Bluenose Academy Officially Opening

It's been in the works for some time and now its finally here. Bluenose Academy will officially open Monday afternoon. The Lunenburg school started holding classes in March but never cut the ribbon on the new facility. Education Minister Ramona Jennex will be on hand, along with students, teachers and families. Two student presentations are also planned by the school's band and glee club. There will also be a plaque ceremony. The event begins at 1pm at the school at 18 Tannery Road in Lunenburg.

Lumberjacks Secure Offense In MHL Draft

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks selected a 17-year old forward from the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League with their first pick in Saturday's MHL draft in Yarmouth. Jeremy Butterworth of the Halifax Titans finished in the top ten in league scoring with 38 points this past season. With their next two, second round picks the Jacks grabbed a pair of 17-year old Charlottetown Islanders. Forward Damon MacDonald earned 37 points last season while Luke McIssac is a six foot three inch defenceman. The Jacks took four South Shore Mustangs including six foot three inch forward Jamie McIntyre, forwards Brandon Challoner and Riley Strowbridge and goalie Cole Skinner. Another Mustang, forward Avery Clarke, was the sixth overall pick for the Metro Marauders.

UPDATED: Bowater Mill Closing Indefinitely

It will be an indefinite closure for the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Premier Darrell Dexter confirmed in Liverpool late Friday morning that with the global economic changes including the struggling euro, the company is no longer in a position to operate the mill in Brooklyn. He says it's a huge blow to the workers, their families and the Queens County community. But, he feels they will pull through in the end.




Dexter says they plan on setting up a transition advisor to help bring government and community together and keep the economy growing.



Meanwhile, Queens MLA Vicki Conrad stood by the Premier as he made the announcement. She remains hopeful the community can survive the closure.



The closure throws about 320 people at the mill out of work. Meanwhile, a sawmill owned by the company in Oakhill and the Brooklyn Power Corporation are also affected by the shut-down. Resolute Forest Products says it's looking at selling all of its assets in the province, including the paper mill, sawmill and Brooklyn Power. The premier also says all money advanced to Resolute against the loan was returned to the province this week. The company says the facility in Brooklyn will be idled starting on Sunday morning.

BREAKING: RCMP Identify East River Crash Victim

RCMP have identified the person involved in a single vehicle crash in East River earlier this week. Police say 78-year-old Stig Owe Larsson of Chester Basin died when his vehicle crashed on Highway 329. RCMP responded to the call Monday afternoon after a vehicle was found on its side in a ditch and on fire. Police still don't know what caused the car to go off the road. The investigation continues.

Liverpool To Host 2014 Junior Curling Championships

A National curling event is coming to Liverpool. The 2014 M & M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Men's & Women's Curling Championships will be played January 18 to 26, 2014. They'll be held at the Liverpool Curling Club and also at Queens Place Emera Centre. The finals will be broadcast live on TSN. Nova Scotia had previously hosted six Canadian Junior championships, the last in Truro in 1994. The official announcement was made Friday morning by the Canadian Curling Association.

Beware Of Buying Meds OnLine

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.  To mark the occasion, the RCMP is reminding South Shore seniors and care givers of the dangers of buying medication and health care products on the internet.
Cpl. Angela Hawryluk says it can be down-right dangerous.



The RCMP are reminding older adults of the following tips to protect themselves from falling victim to a fraud when ordering medication or health care products on line:

- Does the price reasonably reflect the value or is it "too good to be true"?
- Is the packaging properly labeled?
- Are there spelling mistakes and is the wrapping material of poor quality?
- Are you familiar with the place of purchase?
- Are you shopping on a reputable retail site?
- Does the quality of the product seem acceptable?

There are legitimate online pharmacies.  However, there are also numerous fraudulent ones that may sell medications illegally or do not follow proper procedures for filling out a prescription.  Seniors are advised not to buy from an online pharmacy that offers to prescribe a medication for the first time without a physical exam or if it sells a prescription medication without a prescription from your doctor.

As with all on line services it is important to take the time to become informed and aware of possible scams and fraudulent companies.

