Bird Construction awarded LCLC contract

Bird Construction has been awarded the contract for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Chair Paul Belliveau confirmed Wednesday morning after a meeting with officials. Belliveau says things are almost ready to go.

"We're very pleased that we've finally got to the point where we have awarded the contract, you know we're still negotiating the final price, we're getting close to our budgeted amount, we are not there but we're getting closer than what we were two weeks ago."

 Belliveau says the project manager and architects have been able to cut down costs between $500,000 and $600,000 so far to Bird Construction's bid of just under $24.4-million. Belliveau says they still have roughly $300,000 to either cut or deal with. He hopes negotiations will wrap up within the next couple of weeks and workers will be on site later this month.

Diamond Jubilee Medal for Hebbville Fire Fighter

A South Shore man is receiving a very special recognition for his lifetime of volunteering as a fire fighter. Harold Conrad is a retired chief of the Hebbville Fire Department and he will be presented with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal later this spring. He is still an active firefighter, 64 years after he joined the department. "The Chief" says he's happy to be given the honor and will wear the medal with pride. In 2010, Conrad was also awarded the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.

New Era: Historic Lunenburg Academy's Final Class

It will be the end of an era and there will be a lot of reminiscing today as Lunenburg Academy holds its very last day of classes. The 117-year old Academy closes at the end of the day to make way for the opening of the new Bluenose Academy on March 21st. Lunenburg Mayor Lawrence Mawhinney tells us this morning, he and a lot of other people have many mixed feelings heading into today. "Everyone who has grown up in the Town of Lunenburg has attended that school, my children did, my wife taught there, my grandchildren attend there...I think for the people that have been around for a long time this will be a day of emotion and memories," There will be a special ceremony this morning for students and teachers at Lunenburg Academy to mark the event. The historic Academy as well as Centre Consolidated and Riverport Elementary will be closing and students moved to the new Academy for its start of classes on the 21st.

SSRSB special meeting to discuss electoral boundaries

The public is getting a chance to hear how the local school board is approaching electoral boundaries. The region of Queens and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg have been granted requests by the province's Utility and Review Board to change their boundaries. With the change, the South Shore Regional School Board is contemplating the size of its board before October elections. Bridgewater town council says it would like to see the board shift from 12 members to nine. A decision is expected to be made during a special board meeting Wednesday night at 7pm at the School Board office.

MODL changing street light policy

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is making a change to its street light policy. Current wording in the policy is inaccurate and states "all property owners in the charge area boundary in Riverport shall be charged a street light rate." Municipal Engineer Satu Peori says its a simple wording change.

"We have proposed that we change the wording in section 3.5 to 'Street light ratepayers within the Riverport charge area shall be determined as all properties with an assessment code of residential or commercial that are within the charge area boundary'."

CAO Tammy Wilson noted the change doesn't add properties or take properties out. She says it clarifies that they apply rates to residential and commercial customers.

Mustangs name Grant Johnston new head coach

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs have a new boss behind the bench. Grant Johnston has been named the new head coach after former coach Tim Boyce informed president Lionel Haughn he wasn't returning. Johnston says he brings a hard working philosophy.

"When you are in an organization, usually you get a lot of talent but you have to instill hard work, you have to instill preparation whether it be hockey, off-ice, on-ice, you know we want to do our best in any situation and preparing and working hard will definitely be a main factor in our success."

Johnston hasn't named any assistant coaches yet, but says he has a few people in mind. Boyce led the Mustangs to one of their best regular seasons, matching a franchise-best 19 wins and third in the Nova Scotia Major Midget standings behind Halifax and Dartmouth. Johnston says he learned a lot from Boyce.

"Not only to gain a lot of knowledge in terms of x's and o's with the game of hockey, but you know, from road trips to hockey practices to the games, the way a bench should be ran, he had so much to offer in terms of all levels of the game."

Johnston spent last season as an assistant coach with the Mustangs. Before that, he coached Peewee 'AAA' and Atom 'AAA' teams on the South Shore. President Haughn says Johnston was hired over the weekend after a series of interviews.

Chester Basin: Mounties Identify Homicide Victim

RCMP have released the identity of a woman found dead in her home in Chester Basin. Mounties say the body of Victoria Rae Brauns-Buckley was found Friday morning at a home on Borgels Point Road after paramedics had responded to an emergency call of a sudden death. The 57-year-old woman's death is being treated as a homicide, however no arrests have been made. It's still not known how the woman was killed although an autopsy was completed on the woman's body on Sunday. Investigators concluded their work at the crime scene on Monday.

