New Ferry Christened

The new cable ferry on the LaHave River, was officially christened today,(July 29,) as the Brady E. Himmelman to honour a long-time local ferry operator. The $3.5-million ferry can carry 14 full-size cars, two more per trip than its predecessor, the LaHave II. It was designed by E-Y-E Marine Consultants of Dartmouth and built by A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. of Meteghan River. Mr. Himmelman, who was in charge of the ferry at LaHave from 1948 until 1983, was on hand to witness the christening, which was performed by his wife, Ramona. Premier Darrell Dexter who was also on hand for the ceremony says the projectis one of many that are creating good jobs and growing our economy.

Arrests in West Dublin Fire

A fire last night in Lunenburg County has resulted in charges being laid against three people. RCMP have charged a male and female youth and an adult male with arson, break and enter and theft . The charges are in relation to the blaze that destroyed Risser"s General Store in West Dublin. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 6 last evening and found the building engulfed in flames. RCMP evacuated the area around the fire and blocked-off Highway 331 for a short time as firefighters from several area departments battled the blaze.

RUNAWAY HORSES INJURE 4 AT "BIG EX"

Four people, including three girls between the ages of seven and 13, have been injured by a runaway team of horses at the South Shore Exhibition.
Police were called to the exhibition grounds around 5 p-m.
The horses' handler and two of the girls suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to South Shore Regional.
The third girl was airlifted to Halifax as a precaution and was listed in stable condition last night.

Charges in Car/Pedestrian Accident

A 54 year old man is facing charges resulting from a motor vehicle/pedestrian accident with injuries last Thursday.. The man is charged with " Backing a Vehicle When Unsafe" and will appear in court for plea September 15th. The accident happened at the Apple Berry Farm Market July 22nd around 5:45 pm. A 74 year old man was struck by a vehicle and was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital with
non-life threatening injuries. Police are continuing their investigation.

Church Vandalism

It's becoming all too common...another local church has been damaged by vandals. Lunenburg County RCMP is investigating a complaint of damage to the United Church in First South. The incident happened sometime between noon on July 18 and 9 a.m. July 25th. A knife was thrown at the front of the church multiple times causing damage. This particular church has been targeted by acts of vandalism in the past. RCMP is asking the public for assistance to come forward with any information they may have regarding the incident.

Legion Funding Announced

Royal Canadian Legion branches in the province will benefit from improved infrastructure under a new program announced today.( July 26.) The Legion Capital Assistance Program is a $100,000 provincial funding program. The application-based program will provide funding for repairs to existing legion buildings. Eligible projects include upgrades to wastewater and water systems, bathrooms, kitchens, heating systems and repairs or replacement of windows and roofs. The funding program will provide up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of 10-thousand dollars for approved projects. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Ramona Jennex was on hand for the announcement at the Bridgewater Legion Branch 24, on Churchill Street.

Lunenburg Break-Ins

Lunenburg RCMP are investigating three break and enters in the Town over two nights. Nellie's Take Out on Falkland Street was broken into overnight on July 11th. A small amount of produce was taken. Nellie's was again broken into overnight on July 12th, and again the only item taken was a small amount of produce. Later that same day the owners returned home after a night away, and reported their residence on the west end of Pelham Street had been broken into. A person of interest has been interviewed and the RCMP are continuing to investigate the three break-ins.

RDA Gets Immigrant Funding

Lunenburg/Queens Regional Development Agency has received 33 thousand dollars to help immigrants settle and integrate in the region. Funding totalling 306 thousand dollars is being provided to seven regional development authorities through the Office of Immigration. The RDA's will use the funding to provide direct support to immigrants to help them find the programs and services needed in the areas of assessment, orientation and referrals. They will also work with individual communities to help ensure a welcoming environment for immigrants that is inclusive and supportive.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

Farmer's Dairy is thanking its customers for their support and patience through-out a strike which was Launched July 10th by union members. While the company acknowledged experiencing a few disruptions in getting some products to its customers on time, Farmers shipped over 94 percent of the products its customers ordered during the first week of the strike. Vice-President of Marketing, Derek Estabrook says The work is being done by trained, qualified, and experienced non-union plant employees in accordance with stringent Canada Food Inspection Agency standards. Estabrook says Farmers Dairy remains committed to reaching a settlement that is fair and reasonable for union members and ensures the company can remain competitive. Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited has been a part of communities in Nova Scotia for over 80 years. Owned by more than 125 Atlantic Canadian dairy farmers, Farmers is a local co-operative that provides Atlantic Canadians with quality dairy products made locally in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Islands Protected

**Photo by Department of Natural Resources**
Two South Shore islands are receiving protection from the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Great Island and Selig Islands are located in Medway Harbour, halfway between Lunenburg and Shelburne. At 120 hectares, Great Island is the largest island ever protected from development off mainland Nova Scotia. The islands were owned by Bill Zimmerman and Susan Hauer, who sold the smaller island to the trust in 2009. This week, the couple signed a conservation agreement over Great Island.

