Long-time Resident Running For Bridgewater Council

A lifelong resident of Bridgewater is going after a seat on council. Dennis Woodworth has lived in the town since 1971 and says the timing is right to represent the people. He hopes residents will take advantage of their right to vote.



Woodworth feels he would be best utilized at the council level because of his volunteer service and business experience in the town. Eleven other candidates are vying for a seat when e-voting opens October 11 in Bridgewater.

South Shore Gasoline Prices Expected To Increase

While gasoline prices in many parts of the country are expected to fall tonight, here on the South Shore be prepared for prices to actually rise above the dollar-forty a litre mark. For the sixth week in a row, the price of gas is up in New Brunswick today and thats usually an indication of what may happen here when prices are set late tonight. The New Brunswick energy and utilities board has increased regular self-serve almost five cents to a new top price of $1.40.8 a litre. The price of both furnace oil and diesel have fallen this week.

Bridgewater Adopts Healthy Eating Policy

It's an initiative to try and get people to choose healthy snacks over junk food. The town of Bridgewater has adopted a policy to increase the amount of nutritional foods provided in recreation and municipal settings. The new policy affects all recreation facilities, events, fundraisers and vending machines on properties in the town. The plan will be implemented in two phases; the first two years will focus on providing mostly nutritional foods with other options to choose from. After two years, there would be an evaluation with a move to increase the amount of nutritional foods while cutting down on unhealthy items. Meetings will be scheduled with staff and canteen operators to renegotiate contracts to include the healthier foods.

Election Candidates List: School Board

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. Advance polling days vary between each municipal unit. Polling day is October 20th. Voting will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.

The following have filed for School Board: The top vote getters in each district will become board members.

Electoral District 1 - The entire Region of Queens Municipality (including the Maitland Bridge area of the County of Annapolis in polling District 8.)

Allan Foster
Clifford 'Butch' MacLeod
Karen Ohrt
Elliott Payzant
Courtney Wentzell

Electoral District 2 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 5, 6, 7,and 9.

Wallace Rex Cross
Elizabeth Crossland
Bob Mertens
Dan Thimot

Electoral District 3 - Town of Bridgewater

Cheryl Fougere
Jerome Tanner

Electoral District 4 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 2, 8, 10, 11, and 12.

Fred Daugherty
Brian Eisener
Jennifer Naugler
Karen Reinhardt

Electoral District 5 - Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Polling Districts 1, 3, 4 along with the Town of Mahone Bay and Town of Lunenburg.

Rick Carey
Elmer Garber

Electoral District 6 - All polling districts in the Municipality of the District of Chester.

Theresa Griffin
Warren Laws
Maxwell Rafuse

Member of Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial - Hank Middleton (acclaimed)

African Nova Scotian Member of the South Shore Regional School Board - Vernon Simms (acclaimed)

Election Candidates List: Region of Queens

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Region of Queen, advanced polls will be held October 11th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.




The following have filed for the office of Mayor:

Chris Clarke
David Dagley
Owen Hamlin
Mervin Hartlen

The following have filed for council:

District 1

Darlene Norman
Brittany Wentzell-Verge

District 2:

Bruce Inglis
Heather Kelly
Gene "Gino" Wong

District 3:

Brian G. Fralic
Roger Jollimore
Stacy Smart-Chandler
Joel Zwicker

District 4:

Bev Davison
Gary Levy
Susan MacLeod
John Townsend

District 5:

Jack Fancy
William "Billy" Joudrey
Linda Rafuse
Wayne M. Wentzell

District 6:

John F. Croft
Dwight Crouse
Raymond Fiske
Doug White

District 7:

*Peter Waterman (acclamation)

Lunenburg Schooner Involved In Heroic Rescue

It's been a heroic maiden voyage for the Martha Seabury. Crew on the Lunenburg schooner is to thank for saving three men's lives during its trip to the Newport International Boat Show. The Seabury left Gloucester, Massachusetts on Monday when they encountered three men in distress after there boat overturned. Schooner Captain, Paul Bracken, says crew members made the rescue just before dark.