Trial Underway: Woman Accused of Stabbing

The trial for a woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend last year is underway in Bridgewater. Katelin Leigh Whitney-Joudrey is charged with two charges of aggravated assault and one of assault causing bodily harm. She appeared in Bridgewater Provincial court on Monday for the beginning of her trial. The woman's former boyfriend, Kiel Naugler of Bridgewater, was rushed to hospital in Halifax on January 1st, 2011 after being stabbed in the neck and head. He underwent surgery and was later released from hospital. The trial continues March 16th.

Home Invasion: Date set for Show Cause Hearing

A Dartmouth man charged in a six year old home invasion in Chelsea is due back in Bridgewater court later this month. Forty-six year old Brian Hector Oickle will remain in custody until a show cause hearing on March 21st. Oickle is facing four charges including robbery and forcible confinement. He's accused of breaking into a home and stealing money from a 72 year-old woman during an incident in July of 2005. RCMP were able to make an arrest last week after they recently received new information in the case.

Investigators Conclude Work at Chester Basin Home

Police are expected to release more information today into a homicide investigation in Chester Basin. Investigators concluded their work at a home on Borgels Point Road last night. A 57 year-old woman's body was found inside the two storey home on Friday morning. Mounties say they are following some leads but haven't released any details surrounding their investigation to this point. An autopsy on the woman's body was completed on Sunday but police have yet to release the victims name.

Housing units to be built on Olde Town land

Eric Shaw

Olde Town Golf Club is going from golf course to residential housing. The club, which officially opened in 1928, is expected to be developed into housing as early as 2014. The town of Bridgewater and Genivar Inc., on behalf of the course, are currently exploring the option of building 157 units in the proposed Eagleridge Estates including 128 in phase one. Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, says phase one would provide a mixture of housing including singles, town-houses, semi-detached dwellings and two apartment buildings.

"If council decides to move ahead with the application and this development moves forward and those units are built, certainly it just introduces a lot of housing choices and opportunities for folks either living in town or interested in moving to town."

Amendments are needed in the Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use by-law to re-designate the property as comprehensive residential. The first phase would be built on Bridgewater land, with negotiations needed with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg to acquire property to complete the three phase project. A public participation meeting will be held March 21 at 6pm in Bridgewater council chambers.

Leash-free park moves closer to reality

Another step in the right direction for a leash-free dog park in Bridgewater. The town will hold a public hearing later this month to amend its Municipal Planning strategy and Land Use by-law. Town council decided to move ahead after its planning department heard comments during a public participation meeting in February. Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, says the public's main concern was around the design of a proposed leash-free dog space in Generations Active Park. Councillor David Mitchell pointed out, the amendments to the MPS and LUB does not mean every town park will become an off-leash dog space. The public hearing will be held March 26 at 6pm in Bridgewater town hall.

LCLC tender decision coming: Chair

A decision on the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre could be made by mid-week. Chair Paul Belliveau says significant progress has been made between the project manager and architects to lower costs and closer to budget. Belliveau could not release financial details. Late last month, Belliveau mentioned Bird Construction's bid of $24.4-million was between $500-thousand and $900-thousand over budget. He's hoping a decision will be made by Wednesday.

Stolen Property Recovered from Mayfair Drive

Two men are facing charges in connection with a series of vehicular break and enters in Bridgewater. Members of the police service say a number of items were taken from cars parked in the Mayfair Drive area over the weekend. The units dog team was brought out to help with the investigation and led officers to a home on Aberdeen road. That's where police made the arrests and recovered a significant amount of stolen property. They would like to return the items to their rightful owner and encourage those who had their cars broken into on the weekend to phone 543-2464.

Shelburne falls in provincial boys basketball final

A second place finish for the Shelburne High boys basketball team. The local club fell to Halifax Grammar 78-59 in the final of the division-3 provincials Sunday. The match pitted the top ranked teams heading into the tournament. Kris Buchanan scored 18 while Doug Poole and Steven Greig each had 12 for Shelburne. It was Shelburne Head Coach Steven Pippy's final game coaching. He coached more than 900 high school basketball games with over 600 wins. Elsewhere, New Germany finished fourth, losing to East Antigonish 83-55 in the bronze medal match.

