INJURED DRIVER IN HIGHWAY 103 CRASH RECOVERING

The 25-year-old driver of a small car is recovering from injuries he sustained in a head-on collision on Saturday with a transport truck on highwy 103.

RCMP say a westbound Honda Civic crossed the centre line just after 4 a.m. between exits five and six.
The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured.
The highway was closed for several hours as work crews cleaned up spilled diesel fuel.

ARSON CHARGES LAID AGAINST 3 LUNENBURG COUNTY RESIDENTS

Arson-related charges have been laid against two men and a woman, all from Lunenburg County, after a fire in Beech Hill.

The RCMP says a building adjacent to a home was destroyed Friday night and the home itself sustained moderate damage.
28 year old Michael Bolliver of Gold River is charged with arson and break and enter causing arson.
30 year old Troy McDow of Mahone Bay is charged with uttering threats to damage property, resisting arrest and two counts of breach of probation.
29 year old Jennifer Wentzell of Gold River is facing one count of uttering threats to damage property and three counts of breach of undertakings.
The three accused appear in Bridgewater provincial court later today.

KEDDY CRITICIZES CONNECTOR ROUTE

A growing number of residents in the St. Margaret's Bay area are becoming increasingly alarmed by the province's proposed connector road to highway 103.


The M-P for South Shore- St. Margaret's, Gerald Keddy says a second route, more removed from residential development, is a better option.

"It will cost the government a little bit more money but at the end of the day is a much better route, and doesn't require destroying existing homes," says Keddy.

Keddy wrote the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal asking that family homes be spared in the development.

Bill Estabrooks says construction will be completed next year after careful planning and continued consultation.

Lilydale Collision

Emergency Health Services transported four people to South-Shore hospitals after a two-vehicle collision on Saturday.

Lunenburg County RCMP responded to the call at the intersection of Highway 332 and highway 324 in Lilydale.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Those injured in the crash were treated for undetermined injuries at the South Shore Regional and Fisherman's Memorial Hospitals.

RCMP do not suspect alcohol was a factor.

RESIDENTS CALL FOR ROAD SAFETY AFTER COLLISION

Some residents of St. Margarets Bay say today's accident on highway 103 between exits 5 and 6 is further proof that the $12 million for the proposed connector road should be spent improving highway safety, not building a two-minute shortcut.


Rresident Sean Kirby says the accidents and deaths on our highways are a tragic reminder of the need to improve highway safety in this province.

The Canadian Automobile Association has called highway 103 the second worst highway in the country and it has been the Nova Scotia highway with the highest number of fatal accidents in recent years.

According to the Department of Transportation, over 250 people died in accidents on Nova Scotia's highways in the past three years.

St. Margaret's Bay residents are calling on the government to hold a referendum to decide whether to build the connector and have already shown their opposition to through letter writing and public meetings.

103 Collision

Early this morning, Halifax District RCMP and Chester RCMP responded to a serious head on collision on Highway # 103 between exits 5 and exit 6.

A Honda Civic that was outbound from Halifax, crossed the centre line and struck a tractor trailer.

HRM Fire and Rescue services were also on hand to extinguish a fire in the tractor and extract the driver from the Honda Civic.

Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

The driver of the tractor trailer was not injured.

The incident remains under investigation.

MERSEY TOBEATIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE EXPANDED WITH ASSISTANCE FROM ACOA

The UNESCO designated Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute in Kempt is expanding, thanks to a 100 thousand dollar investment through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and more than 80 thousand from the Province of Nova Scotia.  The expansion will enhance the Institute's ability to educate the public on the issues of conservation, sustainable resource management, and preservation of natural resources.

The Institute will add a two-story, 16 x 28 foot expansion to the Institute's field station including a community room, lab space, and updated equipment.

Seniors Clubs Get Funding

Federal funding has been made available for the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum and the Rosedale New Horizons Seniors Club under the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy made the announcements on Friday, November 12th. The Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum will receive $16,099 for its project entitled Memories Not Forgotten, which will see seniors conduct oral interviews with other seniors to document their life stories. A book of local history will be created and shared at community presentations.

The Rosedale New Horizons Seniors Club will receive $9,058 for its project entitled Using 'Windows' to Open Doors, which will see seniors learn computer skills. The money received will assist the Club in purchasing two computers, a printer/scanner, software programs and other related equipment.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program helps to ensure that seniors are able to benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities through their social participation and active living. Since its beginning, the Program has funded over 7, 000 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

New Ross Legion Receives Federal Funding

The Government of Canada is supporting seniors in New Ross under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.  South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy announced funding of 20 thousand 450 dollars for the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch #79 for its project entitled New Ross Legion Honour Room which will see seniors and youth compile historical information on local veterans and gather artifacts for the Legion's new Honour Room. It is one of 797 projects that were approved through the 2010-2011 Community Participation and Leadership call for proposals.

ROAD CLOSURES..(as of 5pm, Friday, Nov. 12th)


LUNENBURG COUNTY:
(CLOSED)
--Branch LaHave Road (Wentzell Road) - from Trunk 10 to Sarty Road
--Veinot Road - between Trunk 10 and Osbourne Road
--Haines Road (Barss Corner)
 --Lower Branch Road - Closed from Osbourne Road to Trunk 10
--Wentzell Lake Road, at LaHave River crossing
(OPEN)
--Chester Grant Road will be open by 5:30 p.m. today
--Trunk 3 - East River Bridge open to light traffic.
(Temporary weight restriction of 12,000 kg in place.)
--East Clifford Road
--Route 329
--Faulkner Road - Water crossing road (still open)
--Green Bay Road - Water crossing road (still open)
--McKeen Road
--Lapland Road
--Woodstock Road

QUEENS COUNTY
(CLOSED)
--Mill Village East Road, between Hillsview Drive and Medway River Road
--Chapel Hill Drive closed at bridge about one kilometre north of Route 210
--Rosette Road, between Harlow and Moose Pit
--Medway River Road, between Deans Brook and Charleston and bridge closed at Slab Pile Brook in Charleston
--Westfield Road, closed between Westfield and Caledonia

(OPEN)
--Clarence Hirtle Road
--Port Medway Road
--Old Westfield Road
--Route 208
--New Elm Road
--River Road

SHELBURNE COUNTY
(CLOSED)
--Bowers Road
--Welshtown Road

(OPEN)
--Upper Clyde Road West
--Upper Clyde Road East
(Local traffic only at the Hemlock Branch Bridge)
--Back Lake Road

Chester Denies Funding Request for LCLC

Chester Council has turned down a funding request from the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The Municipality was asked to contribute 250 thousand dollars in each of the next two years.  Warden Alan Webber says Council has been struggling with the request since it was made on September 9th. Webber says Council decided not to proceed with a swimming pool in their own area because there wasn't the level of support needed from the community. Regarding the LCLC request, Webber says they were hoping for public input, however, he says silence doesn't justify providing the level of funding requested.

