Four SSRSB schools receive banner from Terry Fox Foundation



Mrs. Laura Roblee, on behalf of the Terry Fox Foundation presents Ms. Carol Hughes, Principal of Pentz Elementary, with the school's participation banner.


Four South Shore schools have been recognized for their 30 years of service in the Terry Fox Run. Pentz Elementary, Newcombville Elementary, New Germany Elementary and Dr. JC Wickwire Academy were presented with a 30-year participation banner from the Terry Fox Foundation. Pentz Elementary Principal, Carol Hughes, says it's an important accomplishment for the school because it shows that the students and community have made the event a priority. Hughes says together, they have raised $25,626.17 for the Terry Fox Foundation in 30 years.

By-law causes delay for Bridgewater off-leash dog park

Bridgewater Councillor David Mitchell

The chance of an off-leash dog park in Bridgewater has hit a snag. According to zoning laws, dogs are not permitted off-leash in any park or recreational space within the town. Councillor David Mitchell says council will have to change its current by-law and receive provincial government approval. Mitchell says its roughly a four and a half month process to get the by-law changed. Mitchell hopes council will fast-track the procedure but he doesn't expect to see an off-leash dog park in Bridgewater until Spring 2012.

Adjust Driving Conditions

RCMP are reminding motorists to adjust their driving habits due to heavy rain that is expected to occur across the province today. When driving in the rain, motorists are encouraged to:

- Reduce speed and watch for puddles or dips in the road where water may be pooling.


- Drive with headlights on. It will increase visibility and will also make the vehicle more visible to other drivers.


- Refrain from using cruise control and making jerky stops and starts to prevent hydroplaning due to the buildup of water on the roads. If motorists start to hydroplane, they should stay calm and take their foot off the gas. Slowing down will usually restore contact and friction with the road surface.

McNeil Calls for deregulation of gasosline pricing

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil

Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says addressing the tax-on-tax on gasoline is an easy way for the government to make gasoline cheaper for Nova Scotians. He says the Utility and Review Board's dismissal of the premier's second attempt to adjust gas regulation is further proof that deregulation of gasoline pricing in Nova Scotia is the only answer. McNeil says by attempting to tinker with regulation , the premier is admitting that our regulatory regime is failing Nova Scotians. He says regulation costs the people of the province millions of dollars each year, drives up prices and places increased costs on the shoulders of Nova Scotians and businesses. McNeil adds removing the tax-on-tax on gas would immediately reduce the price of gas by close to four cents per litre and bring some fairness back to the pumps."

South Shore Students Win Energy Scholarships

Five South Shore students are among this years group of 19 scholarship winners from an industry-government partnership. The Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program awards up to 12 scholarships, valued at 10-thousand dollars each, to high school graduates pursuing energy studies at university. It also offers up to ten, 25 hundred-dollar scholarships for students pursuing energy-related trades and technology programs at the Nova Scotia Community College.

Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, community involvement and extra-curricular activities, and must have demonstrated an interest in the Nova Scotia energy sector.
       Pengrowth Energy Corporation, Pengrowth Management Limited and the province has invested $3 million in the scholarship program to date. Since the program's inception in 2005, 130 students have received scholarships and grants.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:
-- Alecia Bowers, Liverpool Regional High School
-- Kyle Boyle, North Queens Rural High School
-- Thomas Lloyd, Liverpool Regional High School
-- Haley Newell, Barrington Municipal High School
-- Ryan Newell, Barrington Municipal High School

Operation Impact

Operation Impact kicks in gear this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Police officers throughout Lunenburg County will be out in full force for the national traffic safety initiative which runs from October 7th to the 11th. The safety blitz focuses on safe driving practices and targets high risk drivers, noting the increase in people travelling the roads . Traditionally the Thanksgiving weekend is one of the deadliest long weekends of the year on Canadian highways.

Restroom Assault

A 24 year old male remains in custody while a youth will appear in court this afternoon in connection with an alleged assault at a Bridgewater area restroom. Both are facing charges of assault causing bodily harm, as well as breaching court orders. The incident took place last Thursday, September 29th. An adult male suffered minor injuries after being jumped by the two accused. Matthew Manuel Faustino was denied bail yesterday and returns to Bridgewater Provincial Court on Wednesday.