John Ernest (Jack) Irving Passes Away

John Ernest (Jack) Irving, of Saint John, New Brunswick has died at the age of 78. He passed away today,(July 21st) following a short illness. Born January 1, 1932 he was a son of the late K.C. Irving and Harriet Lila “née MacNarin” Irving.
John E. Irving joined his father's business in 1952 and he worked all his life, along-side his brother Arthur in Irving Oil. In addition, John E. Irving was a Director of all Irving businesses and was responsible for and managed a number of the companies within the varied Irving enterprises.He was a Member of the Order of Canada, a Companion of the Order of The Business Hall of Fame, an inaugural member of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. Irving is survived by his wife Suzanne
Heather Cameron “née Farrer”, three children and six grandchildren. A funeral service will take place Saturday morning (July 24th) at 11:00am, at Trinity Anglican Church. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Big EX gets Financial Boost

The Big EX got a big financial boost today in Bridgewater. South Shore-St.Margaret's M-P , Gerald Keddy, announced federal funding of 19 thousand, five hundred dollars for the South Shore Exhibition. Keddy says the Exhibition has been a staple in the community since 1891 and has provided an opportunity for local farmers, artisans and companies to gain recognition for their work, while contributing to the local economy. The Exhibition gets underway in Bridgewater from July 27-August 1, at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds on Dufferin Street.

Composites Atlantic at Trade Show

A Lunenburg company is included in a delegation taking part in the 2010 Farnborough International Airshow. Composites Atlantic Limited is represented at the biennial event, one of the world’s largest international showcases for aerospace equipment and technology. ACOA has invested 167 thousand dollars toward the trade mission which is hoped to help Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence industry firms establish valuable international contacts and successfully compete on the
international stage.

Fish and Vessel Seized

Three men are facing charges of fishing without a licence following the seizure of 18 hundred pounds of halibut. A fishing vessel was apprehended off Blandford Monday afternoon in a joint operation involving fishery officers from six detachments led by Barrington. The vessel was escorted to New Harbour where the three men were arrested and their fishing gear and vessel were seized. Further charges are pending. The men have been released on an appearance notice and witl be back in Barrington Court on October 14th.

New VIC Officially Opens

The newly-constructed Liverpool Visitor Information Centre officially opened its doors today. (Tuesday, July 20). The Government of Canada invested just over 200 thousand dollars in the project last August through the Community Adjustment Fund.
In addition to the construction of the new VIC, the investment supported improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure, including safer, more attractive walkways, upgraded parking facilities and increased accessibility for recreational vehicles. Region of Queens Mayor, John Leefe says the new Visitor Information Centre will enhance economic development opportunities for the Municipality. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy was on hand for the official opening.

Farmer's Dairy Strike Update

The union president for Farmer's workers says the company hasn't been entirely truthful.

Brian Bennett says Farmers Dairy isn't using all non-unionized workers on the job.

He says they're also using SCAB workers, or people who aren't qualified to run the equipment.

Bennett says the fact that Farmers says its using ALL non-unionized workers is "completely false."

Andrea Hickey with Farmers Dairy says they are being forced to use temporary workers for distribution and are still dedicated to creating a quality product.

The strike has entered its ninth day and Bennett says there's still no planned talks between the two sides.

Jail Time for Drugs

A Bridgewater man has been sentenced to over two years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges. Twenty five year-old Jason Samuel Emmons fled to Ontario in 2007 to try to avoid the charges but was arrested in May and brought back to the province. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and four Criminal Code charges late last week. Emmons will serve two years and four months in custody.

Sudden Death Investigated

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating the sudden death of a 23-year-old woman early Saturday morning. Emergency Health Services responded to a call at a home on Stovepipe Lane in Mahone Bay around 7:30am July 17th.Police say the woman was in cardiac arrest and emergency personnel couldn't revive her.

Man Injuured in Fall

A Lunenburg man was taken to hospital this morning (Friday,July 16) after falling off a ladder while trying to get on his boat. Lunenburg County RCMP responded to the call shortly after 9am at the Fisherman's Wharf. Reports indicate the man fell approximately eight feet and landed on the concrete below. The man, whose name wasn't released, is from the local area. He was conscious and transported to hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Employment Solutions Funding

People with disabilities will get help preparing for jobs as a result of federal support for Employment Solutions Society. South Shore/St.Margarets M.P. Gerald Keddy, announced funding of 80 thousand, 434 dollars under the Community Coordinator component of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The project will help 16 people with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs. Employment Solutions Society has delivered funding programs as a community coordinator for the last few years to clients with disabilities in the Lunenburg and Queens counties. As of July 5th,program delivery for the Opportunities Fund has been expanded to clients in Windsor and East Hants.The Opportunities Fund helps support an array of activities, such as increasing employability skills, providing work experience and preparing individuals for self-employment.

Chester Wharf Attack

He was supposed to have a trial date set, instead one of the men involved in a violent attack at a Chester wharf last summer entered a guilty plea to two charges of assault on Wednesday. Twenty-seven year old Joel Ray Meister admitted he kicked a man and threw rocks at a woman during the altercation last August 20th. The woman was sent to hospital with serious head injuries. The Crown and Defence both agreed Meister who had jumped into a scuffle to help a friend played a lesser role in the night's events and did not inflict the woman's injuries. He's been sentenced to 18 months on probation with a number of conditions and has been ordered to take counselling. Meantime, 29 year old Chad Wesley Swinimer has pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm and will be sentenced August 30th.

Truck Ties Up Traffic

A truck mishap tied-up traffic in Bridgewater Monday evening shortly after 6:00 o'clock. Apparently, the parking-brakes on a lumber-truck did not prevent the vehicle from moving forward, allowing it to block North Street by the "Cookville Irving" and strike a tree on the opposite side of the road. A "loader" was needed to remove the lumber off the truck before it could be moved. Members of the Northfield Fire Department received assistance from Bridgewater firefighters for traffic-control while New Germany fire-fighters remained on "standby" at the Northfield Fire Hall.
***Photo..courtesy of Casey Boutilier***

Farmres Dairy Dispute Update

Talks remain stalled between the two sides of a local labour dispute.

