National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Comes To Bridgewater

Local police and health authorities will be accepting old and unused drugs this weekend. National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is Saturday and a number of groups are working to reduce trafficking and limit the spread of prescription pills and illegal drugs. Police say its a no-questions asked drop-off. Director of Addiction and Mental Health Services, Todd Leader, says they want to minimize the risk.



A similiar campaign in Kentville last year netted 35,000 pills. People can drop off their old and unused drugs Saturday from 10am-3pm inside the Bridgewater Mall, next to Bell Mobility.

Bridgewater's Martin Headlining Halifax Track Event

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has been named one of two headliners for this year's Aileen Meagher International Track Classic. The 25-year-old along with Geoff Harris of Halifax will share the track when the event kicks off June 9 at Saint Mary's Huskies Stadium. Both runners made it to the semi-finals in last summer's Olympics. Martin won the 400 metre at last year's Track Classic. The event, which is marking its 20th year, is considered the premiere track and field competition in Atlantic Canada. It also allows athletes to achieve qualifying marks for the World Track and Field Championships in August. The event is the only maritime stop of the National Track League and kicks-off the cross country schedule. Other meets will be held in Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

MODL Explores Pension Options For Laid-Off Workers

The Municipality of Lunenburg is exploring its options when it comes to funding pension plans for 13 laid-off workers at the recycling centre in Whynott's Settlement. Council members need to make a decision on whether they want to pay up to $190,000 in a lump sum or installed payments of $40,000 per year for five years. Mayor Don Downe says they're leaning towards the lump sum option because they have the money available in their operating budget.



The 13 workers were laid-off after recycling operations at the plant moved to a facility in Kentville. Council is expected to confirm its decision during next week's meeting.

Which Bumpy Road Bugs You?

Which road really ... bugs the life out of you? You know, the one full of pot-holes, of all shapes and sizes! The road that you fear may, or may already have broken a tire or the springs on your car! The Canadian Automobile Association is trying to weed-out the really nasty top-10 worst roads in the region. Gary Howard of CAA says their "Worst Roads Campaign" also embarrasses governments into action to fix them up.



Its the third annual campaign by CAA, running until May 31st. You can vote for the road in your area that really, drives-you crazy, by going to ... www.atlantic.caa.ca/worstroads. As the voting continues, the Forties Road in New Ross and the Kemptville Road in Yarmouth County are among the top ten in the region.
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Here is the top ten list as of May 8,2013:
1. Cape John Road ------ River John
2. Foxbrook Road ------- Hopewell
3. Ridge Road ----------- Digby
4. Forties Road ---------- New Ross
5. Rothesay Road -------- Saint John, NB
6. Balmoral Road -------- Tatamagouche

7. NS 203 ---------------  Kemptville
    Fredericton Road ------ Salisbury, NB

8. NB 122 ---------------- Skiff Lake, NB
9. Hanwell Road ---------- Fredericton, NB
10. South River Lake Road --- Guysborough

Trial Dates Will Be Set Thursday In Confinement Case

Trial dates for a man charged in an alleged sexual assault and forcible confinement case will be set Thursday. Provincial court Judge Gregory Lenehan ruled last week during a preliminary hearing that David James Leblanc will be tried by a judge and jury. The 47 year-old is facing seven charges in relation to an incident in Upper Chelsea last fall where a teenage boy claims he was held captive and sexually assaulted. Police began their investigation last September after a woman reported that a barefoot boy arrived at her home chained at his wrists and ankles. The RCMP have said they believe the boy was held captive for about ten days before he was able to escape. The trial will take place in Supreme Court.

Local Band Tunes Up For Lieutenant Governor's Party

The Bridgewater Fire Department Band has a date with the province's Lieutenant Governor. The band has been invited to play in front of Brigadier-General J.J. Grant at the annual garden party in Halifax next month. It's one of the few times a civilian band will play at the prestigious event. Music Director Wendell Eisener says it's an overwhelming feeling for the band.