Valerie White of the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors says seniors can be targeted as vulnerable consumers, however with some research, on line use can be done in a safe manner.

BREAKING: Bowater Mill Closing Indefinitely

The future of the paper and pulp industry is about to change on the South Shore. Resolute Forest Products says its mill in Brooklyn will close indefinitely. The company made the announcement early Friday morning while meeting with union executives. More to come on this story once it becomes available.

BREAKING: Bowater Union Execs Meeting With Resolute

Union executives from Bowater Mersey have been called to a meeting with managers Friday. Two union leaders will talk with a representative of Resolute Forest Products, the mill's parent company. Union leader Don MacKenzie says he's concerned about the meeting and the future of the mill. Yesterday, Premier Darrell Dexter said he expected the company to make an announcement about the factory soon. More information will be posted once it becomes available.

Chester & Yarmouth Host Relay For Life Events

Family, friends and volunteers will gather to celebrate cancer survivors and lost loved ones in Chester and Yarmouth. Both communities will hold Relay for Life events this evening. The 12-hour relay is the Canadian Cancer Society's signature event and helps support research, prevention and advocacy. The event in Chester will be held at the Middle School while the Mariners Centre will serve as the site in Yarmouth. Opening Ceremonies for both relay's get underway at 7 o'clock.

Bridgewater Councillor To Re-Offer In October

A Bridgewater town councillor is sticking to what he knows best. Bill McInnis has decided to run for councillor again in October, despite contemplating the mayor's seat. He says he recently came to the decision.




McInnis says being a town councillor is a challenge with many responsibilities but its something he enjoys. He says he wants to be part of new initiatives like shared services with the town of Mahone Bay and Municipality of Lunenburg. David Mitchell and current mayor Carroll Publicover are the only two members of Bridgewater council who won't run in October. Mitchell will run in the next provincial election while Publicover is stepping down as mayor.

BREAKING: Future Of Bowater Uncertain

Premier Darrell Dexter is suggesting there will be a development concerning the future of the Bowater Mersey pulp and paper mill in Queens County. Dexter wouldn't reveal details today when asked if a closure was coming, but says the management of Resolute Forest Products should be making a statement soon. CKBW/HANK FM is working to contact officials from Resolute Forest Products. Dexter was the quarterback of a $50 million bail-out package in December aimed at saving the troubled mill in Brooklyn, Queens County. Dexter says none of the money advanced to Resolute Forest Products from the province has been spent. The mill hasn't been on stable ground since the bailout package was announced and has been forced to call for several temporary closures. The mill in Brooklyn shut down last month and is due for another temporary closure on June 17th, marking the third and fourth time the mill has called for down time since December. We'll have more on this developing story as information becomes available.

Scam Targets Businesses

A scam that has been around for awhile is now back and haunting businesses on the South Shore and elsewhere in the province. A company, believed to be operating out of Switzerland, is seeking payment for ad-space in the Yellow Pages that businesses here haven't even requested.

The invoice looks very legitimate. It features the name Yellow Page-Nova Scotia.com, for example, and includes a logo of a telephone receiver. Businesses are misled by the name and logo and think they are dealing with the legitimate organization that distributes local telephone books and Yellow Pages directories. The invoice states that the company owes a debt for an ad that they never agreed to in the first place or may have been tricked into signing up for last year.

Jill Atkinson is the Director of Communications for the Better Business Bureau..



The BBB suggests the following tips:
1. Read the fine print of any solicitation you receive so that you understand what you are agreeing to.
2. Take the time to check with the company to verify that they actually sent the invoice especially if it is delivered by a different method. i.e Fax vrs mail or email.
3. Always review invoices and bills before paying and confirm that you or someone in your company has agreed to the purchase.