A recommendation to Council from the Finance Public Properties Committee to fund the LCLC in the amount of 100 thousand dollars was defeated. The 33 million dollar Lifestyle Centre to be built in Bridgewater will house an indoor aquatic centre, one NHL sized rink, a new library, multi purpose and active living space.

GUNS STOLEN FROM TRUCK IN LUNENBURG COUNTY

Hunting season is well underway and one hunter has learned the hard way what can happen if you leave your weapons in your vehicle.

Lunenburg County RCMP say an out-of-area hunter was parked on New Cumberland Road overnite Wednesday-Thursday and someone busted into his truck and stole some firearms.
Taken were two high-powered rifles and two shotguns from the seat of a large pickup truck.
Investigators say the thief or thieves broke into the vehicle by smashing out the rear driver-side window.
The RCMP are encouraging any one with information to contact them or Crimestoppers.

LUNENBURG COUNTY ROAD CLOSURES (FRIDAY)

A number of roads in Lunenburg County are still closed, a week after the big rain storm.
Closed to traffic are:
Lower Branch Road from Osborne Road to Trunk 10.
Veinot Road from Osborne to Trunk 10.
Hanes Road.
Branch LaHave Road from Sarty Road to Trunk 10.
Chester Grant Road.
East Clifford Road.
Trunk 3 at the East River bridge.

MAHONE BAY HAS NEW BILL COLLECTOR

An amendment to the Municipal Government Act will have the province collecting debts for the town of Mahone Bay.

Municipal relations will collect unpaid fines resulting from By-law infractions.
Only cash considered as provincial debt will be collected by government officials.
Mayor Joe Feeny says the new regulations are designed to give municipalities,province-wide, more leverage.
He adds, its not a major issue for the town.

ACCIDENT IN BAKERS SETTLEMENT

No serious injuries have been reported in a traffic-accident in Lunenburg County.

A number of vehicles were reportedly invovled in the collision, which took place shortly before 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon on Highway-325 in Baker's Settlement.
The Baker's Settlement Fire Department and an ambulance from Bridgewater were dispatched to the scene.
The Newcombville and Chelsea Fire Departments were paged for support, but were asked to stand-down shortly after.

SHELBURNE COUNTY BRIDGE CLOSURES

The recent heavy rains have led local officials to close two bridges in Shelburne County.

The Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Shelburne says the "Back lake Bridge" in Upper Ohio and the "Welshtown Crossroad Bridge" in Lower Ohio have been closed.
Kirk Cox says the two bridges have been closed until futher notice.
He says -- although the water-level has gone down -- the strong currents could have lifted and shifted the bridges slightly off their bases.
Cox says the bridges will remain closed until Transportation Department engineers can evaluate their condition.

UPDATED ROAD CLOSURES (7pm, Wednesday,November 10th)

Due to the significant rainfall experienced in Queens County, extreme high water conditions and flooding is being experienced in many areas throughout the County; particularly along the Medway River system. The public is advised to monitor water levels very closely over the next several days.




QUEEN's COUNTY ROAD CLOSURES
- Medway River Road from Charleston to Bangs Falls.
- Mill Village East Rd from Hillside Drive to Medway River Road.
- Westfield Road closed at both bridge locations.
- Old Westfield Road partially closed from Hwy 208 to Westfield Road.
- Rosette Road closed between Harlow Road and Moose Pit Road.
- Chapel Hill Drive at bridge near the boat launch in Greenfield.
- Medway River Road at Exit 17-A, from car pool parking lot to Flat Iron Road
- Clarence Hirtle Road, Charleston

LUNENBURG COUNTY:
- Veinot Road, between Trunk 10 and Lower Brand Road
- Haines Road, Barss Corner
- Lower Branch Road, from Osbourne Road to Trunk 10
- Chester Grant Road, closed at bridge
- East Clifford Road, closed in centre section, with entire road for use by local traffic only
- McKeen Road
- Lapland Road
- Woodstock Road
- Trunk 3, from Exit 7 Connector Road to Route 329 in East River

SHELBURNE COUNTY
- Upper Clyde Road West
- Upper Clyde Road East  (Local traffic only at the Hemlock Branch Bridge)
- Back Lake Road
- Bowers Road
- Welshtown Road

Trails Closed for Safety Precaution

The Department of Natural Resources is closing trails as a safety precaution on the abandoned rail corridor in Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis and Kings counties. Because of the significant amount of rainfall in the past few days bridges, culverts and the corridor are in danger of sustaining structural damage. The closure includes all sections of the 750-kilometre rail corridor that are under development agreements with local trail groups and undeveloped sections of the corridor. The rail corridor will remain closed until it passes inspections by Department of Natural Resources staff and local trail groups.

MP Keddy Makes Funding Announcements

Fittingly enough a funding announcement for the New Ross Legion will be made on Remembrance Day. South Shore/St. Margaret's MP, Gerald Keddy will provide the details during the event which is slated for 5 p.m. Thursday, November 11th at the Legion in New Ross. There will also be an awards presentation for Legion members followed by a dinner.

On Friday morning at 10 a.m., Keddy will make another announcement regarding seniors funding at the Parkdale-Maplewood Community Museum in Maplewood.

Lee Nauss Named Deputy-Mayor of MODL

He's already served as the the Warden of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, now he's the Deputy-Mayor. Lee Nauss was named to the position at a council meeting earlier this week. Four names including Nauss were nominated for the position which rotates on an annual basis, however, three of the Councillors withdrew . Nauss who represents District 10 was first elected to Council back in 1967.

