Lunenburg's Deputy Mayor Will Re-Offer

 

The deputy mayor in Lunenburg will re-offer for another term in the upcoming municipal election. John McGee was first elected in 2008 and is rounding out his first term on town council. If re-elected, McGee says he'd like to see the town take a more pro-active approach and be more aggressive in initiating change. He says his first term has been an educational experience for him and believes it's important to run for a second term.



McGee says council is faced with a number of challenges going forward including the future of Lunenburg Academy. He also points to the rising cost of utilities and economic development as areas that will need attention.

Mill Buyer Offered Big Provincial Dollars

As a final agreement nears for the sale of the idle NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill in Cape Breton, Premier Darrell Dexter says the provincial government is offering the potential buyer, Pacific West Corporation, financial incentives including $66.5 million in loans. The premier says $26.5 million of that could be forgiven, based on the Vancouver company meeting certain criteria. The announcement comes after the province's Utility and Review Board approved an arrangement between Pacific West and Nova Scotia Power. The mill shut down last September, laying off some 600 employees and affecting another 400 forestry contractors. Pacific West wants to buy the mill for 33-million dollars and restart production this fall.

Wolter Breaks National Track And Field Record

A local runner has claimed a record at the National Legion Track and Field Championships. Tobias Wolter of Conquerall Mills won the boys under-16 1500 metre steeplechase event in just over four minutes and 15 seconds. Wolter snapped the previous record by four seconds. He also took home silver medals in the boys 1200 metre race and 1600 metre sprint medley. The event was held over the weekend in Charlottetown, PEI.

Board OK's Power Deal For NewPage Mill

The province's Utility and Review Board has given its approval to a proposed power rate deal that could help resume operations at the NewPage Port Hawkesbury paper mill. Pacific West Commercial Corp. applied for the arrangement with Nova Scotia Power as part of its deal to buy the shuttered operation in Cape Breton for $33 million. The decision also needs approval from the Canada Revenue Agency. It comes just as Premier Darrell Dexter is expected to make an announcement in Port Hawkesbury about the mill later today. The mill shut down last September, throwing some 600 employees out of work and affecting another 400 forestry contractors.

Bed Shortages At South Shore Hospitals

There's a shortage of beds at South Shore hospitals.  A big run on the ER's at hospitals in Liverpool, Bridgewater and Lunenburg has resulted in an unusual number of patients needing to be admitted to the hospitals. Officials at South Shore Health say some of the causes include an elderly population, a high number of palliative care patients, warm weather, and complicated conditions that require longer stays. They say if you don't need emergency care, you should visit your family health care provider, call 811 to receive medical advice from a Registered Nurse, or visit the nearest walk-in clinic. South Shore Health hopes the bed shortage is eased shortly.

Food Drive Bikers Head For South Shore

Don't be surprised to see a large group of energetic cyclists peddling along the 103 in the next few days.

Its a contingent of provincial real estate agents raising money and food donations for Feed Nova Scotia, the charitable organization that looks after people needing food and shelter.  Roger Boutilier (BOOT-leer) of the province's Realtors Association is the lead rider. 


The journey began in Sydney last week and the group of riders will peddle into Bridgewater and Shipyard's Landing on Tuesday with the wind-up in Yarmouth on Saturday.  $25,000.00 is the goal and the group is also collecting canned food donations along the way.

Bridgewater Approves Snow Clearing Reserve

The town of Bridgewater has approved setting up a reserve for snow clearing. Council members have agreed to set up a policy to provide funding for costs not included in their operating budget. The policy allows for funds to be set aside when snow clearing costs are less than budget. It also allows the funds to be withdrawn when costs are greater than budget. The reserve has a $125,000 cap. The town's surplus or deficit for any given year will be impacted by the amount of transfer to and from the reserve.

Health Officials Issue Notice Of Bed Shortage

South Shore Health is experiencing a critical bed shortage at its three hospitals. The health authority says bed space is extremely limited at hospitals in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Queens. It means wait times at each of the Emergency Departments is longer than usual. South Shore Health is encouraging residents who do not require emergency care to use the 811 phone service or the nearest walk-in clinic. Those who require emergency assistance should call 911.

