government of Nova Scotia***

Identity Theft

A man who police arrested for possession of stolen credit cards and impersonation will appear in court today.

Gary David Daigle was arrested last Friday and police later executed a search warrant on a Bridgewater residence.

Daigle was in possession of a number of other people's names throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

If anyone has any information on this matter you are asked to contact the Bridgewater Police.

ER Closures Reduced

An improvement in the number of ER closures at Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. Between March 5, 2009 and March 5, 2010, there were 14 closures, representing approximately 3 % of available hours. South Shore Health C-E-O Alice Leverman says all closures were due to an unavailability of staff to cover the shifts. Efforts taken to minimize closures include cross training of staff between South Shore Regional and Fishermen's Memorial hospitals, active recruitment of experienced staff and promotion of 811. The department is also exploring the possibility of using advanced paramedics for casual staffing.

Mobile Speed/Radar Trailer

Lunenburg County law enforcement has a new tool to help curb speeding. Bridgewater Police Service and Lunenburg County RCMP have used a 15 thousand 500 dollar grant from the Department of Justice to purchase a mobile speed/radar enforcement trailer to be used throughout the county. The mobile trailer works by displaying the visual speed of approaching vehicles on a lighted display enabling the drivers to be aware of their speed and reduce it accordingly. The mobile trailer will be parked in areas of concern throughout Lunenburg County and used as a warning to motorists exceeding the posted speed limit. The new mobile speed/radar enforcement trailer will be presented to all municipal representatives within Lunenburg County at a ceremony at the Chester RCMP office Tuesday morning, April 6th at 10 a.m.

UNESCO Associated Schools Project

The Lockeport schools have been selected as Nova Scotia's first UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network member and are planning to celebrate tomorrow. (Tuesday, April 6th). Dale Eshelby the ICSP Coordinator for the Town of Lockeport says the process started as a spin-off of a revitalization event last October. She says a UNESCO representative is coming to the town on Tuesday and events are slated to get underway at 10:40 a.m. at Lockeport Regional High School. Celebrations include the unveiling of the ASPnet plaque and the Lockeport greenhouse project ribbon cutting ceremony. There will be a special Leatherback Turtle presentation and a display of student's science, heritage, and related projects in the Fire Hall following ceremonies in the school. The public is invited to attend.

Wait Times for Cataract Surgery

South Shore Health is now within the acceptable standard for wait times for cataract surgery. C-E-O Alice Leverman acknowledges the tremendous support from members of the Department of Surgery which allowed additional O.R. time to be made available for catch up of their wait list. Leverman says the Districts wait list was well over a year compared to the acceptable level of 12 to 16 weeks. She says last Spring Dr. Colin Mann's wait-time was approximately 14 months. In order to maintain the wait list at an acceptable level Dr. Mann is now doing cataract surgery six days per month. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed type of eye surgery.

South Shore Health Welcomes New Doctor

South Shore Health is pleased to welcome family physician Dr. John Paleta to the District. Dr. Paleta will join Dr. Jolene Jarvis at her practice in Hubbards. He will begin seeing patients beginning Tuesday April 6. The clinic phone number is 857 1312. Priority will be given to residents of the Municipality of the District of Chester who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Paleta has been practising in Chilliwack, British Columbia since 2004.

Fishing season opens today

A eager angler could be facing a total of $500 worth of fines for fishing before the opening season. The man was caught at Fiddlers lake in Shelburne County and his Boat & gear was ceased for evidence. Fishing season officially opens today, and Conservation Protection Super visor of Shelburne County, Chris Sperry wants to warn people that they are out patrolling fishing activity.

Donald Gow Passes Away

A prominant Lunenburg County businessman has died.

83-year-old Donald Gow passed away peacefully at his home in Bridgewater on Tuesday.

Donald was successful in business but music was his passion.

He was a member of the Bridgewater Fire Department Band and other bands for seventy years.

The funeral service for Donald Arthur Gow is 2:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the United Church in Bridgewater.

Injured Man Found Near LaHave Ferry Terminal

The Mounties are looking into the situation of an injured man found lying on a highway in Lunenburg County.

A cyclist found him yesterday afternoon lying on the road near the LaHave Ferry Terminal on Highway-332.

