No Date Yet For Suspect's Return To NS

Police say they are still trying to determine when a man wanted in connection with an alleged sexual assault and confinement case in Lunenburg County will be returned to the province from northern Ontario. Sgt. Alain LeBlanc of the RCMP says David Leblanc will be returned when he is medically fit following his arrest Sunday. He says the body of Wayne Cunningham -- a co-accused in the case -- was identified yesterday.



Foul play is not suspected in Cunningham's death.  His body was discovered Wednesday night along a logging road in northern Ontario. Police allege Cunningham and Leblanc held a 16-year-old boy against his will and sexually assaulted him over several days in a house in Upper Chelsea before fleeing to Ontario.

Gasoline Prices Rise Again!

Its no huge surprise that gasoline prices are up today along the South Shore.  However. the increase is not as dramatic as in New Brunswick yesterday when prices there were hiked by almost 7 cents a litre. Today in our area, regular self serve gas is selling for $1.41.7 a litre ... thats a 4 cent increase from yesterday's price. Diesel is also up by 3 cents at $1.35.4 per litre. High test gas and home heating oil are also up a bit today.

Clippers Welcome Fundy For Home Opener

The Chester Clippers open defence of their league title tonight at home against the Fundy Phantoms. The Clippers are coming off an undefeated regular season and a year where they went 49-1-1 overall. They also won the Atlantic Canadian Championship. Captain Mathieu Bourgeois says expectations remain high for this year's club.


Chester has 13 players returning from last year's squad, but lost four players including Corey Young who led the Clippers with 45 goals. The game starts at 6:30 tonight at the Eleanor Pew Morris Memorial Arena in Chester.

VIDEO: Resort Manager Talks Re-Building Main Lodge

White Point General Manager Danny Morton talks about re-building the Main Lodge during a gathering October 4 at the popular Queens resort. Morton also focused on economic development in the County and how White Point can help in the community.

BREAKING: Police ID Cunningham's Body

RCMP have identified human remains found in norhtern Ontario as 31-year-old Wayne Alan Cunningham. Foul play is not suspected in his death. Greenstone police located Cunningham's body around 7:30PM on Wednesday night near the 2003 Hyundai Elantra that was recovered in the area of Long Lac, Ontario. Cunningham had faced charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a boy alleged he was held captive by two men at a home last month.
Cunningham's co-accused, David James Leblanc, was arrested Sunday on a road in Greenstone after officers received a report of a man wandering with no shoes and wearing light clothing in near-freezing temperatures.

NSCC Lunenburg Campus Enrolment Holds Steady

It's another year of solid enrolment for the NSCC's Lunenburg Campus. There are 415 full-time students this year at the Bridgewater-based campus compared to 422 during the 2011-12 school year. Spokeswoman Kathleen Cameron says enrolment is holding steady throughout the 13 campus across the province. She says there were nearly 10,700 students enrolled in programs ranging from trades to health services. That's about the same as the last two years. Cameron says there have been increases in the number of students who are completing high school at the colleges, with about 2,100 students currently in the School of Access program. The colleges expect an additional 15,000 Nova Scotians will participate in apprenticeship training, customized training and continuing education over the course of the year.

VIDEO: New Features At White Point Main Lodge

One of Two Beachstone Fireplaces

Workers are about a month away from wrapping up construction at White Point's main lodge. Community and business leaders were invited to tour the facility Thursday with many getting their first glimpse of the new lodge after fire destroyed the historic building last November. The new lodge will include two guest rooms with a full dining area and convention space. General Manager Danny Morton says new features include more windows and another fireplace.



Morton says they also have returning features like a pool and hot tub area, as well as exercise facilities. White Point will house visitors from across the province for Nova Scotia Music Week November 8-11. Below, Marketing and Product Development Manager at White Point, Donna Hatt, takes visitors through the main entrance of the new main lodge to see how the building is coming along.

South Shore: Municipal & School Board Election 2012

Municipal and school board election's are two weeks away. Information from the South Shore, including candidates lists and advance polling dates can be found on our website by clicking the link http://ckbwmunelex.blogspot.ca/

Information on the upcoming election can also be found by clicking on the "News" section of our web page at http://ckbw.ca/ or http://hankfm.ca/ after clicking on "News" simply look to the right of your screen and click on the Nova Scotia flag.