Riverfest Opens Up In Pine Grove

Over 30 musical acts will take the stage this weekend at Riverfest. The festival kicks off Friday evening in Pine Grove and features bands including 7 Mile Stare, Short Notice and Drumlin. The weekend-long festival has been a local favourite since it started in 2004. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the event gives bands a chance to showcase their talent.



All money raised, after cost, is donated to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and 4-H. The concert location is off Dauphinee Road along Pine Grove Road. More details can be found at http://rockthebush.com/ .

Fishermen's ER And Roseway Desk Closures Sign of Healthcare Dilemma: PC Leader

We told you a day or two ago about the pending overnight closure of the front desk and switchboard at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne.  There are fears this will only lead to even more shutdowns in health services in the area.  Now, the province's PC leader is weighing-in on the move.  Jamie Baillie says he too is worried about whats going on.  He says its a symptom of a health care system meltdown.



Baillie says there are way too many health authorities and their high-paid executives that are draining the system of money and resources.  He proposes cutting back on the number of authorities and administrators and increasing health services.

Welcome Home Jenna: Coverage From Celebration

Supporters gather in Bridgewater to welcome home Olympian Jenna Martin. Here's some video from when she addressed the crowd. Click on the file below to watch.

South Shore Woman Gets Two Years In Prison

A South Shore woman has been sentenced to two years in prison for stabbing her boyfriend on New Year's Day 2011. 22 year old Katelin Whitney-Joudrey of Bridgewater was given a 23 month sentence in Bridgewater court on charges of aggravated assault endangering the life of Kiel Naugler and assaulting him with a knife. The extra month was tacked on for stealing blank doctor prescriptions and forging prescriptions for hydromorphone and methadone. Following the trial earlier this year, the judge said the couple's relationship was largely based on their mutual addiction to prescription pills.

Gasoline Prices Increase

South Shore gasoline prices have increased overnight.  The provincial Utilities and Review Board has set regular self serve at a dollar-34-point-7 a litre .... just over a cent more than yesterday.  Diesel is up by about 2 cents to a dollar-34-point-9.

Under-18 Girls Host Soccer Provincials

A local soccer team is gearing up to host the provincial championships this weekend. The girls under-18 South Shore United tier one squad will take on Valley United Saturday morning at 10am. The team features girls from across the South Shore including New Ross, Mahone Bay and New Germany. The winner will play in the gold medal match on Sunday. All games will be played at Park View Education Centre.

Former Principal Charged With Accessing Child Porn

Police have charged a former teacher and principal at Lunenburg Academy with accessing and possessing child pornography. 62-year-old Brian Jobb of Lilydale was charged after allegedly accessing child pornography last February and possessing it in July. Police searched Jobb's home last month and seized computer equipment. Jobb taught along the South Shore for over 20 years before retiring as principal at Lunenburg Academy in 2006. He is due in court December 19.

Hundreds Gather To Greet Olympian Jenna Martin

A dozen roses, signed cards, well wishes and an offer to take a ride on Bluenose II next summer. Those were just some of the gifts presented to Olympian Jenna Martin last night as residents of the South Shore welcomed her home from London. Hundreds of supporters were on hand at HB Studio's Sport Centre to greet Martin back to the area where she grew up. Town Crier Ozzie Styles kicked off the celebration with a rousing address.



On numerous occasions, Martin thanked residents for their continued support during a speech to the crowd. Her mom, Lynn, told the youth in the crowd to follow their dreams at all times.

Familiar Group Chosen For Downtown And Waterfront Master Plan

Bridgewater council has chosen a familiar group to develop a Comprehensive Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan. Ekistics Planning and Design was awarded the contract over eight other proponents. The group received top marks by the committee and also submitted the lowest project cost at $78,850. Ekistics also designed the final plan for Generations Active Park. The group will also complete a branding and signage program for $15,000. The total cost of $93,850 is well-under the town's budget. The project is expected to be completed by March 1, 2013.