Emergency Services responded shortly before 4:30 to a call to the scene in East LaHave and took the man to the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center in Halifax.

The RCMP say the man -- in his fifties -- had suffered head injuries and may have fallen from a moving vehicle.

If you have any information about this incident, call the RCMP in Cookville at 527-5555.

Navy Centennial Celebrations

The Town of Lunenburg will be presented with a plaque as part of the Canadian Navy's Centennial celebrations slated for June 29th to July 2nd. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says despite the fact all the events are scheduled for Halifax, Town Council is looking at holding some type of reception possibly in conjunction with the Legion. Mawhinney says a plaque is being presented to each community which had a vessel that bore the name of that community in the second world war. The HMCS Lunenburg was a flower class corvette during the second world war, and some of the memorabilia of that corvette is still in Lunenburg at the Legion and Town Hall. Meantime, the Navy is sending a vessel to Lunenburg on May 10th to take part in torch ceremonies for the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

Justice Grants Awarded

Bridgewater and Chester are among the communities receiving grants from the Department of Justice for projects aimed at reducing and preventing crime. In total, 80-thousand dollars is being distributed to 35 organizations by the Department of Justice to support crime prevention and reduction in the province. The majority of projects are aimed at young people. Bridgewater Police Service will receive, $5 thousand dollars, Bridgewater Senior Safety gets $3 thousand, while the
Chester Art Centre Association,also receives $3,300 dollars. The funding will help pay for events, activities and equipment that give Nova Scotians an opportunity to participate in community programs.

Hospital Budget Approved

South Shore Health is getting some help from the province to cover a two year deficit. CEO Alice Leverman says the Department of Health has approved 1.7 million dollars to offset the deficit from 2008/09.As well South Shore Health received 1.3 million to be added to the base budget on a go forward basis. In addition, Leverman says over the last year South Shore Health has identified more than a million dollars in cost savings and revenue generation that has contributed to the bottom line. She says they put in a number of spending controls including reviews of new hires, reductions in overtime and travel and non-essential expenditures. Leverman says the upcoming year will be challenging as they're not anticipating any new funding for fiscal 2010/11. She says they're in the process of creating a Quality Improvement Action Plan focusing on quality improvements to make the best use of limited resources.

Reward for stolen property at Oceanview Landscaping

Owners of the Oceanview Landscaping in Chester, are offering a $1000 reward for anyone who knows who was involved in the theft of items taken from their store on March 28th between 5am and 6:40am. Two cut-off saws and some other lawn and garden equipment were taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Terry Hawkins Industries

Terry Hawkins Industries in Shelburne is one of 20 company's across Canada that has been nominated for a Manning Award. The award recognizes and encourages innovation in Canada. Terry Hawkins Industries is a manufacturer of Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer/Plastic products for Infrastructure, Commercial and Home use. For information visit their website at http://www.terryhawkinsindustries.com

Wilson's Gets Go-ahead for Lunenburg Development

It's pretty much a go for the construction of a combination gas bar,
convenience store and drive-thru restaurant in Lunenburg. Wilsons Fuels of Halifax wants to reconfigure the Esso station on Falkland Street and needed Council's approval for two amendments to the Land Use By-law. Wilson's requested allowance for a pump island be located 10 feet from the Falkland Street property line, and to allow for a driveway to be located 9 feet 9 inches from the intersection of Station Lane with Falkland Street. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says despite Council's approval of the project anyone who objects to Councils decision has a 14 day period to make an appeal before the provincial Utility and Review Board. He says while the decision has been made, nothing is ever binding until they pass the date in which appeals can be received. As for a suggestion that Council take the matter to the communnity, Mawhinney says there is no provision given under the Municipal Government Act for a plebiscite on this particular issue.

Bridgewater's Deputy Police Chief has been named the policing award recipient by the Provincial Justice Minister. John Collyer received the award during a ceremony in Halifax today. Collyer volunteers as vice president of the South Shore Big Brothers, Big Sisters board of directors and school mentor for youth at risk. He implemented the Kids N Kops program that offers youth at risk a one-week summer camp.
Collyer was one of six Nova Scotians recognized today (March 30th) for their efforts to prevent crime and make communities safer. Awards were presented in six categories including individual, youth, community group or organization, community policing, media and business community. For more information on the awards go the department website at www.gov.ns.ca/just .