Bracken says the U.S. Coast Guard was called-in and transferred the men to hospital to get checked out. All three were expected to make a full recovery. The schooner was built by Dawson Moreland and Associates and was launched on the Lunenburg Waterfront in early August.

Election Candidates List: Municipality of Chester

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In Chester, advanced polling will be held October 11th through to October 18th. E-voting will take place during the eight days of advanced polls. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.



The following have filed for council: The warden will be selected via secret ballot during the first council meeting following the election.

District 1:

Mashal A. Hector
Andre Veinotte

District 2:

*Floyd P. Shatford (acclaimed)

District 3:

Brad Armstron
Ben Wiper

District 4:

Stephen Bond
Allen Webber

District 5:

*Robert (Bob) Myra (acclaimed)

District 6:

Phillip Broome
Tina Connors
Cheryl Scott

District 7:

*Sharon Church-Cornelius (acclaimed)

Election Candidates List: Municipality of Shelburne

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Municipality of Shelburne, advanced polling will be held October 11th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.






The following have filed for council: There will be races in four of the seven districts. Three candidates have been elected through acclamation.

District 1: 

Doris Townsend
Robert (Bob) MacLean

District 2:

Ardith Van Buskirk
Carol Mahaney

District 3:

*Norman Wallet (acclaimed)

District 4:

Cathy Holmes
Joan Bower

District 5:

*John Roscoe (acclaimed)

District 6:

David Levy
Benjamin (Benny) Acker

District 7:

*Roger Taylor (acclaimed)

Election Candidates List: Town of Mahone Bay

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Town of Mahone Bay, advanced polling days will be held October 13th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Voting will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.

The following have filed for the office of Mayor:

*Joe Feeney (acclaimed)

The following have filed for council: Top six vote getters will be elected to council.

John Bain
Penny M Carver
David Devenne
Lynn Hennigar
Karl Nauss
Lila O'Connor
Virginia Uhlman
Kelly Wilson

Election Candidates List: Town of Shelburne

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Town of Shelburne, advanced polls will be held October 11th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.

The following has filed for the office of Mayor:

P.G. Comeau
Alan Delaney
Karen Harris Mahatall
Robert Sinden


The following have filed for council: Top four vote getters will be elected to council.

Joshua Brown
Rick Davis
Tony Mahaney
Roy O'Donnell
Elizabeth Rhuland
Frank Slate
Bob Strang

Election Candidates List: Town of Yarmouth

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Town of Yarmouth, advanced polling will begin on October 12th and run through to October 20th. E-voting will take place at any time during those days until 7PM on October 20th. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.


The following have filed for the office of Mayor:

Byron Boudreau
Charles A. Crosby
Pam Mood

The following have filed for council: Top six vote getters will be elected.

Brenda Atwood
Bently Boudreau
Madeleine Dennis
Randy Donaldson
Glenys Fraser
Ken Kelly
Ken Langille
Daniel W. MacIssac
Neil MacKenzie
Jim MacLeod
Phil Mooney
Gillian Rowley

Election Candidates List: Municipality of Lunenburg

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, advanced polls will be held October 13th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.




The following have filed for the office of Mayor:

Don Downe
Kirk Meisner

The following have filed for council with elections slated in seven districts. The remaining candidates have been election through acclamation.

District 1:

Nancy Allen-Rogers
Errol Knickle
Basil Oickle

District 2:

*Don Zwicker (acclaimed)

District 3:

*Frank J. Fawson (acclaimed)

District 4:

Michael S. Ernst
Nancy Wentzell

District 5:

Claudette E. Garland
Larry Power

District 6:

Wade S. Carver
Terry Dorey
Dave Moore

District 7:

Cathy Moore
Ron S. Seney

District 8:

Dexter Halliday
Dan Hennessey
John Veinot

District 9:

Carolyn Bolivar-Getson
John Harley
Gary Mailman

District 10:

*Lee E. Nauss (acclaimed)

District 11:

*Martin E. Bell (acclaimed)

District 12:

*Eric Hustvedt (acclaimed)

Election Candidates List: Town of Lunenburg

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In Lunenburg, advanced polling will be held October 11th and October 16th. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.



