Mooseheads Open Memorial Cup Against WHL Champion

The long-awaited start to this year's Memorial Cup in Saskatoon is about to begin for the Halifax Mooseheads. The herd square-off Saturday evening against the WHL Champion Portland Winterhawks. The top-three ranked junior players will all play in the game. Halifax's Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin will battle top-ranked defenceman Seth Jones. The game starts at 7pm.

Local Provincial Parks Set To Open

A pair provincial parks along the South Shore are opening for the season this weekend. Rissers Beach in Lunenburg County and Thomas Raddall in Queens will officially open Saturday. The Victoria Day long weekend is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season. Campers are reminded that the annual alcohol-free period is in effect at all parks until early July. RCMP say they will be out in full-force to monitor roads.

RCMP Remind Public About Bicycle Safety

RCMP are calling on residents to make sure they are being as safe as they can while riding their bicycle. Police says its important for people riding bicycles to remember to wear helmets, and they must have a light and reflector on their bike while riding at night. If people are caught without using the safety features, fines range from $141 to $342. The bike could also be seized by police for over 30 days. Police say motorists also face fines up to $800 if they don't give a bicyclist at least a metre of space while passing them.

Municipal Council Approves Pension Payments, Name Change

MARC North has a new name and a pension plan will be paid in a lump sum. The Municipality of Lunenburg moved ahead with the two recommendations from committee. Council has approved paying up to $190,000 to fund pension plans for 13 laid-off workers at the recycling centre in Whynott's Settlement. They also decided to change the name of MARC North, to River Ridge Common. A contest was held in surrounding communities to change the name of the land just outside New Germany.

Gas Prices Rise Again

You can hear the moaning and the groaning of South Shore drivers. Gas prices are up yet again today at the pumps. Its Friday and the province's utility and review board set prices overnight. Regular self serve has been bumped up almost 2 cents to $1.29.2 per litre. Diesel is unchanged at $1.26.1.

Argyle-Barrington Tories Select Their Candidate

A familiar face will be the PC candidate in Argyle-Barrington in the next provincial election. Chris d'Entremont was selected last night at a nomination meeting in Barrington. In accepting it, d'Entremont bashed the Dexter government for what he calls its lack of action in dealing with 13 percent unemployment in his area.



Progressive Conservative Party leader Jamie Baillie was also at last night's nomination meeting. He charged the NDP government with turning its back on families in the area. d'Entremont is a former radio announcer and first elected to the House of Assembly in 2003. He has served as a minister in various high-profile Cabinet posts, such as agriculture and fisheries and health.

RCMP, Fire Marshal Investigate Western Shore House Fire

RCMP and the fire marshal's office have taken over an investigation into an early morning house fire in Western Shore. Officials with both groups spent the morning at the scene, gathering data and sifting through debris to help them establish the cause of the blaze. Five fire departments were called to the scene just after 1 o'clock Thursday morning. Deputy Fire Marshal Ron Thibeau says they've wrapped-up their investigation at the Swinimer Road home. He says the next step is to interview fire fighters, residents and the homeowners to gather additional details. There is no timeline when the investigation may be complete.

Hebbville Academy Marks Milestone

A 30 year anniversary is being marked at Hebbville Academy. Since 1983, students and staff at the Lunenburg County school have taken part each year in the Heart and Stroke Foundation's "Jump Rope For Heart" campaign. Its aim is to promote healthier lifestyles. Students at Hebbville Academy have raised more than 80-thousand dollars in 30 years for the program. Barb Johnson of the Heart and Stroke Foundation says that's a lot of money.



This morning, this year's fund-raiser was kicked off with an information session for students with videos explaining the program and the school's involvement over the years.

Town Approves Cleve's Move To Old Bridge Automotive Building

A sporting goods store in Bridgewater has been given the green light by council to start expanding the Old Bridge Automotive building. Members unanimously approved a development agreement for Cleve's Source for Sports that will expand the Old Bridge location by almost 2,900 square feet. Company President Kevin Bezanson says they're hoping the move will increase the number of customers and allow them to hire more staff. He believes it will be a better location than their current store on King Street.



