Earth Day Challenge

Tomorrow is your chance to make a difference as the earth day challenge returns.

To participate all you need to do is register your team by calling the Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre or the Municipality of Chester.

Call 543-2991 (Lunenburg Regional Community Recycling Centre) or 275-3554 (Municipality of Chester) or visit http://www.modl.ca/recycling_-_home/index.html

N.S. Gun Amnesty

There is still time to turn in unwanted guns and ammunition to the police during the province's gun amnesty this month. Until the end of April RCMP will pick up unwanted guns and ammunition in a step to make Nova Scotia a safer place.

For residents in the Bridgewater area you can contact your local RCMP detachment at 527-5555

Child Abuse Investigated

Queens County RCMP are investigating a possible case of child abuse involving a 5 year old girl. The incident is alleged to have taken place in Liverpool during the week of April 12th. A 19 year old Liverpool man was arrested over the weekend and released on conditions he remain away from the alleged victim while the Mounties continue their investigation. No charges have been laid to date. Community Services and Child Welfare have been notified.

Senior's Friendly Initiative

Plans are in the works to help make Bridgewater a "Senior Friendly" Town. Beth George works with the Bridgewater Police Service as a Senior Safety Coordinator. In a recent presentation to Town Council, George says she's worked to pull together a group of people from the community to form a committee to help drive the senior friendly program forward. George says she wants to promote seniors inclusion and contribution to all areas of community life. About 20 percent of Bridgewater's population is over the age of 65. The public is invited to hear more about the voluntary program from the Coalition for an Age-Friendly Community this Thursday morning at 8am at the Wildwood Cafe on King Street.

Tax Rates Rise in Region of Queens

Tax rates in the Region of Queens are going up slightly. Residential rates are rising by 2 cents while commercial rates go up 5 cents Mayor John Leefe says with the lost of 1.5 million in Nova Scotia Power revenue over three years, Council had no choice but to increase the rates. Residential rates in District 13, the former Town of Liverpool are set at $1.87 per 100 dollars of assessment while commercial rates are $3.01. For the rest of the Municipality, Districts 1 through 12, residential rates are 90 cents per 100 of assessment and $2.04 for commercial rates. The total budget for the Region of Queens Municipality is 16.7 million dollars. Capital Projects including the Queens Place Recreation Facility total 13.4 million. Included in the budget, 46 thousand 500 dollars in grants to organizations. Grants ranged from 500 dollars to the Mersey Band Society up to 10 thousand dollars for Privateer Days.

LCLC is a go!

All systems are a go for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.

Today it was announced by both the Town of Bridgewater and The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, that the centre will be constructed on Wentzell drive in the Bridgewater Industrial Park.

The centre's capital cost is at approximately $32 million and will house an indoor aquatic centre, one NHL sized rink, a new library, multi purpose and active living space.

Early Childhood presentation

Canadian Research Chair in Population, Dr Clyde Hertzman will be visiting the South Shore this evening.

At 7pm at the Oak Island Inn, in Lunenburg County, Dr. Hertzman will be hosting a presentation and discussion.

The presentation will be on the importance of investing in the early years of childhood development and why that matters for Canadian and Nova Scotia society.

RSVP to Register at tmgriffin@eastlink.ca

For more information please contact Theresa Griffin
902-830-7558

LCLC Meeting today

A joint council meeting will take place at 12pm today to deal with municipal contributions to the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre project.

Both Councils from the Town of Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will meet at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 at noon today.

The public is welcome to attend.

CKBW will have the results of the meeting this afternoon.

Education Week Awards

Two South Shore area teachers the recipients of Education Week awards. Todd Symes of Chester Area Middle School and Julie Ramey of North Queens Rural High School will be presented with the awards at a reception this afternoon at the Black Cultural Centre in Dartmouth. Symes and Ramey were selected by a committee of their peers and Board Members . Also receiving an award for Education Week is Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake. The Association of Nova Scotian Educational Administrators Award reflects the theme Equity in Education. Pynch-Worthlake has worked hard as both a teacher and administrator to support this philosophy for students, staff and the community. This year Education Week is celebrated from April 18th to the 24th.

Off-leash Park Planned for Bridgewater

Plans are in the works for off-leash pet park in the Town of Bridgewater. Mayor Carroll Publicover, a long time dog owner himself says they're wonderful areas if managed properly. He says the old dump site off north St. Phillips Street has been designated and set aside for such a purpose. He says it's abandoned and only used occasionally by Public Works to dump unwanted materials. Publicover says there's a large tract of land, about 30 acres with an adequate access road and a good buffer on all sides. He says it has outstanding potential to be a good off-leash dog area. The Department of Parks and Recreation will be working with a committee of interested people and get a budget in place for the coming years then it should go forward.

Strategic Planning

The Town of Lunenburg is embarking on a new chapter with the development of a strategic plan. The process will involve community consultations with the first meeting set for tomorrow night. (Tue.Apr.20). Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says citizens, businesses and organizations in the community are invited to make their presentations at the meeting set for 7 o'clock at the Lunenburg Fire Hall. He says the Town will also accept written submissions with ideas the people may have as to what they would perceive the future for the Town of Lunenburg,and what areas they would like to see addressed, its strengths, its weaknesses and what the Town should be doing for the next 5 to 25 years.

Four Arrested in Chester Basin Stabbing

The Mounties have arrested four people in connection with a weekend stabbing in Lunenburg County.

The RCMP responded to a call at around 1:30 Sunday morning to a party in Chester Basin.