Beach Infrastructure, Cape Sable Island

Cape Sable Island celebrated the official re-opening of South Side Beach on Wednesday, (November 10th). Important improvements to the beach infrastructure were made possible thanks to support from the Government of Canada.  South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced an investment of more than 11 thousand dollars from ACOA. The investment covers beach infrastructure improvements at the popular tourism and bird-watching area. Additional funding is coming from the Municipality of the District of Barrington, the Town of Clark's Harbour, international conservation group Cape Sable Important Bird Area, and Sable Fish Packers Limited.

OIL SLICK

Emergency officials are advising motorists to use caution when driving along trunk 3.

An unknown vehicle leaked hydraulic fluid along the highway leading down the 332 in Riverport, causing slippery road conditions.

Emergency officials are now applying sand to alleviate the problem.

VETERAN FIGHTS BACK

A South Shore Veteran says he's not the only one the federal government left out in the cold.


Last Saturday, Craig Leonard and a dozen protesters stood in a torrential downpour outside M-P Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office to demand better benefits for wounded soldiers .

The MP for South Shore-St.Margarets had promised to face their concerns on the picket line that day but never showed.

Leonard says the government has neglected veterans affairs and forgotten its soldiers.

"The thousand dollars a month, taxable, ends at age sixty five, the seventy-five percent long-term disability ends at age sixty five, Service and Canada Pensions disability pensions are reduced at age sixty-five. So what then? Are veterans to go to the food banks, are they to go on the streets?" says Leonard.

Leonard was one of thousands nationwide who protested the Harper Governments New Veterans Charter last weekend.

NEW PARK FOR MAHONE BAY

The Town of Mahone Bay is hoping some new signs will keep loud music, bad language and drinking away from the waterfront.

The greenspace along Edgewater street and the Harbour, from the "Young Teazer" property, to the Lutheran Church grounds, is now an official park.

Mayor Joe Feeny says council created "Edgewater Park" to help provide leverage to police.

Feeny says new signs will give the town constable more leverage when patrolling the known party spot.

The park will now be closed to the public from 11pm to 5am.

STIFFER CONSEQUENCES FOR DRUNK DRIVERS

If you think you can drive after a couple of drinks, you may want to think again.

New provincial laws will have drunk drivers facing stiffer consequences.

If found driving with a blood alcohol level between 50 and 80 milligrams, you could face a seven day suspension of your licence, and over 600 dollars in re-reinstatement fees.

Drivers who blow over 80 milligrams will face a three month suspension, and if convicted, at least one-thousand dollars in court fees.

RCMP will start doing road checks right away under the new regulations.

HIGHWAY 3 BRIDGE COLLAPSES NEAR YARMOUTH

A bridge over one of two main highways in southwestern Nova Scotia collapsed last night when powerful floodwaters caused by days of heavy rain broke a support column.

No one was believed to be on the 20-metre bridge over Highway 3 near Yarmouth when it fell into the Tusket River.
R-C-M-P Sergeant Michel Lacroix says it's believed that the force of flood waters took out the structure.
The bridge is downstream from a Nova Scotia Power dam that officials have been watching nervously for days for signs of possible breaches.

Centre Jail to be Demolished

Its days are numbered. The former Lunenburg County jail in Centre is soon about to meet the wrecking ball. The facility has been empty since 2001 when it reverted back to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Mayor Don Downe says for eight years they've spent tens of thousand of dollars trying to find solutions for the jail. He says at this point in time there are no more options for the jail so it will be demolished. Downe says tenders will be going out shortly. The Centre jail was opened back in 1950

Sewer Hook-Up Request

The Municipality of Lunenburg is taking a two prong approach regarding a request from 14 residents on Shore Road who want to hook into the Town of Lunenburg's wastewater treatment plant. MODL Mayor Don Downe says Council approved a recommendation to ask the Department of Environment for a capacity and efficiency report for the treatment plant. As well, the Municipality will advise the Town to prepare a Call for Proposals for a Feasibility Study and ask that the Municipality's assistant engineer have input into the Scope of Work. Downe says there's no commitment of any expenditure at this point in time, simply to take a look at the terms of reference of what the agreement would be between the Town and Municipality.

Nancy Rogers, says the Shore Road properties which are located in the Municipality, border about 500 meters of Lunenburg harbour shoreline. She says their properties continue to dispose of raw sewage and the harbour cannot be fully cleaned until that changes.

Health Information Protected

Nova Scotians can feel confident that their personal health information will be better protected. The government introduced a new Personal Health Information Act in the House of Assembly today (November 9th). Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the legislation will allow for information sharing and support better care, while better protecting patient privacy. Rules for sharing patient lists with hospital foundations remain unchanged. The minister says that while foundations do important work, government must ensure that patients are not contacted for fundraising purposes without their consent.Nova Scotia joins eight other provinces with comprehensive legislation to manage personal health information.

COUNCIL PUTS THE BRAKES ON NEW PARKING BY-LAW

The Town of Bridgewater is moving a proposed parking by-law to the back seat.

The planning document will be shelved indefinitely as town councillors and staff continue consultation with King Street merchants.

Mayor Carroll Publicover says changes in parking can improve business and change the face of a community.

" King Streets, Main Streets across this province are vital to the lifeblood to of their communities...And we've been ill for a long time on King street. We're getting better but we still have a long way still to go," says Publicover.

The draft policy would allow for two-hour parking instead of the current one-hour policy.

COUNCIL DOOR CLOSED TO HOUSING COMANY

The Town Of Bridgewater doesn't like to mix business with council.


Town council has refused to provide promotional and community support to one Nova Scotia company.

"BFree Homes" is a consultation service that helps homeowners get the most out of energy audits by recommending what improvements should be made.

Mayor Carroll Publicover moved to have the Engineering and Sustainability departments take a look at their proposal.

He was outvoted in council "6-1".

"Just because a company makes that is can't do also a vital community role. What I understood from them is that they were going help facilitate groups of citizens who need energy upgrades in their homes and helping by means of volume purchasing get better quality and quantity," says Publicover.

Councillors voted at last night's regular monthly meeting.

RED CROSS SETS UP SHELTERS FOR EVACUEES

The Canadian Red Cross is maintaining shelters or comfort centres in areas of southwest Nova Scotia where municipalities have declared states of local emergency due to flooding and may have evacuation orders in place.
However, most of the affected residents have remained in their homes, or have made their own arrangements to stay with family or friends in safer areas.