South Shore Health Awards Tender For QGH Project

South Shore Health has selected a Halifax construction company to carry out work on the Queens General Health project. The health authority has announced the work contract has been awarded to Avondale Construction after the group submitted the lowest bid. The Queens General Health project will upgrade and modernize the hospital's existing 22-bed medical unit and build a new collaborative health care facility. Construction is expected to begin before the end of the month.

Western Shore: Eastlink Nixes Cell Phone Tower

 

Eastlink has scrapped the idea of constructing a cell phone tower in Western Shore. The company was proposing to build a new tower near Frank Swinimar Road. However, many residents were against the location because it was too close to where they live. Councillor Bob Myra says the company told him in a letter they would no longer pursue the Western Shore location. He says residents are very pleased with the news and praised the company for listening to their concerns. Eastlink says they will continue to explore a potential location for another cell phone tower.

South Shore Prepares For Martin's Home Coming

 

It's a home coming for South Shore Olympian Jenna Martin. A large crowd will welcome Martin back to Bridgewater after her solid performance at the London Olympics. Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe says he's looking forward to seeing the rest of the community celebrate her efforts.



The celebration will take place at HB Studio's Sports Centre on Glen Allen Drive beginning at 7:30PM.

Will Gas Prices Rise Tonight?

The best guestimate is: South Shore gasoline prices will likely remain about the same when the Utilities and Review Board sets the prices tonight. Here's what New Brunswick did last night: the provincial price regulator increased gas prices a bit. The biggest increase is for diesel which is up 2.9 cents to one dollar and 35.4 cents per litre. Regular self-serve gas prices, which jumped nearly five cents a litre last week, are up by one cent, to one dollar and 31 cents a litre.

South Shore: Local Priest Dies Suddenly In Alberta

 

Clergy members are mourning the death of a well-known pastor who served the Roman Catholic community on the South Shore. Father Joseph Christensen passed away suddenly Tuesday night while attending a convention in Edmonton, Alberta. A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth says Christensen had been battling serious heart problems. He was the priest at Saint Joseph's Church in Bridgewater, Saint Norbert's Mission in Lunenburg and St. Matthew's Mission in Elmwood. He had been stationed in the area since 2008. Christensen was 68 years old.

Group Looks To Library Building For Future Cafe

A not-for-profit organization is looking to access a long-standing building in Bridgewater. Local residents have approached town council to open up a cafe in the current location of the public library on King Street. Cafe 12 would replace the library, which is expected to move to the Lifestyle Centre once its complete. The idea came from Marc Langlois, the co-founder of the Heartwood Centre for Community Youth Development. Cafe 12 is expected to be the first in a growing network of cafes with an avenue for live music, art and community events. Mayor Carroll Publicover is behind the project.



The cafe 12 timeline indicates they hope to start renovations in the summer and fall of 2013 and open in 2014. Council has directed staff to proceed with negotiating a lease between the group and the town of Bridgewater.

Bridgewater's McIntosh Awarded $5,000 Scholarship

One of the South Shore's Summer Olympic hopefuls for 2016 is getting some financial help. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh is a student at the University of Calgary and is training for the heptathlon event in Rio De Janeiro. The 21-year-old visual arts student has received a $5,000 scholarship. McIntosh says the money will help alleviate some the pressure.



McIntosh is one of three Olympic hopefuls to receive the award. Recipients for the scholarship are chosen based on academic and athletic achievements.

Shelburne: Fears Over Cuts At Roseway Hospital

The emergency measures coordinator in Shelburne County has deep concerns over cuts within the local health authority. Beginning October 1st, Roseway Hospital will no longer have overnight staff working the front desk and switchboard. Don Bower says patients requiring medical attention after hours will need to ring a buzzer to get inside the hospital - which he says is unacceptable. Bower says it's a huge loss for the community and an issue of public safety.