When the Mounties arrived at the residence on Demont Road, they found an 18-year-old man suffering from stab-wounds.

He was taken to the South Shore Regional Hospital for treatment and later transported to a Halifax hospital for further treatment.

Four suspects in the stabbing fled in a vehicle before the police arrived.

The Mounties later located and arrested what they call three "persons of interest" in relation to this incident.

Early Sunday afternoon, the fourth-person contacted RCMP and surrendered to police custody.
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Seniors Police Academy Graduation

Ten cadets graduated today from the latest Seniors Police Academy.

Mayor Don Downe, Deputy Mayor David Walker, and Chief Brent Crowhurst were on hand to congratulate the seniors and present their graduation certificates.

The six weeks of workshops the graduates had to complete covered
a dozen topics related to seniors safety and wellness.

NSLC Crash

Bridgewater Police are still investigating the accident of a driver who drove a car through the window of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission outlet on Monday.

There were extensive damages to the store and only minor damages to the vehicle. No one was injured in the accident.

Police are not expecting to lay charges.

River Pub assault

A 42 year old Northfield man is facing a number of charges after he is alleged to have assaulted an eight year old boy, and caused a disturbance inside the River Pub while bound by a Probation Order on Monday.

Bridgewater Police Service charged him with with Assault, Causing A Disturbance, and Breach Of Probation.

He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 30.

Exit-7 Highmishap

The R-C-M-P are investigating an early-morning traffic-accident on the 103-Highway.

The Mounties say the accident occurred shortly after 6:00 o'clock this morning when a vehicle hit a slippery-patch and left the road on the Halifax side of Exit-7.

The police do not yet know the condition of the lone-occupant of the vehicle.

But an ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

Fisherman's Memorial Hospital ER CLOSED

The Emergency Department at "Fisherman's Memorial Hospital" in Lunenburg is closed today.

The emergency-department in Lunenburg will remain closed today and overnight -- but -- will reopen tomorrow morning at 8:00 o'clock.

If the Lunenburg Hospital serves you and you need emergency-services,
the hospital advises you to call 9-1-1 -- or -- visit the "South Shore Regional Hospital" in Bridgewater.

For other medical issues, you should contact your family physician or dial 8-1-1.

Knife Threats

A 23 year old man is undergoing a 30 day psychiatric evaluation after allegedly threatening people with a knife on Aberdeen Road. Police arrested the man without incident at the location. He was charged with numerous offences including a breach of a conditional sentence order. The man appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court and was remanded to the East Coast Forensic Unit in Dartmouth.

Crosswalk Charges

A 79 year old man has been charged in relation to an accident at a Bridgewater crosswalk last Friday.(April 9th). Three females were struck while they were crossing the road near the Community College on High Street. All three were taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. The elderly man was charged today (April 15) with Failing to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Vendor Service Guidelines

Guidelines are being established to cover vendors and concession operations within municipal parks in Lunenburg County. Mayor Don Downe says it's important to ensure quality and appropriateness of service and is not unlike other jurisdictions in the province. The guidelines will cover vendors or concessions that offer goods or services fro sale or rent to the public in municipal parks. Equipment rentals such as canoes, kayaks, paddle boats bicycles and surf boards will fall under the guidelines as will food services from a motorized vehicle or non-motorized.
Service agreements will run from 1 to 5 years with a minimum 500 dollar damage deposit for each agreement.

Bring the Stanley Cup to the South Shore

You can help bring the Stanley Cup to either Bridgewater or Lunenburg.

"Team up & Bring Home the Cup" is a contest in which hockey players can send in a story about their team and by getting the most online votes their Hockey Team could win the experience of a lifetime – spending time with the Stanley Cup and hockey legend Mark Messier.

Bridgewater Hawks right wing, Nic Stewart sent in his story for the contest.

As well the Lunenburg Falcons Novice Intermediate team is in the running.

To vote for each team visit http://teamup.tsn.ca/home

Dayspring community meeting

The LCLC, garbage and taxes were the three main topics at last nights community meeting in Dayspring.

The Municipality of Lunenburg hosted the 2nd annual meeting to review last years report card and hear the ideas, comments and concerns of the public.

Mayor Don Downe says he was pleased with the meeting and encourages people to attend future meetings.

The next community meeting is scheduled for tonight at the Lunenburg Fire Hall at 7pm

Hollywood Comes to Lunenburg

The picturesque Town of Lunenburg is going to be the backdrop for a T.V. series based on a Stephen King work. Lunenburg will fill in for the fictitious Town of Haven, Maine where the inhabitants have no idea they are descendants of cursed ancestry. Thirteen 1 hour episodes are planned and the pilot for the series is pulling out all the stops for production in order to attract a large audience. Filming is planned to take place April 20th, 21st , 22nd and 28th. The main location is located at the corner of Lincoln and Cornwallis Streets. Scenes will also be shot on the ABCO property, Tannery Road , Bluenose Drive and on and around the railway wharf. The proposed cast includes Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour, Richard Donat and John Dunsworth.

Video Fest

The Fifth Annual South Shore Video Fest is set for this coming Saturday, April 17th at Empire Theatres in Bridgewater. Students from all schools in the region were invited to submit videos for the festival. Cash rewards, celebrity judges and lots of fun await those budding directors, producers and stars who submitted videos. Doors open at 9:30 am with viewing of productions on the big screen starting at 10. The top picks will be announced at 11 o'clock.

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.