Comfort centres are set up for people to pass the time in safety, have access to electricity and water, and may receive periodic updates from municipal authorities.
Shelters are equipped by the Red Cross with cots, blankets and other items for overnight stays for evacuees who have nowhere else to go.
There's a Canadian Red Cross shelter at the recreation centre in Hebron, and comfort centres at Club des Audacieux in Quinan and at the Lake Vaughn fire hall in Tusket.
While about 120 households have received evacuation notices and some have made daytime use of reception centres, none have required overnight stays in shelters.

LUNENBURG-QUEENS-SHELBURNE ROADS CLOSED

A number of Lunenburg County roads are closed this morning because of flooding.

Here's the list...

Trunk 10 from Feeners Corner Intersection to Goose Chase Road.

Hanes Road.

Lower Branch Road from Osborne Road to Trunk 10.

Veinot Road from Osborne to Trunk 10.

Trunk 10 end of McKeen Road.

Chester Grant Road.
----------
In Queens County ...


-- Corkum Road,at Minard Brook bridge between Grafton and West Caledonia is closed.

-- Medway River Road, at Deans Brook to Buggy Hole in Bangs Falls

-- Westfield Road, at both bridge locations

-- Old Westfield Road

-- Murley Road

-- Trunk 8, between South Brookfield and Caledonia

And in Shelburne County:

-- Upper Clyde Road (West End by Bloody Creek)

-- Back Lake Road bridge, Upper Ohio

NS PREMIER TO INSPECT FLOOD DAMAGE

Premier Darrell Dexter will travel to the Barrington, Shelburne and Yarmouth areas tomorrow for a first-hand look at the flood damage.

Speaking at the legislature last night, Dexter says flooding will remain an immediate concern for the next day or so as the runoff from swollen lakes and rivers crests.
The premier says it will likely take weeks for provincial infrastructure officials to assess the extent of the damage.
He says officials will prioritize the needs of various communities and quickly put in place temporary solutions before looking at longer-term replacements for damaged bridges and dams.
Dexter says it's likely the damage will surpass that suffered by the remote Cape Breton community of Meat Cove.
Rain and flash flooding in August caused an estimated 7.2 (m) million dollars in damage to roads, bridges, culverts and homes in that village.

Ground Search & Rescues Get Communications Upgrade

Nova Scotians and search volunteers will soon be even safer thanks to a new project to upgrade Ground Search and Rescue voice communications. A 1.3-million dollar federal grant from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat New Initiative Fund will provide all search and rescue volunteers in Nova Scotia with updated, standardized handheld communications equipment.  Emergency Management Minister Ramona Jennex says Ground Search and Rescue teams are there for Nova Scotians when they are in desperate trouble. She says these new radios will help find people more quickly, and help ensure the safety of the ground search and rescue teams. The grant also includes funding for a project co-ordinator.

UPDATED ROAD CLOSURES (5PM, MON.NOV.8)

A number of South Shore roads are closed because of flooding.


LUNENBURG COUNTY;
--Trunk 10, through Pinehurst area from Feeners Corner Road to Goose Chase Road (Detour route is Feeners Corner Road to Northfield Road to Goose Chase Road)

QUEENS COUNTY
--Rosette Road closed between Harlow and Moose Pit --Old Westfield Road, intermittently closed between Trunk 8 in Harmony to Westfield at MacGowan Lake

SHELBURNE COUNTY:

--Back Hill Road
--Upper Clyde Road West
--Upper Clyde Road East (Local traffic only at the Hemlock Branch Bridge)

***************************************

All trails in Lunenburg county are off limits until further notice.
The Municipality of Lunenburg is urging the public to stay away from walking routes as they many be unsafe, flooded and washed-out.

*****************************************
Local emergency officials are cautioning people to keep a watch on their properties as water levels continue to rise along the Lahave River and in Petite Riviere. Heather Mackenzie-Carey, the regional emergency management coordinator for Lunenburg County says road and water systems are being monitored. Carey reminds residents who have wells in flooded areas they should consider the need to test their water supply to ensure it has not been contaminated.

QUEENS COUNTY ROAD CLOSURES

Several roads in Queens County are now inaccessible.


County RCMP and Emergency Measures have closed several roads in the region due to high water levels.

The Old Westfield Road and the Westfield Road between the Bridges,

The Murley Road, the Corkum Road, The Medway River Road at Deans Brook are all closed. Highway Eight is also closed for smaller vehicles at the Hunts flat area.

Sections of the River Road in Milton area are also closed.

RCMP are reminding the public to be aware that as water levels rise more roads could be effected and to use extra caution during this time.

SCHOOLOUT EARLY

Students at North Queens Community School were dismissed early today.

School officials were contacted by the Department of Natural Resources that a dam would be released in the region and that there was increased risk of flooding near school grounds.

The South Shore Regional School Board is advising parents that route 100 is running late getting students home.

SHELLFISH HARVEST BAN IMPOSED IN SW NOVA SCOTIA

All the rain over the weekend has led to the closure of a wide section of coastal southwestern Nova Scotia to shellfish harvesting.

A ban has been put in place, closing all waters within five kilometres of the high water mark of the mainland shoreline and islands of Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Counties for the harvesting of all or any bi-valve molluscs such as soft-shelled clams, bar clams, bay quahaugs, mussels, scallops, etc.until further notice.
The closure is because of an increase in levels of bacteriological contamination caused by the heavy rainfall.

MANY ROADS CLOSED BY FLOODING

A number of South Shore roads are closed because of flooding from the rain that came down over the weekend.

The Department of Transportation has advised us the Haines Road in Barss Corner is shut down.
Also, Lower Branch Road from Osborne Road to Trunk 10.
Veinot Road, Osborne to Trunk 10.
McKeen Road, the Trunk 10 end.
Chester Grant Road.
Again, those roads in Lunenburg County closed this morning because of flooding.
Meanwhile, in Shelburne County, officials have closed the Upper Clyde Road (West) near the Bloody Creek bridge.
In Queens County, the Medway River Road, at Deans Brook to Buggy Hole in Bangs Falls and the Westfield Road, at both bridge locations have been closed to traffic due to flooding.

