Employees Buy Time

The Town of Bridgewater has approved a policy that allows its employees more flexibility in their work schedule. Staff will be allowed to purchase additional time off and pay for it in equal increments over the course of a year. The plan is one option that can help employees balance multiple commitments while making sure their work gets done. The policy must fall within the constraints of operational requirements and is only available to permanent, full-time ,non-union staff. The policy is modelled on one that is currently in place in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Bicycle Lanes for Bridgewater

Bridgewater will soon have a number of bicycle lanes and signage installed along Glen Allen from Aberdeen Road to LaHave Street. Mayor Carroll Publicover says they have a specific plan for infrastructure to be put in place as part of the Town's Active Transportation improvements. The cost is being matched by the province through the Green Mobility Capital Grants Program. Council approved an unbudgeted 66 hundred dollars for the installation of 46 sets of shared bicycle lanes as well as 11 share the road signs. The Town's contribution is Gas Tax eligible. Publicover says he's looking forward to the day when more people are walking and biking. He says it won't happen unless the Town shows some leadership and takes some initiative..

Special Purpose Tax

Bridgewater residents will see a new line item in their tax bills next year. A special purpose tax which could total 80 dollars a year, is being implemented in 2011/12 to help pay the capital costs of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Mayor Carroll Publicover says property owners will be able to see how much the Lifestyle Centre will be costing on their property tax bills for the next 20 years. Council is seeking public input on three proposed options. The commercial and residential rate the same , the commercial rate half of the residential rate and the commercial rate three quarters of the residential rate. Residents have until June 28th to voice their concerns when Council will make a decision on which option to implement .

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day today in the Province. It coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Minister of Seniors Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the most
effective way to prevent abuse is by increasing awareness of the
signs and forms of senior abuse.

Signs that an older adult may be experiencing abuse or neglect
include:
● adult say they are being harmed
● show signs of depression or anxiety
● seem fearful around certain people
● become socially withdrawn (having less contact with people who they have been close to in the past)
● become passive and very compliant
● have unexplained physical injuries
● lack food, clothing and other necessities
● show changes in their hygiene or nutrition (e.g. signs of
malnutrition)
● suddenly become unable to meet financial obligations
● have unusual withdrawals from their bank or other financial institutions.

Beach Access Restricted

Protecting piping plovers at Cherry Hill Beach could put humans at risk. Part of the roadway behind the dunes is blocked by boulders to restrict vehicle traffic. The beach is a nesting habitat for the endangered birds. The Municipality of Lunenburg will contact DNR to see if arrangements can be made to gate the access road. District 12 Councillor Eric Hustvedt who brought the matter to Council's attention, says it's important the Fire Department be able to access the far end of the beach for emergency situations. He says there have been occasions where the fire department has had to respond to swimmers in distress at the far end of the beach, and with boulders blocking the access the van with the lifesaving equipment might not be able to respond in a timely manner. Hustvedt says if the access road is gated, the area Fire Chief could have a key which he or someone in the chain of command could use in an emergency.

Fire Destroys Parkdale Cottage

The chief of the New Germany Fire Department says a weekend blaze has so badly damaged a cottage in Lunenburg county that they may not be able to determine it cause. Blair Lantz says the cottage on the Rusells Cove Road in Parkdale was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived yesterday afternoon. He says his department received a call at 3:05 Sunday afternoon and that no one was in the cottage at the time of the outbreak. Chief Lantz says the fire destroyed the cottage, a boat house, a boat and half-an-acre of woodland. Cornwall, Springfield and New Ross Firefighters were called-in to the scene. Blockhouse Northfield, Chester Basin and Bridgewater fire departments remained on "standby" status.

Queens County Fatal Single-Car Crash

The Liverpool detachment of the R-C-M-P are investigating the cause of a weekend car accident that has left a man dead.

The Mounties say the single-car crash occurred at around 6:00 o'clock Saturday afternoon when a vehicle rolled into a ditch near the intersection of "Shore Road" and "Western Head Road".

The man driving the car died at the scene.

Two other men and two women were taken to hospital with "undetermined injuries".
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Three Men Arrested on Fishery Charges

Three Lunenburg County residents will appear in court in August on fisheries related charges.

Fisheries officers from the Liverpool detachment apprehended three men on Bush Island on Saturday evening.

The three men each face a charge of "fishing for, and being in possession of, lobster during closed-time".

Fisheries officers seized three lobster traps, an outboard engine and a boat.

They appear at court in Bridgewater on August 11th.

Funding for Conversion of Streetlights

The Towns of Lunenburg and Mahone Bay among 7 municipalities receiving funding to convert conventional streetlights to energy-efficient LED streetlights The money is coming from the province's ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change. Lunenburg will receive $178,268 to convert the remaining 532 streetlights to LED, while Mahone Bay gets $16,839 to convert 44 streetlights to LED. Premier Darrell Dexter also announced 230 thousand dollars toward other alternative energy projects in the Amherst area.

Renewable Electricity Plan

Bridgewater and Liverpool two of the communities where meetings will be held to receive public input on draft regulations for the province's Renewable Electricity Plan. The meetings are being hosted by regional development authorities, in conjunction with the Department of Energy.The draft regulations outline how rates paid to community groups that generate renewable electricity will be set, and a special rate to support the next stage of tidal development. They also establish a renewable electricity administrator to choose the winning bids from independent power producers. Earlier this spring, government introduced its plan to achieve 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2015, and set a goal of 40 per cent renewable electricity by 2020.
MEETING DATE:
-- June 24: Bridgewater, 8:30-10 a.m., Days Inn, 216 North St.
-- June 24: Liverpool, noon to 1:30 p.m., 63 Queens Place Dr.

Nine New Long Term Care Homes Open

Ryan Hall in Bridgewater one of nine new long term facilities officially opened Friday, June 11th. Premier Darrell Dexter says the opening of the modern, state-of-the art facilities is helping Nova Scotia's seniors live more independently in their communities. Ryan Hall , with 65 beds and eight other facilities will add 431 new nursing home beds in Nova Scotia. The other facilities are:
-- Bible Hill, Vimy Court 60 beds
-- Sydney, Celtic Court, 36 beds
-- Amherst, Northumberland Hall, 36 beds
-- Kentville, Orchard Hall, 62 beds
-- Greenwich, Blomidon Court, 50 beds
-- Brookfield, Elk Court, 36 beds
-- Cole Harbour, Bissett Court, 50 beds
-- Debert, Debert Court, 36 beds

The new nursing homes provide employment for more than 600 people.
Shannex will operate the nine new facilities.

Argyle Inn Fire

Eleven people have been forced from their rooms after fire extensively damaged one of the annexes of a motel in Bridgewater. Those affected by the fire are long term residents in one of several buildings of the Argyle Inn. There were no injuries among tenants at the motel on Aberdeen Road, although several pets died in the fire, which was reported around 5:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The Canadian Red Cross has assisted the eleven adults with emergency purchases of clothing or cleaning materials, food and personal-care items. The inn's owners have relocated the residents to another building on the site. The fire gutted several rooms of the one storey wooden annex, while the remainder received extensive smoke and water damage.

NSCC Valedictorian

He was this year's class valedictorian and he's been featured in NSCC’s 2010 Student Success magazine for his work as a tutor and helping a Korean student learn English . Twenty-six year old Mike Sawlor who was enrolled in the Architectural Drafting program at NSCC’s Lunenburg Campus ,also ended up teaching English as a second language to his Korean classmate, 19-year old Sang (Sam) Yoo. Sawlor's peers recognized his generosity with the “Gift of Giving” award two years in a row, and when he applied to become valedictorian, the panel unanimously chose him. Award winners during Thursday nights convocation ceremonies are as follows:
* Governor General's Academic Medal - Danielle Baines, Drafting Mechanical
* NSCC Board of Governors Award - Danielle Baines, Drafting Mechanical
* NSCC Foundation Award - Kacie Moynan, Business Administration Software & Information Management
* NSCC Gold Medal - Jane Boisvert, Continuing Care
* President's Award - Adam Schnare, Office Administration

Teen Trial Before Judge and Jury

A 16 year old facing charges of attempted murder in relation to an April stabbing is taking his case before a Supreme Court judge and jury. The Bridgewater teen who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act will remain in custody in Waterville until his preliminary hearing which is slated for August 12th. The teen who is accused of stabbing another 18 year old male numerous times is charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon and breaching probation. He's been in custody since being arrested following an altercation at a house party in Chester Basin April 18th.

Tax Rates Rise in Chester

Similar to other municipalities, residents in Chester will be paying more in property taxes. Council approved a residential tax increase of 2 cents over last year to balance the 19.5 million dollar operating budget. The residential rate is set at 63 cents per 100 of assessment, while the commercial tax rate is $1.53 per 100 of assessment. Warden Allen Webber says the decision to raise taxes was not taken lightly, but is necessary due to the challenge of meeting rising costs. Some of the new initiatives supported by this budget include the hiring of an additional RCMP Officer, hiring a Planner to move forward with the implementation of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, and bringing a By-Law Enforcement Officer on board to address public concerns.

NSCC Grad Ceremonies

The Lunenburg Campus of Nova Scotia Community College will
celebrate its class of 2010 during a convocation ceremony this evening (Thursday, June 10) beginning at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will celebrate the achievements of all 200 Lunenburg Campus graduates who have earned diplomas and certificates in the last academic year. Michael Sawlor, a graduate of NSCC's Drafting Architectural program is this year's valedictorian. NSCC offers more than 100 programs in five academic schools across 13 campuses. For a list of the award winners, visit our website at CKBW.dot.CA, Friday morning.

Possible Park in Petite Riviere

The Municipality of Lunenburg is negotiating to acquire the land in Petite Riviere which was the former home of Covey Island Boatworks. The boat yard plant was destroyed by fire in August 2008. Mayor Don Downe says the owners of the property have offered the land to the Municipality for the purpose of a park. Downe says they have the support of the residents and the fire department to look into the matter and are working in conjunction with the community. He says there are some areas to investigate further such as an environmental assessment. Staff has been instructed to proceed to the next stage. Mayor Downe says Petite is one of the gems of the Municipality, a beautiful area and if all works out it could mean a little park right in that corner with slipways for kayaks and canoes and parking for the fire department.

Name the Ferry

A community initiative to name the new LaHave ferry is being supported by Lunenburg Municipal Council. The Lunenburg Historical Society has requested the new ferry be named in honour of Captain Brady Himmelman. Mayor Don Downe says there have been four generations of Himmelman's running the ferry across the LaHave River since the 1900's. He put forth a motion that Council support the chosen name and contact the province to request that Brady Himmelman be the name of the new ferry to be commissioned shortly.

Queens Place Gets Federal Funding

It's the news they've been waiting for. The Region of Queens Municipality has received approval in principle of federal funding of 6.6 million dollars for Queens Place through the Build Canada Fund. The letter of approval was received Friday, (June 4) from the office of John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. Queens Place was deemed eligible for funding of up to one-third of the eligible capital costs. Mayor John Leefe says the formal offer and approval by Council means the project can move out of the discussion stage and into reality. The next and final step is to negotiate the terms and conditions of the agreement with the federal government. Mayor Leefe says as soon as the architects have the final documents available the Queens Place project can be put out to tender. The target date for completion of the recreation facility is on or before January 2012.

Mayor Elected to FCM Board of Directors

Another election victory for Mayor Don Downe of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. He's the new Nova Scotia representative on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors. Downe says his involvement will be beneficial for the District and other municipalities as well. He says it's an opportunity for him to learn more about the operations of the FCM. Downe says he's had some previous practice, being the Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and doing a lot of years of lobbying in Ottawa. He says he's looking forward to try to find ways to meet the many challenges municipalities face
The FCM is the umbrella group for some 15 hundred representatives across the Country and is the voice of municipalities at the federal level.

Canada Day Grants

Canada Day celebrations for a number of community organizations getting a boost from funding from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Council has approved 52 hundred dollars in grants for Canada Day events throughout the county. The New Germany Canada Day Committee, Riverport & District Fire Department and Canada Day on the LaHave all received grants of one thousand dollars. Seven hundred dollars was approved for the Tancook Island Recreation Centre Association, and the Petite Riviere Fire Department will received 500 dollars.

Miller Peace Park Plan

The Miller Peace Park Community Plan has been adopted by the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. The plan was put forward by an advisory committee appointed last fall to address a number of concerns involving the park. Council approved committee appointments and terms of reference for the advisory committee at a meeting in March. Among the recommendations accepted by Council, an increase of patrols at the park by the RCMP and Citizens on Patrol, and a decrease in the number of opportunities in the park for parking in non-designated areas. There is also a proposed strategy to increase promotion around educating and informing the public about the Municipality's Dog off Leash policy. The 25 acre park was purchased by the Municipality some 20 years ago from Mac Miller.

Tax Rates Rise in Municipality of Lunenburg

Residents in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg will be paying a bit more in taxes this year. Council approved a two cent increase in residential rates to 81 cents per 100 dollars of assessment. Mayor Don Downe says on an average home of 150 thousand dollars, the two cent increase equals an additional 30 dollars in property taxes, or $2.50 per month. Commercial rates are rising from $1.92 to $2.05 per 100 of assessment. Sewer rates, fire hydrant rates and street light rates are all going up and the Deed Transfer Tax is increasing to 1.25 percent of the value of property transferred. The Municipality approved an Operating Budget of 26 million dollars and a Capital Budget of 10 million.

Domestic Assault in Shelburne County

A 39-year-old man will appear in Barrington Provincial Court this Thursday on a charge of assault after an altercation with his girlfriend on Sunday morning. Barrington RCMP responded to a 911 call of an out of control, intoxicated man at a residence in Port La Tour, Shelburne County. The RCMP learned the man had assaulted his girlfriend and then punched his arm through a window. He was then taken to hospital for his injuries and then placed in a cell overnight.

Highliner Foods Electrical Room Smoke

Fire department personell have returned from the scene of "Highliner Foods" this morning. The Lunenburg firefighters were investigating a report of smoke from the electrical-room of "Highliner Foods" on Battery Point Road. The smoke does not seem to have come from the electrical-equipment itself. Fire department personnel from Mahone-Bay, Dayspring and Blockhouse who had been called-in to assist the Lunenburg firefighters have returned to their stations.

Lunenburg Residents Lose URB Appeals

Two groups of Lunenburg residents have lost their appeals to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, relating to the demolition and reconstruction of the Lunenburg Esso service station on Falkland Street. The residents group filed an appeal under the name of Barry Olivella, and included 10 other individuals. The business owners group filed under the name of Lorne Johanson and included 14 other persons. Each group filed an appeal of a Lunenburg Council decision to amend two provisions of the Town's Land Use Bylaw to permit redevelopment of the Falkland Street site.
Wilson Fuel Company Limited wants to redevelop the site to include an additional fuel pump island, a convenience store and a restaurant with a take-out or drive-through window. In a written decision, the Utility and Review Board ruled that however sincere, it is not enough to feel offended, disturbed, anxious or worried about the decision of the relevant authority. The URB determined that none of the appellants established that they are "Aggrieved Persons" and dismissed the appeals.

Senior's Funding

The North River Community Hall will be undergoing some renovations thanks to some federal government funding. M-P Gerald Keddy announced a contribution of $6,117 Sunday afternoon (June 6th) at 2 pm at the Hall in New Germany. The money is coming from the New Horizons for Seniors Program and will assist the Hall in making repairs to the stage floor, adding heating ducts and to replace kitchen appliances and tables.

Bridgewater Athlete Winner

A Bridgewater teen is among the winners of the RICHO Sport Awards handed out in Halifax Saturday night. (June 5th) Nineteen year old Mattias Wolter who is the top junior steeplechase runner in the country, was named the RICOH Male Individual Athlete of the Year: Over 500 members of the Nova Scotia sport community gathered at the World Trade and Convention Centre to see Sport Nova Scotia present the 14th annual RICOH Sport Awards. The prestigious sport recognition event recognized the achievements of more than 200 nominated athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors and volunteers from across the province.

New CT Scanner Unveiled

Provincial Health Minister Maureen MacDonald officially unveiled South Shore Health's new CT scanner today.(Friday,June 4th) Radiologist Dr. Chris Church, head of Diagnostic Imaging says they'll be able to offer a more reliable service and provide area residents with more timely and accurate diagnosis. CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The Department of Health provided 1.1 million towards replacement of the machine as part of the 14 million allocated in last year’s budget for emergency medical equipment. The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore and Queens General Hospital Foundation contributed funding of 90 thousand dollars.

New trail to connent the South Shore & Annapolis Valley

A new trail will be opening up tomorrow to connect the South Shore with the Annapolis Valley. From rails to trails spokes person Corey Robar says the event will kick off tomorrow at 11am at the Cherryfield station trailhead. The 65km trail will be a recreational trail and is opened to all users.

New Germany Student Wins Award

A Grade 9 student from New Germany Rural High School among the winners of Nova Scotia's second annual Premier's Power of Positive Change Awards. Tucker Mertens, bicycled across the country to raise funds and awareness for Amnesty International. He has been active in his local 4H club and church group. He is part of a Social Justice group at his school, organizing a diversity day. Tucker started his own initiative called 1000 Paper Cranes - 1 Prayer for Justice, a fundraiser to raise awareness of injustice in the world. The students from Grade 4 to Grade 12 were honoured at a ceremony at Province House Thursday.(June 3rd)
The Premier's Power of Positive Change Awards recognizes public school students who demonstrate leadership organizing a school or community activity or show exemplary behaviour promoting positive attitudes. The recipients received a certificate of recognition and a two-thousand-dollar bursary toward post-secondary education or training.

Verge House Graduated Honored

The 2010 graduates from the Transition Program in Bridgewater have recieved official recognition of their success.

The program at Verge House provides students who have multiple disabilities with an educational program tailored to their needs.

The Transition Program helps students as they prepare for more independent living and to enter the work force.

Students, parents, teachers, politicians and other dignitaries were present at yesterday's ceremony to honor Karyn Daniels, Jason Duhart, Nathan Graves and Kayla Whynot.

Among the officials on hand for the "Celebration of Accomplishments" were Lunenburg District Mayor Don Downe, Queens Region Mayor John Leefe, Bridgewater Deputy-Mayor David Walker and Lunenburg M-L-A Pam Birdsall.

CKBW's David Collins Carter received a "Certificate of Appreciation" for his work at Verge House.
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Mobius Environmental Awards

The Bridgewater Walmart Store was named large Business of the Year in receiving a Mobius Environmental Award for their contribution toward protecting the environment. The Windbag Company in Lunenburg was recognized for Innovation in Waste Reduction . In all, twelve individuals, businesses and organizations were recognized today (Wednesday, June 2nd) at the 12th Annual Mobius Environmental Awards luncheon. Organized by RRFB Nova Scotia, the awards recognize those who are taking a leadership role in reducing waste.

Bottled Water Banned

A provincial government policy announced today, June 2, eliminates the purchase and use of bottled water by all government departments with access to potable tap water. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau says Nova Scotia has some of the safest and best-tasting potable tap water in the world. . Belliveau says the policy eliminating purchases and use of bottled water by government will encourage its use. The government's self-imposed restrictions on bottled water will also reduce the many plastic bottles headed for the recycling stream.
The policy will apply only to government departments where potable tap water is available and not to public institutions such as hospitals. It will not apply to private sector organizations.

Illegal Contraband Tobacco is in Bridgewater

Illegal contraband tobacco has been found in various areas of Bridgewater. During the month of April, Montreal based research firm, on behalf of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association commissioned cigarette butt studies of 43 locations in Atlantic Canada. In Nova Scotia, sixteen sites were examined including four areas around Bridgewater. Bridgewater’s Curling Club showed the highest rate of illegal tobacco.

School Board Accreditation

Improving student achievement the focus of strategic improvement planning by the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says the schools are all involved in the planning which right now is called accreditation through the province. She says right now they're working with the schools through the Board to make sure they're using a plan that is efficient as possible. Pynch-Worthylake says feedback from the schools identify the process as important and would like to see it continued. However, she says there are areas where the process has to be made more efficient and less time consuming for the schools. This year, the last four schools, all in Queens County have entered the accreditation process. The Department of Education does provide funding to support schools through the process and the Board has included 6 thousand dollars in its budget to assist the schools.

Bridgewater Athlete & Coach Shortlisted

A Bridgewater athlete and coach have been shortlisted as finalists for the 14th annual RICOH Sport Awards. Mattias Wolter and Tanya Daniels have been selected among Nova Scotia’s sporting greats. Wolter, one of three finalists in the running for RICOH Male Individual Athlete of the Year, established himself as the top junior steeplechase runner in Canada in 2009, placing first at the Canadian junior championships in July. The 19-year old also captured gold at the Pan-American Junior Championships in Trinidad and Tobago in August. Daniels managed an impressive load of athletes (60) this year, from developmental to elite level. A finalist for the RICOH Coach of the Year, she was the sole summer coach of the Bluenose Athletics Club. She qualified two athletes (including Wolter) for the Pan American Junior Championships and also attended Canada Games as a personal coach to two medalists. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the World Trade and Convention Centre.
The RICOH Sport Awards recognize the achievements of Nova Scotia’s elite athletes, teams, coaches, officials and volunteers in amateur sport over the past year.

Hunger Awareness Day

Tomorrow Nova Scotia will stand together for hunger awareness. More than 500 people are expected to gather at 156 York Street in Bridgewater beginning at 11:45am until Noon to hold banners, hand out information and wave to people. In the Province 40 thousand individuals turn to food banks and meal programs each month.

Single vehicle collision over the weekend

Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the intersection of Lahave St. and Old Bridge St. as the traffic lights have been disabled. Over the weekend Bridgewater Police were called to a single vehicle collision with a traffic light the intersection. An out of province transport truck cut the corner too close and struck the traffic lights disabling them. Four temporary stop signs have been put up for the time being.

Air Testing at Schools

Air Quality testing will be carried out shortly at New Ross Consolidated and South Queens Junior High Schools. South Shore Regional School Board Superintendent, Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says there's been some ongoing concerns with the building in South Queens so air testing will allow them to check for some levels in that building. She says in New Ross they are using one of the classrooms for regional storage and as part of that they are going to do some testing before they finalize that.
Pynch-Worthylake says this is a response to a request to have some air quality checks and totally separate from the radon tests done at schools. New Ross Consolidated was one of 11 schools in the province tested for the presence of radon, an invisible, odourless gas caused by the breakdown of rock and soil.

Transportation Awards

For the second year in a row, the South Shore Regional School Board has received the Gold Award during the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Conference. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says this is particularly impressive given that significant deficiencies were identified by the Utility and Review Board and the Auditor General just over two years ago. The award is presented for high scores in Driver Training, Accident Reporting and Frequency, Fleet Preventative Maintenance, Fleet Body Maintenance, Stops per Mile, Luggage and Passenger Loads, Trips Inspection and Hours of Work, Garage Cleanliness and Safety Practices and Bus Cleanliness and Appearance. The South Shore achieved the lowest mechanical deficiency rating across the province

School Board Approves Budget

The South Shore Regional School Board has approved an 84 million dollar budget . Revenues included the use of 275 thousand dollars in accumulated surplus. Board Chair Elliott Payzant says staff worked very hard to protect classrooms and regional services to students, and they were successful at doing so. The overall pupil/teacher ratio was improved and the number of program support assistants has been increased. Payzant says The Board has maintained or increased classroom teachers, guidance, program support teachers, reading recovery, physical education, alternate programs, adult high school programs, options and opportunities, and cooperative education. As well, as per the Board commitment, regional staff was reviewed in terms of Board goals and efficiency. Staffing for the 2010-11 school year has begun and will continue over the summer. Capital projects, including upgrades to improve efficiency will also take place over the summer.

Clean Air Grants

A number of South Shore businesses and municipalities are receiving more than 570-thousand dollars for projects that will help reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The Town of Bridgewater is getting 106 thousand for solar thermal and heating retrofits to five municipal buildings and upgrade lighting for the Bridgewater Arena . Mahone Bay receives 12 thousand dollars for retrofits of Town Hall and the fire hall. Rainbow Net and Rigging, will receive 94,thousand toward a new facility in Chester to sanitize and repair nylon aquaculture nets.
The Region of Queens Municipality is receiving 137 thousand dollars toward the energy-efficient construction of the new Queens Place Recreation Centre, as well as 10,thousan for an energy audit. The Mersey Tobeatic Research Centre will get 56 thousand to retrofit a field station to demonstrate a carbon-neutral building. And 21 thousand is going to the Town of Shelburne for upgrades to 10 municipal buildings based on energy audits The funding comes from the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change.

RCMP Investigate Motorcycle Accident

The driver of a motorcycle suffered injuries after a vehicle crossed the centre line on Wednesday. At around 1:40 an unknown driver in a white, late model Cavalier/Sunfire type vehicle drove left of the centre line and caused the motorcycle to go off highway 332 near Bayport wharf. RCMP say the driver may not have been aware the motorcycle left the road but is asking the public's assistance in the case.

Construction Site Theft

Bridgewater Police are looking into a theft from a construction site at 280 Jubilee Road. Sometime between 5;15 p.m. May 26th and 7:45 a.m. May 27th, thieves stole an 850 watt generator and precision laser from the site. The Spectra laser is in a yellow case. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police Service at 543-2464

Rewards Store Closing Out

Rewards Department Store is closing it's doors at the end of July. Manager Roland O'Brien says unfortunately the landlord has decided not to renew the store's lease in favour of another tenant with a long term lease. O'Brien says the store will not be relocating elsewhere in Town. Rewards has been located in the Bridgewater Plaza for the last 11 years. The final day of business for the store will be July 31st.

M-V-A Goes to Hospital

A 58-year-old lobster fisherman is in hospital following an early-morning highway accident in Lunenburg County. The mishap took place this morning when a half-ton truck left Highway-103 in Middlewood and drove into the ditch. The Middlewood and District Fire Department received a call to to the scene shortly after 5:30 this morning. Firefighters had to open the door of the half-ton truck before "Emergency-Services" personnel could transport the man by ambulance to the "South Shore Regional Hospital".

Student medal Winners

A dozen South Shore students received the 2010 Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal during a ceremony presentation at New Germany Rural High School on Wednesday afternoon. The recipients were presented with the medals by the Honourable Mayann Francis, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. The medals are presented to one boy and one girl from Grade 11 in each school who have demonstrated leadership and service in their school and community while maintaining their academic standing. Students are nominated by their school annually.

BRIDGEWATER JUNIOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Evan William Lawrence Buck
Rebecca Rose Jordan

FOREST HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Nathan Ronald Wayne Shatford
Shalan Lori Armstrong

LIVERPOOL REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Megan Lynn Himmelman
Joel Thomas Smith

NORTH QUEENS RURAL HIGH SCHOOL
Elijah Lem Hunt
Katelyn Dawn Mansfield

PARKVIEW EDUCATION CENTRE
Adam Robert Mertens
Emma Elizabeth Harlow

NEW GERMANY RURAL HIGH SCHOOL
Alexander Perry Knickle
Olivia Lynn Emino

Pavement Projects

A number of Bridgewater streets will be getting fixed up shortly. Town Council has approved 400 thousand dollars for a short list of pavement management projects throughout the Town. The funding has been allocated in this years budget. The 45 projects on the short-list includes crackseal, overlay, spreader patch and local repairs. Tenders will be issued June 1st. The work is done most successfully during July and August when the weather is warm.

Bridgewater's New Highway Signs

Flashy new signs promoting the Town of Bridgewater will soon be going up on Highway 103. The new signs will replace the current green industrial billboard type at Exits 11 and 13. Town Council budgeted 15 thousand dollars for the design, print and installation of the two signs. Local animation artist Mark Cappello came up with the graphic design which features an orange sky.

Parkview Parking Problems

Parking problems at Parkview Education Centre could soon be solved. The school is in the initial stages of a project to build an access road to the community filed located behind the school. The road will provide better access to the facility without having to drive through school property and will afford students a safer place to park their vehicles. A number of partners have come on-board the project. Bridgewater Town Council has approved a request for in-kind design work for the project. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has given the school the rights to a strip of land on the south side of the school property. And 143 Construction Engineering Flight will clear the property. Currently dozens of vehicles park on the gravel shoulder of North King Street in front of the school.

Education Medal presentation

Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis will be visiting the South Shore today for a special presentation. The 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s Education Medal will be presented to South Shore Regional School Board students at New Germany Rural High School at 1 o'clock this afternoon.
These medals are presented to one boy and one girl from Grade 11 in each school who have demonstrated leadership and service in their school and community while maintaining their academic standing. Students are nominated by their school annually.

Foundations Fund Hospitals

South Shore hospitals have benefited by more than a million dollars a year through funding by the hospital's Foundations and Auxiliaries. At a recent Hospital Board meeting, VP Operations Phil Langford provided an overview of equipment and infrastructure funding. The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore, Queens General Hospital Foundation, South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Queens General Hospital Auxiliary and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary have contributed approximately 1 million per year. The Department of Health has provided 7 million in equipment and 12 in infrastructure during the same time period. The Board commended the members of the volunteer organizations for their spirit, enthusiasm and energy.

Fan Noise Frustrates Resident

The complaints are continuing over noise levels from the Shannex long term care complex. Brady Street resident John O'Brien says the noise from an H-VAC system on the north side of Ryan Hall is disrupting his tranquility and calm. He says he can't open his windows because of the noise levels. Shannex has installed a dormer and louvers around the outlet to mitigate and deflect the noise. O'Brien appeared before Town Council and invited members to come to his house and hear the noise themselves. Tests have determined the noise levels are within the acceptable range and Council suggested O'Brien contact Shannex directly to try to reach a suitable arrangement.

Navy Namesake Presentation

The Town of Lunenburg will be honoured this evening as part of the Canadian Navy's 100th Anniversary celebrations. Petty Officer Chris Mosher from CFB Halifax will present the Mayor with a framed pictorial history of HMCS Lunenburg as part of the Canadian Navy Centennial Namesake Project. The picture includes a photograph of HMCS Lunenburg, a picture of the ship's badge and a short history of its service.
The River class frigate HMCS Lunenburg was commissioned on December 4, 1941 Similar namesake presentations are being made across Canada to bring attention to the Centennial of the Canadian Navy. Tonight's ceremony is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion on Duke Street.

Break & Enter

Bridgewater Police are investigating after a break and enter occurred at Sunny Oasis Tanning and Hair Studio over the long weekend.

The break happened between 6:30 Sunday evening and 8 o'clock Monday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police.

ER-Closure

Fisherman's Memorial Hospital will have two emergency room closures on the weekend.

Tomorrow, May 22nd, Beginning at 2:30pm the ER will be closed and reopen at 7:30am on Sunday. Then close again at 2:30 in the afternoon and reopen on Monday morning at 7:30am.

If you require emergency services you are advised to call 911 or visit South Shore Regional in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call 811.

Long Service Awards for Paramedics

A number of South Shore paramedics among 87 that were presented with long service awards by Health Minister Maureen MacDonald at a ceremony in Halifax yesterday. Among the recipients, John May of Bridgewater Martin Bell, Conquerall Bank; ,Allan Keddy, Blockhouse; Alan Cranton and Joe Gallant of New Germany, Mike Morton, Charleston Mill; Bruce Leaman and Gary Gehue of, Liverpool; Richard Baglole, Chester Basin; Gary Dares and Peter MacPherson, Mahone Bay and Jim Currie, Shelburne;
The Paramedic Long Service Award is based on years of service to Nova Scotia by paramedics and others who provide emergency health services.

Lunenburg County Life Centre joint council meeting

A 2012 end date is still the future for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Today the proposed construction budget and the three year operating budget was approved by Bridgewater and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Chair of the Centre, Paul Belliveau says although they're three months behind on fundraising they still plan to stay on schedule with construction. Belliveau says they are still dealing with the federal government on getting the final details worked out.

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival President Marilyn Keddy says volunteers are excited about this year's 25th anniversary festival, following the launch of the performance schedule yesterday in Lunenburg. Two-time Juno Award-winner David Francey will headline this year's Folk Harbour Festival, which runs from August 5th to 8th. Matt Andersen, Old Man Luedecke, Connic Kaldor, and James Keelaghan share the Main Stage bill at the three-day event. The complete schedule of performers at this year's Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival can be found at www.folkharbour.com