Shelburne Stand-Off Ends Peacefully

Some tense moments on a residential street in Shelburne. Police had to shut down Commission Street around supper time on Wednesday after they received a complaint regarding a man with firearms. Mounties say nearby residents were asked to leave their homes as a precaution until the situation was resolved. No injuries were reported and the man surrendered to police after a stand-off that last about 45 minutes. RCMP say they seized three long guns and a bow and arrow from the home. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

MODL votes against endorsing School Board size

The Municipality of Lunenburg will not submit a recommendation to the Utility and Review Board on the size of the local school board. Council defeated a motion to endorse a nine member plus two at-large representative board put forward by former member Karen Reinhardt. The motion fell by a 6-5 margin. Councillor Sandra Statton says she wasn't convinced by Reinhardt's presentation.

"We're taking one persons recommendation because she did a presentation here and a few signatures and we're running with a recommendation to the URB and I don't feel that we're in a position to do that and I think we are acting out of not having enough information and not doing enough due diligence on this, so I won't be supporting this."

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Frank Fawson says the issue of small schools closing has a big impact on the community.

"I certainly think with greater representation there's a stronger likelihood that those schools will be kept open and maintained by the school board, so, I think the option that Karen Reinhardt put forth goes one step further then what the school board put forth and provides the community of interest and the representation, both."

The school board endorsed three options with its first selection being six-members with two at-large representatives. The URB will hold a public hearing on the matter May 2nd at the school board office.

Woman Accused of Operating Bawdy House in Bridgewater

A 30 year old woman has been arrested for allegedly operating a brothel in Bridgewater. Police say the woman is from Halifax and will appear in court next month. The investigation into the suspected bawdy house bust also involved members from the Halifax Regional Police Vice Section. Police have not released the woman's name. The accused has been released and is due in court in Bridgewater on May 30th.

Site Preparation work underway at White Point

Crews on site at White Point April 12

The ground is breaking at White Point Beach Resort. Manager Danny Morton tells us dump trucks and excavators arrived Thursday morning to begin site preparation work for the new main lodge. Morton explains what is being done at the moment.

"They are going to be digging out the holes so the foundations can start being laid. I guess there is a lot of fill that needs to be removed, so over the next couple of weeks there's going to be a lot of noise and soil movement just to get the site ready for the foundation pourers."

White Point's main lodge burned down November 12 after a devastating fire at the popular Queens County resort. Morton says they are hoping to have the lodge built by the end of October. You can view the construction online at http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/white-point-construction.html .

Mahone Bay says ''no'' to Electronic Voting

The town of Mahone Bay has decided against e-voting for the upcoming municipal elections. Council voted on the matter during Tuesday night's meeting. Mayor Joe Feeney says it didn't make sense to explore the option.

"We're small, its easy for people to get to the polling station, there are lots of opportunities with advanced polling, it does not preclude the option of people voting by proxy vote if they happen to be out of the province. So, we took all of those things into account and decided we weren't going to go there."

Feeney says it would have cost the town just under $2,300 to use electronic voting in October, no matter how many people used the service. He says for now the roughly 550 eligible voters in the community will stick to the paper ballot system.

Mooney: Move Fisheries Jobs to Yarmouth

The mayor in Yarmouth wants the province to consider relocating civil servant jobs to southwestern Nova Scotia when it begins to decentralize some government services. Phil Mooney says the area would be a natural fit for offices or services of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Mooney is hoping to meet with fisheries minister Sterling Belliveau to pitch the town as an option for a decentralized fisheries department. "You know, we have the most lucrative lobster fishing industry in Canada situated right here in Yarmouth. We have an airport, a regional health facility...It would be a natural fit not only Yarmouth but the provincial government," The NDP government announced in its throne speech last month it will relocate department head offices to rural Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter says more information - like how many positions and where they will be moved - would be released this spring.

Brookside Cemetery now a Heritage Property

There's a new piece of heritage property in Bridgewater. Town council has designated the Brookside Cemetery as a historic site after a recommendation from its advisory committee. Councillor David Mitchell says the decision was a no-brainer.

"There was no question the value of it as a heritage property, the names of the important people from the past in Bridgewater that are in the cemetery and the uniqueness of the stones that are in there made a perfect case for it to be added."

Brookside Cemetery was opened in 1879 by Dean Wile, who was manager of the local carding mill. Among the notables buried in the cemetery are Mather Byles DesBrisay; a judge, politician and author who founded the local museum and Victoria Ernst, the first female doctor in Bridgewater. Mitchell says its a key step after losing two heritage properties last year.

"We lost two last year; one with the de-registration of the Riverview Community Centre and the other with the loss of the Fairview Inn in the fire, so it is important to have some more protected sites within the town because you want to maintain those for generations."

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Alexandra Avenue is the only other heritage property in Bridgewater. The town will now register a legal document through the province to recognize the cemetery as a heritage property.

Drugs Charges: Police Raid Home in Lunenburg

A 49 year old Lunenburg man is facing drug charges after police raided a home in the town earlier this week.  Lunenburg County RCMP carried out the search warrant with the help of the Bridgewater Police Service and South Shore Street Crime Unit. During the bust, Mounties seized marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and cash following a search of the home. Gary Benteau of Lunenburg has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. He'll answer to the charge on June 13th.

Court: Buckley Case Delayed Until May

The defence lawyer for an 18 year old Chester Basin man accused of second degree murder has asked for more time to review the case against his client. Pat McEwen told court today he only received full disclosure of the evidence against Jack Buckley yesterday. Buckley is charged in the death of 57-year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley. Her body was found in her home on the Borgels Point Road on the morning of March 2. Buckley was arrested on March 12 at a hotel in Western Shore. The case has been put over until May 17th when dates will be set for a preliminary hearing. In the meantime, Buckley has been remanded into custody at the Nova Scotia Correctional Centre.

Smith named CEO for three Southwest YMCAs

Yvonne Smith

The CEO for the Lunenburg County YMCA is expanding her role. Yvonne Smith is also the Chief Executive Officer for two more YMCAs in Yarmouth and Cornwallis in the Fundy region. Smith says she wants to incorporate more of a regional service between the three facilities.

"We're all in rural communities and for us to be sustainable and have these YMCAs in these communities, there are a lot of benefit to us working together. So, the big challenge for everyone to really break out of the mode that we are often in where we think of ourselves in isolation and look at the bigger picture and how we can work together."

Smith says she looks forward to the challenges of improving services in Yarmouth and Fundy. She says the model switch has been in the works for a long time. The management system is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia.

Mooseheads face elimination against Quebec

The Quebec Remparts have taken a stranglehold on the Halifax Mooseheads. The Remparts overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Moose 5-3 Tuesday night and took a 3-0 lead in their best of seven series. Scoring for the Mooseheads were Matthew Boudreau, Alex Grenier and Konrad Abeltshauser.  Zach Fucale made 32 saves in goal for the Herd, who were outshot 37-22. The Mooseheads look to keep their season alive Wednesday night in game four at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Kent Cup Final: Yarmouth drops game four; down 3-1 in finals

The Woodstock Slammers are one win away from being MHL champions. The Slammers edged the Yarmouth Mariners 2-1 Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Best of 7 Kent Cup Final Series. Robert Visca led the Slammers with 1 goal and 1 assist. Andrew Wigg scored the lone goal for Yarmouth. Matt Murphy stopped 31 shots for the win while Charles Grant stopped 21 shots in the loss. Game five goes Friday in Woodstock.