Harbour House raises over $8,600 during 25th anniversary fundraiser

Harbour House in Bridgewater received a big anniversary present over the weekend. The shelter raised over $8,600 dollars in support of women's and children's programming like individual and group counselling and outreach services. Jayden Winfree says roughly 115 people attended the event at the Bridgewater Curling Club. The Transition Home is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

Argyle MLA mystified over support for Railway, not Yarmouth Ferry

Argyle MLA Chris d'Entremont

The MLA for Argyle says the NDP is giving a message to people on the South Shore that they're not important. Chris d'Entremont is reacting over the Dexter government's recent $2-million a year investment into the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway, with no support for the Yarmouth Ferry. He says Premier Dexter should apologize for his actions.

"I think a good government is also one that would recognize its mistakes and stand down to them and say, you know, maybe we were wrong here. But, to take a Happy Days kind of look at it, when Fonzie couldn't say he was wrong, I think that's what we've got now. We've got a Premier that really doesn't want to go back on his word to admit things."

d'Entremont says he can't explain how the NDP decided that a railway was more important than a ferry because they're both important economic links. He believes the Premier should find a solution to get the ferry service back before its too late.

Liverpool Man Committed to Murder Trial

A Liverpool man accused of killing his fiance, has been committed to stand trial on a second degree murder charge. Thirty-one year old James Leroy Leopold is charged in the death of 47 year old Laura Lee Robertson who was reported missing on April 14th.  Her remains were found off Highway 208 outside Greenfield, Queens County almost two weeks later.   Leopold remains in custody since being arrested in April.  He'll appear in Supreme Court October 13th to get a trial date.   Evidence presented at the preliminary inquiry today (Monday,Oct. 3) is banned from being broadcast.

Portraits of Honour Day- October 14th

The Portraits of Honour National Tour will be rolling into Town a week from this Friday. The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is fully supporting the venture by proclaiming October 14th as Portraits of Honour Day in the Municipality. Mayor Don Downe says Council is also sponsoring two crosses in memory of local fallen soldiers, Corporal Paul Davis and Private Rick Green. The day's activities will include a parade, opening ceremonies, and viewing opportunities for family, students and the general public . The Friends of the Fallen Banquet will be held that evening at the Bridgewater Legion Branch 24.


The Portrait of Honour is a 10 feet by 56 feet hand painted mural, depicting the faces of all 157 of Canada's fallen in Afghanistan.

Walk to School Week

Be on the look-out for kids on the streets this week.

Students from elementary to high school will be taking to their feet to mark the beginning of International Walk to School Month in October. Eight South Shore schools will be taking part in the event, also known as IWALK.
        IWALK celebrates the physical activity, safety and environmental benefits of walking and cycling. Iit's not just kids and parents who see the importance of walking to school. More and more, school administration and teachers are recognizing what active forms of transportation can do for learning.
International Walk to School Month is an initiative of Active & Safe Routes to School (www.saferoutesns.ca), coordinated in Nova Scotia by the Ecology Action Centre in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness as part of the Active Kids Healthy Kids Initiative. For a list of participating schools, go to  http://saferoutesns.ca/index.php/event/october-is-international-walk-to-school-month/

SSH Supports Breastfeeding in the Workplace

South Shore Health is endorsing breastfeeding in the workplace . Although there is a one year maternity leave in Nova Scotia, Health Canada recommends breastfeeding for two years and beyond, well past the point that most women have returned to work. In recognition that breastfeeding is the best way to feed babies and get them off to a healthy start in life, South Shore Health has taken a lead in creating a work environment that supports staff to continue to breastfeed their babies after returning to work. South Shore Health is an active community partner on the Lunenburg & Queens Baby-Friendly™ Committee.   Since the launch of their Make Breastfeeding Your Business: An Action Support Kit in 2009, South Shore Health has developed policies to support and promote breastfeeding in the community and at work. There are also several online resources available to staff and the community to support breastfeeding. Visit Breastfeeding Supports under Home and Community Services on the South Shore Health website at http://www.southshorehealth.ca/

South Shore Health struggling to keep primary health care physicians

The VP of Medicine and Acting CEO for South Shore Health says its been a challenging year for people looking for primary health care physicians in Bridgewater. Dr. Peter Vaughan made the remarks during South Shore Health's Annual General Meeting last week. He says its an ongoing struggle to keep medical personnel in the area.