The hospital is also responsible for providing dispatch for emergency services such as EMO and local fire departments. That service will also be discontinued due to budget restrictions. Bower says at least five or six local fire departments will need to find an alternate solution to their dispatching issues. He's hoping the community will rally and fight to keep the service alive in Shelburne.

Former Fire Chiefs Get Street Names In Bridgewater

A pair of long-time Bridgewater fire chiefs are getting streets named after them.Walter Gow and Harold Langille each have prominent family names in the area. The names "Gow Drive" and "Langille Drive" will become streets in the residential neighbourhood off Roundhouse Drive at the end of Hollingsworth Drive. The town's heritage advisory made the recommendation. Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's not unusual for streets to be named after significant figures.



Gow was the fire chief in Bridgewater for just over 30 years from 1914-1945. Langille served with the town's fire department for over 40 years, 19 as chief from 1955-1975. The street signs are expected to be up in the next few weeks.

Nowe Finishes 2nd At Atlantic Junior Championship

A Bridgewater golfer finished tied for second at the Canadian Junior Golf Association's Atlantic Junior Championship. 16-year-old Ryan Nowe shot even par in Tuesday's final round at Oakfield Golf & Country Club, finishing two strokes back of winner Bradley Curren of Hammonds Plains. Nowe says it was a missed opportunity after tying the lead with two holes to play.



Nowe says he's happy with how he played but would of been happier with the win. The tournament marks the end of the competitive season for Nowe, who will turn his concentration to representing Park View once school begins. With the second place finish, he believes he has accumulated enough points to represent Nova Scotia at next summer's Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Boundaries Commission May Seek Deadline Extension

A member of the provincial electoral boundaries commission says it will likely seek an extension to the month-end deadline to file its report.  Commission vice-chair Colin Dodds told more than 30 residents gathered at the commission's public meeting in Bridgewater last night ... "it looks increasingly remote that they'll meet the Aug. 31 deadline.''  Dodds says he can't guarantee the commission will seek an extension when it meets in Halifax today, but he says one was sought and granted during commission work 10 years ago.  The commission is holding public meetings because the provincial government rejected its interim report, filed in June.  That report went against the government's terms of reference in retaining three protected Acadian ridings of Clare, Argyle and Richmond and the African-Nova Scotian riding of Preston, where voter populations are well below those of other ridings in the province.

Three People Face Drug Charges In Pleasantville

RCMP have arrested three people after searching a home on New Cumberland Road near Pleasantville. Police entered the home Tuesday morning seizing 80 marihuana plants, a quantity of processed marihuana, and eight long guns that were improperly stored. A 54-year-old woman, 57-year-old man and a 56-year-old man, all from the Pleasantville area, are facing charges of production and possession of marihuana. The 57-year-old man will also be charged with firearm-related offences. They will appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court at a later date.

Chester Race Week Begins

It's hailed as Canada's largest keel boat regatta. Over 130 boats are expected to make a splash in the water at the Chester Yacht Club for Race Week from Wednesday until Saturday. Local competitors from Bridgewater, Lunenburg and LaHave are in the field as well as others across the province and Saint John, New Brunswick and Charlottetown, PEI. Boats will race around four different courses including the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta. Yacht Club Commodore Randy Stevens says the event should provide some spin-offs to the area.



Live entertainment is also provided for people once the races are complete. More details can be found at http://chesterraceweek.com/.

Chester Race Week: Pub Night Changes

There are some changes this year in the way the traditional pub nights are held during "Race Week". Live music will be shut down nightly at 1AM this year. Organizers of the event and municipal council in Chester reached common ground on the issue during a meeting in March. The change is in response to numerous concerns and noise complaints raised by people who live near the Yatch Club - which is the main venue for evening after party's during "Race Week". Guests are still permitted on the property until 2AM.