South Shore Health CEO Annouces Retirement

The CEO of South Shore Health is set to retire. After four years at the helm, Alice Leverman says she is ready to do some other things and enjoy retired life. Leverman spent eight years as Vice President of Community Health before moving to the CEO's role in 2009. She is credited with strengthening the health authority and its ability to deliver services through budgets cuts, restructuring of services and management. Leverman says she has been blessed to work with a great team and adds the decision wasn't easy. "It is a difficult decision to make, but important to do it at a time when hopefully one will have good years ahead to do others things in life," In a media release, Board of Directors Chair Roxie Smith thanked Leverman for her many years of service. Dr. Peter Vaughn has been promoted as the new CEO effective July 1st.

RCMP: Theft in Cherryhill

RCMP say thousands of dollars worth of jewelry has been taken from a Lunenburg County home. A break in was reported at a home along Highway 331 in Cherryhill on Friday. Police say various other items were also stolen. Anyone with leads on the crime is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.

On Tap: Chester Basin Murder Case back in Court

The case of an 18 year-old charged with second degree murder resumes on Wednesday in Bridgewater. John (Jack) Buckley is charged in the death of 57-year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley. Her body was found in her home in Chester Basin on the morning of March 2. The case was adjourned last month to give the Crown and defence lawyers time to review evidence and police reports. Buckley's lawyer Pat McEwen told reporters his client maintains his innocence and will fight the charge. The relationship between the accused and the victim has yet to be confirmed.

Mooseheads look to strike back in game 3

It's a must-win situation for the Halifax Mooseheads. The herd are down 2-0 heading into Tuesday night's game three battle against the Quebec Remparts. The Moose suffered a pair of losses on the road and return home to the Metro Centre where they are undefeated so far in the playoffs. Puck drops at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.

Kent Cup Final: Slammers Edge Mariners in Game 3

The Woodstock Slammers have grabbed the upper hand in the MHL's Kent Cup Final. Last night, in front of a sellout crowd in Yarmouth, the Slammers edged the Mariners 1-0 to take a 2-1 lead in the best of seven championship series. Nick Huard scored the game-winner late in second period while Matt Murphy turned aside 31 shots for the shutout. Game four is tonight at 7:30 at the Mariner Centre.

Kent Cup Final: Sellout for Game 3 in Yarmouth

A sellout crowd is expected in Yarmouth this evening for Game 3 of the Kent Cup Final. The Yarmouth Mariners and Woodstock Slammers split the first two games in New Brunswick before the long-weekend. Puck drops at the Mariners Centre at 7:30PM.

On Tap: Public Meeting on South Queens Middle School

It's a chance for the public to learn more about the future South Queens Middle School. An information session will be held Tuesday night to update the community on planning for the new facility. A conceptual design for the new school will be reviewed followed by an informal question and answer session with School Board and Department of Education staff.  The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at South Queens Junior High School starting at 6:30pm. The new South Queens Middle School is expected to replace the current Junior High. It's expected to be built by September 2013.

RCMP: Impaired Driving Charges in Chester

RCMP in Chester have charged two people after an incident in the village over the Easter weekend. According to police, they received a call on Sunday night regarding two men who piled into a car after having a few drinks at a local business. Soon after, Mounties got another call about a single vehicle collision in the same area. When police arrived at the scene they arrested the two men and charged them both with impaired driving. The men have also been charged with providing misleading information while one of the accused resisted arrest. Both have been released and will appear in court at a later date.

Solid Start: 1688 Lobster Fishermen's Association

It's been a good winter for the newly formed "1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association". President James Mood says the PLFA's membership features more than 800 lobster license holders from Shelburne to Digby. He says the association experienced a lull in new memberships periodically over the winter but the trend has reversed. "What has happened here in the last week is the cheques have started coming in again. I think the reality is they (license holders) had a chance to think things over - they know they have to have a voice. Without a voice and being united - you'll get nowhere," The price of lobster at the wharf has jumped from $3.25 to $6.00 per pound since the PLFA formed in January.  As of last week in Woods Harbour, the price of lobster touched $6.25 per pound.

Mixed Reaction: Tax Cut for Small Business

The President of the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce has mixed feelings over a tax cut for small businesses in the province. Ben Wiper says the extra money will help business owners going forward but cautions the province remains in a position where spending exceeds revenues. He says while the cuts are welcome, but come with a price. "Basically our business tax cut is being financed by deficit spending and being a business owner that's something most business owners don't like to do - because it's not sustainable. We can't just keep spending without matching revenues coming in," The provincial government announced a reduction of half a percentage point in the small business tax rate in its budget last week. Finance Minister Graham Steele says the tax break will translate into another $10-million back into the hands of small businesses in Nova Scotia.

Martin, team win 4 x 400 metre relay event in Florida

Training is certainly paying off for Jenna Martin. The Bridgewater native ran 52.68 seconds in a 4 x 400 metre relay, helping her team win the event at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida. Martin's team set a meet and stadium record, also setting the best relay time in the world this season. She is currently training in the U.S. to make Canada's team for the London Olympics. Martin's next event is expected to be this weekend in Miami.

Bridgewater rink wins Atlantic under-18 curling crown

A Bridgewater curling rink has been crowned the Atlantic under-18 curling champions. Daniel Prest's team scored one in the eighth and stole two in the extra end to beat P.E.I 6-4 Sunday in the final at the Bluenose Curling club in New Glasgow. Newfoundland and Labrador defeated Chester's Daniel Jessome 6-5 in the boys consolation final.

Keddy: OAS Changes Necessary

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's says the old age security system needs to reflect the current labour conditions. The majority conservative government announced increases in OAS eligibility to 67 up from 65 in the federal budget. Canadians who get federal money from other programs will see their benefits extended until they can cash in on OAS/GIS. Gerald Keddy says the changes are necessary and reasonable. "What we are trying to do is get people to work longer those who are able to - those who are not able there is a social safety net in place for them. So it's not as if people will be abandon - that's not the case at all," Ottawa will start making the adjustments to old age security in 2023, and phase them in gradually over six years.  It means anyone over 54 won't be affected while people in their early 50's will see moderate changes and Canadians under 50 will be directly impacted.

South Shore Big Brothers Big Sisters: Moving Forward

South Shore Big Brothers and Big Sisters has received a one-time grant from the province. The 9-thousand dollars will help the organization until it can fund-raise and apply for more grant money later on. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall went to bat for the organization. She made the right connections in the Dexter government to make the 9-thousand dollars a reality. "Financial pressures have been difficult and a lot of the time is spent by the staff to fund raise to keep these programs going so this is a situation where some one-time relief was needed to keep things going," and keep Birdsall delivered the cheque to Big Brothers/Big Sisters in the past few days.

QMJHL Play-offs: Mooseheads Drop Game 1

A third period letdown cost the Halifax Mooseheads game one of their "Q" league second round playoff series last night in Quebec City. The Moose led 1-0 after two periods but the Remparts scored three times in less than two minutes early in third en route to a 4-2 victory. The best of seven series continues tonight in Quebec City.

Typical Flu Season for South Shore

The Medical Officer Health for the South Shore says it's been a typical flu season. Doctor Lynda Earl says the influenza virus began to circulate more frequently in late February and throughout March this year. She says about two percent of emergency department visits are the result of flu-like symptoms and that's right in line with previous years. "This year flu is certainly fitting with what we expect to see, cases began in February and more cases in March. In comparison to last year, we only about a month behind so this fits with what we expect to see with flu," Earl stresses frequent hand washing to keep from getting sick. She also suggests that folks should stay home when they aren't feeling well to avoid spreading the virus.

UPDATED: New Flu Cases at Queens Manor in Liverpool

Another disappointment for families and friends of loved-ones at Queens Manor in Liverpool. Just as officials were preparing to re-open the manor to visitors on Friday, comes word it will remain closed. Infection control nurse Sandra Woodford tells CKBW/HANK FM News more cases of the flu have been confirmed which means the public will remain barred from visiting. "We had two new cases and anytime there is a new case we have to back up the opening date a whole week. So we've had new cases and that is the result," About 11 residents had flu-like systems a few weeks ago when officials first decided to close the manor to the public.

Still A Mystery: Re-Launch Date for Bluenose II

The re-launch of an iconic Nova Scotia schooner will take place sometime this summer but when it reaches the water remains a mystery. The Bluenose II is undergoing a $15.9 million dollar refit in Lunenburg.  It's rebuild includes a new hull, frame and planking. Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesman Michael Noonan says the re-build has gone well. He says its launch ultimately depends on the vessels construction schedule. However, Noonan wouldn't say whether the schooner will be sailing in time to join dozens of tall ships expected to visit the province in July. "Well those are all things we will be announcing in due coarse as all the details are worked out - so I think what I would probably say is stay tuned and there will be some news about that coming out in the not so distant future," The original Bluenose was built in 1921. Bluenose II was built in 1963 and transferred to the province in 1971 for $1-dollar. Meanwhile, the tall ships will be in Halifax from July 19 to 23. Stops are also planned in Lunenburg, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Sydney and Louisbourg.

More Drug Related Arrests in Queens County

Five people have been arrested on drug related offences in Liverpool. RCMP arrested four men last Friday ranging in age from 17 to 28 years old. Police say they seized a quantity of marihuana and hydromorphine during a blitz in Liverpool, they also recovered some cash and drug paraphernalia.  Each of the accused is facing trafficking and possession charges. Meanwhile, Mounties also arrested a 16 year-old girl in the same weekend for the same reason. The teen is also facing drug related charges after police allegedly seized some pot and drug paraphernalia. RCMP say the arrests are part of a crack down on drugs in the downtown area of Liverpool.

New Condenser for Lunenburg Arena

A critical part of the Lunenburg Arena's refrigeration system will be replaced this spring. The rink will get a new condenser - which keeps the ice crisp and arena cool. The town has pre-approved the purchase and set aside $50,000 to replace the rinks 22 year old condenser. Councillor Jamie Myra says the rink is an important part of the community. 'We have a strong minor hockey program, a strong skating program and a strong gentleman's hockey program. So we think it's very important for the citizens to make sure the ice is ready for the fall of 2012," It's expected the unit will cost in the area of $40,000 to replace.

Drugs Seized & Charges Laid in Queens County Bust

Example of a Marijuna Grow Op

There's been a drug bust in Queens County.  The RCMP have charged two people after a search and seizure at a home in Brooklyn Monday evening.  Queens RCMP Staff-Sgt. Jeff Wells says they discovered a grow-op and seized 168 marihuana plants and 23 grams of marihuana.  He says: "Although there were a number of plants, some of them were not very large.  Actually, most of them are quite small. We basically did that on our own. It was the members of Queens District. We did do some drug enforcement over the weekend with the assistance of the street crime unit from Shelburne and a police dog from Yarmouth."  Arrested in connection with the grow-op were a 58-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman, both of Brooklyn.  They've since been released and are scheduled to appear in Liverpool Court, June 12th.

URB: Downsize Town of Shelburne Council

Residents of Shelburne will elect fewer councillors when they head to the polls in municipal elections this fall. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board made a decision on the matter last week. The council will consist of four elected members plus a mayor after the October election. The URB decision was made at the town's request after little interest was displayed during three public meetings on the matter. Eliminating the council positions will result in annual saving of $24-thousand dollars.

NS Finance Minister: Deficit Eliminated Next Year

The Nova Scotia government has tabled a $9.5-billion budget with a projected deficit of $211.2-million for 2012-13. Finance Minister Graham Steele says it means the government will balance its books next year.

Budget Highlights: Personal income tax reductions expected to return $7.5 million to about 78,000 Nova Scotians.

Small business tax rate reduced by half a percentage point from four per cent to 3.5 per cent, saving businesses about $10 million annually.

Overall spending for health care up 2.5 per cent at $3.9 billion. The Province will also close its office in Ottawa with a savings of $500,000 annually.

Queens County Update: $47-M Bypass Project

The province will begin work on the $47-million dollar Port Mouton-Port Joli bypass this summer. A total of four bridges will either be replaced or constructed in the bypass area in preparation for the project. Department of Transportation Arena Manager Matt Covey says the "Wagner Bridge" and "Pawn Bridge" in the Port Mouton area will be replaced in the coming months. They are actively used and traffic delays should be expected when work begins. Covey says the province will spend $8 million dollar on the project this year with the remaining costs spread out over the next two fiscal years. "Paving is going to be very expensive, sub grade is expensive and the Broad River Crossing is going to be quite a span so that bridge will probably be around $5-6 million dollars," Work tenders will go out in coming weeks in hopes the bridge work will be finished by September 30th. The multi-year bypass project should be ready in the fall of 2014.

Judge Lenehan: Enisor Fit to Stand Trial

A judge has ruled that a New Germany man accused of fatally shooting his wife before turning the gun on himself is mentally fit to stand trial. Judge Gregory Lenehan render a decision in Bridgewater Provincial Court this morning. Wayne Eisnor faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Tina Eisnor in a parking lot in June 2010. The 49 year-old is accused of shooting the woman twice as she sat in her car near a grocery store before shooting himself in the head. He was found unfit to stand trial in October 2010 because of a mental impairment caused by the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Eisnor has been staying at the East Coast Forensic Hospital in Darmouth since being released from hospital. However, he will be remanded into custody while he awaits trial. Dates for a preliminary hearing will be set on April 18th.

Chester-Municipal Chamber Needs Grant Money Swiftly

The Chester-Municipal Chamber of Commerce is looking for its grant money from the municipality in a more timely fashion. The funds are used to operate the Visitor Information Centre in the summer and have been transferred from the municipality in August. However, President Ben Wiper says he'd like to see the money come through by the end May. He says the organization has been forced to use it membership dues to operate the VIC until the grant money is available. "Because otherwise we end up operating the VIC for three or four months without knowing the money is coming and yet we are already spending money we don't have. We're using the membership dues for our chamber and not all of our members agree with that - it's already been a bit of a contentious issue for us - not overly but for some members it is," The chamber is also asking for a multi year funding commitment from the municipality in addition to an increase in its grant funding to $25,000 - an increase of $4,000 compared to last year. Chester Council deferred the decision to its budget deliberations and will re-visit the request in the coming weeks.

Busy Intersection in Lunenburg Needs Upgrades

The Town of Lunenburg is hoping the province will anti up some money to widen a busy intersection near Bluenose Academy. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says he's met with MLA Pam Birdsall to discuss the Green Street-Tannery Road intersection. Council is concerned the intersection isn't wide enough to handle buses, trucks or 18 wheelers. Mawhinney says the intersection is so narrow, big rigs need to cross over into the centre line when they attempt to make a turn."As we've talked here at council, we may have to expand the road width towards the water so there is more space for trucks, buses and large vehicles to pass each other," Mawhinney says something needs to be done to improve the intersection. He admits the town may have to foot the entire cost to widen the road.

LaHave Manor & Town of Bridgewater Find Common Ground

The LaHave Manor Corporation and Town of Bridgewater found common ground for a new group home for disabled people on Evergreen Road. The two sides met today to discuss the future of the property. Following the meeting, the corporation announced they will proceed with plans to buy the home after the town agreed to tweak some of their bylaws to allow for the development. The town states it will consider amending its Land-Use Bylaw to allow for five occupants of the home in that neighbourhood. Currently, their bylaw allows for three disabled people to occupy a residence. Both sides aren't saying much and declined interview requests. The property on Evergreen Road is owned by a World War II Veteran and already features a wheel chair ramp and can accommodate people with disabilities.  The LaHave Manor would not disclose the cost of purchasing the home.

On Tap: Judge in Eisnor Case to Issue Decision on Tuesday

A decision is expected to come tomorrow on whether a New Germany man is fit to stand trial on a charge of first degree murder. Forty-nine year-old Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting and killing his wife before turning the gun on himself in June of 2010. He was originally deemed unfit to stand trial because of a mental impairment caused by the self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, during a two-day fitness hearing last month, Crown lawyer Alonzo Wright argued Eisnor's condition had improved significantly since the shooting. Judge Gregory Lenehan will issue the decision in Bridgewater Provincial Court Tuesday morning. Eisnor is being held in the East Coast Forensic Hospital, pending a determination by the court.

"Yarmouth Has Won, No Matter How You Look At It!" : Mayor

The community of Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario is the winner of this year's Kraft Hockeyville competition.  Yarmouth was in the running for it too.  Even though it lost in the final voting, mayor Phil Mooney says the town won as far as community spirit is concerned.  The town's "Mariner Centre" also picked up a prize.  Mayor Mooney says:  "We have picked up a cheque for 25 thousand dollars. Hopefully, we will have some community input on what they want to do with it. They're looking at a variety of things pertaining to the management board. It will be well used and well needed!"  Three other Canadian communities were also in the competition ... Kelowna, BC; Amos, Quebec and Ducklake, Alberta.  By the way, Yarmouth garnered more than 1-million-600 votes in the competition, about 2.5 million less than the winner.

Two Lunenburg County Residents Charged In Recent B & E Spree

There have been arrests and charges laid in connection with numerous break and enters in a Lunenburg County community.  A 27 year old man from the Pleasantville area faces 12 charges and appears in court this week.  A 20 year old woman from Chester has also been charged, released on conditions and will be in Bridgewater court in May.  Over the past several weeks .... homes, seasonal residences, cottages and garages in Pleasantville have been broken into.  Tools, electronics, jewellery, gaming systems and exercise equipment have been stolen.  Police say they have recovered few of the items.

MHL Final: Mariners set to face Slammers

The Yarmouth Mariners are headed to the finals of the Maritime Hockey League. Before a home town crowd, the team shutout the Amherst Ramblers 2-nothing over the weekend to win the 7th and deciding game of their Bent division series. Matt Tomah and Colin Campbell were the goal scorers. Charles Grant stopped all 23 shots he faced. Yarmouth will now face the Woodstock Slammers in the MHL final series.

Municipality of Lunenburg: No More Dog Tax

It's good news for dog owners. The Municipality of Lunenburg voted in favour of eliminating a yearly dog tax and are allowing a one time tag purchase for the life of a dog. However, councillor Lee Nauss says the move doesn't make sense. "I think we are going way back and there's no way I could support this because it's a backwards step,"  Council agreed the dog tag purchase would be implemented as a voluntary system. The existing by-law will now be amended and a communication strategy will be developed to inform the public of the change.

Bridgewater: Town & LaHave Manor set to Meet

Bridgewater's mayor is chiming in on LaHave Manor's potential move to Evergreen Road. Carroll Publicover says council hasn't been called on to make a decision on the issue. He believes the town has demonstrated it is an inclusive community. 'We've gone out of way to find ways to include the poor, marginalized and the people who need help. We've lifted up people whenever we can, you know, this is another case, we have group home and small options apartments throughout the town and lots of very nice neighborhoods they could be accommodated,"   The two sides are in disagreement over the Evergreen property. The town says it can't be turned into a group home because of its location in Bridgewater. A meeting between the town and Manor is scheduled to take place later today.

Municipal Elections: Chester to Introduce Evoting

Chester will move towards evoting when residents head to the polls during municipal elections this fall. Residents will be able to vote over the phone or by computer for the advance poll only. Warden Allen Webber says the municipality is very traditional and council wanted to maintain the paper ballot in some capacity. "As much as we like to be forward thinking, we are also very traditional in this municipality. The older population is used to going to the polls - we may reduce the number of polls in future years, but its unlikely it will be anything we will completely eliminate," Webber says the ultimate goal is to increase voter turnout and he hopes the change will appeal to younger voters.

Mawhinney: Schools Need More Maintenance Funds

The South Shore Regional School Board will hand the keys to Lunenburg Academy back to the town at the end of the month. Town staff and school board officials have completed a walk through of the historic building in an effort to survey the condition of the facility. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the building will need some maintenance work and during council this week, had some sharp criticism for past provincial governments. He says regardless of the political stripe - school boards have been grossly under funded to keep up maintenance at schools across the province. "The monies being provided to look after the 27 or 28 buildings operated by the school board in Lunenburg county was just not adequate to keep them in a state that was going to carry them forward. Anyone who owns a home and looks after it properly knows you have to do maintenance every year. That was not happening at our school properties - the academy is but one,"  Mawhinney stresses he's not blaming the Regional School Board. However, with a number of new schools opening across the province - he's is hoping the trend will be reversed. The 117 year-old Academy, owned by the Town, housed grades one through twelve until 1965 when a new high school was built. It was home to elementary students up until this month when the new Bluenose Academy opened in Lunenburg.

Gasoline Prices Rise Again

The price of regular gasoline at South Shore pumps has taken another overnight jump. A litre of self serve regular is selling today for $1.43.5.  Thats a little over 3.5 cents more than yesterday.  The increase, granted by the Utilities & Review Board, follows a similar increase in New Brunswick yesterday.

Common Ground: Changes to "Race Week" Pub Nights

Some noise complaints have forced the Municipality of Chester and organizers of "Race Week" to find some common ground. The traditional pub nights at the Yatch Club will continue, however, live music will be shut down at 1AM. The change was in response to numerous concerns raised by people who reside near the Yatch Club. Chester Council made the decision during their meeting on Thursday. Randy Stevens is Commodore of the facility. "It works for both parities, it works for us as the Yatch Club and it works for the Municipality. We are an integral part of the community as I mentioned to council and we certainly want to make everybody as happy as we can - I think it was a good compromise," The organization will still allow guests to remain on the property until 2AM as normal. Warden Allen Webber also thought it was a fair decision as well."The neighbors that live in the area have a legitimate concern with the noise. We found a compromise but we need the live music shut down at 1 o'clock. They can keep the bar open and they will be some noise associated with that but it's a reasonable compromise," Chester Race Week is held August 15-18.

Queens County Woman Charged with Public Mischief

An 18 year-old Queens County woman charged with public mischief will appear in court next month in relation to the death of the Brandon Wentzell.  The 19 year-old died February 5th from a lethal combination of the painkiller Dilaudid and vodka. Charges were laid following an extensive police investigation surrounding a bogus relationship between Wentzell and a girl named Clarissa. Their relationship was built through an online dating website, however, the girl never existed and the relationship was a hoax. It's believed the women charged was behind the hoax. The pair had made numerous attempts to meet but each time their date was cancelled at the last minute. The last time a meeting was supposed to happen was Super Bowl Sunday. Later that night, Wentzell began drinking and taking drugs. Soon after his death, Wentzell's mother received multiple text messages from someone claiming to be Clarissa's mother. The texts stated Clarissa had committed suicide after learning of Brandon's death. That led Bridgewater police to expand their investigation. The woman accused of being behind the hoax will enter a plea to the charges on April 18th in Bridgewater.

Changes in Mandatory Hemelt Use at Lunenburg Arena

Helmets will be mandatory next year for anyone under the age of 12 who is skating at the Lunenburg Arena. The age is being bumped up by two years. Town of Lunenburg councillor Jamie Myra says it's a safety issue and a proactive change. "We've always said that there has been times at public skate or at other times over there where we were surprised nothings ever happened and to my knowledge there really hasn't been any incident that has brought this forward. We just felt we should be proactive and put this into place,"  Myra says he would not be surprised to see helmet use mandatory for all ages at the arena down the road. The town will promote the change more in the fall in hopes it will give skaters time to buy some head gear if they don't already own a helmet.