If you have received one of these invoices, you can report it to the following:
Better Business Bureau –www.atlanticprovinces.bbb.org
The Competition Bureau 1-800-348-5358
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 1-888-495-8501
Your local police of RCMP division

Illegal Stun Guns Case Begins Today

A trial involving a Shelburne County man accused of smuggling stun guns through the mail gets underway today in Halifax. Twenty-three year old Scott Wade Nickerson is facing a slew of charges including five under the customers act. Some of the charges involve smuggling, possessing a prohibited weapon, and importation. Three packages were flagged at a sorting facility in Vancouver last year - each destined to a home near Shelburne. That's when the Canada Border Services Agency seized 32 illegal stun guns and 10 cans of pepper spray. Nickerson was arrested in May after police searched a home and a vehicle.

VIDEO: Omnibus Protest in Bridgewater

Over 40 people took part in a protest in front of South Shore-St.Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy's office in Bridgewater on Wednesday night. The protest was over the Conservative's massive omnibus budget implementation bill - known as Bill C-38.

Here's some more coverage of the event from CKBW and HANK FM:

South Shore: Residents Protest Omnibus Bill

South Shore residents hit the streets on Wednesday night in Bridgewater in a protest over the Conservative government's omnibus budget bill. The demonstration took place just before MP's began a marathon voting session in Ottawa. More than 40 people took part in the protest in front of MP Gerald Keddy's office on Aberdeen Street. The government's budget bill changes over 70 laws. The Opposition decries the huge bill and over the next 24 hours will force votes on about 800 amendments. However, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the omnibus budget bill is essential to create jobs and long-term prosperity for Canada.

Yarmouth Area Man Charged In Gas Station Holdup

A 34 year old Yarmouth-area man has been arrested and charged in relation to an armed robbery earlier this week.  Murray Langille Nickerson of Hebron was arrested at his home yesterday.  He has been  charged with robbery with a firearm, wearing a disguise, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats.  Nickerson returns to court June 18th.

Around 2:30 Monday morning, a man wearing a mask enterred a gas station on Starr's Road in Yarmouth and demanded cash and cigarettes.  The station attendant handed over an undisclosed amount of money and smokes and the robber fled on foot.  No one was injured.

Illegal Cigarettes Seized In Yarmouth & Charges Laid

There has been a major illegal-cigarettes bust in Yarmouth.  Two people have been charged and smokes seized.  A Yarmouth residence was searched by the RCMP and more than 13,000 contraband cigarettes were seized and a 75-year-old man and 64-year-old woman were arrested.  Both are facing charges under the Federal Excise Act and Provincial Revenue Act.  They have been released and will appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on September 11th.

Long-time MODL Councillor Not Re-Offering in October

A District of Lunenburg councillor is calling it quits after representing his constituents for the last 42 years. Arthur Young has decided not to run in the October election, opening a seat that hasn't been filled by another person since 1970. He says its time to move on.



Young says he plans to keep busy on his farm and woodlot and hopes to travel with his wife. Seven District of Lunenburg councillors intend to run again, two are unsure, while two others will not seek re-election. The councillor decisions look like this as of June 12, 2012:

• Councillor Arthur Young will not re-offer
• Councillor Basil Oickle intends to re-offer
• Councillor Sandra Statton will not re-offer
• Deputy Mayor Frank Fawson intends to re-offer
• Councillor Martin Bell intends to re-offer
• Councillor John Veinot is undecided
• Councillor Eric Hustvedt is undecided
• Councillor Don Zwicker intends to re-offer
• Councillor Cathy Moore intends to re-offer
• Councillor Milton Countway will not re-offer
• Councillor Lee Nauss intends to re-offer
• Councillor Wade Carver intends to re-offer

Documentary To Discuss Salmon Aquaculture

A special documentary into the issue of open net salmon aquaculture will make its premiere Wednesday night across the province. Salmon Wars will be played on the South Shore at the Jordan Bay Hall and the Port Mouton Recreation Centre. The movie, written and hosted by Silver Donald Cameron, takes the viewer from one end of Nova Scotia to the other to discuss salmon aquaculture. Cameron speaks to lobster fishermen, conservationists, anglers about the issue. The movie will begin at 7pm. People can also watch the documentary online at http://www.salmonwars.com/ . After the screenings, a distinguished panel will discuss the issues and answer audience questions. People in remote locations may submit their questions via email and twitter. Panel members include:

• Ricky Hallett, Jordan Bay lobsterman 
• Judith Cabrita, longtime executive director, Tourism Association of Nova Scotia 
• Jeff Carr, science head, Atlantic Salmon Federation 
• Mark Parent, former Nova Scotia environment minister

Dexter: Euro Has Direct Impact On Bowater

 Premier Darrell Dexter says the European debt crisis continues to have a direct effect on the economy in Nova Scotia. He says the impact of a devalued euro is causing tremendous stress on the province's pulp and paper industry. The euro was trading at $1.24 on the market on Tuesday - it's lowest level in nearly two years. Dexter says it allows overseas paper manufacturers to flood the paper market with a cheaper product which impacts operations like Bowater Mersey.



Workers at Bowater are preparing for the latest in a series of temporary shutdowns set to take place from June 17th to July 2nd. The Brooklyn-based mill has called for several shut downs since a $50 million dollar bail-out package was announce last year due to saturated paper markets.

Lumberjacks Choose Local Talent As Territorial Picks

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have selected a defenceman and a forward as this year's territorial picks. Lunenburg's Alex Mann and Fox Point's Josh Shatford have been added to the team prior to this weekend's MHL draft in Yarmouth. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says both players bring certain qualities to the team.




Rhindress says it means a lot to secure local hockey players to the organization. Mann had 11 points last year on the South Shore Mustangs blueline while Shatford notched 19 points in his rookie season in major midget.

MODL Taking Stand On Illegal Dumping

District of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe is fed up with illegal dumping. The mayor has decided to set up a meeting with the environment minister to explore ways to curb the problem and enforce fines. Downe says its an unfortunate issue in the county.




Downe says the municipality is working with the towns of Mahone Bay and Lunenburg to make policy changes to help create rewards for anyone found illegally dumping in the area. A date hasn't been confirmed for the mayor's meeting with the province's environment minister.

South Shore Mustangs Selected in QMJHL Draft

South Shore Mustang Brendan Nickerson is now property of the expansion Sherbrooke Phoenix. The Shelburne County native was picked first in the third round, 38th overall, in Saturday's Quebec Major Junior Hockey League midget draft. Nickerson is a six foot two inch defenceman who earned three goals and 11 points in 28 games last season.  Another Stang defenceman, Alexander Mann of Lunenburg, was drafted by Moncton with the 77th pick. Jamie MacIntyre of Dartmouth was taken 89th by Quebec. Shelburne County's Morgan Messenger was grabbed by PEI with the 95th pick.

Queens Co. Fish Hatchery Closure Could Endanger Whitefish: Mayor



Atlantic Whitefish

 As part of federal budget cuts, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans will be closing a fish hatchery in Queens County.  The Mersey Bio-diversity facility in Milton has been in operation for years, in conjunction with a similar one at Coldbrook in the Annapolis Valley.  Saving the Atlantic Whitefish from extinction by stocking lakes and rivers in the province has been a priority of the hatchery.  District of Queens Mayor John Leefe fears closing it will put the fish in jeopardy again.



The mayor says Atlantic salmon stocks could also be affected by the closure.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.  He has written a letter to the federal fisheries minister asking him to intervene and prevent DFO from closing the Milton hatchery.

UPDATE: RCMP Look For Witness Of Fatal Crash

RCMP want to speak with a motorist who may have witnessed a fatal crash in the East River area yesterday afternoon. Sgt. Bridgit Leger says a black SUV or pick-up truck was traveling on Highway 329 around the same time of the single-vehicle crash. Leger says the person is not a suspect, but they would like to speak with the driver.



Mounties believe the driver was headed from Deep Cove to East Chester around 2 o'clock. RCMP are still investigating the cause of the crash and are working with the provincial coroner's office to identify the victim.

Minor Damage After Fire On Maple Street In BW

Minor damage to report after a fire at an apartment complex in Bridgewater last night. Damage was minor but enough to temporarily force one woman out of her unit for a few nights. The Canadian Red Cross stepped in to arrange emergency lodging, food and some clothes for the woman. The blaze was reported around supper time on Maple Street. Other apartments were not affected.

Two Men Rescued From St. Margarets Bay

Two men were sent to hospital for observation after being rescued yesterday afternoon from St. Margarets Bay.  They ran intro trouble when their 4 metre aluminum boat capsized near Boutliers Point.  The 50 and 63 year olds were picked-up by a passing sailboat and row boat.  Both men were wearing life jackets.  Its believed the men were mackerel fishing when their boat rolled over.

Feed NS Reports Rise In South Shore Food Bank Usage

Lunenburg County food banks are finding it difficult to keep their shelves stocked. Feed Nova Scotia has indicated there has been a 20% increase in usage at outlets in Lunenburg, Chester, Bridgewater and New Germany. Executive Director Dianne Swinemar says they can't explain the change on the South Shore. But, she says they have noticed other changes in Colchester and Cumberland.



Swinemar says food banks are facing a critical time of year when donations drop because people are enjoying the summer weather or taking vacations. She urges everyone to do what they can to help their local food bank. Over 22,000 people province-wide were assisted by food banks in 2011.

Motorist Killed In Fiery Crash Near East River

Mounties say one person is dead after a vehicle crashed into a ditch and caught fire near East River. Lunenburg RCMP say the incident occurred just before 2:30PM Monday afternoon. Police and members of the Blandford Fire Department remained on scene until the early evening hours. Highway 329 is currently open to motorists. The cause of the crash is under investigation and more information will be provided when it becomes available.

Whalen 12th At NCAA Track And Field Championships

A Liverpool athlete has finished 12th at her first NCAA Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Chelsea Whalen, who was seeded 21st for the javelin event, threw a new personal best of 47.44 metres. She was named to the ACC Indoor and Outdoor All-Academic teams as well as an NCAA 2nd team All-American. The sophomore at Florida State University is expected to leave Tallahassee June 24th and head to the 2012 Canadian Track and Field Championships from June 27-30 in Calgary, Alberta.

Province Rejected HRM Input On St. Margarets Bay Connector Road Issue

The Halifax regional Municipality recommended against construction of a road linkling highways 103 and 3 in St. Margarets Bay.  That information is in documents obtained under a freedom of information request from residents of the area.  Bay residents spokesman Sean Kirby says like it did with resident concerns, the province was intent of bull-dozing through any objections to the connector road.



Draft minutes for a January 12, 2011 meeting between HRM officials and Genivar, the engineering consulting firm hired by the provincial government to plan the connector, show that HRM opposed the connector because it will undercut the municipality’s development strategy and result in urban sprawl and higher municipal costs. The Regional Municipal Planning Strategy designates Tantallon and Hubbards as economic and development hubs for St. Margaret’s Bay and seeks to preserve the rural nature of the lands in between. The provincial government announced seven months after the meeting, in August 2011, that it will build the connector halfway between Tantallon and Hubbards, where the regional plan says no development should take place.

The minutes, obtained by residents through a freedom of information application, show that HRM officials said the connector "is contrary to the intentions of the Regional Plan regarding growth.” In a section entitled "Summary of HRM’s position,” the document states that the province’s plans “will lead to additional pressure on development (urban sprawl)” and “place additional pressures on the Municipalities resources.”

HRM officials also said that route option 1 “made the most sense because it provides less potential to develop and would possibly be the cheapest.” The provincial government instead chose route option 3B, a route which opens up much more land for development.

Keji Job Cuts Will Hurt Queens & Annapolis Counties: Mayor

There will be a lot of lost business revenue when Parks Canada reduces staff at Kejimkujik National Park, making it a seasonal operation.  That word from District of Queens Mayor John Leefe.  He's fired-off a letter to the minister responsible for Parks Canada, Peter Kent.  The mayor says the ramifications of cutting 11 jobs and reducing Keji to a five month operation will hurt Queens County and part of Annapolis and be felt elsewhere in the province too.



Mayor Leefe says there's been too much work on everyone's part to make Keji a year-round operation to let it fall victim to what he calls the ruthless work of bureaucrats.  He's pleading with the Parks Canada minister to leave it alone.

Hot Meal Program Set To Launch In Bridgewater

A local church group in Bridgewater will launch a new hot meal program this week. Coordinator Tammy Crouse says a free nutritious dinner will be available once a week - beginning this Wednesday - from St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Crouse says there's a perception that some people only struggle during the winter months - but its not the case.

 

Crouse began organizing the project last summer after she noticed a need for the program.  Volunteers will begin serving meals every Wednesday at 5:30PM. The church will remain open for socializing until 8PM.

Police Forces Promote A Safe Graduation

Its graduation time on the South Shore as hundreds of young people in the area prepare to move-on to the next chapter of their lives.  This is also a time for parents and their children, graduating from high school, to be careful.  The RCMP's School Safety Resource Officer, Cst. Cheryl Ponee, says parents need to discreetly take charge.



RCMP ask parents to consider the following:

• Know what friends your children are hanging out with.
• Know where they will be in case you have to reach them.
• If they have a cell phone make sure they keep it with them.
• Discuss underage drinking and drug use.
• Talk about impaired driving, either by drugs or alcohol. Reassure your kids that they can call home if they are stuck in an unsafe situation where their driver has been drinking.
• Remind your child that pictures taken on their special night may be posted to the Internet or social media sites by those with camera or cell phones. If these pictures depict them using drugs or alcohol this could impact future job applications/opportunities.
• Consider creating a ‘code word’ that can be used in regular conversation if your teen needs to call you to get out of a difficult situation.

For more information on topics and issues affecting teens, visit www.deal.org.

DEAL.org is operated by the Youth Engagement Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and is part of the National Youth Services branch of the RCMP´s Crime Prevention Services.

Lunenburg ALS Walk Raises Almost $17,000

It was a walk not even weather could slow down. Roughly 125 people strode the sidewalks of rainy Lunenburg Saturday to help raise almost $17,000 for ALS. Chair of the walk's committee, John Garroway, says they were very fortunate to exceed their goal of $15,000. Sixty percent of money raised will go towards families, while the other 40 percent goes towards research. This was the third year for the event.

Mulcair: NDP Will Target Young Voters

Federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair says his party will target fresh faces in the lead up to the next election. Low voter turnout in the last election among those aged 18 to 25 has prompted the party to go after new voters. After a speech in Oak Island on Saturday, Mulcair told reporters it's one way the party can grow and boost its seats in the House of Commons. Mulcair calls the low turnout issue a "vexing problem".



Mulcair was visiting the South Shore for the first time since he was elected leader of the New Democrats in March. He spent part of the weekend with MLA's, MP's and delegates at the provincial NDP's annual convention.

Premier Dexter Halts Election Rumours

Premier Darrell Dexter has no plans to send Nova Scotians to the polls any time soon. He made the comments in Oak Island during the NDP's annual convention over the weekend. Opposition parties have been busy touring the province and nominating candidates over the past few weeks in advance of the next election call. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News, Dexter says his government plans to fulfill their five-year mandate.



Dexter says his party will begin ramping up towards the next election once the electoral boundaries commission completes its work. The committee is expected to release its final report on new electoral boundaries at the end of August.

ALS Walk In Lunenburg

Its a walk for South Shore residents to raise awareness for ALS. The event will be held Saturday morning in Lunenburg at the town's curling club on Green Street. Chair of the walk's committee, John Garroway, says money is needed to help people with the disease.



Garroway says 60 percent of money raised will go towards families, while the other 40 percent goes towards research. Registration starts at 9am with the event kicking off at 10am Saturday.

Martin Still Searching For Olympic Nod

It's down to crunch time for Bridgewater's Jenna Martin. The current 400 metre Canadian champion hasn't secured a berth into the Olympics with 49 days to go until they begin. Martin will suit up for a race Saturday in Clermont, Florida still trying to crack her Olympic 'A' standard time. She's been very close to reaching the mark already, missing by just 14-hundreds of a second. Her coach, Charles Scarrow, says in an email, he thinks Saturday will be her day.

