South Shore News: Evening Webcast

The latest news from the CKBW/HANK-FM newsroom. Click on the link below to listen.

Updated: Multi-Vehicle Accident Outside Shelburne

Four people have been taken to Roseway Hospital after a multi-vehicle crash near Shelburne. Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to the scene just before 10am. Cpl. Mike O'Callaghan with Shelburne RCMP says three vehicles were involved in the incident at Exit 26.



O'Callaghan says the east bound vehicle bounced off the truck and hit the third vehicle while it was waiting to cross the intersection. He says all injuries suffered were non-life threatening. Highway 103 was down to one lane for a short time, but has since been cleared up and back to normal.

Memorial Bike Ride To Celebrate Teenager's Life

Bikers from Halifax, the Valley and across the South Shore are uniting in Bridgewater to honour a 17-year-old who died earlier this week. Easton Morrow was killed on Monday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed near Lilydale. He was an avid biker and loved the open road. Bikers will pay tribute to Morrow by taking part in a 50-minute memorial ride after his funeral Saturday at 10:30am. Bikers will travel from the United Church on Dominion Street towards Conquerall Bank, up to Italy Cross and back to Bridgewater.


Saturday's meet locations and times:


- Shelburne County and Queens County Bikers will leave Tim Hortons, Liverpool at 9:15am.


- Lunenburg County bikers and all other bikers can meet at the Canadian Tire in Bridgewater at 9:45am.


All bikers will proceed to the church from there.

Homes Searched/Charges Laid In Shelburne County

There's a been a drug bust in the Lockeport area.  Two men, 25-year-old Logan James Swim and 23-year-old Scott Wade Nickerson, are facing numerous drug-related charges. 

Cpl. Nancy Mason of Shelburne RCMP says the two were alledgedly growing and selling marijuana.

(Click below to hear Cpl. Mason's comment)



The arrests and charges result from a search of 3 homes, two at Walls Lake and the other in Port LaTour. The searches followed a lengthy investigation by the Shelburne Street Crime Enforcement Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Both of the accused have been released from custody with a promise to appear in Shelburne court September 19th.  A third person arrested was questioned, not charged and has been released from custody.

Lunenburg: Tall Ships Bring History & Mystique

 

Final details are being ironed out for the arrival of the Tall Ships on the South Shore. Seven ships will arrive in Lunenburg harbour on Tuesday afternoon. Lunenburg's Recreation Director Robin Scott says the tall ships are always a popular attraction.  He says it's a product of the rich history and mystery surrounding the ships.




The ships will be open to the public beginning on Wednesday.  Large crowds are expected to take in the celebration which will be filled with music, entertainment and food.

Local And National News: Noon Update July 20

The latest news from the CKBW/HANK-FM newsroom. Click on the link below to listen.

Multi-Vehicle Accident Outside Shelburne

A section of highway 103 was down to one lane near Shelburne after a multi-vehicle crash. At least three vehicles were involved in the incident at Exit 26 this morning. Police and paramedics along with firefighters were called to the scene just before 10am. There were injuries and at least one person had to be removed from a car by fire crews. 

Local Morning News/Weather-July 20-12

Here is a look at this morning's South Shore news and weather.
(Click below to listen)

Gasoline Prices Rise Again!

Another increase overnight in the price of gasoline.  A litre of regular self serve is selling at South Shore pumps this morning for $1.30.9.  Thats almost three cents higher than the price yesterday.
Diesel is selling this morning for $1.29 a litre.  Rising world oil prices are again being credited for increases.

School Board: Reinhardt Unhappy With URB Decision

Karen Reinhardt

A former school board member calls it a disappointing decision by the province's Utility and Review Board. The URB made a decision Monday to set the school board at eight seats, down from 12 in the 2008 election. Karen Reinhardt says its an erosion of the democratic process to cut four seats from the board. She says the public will feel the effects of the cut.



Reinhardt feels the URB ignored public input that was provided during a hearing in Bridgewater last month. School board elections will be held this fall.

Motorcycle Crash Injures 40-year-old Man

Another motorcycle crash in as many days in Lunenburg County. A 40-year-old man was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater Wednesday night after losing control of his motorbike along highway 3 in Centre. The man suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries. RCMP say speed is considered a factor. Traffic was disrupted and detours were set up while members of the Lunenburg Fire Department, EHS and RCMP were on scene. Earlier this week, a 17-year-old was killed after crashing his bike outside Lilydale.