There is a two-week appeal period for the public to oppose the matter. If there are objections, a hearing will be held with the province's Utility and Review Board.

Guilty Pleas Expected In Teen Confinement Case

The lawyer for a man accused of confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy in a run down cabin in Upper Chelsea says his client will plead guilty to some charges in the case. Mike Taylor confirmed in an interview today with The Canadian Press that David James Leblanc will enter guilty pleas on a number of charges when he appears next Thursday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater. Taylor declined to specify which charges Leblanc intends to plead guilty to, but he said the matter would be finalized when the pleas are entered. Taylor said the remaining charges would be dropped by the Crown, likely during sentencing about two or three weeks after Leblanc pleads. Leblanc faces seven charges in relation to the alleged incident last fall. Those charges include sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement and kidnapping. The 47 year-old had been scheduled in relation to the matter next March.

Lottery Scam Targets Unsuspecting Consumers

The RCMP is "red-flagging" yet another scam thats shown up in the province. Residents in Antigonish have been receiving unmarked envelopes in the mail claiming they've won millions in an international lottery. However, the Better Business Bureau says its also receiving complaints from the South Shore, the Valley and HRM about the scam. Jill Atkinson of the BBB says it appears the fraudsters are blanketing the region.



Atkinson says if you receive one of the envelopes, ignore it and call the BBB. The aim of the scam is like most others ... to get personal identification and financial information from you.

VIDEO: Fire Destroys Home In Western Shore

An overnight fire in Western Shore has uprooted several people. Crews from five fire departments including Chester, Chester Basin, Martins River, Mahone Bay and Western Shore were called to the home at 99 Swinimer Road shortly after 1 o'clock Thursday morning. The cause isn't known. Western Shore Fire Chief Scott Rafuse says the two-storey house is a complete loss.



Rafuse adds, no one was home at the time of the blaze. The fire marshal is expected to be on scene later Thursday morning.

South Shore Students Receive Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal

Eleven students from the South Shore Regional School Board were presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal today. The ceremony took place at North Queens Community School with Brigadier-General J.J. Grant in attendance to present the medals. The medal can been awarded to two grade 11 students from each high school across the province. They are given to a boy and a girl who demonstrate leadership and service in their school and community while maintaining their academic standing. Students are nominated by their school annually. This year's medal recipients are listed below.

• Breanna Eileen Laffin - Bridgewater Jr/Sr High School
• Benjamin Willis Conrad - Bridgewater Jr/Sr High School
• Chelsea Jean Collicutt - Forest Heights Community School
• Brandon Granville Bremner - Forest Heights Community School
• Robyn Destiny Jade McLeod Whynot - Liverpool Regional High School
• Gavin William Raddall - Liverpool Regional High School
• Emma-Sue Wagner - New Germany Rural High School
• Jonathan Stanley Murphy - New Germany Rural High School
• Nichole Jane van Dyk - North Queens Rural High School
• Hanna Marie Longard - Park View Education Centre
• Morgan York Zwicker - Park View Education Centre

VIDEO: United Way Of Lunenburg County Celebrates 10 Years

A good mix of business representatives and community supporters turned out for the United Way of Lunenburg County's celebration of 10 years in operation Wednesday morning at the Days Inn in Bridgewater. The event also recognized the group's successful campaign of reaching $1-million invested back into the community. The video below is of various group's receive money from the United Way Lunenburg County.

Midville Branch House Fire Deemed Accidental

A fire that destroyed an Upper Branch Road home has been deemed accidental. Midville Fire Chief Graham Campbell says the fire marshal has wrapped up their investigation, but the cause remains unknown. Firefighters from Midville returned to the scene Wednesday morning after they received a call for a flare-up in the basement. A family of four are homeless as a result of the fire, which broke out early Tuesday afternoon.