"Communities in Nova Scotia and all across Canada are increasingly forced into competition for all health care providers including nurses, lab and x-ray technologists in addition to physicians. Health care professional recruitement and retention continues to be an ongoing challenge, as we continue to work with our community partners to make our district attractive in this highly competitive environment."

Vaughan says, despite the challenges, they're working towards new and better ways of providing sustainable health services to residents.

103 Crash Kills Two, Critically Injures One

Two people were killed as a result of a two car, head-on crash over the weekend on highway 103.
It happened in fog and rain near Chester between exits 7 and 8.
One man was sent to hospital in Halifax in critical condition as a result of the
crash.
21-year-old Dustin Bruce Conrad of Shelburne and 48-year-old Deanna Lynn Huggard of Saint John, NB were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are still trying to determine the cause of the crash.
There was fog and it was raining at the time.

Back to the Big House

The summer break for South Shore MLA's officially ends on Monday, October 31st. As spooky as it sounds Gary Ramey, Pam Birdsall and Vicki Conrad head back to the house on Halloween. The Nova Scotia government has announced the fall sitting of the legislature will begin on that date. The spring session wrapped up on May 19.


The governing New Democrats hold 31 of the legislature's 52 seats, followed by the Liberals at 13 and Conservatives with seven. There is also one Independent.

MP Keddy to Make Funding Announcements

The Municipality of Shelburne and Town of Lockeport will be getting some federal funding this weekend.
South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will be making two announcements on Saturday (Oct.1) with respect to the Government of Canada's investment in the communities.  Keddy will make the first announcement at the Sandy Point Light House & Community Hall at 10 a.m. He'll then travel to 
Seacaps Park in Lockeport to make the second funding  announcement at 11:30 a.m.

Fire Chief Recovering

Bridgewater's Fire Chief continues to recover from suffering cardiac arrest earlier this week at his Spence Street home. Sixty-four year old Wayne Thorburne could be transferred to South Shore Regional or even released from a Halifax hospital as early as Monday October 3rd. According to Deputy-Fire Chief Mike Nauss, Thorburne underwent a small surgery having a stent inserted and is on the road to recovery.

Lumberjacks edge Mariners

Andrew Wigg

Andrew Wigg scored the go-ahead goal with less than eight minutes remaining as the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks edged the Yarmouth Mariners 4-3 Thursday night. Wigg, along with Tyler Noseworthy and Michael Crawley led the Jacks with a goal and an assist each. Wigg says it feels good to beat their South Shore rivals.

"It's really good to get wins inside our own division too, it usually makes it worth four points, especially against our biggest rival Yarmouth. They gave us a good game and it was good to come out on top."

Billy Clarke stopped 42 shots for the Jacks in the win. The Lumberjacks will head to Dieppe Saturday night to take on the Commandos.

SSRSB chair pleased with new Framework

The chair of the South Shore Regional School Board says a recent presentation on the new Framework has left him with a more positive outlook. Elliott Payzant says there were a number of positives to take from Wednesday night's display. He says he has more confidence in the Framework because it starts helping students in primary, through to grade two. Payzant says he still has some concerns because its a new program but adds, his fingers are crossed it will work out. Literacy mentor Stephen Jamieson and Early Literacy Leader Gretchen Gerhardt provided the presentation to the School Board.

Curb concerns

Councillor David Mitchell

A lack of sidewalk on one side of Glen Allan Drive has at least one Bridgewater town councillor concerned about seniors safety. David Mitchell is requesting to cut the curb down and allow seniors at Drumlin Hills to have a better chance of crossing the street. He says seniors have to walk roughly two to three hundred feet down the road, or 150 feet up the road to get to the nearest crossing. Mitchell's request is expected to be investigated by traffic authority and town engineer Harland Wyand.

Fire Chief Hospitalized

Bridgewater's Fire Chief remains hospitalized in Halifax after suffering a heart attack at his home earlier this week. Sixty-four year old Wayne Thorburne went into cardiac arrest at his Spence Street home Monday afternoon. Members of the fire department along with police and paramedics responded to the call. Thorburne was initially taken to South Shore Regional before being transferred to Halifax. Reports indicate the Chief is in a drug induced coma in order for his heart to rest. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Nauss is acting as Chief in Thorburne's absence.