South Shore School Board Supports Ministers Initiatives

The province is undertaking a two year pilot project to curtail skipping classes. Beginning next September students who miss more than 20 per cent of class time in a course will receive a failing grade. The Director of Programs & Student Services for the South Shore Regional School Board, Steve Prest, says the Board will be examining it's attendance policy.  He says recognizing that quality classroom instruction is one of the most important factors affecting student learning, and realizing also that instrution can only have an impact when students are present and engaged ,Prest says he thinks the Minister has addressed areas where there is potentional to have impact on the issue of promoting student engagement in schools. Prest also says the focus should be on the emphasis of placing more value on graduating, He says increasing the drop out age to 18 from the current age of 16 would have a minimum impact on keeping students in school. Education Minister Marilyn More has accepted 10 of 13 recommendations made recently by a working committee on absenteeism and classroom climate. The recommendations deal with a mix of greater support for students and stiffer consequences for missing too many classes.

WEATHER THE STORM

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) is reminding Nova Scotians to prepare for flooding after parts of the mainland received more than 200 millilitres of rain today.


EMO has activated its Joint Emergency Operations Centre and continues to monitor the storm.

Emergency management planning officers are reporting that various areas of mainland Nova Scotia are experiencing some localized flooding and that many of the rivers and streams are now full. There is concern that the waterways are reaching capacity.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to protect their property and prepare for flooding in their areas by moving furniture and personal property away from possible flood water and to secure property that might be swept away or damaged by a flood.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure they have access to drinking water in case their regular supply is unavailable or becomes contaminated.

Bridgewater isn't Blooming!

"Communities in Bloom" is recognizing communities across the province for their excellence in tourism, beautification, environmental awareness and heritage conservation.
The Town of Bridgewater isn't one of them.

The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia recognized Louisbourg, Stellarton, Truro, Baddeck, Oxford, Parrsboro, and Pugwash at an Awards Ceremony.

Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's not surprised Bridgewater was left off the list.

"I've said many times publicly at council meetings and otherwise that we don't spend enough on aesthetics. We need to pretty up our town and make it more visually inviting and we've started that," say Publicover.

Publicover says Bridgewater will soon be on the list, as town projects improve the look of the waterfront and the downtown core.

KEDDY'S ABSENCE 'ARROGANT'

Veterans and their supporters are protesting nationwide, calling for better benefits for wounded soldiers.

Veteran, Craig Leonard led a march at MP Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office on November 6th.

Leonard says the MP for South-Shore, St. Margaret's emailed him and had promised to face protesters and their concerns on the picket line.

Leonard says Keddy's absence speaks volumes.

"This does, in my mind, show the government's arrogance and unfeeling towards veterans. Again that's my opinion...But to send an email out to the fact that he would show, and then decide not to, is not right," says Leonard.

Keddy has said that veterans in Canada receive the best treatment in the world and that the government deserves 'thanks' for the hard work and 2.5 billion dollars it has put into improving Veterans Affairs.

Boat Builders Stay Competitive with Marketing Funding

Nova Scotia's boat builders got a financial boost to support  competitiveness in the global market and export sales.  Covey Island Boatworks, Norseboat Ltd, The Dory Shop, ABCO Industries, Mahone Bay Boatworks, Lutwick's Boatbuilding and Repair and  Tern Boatworks, LaHave are all receiving support . Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced on Friday, (November 5th) more than 300-thousand dollars in funding for 21 boat building companies and industry associations to improve marketing and promotion efforts outside Atlantic Canada.The funding is distributed through the Boatbuilders' Marketing Assistance Program.

MARKETING ACTIVITY
--Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg
-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.
-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg
-- The Dory Shop, Lunenburg
-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg
--Tern Boatworks, LaHave, Lunenburg Co.
-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

MARKET RESEARCH
-- Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg
-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.
-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg
-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Dixon's Marine Group 2000 Inc., Lower Woods Harbour, Shelburne Co.

-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

MARKETING MATERIALS

-- Covey Island Boatworks, Lunenburg

-- Nova Trawlers Ltd., Lower Ohio, Shelburne Co.

-- Norseboat Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Samson Enterprises Ltd., Arichat, Richmond Co.

-- The Dory Shop, Lunenburg

-- ABCO Industries Ltd., Lunenburg

-- Lutwick's Boat Building and Repair, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

-- Tern Boatworks, LaHave, Lunenburg Co.

-- Mahone Bay Boatworks, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.

Time Changes This Weekend

This is the weekend you get an extra hour of sleep.  Nova Scotians are reminded to set their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 7th, when daylight savings ends at 2 a.m., or before going to bed Saturday evening. Along with watches and clocks, microwave ovens, VCR and DVD players, answering machines, car clocks and automatic timer lights need to be adjusted. It is also a reminder to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.  People are also advised to check computer calendars to ensure appointments are up to date when the time change occurs.

Missing for Four Years

Shelburne RCMP will be conducting a search this Sunday, November 7th for a man who has been missing for four years.  Eric Helton Dorey was reported missing by family members on October 23rd, 2006.   Dorey who resided with his mother at Woodlawn Drive in Shelburne has never been located.  He was regularly seen walking in Shelburne or along the 103 between Shelburne and Yarmouth. In the weeks after Dorey was reported missing, a wooded area near his residence was searched  with negative results.  The Mounties will be searching another wooded area near Dorey's former residence this weekend for clues related to his disappearance.  Dorey would be celebrating his 53rd birthday next month.

Fishermen's Memorial ER Recommended for Change

Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is one of the rural hospitals recommended to be used as a collaborative assessment room for emergencies (CARE) centre. The recommendation was contained in a report on emergency health care in Nova Scotia by Dr. John Ross. He stated in his report that of those who accessed ER services at Fishermen's none were life or limb threatening. Dr. Ross stated that according to data most patients could be seen in an office setting. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says he hasn't seen the report yet and wants to thoroughly review it and discuss the impact of the report with South Shore Health officials before commenting.

Fishery Amendments Introduced

Nova Scotia's lakes and rivers will be better protected through amendments to legislation introduced Thursday (Nov,4) by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau . The proposed amendments to the Fisheries and Coastal  Resources Act will better protect against the non-authorized introduction of fish into provincial waters and clarify definitions in the act.  Belliveau says Nova Scotians expect marine and  freshwater resources to be well-managed for present and future . The Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act outlines a structure for sustainable development of Nova Scotia's coastal resources. It has been in effect since 1997.