The following have filed for the office of Mayor: (Alphabetical Order)

Rachel Bailey
Ron Stockton

The following have filed for council: Top six vote getters are elected.

Tom Barclay
Danny Croft
Tyler Hayden
John McGee
Peter Mosher
Jamie C. Myra
Cindy Sangster
Robert Young
Peter Sherman Zwicker

Election Candidates List: Town of Bridgewater

Municipal and School Board elections will be held throughout the province next month. CKBW/HANK FM is putting a concentrated focus and effort on bringing its listeners local coverage from their communities around the South Shore. In Bridgewater, advanced polls will be held October 11th until October 20th. E-voting will take place between 8AM to 8PM on those days. Polling day is October 20th. Polls will open at 8AM and close at 7PM. We will have live election night coverage on CKBW beginning when the polls close.




The following have filed for the office of Mayor: (Alphabetical Order)

Gary MacNeil
David Walker

The following have filed for Council: Top six vote getters are elected.

Jim Bell
Beverlee Brown
Michael Graves
Patrick Hirtle
Sandra Mailman
Kevin Marlin
Jennifer McDonald
Bill McInnis
Greg Ritcey
Andrew J. Tanner
Wayne S. Thorburne
Dennis Woodworth

Lunenburg West Liberals Set To Nominate Their Candidate

Mark Furey & Stephen McNeil

Liberals in Lunenburg West are about to nominate their candidate for the next provincial election. Mark Furey is returning to take another crack at the seat now held by NDP MLA Gary Ramey. Furey lost to Ramey when he ran in 2009. Today, Wednesday, Furey is retiring from his 32 year career with the RCMP, the past 24 based in Lunenburg County. The province's Liberal leader Stephen McNeil says having Furey back on the team is helping to boost his party's fortunes. However, he says tackling the meat and potato issues headon is also important. McNeil says there's also a decline in voter confidence in the NDP government.



The Lunenburg West Liberal nomination meeting for Mark Furey will be held Thursday evening starting at 630 at the Bridgewater Legion Hall.

Bolivar-Getson Seeks Municipal Council Seat

She began her political career on Lunenburg Municipal Council back in 1997, moving on to provincial politics as a PC cabinet minister in 2003 before being defeated in the election of 2009. Now, Carolyn Bolivar-Getson is returning to municipal politics. She has announced her intention to seek the District 9 seat on District of Lunenburg council.



Bolivar-Getson hopes to win the seat on October 20th, replacing the 42 year veteran of council, Arthur Young, who is retiring. She says if elected, she will bring issues of concern to her and her constituents to the council table for discussion and decisions.

VIDEO: Performers Announced For Bluenose II Re-Launch

A number of acts will perform in Lunenburg during the re-launch celebration of Bluenose II. Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea will lead a parade of top-level Atlantic Canadian talent on Saturday, Sept. 29. The well-known performer will join host Tom Gallant, a Lunenburg County resident, as well as singers Laura Smith, Matt Mays and many others. The day-long festivities will begin with the official Bluenose II relaunch from 7-9am, to take advantage of high morning tides. The re-launch is weather dependent and will slowly winch out the ship so it can slide into the water. Once the schooner is launched, it will be moored by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for a day of entertainment. Family stage performances will take place throughout the day. Afternoon performers will include well-known local performers Razzamataz and Donna and Andy. Gallant and Doyle will anchor the evening performance from 7:30 to 9:30pm, before fireworks light up the night sky over Lunenburg harbour.