Eisener says the band is slated to play for roughly three hours and will focus on ceremonial tunes along with a selection of spring and summer collections. The event will be held June 19 at Government House in Halifax.

Three Local Companies Win Export Achievement Awards

Three South Shore companies are being recognized for their work in exporting goods. Terra Beata Cranberry Farm in Lunenburg, Cotter's Ocean Products Inc. in Lockeport and Novatec Braids Ltd. in Yarmouth are among nine recipients this year of the Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards. Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris says each year, about 850 companies produce exports worth almost $16-billion. The winners will be recognized during a luncheon event in Halifax May 14. This is the 29th year the awards have been held. Full details are available here .

New Funding For Search & Rescue Groups

Search and Rescue organizations in Nova Scotia are getting a much needed financial boost. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy has announced nearly $135,000 to boost response and safety across the province. He says the funding will improve search and rescue capacity and capability. The money is part of the Search and Rescue New Initiative Fund as part of an $8.1 million dollar investment for organizations across the country. The fund was established by the federal government in 1998.

MODL Planning To Change MARC North Name

The Municipality of Lunenburg is planning to move ahead with a name change for MARC North near New Germany. The space will now be called 'River Ridge Common' after a municipal committee held a contest in the surrounding communities. Councillor Cathy Moore says they received roughly 25 names. She says they wanted to have a unique name to separate it from the MARC in Dayspring.




Council still has to approve the idea at its next meeting.

Mooseheads Fever Hits Nova Scotia - Game 3 Tonight

The Halifax Mooseheads look to keep their undefeated play-off streak alive tonight in Quebec. The Mooseheads have been perfect thus far in the post season with a record of 14-0. They currently lead the Best-of-Seven series with Baie Comeau two games to none. This evening's Game 3 match-up will be shown on the big scene in Parade Square in Halifax. The game will also be televised depending on your cable provider. Puck drops at 8:30pm.

Heat Gun Believed To Have Caused Fire In LaHave

No one was injured after a fire broke out at a home in LaHave Monday afternoon. Crews from Riverport, LaHave, Pleasantville, Petite Riviere and Bridgewater were called to the scene along Highway 331. LaHave and District Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief, Nathan Ott, says a crew of painters reported the fire between the walls shortly after 3pm, near a side window. He says there was some damage to the home.



Ott believes the fire was caused by a heat gun, being used to strip paint around the window. He credits crews for knocking down the fire quickly.

Wolter Brothers Soaring In Steeplechase

A pair of Lunenburg County brothers were at it again on the track. Mattias Wolter dominated the field this weekend in New Jersey to win the Big East 3,000 metre steeplechase title. The junior at Louisville beat his nearest competitor by seven seconds. Meanwhile, his brother, Tobias Wolter, ran a 2,000 metre solo steeple in six minutes. The result now ranks him at the top of Canadian youth.

Police Chief Urges Public To Create 72-Hour Emergency Kit

A week reminding the public about the importance of being ready during an emergency kicks-off today across the country. Emergency Preparedness Week goes until May 11. Bridgewater Police Chief John Collyer says the message is simple; make sure your family is prepared for up to 72 hours in case of an emergency. He says having a plan of where to go and what to do in an emergency is the best way to be prepared.



Collyer says a 72-hour kit should contain a number of items including lots of water, canned food, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight. The kit should also contain a list of important phone numbers including a doctor and emergency services.

Police Find Clothing Of Caledonia Robbery Suspect

Queens County RCMP are calling it a 'significant' break in their search for the alleged suspect in the Caledonia Pharmasave robbery. Corporal Victor Whalen says tips from the public led to police finding several pieces of clothing they believe the suspect was wearing at the time of the incident. He says the clothing was found just outside Caledonia. Whalen adds, the items will go to the forensic lab to be analyzed.



The drug store was robbed early last week. The suspect is described as a man in his 20's, five feet, 10 inches tall, with a slim build. Queens RCMP are hopeful more tips from the public will funnel in and help them locate the alleged suspect.