Keddy on Veterans Protest

The member of Parliament for South Shore St-Margaret's says the federal government offers Canadian veterans the best treatment in the world. A group of soldiers and their supporters will challenge that statement at Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office on Saturday, November 6th, as veterans protest nationwide. Keddy says the 2.5 billion dollars the government has pumped into Veterans Affairs since coming to power has improved benefits and increased the number of pension pay-outs. He says they would never be able to afford to make it perfect, but it's a heck of a lot better than it was. Keddy says the Government deserves a lot of support and thanks for the good things they've done. He says if people want to advocate for more and advocate for the government to do things in a different way than do that in a legitimate way. Keddy says this Saturday's nationwide protest isn't valid because it claims the government has failed outright in its handling of Veterans Affairs.

Head-On Crash on Highway 103

A head-on crash on highway 103 near Chester around midnight last night sent four people to hospital in Halifax with non-life threatening injuries. It happened between exits 6 and 7.  An ambulance pulled in behind a vehicle parked along the side of the road to see if those inside needed assistance. But the vehicle took off. The ambulance followed and a short time later the other vehicle crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into another. The driver fled the scene on foot into the woods but was apprehended not long after with the help of a police tracking dog. Lunenburg County RCMP continue their investigation.

New Judge to Sit in Bridgewater

There'll soon be a new judge on the bench in Bridgewater. Judge Gregory E. Lenehan will be sworn-in to the Nova Scotia Provincial and Family Courts at a ceremony in the Provincial courthouse in Halifax on Friday, November 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm. Judge Lenehan who was appointed October 19th, has served as a Crown Attorney for the past 21 years.  He will be sitting in Bridgewater, replacing Judge Richard MacKinnon who recently moved to the Truro courthouse.

Lunenburg Council Defers Decision on Development

Another contentious development project for the Town of Lunenburg. Stellar Investments plan to construct a resort hotel/ condominium/ apartment complex on Mason's Beach Road. About 80 people packed the Lunenburg Courthouse Tuesday evening for a public hearing on the proposal. Stellar Investments plan to develop a 60 room 120 bed resort hotel, 60 residential condominium units and an additional 30 apartments . The project will be developed in three phases beginning with the condominiums. Developer Gunther Reibling says the bottom line..if the condo's don't sell there won't be a project. The project is expected to constructed in three phases beginning with the condos. Council has deferred a decision on the application requesting more time to study all the information presented at the public hearing..

KING BALSAM TO BE HONORED WITH TREE PLANTING

In Lunenburg County, the balsam fir is king and to recognize that, one of the small beauties will be planted tomorrow (Thursday) in Dayspring.

Janice Rand of the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg says everyone will be able to watch the tree mature in the coming years.
When it reaches maturity in a few years, the tree will be decorated as the Municipal Christmas Tree.
Since 1995, Lunenburg County has long been officially recognized as the "Balsam Fir Christmas Tree Capital of the World".
The public is invited to Thursday's tree planting ceremony at noon at the Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex (MARC) in Dayspring.

TIMBERLEA ATV DRIVER FACES HELMET AND D-U-I CHARGES

A man has been arrested in Timberlea on the "Rails to Trails" system and has been charged for alledgedly driving his ATV while impaired.

RCMP officers were conducting a foot patrol of the trail system when they stopped the individual for failing to wear his helmet and then arrested him on the drunk driving charge.
The 35-year-old from the Timberlea area is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle after providing two breath samples over the legal limit.
He appears in Halifax court in mid December.

Treasure Trove Act Repealed

Ownership of Nova Scotia's underwater cultural and heritage resources will be more secure as government introduces legislation today (Tuesday, November 2nd) to repeal the Treasure Trove Act, amend the Special Places Protection Act and create the Oak Island Treasure Act. Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell says Nova Scotians are concerned that artifacts and cultural heritage are being exploited for commercial gain and changes to the legislation will help keep material from future excavations. Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Percy Paris says that artifacts in shipwrecks along the coast belong to Nova  Scotia and that government will act to protect that history.

DEXTER DEFENDS FUNDING CUTS

Premier Darrell Dexter is defending the government's plan to cut education funding.

The province is proposing a 5 percent cuts in the budget for school boards province-wide, that's 196-million dollars.

Dexter says budget cuts are necessary in difficult economic times but HIS government is taking a better approach.

"Unlike governments in the past that have simply come forward and dictated across the board reductions, we took a different view, we said that the leadership on the issue of financial stability, the leadership on the issues on how we get back to balance should belong to the people in control of the budgets," says Dexter.

Chairman of the South Shore Regional School Board says the province is in too big a rush to balance the budget.

Elliott Payzant says a hasty attempt to pull the province out the red will threaten student education.

No details of the budget cuts have been finalized.

Literacy Action Week- Book Launch

To celebrate Literacy Action Week, the Community College's Lunenburg Campus is hosting a book launch and signing this Friday. The Way it Works is the sixth and latest novel by William Kowalshi, established author and NSCC faculty member for the School of Access and School of Trades & Technology. The launch will take place at NSCC's Lunenburg Campus, 75 High Street in Bridgewater, on Friday, Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mr. Kowalshi will be on hand for a reading and book signing. The Way it Works is a short novel for adults and has recently been nominated for the Ontario Library Association's reader's choice award, the Golden Oak Award.  Literacy Action week is held the first week of November each year. It is the time when Literacy Nova Scotia and individuals and organizations who have an interest in supporting adult literacy concentrate on ways to inform governments and the public about literacy in their community.

CYBER-Safety Program

An anti-cyberbullying program will be unveiled this Friday by Bridgewater Police. "CYBER: Programmed for Safety" teaches children the problems of bullying behaviour and how to protect themselves when on the Internet. According to statistics

- 50% of Canadian children say that they are online most of the time.
- 25% of young Canadian Internet users say that someone has sent them messages that have said hateful things about others.
- 42% of kids have been targeted while online.
- Only 10% of those kids who were bullied told their parents about the incident.
- A mere 18% of the cases were reported to a law enforcement agency.

The public event to launch the new program takes place Friday, November 5th at the Bridgewater Elementary School at 11:15 a.m.

Lunenburg Pair Face Drug/Weapons Charges

Two residents of Lunenburg are facing drug allegations following a search of their residence on Pelham Street. Members of the South Shore Integrated Street Squad along with Bridgewater Police and Lunenburg County RCMP conducted the search on Friday, October 29th. Police seized cocaine, processed marihuana, "magic mushrooms", prohibited weapons and stolen property. A 26 year old man and 24 year old woman from Lunenburg have been charged with possessing cocaine, marihuana and "magic mushrooms" for the purposes of trafficking. The pair also face charges for for possessing prohibited weapons and stolen property under the Criminal Code. A date of January 12th has been set for plea in Bridgewater Provincial Court.