The CEP-Local 40 Union and Farmer's Dairy haven't spoken since a 17-hour bargaining session on July 9th, resulting in both sides walking away for the table.

Union President Brian Bennett says though there are no plans for further talks, he believes the non-unionized workers filling in can only last so long.

The union is holding out because of issues surrounding pay, pension and force labour.

Over 240 workers have been off the job since 12:01 Saturday morning.

New Nurse for New Germany

The New Germany and Area Medical Centre is getting a temporary nurse. Dawn Chubbs has accepted a part-time role with South Shore Health, replacing Rob Snelling, who resigned earlier this month. Chubbs will see patients two to three days a week and will also work part-time with South Shore Health's stroke program. She'll start seeing patients starting July 26th.

Fire Departments to Merge

The Municipality of Lunenburg is going through a firefighting makeover. The decision to combine the Newcombville, Chelsea and Baker Settlement fire departments was approved at a Municipal Council meeting on Tuesday, July 13th. The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg, Don Downe, says the three fire department chiefs proposed the combination, to provide better service to the area. He says they're are also amalgamating because of issues surrounding old equipment, training and manpower.
Downe says the departments will get the help from the municipality's solicitor and clerk.

Car Hits Liverpool Bank

Queens RCMP are continuing their investigation into a motor vehicle mishap in which a car drove into the Scotiabank in Liverpool.

The incident occured Friday afternoon when a vehicle with two elderly occpants suddenly accelerated along Market Street and crashed into the ScotiaBank.

Before the car crashed into the building, it had already struck the Queens County By-Law Patrol Vehicle from behind and pushed it off the road.

The two occupants in the Patrol Vehicle, as well as the two elderly occupants of the car, were taken to the Queens General Hospital.

The Mounties report that all four people sustained "light to moderate injuries" and are expected to recover.

The Liverpool Scotiabank sustained extensive damage to its storefront.

The Queens R-c-M-P continue to look into the cause of the crash.

Two Men in Court for Alleged Robbery and Violence

Two men will appear in Bridgewater court Monday morning to face a number of charges.

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010, Bridgewater Police recieved a complaint of a robbery with violence on Victoria Road.

R-C-M-P arrested two men and held them overnight while the investigation continued.

On Friday, the two men were charged with numerous offences, including "robbery" and "assault causing bodily harm".

Man Hospitalized after Chelsea Highway Accident

A 46-year-old man has been taken to hospital after a highway accident in Lunenburg County.

The man was trapped inside a 2008 Astor after it went off the road on Highway-210 in Upper Chelsea shortly after 9:00 o'clock this morning.

The Chelsea Fire Department, along with the RCMP and an ambulance, were on the scene.

The Baker Settlement Fire Department also assisted at the site of the mishap.

Shelburne County Drug Raid

A 25-year-old man faces charges after an RCMP drug raid in Shelburne County.

The Mounties confiscated 63 marihuana plants yesterday when they used a search warrant to investigate a residence in Beaverdam.

They also found various articles used to grow marihuana.

The police arrested a Beaverdam resident in Shelburne in connection with the drug seizure.

They released him and he will appear at a later date in Shelburne Provincial Court to face a charge of "production of marihuana".

A member of the Shelburne county Street Crime Unit says there is no evidence that the pot was intended for sale anywhere other than in the local area.

Corporal Nancy Mason says that the marihuana would have had an estimated street-value of 60-thousand-dollars.

Alleged Killer in New Germany Shooting Asks for Lawyer

A Lunenburg County man accused of fatally-shooting his estranged-wife last week has apparently been able to tell authorities he wants a lawyer.

47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner remains in "critical" condition in a Halifax hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police allege that he shot 42-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor on June 30th in New Germany, before turning the gun on himself.

She died nearly eleven hours after the shooting.

He, however, survived and underwent surgery.

The court was told Monday that he remains in an "induced coma", under the watch of sheriff deputies.

A judge at Bridgewater Provincial Court was told yesterday that Wayne Eisnor is drifting in and out of consciousness but was able to write that he wants a lawyer.

Lunenburg Assault

The RCMP are investigating an assault that occurred last month.

During the early morning hours of June 26th, a male was assaulted on Falkland Street in Lunenburg.

The victim was then transported to hospital and later released.

Contact the Lunenburg County RCMP if you have any details regarding the incident.

Mountie Faces Impaired Driving Carges in Bridgewater

An RCMP officer will stand trial in December on charges of driving while impaired in Lunenburg County.

Catherine Frances Mansley was arrested on April 4th after a vehicle went off the road and into the ditch near Rissers Beach.

The 43-year-old Mansley is on "administrative duty" with the Mounties and, therefore, she is not working in a patrol car.

She did not appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court yesterday -- but her lawyer entered a "not guilty" plea on her behalf.

A half-day trial will be heard in Bridgewater on December 21st.

Bridgewater Sheriffs' Hours Not Reduced

The Department of Justice says it will cut back on the amount of hours worked by casual and part-time sheriffs.

The department confirms that the move will affect 23 out of 190 sheriffs working at courts across the province.