Work Continues Around Jordan Bay Fish Farms

A pair of fish farms in Shelburne County should be up and running by the end of May. Cooke Aquaculture has been working to prepare the sites over the past few months. The New Brunswick-based company has hired 18 new workers to maintain the sites.  Spokesperson Nell Halse says they've been focusing on hiring and training local people for their job openings.




Halse says the company is looking to hire 27 workers in total for the Jordan Bay operation. The aquaculture sites will be home to roughly 500,000 fish when its ready for operation.

VIDEO: Queens MLA Recognized By NDP

The MLA for Queens was recognized by her fellow caucus members during this weekend's NDP annual general meeting. Vicki Conrad is among six New Democrats who have chosen not to re-offer in the next provincial election. She says it was an emotional tribute by the party and was humbled by a standing ovation. Conrad says she has no regrets on her time as MLA.



She says she's working on a few projects in the region before her time as MLA ends. The NDP AGM was held at Pier 21 in Halifax.

Mooseheads Blank Baie-Comeau

The Halifax Mooseheads have grabbed the opener of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's championship series. Led by Zachary Fucale's 28 saves the Herd blanked Baie-Comeau 4-0 Friday night at a sold out Metro Centre. The best of seven set continues Saturday night at 7 in Halifax.

Liverpool's Whalen Sets New Career Bests

Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen had a day to remember Friday at the Seminole Twilight Invitational in Tallahassee, Florida. The 20-year-old junior at Florida State came away as the top performer after registering career best marks in javelin and shotput. Whalen started off in the javelin with a throw of 48.06 metres. The throw was good enough for third place but it surpassed her previous top score, which she set at last year's NCAA Outdoor Championship. In the shot put, Whalen continued her torrid pace this season, re-writing the school's record book for the third time with a throw of 16.35 meters. The toss was good enough for first place.

Conrad To Be Recognized By Provincial NDP

The MLA for Queens will be one of six New Democrat members honoured by the party during their provincial annual general meeting this weekend. The NDP are recognizing those MLAs who aren't re-offering in the next provincial election. Vicki Conrad confirmed last week that she will not run after consulting with family, close friends and the premier. She is the sixth member of the government caucus to say she won’t be running including cabinet ministers Graham Steele and Bill Estabrooks. The party's AGM will be held Saturday at Pier 21 in Halifax.

NDP's Fisheries Minister Will Run In Queens-Shelburne

NDP MLA Sterling Belliveau has announced he will seek the nomination in the newly formed riding of Queens-Shelburne. Belliveau was first elected to represent Shelburne in 2006 and was re-elected in 2009. He currently serves as Minister of Environment and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Shelburne riding was eliminated when the province's electoral boundaries were redrawn last fall. Current NDP MLA for Queens Vicki Conrad announced she would not seek the nomination on April 26th.

UPDATED: Bridgewater Prepares To Flush Water Mains

Residents are advised that watermains will be flushed during the period of May 11-June 4, between the hours of 6pm and 2am, and in accordance with the schedule below.  Some loss of pressure and discolouration of the water may be experienced during the flushing.  Customers are reminded that domestic hot water tanks should be flushed annually, and main water valves in basements should be turned off when flushing is being undertaken in their area.  If you have any questions, contact the Engineering Department at 541-4370.

Schedule

May 11, 12, 14, 15
All streets on the west side of LaHave River, north of Dufferin St., but not including Dufferin St.

May 16, 21
All streets between Dufferin St. and Jubilee Rd., including Dufferin St., but not including Jubilee Rd.

May 22, 23
All streets south of, and including, Jubilee Rd., and west to, but not including Desbrisay Drive.

May 28, 29, 30
East side of LaHave River starting at Chapel Hill Road, flushing all streets westerly to LaHave St.

June 4
"Pressure zone" on east side of River, which includes Winter Street, Winburn Ave. above Glen Sarty Dr, Pine Grove Road, New Pine Grove Road, Highway 10 between Highway 103 and Champlain Drive.