Active Transportation Meeting

The Town of Shelburne, and the provincial Department of Health and Wellness and Public Health are partnering to start the conversation around Active Transportation in the town.
Many conversations and actions have, and are taking place around sidewalks, biking and walking in communities.  The Town is holding a public meeting on Monday, October 17th at 6:30 pm in the Firemen's Meeting Room at the Shelburne Community Centre to talk about Active Transportation.
          Having a walkable and wheelable community is an important part of creating a healthy, vibrant and economically attractive community. Active Transportation has strong economic, health, safety, social and environmental benefits.  If you want to know more, or have questions, please call Community and Economic Development at 875 3873 or email jlocke@town.shelburne.ns.ca

New Website Promotes Atlantic Seafood Products

A new and improved website promoting Atlantic Canadian seafood will help the industry compete in a global market.  The Atlantic Canada Seafood Trade Group has been working with the seafood industry and associations to re-create an enticing and user-friendly website that connects national and
international buyers to the product diversity Atlantic Canada has to offer. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau says it will connect national and international buyers with Atlantic Canadian companies to help build long-term business relationships . The website is available in English and French and is accessible by all mobile devices anywhere in the world. The website address is,
http://www.atlanticcanadaexports.ca/

Crew error blamed for Concordia sinking

A Transportation Safety Board report on the capsizing of a Nova Scotia-based tall ship off Brazil is blaming lack of knowledge by the crew for the sinking.


The Concordia, based out of Lunenburg, had 64 students and staff from the West Island College sailing school on board when it sank on February 17th of last year; everyone was rescued.

The board's report Thursday says the vessel was lost in a squall because a risk of a knockdown was not clear to the crew.

As a result, appropriate responses such as reducing sail or changing course were not taken before the squall hit.

Mosaic selected for new Bluenose Academy

A Lunenburg artist will have his work installed in the foyer of the new Bluenose Academy. Scott Conrad was announced as the winner of the school's summer-long Mosaic Design contest. The theme of the mosaic was based on student ideas and celebrates the merger of four schools; Lunenburg Academy, Lunenburg Junior & Senior High, Riverport and District Elementary and Centre Consolidated School. Students from Primary to Grade 9 at Lunenburg Academy and Centre Consolidated gathered Wednesday at Centre to vote on the mosaic choices. Conrad's design is of the schooner Bluenose sailing into Lunenburg Harbour.

Lumberjacks select Jake Bullen as team captain

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have named their captains for this season. Jake Bullen will wear the 'C', while Tyler Noseworthy, Andrew Wigg and Michael Crawley will be the assistant captains. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says Bullen is the ideal captain for the team.

"Jake's more of a lead by example guy, you know, comes to practice every day, on time and accountable, and one of the first guys to step up if you need a volunteer to do something. The fans like him, the kids like him, he's just a likeable guy. Every game he gives you the best he's got. He's just one of those leaders that doesn't necessarily have to be the guy that stands up in the dressing room screaming and hollering."

Bullen is expected to begin his captaincy Thursday night when the Lumberjacks host the Yarmouth Mariners at 7pm.

Man, accused of abducting daughter, to appear in court next month

A South Shore father will be in court next month on a charge of abducting his 11-day-old daughter. Collin James Lawrence of Jordan Ferry appeared briefly Wednesday in Shelburne provincial court with a new lawyer who asked for time to familiarize himself with the case. Lawrence is charged with child abduction under a section of the Criminal Code that prohibits one parent from depriving the other parent of child access when both have lawful custody. Lawrence is also charged with mischief for allegedly damaging a telephone in the home he shared with his wife and daughter. He was charged after his wife claimed her husband had forcibly taken their baby daughter after the couple had argued. The man and baby were discovered several hours later in a vehicle near Oxford.

Climate Change Adaptation Projects

The Municipality of Chester is receiving support from the Climate Adaptation Fund for a community based project. Chester and Dalhousie University's marine affairs program will help the municipality to identify coastal adaptation options for their Climate Change Action Plan. The project will receive 10 thousand 200 dollars in funding. Chester is one of three community based adaptation projects to receive a combined total of more than 36 thousand dollars. Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau says the province must find ways to adapt to climate change, and these project will play an important role.
For more information on climate change and the adaptation fund, visit http:// climatechange.gov.ns.ca/content/home

Queensland Arson

Two changing rooms at Queensland Provincial Park have been destroyed by fire and police are calling it arson.  The RCMP received the call shortly after 4 a.m. this morning
(Wednesday September 28th), Damage to the structures is estimated between 6 to 8 thousand dollars. Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area Tuesday night to call them if they have any information that could generate new information or lead to an arrest.