PREMIER MAKES IT OFFICIAL, ANNOUNCING NEW SCHOOL FOR LIVERPOOL

A new school will be built in Liverpool.

Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement this morning in the South Shore town.
The new facility will replace the aging South Queens Junior High.
The Premier says he attended South Queens Junior High so it holds a special place in his heart and he knows the replacement will be an excellent addition to the community.
South Queens Junior High School has an enrollment of about 300 students in grades 7 to 9.
A study determined it was better value to build a new school rather than renovate the existing one.
Planning will begin immediately, starting with the site-selection process.
The design, completion date and cost of the project will be determined during the early phases of planning.

School Board Modifies Transfer Policy

The South Shore Regional School Board has modified its transfer-policy.
Students are sometimes granted special permission to attend a school, based on their participation in an "advanced" or "immersion" program.
With the new policy in place, students who then withdraw from that program will have to return to their regional school.
Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says transfers are seldom requested and rarely granted.
Students denied a transfer can fight the decision with the regional Appeal Committee.

Downtown Bridgewater Traffic Disruptions

The downtown section of Bridgewater continues to present problems for motorists.
Because of infrastructure upgrades, traffic is being disrupted at the York St. / Alexandra Ave. / Dufferin St. intersection.
The work will continue until Friday and motorists are advised to use an alternate route.
King Street will remain open to two-way traffic.
Dufferin Street will remain closed from King Street access.
All businesses and residences in the construction-area will continue to be accessible by local-traffic.

Veterans Protest Their Treatment by Federal Government

As Remembrance Day approaches, veterans across the country are protesting.
Retired members of the Canadian armed forces have expressed renewed outrage at the conservative government's decision to not re-appoint the outspoken Pat Stogran as veterans' ombudsman.
Craig Leonard -- a retired veteran who suffers from post traumatic distress disorder -- says the government was not listening to what Stogran had to say.
Leonard -- who served in Manitoba, New Brunswick and in the Golan Heights along the disputed-border between Israel and Syria -- says the benefits offered under the 2006 Federal Veterans charter are unacceptable for those who served.  
A nation-wide Day of Protest is taking place on November 6th.
Local picketers will gather at the office of Member-of-Parliament Gerald Keddy on Aberdeen Road in Bridgewater at 11:00 o'clock on Saturday.

PROVINCE PLANS TO SLASH SCHOOL FUNDS

The chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says an attempt to balance the provincial-budget is threatening classrooms across the South Shore.

Elliot Payzant made the comment in reaction to the provincial government's proposed five-per-cent annual budget-cuts over the next-three years.

That's 196-million-dollars missing from the balance-sheets.

Payzant says class sizes will likely increase, support for students with special needs may be reduced and staff cuts are certain.

The School board will present its new fiscal plan to the public later this month.

Game Over VLT's

A Nova Scotia organization ... "Game OverVLT's-dot-com"... says enough is enough and its time Video Lottery Terminals were banned for good. Spokesman Terry Fulmer says its a disgrace that hundreds of millions of dollars are being raked in by the gaming corporation every year yet whats put back for helping problem gamblers in Nova Scotia is but a drop in the bucket. Fulmer says gambling is OK if you know what you're doing but the VLT's are destroying too many people and their families because they're such an attraction. Fulmer accuses the province of failing to take responsibility and helping the estimated 18-thousand Nova Scotians with gambling problems resulting in large part from the prevalence of VLT's.

Fulmer is on a cross-province speaking tour and recently addressed the issue during a presentation to the Bridgewater Rotary Club.

Citizenship Ceremony at Forest Heights Community School

The Department of "Citizenship and Immigration" held a citizenship ceremony Thursday afternoon at Forest Heights Community School. Trish Smith the Communications Director for the "South Shore Regional School Board" says the event allows the students to be involved and it also exposes them to the idea of becoming a new Canadian citizen. The ceremony welcomed a number of new citizens -- including the principal of Forests Heights Community School. Born in Australia -- Shannon Catton took the oath of Canadian citizenship, along with more than 30 other new Canadians.

*** Teacher Shannon Catton with the presider of the ceremony, Order of Canada recipient, Elizabeth Parr-Johnson**

Theft Advisory

Shelburne RCMP are advising the public of an increase in the theft of materials that are able to be sold to scrap metal yards.  Most recently the Mounties had a theft of various pieces and types of metal, along with a unique stainless steal propeller shaft.  The shaft would have been difficult to move due to its size and weight.  People are advised that if they see any suspicious activity to call their local police agency immediately.

New School Announcement Monday

A new school construction project will be announced in Liverpool on Monday November 1st..   Premier Darrell Dexter will be in Queens County to make the official announcement at the South Queens Junior High School at 10 a.m. The school was listed as a priority several years ago and parents and the School Board have been pushing for a new stand alone building saying renovations to the existing facility were not economically sound.

Male Injured Falling from Deer Stand

It was a bit of an unusual call for assistance for the Barrington RCMP. The Mounties received a call around noon time from EHS reporting they were treating a patient in a wooded area about four miles behind the church on Oak Park Road. Due to the rough terrain the paramedics were unable to safely transport the injured male out of the forest. Arrangements were made to have a Sea King helicopter attend and airlift the patient who was transported to Yarmouth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The 65 year old man had been in the wooded area with friends on a deer hunting trip overnight when he fell from his deer stand. The victim did not believe his injuries were serious and spent the night at the nearby camp with other hunters. However, when he awoke Friday morning, he was in a great deal of pain and his son called 9-1-1.

Deer Hunting Season Opens

Nova Scotian hunters are celebrating another deer hunting season, which begins today. (October 29th). To manage the deer population in Nova Scotia, a zone system is used to set the number of antlerless licences based on the number of deer in various areas. This year the province has reconfigured the deer zones from an eight- to a 12-zone system, so applicants should review new zones carefully.  Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell reminds hunters to make safety a priority, and says people in the woods should wear hunter-orange clothing at all times. The five-week season excludes Sundays and runs until Dec. 3.