Charges laid in 2005 Home Invasion in Chelsea.

RCMP have laid charges in a six year investigation into a home invasion in Chelsea. Police say they have charged a Dartmouth man with robbery, forcible confinement, break and enter and possession of property obtained by crime. The home invasion allegedly occurred in July of 2005 when a man entered a home and stole some money from a 72 year-old woman. Lunenburg County RCMP say they never closed the case and the arrest was made after they recently received new information. The accused is expected to answer to the charges in Bridgewater court today.

Lunenburg: Busy Intersection Causes Concern

The Town of Lunenburg has concerns over the safety of a busy intersection within the town. The area in question is the Green Street/Tannery Road intersection which also connects with Falcon Street. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says council is concerned because the road may be too narrow - especially when big rigs (18 wheelers) are involved. He says the big trucks take up both lanes when making turns and the area will be even more congested when Bluenose Academy opens. Mawhinney is hoping the town will be able to sit down with the province in the near future to look at some options.

Newburne Man Killed in Logging Accident

A Lunenburg County man is dead after a logging accident in Newburne. Sixty-five year old Lorraine Edward Naas was killed while hauling trees out of the woods on Thursday. Naas was working alone at the time of accident and was found by RCMP officers, pinned between a tree and his tractor. He was prounced dead at the scene.

Parking Meter by-law receives thumbs up

 Bridgewater town council is moving ahead with its parking meter by-law. Members have voted to move forward with second and final reading during council February 27. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the town is waiting for new meters and tickets. One of the new changes in the by-law includes new enforcement. The town will issue a $15 penalty for a violation, with the fee increasing to $25 if the ticket isn't paid within seven days.

Chester Basin: Homicide Investigation Underway

A suspicious death in Chester Basin is being deemed a homicide. The body of a 57 year-old woman was found at a home on the Borgels Point Road on Friday morning. Police remained at the crime scene on Saturday collecting evidence towards their investigation. The woman's name has not been released. Police say her body has been taken to Halifax for an autopsy that will be conducted this week. Anyone who may have noticed any suspicious or unusual activity in the Chester Basin area on Thursday afternoon or evening is being asked to contact police.

Power Outage: Town of Lunenburg

Resdents of Victoria Road will be without power for three hours on Sunday morning. Power will be off from 6AM until 9AM. The Town of Lunenburg electric utility has been contacting affected customers. No word on the reason for the outage.

MODL names Joudrey volunteer for awards ceremony

The Municipality of Lunenburg has named its representative for a provincial volunteer awards ceremony in Halifax. Mervyn Joudrey has been an active member of the Blockhouse and District Fire Department for 50 years. He also volunteers with St. John's Evangelical Church and has taken responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the heritage buildings and assists in worship leadership. Joudrey will represent the municipality at the awards in April.

Division-3 basketball provincials start in Shelburne County

Three local teams are among eight competing in Shelburne and Barrington this weekend for the division-3 basketball title. New Germany, Shelburne and St. Mary's Bay will go up against teams from Halifax Grammar, Ecole de Carrefour and Hants North. The tournament winner will be crowned division-3 provincial champions.


NSSAF Division 3 Boys Basketball Championships

Games held at Shelburne Regional High School Gym and Barrington Municipal High School Gym



Saturday, March 3

Game 1 9:00 AM St. Mary’s Bay (4) v. New Germany (5) Shelburne Gym
Game 2 9:00 AM Antigonish East (3) v. Hants North (6) Barrington Gym
Game 3 11:00 AM Shelburne (2) v. Carrefour (7) Shelburne Gym
Game 4 11:00 AM Halifax Grammar (1) v. SAERC (8) Barrington Gym
Game 5 2:30 PM Loser (2 v. 7) v. Loser (3 v. 6) Shelburne Gym
Game 6 2:30 PM Loser (1 v. 8) v. Loser (4 v. 5) Barrington Gym
Opening Ceremonies 5:30 PM Opening Ceremonies         Shelburne Gym
Game 7 6:30 PM   Winner (2 v. 7) v. Winner (3 v. 6) Semi-Final Shelburne Gym
Game 8 8:30 PM Winner (1 v. 8) v. Winner (4 v. 5) Semi-Final Shelburne Gym

Sunday, March 4

Game 9 9:00 AM Losers Game 5 v. Loser Game 6 Shelburne Gym
Game 10         11:00 AM Winner Game 5 v. Winner game 6 Shelburne Gym
Game 11 1:00 PM Loser Game 7 v. Loser Game 8 Shelburne Gym
   (Bronze Medal Game)