The exceptions are the sheriffs working at the courthouse on High Street in Bridgewater, as well as those at facilities in Halifax and Sydney.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Gavin says the affected workers will see their hours cut by 20-per-cent or more.

The justice critic for the Progressive conservatives says the reductions do not make sense.

Murray Scott says the previous Tory government beefed-up the sheriffs-service in response to some high-profile prisoner-escapes and complaints over a lack of resources.
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Outdoor Service for Tina Mae Eisnor

An outdoor service will be held Tuesday to celebrate the life of a woman who was gunned down in New Germany last week.

43-year-old Tina Mae Eisnor of Hemford died in hospital eleven hours after being shot while sitting in her van outside Barry's Freshmart last Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses said the gunman then turned the weapon on himself.

Her husband -- 47-year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor of Barss Corner -- was charged with "first-degree murder" on Friday while lying in his bed in a Halifax hospital.

The memorial service is to be held at the home of her parents, Raeburn and Janet Illingworth, in Simpsons Corner.

The family has requested no visitation at the funeral home.

Murder Charge Laid in Shooting

A Barrs Corner man is being charged with first degree murder following a shooting incident on Wednesday.(June 30th). Forty-seven year old Wayne Paul Eisnor is charged in the death of Christina (Tina) Mae Eisnor. The Hemford woman died in hospital Wednesday night, hours after a double shooting outside Barry's Freshmart grocery store in New Germany.Police say the 47-year-old accused remains in hospital in critical condition but has been remanded into custody and will appear in court at a later date. RCMP Sergeant Brigdit Leger says investigators believe the woman was shot by a man who then turned the gun on himself. She says due to the privacy act the RCMP can't confirm any relationship between any two people but they can confirm that this was not a random incident.

Sustainability Festival

Growing Green..is the theme of a Sustainability Festival being hosted by the Town of Bridgewater this fall. The festival was a key recommendation of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. Together with the Farmer's Market and the Bridgewater Century Ride, the Festival is planning activities and entertainment. It will be a Family Friendly sustainable event which hopes to leave a lasting positive "green" impression on the community long after it is over. The Sustainability Festival is set for Saturday, August 21st from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m.

Privateer Funds

Privateer Days in Liverpool got underway with a major funding announcement of 30 thousand dollars by South Shore/St. Margarets M.P. Gerald Keddy. The funding was provided through the new Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program which provide Canadians with more opportunities to take part in local activities that present arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage. Privateer Days has attracted a multitude of visitors to Queens County for over 40 years.

Shooting Victim Identified

Lunenburg County RCMP have confirmed that 43 year old Christina (Tina) Mae Eisnor of Hemford, was the woman shot on Wednesday in the parking lot of Barry's Freshmart in New Germany. She died from her injuries late Wednesday night at the Q-E-2 Hospital in Halifax. RCMP say a man who was also shot remains in hospital critical condition. Sergeant Brigdit Leger says police believe the man shot the woman before shooting himself. Police say the two were known to each other, but haven't disclosed the nature of their relationship. Reports say the pair were husband and wife who had recently separated. RCMP are continuing their investigation and say it will be time consuming to interview witnesses and sift though the evidence.

Supervised Beaches

Nova Scotia's lifeguards are set to hit the sand on some of the province's popular beaches when supervision begins on Thursday (July 1st). The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, now in its 38th year of operation, will provide supervision at 22 beaches across the province including Rissers and Bayswater Beaches in Lunenburg County. There has never been a drowning on a beach while being supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. Close to 500,000 people visit Nova Scotia's supervised beaches each year, with about 100 rescues taking place and other injuries prevented.

Shooting Update

RCMP say a man and woman are in critical condition after a double shooting this afternoon in New Germany.(Wednesday, June 30) Const. Les Kakonyi says the shootings happened in the parking lot of Barry's Fresh Mart just after 12:30 p.m.
Kakonyi says police believe the man shot the woman before shooting himself. He says they are known to one another, but he won't reveal the nature of their relationship. Both have been taken to a hospital in Halifax where Kakonyi said they were listed in critical condition. Meantime, residents of the community are holding a prayer and candlelight vigil at the Lion's Club Park at 8 o'clock tonight.

Double Shooting in New Germany

Two people have been shot outside a grocery store in New Germany. Reports say a man shot a woman then turned the gun on himself just before 1pm in the parking lot of Barry's Freshmart. The woman was transported to the South Shore Regional Hospital.
There is no word on her condition. Meanwhile, the man is apparently is apparently being transported to the QEII hospital in Halifax by life -flight. RCMP are on the scene of the double shooting. We'll have further details as they become available.

Liverpool School Teacher Jailed

A Queens County teacher has been sentenced to six months in jail for having sex with his teenage student. Forty-three year old Derrick Joseph Redden was also placed on probation for six months after pleading guilty to a charge of sexual exploitation. Court was told that the relationship between the Liverpool Regional High School teacher and the girl, began on February 18th of 2009 when the girl was 16. Her father found sexually explicit text messages which had been exchanged between the two when he was tipped off by an anonymous caller that he should investigate the relationship. Redden and the teen admitted to having sex four to five times a month. The relationship ended when Redden was arrested in March and the girl was 17
The South Shore Regional School Board placed Redden on leave with pay pending the outcome of his court case, however, he resigned his teaching position the first week of June. The Board says it has no comment on the outcome of the trial as Redden is no longer their employee.

Smile...You're on Camera!