Bluenose II: Dome Tear Down Almost Complete

 

The massive dome covering the Bluenose II during its rebuild in Lunenburg is nearly dismantled. The temporary shelter has protected the schooner during its restoration over the last two years on the Lunenburg waterfront. The tear down, signals a major step in the process towards re-launching the vessel. After the dome is removed, Bluenose II needs to be moved to the slipway in preparation for the relaunch. Further prep work and tide conditions will then play a large factor in determining when the vessel returns to the water. The schooner is expected to be completely rigged towards the end of the year and ready for public sailing next summer.

Bridgewater Police In Need Of New Radio System

The next step for a new radio system for municipal police will go through a call for proposals. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer spoke to town council Monday night about the desperate need for a new system. Collyer says they are in need of a more modern radio system.



Collyer says they experienced a number of failures with their system in June and need to replace it as soon as possible. The police service has set aside $30,000 to replace the current model. Collyer is hopeful the new system can be purchased for under $40,000.

Opposition Leaders Concerned About Latest Electoral Boundaries Commission Hearings

The province's electoral boundaries commission brings its latest series of public meetings to the South Shore this evening. If its anything like the session in Yarmouth yesterday, it will be a boisterous one. The province's opposition parties are against these latest meetings, re-visiting territory largely covered by the commission months ago. It recommended in its initial report, keeping the 4 protected ridings of Argyle, Clare, Richmond and Preston. However, the Dexter government then ordered the commission to re-write its report saying it didn't stick to its original terms of reference. PC leader Jamie Baillie says thats just wrong.




Meanwhile, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says losing the four "protected" ridings would be an irreparable loss.



Tonight's meeting begins at 6 o'clock at the Bridgewater Best Western. The commission's final report is expected August 31st.

MODL: Veinot Re-offering For District 8

There will be a candidate race for District 8 in the Municipality of Lunenburg. John Veinot has announced he will seek re-election after spending 18 years as councillor. He has served the district from 1988 to 1997 and again from 2003 until now. Veinot says it took some time to make the decision.



Veinot says he wants to keep working on reducing the municipal debt. Dan Hennessey has also announced his intention to run in the district.

Too Many Unsecured Dollars Going To Big Corporations: McNeil

The province's NDP government promised, prior to being elected three years ago, to create 2 thousand jobs a year. However, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says that promise fizzled in the early-going and now close to 8-thousand jobs have been lost. He says much of the problem has been created by the government handing out millions of dollars in un-secured grants and subsidies.


McNeil says 5 large corporations, including Bowater Mersey owner Resolute Forest Products, have received or were promised funds by the Dexter government and have ended up laying off a total of almost 11-hundred workers. In Bowater's case, the entire operation was closed for good throwing 320 people out of work.

Acadia First Nation's Well-Paid Chief & Councillors

The chief and band councillors of the Acadia First Nation are being challenged to explain their salaries and expenses. Acadia represents aboriginals living along the South Shore to Yarmouth. Last year, the band quietly reduced the annual salaries of chief and council after complaints from its membership.Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic President Kevin Lacey says the band's chief Deborah Robinson and councillors need to be more open.



The Acadia chief has held her position for 25 years and stands to gain a pension of 125-thousand dollars when she retires. Her annual salary is now totals $150-thousand dollars.

Welcome Home Celebration Planned For Jenna

 

It's a welcome home party for the South Shore's biggest role model. Municipal and community leaders are organizing a victory party for Jenna Martin as she returns home from the London Olympics. The event will be held on Thursday night at HB Studio's Sports Centre on Glen Allen Drive in Bridgewater beginning at 7:30PM. Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe says it's an opportunity to show Martin that the region is proud of her efforts.



Martin is expected to talk about her experiences in London while a number of local dignitaries are expected to deliver speeches as well. The 24 year-old created a huge buzz when she qualified for the semi-final in the 400M sprint event in her first appearance at an Olympic Games. Martin returns to Nova Scotia today after taking part in last night's closing ceremony of the 2012 London Games.