Game 12 3:00 PM Winner Game 7 v. Winner Game 8 Shelburne Gym
               (Championship)

Court: Eisnor Breaks Down on Witness Stand

The judge overseeing a hearing to determine whether or not a New Germany man is fit to stand trial on a charge of first degree murder will issue a decision next month. A two day fitness hearing for 49 year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor concluded this afternoon in Bridgewater Provincial Court. Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife in a Barss Corner grocery store parking lot in June of 2010 before turning the gun on himself. He suffered significant brain damage as a result and told court this morning he recalls parts of his recovery but doesn't remember the shooting. He was found unfit to stand trial in October 2010 because of a mental impairment caused by the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hoever, Crown Prosecutor Alonzo Wright argues Eisnor's condition has improved significantly and is fit to stand trial for murdering his wife. Eisnor broke down a number times on the witness stand when asked questions about his son and daughter.  Judge Gregory Lenehan will issue his decision on April 3rd.

Woman found dead in Chester Basin

A 57-year-old woman has been found dead in Chester Basin. RCMP and EHS received a call just after 9am Friday morning from a home on Borgels Point Road. Staff Sgt. Bruce Hill says its too early to indicate what happened.

"Just at this point, we're investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Our major crime unit has been called to the scene along with our identification section. We're currently in the preliminary stages of our investigation, so we can't release much at this time."

 Hill says they are trying to determine what activity happened before a phone call was made to police. He says community members shouldn't worry about any other incidents occurring.

Mayor of District of Queens Not Re-Offering

He's been involved in South Shore politics for nearly 4 decades but now, John Leefe says its time to go. The Mayor of the District of Queens tells us he will not reoffer for another term when municipal elections are held this October. The mayor says he decided some time ago its time for fresh ideas and younger blood at the helm. He says he's been warned though not to use an over-used term to explain why he's leaving.

"Nancy (my wife) told me sometime ago that if at my age and after 35 years, if I told people I was leaving public life to spend more time with my family, she would kill me! Seriously though, its just time, time for both of us personally to move on and its time for fresh faces to come along and move us into the future."

Leefe was a member of the provincial legislature for 20 years representing Queens and was a cabinet minister in several portfolios in the government of former premier John Buchanan. He served on the province's Executive Council as Minister of Fisheries from 1983 to 1989, Minister of the Environment from 1989 to 1992 and Minister of Natural Resources from 1992 to 1993. Leefe also served as government house leader in 1991. He was elected Mayor of the District of Queens in 2000 and re-elected in 2004 and 2008. In 2010 he was elected to the Board of Directors of the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. He has served on the National and Provincial Round Tables on the Environment and Economy and in 2011 was appointed to the Nova Scotia Round Table on the Environment and Sustainable Prosperity. In 2002 he was granted the degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the University of King's College. He is also an author and a former school teacher.

Eisnor Hearing Resumes in Bridgewater

A hearing to determine whether or not a New Germany man is mentally fit to stand trial resumes this morning in Bridgewater. Forty-nine year old Wayne Paul Eisnor is facing a first degree murder charge in the shooting death of his wife Tina Eisnor in June of 2010. Eisnor then turned the gun on himself and suffered serious brain damage as a result. His son, 21 year-old Devin told reporters outside the courtroom that its been a difficult eighteen months for the family. "It's been stressful, we're staying strong together. Everyday you wake up hoping to see her, but you realize it's not going to happen. I got to spend 20 years with her and they were the best years of my life...so you just hold on to the good memories and block the bad ones out," Eisnor was initially deemed unfit to stand trial for murdering his wife, but the Nova Scotia Criminal Review Board ruled last year that he has improved significantly with treatment and is fit to stand trial. He remains in the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Dartmouth, pending a decision by the court.

BDA shows off new pole banners

One of 16 new banners

New banners portraying Bridgewater's past and present will soon grace the town. Council agreed to give the Bridgewater Development Association $1,400 to help the group install, take down and re-install 16 banners in the community. Barb Thompson with the BDA's Riverfront Renaissance Action Team says the banners will serve many purposes.

"So, our goal here was to provide a banner that was exciting, that was fun, that was interesting, that the community would be proud of, excited about, be pleased to show off to their visitors and at the same time, for us, would help educate the community a little bit about their heritage."