Argyle MLA Seeks More Public Input In Wind Farm Issue

The Dexter government is moving ahead full steam, promoting wind power generation with little or no input from the public.  That comment from the MLA for Argyle, Chris d'Entremont. He has had a meeting with the province's Energy minister Charlie Parker and Environment minister Sterling Belliveau.  d'Entremont says if nothing else, the ministers received some idea of the extent of the concerns of his constituents. He says his constituents are worried about the possible effects of large wind turbines on people who live near them.



Municipal council in Argyle will hold an emergency public meeting tonight to discuss a proposed wind farm project there. The environment minister, Sterling Belliveau. must decide by mid-August on whether to move ahead with an environmental assessment of the project.

Bridgewater Exhibition, Harmony Bazaar Get Federal Funding

Two summer events on the South Shore are receiving federal funds. Gerald Keddy has announced $27,500 for the South Shore Exhibition and $5,500 for Harmony Bazaar. The MP for South Shore-St.Margaret's says the two events are big tourist draws for the area. The Exhibition goes from July 24-29 in Bridgewater while Harmony Bazaar will be held next weekend in Lockeport.

Charges After Drug Bust in Arcadia

Four people are facing charges after a drug bust in Yarmouth County. Three men and a woman have been charged with production and trafficking after police raided a home on Jacquard Corner in Arcadia. RCMP seized 124 marihuanna plants and 445 grams of pot in additon to some cash and a scale. The accused range in age from 28 to 44 years-old. The four individuals are scheduled to appear in court in September.

Shelburne Firefighters Save Five Homes From Fire

Firefighters in Shelburne helped save at least five homes from going up in flames. Crews responded quickly to a call regarding a forest fire around 2:30 yesterday afternoon. The fire broke out just off the Wrights Road and was under control by supper time. Fire Chief Edgar Allison says there were some tense moments because the fire was burning so close to the town.



Allison says the path of the fire was difficult to predict and several families were put on evacuation notice. An official from the Department of Natural Resources suffered minor injuries and was carried off the scene on a stretcher.

New Beds Will Help Staff At South Shore Health

The CEO of South Shore Health says an investment in new hospital beds will help staff avoid injuries on the job. The provincial government recently announced $300,000 to replace 49 hospital beds in Bridgewater and Lunenburg. Dr. Peter Vaghan says health care workers often suffer from back problems due to lifting and moving patients with limited mobility. He says the new beds have many modern features including built in weight scales to help staff.



A recent study by Statistics Canada found nurses suffer from back pain more than any other profession. The two main risks for back injury are lifting and transferring patients.

Premier's & Aboriginal Leaders Meet in Lunenburg

Canada's premiers and aboriginal leaders will meet in Lunenburg next week. Agenda items are still being finalized but some topics include education and economic development. The issue of violence against aboriginal women is another main discussion item. The meeting will also feature representatives from the Assembly of First Nations, Metis National Council and Natives Women's Association of Canada. The meeting will be held next Wednesday at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

UPDATED: Crews Contain Forest Fire in Shelburne

 

Fire crews were able to contain a forest fire near Shelburne just off the Wright's Road. Several families were put on evacuation notice but were not been asked to leave their home. Officials from the Department of Natural Resources have a helicopter on stand by to help battle the blaze cool down hot spots. It's not known what sparked the blaze which began this afternoon.

Bridgewater Welcomes 'Afterglow' Arts Initiative

Ashton Rodenhiser

A new event in Bridgewater is calling on volunteers and artists to make it a success. Ashton Rodenhiser recently spoke to town council regarding an arts initiative called 'Afterglow'. Its modelled after an evening festival in Halifax where artists create works of art including projections off buildings, or gallery style viewings outdoors. Rodenhiser says the event would help build an arts identity for Bridgewater.



Mayor Carroll Publicover says he's on board with the concept.



The event will take up space and use electricity in Shipyards Landing and King Street Court. It will be held from 6pm until midnight on September 15. More details can be found at http://afterglowbridgewater.wordpress.com/ .

MODL: Tax Increases For Three Fire Departments

Three Lunenburg County fire departments are raising their tax rates. Midville and District, Riverport and Pleasantville and District have increased their taxes for 2012-13. Midville and District is raising its rate from 13 cents to 17 cents, Riverport is increasing from seven to nine cents, Pleasantville and District is going up by two cents from 11 to 13 cents. Tri District, featuring Baker Settlement, Chelsea and Newcombville fire departments has set their rate at 15 cents. All rates are per $100 of assessment. Mayor Don Downe says he understands why a hike is needed.



Martins River is the only department to drop its rate. It falls from 17 cents to 15 cents. Twenty-seven other department tax rates are either staying the same or weren't available.