NOTE: Due to weather and water conditions, there may be some deviation from the above schedule.

Yarmouth MLA Handed Suspension For Heckling

The MLA for Yarmouth has been handed a one-day suspension from the legislature for heckling. Deputy Speaker of the legislature Becky Kent initially suspended Zach Churchill for five days after asking him to apologize to her and to the house of assembly for unparliamentary behaviour. Churchill, who represents the Liberals in the riding of Yarmouth, said the move was heavy-handed and orchestrated by NDP house leader Frank Corbett. Corbett rejected the accusation. Kent later said she had erred in her ruling and reduced the suspension to one day.

PC Travelling Road Show Rolls Along The South Shore

The South Shore from Bridgewater to Yarmouth will be sporting a lot of Tory blue this weekend. The province's Progressive Conservative leader will be continuing a pre-election campaign swing through the region. Jamie Baillie says his party's fortunes have improved here in recent months and he wants to showcase the area's PC candidates.



Baillie will host a rally in Bridgewater on Saturday. On Sunday morning, he whips up pancakes at a candidates' breakfast in Yarmouth. Later in the day, there's a school/family fair in Argyle to attend and a meet and greet in Queens and Shelburne counties.

Mooseheads, Drakkar Clash In Q-League Final

The Halifax Mooseheads and Baie-Comeau Drakkar open up the President Cup Finals in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action Friday night at the Metro Centre. The Moose have gone undefeated through 12 play-off games so far while the Drakkar have been equally impressive, going 12-2. Mooseheads play-by-play announcer John Moore says he expects a tough series.



The teams met twice in the regular season with the Mooseheads winning both contests. Tonight's game is sold out but will be on Rogers Sportsnet beginning at 8pm.

Yarmouth RCMP Arrest Man For Drug-Related Offences

RCMP in Yarmouth have arrested a 33-year-old man after drugs and weapons were seized at a home in Pinkney's Point. Police searched the home early Wednesday evening and found an indoor marihuana grow-op, several guns and a prohibited weapon. Trevor Preston Robichaud faces production and trafficking marihuana charges. He is also charged with unsafe storage of firearms and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon. Robichaud will appear in Yarmouth Court in early July.

Motorcycle Crash Victim Identified

Lunenburg County RCMP have released the name of a man killed in a motorcycle crash on April 27th. Arnold Lester Salsman of New Ross died in a single vehicle collision last Saturday on Highway 12. The 51-year-old was transported to hospital where he passed away from his injuries. Mounties say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

MODL: No Offers On Osprey Ridge Golf Course

A buyer has yet to step forward to purchase the Osprey Ridge Golf Course. The Municipality of Lunenburg assumed operation of the club last November after deciding not to renew an agreement with the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club. Since then, the municipality has instituted a lottery system to bring a balance of members and green fee players to the course. They're also looking at promoting the banquet facility to bring in more people and revenue. CAO Tammy Wilson says they're trying to offer a good product.



Wilson says they aren't aggressively trying to sell the golf course. She says they plan to take a look at the operations over the next few months before making a decision on the future of the 18-hole club.

DNR Reminding Public To Burn Safely

A fire prevention officer with the Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to be safe when burning brush. Kara McCurdy says its that time of year when people clean-up their properties and burn piles of yard debris. She says people should take precautions.



A provincial burning permit is required before lighting a fire within 300 metres of a wooded area in Yarmouth, Shelburne, Queens, and Lunenburg counties.

The Big Ex Announces Maritime Horse Pull

This year's edition of the South Shore Exhibition will feature a large pool of East Coast talent. Event organizers have announced the LaHave River Credit Union - Maritime Horse Pull will replace the recently cancelled International Horse Pull. The international event was cut by the Cumberland, Maine Fair earlier this spring due to a lack of funding. Teams representing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI will take part in the horse pull which will be held on the same day and time slot as previous years. The Maritime Horse Pull will consist of the top eight teams emerging from the qualifying pull. The purse has been set at $4,400. The Big Ex will be held July 23rd to 28th in Bridgewater.