Recall of Ham Product

You might want to check that package of ham in your refrigerator. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat Compliments brand Sensations Old-Style Smoked Ham because it may be contaminated with listeria. The affected product is sold in 175 gram packages and has a best before date of November 13, 2011. The Quebec manufacturer is voluntarily recalling the product . It was distributed in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador and also Quebec and Ontario.

Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Those particularly at risk include pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems

Municipality of Lunenburg issues default notice to Osprey Ridge Golf Course

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg has issued a notice of default to Osprey Ridge Golf Course. A release Wednesday says the golf course must meet financial obligations within 60 days or the Municipality will assume title to the property. Mayor Don Downe says the golf course has been an important community asset for the past 12 years, but it is now in default and action must be taken. The Municipality has supported the business since 1996 by guaranteeing a loan of $3.2-million and currently holds a first and second mortgage on the property. Downe says it's not the intention of the Municipality to operate the facility in the long-term.

Town of Bridgewater financially supports Jenna Martin

Jenna Martin

The town of Bridgewater is helping Jenna Martin get to the 2012 London Olympics. Council approved a motion Monday night to give Martin $2,000 unbudgeted towards her funding goal. Mayor Carroll Publicover says Martin is a good role model for young athletes, good student and well-deserving of their donation. Councillor Jim Bell opposed the motion, saying taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for $2,000 unbudgeted. Council's contribution represents 1.5% of the money Martin needs to raise to help her qualify for Canada's Olympic team.

Health Care Professional Student Sponsorship Program

The Municipality of Shelburne will financially support a Shelburne County health care professional student sponsorship program. The Municipality will provide 3 thousand 110 dollars to each local student who chooses to train in the health care field and return to provide services to the residents of the Muncicpality. The investment is in addition to the monies Council spent to recruit a physician last year, and recruitment efforts this year. The Municipality has also committed 200 thousand dollars for a new community health clinic. Provincial funding partners have yet to make a commitment.

Minister MacDonell Meets With South Shore Councils

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell spent yesterday meeting with South Shore Councils. The Minister says when he took over the portfolio in January he made a commitment he wanted to get out and meet all the municipal councils around the province. MacDonell says he was pleased and surprised at the interest around projects for energy and their ability to generate revenue through the province's COMFIT program. One general theme was to consult and keep the lines of communication open when government makes decisions policy wise that impact the municipal units.  The Minister met with Councils from Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester and the Municipality of Lunenburg. He plans to meet with the Region of Queens in the near future.

Finalists Selected for 2011 Business Excellence Awards

Nineteen businesses in Lunenburg and Queens have been selected as finalists for the 2011 Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards. More than 100 nominations were received. In addition to the honour of being deemed a business leader in their category, the finalists will be vying for a beautiful plaque crafted by Amos Pewter of Mahone Bay. Category winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Dinner being held this year at the Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel and Convention Centre on Tuesday, October 18. Guest speaker at the awards ceremony is John Steele of Covey Island Boatworks and the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance.

The finalists in their respective categories are:

Entrepreneurial Award:
Helping Nature Heal Inc, Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet Ltd.,
Van Dyk's Health Juice Products Ltd.

Export Achievement Award:
Pro-Oceanus Systems Inc., TecBox International Ltd., RuSafe Inc.,
 DPM Solutions

Hospitality Award:
Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island, Comfort Inn -Bridgewater,
 Best Coast Coffee Gallery

Large Business Award:
Mahone Auto , Kelley & Oickle Enterprises Ltd. (Swiss Chalet),
Brady Home Building Centre

New Business Award:
Best Western Plus Bridgewater Hotel & Convention Centre,
LaHave River Chiropractic and Health Centre, Ironworks Distillery

Small Business Award:
Helping Nature Heal Inc., New Germany Building Supplies (2004) Ltd., Chester Pharmasave

Tickets for the event are already over 50 per cent sold. To purchase tickets or for additional information, please visit the event's website at http://www.lqbusinessawards.ca/ or email tickets@lqbusinessawards.ca.

Tick Surveillance Program







Top row: nymph, male and female Blacklegged ticks.

Bottom row: male and female dog ticks.