You could soon be caught on camera in certain areas of downtown Bridgewater. Town Council approved the purchase of video surveillance equipment from Maritect Investigations and Security Ltd., at a cost of 29 thousand dollars. Mayor Carroll Publicover says there was 40 thousand put in this years budget for a surveillance program to update primarily the security in the downtown area. The sites to be surveilled include the area around the Tavern, corner of King Street and Victoria Road, the parking lot area at the Bridgewater Mall servicing the lounge and on King Street in front of King of Donair. Police currently have the capability of monitoring both high schools, Brookside Cemetery and the Veteran's park area.

Sustainability Festival 2010

Growing Green...is the theme of a Sustainability Festival being hosted by the Town of Bridgewater this fall. The festival was a key recommendation of the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. Together with the Farmer's Market and the Bridgewater Century Ride, the Festival is planning activities and entertainment.
It will be a "Family Friendly" sustainable event which hopes to leave a lasting positive "green" impression on the community long after it is over.
The Sustainability Festival is set for Saturday,August 21st from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m.

Student Scholarship

A Park View High School student has received a scholarship from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation.

Janine Bressmer won a $10,000 award for her essay entitled: Population-Based Health Research Conducted in Nova Scotia.

One scholarship was presented to a student in each of the nine school districts in the province.

This is the 10th year the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation has provided scholarships to students preparing to study health-related fields at a post-secondary institution.

New Lighting for Arena

S-E-S Lighting & Energy Consultants has been awarded a 24 thousand dollar contract to replace the lighting at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena with high efficiency components. Town Council received eight proposals for the project ranging in cost up to 79 thousand. The budget for the work has been set at 31 thousand 390 dollars of which over 80 percent of the cost will be co-funded by other partners. The project is highly time sensitive because lighting upgrades must be completed before ice is installed in the arena during the week of August 16th.

Special Purpose Tax

Bridgewater businesses and property owners will be paying an equal commercial and residential tax rate of point 08 cents per 100 dollars of assessment to help pay the Town's share of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Council voted 4 to 2 to implement option 1 of a special purpose tax to help fund the facility. Mayor Carroll Publicover says creating an unbalanced rate could create division. He says everybody has to dig in and support this project. Publicover says the business community has the capacity to deal with an increase, probably a little better than the residential side has to.
The Mayor had favoured implementing the special tax over a 20 year period. He says that a reasonable length of time to pay that capital investment off and then deal with the capital improvements from that point forward, and there will be capital reserves built into the operating of the facility. Council will determine the time frame at a later date before the special purpose tax is implemented next year.

Pleasantville Man Receives Veterans Honour

A Pleasantville man is being recognized for his work in the Veteran community. Roger Purnell will receive the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation during a ceremony in Halifax on Tuesday. (June 29th)
Purnell served in the United Kingdom's Royal Marines Commando from 1964-1979, with tours of duty in Borneo, Malaysia and Indonesia. He immigrated to Canada in 1991 and became active with the Navy League of Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion. He served as Zone 13 Commander of The Royal Canadian Legion until 2009 and was subsequently elected to District "E" Commander supervising 18 branches of the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Purnell serves on the Executive of Branch 24 and was President from 2002 to 2005.
Purnell's achievements include organizing many commemorative events such as the "Support our Troops Rally," "Family Forces Day," and a massive rally in June 2008 called the "Red Rally Support our Troops Day." He also assisted in the organization of the First Special Service Force- Devil's Brigade Reunion which was held in August, 2009 and will be involved with the Legion's Biennial Convention scheduled to be in Halifax in 2012. In 2005, Mr. Purnell devoted countless hours to developing The Veteran's Memorial Park in Bridgewater,
Purnell will be one of 12 people from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to receive the award this year.

LCLC Special Purpose Tax

Bridgewater Council will make a decision at tonight's meeting regarding a special purpose tax to help pay the town's share of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Council put forth three options and was seeking public input from residents. The options include an equal commercial and residential rate of point 08 cents per 100 dollars of assessment, the commercial rate half of the residential rate and the commercial rate three quarters of the residential rate. The special purpose tax which will be a line items on property owners bills for the next 20 years will be implemented in 2011/12.

Bus Road-e-o

The South Shore Regional School Board is testing its bus drivers to see how they rank against each other. The Board is holding a "Road-eo" on Monday,(June 28th) which will feature a series of events, including an obstacle course, backing up, and a series of turns through tennis balls. Each event will be scored out of 10. While time will not be a factor, the bus must remain in constant motion. Once the bus is stopped, the judges will consider the event finished for that driver. The Road-eo gets underway at noontime at the School Board's Bus Garage.

A Gift of Nature

An important natural area near Shelburne has been secured by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It's almost 300 acres of natural habitat at Johnstons Pond, near Shelburne along Nova Scotia’s south shore. The coastal habitat is one of 10 Gifts to Canadians announced this week in celebration of Canada Day.
Situated between the Sable River and the Port L’Hebert Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Johnstons Pond is an undisturbed estuary separated from the Atlantic Ocean by an extensive barrier beach. The sandy barrier beach provides viable breeding habitat for the endangered Piping Plover as well as the Spotted Sandpiper and a small Common Tern colony. The salt marshes, ponds and mudflats found at Johnstons Pond are also important habitat for migratory birds such as Canada Geese and the Semi-palmated Sandpiper. The property also contains a mature coastal forest consisting of spruce, Red Maple and American Larch.