Water Testing

South Shore Health will introduce changes to water testing next month in order to meet new accreditation standards for water testing. Water samples must now be stored between 1 and 10 degrees Celsius(not frozen) and delivered within 24 hours of collection. Samples that have a temperature higher than 10 degrees will no longer be accepted for testing. Drop off hours are also being reduced . Testing will not be done on Fridays, weekends or Holidays. Water samples will only be accepted 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Thursday at the Business Office at South Shore Regional Hospital, 8 am to 11 am Monday to Thursday at Queens General Hospital and during scheduled blood collection clinics in New Germany, New Ross and Chester.
The Department of Environment recommends testing your well water for bacteria every six months.

Chester RCMP Investigate Break-ins

A pharmacy and fire department were the target of thieves over the last week. Chester RCMP are investigating a break and enter at the Chester Pharmasave on Sunday March 28th between 5 to 6:40 a.m. Money and narcotics were stolen during the break. The Hubbards Fire Department was also broken into sometime between 9:30pm March 25th and 4:30pm March 26th. Two radios vital to the operation of the fire department and some tools were stolen. As well, damage was done to some equipment inside the building. Anyone with information concerning the incidents is asked to contact the Chester RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-9477 (TIPS)

Partners to Protect Watershed

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association have partnered to improve efforts to protect and restore local watersheds and improve Nova Scotia's water quality. Using the proceeds of its annual ECO SALE, The liquor corporation has made a five-year, $500,000 commitment to the NSLC Adopt-A-Stream program. The NSLC presented the salmon association with the first $100,000 installment Monday, March 29, which will be used to fund stream, river and headwater projects across Nova Scotia.

**News release courtesy of NSLC**

Pharmacists to Assist Doctors

Amendments to the Pharmacy Act now mean that pharmacists in Nova Scotia will be able to administer vaccinations and order some diagnostic tests. Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the goal is to take advantage of a pool of qualified professionals in order to free up doctors to concentrate on other areas of health care. The Minister says although the move will create efficiencies in the health system, she's currently unable to put a dollar figure on any potential savings. She also can't say for certain whether a user fee will be put in place, although she adds it's not currently planned.Regulations are being worked on and it's hoped the first qualified pharmacists will be able to carry out their new duties some time this year.
The move by Nova Scotia follows similar initiatives in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

AbitibiBowater Mersey Paper Company Limited

Employees at the AbitibiBowater Mersey Paper Company in Liverpool could soon be having a 5 week vacation.

A tentative date of April 16th until May 19th is the time period in which the plant will stop production due to the economic downturn.

AbitibiBowater produces a wide range of newsprint, commercial printing papers, market pulp and wood products. It is the eighth largest publicly traded pulp and paper manufacturer in the world.

Region of Queens meeting tonight

A meeting will be held tonight to discussing ways to maximize the opportunities presented by the upcoming Festival and Event season in the Region of Queens.

The Festival organizers and Queens businesses are holding the meeting this evening at 7pm in the Council Chambers at the Region of Queens Municipality’s offices.

Discussion will be focused on methods that can engage the whole community in celebration and create a memorable experience for visitors.

Three new by-laws for The Municipality of the District of Shelburne

Three new by-laws were passed this month at The Municipality of the District of Shelburne's regular Council meeting.

A new repeal bylaw eliminates many outdated bylaws, while the A Shelburne County East RCMP Advisory Board Bylaw establishes a new merged RCMP advisory board for the three municipalities in eastern Shelburne County.

The third bylaw was an Emergency Management Response Bylaw that provides the structure for the Municipality to function with the Town of Lockeport and the Town of Shelburne in the Shelburne County East Emergency Measures Organization.

SSRSB to Split Services

The South Shore Regional School Board is following the provincial model and will separate student services/student programs.Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says presently the Board has a unique model in the province with a coordinator responsible for programs and student services at the elementary level, and a coordinator responsible for programs and student services at the secondary level. She says that will be reorganized to align with the provincial model which is a
a coordinator of programs for grades primary to 12 and a separate coordinator for student services for grades primary to 12.
The recommendation to match the provincial model was supported by the Board and will be implemented for the new school year in September

Investigation into East River Highway Fatal

The Lunenburg District RCMP continue their investigation into the cause of a traffic accident in Lunenburg County that has claimed the life of a 47-year-old man.