Some of the banners display images of Acadia gas engines, a lumberjack and the town's fire department band. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the banners will be a splash of colour and excitement for the downtown core. The 16 banners are expected to be installed in the spring and removed in the fall.

Lumberjacks hand out hardware

Lumberjack players left to right: Mitch Hennebury, Michael Crawley, Jake Bullen, Billy Clarke and Cody Coffin with their awards Thursday night at the teams awards banquet at the Bridgewater Days Inn. (photo courtesy Marci Hirtle)

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have named Jake Bullen their most valuable player for 2011-12. The captain tied Michael Crawley for most goals with 33 and was second in points. Bullen says it means a lot to be the MVP.

"It's a great honour, especially when you see some of the names, (Matt) Stoddart was on it last year, so it feels good to have my name there next to him because he was a great player as well, and it's just a great feeling."

Bullen along with Nick Gouthro have finished their junior 'A' careers because they are both over the age limit. Meanwhile, Crawley took home top scorer honours at the clubs awards banquet Thursday night at the Bridgewater Days Inn. Crawley says he wasn't expecting the year he had.

"I was surprised on how much I found the back of the net this year because I normally struggle, but it was nice to finally get that off my back and I hope I can do the exact same, if not better next year."

Crawley finished with 78 points to lead the Jacks in scoring. Other winners were Cody Coffin for the 100% award, Mitch Hennebury for top defenseman, Billy Clarke for rookie of the year and Roland Provencal for most improved.

Lunenburg Residents Oppose Apartment Complex

A proposed six unit apartment project within the Town of Lunenburg is making some residents of the area uncomfortable. A private developer has submitted an application to enter into a development agreement with the town for the project on Green Street. However, neighbouring residents don't feel the project is a proper fit for the location. "It's an area of town where there are some very nice homes and I don't think anyone was thinking this was going to be an area of town that would host multi-family dwellings most of the units would be single family dwellings and that seems to be the main concern," Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says instead of turning down the proposal, council will look at hosting a public information meeting to clear the air. Mawhinney says he's received a dozen emails from residents opposed to the project - in addition to a few phone calls. He says a public meeting would clear the air and give both sides a chance to have their say, however, a date has yet to be identified.

Town upset over new RCMP contract with province

The town of Bridgewater isn't pleased with a new 20-year contract between the RCMP and the province. Under the Provincial Police Service Agreement, the province retains a 70/30 cost-share agreement for municipalities. Mayor Carroll Publicover says its a form of discrimination because Bridgewater is paying more money for RCMP service. He says something has to be done.

"We're paying our 100% which is closing in on $4-million, plus 30% subsidy to the units that are getting the 70/30 deal is coming from income tax which we're contributing to, so we're really paying and we want that to stop."

Publicover intends to write a letter to the province asking for the town's 30 per cent.

Conservatives Ready To Tackle Government On Numerous Issues

The sluggish economy, job losses in rural areas and the deficit.
Those will be the focus of attention for Progressive Conservatives when the legislature resumes later this month. Leader Jamie Baillie tells us, even the Yarmouth ferry is still a sore point for most businesses along the South Shore. He says: "My favourite piece of wisdom on the Yarmouth ferry is from a person I met in Liverpool who said, 'you know it really isn't the Yarmouth ferry .. its the Nova Scotia ferry and it just happened to dock in Yarmouth'. Its such an important piece of our tourism infrastructure, our rural economy and yet its bizaarely the one thing the NDP government has cut while the provincial budget grows in so many other areas."
The government is expected to unveil its budget in mid to late April.

Council defers dog by-law until March 12 meeting

Colleen Baker

Bridgewater council has deferred a decision on moving ahead with their dog by-law. A presentation Monday night by Colleen Baker with Shaid Tree animal shelter convinced council to revise wording in the by-law. She points out, the one thing the group doesn't like, is the dog catcher or any town police officer can choose to euthanize a dog if its deemed dangerous. She says creating a council of three people could better determine if a dog should be put down or not.

"If a dog is actually hanging off a person and also another animal, then we would never stand and say 'save that dog' with our posters and stuff like that. I think what we're trying to do is give a level playing field to the owners and the dogs and make sure the dog has a fair hearing and with three people instead of one."

Baker has suggested the council could be made up of a town citizen, a veterinarian and the dog catcher. Mayor Carroll Publicover says Shaid's request peaked council's interest.