Plans For Shelburne County Fish Plant On Track

It's hoped a new fish processing plant in Shelburne County will be up and running in 2015. Cook Aquaculture is in the midst of a three year expansion plan which also includes a new salmon hatchery in Digby, and expanding a feed mill in Truro. Work in those areas will take place over the next two years, while the fish processing plant will serve as the final piece of their expansion puzzle in year three. In total, the three projects will create roughly 400 jobs with more than 300 of those located in Shelburne. Spokesperson Nell Halse says the company hasn't decided where they will locate the new plant.



Cooke plans to spend $150-million itself on the expansion. The Nova Scotia government has offered $25 million to help with the projects.

Province Toughens Stance On Impaired Driving With A Child

The provincial government is putting more teeth into penalties for drivers who are impaired with a child in the car. As of Wednesday, South Shore motorists convicted of impaired driving with a child passenger face increased penalties, including losing their licence for at least two years and participating in the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program, for at least one year, at their expense. The interlock device prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. MADD Canada Atlantic Region director, Susan MacAskill, says the group stands behind the changes.



Convicted impaired drivers with a blood-alcohol level of more than .08 receive a criminal record and face a minimum fine of $1,000. About one-third of people killed on Nova Scotia's roads each year are a result of impaired driving.

Province Proclaims May As Motorcycle Safety Month

The province is proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.The goal is to help prevent fatalities and call driver attention to increased motorcycle traffic on local roads. Last weekend, a 51 year old man was killed on Highway 12 in Aldersville when his motorcycle left the road and crashed into some trees. Police have not released the cause of the crash but road conditions were clear at the time of the incident. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith says drivers need to be alert and especially careful as the use of motorcycles increases at this time of year. More information on motorcycle safety and training courses is available on the Safety Services Nova Scotia website.

RCMP Still Searching For Caledonia Robbery Suspect

Queens and Lunenburg County RCMP are working together to find a man who robbed the Caledonia Pharmasave. Constable Laura Cormier-Jones says there has been a positive response from the public after police released a photo of the suspect Tuesday evening. She says the two agencies are working together in case the suspect crossed-over into Lunenburg County. RCMP describe the man as five feet, 10 inches tall, slim and at the time was wearing a dark-coloured hoody and possibly blue sweat pants. The man's face was covered at the time of the robbery. Cormier-Jones there could be additional suspects in the case.



Officers continue to look for the individual, who is believed to be in his 20's and travelling in an older model white SUV.

Board Receives Letter From Minister, Upholds Closure Decision

The province's Education Minister says a letter sent to the South Shore Regional School Board was meant to make sure the board understood her request to delay the closure of Gold River-Western Shore Elementary. In a letter, Ramona Jennex says staff with the education department contacted the acting superintendent to ask for necessary clarifications in order to agree to the request to delay the school closure. She says the letter was sent in case they needed any more information.



However, the chair of the school board says they have no plan to reverse a decision to close Gold River-Western Shore Elementary this summer. Jennifer Naugler say they remain status quo on the issue.



Naugler says the board supports the minister's request to look at the school review process and looks forward to providing input on how it can be improved.

UPDATED: Police Release Robbery Suspect Photo

Queens RCMP have released a photo of the robbery suspect in Caledonia earlier today and are asking the public for assistance in identifying him. Police says the suspect entered the Caledonia Pharmasave at approximately 10am today. The lone man approached a female employee and demanded prescription pills. He was armed with a weapon but no one was injured. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of prescription pills. The suspect is a Caucasian man. He is approximately 5' 10" tall, slim build, early 20's. He was wearing a dark colored checkered hoody and possibly blue sweat pants. His face was covered at the time of the robbery. The suspect is believed to have left the scene in an older model white SUV.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Queens District RCMP at 902-354-5721 or Crime Stoppers at www.crimens.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

RCMP: Time To Remove Studded Tires From Vehicles

If you have studded tires on your vehicle, you might want to take them off to reduce the risk of paying a penalty. RCMP are reminding motorists that as of Wednesday, studded tires aren't allowed on your vehicle. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says it is illegal to operate a vehicle with the tires between May 1 and October 14. The offence carries a fine of $141.16.