Hector Will Re-Offer For Seat On Chester Council

The councillor for Blandford-East Chester will seek re-election in municipal elections in October. Marshal Hector was elected in 2000 and is seeking his fourth term on Chester council. Hector has enjoyed his 12 years as an elected official and says he has the time and energy to seek another term. He says a key goal for him and council is to help improve the quality of life for residents throughout the municipality.



Hector says another key initiative is make sure there is continued support for community organizations. He is a retired businessman and the former owner of Hubbards Home Hardware. Municipal and school board elections will be held throughout the province on October 20th.

NSP: Failed Insulator Caused Power Outage

Nova Scotia Power is reporting a failed insulator at their substation in Auberndale to be the cause for last night's outage. Over 6,000 people were without power because of the incident, which occurred around 8:30pm. Company spokesperson, David Rodenhiser, says the failed insulator could cause a loud bang and flash.



Power was restored early this morning. The outage affected people all across the South Shore.

What Was That Big BANG!?

People from Liverpool to Yarmouth and through the Annapolis Valley are scratching their heads trying to figure out what was that big bang and rumbling they heard last night. Its also big chat this morning on Facebook and on Twitter. "The Big Bang Theory" has been ruled out but some people are wondering if it had anything to do with power outages in the region last night and earlier this morning. There has been no word from any officials about it.

MODL Mayor Reappointed To FCM Standing Committee

The mayor of the Municipality of Lunenburg says he feels honoured to be recognized by his peers. Don Downe was selected to serve his third term as standing committee chair with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He will chair the standing committee on Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements. Downe says its a chance to learn more at the national level and bring information back to council.



The committee partners with the federal and provincial governments to secure new revenue sources that support increased demands on municipal infrastructure and services.

Rental Units Planned For Liverpool Waterfront

 

The Liverpool waterfront will soon be home to some new rental housing by this time next year. The development is know as "Rovers Quay" and will consist of 18 rental units in total to be constructed at Shipyards Point. Local developers Barry Tomalin and Steward Horton are leading the project. The units will target both current Queens County residents and those who choose to live in Liverpool for lifestyle reasons. A live webcam will be up and running when work begins on the project. Construction is expected to begin this summer with the first units available for rent early in 2013. For more info check out http://www.roversquay.ca/

Seabury's Sister Schooner Awaits Buyer

With the launch of the Martha Seabury earlier this week, the focus switches to find an owner for its sister ship. Work began on both vessels over two years ago. Now, the unnamed boat remains ready for purchase along the Lunenburg waterfront. The hull of the sister ship is complete. General Manager for Dawson Moreland and Associates, Susan Corkum-Greek, says the vessel is ready for the next step.


Corkum-Greek says they are fielding inquiries about the vessel and are optimistic a buyer will step forward soon. The hull will be showcased when the Martha Seabury travels to Newport in mid-September for an international boat show.

Bridgewater: RCMP Officer Released From Custody

An RCMP officer charged in a case of domestic violence has been released from custody. The release was granted during a court appearance today in Bridgewater. The officer, in his 30s, was taken into custody late Tuesday night. His release was granted with a number of conditions; including he reside in Ontario except for court appearances in Nova Scotia. Other conditions include no contact with the female involved in the alleged incident and a ban on firearms and prohibited weapons. The case had been put over until October 10th when the accused is scheduled to enter a plea to the charges.

Phil Mooney Not Re-offering As Yarmouth Mayor

Mayor Phil Mooney

Phil Mooney's name will not be on the mayor's ballot in this fall's municipal elections in Yarmouth. He says he's leaving the mayor's position to have more time for family matters and to being a town councillor, a role he took-on for a term in the mid-1980's. Mooney believes he can be as effective in pushing for change as the time-consuming mayor's job.



Projects like revitalizing the downtown, development of a farmers' market, devising a plan for greater financial stability and working to re-instate the ferry to Maine. Mooney says there are several things he's most proud-of during his 4 years as mayor. One was the new high school.



Three people remain in the running for the mayor's job. They are consultant Pam Mood, deputy-mayor Byron Boudreau and former Yarmouth mayor Charles Crosby.