"They're suggesting that there are ways to sedate the dog and quiet it and give time for a panel of three people to say whether or not that dog is in deed a danger and should be put down and when council thought about it, I think we're prepared to consider an amendment to allow that to happen."

Town council is expected to revisit the issue at their March 12 meeting.

Murder Charges: Fitness Hearing Underway in Bridgewater for Eisnor

A hearing is underway in Bridgewater to determine if a South Shore man is fit to stand trial. Wayne Eisnor is facing a charge of first degree murder following a shooting at the New Germany Freshmart in June of 2010. Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife (Tina Eisnor) twice inside her vehicle in the parking lot of the store before turning the gun on himself. He suffered significant brain damage as a result and has been undergoing extensive psychiatric assessments to gauge his recovery and mental state for the past 18 months in Dartmouth. A key witness in the hearing, Dr. Aileen Burnet recommended in her latest report on Eisnor's progress that he is fit to stand trial. However, Judge Gregory Lenehan will ultimately make the final decision on whether or not to proceed to trial. The hearing will resume on Friday in Bridgewater.

SSRSB should be reduced to nine members: Town

Bridgewater council has recommended the South Shore Regional School Board reduce its size. Council agreed to write a letter endorsing a nine-person board, with seven members plus two seats for at-large representatives from the Mik'maq and African Nova Scotia communities.  Mayor Carroll Publicover says they feel its an appropriate size.

"I think that's a nice, workable number for discussion, for decision-making. I think to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the students, of the whole board, I think they can do that job admirably."

The board currently has a model for 10 members plus two seats for at-large representatives. Potential changes could happen after the province's Utility and Review Board approved applications from the Region of Queens and Municipality of Lunenburg to change their boundaries.

Break and Enter at Mahone Bay Liquor Store

Lunenburg County RCMP are on the hunt for those responsible for breaking and entering into the liquor store in Mahone Bay. The incident happened just after midnight Wednesday morning. RCMP say thieves smashed a window and entered the building, stealing an undetermined amount of liquor. A window was also smashed at the Mahone Bay RCMP office around the same time. Anyone with information should contact RCMP in either Lunenburg, Bridgewater or Chester.

'Inn from the Cold' needs men to volunteer

An emergency shelter program in Bridgewater is in need of volunteers. Town Councillor David Mitchell volunteers with 'Inn from the Cold' and made a plea during Monday night's council meeting for more men to get involved. He says they have lots of women who help out already. Mitchell says people shouldn't be deterred from volunteering some time.

"I think the issue for a lot of people is 'how do I go to work the next day?' It becomes an issue if you have someone staying, you do have to stay up overnight, but some people can manage and I think that if they gave it a shot, they would find out they could do it."

Churches around Bridgewater offer people sanctuaries who have no place to sleep during winter nights. Mitchell says Bridgewater Police screen people before bringing them to the volunteers to provide food and shelter.

Lumberjacks owner discusses 2011-12 season

The owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks calls it a disappointing year for his club. The Lumberjacks finished their season last Friday night with a 4-1 loss to Yarmouth, capping off a campaign that seen the Jacks win only 15 times in 52 games and finish in the basement of the Bent Division. Ken Petrie says they didn't meet their expectations.

"I thought we would win a few more games, I did. When we talked at the beginning of the year we thought we'd be in the mini-series and we all know we weren't and were a long, long ways from it, but it certainly wasn't from a lack of effort."

 Petrie says he's happy with the coaching staff's effort this year after losing many players to injury early in the season. Despite the struggles, Petrie says they weren't anticipating a breakout season.

"We knew we were going into a building year, we certainly didn't expect to win any championships this year. Lost a lot of close games, but I think that comes with experience. We had a relatively young team, I think perhaps, we were the youngest team in the league and it shows."

Petrie says the club will miss Jake Bullen, after the captain registered 33 goals and 68 points in his final year of junior hockey. The Jacks will hold their annual awards banquet Thursday night at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

YMCA expanding King Street location for youth centre

Emma Sutherland

The YMCA Lunenburg County is offering more programming to youth. The organization is expanding its King Street location in Bridgewater to include a youth centre. The spot offers an after school program at the moment from 3-6pm daily. The new youth centre would offer more programs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings along with weekends. A member of the YMCA's youth leadership program, Emma Sutherland, says the inclusion of a centre would be beneficial for local youth.