Police Search For Armed Robbery Suspect

Mounties in Queens County are investigating an armed robbery at the Caledonia Pharmasave. Police say a man walked into the drug store around 10 o'clock this morning and demanded prescription pills. He was armed with a weapon but no one was injured. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount medication.  Constable Laura Cormier-Jones says they believe suspect is in his early 20's.




The suspect is believed to have left the scene in an older model white SUV. Cormier-Jones says police believe the man hopped into a GMC with two other individuals. The nearby, North Queens Community School was under a "hold and secure" order for about two hours while police investigated the matter. The precautionary safety measure has since been lifted.

EI Changes Hurting Region; Need Further Study: Yarmouth MLA

Federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley says changes to Employment Insurance are a reasonable way to help Canadians get back to work faster. Finley was commenting following a request from the four Atlantic premiers to suspend changes made to the program. Under new rules, workers must accept a job within 100 kilometres of their home as long as they are qualified and the pay is at least 70 per cent of their old salary. Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says seasonal employment is a critical component of the regional economy and changes to EI will drive even more people to other parts of the country looking for more stable employment.



At the Atlantic premiers annual meeting yesterday on the South Shore, they called for further study of the new EI rules, saying they're hurting seasonal industries.

UPDATED: "Lockdown" Lifted At North Queens School

A lock down order has been lifted at a school in Caledonia. The safety measure was put in place at North Queens Community School after an armed robbery at a nearby drug store. Communications manager with the South Shore Regional School Board, Trish Smith says was no immediate threat to students or the school. The notice was issued around 10 o'clock. RCMP confirm they are looking for a suspect in the area. No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Province Opens Up Huge Swath Of Land For ATV'ers

ATV enthusiasts will be able to explore some new trails, previously inaccessible in Nova Scotia. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse has announced 13 gates have been opened to allow vehicle access to 1,700 kilometres of land previously owned by Bowater Mersey. Ecologically sensitive areas remain off-limits for vehicles. The province bought more than 220,000 hectares of forest land in southwest Nova Scotia in December. Provincial conservation officers will patrol the area and ATV groups will also work to ensure their members obey the restrictions.

Man Charged In Teen Confinement Will Stand Trial

A provincial court judge has ordered a man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy to stand trial. Gregory Lenehan ruled today during a preliminary hearing that David James Leblanc will be tried by a judge and jury. Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to the alleged incident last fall in a cabin in Upper Chelsea. Police began their investigation last September after a woman reported that a barefoot boy arrived at her home chained at his wrists and ankles. It's believe the boy was held captive a ten day period before he was able to escape. A publication ban was imposed on all evidence presented during the preliminary hearing. Dates for Leblanc's Supreme Court trial will be set on May 9th.

NS Labour Supports Proposed EI Reform Moratorium

The Atlantic premiers are meeting today on the South Shore. Premiers Dexter, Ghiz, Alward and Dunderdale have gathered for the session at White Point resort in Hunts Point. One issue front and centre is a proposed moratorium by New Brunswick's David Alward on changes to EI. Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says its not only of concern to seasonal workers here but he says employers are being affected too and they should be concerned.



Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale says her key focus today is on energy issues. Kathy Dunderdale says she wants to ensure the East Coast has access to oil and gas that is shipped across Canada.

SW Nova Tourism Committee To Begin Work

The committee in the western part of the province, set up to find ways to boost tourism and its related business, will hold its first meeting in about a week's time. Yarmouth mayor Pam Mood is the chair.
She says its bringing together a well-rounded group of community, tourism and business leaders.