Transporting Rock Leads To Cost Overruns For LCLC

There have been some cost overruns related to work on the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Change orders have affected the budget after additional money was spent on transporting a large quantity of rock material from the construction site. The slate management budget is believed to be over-budget by about $294,000. However, Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe says there are contingency funds in place for the $33.5-million project. He says things happen when building a new facility.



Overall, Downe says the rainy-day fund has kept the project on budget.

Bridgewater Supports Relocating Visitor Centre

Bridgewater council is supporting a move to relocate the Visitor Information Centre to make it more visible. Members approved drafting a lease agreement with the Municipality of Lunenburg that would see the VIC move from its temporary location in Cookville to an area just off exit 11. The centre has been in Cookville for the last two years. Bridgewater's rep on the joint committee, Patrick Hirtle, says the VIC needs to move.



If approved, both Bridgewater and the Municipality of Lunenburg would pay approximately $23,000 each over 10-years for the new centre.

Bluenose II Re-Launch Set For September 29th

An all-day celebration is planned to mark the re-launch of Bluenose II in Lunenburg later this month. After a two-year - $16 million dollar rebuild - Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador will make a return to the water on Saturday, September 29th. Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra says thousands of people are expected to watch the official relaunch, when Bluenose II slides into the water from the slipway. The schooner will then be winched out and towed beside the Fisheries Museum for the event. Highlights of the relaunch event will feature family entertainment and local talent in the afternoon. The evening Bluenose ll celebration will include top East Coast talent, a video and a fireworks presentation.

Meisner Will Battle Downe For Mayor's Chair

There will be a mayor's race in the Municipality of Lunenburg. Upper Northfield resident Kirk Meisner has confirmed with CKBW/HANK-FM News that he will challenge Don Downe for the mayor's seat. Meisner is making his first run for the mayor's chair. Downe announced in June he would seek a second term. He was first elected in 2008 after a lengthy career in provincial politics.

Yarmouth Shelter Seeks Government Understanding & Help

SHYFT House - Yarmouth

Homeless youth is not a social problem unique to the city. Its a province-wide issue according to the co-chair of a shelter in the Yarmouth area. Bernadette MacDonald says the provincial government, which didn't renew funding for the shelter last year, doesn't understand the issue.



The Supportive Housing Youth Focus team, or SHYFT, was designed to provide troubled and homeless teens with a place to live while helping integrate them into the community. Now, enough money has been provided by the federal government to keep the facility open daily from 8am to 8pm. However, SHIFT is in need of about 40-thousand dollars to hire "live-in" staff for a 24-7 operation until at least next June.
Officials are looking to government, foundations and fundraising to help reach their goal.

Chamber President Will Seek Chester Village Seat

The president of the chamber of commerce in Chester will throw his hat in the ring to represent residents of the village at the council table. Ben Wiper is a local businessman from Marriott's Cove and has served on the chamber board for the past six years. He is seeking election in District 3 and will challenge incumbent Brad Armstrong for the seat when municipal elections are held next month. Wiper says his campaign will focus on promoting growth in Chester and feels the municipality could benefit from hiring an economic development officer.



Wiper also cites access to health care and daycare as top priorities during his campaign.

Election: Final Day To Submit Nomination Papers

It's the last day for potential candidates to submit nomination papers in advance of next month's municipal and school board elections. The deadline to file is Tuesday evening at 5 o'clock. Every municipality will hold an advance poll on Tuesday, October 16th while a second advance polling day will be held on either Thursday, October 11th or Saturday, October 13th. Residents are being asked to watch for specific advance polling dates within their municipality. Election day is October 20th.

Lady Alers Win Women's Softball League Title

The Lady Alers are the inaugural champions of the South Shore Women's Softball League. The Alers defeated the Vixens 13-3 in the final to be crowned the top club out of the six-team league. League president and Alers member, Renee Roast, says it was a total team effort in the win.



Roast says she is extremely proud of the team and their effort all season. She is hoping to expand the six-team league to eight clubs in 2013.

Former Board Chair Running For School Board

A former chair of the South Shore Regional School Board is running for a seat in this fall's election. Elliott Payzant is running for district one, which covers the entire Region of Queens. Payzant served on the board since 1994 until he was among 12-members fired by the Education Minister last November. He says his 18 years of experience could be a benefit to an eight-person board.



Payzant has also served as the president of the Nova Scotia School Board Association. He feels there needs to be different methods of providing education to students like virtual classrooms because of dwindling budgets. School Board elections will be held October 20.

Chester: Bond Challenges Webber In District 4

The campaign trail in Chester is heating up with just over a month to go before municipal elections. Chester Basin area resident Stephen Bond has announced he will challenge long time councillor and warden Allen Webber in District 4. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM, Bond feels more support for local businesses is needed to promote growth within the municipality. He also cites the need for a stronger relationship with the provincial government to help with road and street upgrades.



Bond is a small farm operator and is an active member of the Canadian Army Reserve. He says his goal is to present a strong new voice at the council table. Municipal elections will be held throughout the province on October 20th.

Provincial Parks Closing Due To Severe Weather

Provincial beaches, the Shubenacadie wildlife park, day-use and camping parks will be closed to the public because of anticipated weather conditions from tropical storm Leslie. All properties will close by 4pm today, and will remain closed Tuesday. All locations will be re-evaluated for storm damage or safety concerns on a case-by-case basis. Full refunds will be given for camping park reservations cancelled because of the storm. Call 1-888-544-3434 for refunds and further updates about parks and tropical storm Leslie. Off-road trail users are urged to use caution as conditions may deteriorate. For more information on provincial parks, visit http://www.novascotiaparks.ca/ .

Crown Attorney Appointed In Liverpool

Queens County has a new crown attorney. Sharon Goodwin has been appointed to the Liverpool office of the Public Prosecution Service. The Director of Public Prosecutions made the announcement Monday. In a statement, the Director says Goodwin's experience in criminal law will be an asset to the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. Goodwin is a native of Port Hastings, Inverness County. She graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2006. Goodwin was in private practice before joining the Antigonish office of Nova Scotia Legal Aid in 2009.

Stomach-Flu Outbreak Closes Roseway Manor

A stomach-flu outbreak has forced the Roseway Manor in Shelburne to temporarily close its doors. Between 10-15 residents have experienced illness since Saturday evening. Administrator Sharon Callan says they closed the manor Sunday.



Callan says the residents have shown improvements since being diagnosed over the weekend. There were no new cases as of Monday morning. The manor is closed to friends and visitors until further notice.

Significant $ Needed To Boost Damaged Business & Tourism: Yarmouth MLA



"Prince of Fundy" Ferry On Yarmouth Run 1970's

The province will help in the search for a private operator for a new ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. The Dexter government has committed 21 million dollars over several years. However, Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill is wondering what can be done to revitalize business and tourism in the region.
It was devastated by the loss of the ferry service more than 3 years ago.



Ottawa hasn't indicated yet if it will provide any funding to help re-establish the ferry service.

Lunenburg County Soccer Teams Do Well At Provincials

It was a very good weekend for the Upper (Lunenburg) County Soccer Club based in New Germany. The Under-12 and Under-14 Girls' teams won silver at the provincials played in Lunenburg County. The Under-14 Boys claimed gold at their provincials played in Dartmouth.

Pee Wee Bulldogs Grab Bronze At Atlantics

Bridgewater has finished third at the 2012 Atlantic Pee Wee Baseball championships. The Bulldogs topped a Metro squad 10-7 in yesterday's bronze medal game at St. John's, Newfoundland.

Lumberjacks Drop Decision To Shipbuilders

In MHL exhibtion action yesterday in Dartmouth the Metro Shipbuilders dumped the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 6-2. The contest was tied at 2 midway through the second period before Metro scored four unanswered goals. The Jacks finish their pre season with a 2-2 recprd and play their regular season home opener this Friday night against Yarmouth.