The two-vehicle accident occured shortly before 5:30 Saturday afternoon on Highway-103 between Exit-6 and Exit-7.

Two other people were taken to hospital from the scene of the head-on collision in East River with "non-life threatening" injuries.

The RCMP report that an autopsy has been conducted on the body of the Halifax man, whose name the Mounties have not released at the request of his family.

Hubbards Gas Station Robbery

The RCMP are investigating a robbery at a service-station in Lunenburg County.

The Mounties report that the "Irving" gas-station in Hubbards lost a large-amount of cash during a break-in that took place either late Thursday night or early yesterday morning.

If you can help the Chester RCMP with information that could lead to an arrest, give them a call at 275-3583 or dial "Crimestoppers" at 1-800-222-8477.

Baker's Settlement Break-in

The Mounties continue their investigation into a robbery at a Lunenburg County home.

The RCMP say that someone stole a safe from a residence in Baker's Settlement earlier this week.

The safe contained various items -- including money, jewelry and tools.

If you have any information that could lead to an arrest, call the Bridgewater RCMP at 527-5555 or dial "Crimestoppers" at 1-800-222-TIPS.

High Value Trees

Owners of small private woodlots and forestry contractors in Lunenburg County can learn how to grow high value trees through a free educational program. Growers are invited to learn about uneven-aged management and quality improvement silviculture at a workshop in the West Northfield area April 24th. The workshop will be followed by a visit to a nearby woodlot where uneven aged management has been practiced for many generations.
Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Call 902-673-2278 or email outreach@asforestry.com. Sponsored by the Association for Sustainable Forestry's Uneven-Aged Management Outreach Project, http://www.asforestry.com/Category7Program.htm

1 Million for Ross Farm Museum

A million dollar investment by the federal government a major step forward for the construction of the first phase of an environmentally sustainable Learning Centre for the Ross Farm Museum. The investment, will assist in the design and construction of the first 9,600 square feet of the facility—its foundation and main level—as well as upgrades to the Museum’s parking lot. Once completed, the building’s main level will consist of public space, including a foyer, programming rooms, washrooms, meeting rooms, an open hearth room, a commercial kitchen, a gift shop, an office for the local Historical Society, research space and controlled storage for artifacts. The building’s upper level will house administrative space, a staff kitchen, a first aid room and space for the production and storage of period costumes. The New Ross District Museum Society has operated the Ross Farm Museum since 1970. The Museum depicts the authentic experience of a typical 19th and early 20th century working upland family farm in Nova Scotia.
The funding through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund,was announced today by South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy.

Liverpool man charged with Cemetery mischief

A Liverpool man have been charged in the damaging of headstones at a Liverpool cemetery.

The 18-year-old, charged with mischief, is scheduled to appear in Provincial court in Liverpool on June 1st.

The incident took place some time around March 12th at the Catholic Cemetery located on College Street in Liverpool.

Hockey for Haiti

In an effort to raise money for Haiti a Hockey game is set for tomorrow at the Queens memorial arena in Liverpool.

The pee-wee Rep Cougars will take on the "Celebrity no stars" from Liverpool at 2pm.

Admission is a free will offering and doors open at 1:30 with activities going on throughout the afternoon.

Break & enter at Wendy's restaurant

Bridgewater Police are investigating a break and enter at the Wendy's restaurant shortly before 1 a.m on Sunday. Police responded to two alarm calls at local businesses adjacent to each other. They discovered someone had made a forced entry into Wendy's. Witnesses in the area reported seeing the suspects leave in a grey car. Anyone who may have information about the break-in is asked to call the Bridgewater Police Service or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8447.

Last Students for Riverport Elementary

Only nine students will be attending the Riverport and District Elementary School next year. The school is slated for closure when the new Lunenburg P to 9 school is built. Nancy Pynch-Worthylake, Superintendent of the South Shore Regional School Board says until the new school is built, those attending Riverport were given the choice to stay there or attend classes at Centre Consolidated. There will be one class including grades one and three at Riverport Elementary next September. Music and gym classes will be delivered by specialist teachers who are serving more than one school.