Advance Polling Dates:

Town of Bridgewater: October 11th through to October 20th (E-Voting 10 days). Voting permitted from 8AM until 8PM on each day of advanced polls.

Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: October 13th and October 16th (Two days only). Voting permitted from 12PM until 8PM on both days.

Town of Lunenburg and Region of Queens: October 11th and October 16th (Two days only). Voting permitted from 12PM until 8PM on both days.

Municipality of the District of Chester: October 11th through to October 18th (Evoting 8 days). Voting permitted from 8AM until 8PM on each day of advance polls.

Town of Mahone Bay: October 13th and October 16th (Two days only). Voting permitted from 12PM until 8PM.

Town of Shelburne and Municipality of Shelburne: October 11th and 16th (Two days only). Voting permitted from 12PM until 8PM.

Town of Clark's Harbour: Advance polls will be available on October 11th and 16th between 12PM and 8PM (Two days only).

Town of Lockeport: Advance polls will open on October 13th and 16th. Voting will take place between 12PM - 8PM at the Lockeport Legion (Two days only).

Shelburne Mayoralty Candidate Would Seek Greater Promotion Of Area's Assets

A candidate for mayor in Shelburne wants to see greater promotion of the town's natural assets as a means of attracting new industries. Bob Sinden says the area has a lot of offer like public safety and its history. He believes industries such as Cooke Aquaculture, which is expanding, are paying attention.


And that future according to Sinden is ... bright. He foresees increased health care and tourism promotion to bring new businesses and jobs to the area. Sinden, P.G. Comeau and Karen Harris-Mattatall are challenging incumbent Alan Delaney for the mayor's position in the October 20-th elections.

BREAKING: Search Ends For Cunningham, Body Found

Police in Ontario believe they have found the body of a man wanted in the alleged confinement of a 16-year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. Ontario Provincial Police say the body of a 30-year-old man was recovered near a 2003 Hyundai Elantra that had been recovered on a logging road in northern Ontario. Police say the body has not been positively identified, but they believe it to be Wayne Alan Cunningham, who faced charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a boy alleged he was held captive by two men at a home last month. The cause of death is under investigation by the Coroner's Office. The car was found Wednesday about 19 kilometres off the highway in Greenstone, about 250 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Cunningham's co-accused, David James Leblanc, was arrested Sunday after officers received a report of a man wandering with no shoes and light clothing in near-freezing temperatures.

Gasoline Prices May Zoom Upwards

If New Brunswick is any indication, South Shore gasoline prices may take a significant jump overnight tonight. In New Brunswick this morning, gas prices have gone up. The Energy and Utilities Board has boosted the maximum price for regular self-serve to a one dollar and 40.6 cents per litre. Thats an an increase of 6.6 cents from last week's price. There were smaller increases for diesel, which is up 2.5 cents and furnace oil, which is up 1.8 cents.

This Morning's Local News & Weather - Oct 4

Here is this morning's South Shore news and weather.
(Click on arrow below to listen)

RCMP Find Vehicle In Ontario & Have New Photos

Mounties have released some updated photos of a man wanted in an alleged confinement and sexual assault case. Police have sent media two new photos of Wayne Alan Cunningham who has been on the run since last week when a teenage boy escaped from being chained up in Upper Chelsea for nearly two weeks. Meanwhile, police say they have located the escape vehicle Cunningham was riding in on a logging road near Long Lac, Ontario. RCMP report they found a 2003 Hyundai Elantra abandoned about 20 kilometres off the main highway in northern Ontario. Cunningham remains at large and police say his whereabouts are unknown. Meanwhile, Leblanc who was arrested on Sunday night is in hospital recovering from various medical issues. Leblanc is under police custody and police say he is unable to fly at this time. Police have been working to transfer Leblanc back to Nova Scotia for further court appearances.

BREAKING: No Beds At South Shore Regional

There's an overflow of patients in the emergency department at the South Shore Regional Hospital. The Health Authority is reporting they are over capacity and have no beds available. Director of Communications, Liz Finney, says the emergency department has a high number of patients waiting for admission and people are facing longer wait times. She says the situation has compounded because of an increase in medically-discharged patients.



Finney says they have hired a Geriatric Coordinator, which helps seniors return home and continue to receive the care they need. All patients not requiring urgent care is asked to visit their family health care provider, call 811 or go to the nearest walk-in clinic in Bridgewater, Hammonds Plains or Tantallon.