Mill Village man pled guilty

The man from Mill Village who was apprehended on May 12th by Fisheries officers in Liverpool appeared in court this week. Anthony Wayne Greer pleaded guilty to fishing for lobster with obstructed escape nets and was fined 25 hundred dollars and the forfeiture of five lobster traps that had escape vents blocked. His violation dates back to May 12th.

Bayport man fishing lobsters during closed time

A resident from Bayport area will appear in Court in August after being apprehended for fishing lobsters during a closed time. On June 23rd, Fishery officers from Liverpool and Bridgewater caught the man and seized an out port motor and an 18 foot vessel, as well as 79 under sized lobsters which they returned to the water. The man is scheduled to appear in court on August 18th.

School Board Regional Space Review

The Blockhouse School could be going on the auction block. The building will become vacant and surplus when École de la Rive-Sud moves into a new building in Cookville this September. The South Shore Regional School Board has decided not to take over the Blockhouse school for regional office space so it will revert back to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Board Chair Elliott Payzant says they are considering other options including relocating to the Lunenburg Academy. Payzant says there's no rush to make a decision as the lease on the current space on Wentzell Drive is good for at least another four years.

Transition House Funding

Harbour House in Bridgewater, is receiving a little more than 21 thousand dollars in provincial funding while Second Story Women's Centre, in Lunenburg will get almost 28 thousand., The province is providing 500 thousand dollars to transition houses and women's centres allowing the 18 facilities to continue providing quality services and programs to benefit women and their children. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the facilities provide an important lifeline to women and their children who experience violence and increasing the funding is the right decision to make. It is the first increase in 10 years.

No Frills coming to Bridgewater

The Save Easy in the Bridgewater Plaza on Dominion Street will be soon taking down its sign, as Loblaw launches one of many No Frills across Atlantic Canada. The companies recently announced they plan to open six No Frills banner stores in Atlantic Canada, including one in Bridgewater. No Frills stores deliver low prices, popular President's Choice and no name products. No Frills will open in the fall of this year.

CAMs Classes Cancelled Again

Chester Area Middle School classes are again cancelled today ( Wednesday, June 23rd ) for grades 6 and 7 while the wing of the school is cleaned up after flooding in their classrooms. Also SCHOOL's OUT for SUMMER. Today (Wed. ) is the last day of school for South Shore Regional School Board students.

Economic Development Strategy

The Region of Queens Municipality has approved an Economic Development Working Strategy for 2010 and beyond. Deputy-Mayor Darlene Norman says the working document will be used to provide staff with direction regarding Council's views on where they want to see the Region of Queens go in the future. It will also provide staff with clear-cut guidelines that they can provide new residents, current presidents, and people wishing to develop in the community a good black and white..this is what the Region has to offer and its positive points. Norman says Council expressed a desire to provide vision and direction to the Economic Development Department of the Region in the fall of 2009.

Bell Times to Change

A change in the bell times for students at Bridgewater Junior Senior High School when they return to classes after the summer break. The Principal has asked the South Shore Regional School Board to approve a change in the start and end bell times by 10 minutes effective in September. In the morning the bell time will be moved from 9:10 to 9:00am, and from 3:10 to 3:00pm in the afternoon. The request was endorsed by the School Board.

Renewable Electricity Plan

Here's a chance to have your say on the province's draft renewable electricity plan and regulations. Public meetings are being seeking pubic input. The sessions are being hosted by Regional Development Authorities in conjunction with the Department of Energy. A meeing in Bridgewater is set for Thursday morning (June 24th) from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Days Inn on North Street. There will also be a meeting in Liverpool from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Best Western, 63 Queens Place Drive. For a view of the plan and draft regulations, click here. http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy

Migrant Vessel

A migrant vessel that arrived at the Port of Shelburne Saturday evening has been secured by the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency. The RCMP Immigration and Passport Section and Integrated Border Enforcement Team have confirmed that there were 10 individuals from Eastern Europe onboard (five women and five men). The vessel was traveling north from Bermuda and was spotted off Shelburne by Canada Coast Guard ship 'Earl Grey'. The individuals are being processed and an investigation is being conducted to determine any possible connection to organized crime, including human smuggling, ensuring Canadian Law is upheld and maintaining the safety of those onboard the vessel displaying the name 'Valletta' .

Queens County Scam

RCMP are warning people in Queens County to be aware of a possible telephone scam. The scam is collecting monetary donations to support bullying programs in Queens County schools. If anyone has received a telephone they are asked to report this information to the local Liverpool RCMP at 902-354-5721.

Sentencing Delayed in Daughter's Sexual Assault

A Lunenburg County man scheduled to be sentenced for sexually assaulting his daughter has been sent for a "sexual assessment" at a psychiatric hospital.

The 52-year-old man was recently convicted of sexually assaulting his daughter, beginning when she was eleven years old.

The man also beat his daughter with a leather strap, a spoon and a broom handle until her skin cracked and bled.

The sexual assaults did not involve sexual intercourse.

He was supposed to have been sentenced Monday at Provincial Court in Bridgewater.

The Crown and defence agreed Monday, however, that a "sexual deviancy assessment" at the East Coast Forensic Hospital would help the judge in passing sentence.

The man is facing another charge of sexually assaulting another girl under the age of 14 in 1978.