RCMP Investigate Fire On Cape Sable Island

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a residential fire in Centreville. Barrington RCMP say the blaze was reported at a mobile home on Saturday night around 9:30PM. The trailer was fully engulfed when emergency crews arrived at the home located on Cape Sable Island. Mounties say no one was injured and the home was completely destroyed. The provincial fire marshal's office has been called in to investigate.

Federal Funds Benefit Astor Theatre In Liverpool

It's a boost for those who enjoy the artistic scene at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. The federal government has invested $20,000 in the Astor Theatre performing arts series "This is Canada". MP Gerald Keddy made the announcement in a media release last week. Keddy says the funds will help promote live performances and experiences on the South Shore. The "This is Canada" series will feature different shows by a variety of professional artists from four provinces and parts of the North. The money be spread out over the next two years and help attract new talent to the theatre and expose their audiences to a wider genre of performances.

MHL: Jacks Prepare For Final Pre-Season Tune-Up

In MHL pre-season action last night in Yarmouth the Mariners topped the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 6-4. Playing his first game this year Lumberjack Luc Ramey was the first star with two goals and two assists. The Jacks play their final exhibition contest today at 12:30 at the Dartmouth Sportsplex against the Metro Shipbuilders.

Bulldogs Look For Solid Finish At Atlantics In NFLD

The Bridgewater Bulldogs can place no higher than third at the 2012 Atlantic Pee Wee Baseball championships in St. John's, Newfoundland. Fredericton scored the game's only run in the bottom of the seventh to edge Bridgewater 1-0 in last night's semi final.  The Bulldogs will face Lower Sackville in the bronze medal game this morning.

Bulldogs Advance To Semi-Finals at Atlantics

Bridgewater has advanced to the semi finals at the Atlantic Pee Wee Baseball championships. The Bulldogs scored early and often as they dumped the host team from St. John's, Newfoundland 8-2 this afternoon. Bridgewater will face Fredericton in the semis tonight. The gold medal game goes tomorrow.

NDP Ferry Service Support Is Political Hay Making: Yarmouth Liberal MLA

Zach Churchill

The Nova Scotia government has antied-up 21 million dollars to re-launch a ferry service that once linked Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Premier Darrell Dexter made the announcement this morning, three years after his government effectively killed the service by cancelling a six-million dollar annual subsidy. The premier says the money will be provided over a seven-year period on the condition a private operator can be found to run it. Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says he's happy to see this issue move forward finally. He questions the timing though.



The premiers's announcement this morning came after the release of an independent report that concluded the service could be revived with 35 million dollars in public funds and a significant boost in passenger traffic.

NS Government Backs Revived Yarmouth Ferry Service



Premier Darrell Dexter

 A new ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine is not a lost cause according to an independent panel report released this morning. It concludes an initial $35 million in public funds would be needed as well as a significant boost in passenger traffic to ensure the service is viable. However, the provincial government is adding its support to a new service with premier Darrell Dexter saying 21 million dollars over 7 years will be committed to the project. The province will also look for a private sector operator. Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney says its the best news he's heard in a long time and he's optimistic a ferry service can be up and running by next summer.



The mayor says its now up to the federal government to also make a major committment. He says the local Conservative MP Greg Kerr and Defence minister Peter McKay have already voiced their support. Mooney believes they'll hold weight in any Harper Government discussion on whether to provide financing.

Power Rates: UARB Sides With Electric Co-op

It's decision that will save members of the province's municipal electric co-op millions in unnecessary charges. Nova Scotia Power attempted to apply a $30 million dollar cost recovery charge to keep the five municipal utilities locked into their power grid. However, the Utility and Review Board rejected the request in a ruling handed down yesterday in Halifax. Members of the co-op have been working for the past seven years to secure a cheaper source of power and were caught off guard by NSP's request. The UARB decision means the co-op can proceed with its negotiations with an outside energy producer in an effort to find cheaper power for their residents. The Municipal Electric Co-op is made of independent utilities in the town's of Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Riverport, Berwick and Antigonish.