Town Puts Cafe 12 Project On Hold

Cafe 12 Design Team

The town of Bridgewater has put a proposed project at the library building on King Street on hold. A group of local residents approached council in August looking to set up a cafe at the location. However, the town has decided to move ahead with an expression of interest to see if other groups would be interested in leasing or buying the property. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the expression of interest makes sure the town is responsible and open during the process.



Cafe 12 would replace the library, which moves into the Lifestyle Centre once its complete. The expression of interest will delay a decision on the building's future for the next few weeks. The newly elected town council is expected to make a decision on the matter.

Bridgewater Passes Fire Protection By-Law

It's a thumbs up for Bridgewater's Fire Protection by-law. The town has approved final reading of the document. The by-law explains construction requirements, rules around outdoor fires and types of enforcement. Mayor Carroll Publicover says the town's fire inspector deserves credit for putting in the time to get the by-law ready. He says he's happy the document is done and believes it will serve the community well.

Consultant Tries To Crack Town Council

A Bridgewater resident is applauding councils work but believes more can be done. Andrew Tanner wants to be part of the next town council and is running for a seat in this month's election. The 42-year-old consultant is running for the first time. He says his work attitude would apply to his approach on council.



Tanner believes the LaHave River could be better utilized and more work should be done to improve the look of the waterfront area. E-voting opens up in Bridgewater on October 11. Twelve people are vying for a seat on town council.

Confinement/Sexual Assault Could Have Been Avoided: Justice Critic

David James Leblanc

One of the suspects in the Lunenburg County confinement and sexual assault case in Upper Chelsea should have been outfitted with an electronic, ankle bracelet. That's the conclusion of the province's Liberal justice critic. Michel Samson says the alleged crime might not have even taken place if David James Leblanc had been wearing a court-mandated ankle bracelet to track his where-abouts.



The 47-year old Leblanc was on bail until a November court date on another sexual assault case. He was arrested in northern Ontario earlier this week after avoiding police for nearly a week. An alleged accomplice, 31-year-old Wayne Allan Cunningham is still being sought.

Municipal Election: Town Of Clark's Harbour

In Clark's Harbour, incumbent mayor Leigh Stoddart will serve another term in the mayor's chair for the town. Stoddart won the seat through acclamation. Meanwhile, there is quite the race shaping up for the six council seats available on town council. Ten candidates have put their name forward to run for council. They are listed below along with advance polling dates, times and location.


Advanced polls will be available on October 11th and 16th between 12PM and 8PM. Election and advance poll is at the Legion in Clarke's Harbour

Mayor

Leigh B. Stoddard (acclaimed)

Candidates:

Russell W. Atkinson

*Sherry Atkinson

Vaughn R. Atwood

Irene Baker

*David Beaulieu

Bridget Brannen

*Cecil W. Brannen

Carter Mitchell Nickerson

Trudy Perry Quinlan

*Rex Stoddard

*incumbent candidates

Municipal Election: Town of Lockeport

There will be a race for the mayor's chair in the Town of Lockeport. Incumbent mayor Darian Huskilson is being challenged by current councillor Howard Roszel. Meanwhile, there are five candidates seeking one of the four council seats available in the town. A complete list of candidates is listed below along with advance polling dates. CKBW/HANK FM's complete municipal and school board election coverage can be found on our web site at http://ckbwmunelex.blogspot.ca/



Advance polls will open  on October 13th and 16th. Voting will take place between 12PM - 8PM at the Lockeport Legion. The municipal election will be held on October 20th.

Mayor

*Darian Huskilson

Howard Roszel

Council

Dayle Eshelby

Joanne Swim

Julie Locke-Balish

*Lonnie Townsend

*Errol Leigh Williams

*indicates incumbent candidate

Man Wanted In Confinement/Sex Assault Case Had Issues: Parole Board

The National Parole Board says a man wanted in the alleged confinement of a boy in Lunenburg county was troubled by emotional issues surrounding his sexuality and self-esteem. The board's assessment is contained in a March 2007 decision approving accelerated day parole for Wayne Alan Cunningham. At the time, he was serving a prison sentence on charges including theft, break and enter, and fraud. The 31-year-old man now faces charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement after a 16-year-old boy alleged he was kept captive by two men at a home last month. Police have said Cunningham could be headed to Calgary. His co-accused in the alleged confinement, David James Leblanc, was arrested Sunday in northern Ontario. The parole board says Leblanc was also serving time in prison on similar charges as Cunningham when he, too, was approved for accelerated day parole in March 2007. Decisions by the board said neither man was prone to violence.