"A youth centre connects us to the local community engaging us to volunteer and make a difference in our neighbourhood. A youth centre can assist us in developing positive friendships and growing up healthy. A youth centre can provide us with a place to gather and be ourselves."

The YMCA has asked both the town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Lunenburg to consider setting aside $22,000 in their upcoming budgets to support the centre. Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover says its a lot of money, but adds, council will determine what they can manage. The YMCA says they will start working on the new centre as of April 1.

Suspect Salmon Virus Pinpointed to Shelburne Harbour

Cooke Aquaculture says fish samples from Shelburne Harbour are being tested for a deadly salmon virus. The company confirmed the location to remove suspicions cast by opponents of another farming site in St. Mary's Bay. Spokeswoman Nell Halse says no signs of ISA is present at any of its other nine fish farms in the province. Thousands of fish from Shelburne Harbour were destroyed after routine testing suspected the virus on February 10th. Meanwhile, the federal agency has yet to release the test results after samples were sent to Moncton earlier this month. The agency says it will take weeks to confirm the results. ISA is not harmful to humans but is considered the more feared virus within the industry.

Update: Tips Wanted in Armed Robbery Investigation

Police have some leads, but are asking the public to help with the investigation into an armed robbery in Hebbville. Mounties say a masked man, armed with a gun, walked into an Irving gas station on Friday night and demanded cash. The robbery took place just before 10 o'clock but wittnesses inside the store weren't able to identify the suspect or the get away car. The man was able to take an undisclosed amount on money from the cash register and sped off in a vehicle left running outside the gas station. Police are hoping to hear from anyone who may have seen something around the time of the incident. Tips should be directed to the Lunenburg County RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Bridgewater Council supports Minor Football

Minor football is coming to the South Shore. Bridgewater council awarded a one-time commitment and pre-budget approval of $7,816.55 for the South Shore Seahawks to start playing this summer. The cost to the town is expected to drop with an in-kind donation of $1,500 and the towns implication to apply for a provincial Health and Wellness grant worth $2,243. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he would like other municipal units to chip-in funding.

"It should be 50/50 because these kids are going to come from the entire South Shore area, no way half of them will come from Bridgewater; can't happen, there won't be enough with a focused attention on football, they'll come from Chester right through to Queens County."

The Seahawks' team plan indicates the club would like to recruit players and hold identification camps as early as next month or April. Goal posts are expected to be installed at Kinsmen field in the next few months. Tryouts would then be held in August with league play starting in September. The Seahawks are hoping to attract at least 60 players to field two teams.

Mahone Bay recognizes volunteer of the year for 2012

A nice way to honour a long-time volunteer. Charles Uhlman has been named Mahone Bay's volunteer of the year for 2012 for his 43 years of service with the Lions Club and constant work in the town. Uhlman coached and mentored students at the former Mahone Bay school and also volunteers with the Victorian Order of Nurses. He says it was never his intention to be recognized for an award. Uhlman says he likes being involved in the town.

"The rewards that you get are the good feeling that you have when you're doing things for your community, you know, you're doing things for people, you're trying to make the place a better place in which to live."

Uhlman will represent Mahone Bay in Halifax at a provincial awards ceremony for volunteers in April.

Brookside Cemetery should be heritage property: Historian

Photo Courtesy of George Newbury

A South Shore historian is trying to get Brookside Cemetery in Bridgewater registered as a municipal heritage property. Brookside Cemetery was opened in 1879 by Dean Wile, who was manager of the local carding mill. He conveyed the property to the town in 1902. Peter Oickle says a cemetery provides a community with a sense of itself.

"When you look at the historical and cultural value of them, people want to make sure they're preserved and they're protected. When you look at it, you'll see names that we would recognize immediately like the Dawson family, the Davison family, the Gow's; each of these people made Bridgewater what it is today and contributed to the development of the town."

Among the notables buried at the cemetery is Mather Byles DesBrisay; a judge, politician and author who founded the local museum. Its also the resting place of Victoria Ernst, who became the first female doctor in Bridgewater.

Liberals: NS Gov't Should Reveal All Information on ISA Scare

It could be a few more weeks before the Canada Food Inspection Agency can confirm or dismiss a suspected virus affecting salmon at a Shelburne County aquaculture operation. The Provincial fisheries and environment departments have released little information. Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the government has been too quiet. "When government withholds the kind of information that they have it just allows the misinformation or quite frankly the growing concerning about potential cross over from aquaculture into the regular fishery,"  Cooke Aquaculture operates nine of the provinces 13 salmon farming operations with four of them located in the Shelburne Harbour and McNutt Island areas. The operation in question is believed to be one in Shelburne Harbour.

VIDEO: Resource Bag Encourages Education at Home

The Department of Education is putting more focus on childhood learning within the household. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall announced a new resource initiative this morning in Mahone Bay called the Play-Talk-Learn resource bag. The tools inside the bag include hands on items like books, crayons, letters and numbers and is designed to assist primary aged students with their language, writing and reading development. Early Learning Coordinator Nancy Taylor says it's important to make learning for young children entertaining both in the home and the classroom.

"And we also know when parents are well connected with their children education then their children are going to be more successful. This resource that we've put together with learning activities is designed to encourage children and their families to play together,"

The resource bags are being introduced to primary students in the South Shore, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton-Victoria and Strait Regional school boards. Province wide distribution is set for September.

Ramey wins fifth shotput title at AUS Championship

Bridgewater's Garrett Ramey has won gold at the Atlantic University Sports Championship in Moncton. It's the fifth year in a row he's won the shot-put event. His winning numbers were 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) and throwing 15.18 meters. Ramey also won a bronze in the 35-pound weight toss with a personal best of 13.27 meters. He now heads to the CIS Championships in Alberta in two weeks.

Curl for a Cause raises over $35,000 for Fisherman's Memorial

The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore exceeded their fundraising goal for Curl for a Cause. The event, held over the weekend at the Lunenburg Curling Club, raised $35,660 for Fisherman's Memorial Hospital. Managing director for the Foundation, Arlene Stevens, says she's happy they raised enough money with equipment costs on the rise.

"It's interesting. When I look at the list of the pieces of equipment that we committed to purchase this year, we surpassed what we needed by about $35 so we were right on the mark as far as what we had agreed to buy and the money we had raised."

The money will be put towards nine pieces of equipment including a specialized stretcher, overbed tables for the veterans' unit, vitals monitor and ultrasound. Stevens says the 12th annual event was a huge success with non-stop curling from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening.

South Shore Ventures Co-op leasing Blockhouse school

The abandoned Blockhouse school is getting new life from the South Shore Ventures Co-op. The group will hold an open house after agreeing to a three-year lease with the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Councillors came to terms with the agreement during their February 14 meeting. The South Shore Ventures Co-op is hoping to transform the old school into a model for how to become more self-sufficient and sustainable in areas including food, shelter and employment, according to their website. The open house will be held Wednesday from 3:30-5pm at the Blockhouse Fire Hall. Mayor Don Downe and other District of Lunenburg councillors are expected to be on-hand to officially sign the lease on the old school. It will be followed by an evening of celebration featuring musical acts, supper and door prizes. More information can be found at http://www.theblockhouseschool.org/ .

Park View J.V. Boys win provincial basketball bronze

A bronze medal finish for the Park View Panthers JV boys basketball team. The local club wrapped up third place at provincials with a 77-46 victory over Sydney Academy.  C.P. Allen outscored Citadel in the final to become provincial champions.

Minor football coming to Bridgewater?

Minor football could soon be a reality in Bridgewater. Town council put its support behind the idea after a presentation by the South Shore Seahawks minor football club earlier this month. There were no financial commitments but an agreement in principle that the group would submit a letter with funding indications to council. The group, led by Gary Linthorne and John Peters, is hoping to base the team out of Bridgewater and play games at the Kinsmen Field. The Seahawks are hoping to have 60 kids play for two teams in different age groups. Peters says football would get more kids active in the community. The Seahawks are projecting to spend close to $30,000 on equipment including pads, jerseys, pants, helmets and insurance. Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's concerned about the timing because its close to budget, but would like to see other municipal units get involved. Minor football is in every region across Nova Scotia except the South Shore.

Armed Robbery at Hebbville Irving

Some tense moments for an employee at the Irving gas station in Hebbville Friday night. Mounties say a masked man armed with a gun walked into the store demanding money. The suspect was able to get an undetermined amount out of the cash register and got away in a car left running outside the gas station. Mounties describe the man as Caucasian, about 5'8 with brown eyes. He was wearing a checkered hoodie and black gloves at the time of the robbery. RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact the Chester detachment.