Yarmouth MLA Calls On "Feds" To Shelve EI Reform

The MLA for Yarmouth is calling on the prime minister to stop ignoring the Atlantic region and put a hold on Employment Insurance reforms. Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the Atlantic premiers are wrong in suggesting changes to EI rules are hurting seasonal workers and industry. He says they're spreading misinformation. Liberal Zach Churchill in Yarmouth says the federal government has acted wrecklessly and should halt EI reform right away.



The Atlantic premiers plan to study the effects of the changes and present interim findings to the annual meeting of Canada's premiers in July.

Kiosks Help Parents Register Babies At Hospital

The province has set up a new electronic kiosk at the South Shore Regional Hospital to allow parents to register their baby's birth and enrol their child in government programs. The initiative gives parents the opportunity to apply for the baby's Social Insurance Number and Canada Child Benefits, activate a baby's health card and order their baby's birth certificate. A secretary for maternal child units with South Shore Health, Lisa Joudrey, says the kiosk reduces the amount of paperwork new parents face.



The hospital is one of nine across the province to have the kiosk installed. The system has been installed on the fourth floor in the maternal unit. The process to apply and activate a baby's information takes about 20 minutes.

UPDATED: Impaired Driving Causing Death Case Delayed

 

The case of a Lunenburg County woman charged with impaired driving causing the death of her nine-year-old daughter has been put over to June. Candice Roxanne Moore did not appear when her case came to provincial court in Bridgewater today. Her lawyer says she needs more time to review the case. Moore is charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death and refusing to comply with a demand for a breath sample. Police say the 31-year-old woman's daughter was killed on January 19 after the little girl was dropped off at a home in Pleasantville. They say Olive Moore was standing in the road when she was struck by a van as it left the driveway. The case has been adjourned until June 19.

Updated: Red Cross Helps Family After Fire Destroys Home

The Canadian Red Cross has stepped-in and provided emergency lodging after fire destroyed a home Tuesday afternoon in Midville Branch. The blaze started around 1:30pm along the Upper Branch Road. A woman and the family’s pet dog escaped unhurt.  The woman's husband was at work in Bridgewater while their two kids were in school at the time of the blaze. Five fire departments including Midville, Hemford, Bridgewater, Northfield and Tri-District responded to the call. Fire officials say the blaze appeared to start in the basement and spread quickly, but the cause is under investigation.

Lumberjack Forward Butterworth Drafted Into USHL

One of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks top rookies has been drafted in the United States Hockey League. Jeremy Butterworth was taken in the fifth round, 73rd overall by the Fargo Force of North Dakota. The 17-year-old enjoyed a standout season with the Lumberjacks, notching 42 points in 45 games. Butterworth says he's looking forward to the opportunity.



He says the USHL is known to produce hockey players to the NCAA and Butterworth adds, it's been a goal of his to play college hockey since he was about 10-years-old. Tryouts for the club will be held this summer.

United Way Of Lunenburg County Celebrates Million Dollar Mark

The coordinator for the United Way of Lunenburg County says people have two reasons to come to a event being held Wednesday in Bridgewater. The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary, but it's also marking its $1-millionth dollar invested in the community. Michael Graves says it's a major accomplishment.



He says the United Way of Lunenburg County gave out just over $180,000 this year to 32 groups. The event will be held from 9:30 until 11:30am Wednesday at the Bridgewater Days Inn.

Police Chief: Drug Drop-Off Day "A Success"

It's considered a good first step by police and mental health officials concerned about pills getting into the wrong hands. Bridgewater held their first prescription drug drop-off day over the weekend, and collected just over 6,600 pills. Police Chief John Collyer says among the old and unused meds were roughly 500 pills commonly found in the town including hydromorphones. He says they're pleased with the turnout.



Collyer says from what he's heard, Bridgewater had some of the best results across the province. He's hoping the event will expand further down the South Shore next year.