Mounties Bust Alleged Grow-Op!

File Photo

Police have arrested two people in Digby County on allegations of producing and trafficking marihuana.
The Yarmouth-Clare Street Crime Enforcement Unit assisted by the Meteghan RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the community of Maxwellton. The search resulted in the seizure of 18 mature pot plants, indoor marihuana grow equipment and 54 grams of dried marihuana. A 24-year-old man and 22-year-old woman, both from Maxwellton, were arrested. They were released and will appear in Comeauville Provincial Court on December 17th. They're facing charges of Production of Marihuana and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Marihuana.

South Shore: Thieves Empty Church's Oil Tank

Thieves have siphoned an entire tank of oil from a church in Martin's River. Lunenburg County RCMP say the theft occurred early Tuesday morning at St. Martin's Anglican Church. Constable Christa Morrison says the church just had the tank filled the day before the theft took place. Morrison believes the oil was worth approximately $600 in total. She says it's a big blow to a small rural church and its clergy. The church is located near an ATV trail along Highway 3 in Martin's River. Mounties are looking for multiple suspects in their investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

Health Counselors Help Students Cope With Daily Challenges

More health counselors will be available to help students at schools in Lunenburg and Queens. Six counselors are now in place to assist with issues such as addiction, mental health and sexual health throughout the school district. It represents an increase of four positions to join the already existing support provided by staff from South Shore Health. Director of Community Health Programs, Todd Leader says the new support will help youth deal with everyday challenges.



Leader says health counselors will have a regular presence in schools on a rotation style basis. The expanded services are the result of the realignment of some of South Shore Health's program staff and funding through the province's mental health strategy.

Future Of Riverport School Unknown

The future of the Riverport school is up in the air. Councillors with the Municipality of Lunenburg debated spending money to heat the building to preserve equipment over the winter. But, a few councillors spoke out about saving money and demolishing the facility sooner rather than later. Mayor Don Downe says they will wait to talk with the councillor for the area before making a decision.



Don Zwicker missed the session but is expected back for council's meeting next Tuesday. Council could spend anywhere from $2500 to $30,000 if they choose to continue heating the school over the winter.

Lumberjacks Re-Assign Seyforth, Release Langille

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have given walking papers to a forward and a defenceman. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says Alex Seyforth has been re-assigned to Junior 'B' while the team took a different direction with Craig Langille, who has been released. The Jacks had seven defenceman once Brandon Gaudet returned to the lineup after an injury. The local Junior 'A' club is on the road this weekend with games against Campbellton, Miramichi and Woodstock.

Bridgewater: Candidates Forum On Wednesday

The twelve candidates seeking a seat on Bridgewater town council will debate the issues in an open forum Wednesday night. In Bridgewater, municipal councillors are elected at large with the top six vote getters securing a seat on the new council. The forum will be held at the Days Inn in Bridgewater. It begins at 7 o'clock.





The following candidates are seeking election on October 20th: 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

*indicates incumbent candidates

"Experience Key In Transition Period For Lunenburg"

A veteran councillor in Lunenburg believes his experience can help the new council during a transition period for the town. Danny Croft is a life-long resident of Lunenburg and has served on town council for more than 13 years. He cites fiscal responsibility, keeping taxes reasonable and the future of Lunenburg Academy as some of the big issues facing council and residents. Croft believes a steady hand at the council table will help move those issue forward.



Nine councillors in total are looking for six council seats in Lunenburg when municipal elections are held on October 20th.

Police Investigating Mischief At LCLC

Bridgewater Police are looking for one or more individuals who spray-painted containers and pavement at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The incident happened overnight late last week. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bridgewater Police Service at 543-2464.

Ohrt Challenging Former Members In Queens

The school board seat for Queens County will be highly contested. Five people are running for the lone seat on the eight-member board including Elliott Payzant, Allan Foster and first-time candidate Karen Ohrt. The Beach Meadows resident says she believes its time for a change.



Ohrt considers declining enrollment and budget restrictions the two biggest challenges the school board is facing. Courtney Wentzell and Cliff 'Butch' MacLeod are also running for the seat. School Board elections will be held later this month.