Million Dollar Milestone for Bridgewater Relay'

Organizers for this year's Relay for Life in Bridgewater say it might be their best event to date. Thirty-nine teams took part in the relay which raised more than $114-thousand dollars. Leadership chair Sarah Sweeney says it was another great year for the relay despite a drop in the teams.



This year's event marked the tenth anniversary of the Relay for Life in Bridgewater. Since 2002, residents have raised more than $1-million dollars towards cancer research, prevention and advocacy.

UPDATE: Old Bridge Re-Open in Bridgewater

Traffic flow in Bridgewater should ease up a little this weekend. Motorists will be happy to know work on the Old Bridge is finished and the bridge re-opened this afternoon. It was undergoing some regular maintenance over the past week.

South Shore Students Awarded Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

Thirteen South Shore students have won commemorative scholarships in the name of the Queen. Sixty Diamond Jubilee Awards have been awarded to students across the province, one for each year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The scholarships are awarded to graduating Grade 12 students who have demonstrated leadership and made significant contributions to their communities and the province. The awards are worth $2,000 each. The following South Shore students have been named winners:

Samy Abidib - Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School
Lauren Blinkhorn - Shelburne Regional High School
Meghan Brodmann - Park View Education Centre
Chantale Comeau - Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High
Josiah Cormier - Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School
Justin Cotteau - Barrington Municipal High School
Darren Deinstadt - Shelburne Regional High School
Elizabeth Dunford - Park View Education Centre
Garret Fancy - Park View Education Centre
Mariele Guerreo - Park View Education Centre
Daniel Prest - Bridgewater High School
Alexandra Stephenson - Liverpool Regional High School
Kelsey Torak - Shelburne Regional High School

World Oil Price Tumbles Ahead Of Fall In South Shore Gasoline Prices

Gloomy signs about the sputtering American economy are credited for sending the price of oil down by $2.50 this morning.  Oil is trading at $82.32 U-S a barrel -- down 22 per cent since the start of last month. That's putting downward pressure on the dollar, which dropped six-10ths of-a-cent this morning. The loonie is trading at 96.67 cents U-S.
----
In our area, gasoline prices took a tumble overnight. A litre of regular self serve is selling this morning at South Shore pumps for a dollar-25-point-9 ($1.25.9).  Thats just over a 3 cent a litre drop from yesterday.

NDP Leader Mulcair Set To Speak At NDP Convention

The federal NDP leader makes his way to the South Shore this weekend. Tom Mulcair will join provincial New Democrats during their convention at Atlantica Oak Island in Western Shore. Lunenburg MLA Pam Birdsall says she's looking forward to hearing what Mulcair has to say.



Mulcair is expected to speak Saturday afternoon after Premier Darrell Dexter.



Members are expected to elect a new provincial executive and approve a new party constitution at the convention. The convention starts Friday evening and goes until Sunday afternoon.

White Point Beach Resort Starts Penny Challenge

It's an indication South Shore fire departments believe a penny saved is a penny earned. White Point Beach Resort, along with the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, has started a competition called 'Pennies for Protection' to help raise money for volunteer departments. Each participating department will gather pennies and the one with the most will be crowned 'King Penny 2012.' The marketing and product development manager at White Point, Donna Hatt, says volunteer departments are critical to communities.



Residents are urged to provide pennies to local departments. Each participating department will gather pennies with a weigh-in scheduled for June 30 at the Liverpool Fire Department. More details can be found at http://www.whitepoint.com/blog/2012/06/05/2050/ .The following fire departments are participating in the competition :

1) Alma Volunteer Fire Department
2) Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department
3) Charleston Fire Department
4) Chester Basin Volunteer Fire Department
5) Cornwall & District Fire Department
6) Greenfield & District Fire Department
7) Liverpool Fire Fighters Association
8) Lunenburg Volunteer Fire Department
9) Maitland Volunteer Fire Department
10) Oakhill & District Fire Department 
11) Port Hastings Volunteer Fire Department
12) Port Medway & District Fire Department
13) United Communities Fire Department
14) Whycocomagh Volunteer Fire Department

26th Lobster Fest In Shelburne County

It's a tradition to celebrate the success and importance of the lobster industry in Shelburne County. The 26th lobster festival kicks off today with a full slate of activities planned over the next four days. Director of Parks and Rec Marilyn Johnson says the festival serves as the kick off to the summer season.



Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday at the Barrington Arena at 7 o'clock. Festivities will be held throughout the county. For a complete list of events - click on the link below.

http://www.municipalityofshelburne.ca/pdfs/2012/2012%20program%20lobster%20festival%20for%20display.pdf

Health Authority Receives High Marks From Accreditation Canada

South Shore Health is close to having top marks from Accreditation Canada. The local health authority received a 95% on its required standards in the organization's final report. Incoming CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they scored very well overall but still need to do things better. He says staff need to ask patient identifiers, like their names and date of birth, consistently, to meet requirements.



Vaughan says if improvements are made in patient identification and client and family safety, South Shore Health could reach accreditation with commendation.

Birthday: Town of Lunenburg Celebrates 259th

The town of Lunenburg is set to blow out the candles for its 259th birthday today. A number of celebrations are planned to mark the occasion including a gathering at Bluenose Academy at 1PM on Thursday. Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says a portion of the celebration with focus on the youth of the community.



Meanwhile, the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation will host their inaugural "World Ocean's Day" at the Captain Angus Walters house on Tannery Road beginning this afternoon. There will be live music, educational displays and demonstrations beginning at 3 o'clock. The celebration runs until 9PM this evening.

Bluenose II: NS Gov' Contacts Lunenburg Council

Some members of Lunenburg town council are calling on the Nova Scotia government to provide more information on the launch of the Bluenose II. But the province's heritage minister says they can't because they don't know when it will happen. Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney and Councillor Jamie Myra say they want the government to be more upfront on the precise launch of the Bluenose II so the region can capitalize on possible tourism benefits. However, Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra says the government isn't trying to be secretive on the launch date -- it simply doesn't know when it will happen. Preyra says the schooner will launch by the end of the summer, but they don't want to set a date and not meet it. Work crews are expected to begin removing the temporary shelter housing the Bluenose II on Thursday.

More Students Graduate From Verge House

"Verge House" in Bridgewater has celebrated nearly three decades of service to the area with its 2012 Graduation Ceremonies.  Among the speakers at yesterday’s event, were District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe and Bridgewater High Vice-Principal Deanna Rawding.  Special guest speaker was former school board member,  Mary Ellen Clancey. 

Over the past 29 years, Verge House has been teaching young Lunenburg and Queens County adults with special needs.  There, they prepare themselves for employment, and learn how to lead independent and productive lives in the community. 

The six students who graduated yesterday from the Transition Program are:  Benjamin Feltham, Chad Herman, Laura-Lee Hynick, Jenny Lastimosa, Brett Veinot and Nathan Whynot.

Yesterday’s ceremonies were bittersweet for the Transition Program.  Genevieve McCarthy is retiring from her position as head teacher after more than a quarter-century of service.

South Shore Gasoline Prices May Be Lower Friday

Here's an indication that gasoline prices here on the South Shore may head downward overnight tonight.  In New Brunswick this morning, there's a break at the pumps.  Regular self-serve is down 3.6 cents per litre.  The new maximum price per litre in New Brunswick today is just over $1.25 per litre.

RCMP Nab Man Driving 109km/hr Over Speed Limit

Talk about driving over the speed limit. A 21-year-old Chester Basin man has been charged with stunting after South Shore RCMP clocked him driving 209 km/hr in a 100 km/hr zone. The incident happened around 6:45 Thursday morning between exits five and six on highway 103. The man's 1996 Volvo was immediately seized at the scene. He faces a fine of over $2,400 if found guilty.