Tall Ships Set To Sail Around Nova Scotia

 

Some of the first tall ships are starting to sail into Halifax harbour as the city prepares for a five-day festival celebrating the vessels. The Tall Ships Challenge Atlantic fleet will participate in the festival that officially kicks off tomorrow. They'll cast off their lines on Monday and participate in the traditional parade of sail. The ships will arrive in Lunenburg next week for two days beginning on Wednesday. They'll also make an appearance in Shelburne on July 28th and 29th.

Fire Destroys Vacant South Shore Home

A South Shore home thats been vacant for about 6 months has been destroyed by fire.

Located in Newburne, the Cornwall and District Fire Department responded to the blaze shortly after getting the call before daybreak.  Steve Patterson is the Cornwall fire chief. (Click below)



Waldon fire fighters were also brought in to help.  The exact cause of the fire isn't known yet but Chief Patterson says there is some suspicion lightning in the area may have set it off. (Click below)



No one was hurt.  The fire marshall is investigating.

Liverpool's Whalen Hosting Track and Field Camp

Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen calls it an opportunity to give back to the community. The 19-year-old is working with the Region of Queens this summer to offer a track and field camp for kids aged six to 15-years-old. Whalen says she wants to provide kids with an advantage she never had.



The track and field introduction camp will be held in Liverpool Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 24 until August 16. Kids aged six to nine will participate in a run, jump, throw clinic while older age groups will be a mix of the clinic and more fundamentals of the sport. People can register by contacting the Region of Queens at 354-5741. The cost is five dollars to register. See here for more information: http://www.athletics.ca/page.asp?id=64. .

MODL: Councillors Young And Nauss Nominated For Queen's Medal

Two councillors with the Municipality of Lunenburg are being nominated for a prestigious award. Arthur Young and Lee Nauss will be among the considerations for a Queens Diamond Jubilee medal. Mayor Don Downe says both men have combined for roughly 87 years around the council table.




Young is being nominated as a recipient for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Nauss is being considered by the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

RCMP ID Victim In Fatal Motorcycle Crash

RCMP have released the name of the teenager killed in a fatal motorcycle crash in Lunenburg County. Seventeen year-old Easton Morrow of Conquerall Bank was killed in a single vehicle collision yesterday afternoon on Highway 3 just outside of Lilydale. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash. However, Corporal Dyson Smith says road conditions or alcohol were not factors. The highway was closed for nearly four hours while first responders worked at the scene.

Resolute & NS Gov't Help Former Bowater Workers

 

Former Bowater Mersey employees in Queen County will have access to career specialists to help them find new employment. Resolute Forest Products and the province is investing $125,000 each to provide displaced workers with training and match them with local jobs. The money will held create one full-time job developer and two part-time transition development officers. The temporary services will be available to former workers throughout the next year. Eighty thousand dollars of the funding will support additional program options for workers who require help to retrain or to re-enter the workforce. The job developer will help identify employers in the area who are hiring, then match workers to those available jobs. The career specialists will join career resource teams already in place at the South Shore Opportunities in Liverpool and Employment Solutions Society in Bridgewater. For more information phone 902-354-2616 in Liverpool and 902-543-2479 in Bridgewater.

School Board: Minister Supports Seat Reduction

Education Minister Ramona Jennex calls it a good decision to reduce the size of the South Shore Regional school board. The province's Utility and Review Board released its 19-page decision Monday and set the board size at eight. It represents a reduction of four seats compared to the last school board election in 2008. Jennex is confident the region can get the job done with eight members.



She says it was a fair and open process and believes a decision was based accurately on the information that was provided to the URB.

MODL: Hustvedt Seeking Second Term

A councillor with the Municipality of Lunenburg is going after a second term. Eric Hustvedt is seeking re-election for District 12, representing communities including LaHave, Petite Riviere and West Dublin. He says he's enjoyed helping others through his first four years.



Hustvedt says he prides himself on being accessible by attending as many community events as possible.The 65-year-old Hustvedt is a council representative for many organizations including the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation and Growing Green Festival. The Broad Cove resident says the LCLC and shared services between Mahone Bay and Bridgewater are challenges for the future.

Region Of Queens: Mayor's Race Heats Up

 

A four horse race is shaping up for the mayor's chair in the Region of Queens. Three current councillors and a former mayor have already declared their intentions to run for the position when municipal elections are held this fall. Potential candidates include Owen Hamlin, Mervin Hartlen and Darlene Norman. Former mayor Christopher Clarke has also announced his intention to seek the mayor's seat. Clarke served as mayor for a term from 1996-2000. Current mayor John Leefe announced he wouldn't seek re-election in March after holding the title for the past 12 years. A mayors debate is being organized in Liverpool with a tentative date set for September 18th at the Astor Theatre.