Bridgewater Police Officer Trial Dates Set

An off-duty Bridgewater police officer charged with two counts of domestic assault will stand trial next March. Forty-six year-old Christine Marion Bonnell is charged with assaulting Joseph Wiley Ross Jr. between July 1 and July 21, 2012, and again on July 31, 2012. She has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyer asked that the cases be tried separately, so trial dates have been set for March 22 and March 25, 2013. Bonnell, who has not been on active duty since 2008, was charged after an investigation by the province's Serious Incident Response Team, which is called in to investigate allegations against police officers. She has been released on an undertaking pending her trials.

VIDEO: Board Receives Impact Assessment Reports

The South Shore Regional School Board has received the impact assessment reports for the six schools remaining on the school review list. Reports for Hebbville Academy, Gold River Western Shore Elementary, Mill Village Consolidated School, Pentz Elementary School, Petite Riviere Elementary School and New Ross Consolidated School can be read at http://ssrsb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=770&Itemid=371 . Deloitte Inc. will talk about the reports during a meeting scheduled for November 28.

Kinsmen Field Remains Temporarily Closed

Wet weather over the weekend means the Kinsmen Field in Bridgewater remains closed for the time being. The field was closed late last week after significant amounts of rain left the field unusable. Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Carol Pickings-Anthony, says they need to make sure the field doesn't suffer permanent damage.



Pickings-Anthony says staff will be on-site early tomorrow morning to re-evaluate the field's condition.

MODL Approves Healthy Eating Policy

Junk food could soon become a thing of the past at events held in the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council has approved a healthy eating policy that will see more nutritional foods at all recreation facilities, municipal events, fundraisers and vending machines in the district. Mayor Don Downe says the policy is the next step.



Downe says Nova Scotia has the highest obesity rates in Canada and the South Shore has the highest obesity rates in the province. The policy will be put into place right away and will provide mostly nutritional foods with some unhealthy options during the phase-in period. The policy has also been given the go-ahead by the town of Bridgewater and Municipality of Chester.

New Area Code For NS/PEI Coming Soon

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will be assigned another area code in two years. The CRTC says people in those provinces asking for a new phone number as of November 30, 2014, could be given one starting with the area code 782. The commission says that's due to a shortage of phone numbers in those provinces, which now share the area code 902. Ten-digit dialing will also take effect as of August 2014.

UPDATED: Leblanc Found On Logging Road

One of two men wanted in connection with a disturbing sexual assault in Lunenburg County is in custody in Northwestern Ontario. Coverage provided from our sister station in Thunder Bay -  Vic Krasowski reports.

(Click on play button to listen to report from Thunder Bay, Ontario)

UPDATED: Leblanc Arrested In Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police have arrested one of the two men wanted in connection with an alleged confinement and sexual assault case involving a 16 year old boy in Lunenburg County. Ontario Provincial Police picked up 47 year old David James Leblanc overnight in the Thunder Bay area after receiving reports of a man in distress. He was arrested on a logging road in Longlac, Ontario. It's about three hours from Thunder Bay. Leblanc is set to make a video court appearance today before being transferred back to Nova Scotia for further court appearances. Thirty-one year-old Wayne Allan Cunningham remains at large. Police believe he is headed to the Calgary. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact RCMP.

South Shore News & Weather - AM - October 1

Here is this morning's local news and weather.
(Click on arrow below to listen)

WANTED: RCMP Manhunt Enters Day Six

An RCMP manhunt enters its sixth day as Mounties continue to search for two men wanted in an alleged forcible confinement and sexual assault case. Police have been searching for 47-year-old David James Leblanc and 31-year-old Wayne Alan Cunningham since last Tuesday. Leblanc and Cunningham are believed to be responsible for holding a 16 year-old boy captive for nearly two weeks in a delapitated cabin in Upper Chelsea. Police believe the men are hiding out somewhere in Ontario. RCMP say tips have been pouring in but they've yet to locate the wanted men.

VIDEO: Bluenose II Towed To Fisheries Museum

All systems were a go today after much anticipated wind and rain held off until the very end, giving enough time for the Bluenose II to enter the water and move towards the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for the day-long celebration.

VIDEO: Defence Minister Celebrates Bluenose II

Canada's Defence Minister spoke today at the re-launching of the Bluenose II. Peter MacKay, also the MP for Central Nova, talked about the Federal Government's contribution to the project and calls today a historic moment for Canadians.