Slight Increase In Gasoline Prices

The province's utility and review board has set gasoline prices for the coming week. Only a slight change in some South Shore prices this morning. Regular self serve is up a bit to $1.39 per litre. Thats just under half a cent more than yesterday. High-test is selling for $1.48. Diesel is unchanged at $1.37.1.

Lumberjacks Trim Roster As Season-Opener Nears

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have whittled down their roster as the regular season looms. The Junior "A" hockey club has sent three players back to their respective Major Midget clubs including Cole Skinner, Riley Strowbridge, and Patrick Duggan.  More players will be released following the Jacks' exhibition games this weekend in Yarmouth and Dartmouth. The Lumberjacks open their regular season a week from tomorrow night when they welcome Yarmouth.

Decision On Yarmouth Ferry Service Set For Friday

People in Yarmouth will know more about the fate of ferry service on Friday. A highly anticipated report will be released in Halifax examining whether a ferry linking their community to the U-S is considered viable. Municipal leaders along the South Shore have been calling on the government to reinstate the ferry service to help boost tourism and the economy. The N-D-P government ended a subsidy for a high-speed ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine in December 2009. The decision to end the annual six-million-dollar subsidy for Bay Ferries Limited sparked protests in Yarmouth, where residents say it harmed the local economy.

New Jobs Boost Housing Market In Lunenburg

A hot housing market over the summer in Lunenburg combined with an expanding workforce is just what the doctor ordered according to the town's outgoing mayor. Several homes have been taken off the market over the past few months and Laurence Mawhinney believes it the sign of a strong economy. He says new employment opportunities at Composites Atlantic, the Lunenburg Foundry and HB Studio's have helped the housing market.




Mawhinney says nearly 100 new jobs have been created through new opportunities within the three companies. He believes another driving factor behind the positive economic climate is the opening of Bluenose Academy and it's proximity to the town.

Dexter: QGH Project Provides Long Term Benefits

Premier Darrell Dexter says the Queen General Health project will provide long term benefits to the region. The $16 million project will see the construction of a collaborative health care facility in Liverpool in addition to upgrades at the hospital's existing 22-bed inpatient unit. Dexter says the project will help improve the overall quality of life for medical staff and assist with recruitment and retention of doctors and nurses. He also believes the new health care services will help attract new employers to Queens.



The sod was turned on the project late last month with a tentative completion date set for the end of 2013.

Former Town Councillor Seeks Seat In Bridgewater

A former Bridgewater town councillor's name will appear on the ballot when municipal elections are held next month. Long-time resident Kevin Marlin has declared his intentions to seek a council seat on October 20th. He says community engagement, fiscal responsibility and accountability are the cornerstones of good open local government. If elected, Marlin says he'd like to see a realistic strategic plan implemented by council.





Marlin is currently a manager with Service Canada and previously served on council from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2004 to 2008.

Beware Of Rules About Stopped School Buses

Thousands of South Shore students are beginning their new school year today. The return to class is a busy occasion for kids and drivers. Motorists are being advised to slow down and watch for children darting out into streets. Sgt. Brigit Leger of the RCMP says they also must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights. The fine for not doing so is 399 dollars plus 6 demerit points on their license.



Motorists also have to slow down in school zones to the posted speed, either 30 km an hour or 50 km an hour, depending on location.

MHL: Jacks Edge Mariners In Pre-Season Action

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks edged the Yarmouth Mariners 4-3 in a shootout in MHL exhibition action last night in Bridgewater. Michael Crawley scored the shootout winner while Shawn Boudreau, Cody Coffin, and Damon MacEachern scored in regulation time.  The Jacks got strong goaltending from both Dylan MacQuad and Jordan Lee as they were outshot 46-25 by the Mariners. The Jacks, who are now 2-0 in the pre-season, play in Yarmouth on Saturday.