Identity Of Accident Victim Not Released Yet

The name of the victim of yesterday's motorcycle accident in Lunenburg County hasn't been released yet. It is believed he was from the county area. No other vehicles were involved in the crash near Lilydale, mid-afternoon on Monday.  The RCMP say road conditions or alcohol are not considered factors in the crash. However, they say speed may have played a role. The investigation is continuing.

Lobster Pound & Owner Receive Steep Fines

A South Shore lobster pound and its owner have been fined 40-thousand dollars after pleading guilty to two counts each of violating "provincial" fisheries regulations.  A judge will deliver his decision next Monday in Bridgewater court on whether Shatford's Lobster Pound and owner Daniel Barry Shatford are guilty of violating "federal" fisheries regulations too.

Shatford and his pound had been facing a total of 71 allegations following a two-year investigation that culminated in a raid on the Fox Point business in January 2008. Fisheries officers with search warrants swooped down on Shatford's Lobster Pound and Shatford's By the Sea restaurant, seizing more than 6,000 pieces of documentation.

Shatford and his lobster pound pleaded guilty last October to one count each of not having a licence when they bought or possessed fish from a licensed fisherman between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 17, 2007.  They also pleaded guilty to processing, selling or marketing fish without a licence to a buyer who was not the consumer or the end user between Feb. 1, 2005, and Dec. 15, 2007.

Local Morning News & Weather - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Its Tuesday, the 17th 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)

South Shore News: Webcast Evening

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

RCMP: Fatal Collision Near Lilydale

Lunenburg County RCMP say a teenager has died following a crash on Highway 3 involving a motorcycle. The single vehicle crash occurred just outside of Lilydale around 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon. Corporal Dyson Smith says police are trying to determine what caused the crash. However, Smith says road conditions were fine at the time of the incident. He adds alcohol or drugs are not considered a factor. Police aren't releasing many details surrounding the identity of the youth involved. Emergency officials had a section of the road closed for almost four hours while a traffic analyst tried to recreate how the collision took place.

Collision: RCMP Shut Down Section Of Highway 3

RCMP have shut down a section of Highway 3 due to a collision involving a motorcycle. The highway is blocked off between Bridgewater and Lunenburg at the Mullock Road intersection. Emergency officials are still at the scene of the incident which occurred around 3 o'clock. No word from police on what caused the collision or the extent of injuries.

Spaces Fill Quickly At Practitioners Office

It's been a hectic day at the offices of Bridgewater's two nurse practitioners. It only took a few hours for 200 available spaces to fill up when the NP's began accepting new patients this morning. Several callers told our newsroom they spent hours trying to get through to speak with representative without any luck. The practitioners now have patient list of 800 people with the ability to handle up to 1,400 patients at full capacity. The NP's are the first step towards a new Collaborative Health Centre in Bridgewater to help meet the needs of the community. A third intake will be held in the fall. Officials from South Shore Health are asking the public for their patience during this process.

South Shore: URB Opts For Smaller School Board

Residents of the South Shore will elect fewer school board members when election time rolls around this fall. The province's Utility and Review Board has decided to cut four positions from the round-table, from 12 seats down to eight. The URB released its 19-page decision Monday, just a month after the regulatory board held a hearing in Bridgewater. School Board member Judith Sullivan-Corney believes it was a fair decision.



She adds, she doesn't believe the cut will hurt the future board.



Sullivan-Corney says she will continue to revise by-laws and policies, to ensure the new board has structures that support a focus on the role of governance. A new board will be elected in October.

The option approved by the URB includes:

• African Nova Scotian Representation
• First Nations’ Representation
• Electoral District 1 = the Region of Queens, including Maitland Bridge
• Electoral District 2 = Districts 5, 6, 7 and 9 in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
• Electoral District 3 = Town of Bridgewater
• Electoral District 4 = Districts 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12 in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
• Electoral District 5 = Districts 1, 3 and 4 in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, the Town of Lunenburg and the Town of Mahone Bay
• Electoral District 6 = the Municipality of the District of Chester

Bridgewater Town Hall Designated Senior Friendly

Bridgewater town hall has been designated a senior friendly organization. Beth George, senior safety coordinator for Bridgewater and area, made a presentation to council last week. A plaque was given to members of town hall for being dedicated to being age friendly and completing the necessary training. George says the group is well deserving of the honour.



Meanwhile, the mayor says he takes a lot of pride in the designation. Carroll Publicover says its good recognition for the town.



The plaque is expected to be posted in town hall.

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)