Again this year, meat may be donated to food banks through Feed Nova Scotia's Hunters Helping the Hungry program. Hunters may bring a deer or moose to a participating meat cutter to donate all or a portion of the meat to help families in need.

Cenotaph Restoration

The Government of Canada is helping fund the restoration of the Chester Basin Cenotaph . South Shore/St. Margaret's M-P Gerald Keddy has announced funding of up to 14 hundred 65 dollars to the Royal Canadian Legion, Everett Branch # 88, for the restoration project.. Built in 1976 in front of the Chester Basin Legion, the cenotaph is in remembrance of those from the community who made the supreme sacrifice for Canada in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. Planned restoration work includes removing brickwork around the monument; levelling the terrain; replacing brickwork and cleaning the bronze plaque. This is one of eleven community-led projects receiving a total of $110,120 announced by the Government of Canada through Veterans Affairs Canada's Cenotaph/Monument Restoration Program.

Police Warn of Seniors Scam

Bridgewater Police are warning seniors not to fall for the grandson telephone scam that is making the rounds. On October 20th, a Bridgewater woman reported a suspicious phone call she had received from a male claiming to be her grandson. The caller told the woman he had been involved in a car accident, and needed 5 thousand dollars to replace a telephone pole he had damaged. The intended victim did not take the bait and reported the phone call to police. This is the second such call reported to police in the past few months.

Accident Results in MVA Charge

Two people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital following a two car accident on LaHave Street Wednesday night. The accident happened shortly after 10pm. Police say weather conditions played a part in the accident as it was raining hard at the time. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. Four people were involved in the collision. Two individuals were treated for minor injuries and later released. One of the drivers is being charged under the Motor Vehicle Act with failing to yield to highway traffic when entering the highway.

Minor Injuries in Port Mouton Truck Accident

A transport truck driver suffered only minor-injuries when his 18-wheeler overturned in a ditch at Exit-20 on Highway-103 in Port Mouton.

The RCMP closed the highway betwen 3:30 and 5:30 this morning to allow a couple of tow trucks to set the transport truck upright and haul it away.

The Mounties suspect that wet-conditions at the time of the incident, which happened at around 11:00 o'clock last night, may have contributed to the accident.

ILLEGAL BUTT BUST

A Lunenburg County man is facing federal and provincial charges following a seizure of more than 95 thousand illegal cigarettes. Police executed a search warrant at a residence on the Keddy Bridge Road, Oakland on Tuesday October 26th. A 55 year old male from the Oakland area is facing charges under the Federal Excise Act and the Provincial Revenue Act. A December 8th, 2010 Court date has been set for plea in the Bridgewater Provincial Court.

Council Contracts

Bridgewater town council has awarded two east coast companies with engineering contracts.

One tender for work on a key component for the municipal waste water treatment facility was awarded to CBCL Limited.

The Halifax-based firm designed the plant, and will now install a new digester component at a cost of $ 7,400.

A second contract was provided to Elmsdale Landscaping at an estimated cost of $ 40,500

The Nova Scotia company will haul an estimated fifteen thousand tonnes of salt for town streets this winter.

Fire that Destroyed Auburndale Storage Barn Not Suspicious

Fire has destroyed a large storage barn in Lunenburg County.
The blaze on the Upper Branch Road in Auburndale broke out just before midnight. The fire destroyed a number of cars, trucks and boats stored inside the facility. Firefighters from  eight departments in the area were involved in fighting the blaze. Firefighters and and equipment came from departments in Midville Branch ,Bridgewater, Newcombville, Chelsea, Baker Settlement, Wileville, Hebbville and Hemford.The Lunenburg County RCMP says the cause of the blaze seems to be electrical in nature and the fire Marshall's office has not been called in. Corporal Dyson Smith says excavators were called in to help the firefighters. One firefighter was sent to South Shore Regional Hospital suffering smoke inhalation as a result of the Auburndale fire. The hospital released him this morning, and he is reported to be in good condition.

Shelburne Grants

Four local tourism and cultural organizations have received grants from the Municipality of Shelburne. The Osprey Arts Centre will get 26 hundred dollars, 33 hundred goes to the Shelburne Historical Society, 25 hundred for the Town's Visitor Information Centre, and Destination Southwest Nova Association received 34 hundred 26 dollars. Three of the four organizations are located in the Town of Shelburne, highlighting the long standing principle of cooperation between the Town of Shelburne and the Municipality of Shelburne.

"55" DRIVER REFRESHER COURSE

Bridgewater Police Service, Chester RCMP and the Mahone Bay Area Seniors Project are working together to host a refresher driving course designed specifically for seniors. The program will be held at the Mahone Bay Centre, 45 School Street in Mahone Bay on November 19th from 9 - 3 pm. This six hour, classroom-based course is designed to refresh driving skills and put in focus many of the distractions facing senior drivers today. The program is sponsored by the Nova Scotia Government and is free to seniors who hold a valid Nova Scotia drivers licence and are 65 years of age or older. Those drivers under 65 who would like to register for the program, or those who have taken the program before, must pay a $40 fee. Participation has no effect on a senior's driving record. . Seniors interested in registering for the "55 Alive" driver refresher program can contact Beth George, Seniors Safety Coordinator at (902) 543-3567.

HANG-UP ON SCAMMERS

The RCMP is warning you to watch out for some suspicious phone calls.

The Barrington RCMP say these "scams" come in many different forms.

Sgt. Robert Forbes says -- however -- they all rely on the same basic principle.

Someone will call you and try to get as much personal information about you as possible -- such as your social Insurance Number, drivers-license or credit-card information.

The callers usually claim to represent a recognized organization.

Sgt. Forbes says you should report such calls by calling the police or going online to Phonebusters.com.

BREAK & ENTERS & THEFTS IN QUEENS COUNTY

Queens County RCMP are investigating a rash of break and enters and thefts in the Greenfield area in recent days.

Over the weekend, the Buckfield Community Hall on Highway 210 was broken into and ransacked.
Nothing was taken though.
Around the same time, several vehicles in the area were broken into and so was a garage.
Staff Sargeant Jeff Wells of Queens County RCMP says they are looking for suspects right now and says investigators have what the staff-sargeant calls "person of interests" in mind.
He also warns drivers, again, to make sure their vehicles are locked up when not in use to help prevent would-be thieves from getting in.
Police are asking anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious or has any other information to call Liverpool RCMP or Crime Stoppers.