The Blacklegged tick does not always have black coloured legs. Dog ticks usually have white or silver coloured spots.
Photo: Public Health Agency of Canada

A change is coming this week to the province's tick surveillance program. Starting Friday (September 30th), the public, veterinarians and physicians will no longer be asked to  submit ticks to the Department of Natural Resources or the Museum of Natural History for identification and testing. The tick surveillance program will now focus on active field work to identify areas where the tick population is expanding.  Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald says there now is enough data to focus on more work in the field.   Blacklegged ticks, the only ticks that carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, can be found throughout Nova Scotia, but risk of contracting the disease remains low. The following precautions are recommended in areas where blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease are known to be established:
-- wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants (so ticks are more visible), light-coloured socks, and enclosed shoes while working or playing outside or hiking in the woods
-- pull socks up over pant legs and tuck in shirts
-- spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellant containing DEET
-- check clothing and exposed skin for ticks after working or playing outside or in the bushes or tall grass and remove any ticks attached to the skin
-- keep grass well cut to minimize suitable habitat for ticks on your property.


Blacklegged ticks can only transmit the bacterial infection after they have been attached to the skin for about 24 hours.   There have been 67 cases of Lyme disease reported in Nova Scotia since 2002. Images of the blacklegged tick, instructions to remove ticks and general information on Lyme disease are available at http://www.gov.ns.ca/dhw.








South Shore Weather -- Tuesday, September 27, 2011

TODAY
Sunny. High 21. (((**UV index 5 or moderate**))).

TONIGHT
Clear. Low 6.

TOMORROW
Sunny. High 16.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Thursday
Sunny. Low 9. High 20.

Friday
Cloudy and showers. Low 14. High 20.

Saturday
Cloudy and showers. Low 16. High 20.

Sunday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 14. High 17.

Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Low 12. High 16.



THE TIDES

High- 8:30am
Low- 3:00pm
High- 8:50pm

Autism discussion held on Skype

A psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders is available on Skype Tuesday night.


Dr. Tony Attwood will make an online presentation about managing feelings.

The presentation is expected to explain why children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are more prone to develop mood disorders.

It will also explain strategies that can help such individuals learn about and manage emotions.

It gets started at 7pm at Hebbville Academy.

The event is being held by the Autism Centre Society of the South Shore.

Man released from custody after armed standoff

A man charged after an armed standoff in Chester Basin last month has been released from custody.


Nelson Frederick Bond of New Minas had been in jail since the incident after the prosecutor asked for a forensic psychiatric assessment.

The 47-year-old accused appeared Monday in Bridgewater provincial court.

The Crown agreed to his release under certain conditions, including paying a $10,000 surety and agreed to stay with his brother and sister-in-law.

Bond is not allowed to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs and must stay away from his alleged victim.

Bond faces numerous charges, including three counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, one count of pointing a firearm and one count each of forcible confinement and assault.

Bridgewater mayor sounds off on Fairview Inn

The mayor of Bridgewater says he's worried about the safety of the Fairview Inn.


Carroll Publicover says though the building has survey tape surrounding it, kids could still wander inside and injure themselves.

He says he wants round-the-clock security at the Fairview Inn until its demolished, or demolished in a timely fashion.

Publicover also hopes changes can be made to the former car dealership at 99 Aberdeen Road, calling it a blight in the community.

He says he's felt this way for months but decided to make his feelings public during Monday night's council meeting.

White back to school following major brain surgery

A Bridgewater girl is back to class at Hebbville Academy after undergoing major brain surgery in the U.S.


Six-year-old Chelsea White returned to school after post-surgical problems kept her in hospitals in California and Halifax until mid-August.

Chelsea's mother, Shannon Price, says her daughter has been active and in great spirits since coming home.

Price says doctors have told her it could take up to two years for Chelsea's brain to completely heal from the surgery.

She says Chelsea will have to visit neurosurgeons and cardiologists in October, to see if her heart is still enlarged because of extra blood flow.

Medical Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital reopens

The Medical Unit at South Shore Regional Hospital has reopened to visitors.


Visitation has been restricted on the 4th floor since September 6 due to an increased number of patients testing positive for the antibiotic-resistant organism MRSA.

Visitors are asked to check in at the nursing station before visiting and to wash their hands when entering and leaving the hospital, and before and after visiting patients.

Regular and thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of illness.

Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Pedestrian

Queen's RCMP are asking for public assistance in identifying the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision with a pedestrian. A woman was struck by a grey Chrysler Sunday evening around 6:45 p.m. (September 25th), The pedestrian was walking on the sidewalk adjacent to the parking lot at Lane's Privateer Inn. The suspect vehicle was exiting the parking lot and eventually headed toward downtown Liverpool.   The male driver of the car is described as approximately 55 to 60 years old with short grey hair. He spoke with an accent, possibly British and was travelling with a female companion.

Illegal Drug Seizure

A bail hearing is being held this afternoon for a Yarmouth man facing charges following a seizure of illegal prescription pills and drugs. Fifty-two year old Charles Raymond Blades is facing charges of Possession for the Purpose for Trafficking in Hydromorphone, (commonly known as Dilaudid), Possession of Cannabis Marihuana and Breach of an Undertaking. RCMP Southwest Nova Federal Drug Section assisted by the Shelburne Street Crime Enforcement Unit seized the contraband near Barrington on Friday. (September 23rd)

Minimum Wage to Increase October 1st

You might soon see a difference in your paycheck. As of Saturday, October 1st, the minimum wage is increasing to $10 per hour . This is a 3.6 per cent increase from the present rate of $9.65. The minimum wage for inexperienced workers, with less than three months' experience in the work for which they were hired, will rise to $9.50. After the increase Saturday, future increases will occur in April, beginning in 2012, indexing the minimum wage to the Low Income Cut Off, a figure set by Statistics Canada where people are devoting a significantly larger than average percentage of their income to the basic necessities of food, shelter and clothing. Increases will be based on the national Consumer Price Index from the previous calendar year.

         The government is also investing an additional $18.25 million this year to help income assistance clients and low-income Nova Scotians make ends meet. These include a 22 per cent increase per child, per month, to the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, a $15 per month increase in the Income Assistance Personal Allowance, indexing the Affordable Living Tax Credit and the Poverty Reduction Credit to keep up with inflation, and allowing working income assistance clients to keep more money each month.

Residents Seek Less Government Connection to Freedom of Information Office

**Dulcie McCallum**
FOIPOP Information Officer




Residents of St. Margarets Bay are calling for less government control over the provincial Freedom of Information Office. Currently, government employees who process F.O.I. requests work for the departments whose information is being disclosed. Residents' spokesman Sean Kirby says departments shouldn't be able to pick and choose what they release to the public. He says: "The St. Margarets Bay connector road censorship case I think was a real eye-opener for us and a lot of people. Its a terrible example of the government breaking its own Freedom of Information law in order to hide information from residents about the connector road. Our concern is if the government is doing this on our little issue, clearly it must be taking place on other issues as well."  The Freedom of Information review officer issued a scathing report back in June which criticized the government for censoring documents about the St. Margarets Bay connector road. Residents have taken their case to the provincial supreme court and a hearing will be held in mid-January.

South Shore Weather -- Monday, September 26, 2011

TODAY
Sunny. High 24. (((**UV index 6 or high**))).

TONIGHT
Clear. Low 13.

TOMORROW
Sunny. High 20.



THE FIVE DAY FORECAST

Wednesday
Sunny. Low 6. High 16.

Thursday
Sunny. Low 11. High 20.

Friday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 15. High 21.

Saturday
Cloudy with 60 percent chance of showers. Low 15. High 17.

Sunday
Cloudy with a chance of showers. Low 12. High 15.



THE TIDES

High- 7:45am
Low- 2:10pm
High- 8:00pm

Lumberjacks get first win, top Campbellton 5-1

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks finally have a notch in the win column.


Michael Crawley led the Jacks with two goals while Billy Clarke made 31 saves as the hometown club earned a 5-1 victory over the Campbellton Tigers.

Head Coach Terry Rhindress says it's a great feeling to get the first win.

"The kids played well today, they stuck together and played another complete 60 minutes. It's nice to get the monkey off our back, a little later than we expected, you know, couple games earlier we should've had a 'W' but we'll take it tonight and we'll move on."

Brad Donaldson, Jake Bullen and Brennan Saulnier also scored for the Jacks.

The Lumberjacks take on the Yarmouth Mariners Thursday night at 7pm in Bridgewater.

Last week for sales at Bridgewater Blockbuster

It's your last week to take advantage of good buys at Blockbuster.


The Bridgewater store is listed to close September 30 and is offering 50-70% off all its stock.

The Bridgewater location is one of 253 remaining stores in Canada that are expected to close their doors by the end of the month.

Up to 10 people are expected to lose their jobs.