The mayor says the committee should have its final report prepared by mid 2014. Before then, she's hoping a new ferry service will be up and running which she says would make the results of their work a lot easier.

Bridgewater Mulls Budgetary Changes

The second of four scheduled debates on Bridgewater's 2013-14 budget will be held tonight. Council will discuss items in both the operating and capital budgets. One idea is potentially lowering the special purpose tax for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Currently it's at eight cents per 100 of assessment for residents, to help pay off Bridgewater's $5-million portion of the project in 20 years. Mayor David Walker says there could be an opportunity to lower it.



Another item that was discussed was chip-sealing Dominion Street. Walker says the draft budget includes $100,000 to chip seal the street. However, he feels council should agree to pave it right away.



Walker feels the town did a lot of work on the sewer and water project, created an inconvenience on the street and should pave the road over roughly the next two fiscal years. Council is expected to discuss the matters during its meeting tonight at 6pm at town hall.

Pain Killers Seized In Bridgewater

A 20 year old South Shore man is due in court after police seized roughly one-hundred pain killer pills in Bridgewater. Michael Kelley was already wanted on several outstanding warrants. Police made the arrest shortly after they began following up with a complaint of a suspicious male at a business on North Street. Upon further investigation, officers were able to identify Kelley as the suspect. They say he ran from police but was caught soon after. The accused will go to court at a later date on allegations of resisting arrest, two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking and possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash On Highway 12

A 51 year-old has died after a motorcycle crash on Highway 12 in Lunenburg County. Mounties say the incident occurred around 12:30pm in Aldersville. EHS Lifeflight was called in to transport the man to hospital but he died from injuries. A section of the highway between New Ross and Kentville has been reduced to one-lane while an investigation into the crash is conducted. Police have called in a traffic analyst to try and determine the cause of the crash. Officers will be on scene until further notice.

Lunenburg Hosts Annual Day Of Mourning Ceremony

The annual Nova Scotia Day of Mourning will be held this weekend in Lunenburg. Its an annual event to remember those who have died or been injured on the job over the past year. Usually its held in Halifax. However, the South Shore was seen as an appropriate location this time, in light of the fact seven of the eleven workers killed in the province so far this year were fishermen. Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says its always a moving ceremony. He says it's a chance to remember those who lost their life on the job and to promote safety in the workplace. The service will be held starting at 1 o'clock Sunday at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

NSP OK'd For $93 M Investment In South Canoe Wind Farm

Nova Scotia Power has been given the green light from the province's regulator for its 93-million dollar share of a Lunenburg County wind farm. The Utility and Review Board approved the energy company's investment into the South Canoe Wind Project in a written decision on Friday. South Canoe is slated to operate 34 turbines and be built between Vaughan and New Russell.  Minas Basin Pulp and Power and Oxford Frozen foods are the other partners in the project. It's expected to creat 100 jobs during construction on the $200 million wind farm - which is expected to begin this summer. Nova Scotia Power, which has a 49-per-cent stake in the project, would own 17 of the turbines. A community group opposed to the project will appear before the regulatory board May 30 and June 3 in New Ross.

Weekend Emergency Department Closure At Lunenburg Hospital

The emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed this weekend. A staff shortage is forcing the department to be closed starting at 2:30 Saturday afternoon until 7:30 Sunday morning. Anyone requiring emergency services is advised to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

Crown Will Present Evidence In Teen Confinement Case

The preliminary hearing involving a man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy in Lunenburg County begins Monday in Bridgewater. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to an incident last year in Upper Chelsea where a 16 year-old boy claimed he was held captive and sexually abused for about a week. The hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. In January, defence lawyer Mike Taylor told reporters the case could be complicated by the fact former co-accused Wayne Cunningham is dead. However, he's confident a one-day hearing will be enough to deal with the matter.  Taylor said his client wants to be tried in supreme court before a judge and jury. A police investigation began last September after a woman told police a barefoot boy, with chains around his wrists showed up at her door asking for help.