South Shore Health Finances

Despite having a balanced budget at the end of the 2009-10 fiscal year there are challenges ahead for South Shore Health. C-E-O Alice Leverman says they're still waiting for approval for their business plan from the Department of Health . Leverman says the Board has undertaken a number of initiatives so they know it's going to be a very tight year and there's lots of work to be done. She says they anticipate hearing back from the province very soon. Leverman says the Board was optimistically forecasting they would have a balanced budget and year end statements proved that correct.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon..

Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover is getting set to tie one on next week.. ... a yellow ribbon that is,...in the Support the Troops Campaign. Major James Fera of 14 Construction Engineering Squadron is seeking the Town's support for another campaign this year. In a recent presentation to Town Council, Major Fera said last years community support was heartwarming and was a great boost to the morale of soldiers and military families. Many of the storefronts have kept the yellow ribbons in their windows year round. This year's campaign will kick off Monday, June 28th and continue over the Canada Day weekend until July 8th. The Mayor along with the Major will place the first yellow ribbon on King Street next week.

Waterfront Development Controls

A motion to investigate implementing development standards for the Liverpool waterfront generated lots of discussion at the Region of Queens Municipal Council meeting Monday. The guidelines would only apply to the waterfront, the only C-4 Zone in the municipality.Deputy Mayor Darlene Norman says the request came from the Planning Advisory Committee made up of three councillors and 8 members of the public. She says PAC determined there needs to be design criteria for the waterfront area and guidelines should be implemented in keeping with the natural esthetics of what is already there, in particular Shipyard Point and Privateer Park. Norman says discussions got off-line slightly when some councillors wondered if some of the C-4 should be zoned parkland only with no development. That may have caused some confusion on the motion which was passed by a 4 to 3 vote.

CAMs Classes Cancelled

A break from classes for students at Chester Area Middle School in the 6 and 7 wing. Due to localized flooding at CAMs students in Grades 6 and 7 will not have classes tomorrow (Tuesday, June 22nd.) They were sent home this morning upon arrival at the school. For updates on the situation check the School Board's website at www.ssrsb.ca

Early Morning Fire

Arthur's Auto Repair in Oak Park, Shelburne County was destroyed by an early morning fire that broke out. Around 6am Several Fire Departments were out battling the Stubborn Fire that was spotted by a passing motorist. Barrington, Port Clyde ,Island & Barrington Passage, Shag Harbour-Bear Point, Woods Harbour, East Pubnico and West Pubnico Fire Departments responded to the call. The RCMP and Nova Scotia Power also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crousetown Armed Standoff

A 43-year-old man is in custody following an armed-standoff with police in Lunenburg County late Sunday night.

The RCMP responded to a call to a residence in Crousetown where they found a man, whome they described as "suicidal", armed with a shotgun.

The Mounties secured the area and negotiated with the man for several hours before successfully negotiating his surrender.

The RCMP report that, although the man fired four shots in and around the building, no one was injured.

After an examination at the South Shore Regional Hospital, the Mounties held the man in custody overnight.

He appears at Provincial Court in Bridgewater on Monday.

Town Parkland

Bridgewater Town Council plans to re-designate and rezone various Town properties to parkland. Mayor Carroll Publicover says in most cases the parcels are recognized and used as parkland but have not been zoned accordingly . The housekeeping amendments include minor related text changes to the Land Use By-law including the addition of community gardens as a permitted use in the Park Zone. The 11 parcels include the Wile Carding Mill parking lot and six lots of land on Pine Street donated to the town for use as a passive park.

Auxiliary Funding

The South Shore Regional Hospital Auxiliary is again helping with funding needs. The Auxiliary has made a commitment to purchase a door to the balcony at the Bridgewater Hospital, a ram for the main entrance at South Shore Regional, and a Centrifuge machine to support blood collection at the new Ross Resource Centre. South Shore Health C-E-O Alice Leverman says the Board is most fortunate to have the support of the Auxiliary to fund the hospital's needs.

Quality Improvement Action Plan

South Shore Health is moving forward with its Quality Improvement Action Plan. Staff and Physicians were asked for help indentifying area for quality improvement, waste reduction and cost savings. C-E-O Alice Leverman says they came forward with hundred of ideas for making South Shore Health better. She says three themes emerged from the input into the Q-I Action Plan.
As the first major step, Leverman says they are beginning put a new organizational structure in place that will serve as the foundation for implementing their strategic plan. There will be smaller executive team consisting of a V-P of Health Services, a V-P Corporate Services and a V-P Medicine. Leverman says the initial focus will be on administrative and operational costs such as call- back, overtime, product use, travel and other areas identified in savings.

Recreation Funding for South Shore

Recreation facilities in the South Shore region will receive almost 360 thousand dollars in grants through the provincial Recreation Facility Development Program. The funding was announced Friday in Yarmouth by Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey. The Yarmouth YMCA, received $150 thousand dollars for upgrades to the facility. Investments in the South Shore Region include :
-Municipality of Lunenburg: develop Marine Park, $28,000 -Municipality of Shelburne: repairs to Tom Tigney Trail Bridge, $30,000 -Shelburne & Area Minor Baseball Association: convert field to a baseball field, $4,000
-Shelburne Lions Club: Repairs/upgrades to Shelburne Lion's community hall, $9,660
-South Shore Regional School Board, Chester Area Middle School: repair track and field facilities, $9,000
-South Shore Regional School Board, Hebbville Academy: upgrade playground, $14,000
-South Shore Regional School Board, Wickwire Academy: develop playground, $25,000
-Village of Chester Commission: upgrade Chester Lido Pool, $88,000 over two years
The program assists community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop facilities to increase public participation in sport and physical recreation.

Chamber Appointments

Cy Mayo has been appointed President of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce. He takes over from Past President Craig Collins. The Board of Directors recently held the first meeting of the new fiscal year with the main agenda item, the appointment of the executive committee. Sandra Richards is the Vice-President and Barry Smith the Treasurer. Other Board members are: Shawn O'Hara, Jerry Porodo,
Dave Hadley, Glen Hall, Aidan Matchett and Judy Koster .More information on the Chamber's initiatives and current projects can be found at www.bridgewaterchamber.com.

Hospital Overcrowding a Challenge

Hospital overcrowding continues to be a challenge for South Shore Health. C-E-O Alice Leverman says it has been a very busy week with anywhere from 6 to 10 people waiting in Emergency for a bed. She says there's usually a spike in the early morning Leverman says while the opening of new long term care beds has provided some relief, the situation is difficult to predict because it's dependent on a lot of factors. She says overcrowding is expected to be an ongoing challenge due to the age and health status of the population. Since the opening of Ryan Hall on May 19th, 19 alternate level of care patients have been moved from hospital into long term care facilities. A total of 28 additional long term and residential care beds are scheduled to open in Lunenburg County over the next few months. Leverman says hospital overcrowding causes a lot of concern and frustration for patients and families. They may experience delays in admission, long wait or transfers to another hospital for care. Surgeries may also be cancelled. Leverman says it also creates a stressful working environment for staff.

Town Gets New-Used Truck

Queens Chrysler Limited the supplier of a used 4X4 three quarter ton truck for the Town of Bridgewater. There were four responses to the Town's Request for Proposals to supply a used vehicle. Two of those did not meet the required specifications. Queens Chrysler was the lowest of the two remaining bids and was awarded a tender for 33 thousand, 335 dollars to supply a 2006 Dodge Ram, 25 hundred truck. The vehicle has 64 thousand 200 kilometres but there is an extended warranty available. The truck will be used for operations at the Brookside Cemetery.

Name Change for School

A rose by any other name..... in this case, a name change for the South Shore Alternate/Adult School. Principal Glen Matthews says the name change incorporates all three campuses of the South Shore Alternate and Adult School (Gorham Memorial Education Centre campus in Liverpool; the South Shore Alternate School Bridgewater campus located at the NSCC, and the Mahone Bay campus, located at the Mahone Bay Centre. Matthews says the new name better reflects the innovations that have been brought forward in educational delivery to those students who benefit from our uniqueness, and what we have plans for in the future to better serve our students at all three sites (plus our satellite campus), at the Middle Level, High School, and Adult High school. The new name,the South Shore Innovative Learning Centre was unanimously approved by the South Shore Regional School Board

School Boundary Changes

The South Shore Regional School Board has deferred decisions regarding boundary changes for a number of catchment areas. Board Chair Elliott Payzant says a number of students and parents will be affected by the proposed changes and the Board passed a motion to to defer any decision making until after public consultation can be held in the fall.
There are currently a number of grey areas where students can choose which school to attend. They include the Lacey Mines Road where students can attend either Chester District Elementary or Gold River. The Meldrum Avenue area in which students can choose to attend Hebbville, Pentz or Bridgewater Elementary schools, and the Pine Grove and Lower Branch areas where students are given the choice to attend New Germany Rural High or Park View Education Centre. Meeting dates will be communicated with the communities affected by the possible changes.

Bus Stop Concerns

The relocation of a school bus stop in Pleasantville has some parents concerned for their children's safety. Tracey Wagner made a presentation to the South Shore Regional School Board Wednesday night regarding the move of a bus stop from Northwind Road. She spoke about the community concerns with the safety of the new bus stop location and asked the Board to have the stop moved back to the original location. Board Chair Elliott Payzant says the matter has been referred to the Finance and Operations Committee to look at including an appeals process in the policy. He says the Board followed all the guidelines of the current policy and the bus stop site has been inspected and deemed safe by the provincial Utility and Review Board. The buses had been going into the Northwind subdivision for over 20 years before the stops were moved in April.

Probation for Italy Cross Facebook Threat

A Lunenburg County man has been sentenced to 18-months "probation" for using Facebook to threaten his mother's ex-boyfriend.

Jonathan James Dagley of Italy Cross appeared at provincial court in Bridgewater yesterday after pleading "guilty" to threatening to harm Allan Vernon Brown of Branch LaHave in March.

Brown went to the RCMP on March 2nd with several computer printouts showing threats Dagley had made against him on the social networking site.

The court was told that Brown dated Dagley's mother for several years before it ended four or five years ago.

In addition to being placed on probation, Dagley was ordered to have no contact with Brown and to take mental health and anger management counselling as ordered by his probation officer.

Dagley received six-months "probation" in 2004 for "uttering threats" and a further 12-months "probation" in 2007 for the same crime.

Learn to Fish (L2F) Program

Volunteers from South Shore Bassmasters and the Hants West Wildlife Association who will be helping students across the province learn how to sportfish. The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture's Inland Fisheries Division has helped teach volunteers from the groups how to deliver the Learn to Fish (L2F) program to reach more classrooms. More than 30 groups across the province received training this year, which means another 13-hundred youth will know about beginner sportfishing.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau says sportfishing is a great way to enjoy our lakes and rivers in a safe and serene family setting.