Mawhinney: Re-Launch Highlights Term As Mayor

Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador made a successful return to the water during an early morning relaunch in Lunenburg. Bluenose II was relaunched shortly after 8 o'clock this morning in an event celebrated by thousands of spectators. Lunenburg's Laurence Mawhinney called today's event a highlight of his 33 years as the town's mayor.



No major traffic issues were reported in Lunenburg. An all day celebration will be capped off with a fire works show later tonight along the Lunenburg waterfront.

Manhunt Continues: Tips Pouring Into RCMP

Mounties say tips are pouring in and the manhunt for two men wanted in a possible forcible confinement case continues. RCMP believe 47-year-old David James Leblanc and 31-year-old Wayne Alan Cunningham have fled Nova Scotia. They have received tips which indicate the men are in or traveled through Ontario. Leblanc and Cunningham are charged with forcible confinement and sexual assault in an alleged case involving a 16 year-old boy. Earlier this week, RCMP revealed the teen had been held captive for up to two weeks. RCMP are working with the appropriate police service of jurisdiction to locate the accused. The RCMP Major Crime Unit is now leading the investigation.

BREAKING: Plane Crash In New Germany

A 46 year-old man is in serious condition following a plane crash in New Germany. Emergency officials say the pilot was the only person riding in the ultra-light plane when it went down shortly after 2 o'clock near Falkenham Lane. An investigation is underway into the cause of the crash. However, Corporal Scott McRae says it appears the aircraft was dealing with some engine trouble shortly after take-off. McRae says the pilot has been airlifted to a Halifax hospital. Officials from Transport Canada and Department of Environment attended the crash site to investigate the scene. It's believed some fuel leaked from the aircraft and had to be cleaned up.

No Plans To Re-Schedule Bluenose II Re-Launch

The Bluenose II relaunch will take place as scheduled despite some inclement weather in tomorrow's forecast. The latest forecast for Lunenburg County is calling for heavy rain (15-25MM) and wind gusts up to 50 km/h. Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage spokesperson, Steve Warburton, says the event will go ahead as planned on Saturday morning. Warburton says they only need a small window to ensure Bluenose II enters the water safely. An all-day celebration begins at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning in Lunenburg.

Roseway Manor Re-Opens After Flu Bug Hits

A long-term care facility in Shelburne has re-opened. Roseway Manor has been closed for three weeks because of a nasty flu bug. Administrator Sharon Callan says fortunately, no one died as a result and now everyone appears free of the virus.



During the closure, families were kept up to date on their loves ones' conditions but they weren't allowed to visit. Now, the restriction has been lifted and everything is back to normal at the manor.

Town, MODL Approve New Visitor Information Centre

The Municipality of Lunenburg and the town of Bridgewater have approved a joint venture to fund a new Visitor Information Centre. Both units will cost-share the centre at just over $23,000 for at least the first five years of a 10-year lease. The location of the building will be just off exit 11 in Blockhouse. Bridgewater Mayor Carroll Publicover says it's a convenient location.




The new location is expected to provide easier access for tourists and generate more traffic. Construction is expected to start in late October or early November. The centre is expected to be ready to open by May 1, 2013.

Too Early To Know About Cap Effects: School Board

The Nova Scotia government says it will hire 45 elementary school teachers in an effort to relieve pressure on class sizes. In a statement, the Education Department says school boards have submitted class sizes that show while most Primary to Grade 3 classes were below historic averages, some were too large. Fifteen per cent of those classes have 25 or more students, and Education Minister Ramona Jennex says she wants to keep class sizes capped at 25. School Board member Judith Sullivan-Corney says they don't quite know the impact on their schools.

 

Sullivan-Corney says they have about 13 classrooms over the cap, but only by a few students.

Gasoline Prices Rise

Gasoline prices at South Shore pumps are higher this morning. Thats oppositite to New Brunswick the other night where prices decreased by three cents a litre. Gasoline prices here today have risen 3 cents from yesterday. Regular self serve is selling for $1.37.9 a litre. Diesel is also up by a couple of cents.

RCMP Investigate Martin's River Assault

Lunenburg County RCMP are looking into an assault in Martins River. A woman was out for a walk along the walking trail near Station Road around 6 o'clock Thursday morning when she was confronted by an unknown man. The woman was knocked to the ground but managed to fight him off. The suspect then took off, running toward Martins River. The amount of information about the suspect is small because it was dark and raining at the time of the incident and the victim was unable to get a good look at him. The RCMP are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect.