Local and Regional News - Noon July 16

Local and regional news update for noon, July 16. Please click the link below to listen.

Baillie Labels NDP Government An Experiment Gone Bad

The province's PC Leader says the Dexter government is now trying to repair its mistakes.

However, Jamie Baillie says handing out all kinds of money to various projects in communities won't do it.

Premier Darrell Dexter himself has been on hand recently announcing millions of dollars for expansion at Cooke Aquaculture in Shelburne County, opening affordable housing units in Chester, costing 340-thousand dollars in provincial money.

He also has announced half a million dollars for replacement beds and other equipment at South Shore hospitals and nearly half a million for the province's boat building association.

PC Leader Baillie says the NDP government was an electorate experiment thats turned into a big failure.



Baillie believes the NDP stranglehold on South Shore ridings will be broken by his party in the next provincial election.

McNeil Questions Impact Of Dexter Dollars On South Shore

In recent weeks, the Dexter government has dropped a lot of money in communities along the South Shore.

Premier Darrell Dexter himself has been on hand announcing millions of dollars for expansion at Cooke Aquaculture in Shelburne County, opening affordable housing units in Chester, costing $340,000 in provincial money. 

The premier has also announced half a million dollars for replacement beds and other equipment at South Shore hospitals and nearly half a million for the province's boat building association.

The province's Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says the premier is attempting to prevent the NDP from losing seats on the South Shore in the next provincial election by pouring money into the area.



McNeil says he's confident his party may score some victories on the South Shore when the next provincial election is held.

Nurse Practitioners Accepting New Patients

Two nurse practitioners in Bridgewater will begin accepting new patients today. It's the second intake since 600 patients were accepted in May. CEO of South Shore Health Dr. Peter Vaughan says officials expect the available spaces will be filled quickly. The nurse practitioners anticipate accepting 200 new patients during this intake. Vaughan says more patients will be accepted in the fall. Residents will need to set up an appointment with the NP's and can do that by phoning 527-4310. The practitioners have the ability to take up to 1,400 patients at full capacity.

Local Morning News & Weather--Monday, July 16, 2012

Its Monday, the 16th of July. Here is the latest South Shore news and the weather forecast for this morning from CKBW and Hank-FM News.  (Click below to listen)

Benefit Breakfast Planned For Local Fireman/Paramedic

Firefighters across the South Shore will gather this weekend to raise money for one of their own. Robert Frampton is a member of the Newcombville Fire Department. He suffered a mild heart attack while attending a fire call May 5 and another on May 24 while resting at home. Fellow department member Kim Roy says they're trying to help Robert and his family make ends meet.



A benefit breakfast will be held Saturday July 21 beginning at 7am until 11am at the Bridgewater Fire Hall.

Bridgewater Legion Starts Penny Campaign

A penny saved is a penny earned, a phrase that could go a long way for Veterans' Memorial Park. The Royal Canadian Legion in Bridgewater is asking people to donate their unwanted pennies to help maintain the park and assist in future projects. Chair of the park's committee, Roger Purnell, says pennies could help projects like two new memorials honouring the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force.



Purnell says people can drop their pennies off at the Bridgewater Legion or J & S paints.

Yarmouth Town Council OK's Budget

The town of Yarmouth has given the green light on its budget which won't feature any new tax hikes. Mayor Phil Mooney says it's been a challenging stretch for the town over the past few years. However, he says staff and council were able to prioritize spending and balance the books. Mooney says a number of projects are planned for this year which include improvements to the downtown core, new sidewalks and a skateboard park.



The residential and commercial tax rate will hold steady for the third consecutive year. Council approved their budget blueprint during a meeting last night in Yarmouth.

Gaff Point Nature Reserve Project On For Saturday

Gaff Point Nature Reserve

There will be a day-long sprucing-up tomorrow (Saturday) of the trails at the Gaff Point Nature Preserve near Kingsburg. 

The Nature Conservancy of Canada, which owns some 15 South Shore strips of land for natural preservation, is inviting volunteers to join their members on Saturday at the Gaff Point site.

The group's stewardship co-ordinator, Marla Bojarski, is hoping for a good turnout.



Marla also says wonderful scenery at the site should help the work go smoothly too!


 
How to sign up: visit www.conservationvolunteers.ca and click on the event link on July 14th. Enter all your information. Or call Marla at 902-480-3607 to sign up over the phone

What to bring:
Lots of water, sunscreen, proper footwear (no open toes please!), lunch, snacks and energy!

You can also just show up at the Hirtle's Beach parking lot at 10 o'clock Saturday morning. The project runs until 4pm.

Gasoline Prices Rocket Upwards!

A big jump in gasoline prices along the South Shore. A litre of regular self serve is selling at $1.28.2 this morning ... thats almost 6 cents more than yesterday. Diesel is listed at just slightly lower.

Gasoline prices have increased dramatically despite moderate price gains on global markets. Yesterday, the price of oil closed the day, up 27 cents to US$86.08 a barrel.

Tall Ships: Crunch Time As Volunteers Needed

The town of Shelburne is still in need of volunteers only two weeks before they host the Tall Ships. Spokesperson Jerry Locke says the response has been favourable but a few key volunteer positions are unfilled. Hundreds of people are expected to take in the event and more volunteers are needed to help handle the crowds properly. Volunteers are needed to sell tickets, control "traffic" at gangplanks and conduct surveys looking at the economic impact of the event. Locke says they need about 60 volunteers in total so workers aren't overwhelmed. To volunteer, call the Community and Economic Development Office in Shelburne at 875 3873.

Local Morning News & Sports - July 13, 2012

Its Friday, the 13th of July. Here is the latest South Shore news and sports this morning from CKBW and Hank-FM News.
(Click below to listen)

South Shore News: CKBW/HANK Evening Cast

The latest news on the South Shore at noon July 12. To listen, click below.




 
 
 

Bridgewater Golfers Crack Team N.S.

Two Bridgewater golfers will tee it up on their home course at the end of the month after top-3 finishes at the Junior provincials. Matt Gallupe and Ryan Nowe tied for second at 16-over-par after four rounds at the Abercrombie Country Club in New Glasgow. Bell Bay golfer Brett McKinnon won the tournament by four strokes, finishing at 12-over-par. The three golfers will now make up team Nova Scotia at the Canadian Junior Boys Championship, held at Osprey Ridge beginning July 30.

Fitness Hearing Ordered In Infant Assault Case

A fitness hearing has been ordered for a Shelburne County man accused of seriously wounding his infant son last November. Twenty-four year-old Adam Harold Hogg is facing three charges against Ethan Hogg, who was only a few weeks old at the time of the incident. Some of the charges include aggravated assault and failing to provide the necessities of life. The baby was allegedly assaulted in Lake George located on the outskirts of Shelburne. The hearing will begin on September 6th.

BREAKING: Fire Ban In Effect Across Province

The Department of Natural Resources has issued a province-wide ban on open fires. The ban applies to all outdoor fires. Supervisor of Wildfire Management, Jim Rudderham, says it's a necessary step to take.

He says people can continue to use their barbecues and camp stoves, but should use extra caution. The ban will be in place indefinitely until significant rain falls in the region. For more information, go to http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burning-ban.asp .

N.S. Liberals Would Break Up Power Monopoly If Elected As Government

South Shore residents, stung by constantly increasing power rates, are owed money from Nova Scotia Power.  That comment from the province's Liberal leader Stephen McNeil.

He tells CKBW and Hank-Fm News, a recent fuel adjustment audit shows NSP paid 22-million dollars more for natural gas and coal for generator fuel than it should have.



McNeil says NSP won't lower rates and return money to customers because its a monopoly and can do what it wants. He says if he becomes premier after the next provincial election, he will seek to break the monopoly. McNeil says previous governments have refused to tackle the issue but he says he's determined to tackle it ... head-on!



McNeil says power rates would be a lot lower if there wasn't a monopoly. He says consumers have felt the benefits of opening up the telecommunications market to competition back in the 1980's and the same would happen with the supply and price of power.

South Shore: Noon News July 12

The latest news on the South Shore at noon July 12. To listen, click below.

Chester: Speeders Cause Concern In Village

A councillor in Chester is asking for a greater police presence in the village. Brad Armstrong says he has received more than a dozen complaints over the past few weeks regarding speeders. Armstrong says cars and motorcycles are driving too fast and often squealing their tires late at night.



Armstrong says he's concerned over public safety because the street are bustling during the summer months. The issue will be brought up at the next meeting of the RCMP advisory committee.

Developer Excited Over Post Office Purchase

The developer who purchased the old post office in Bridgewater says buying the property was an easy decision. Ken Anthony, president of Anthony Properties, says he loves the location with a great view of the LaHave River and in the heart of the town. He says lots of money will have to be spent to get the building prepared.


However, Anthony does say the building is still a sound structure.



He declined to comment on the cost of the building but did mention he was quite happy with the price. Work is expected to begin as soon as the sale closes. He says the second floor will be apartment rentals while the main level will either be commercial space or offices.

Hirtle Re-offers For Bridgewater Council

In a year that included heart surgery, Patrick Hirtle admits it would be easy to step aside. However, the Bridgewater councillor says he's not deterred and has decided to re-offer for the position. Hirtle says being a councillor means a lot to him.



Hirtle says he looks forward to the work being done on the town's downtown and waterfront master plan. He adds, there are a couple of irons in the fire when it comes to potential designation of heritage properties in the town. Municipal elections will be held October 20.

Buyer Of NewPage Mill Might Bail Over Excessive Power Costs

Closed NewPage Mill-Cape Breton

There's a message from the company working to reopen the NewPage paper mill in Cape Breton and the message has an ominous tone.

The company says it will not proceed with the project if it's required to pay a higher contribution to Nova Scotia Power's fixed cost than proposed in a rate filing.

Pacific West Commercial Corp. made the comment in a document filed recently with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.  Under the proposed 7 1/2-year deal, the mill would make a contribution of $2 per megawatt hour to NSPI's fixed cost, as well as pay fuel costs while the utility would also receive dividends if the mill is profitable.

A consultant hired by the province's small business advocate, John Athas, has suggested the contribution to fixed costs should increase from year to year. However, Pacific West says the company would not consider it appropriate to make an investment in the mill unless it has confidence in a ``long-term foundation for success''.  It adds it's not near sufficient to get an electricity cost structure that would allow it to ``merely operate competitively.''

Hearings into the proposed load-retention tariff application jointly made by the company and NSPI begin Monday.

Gasoline Prices: Up, Up They Zoom!?

Don't be surprised if gasoline prices here on the South Shore take another "jump" come tomorrow morning and it could be a sizeable hike!

In New Brunswick this morning, gas price hikes there are more than expected. Analysts were predicting an increase of three to four cents per litre in the maximum price of gasoline overnight.  However, the province's Energy and Utilities Board went a little further, raising the price ceiling by almost five cents to one dollar and 25.4 cents per litre.

Local Morning News & Sports

Its Thursday, the 12th of July.
Here is the latest South Shore news and sports this morning from CKBW and Hank-FM News.

(To listen, click below)

Bridgewater Golfers Contending For Provincial Title

A pair of Bridgewater golfers are in contention for a provincial title heading into today's final round at the Nova Scotia Golf Association's Junior Championship. The event is taking place at Abercrombie County Club in New Glasgow. Matt Gallupe sits two shots back of leader Brett McKinnon of Bell Bay. Ryan Nowe is three behind. Gallupe shot a third round 75 Wednesday while Nowe posted a 76. The three players tee off together in the final group at 11 Thursday morning. The top three players after Thursday's final round will represent Nova Scotia at the 2012 Canadian Junior Boys Championship, held at Osprey Ridge beginning July 30.  

Martin Wins Final Race Before Pre-Olympic Camp

Jenna Martin won her second race in a row Wednesday night at the Toronto International Track and Field Games. The Bridgewater Olympian ran 53.09 seconds, beating out Chantel Malone of the British Virgin Islands. She also won Sunday's 400 metre event at the Aileen Meagher Track Classic. Martin now heads back to Florida before leaving for pre-Olympic camp in Germany.

South Shore News: CKBW/HANK Evening Cast

In case you missed today's news from the South Shore, here's the latest for Wednesday July 11. To listen, click below.

South Shore: DNR Could Issue Fire Ban

Officials will decide within the next 24 to 48 hours whether or not to impose a fire ban in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. The two counties are considered a high risk for forest fires under the Department of Natural Resources Fire Weather Index map. Supervisor for Wildfire Management, Jim Rudderham, says they are close to issuing a ban.



Criteria for a fire ban includes the amount of rain in the forecast and how much rain has fallen over the last few days. Rudderham says people should avoid having a fire if they can.

Bridgewater: Practitioners To Accept More Patients

Bridgewater's new nurse practitioners will begin accepting more patients next week. It's the second intake since their temporary offices opened on Glen Allen Drive in May. The practitioners have already taken on 600 patients with the ability to handle up to 1,400 at full capacity. It's expected to take at least a year to completely fill out the patient list. Premier Darrell Dexter visited their office during a stop in the area this week. He says they are filling a large gap in the community and assisting those without family doctors.



Nurse practitioners are qualified to order tests, prescribe medications and refer patients to specialists. Beginning on Monday, new patients will be able to phone and arrange an appointment. The number is 527-4310. A third intake is set for sometime in fall.

BREAKING: Former Bridgewater Post Office Sold

The 109-year-old former post office on King Street in Bridgewater has been sold. Mayor Carroll Publicover confirmed the news today with CKBW/HANK-FM. Publicover says Developer Ken Anthony has acquired the building. He says the post office will be renovated for a new look and called it positive news.



It's not known what the final price tag was for the building, which has been for sale since 2010.

South Shore News: CKBW/HANK-FM Noon July 11

In case you missed the noon news over the airwaves, here's the latest in South Shore news for Wednesday July 11. To listen, click below.

Good Luck Card Circulating For Jenna Martin

South Shore residents are getting the chance to give Jenna Martin a personalized send-off to London. Financial management company Assante Hydrostone has created a good luck card for anyone to sign and give best wishes to the two-time Canadian champion before she embarks on the Olympics. The chair of Jenna's fundraising campaign, Kevin Hayward, says its another avenue for people to show their support.





The link to the card is http://www.assantehydrostone.com/jennamartin/ . Meanwhile, Martin is running Wednesday night in Toronto in her final race before heading to Germany for pre-Olympic camp.

Price Tag Revealed For Purchase Of NewPage Mill



Pt. Tupper, N.S.

 Legal documents say Vancouver-based Pacific West Commercial Corporation intends to spend 33 million dollars to buy the shuttered NewPage paper mill in Cape Breton.  The mill has been closed since last September. 

An affidavit says Pacific West would become the only shareholder of the mill in Point Tupper under the plan, which has yet to be approved in court. 

Pacific West has been in talks to purchase the idled mill since January, though a purchase price had previously not been disclosed.

MODL Moves Ahead With Outdoor Smoking Policy

The mayor for the Municipality of Lunenburg says its a step in the right direction. Don Downe says developing a "Smoke Free Outdoor Spaces" policy makes sense for the health of others who don't smoke. The move means the municipality will encourage residents not to smoke on municipally-owned land like parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Downe says the signs would gently urge people to re-consider lighting up.



Downe believes people will respect the policy, though no action will be taken against those who choose to light up.

South Shore & Provincial News-Morning-July 11, 2012

Its Wednesday, the 11th of July.
Here is the latest South Shore and provincial news this morning from CKBW and Hank-FM News.
(To listen, click below)

South Shore News: CKBW/HANK Evening Cast

 

 In case you missed today's top news from the South Shore, here is our latest CKBW Newscasts to bring you up to date on whats happening around the region:

Premier Recognizes South Shore Diamond Jubilee Winners

Eleven South Shore individuals have received a medal for their contributions to the province. Premier Darrell Dexter presented the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medals Tuesday afternoon at the Bridgewater Days Inn. The medal honours the Queen's 60th anniversary of her succession to the throne, along with her service and dedication to Canada. Hundreds of Nova Scotians will receive the medal this year. 


The recipients were:

• Geraldine Ann Allen (Chester)
• Jamie Belong (Liverpool)
• Meghan Brodmann (Blockhouse)
• Christina Isabelle Brown (Bridgewater)
• Agnes Clinton (Chester Basin)
• Dora Creaser (Riverport)
• Elizabeth Durnford (Lunenburg)
• Garret Fancy (Bridgewater)
• Nora Nauss (New Germany)
• Janice Arlene Rafuse (East Chester)
• Charlotte Marie White (Liverpool)

Bridgewater Council Briefs

Bridgewater council has approved a number of vehicle tenders. 


- Members signed off on a used 2009 Kia Rio for the Finance, Administration and Planning departments at a cost of $11,470.42. The budget was $12,000.


- Bridgewater Police will receive a 2012 Dodge Charger at a cost of $29,465.24. The budget was $30,000.


- The town will get a 2013 Ford F-150 for $22,131.57 for the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The approved budget for the vehicle was $20,000. It will be a budget overrun of $2,131.57.

South Shore News: CKBW/HANK Midday Cast

In case you missed it, here is one of our latest CKBW Newscasts to bring you up to date on whats happening on the South Shore:

MODL Studying Ash Material At Former Jail Site

The Municipality of Lunenburg is investigating ash material found on site at the former Centre Jail. Council approved a motion to award SLR Consulting of Halifax $8,757.25 to study the material, subject to approving a sub-contractor. Ash was discovered under one of the outbuildings during demolition last November. CAO Tammy Wilson says the work needs to be done.




She says the study will allow the municipality to choose between two options; either remove the ash and dispose it at an approved landfill or cap the site and monitor it with restricted use in the future.

NS Gov't Injects Funds For South Shore Hospitals

The province has pumped more than half a million dollars into new equipment at South Shore hospitals. Premier Darrell Dexter announced $550,000 in funding in Bridgewater this morning. The money will go toward replacing 49 patient beds at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. CEO of South Shore Health Dr. Peter Vaughan says it's important to modernize hospitals equipment.



The funds will also buy a new tissue processor for South Shore Regional and equipment to support infection prevention and control. The health foundation also kicked into 25 percent of the total funding for the announcement.

Another Buyer Interested In Former Post Office

It looks like there is more interest in buying the former post office on King Street in Bridgewater. Mayor Carroll Publicover wouldn't say much, but confirmed it's a different potential buyer than the one in negotiations from March to May. Publicover is optimistic a deal can get done.



Publicover wouldn't reveal who is behind the sale, saying he would keep his source confidential. The 109-year-old post office has been for sale since 2010.

Moppie Fest Underway In Yarmouth

The second annual Moppies Festival is underway in Yarmouth. 
It involves local residents who use floor mops to create scarecrow-like figures.  The moppies will be on display until the end of the month.
The first Moppies Festival was held last summer during Yarmouth's 250th anniversary celebrations.

Minor Damage After Boat Fire In Lunenburg

No injuries after an old scallop dragger caught fire along the Lunenburg waterfront. Officials with the town's fire department responded to a call of a vessel up in smoke off Bluenose Drive around 9:30 Monday night. Captain Bruce Parks says workers were on the vessel welding before leaving for the day.




A deputy fire chief says the boat sustained minor damage, burning insulation and fibreglass, but was never in danger of sinking. The vessel is being renovated to be turned into a coastal cruiser.

Too Early To Assess Shared Bike Lanes: Shaw

Bridgewater's director of planning isn't phased by a recent poll suggesting residents believe the new shared bike lanes aren't safe. Eric Shaw says work is still being done to the lanes to make sure cyclists and motorists understand how they work. An average of 68% of online voters at http://www.ckbw.ca/ and  http://www.hankfm.ca/ are concerned about the overall safety of the bike lanes. However, Shaw says its too early to jump to conclusions.



Shaw expects the lanes to be finished over the next few weeks.

Feature: Sisters Donate Park Land to Chester

A trio of sisters who grew up in Western Shore want to make sure a local park remains open for everyone to enjoy. Joy van Norden, Frances Sawler and Joan Delorey have donated a parcel of land in Wild Rose Park to the municipality of Chester. The municipality is trying to settle with other property owners in the park after council decided in December to expropriate the land. VanNorden says they didn't want to take the money for their oceanfront property.



A plaque will be placed on a granite rock in Wild Rose Park recognizing their donation. Councillor Bob Myra says the park is a beautiful part of Western Shore and called it an extremely kind donation.

Lohnes Wins Double Bronze At Judo Nationals

(Photo Courtesy: Judo NS)

It was a double bronze medal finish for Whitney Lohnes at the judo nationals in Toronto, Ontario. The 19-year-old finished third in the under-20 division Sunday, after posting a 2-1 record. The Bridgewater resident also placed third earlier in the tournament in the 48kg category of the senior's division. Lohnes is expected to take the rest of the summer off and get back into competition in September.

Province, Society At Odds Over Bluenose II Assets

MLAs Pam Birdsall and Gary Ramey flank Premier Darrell Dexter during an announcement in Lunenburg July 6

There's no end in sight in the battle over the Bluenose II assets. The head of the Preservation Trust Society announced in June, half of its $1.4 million has been turned over to the government. However, the province's heritage minister recently said they're still waiting for full disclosure from Senator Wilfred Moore. Darrell Dexter says the situation remains at a standstill



Dexter says the province wants the money and documents to make sure they aren't assuming a financial liability. The Bluenose II company store is considered the main asset.

PC Leader Says Province Short On Nursing Homes

PC Leader Jamie Baillie

Wait times for acute care beds in some of the province's hospitals are ridiculously long according to PC leader Jamie Baillie.  He says too many patients are tying up beds when they should be cared-for in long-term care facilities.

However, Baillie says there aren't enough nursing homes and not one new nursing home has been built since the NDP government was elected three years ago.  He says an apparent lack of planning is costing dearly and its time something was done about it.



Baillie says better planning and more nursing homes would lead to a less expensive health-care system.

South Shore Drugstore Targetted By Thieves

Chester RCMP are investigating a break, enter and theft in Chester Basin.  It happened early Friday morning at the Highway 3 Pharmasave.

When RCMP officers arrived, they found the store had been broken into and an undisclosed amount of medications were taken. Two males wearing masks were seen fleeing from the store.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen these men to contact Chester RCMP right away.

CUPE Worker Seeking Council Nod

A worker with the Canadian Union of Public Employees is going after a spot on Lunenburg municipal council. Larry Power has announced his intentions to run for District 5. Power believes his experience dealing with three levels of government will serve him well. He says the timing is right.



Power says one major issue for him is the downloading of schools from the provincial government to the municipality.



Power has lived in Lunenburg County for the past eight years. Current District 5 councillor Sandra Statton doesn't intend to run again in the October 20 elections.

Martin Wins 400 Metre Aileen Meagher Title

Martin Crossing the Line 1st (Courtesy: Athletics Canada)

It was a homecoming of sorts for Bridgewater's Jenna Martin. The 24-year-old won the 400 metre event at the 2012 Aileen Meagher Track Classic Sunday night in Halifax, crossing the finish line at 52.67 seconds. Chantel Malone of the British Virgin Islands finished second. The meet was Martin's first in Halifax since last year's event. She now heads to Toronto this week for another stop in her Olympic preparations.