Fire Leaves Two People Homeless

A fire in Windsor has left two people homeless. It happened Monday  evening. A woman and her teenage daughter escaped injury as the blaze extensively damaged their apartment at 1011 Burgess Crescent in the town. They're receiving help with emergency lodging, clothes and food from the Red Cross. Other tenants in the 24-unit building were evacuated while the fire was put out and the smoke ventilated. They were later allowed back in. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Local Winery Expansion Gets Federal Boost

A New Ross-based winery is getting a financial boost from the federal government. A $150,000. repayable loan is being given to Muwin Estate Wines to help with its expansion. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy says the money will also support the purchase of new equipment to help the company meet increasing export demands for its products in Asia, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan. The company has also sold small quantities to the Netherlands and Nigeria. Keddy says the wine industry is quickly becoming a major economic driver for the province and continues to expand.

Bridgewater Approves 2013-14 Budget

The town of Bridgewater has approved its 2013-14 budget, agreeing to hold the line on its tax rates. Council kept the residential rate at $1.65 per 100 of assessment and the commercial rate at $3.99 after lowering both last year. Members also gave a green light to a capital budget of just over $3-million and an operating budget of $18.7-million. Mayor David Walker believes it is a sound budget.



The budget was unanimously approved by council.

Mounties Investigate Barrington Fire

Mounties say an early morning fire in Barrington last week is suspicious. The fire took place on Villagedale Road and was reported around 2am on Friday. Police say no one was living at the home - which has been destroyed. In an email, RCMP Sergeant MJ DeLuco stated evidence at the scene suggests the fire was deliberately sparked. Several fire departments in Shelburne County responded to the fire. No injuries were reported.

South Shore Volunteer, Association Recognized By Hockey NS

A local volunteer with the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks and Western Nova Hockey Association has been recognized for his efforts. Hockey Nova Scotia held its annual awards banquet over the weekend and selected Devan Naugler as its recipient of the Jed Ritcey Award for volunteer of the year. The 36-year-old from Newcombville says he's volunteered for about 10 years. Naugler says it's nice to be honoured.



He credits several other volunteers for helping him win the award. The South Shore Minor Hockey Association was also recognized, receiving the Lauchie MacIsaac Award for Association of the Year.

Triple Gold For Bridgewater Badminton Club

The Atlantic Junior Badminton Championships were held in Truro over the weekend with more than 170 players competing for titles in Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19 age classifications. Several members of the Bridgewater Junior Badminton Club participated in this event and swatted their way to outstanding results. Sara Hirtle won the gold medal in U14 girls singles and Olivia Bazot brought home gold medals in U12 girls singles and U12 mixed doubles with partner Trevor Hayne of Antigonish. Medals were also awarded to Joshua Fortin who placed 1st in the consolation round of U12 boys doubles with partner Trevor Hayne of Antigonish and to Rielle Doucette and Catherine Talbot who placed 1st in the consolation round of U12 girls doubles. Catherine Talbot also placed 2nd in the consolation round of U12 girls singles and won the Yonex True Sport Fair Play Award for outstanding sportsmanship.

RECAP: Final Minutes Of Mooseheads President Cup Win

The Halifax Mooseheads erased 19 years of close calls and missed opportunities by winning their first President Cup Friday night with a 5-1 win over Baie-Comeau in game five of the best-of-seven series. The Mooseheads will now play in the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon from May 17-26. This video is from an upper bowl perspective.

More Impressive Numbers For Chelsea Whalen

Another great weekend for Liverpool native and Florida State junior Chelsea Whalen. She continued her breakout season at the Georgia Tech Invitational with career-best marks in both the shot-put and javelin.
For the third consecutive meet, Whalen improved her own school record in the shot-put with a mark of 16.45 meters, which was good for a second place finish. She then followed-up with a huge personal-best in the javelin, 48.85 metres, which was good for the win. Whalen is tied for seventh among shot-putters in the NCAA East and jumped from 16th to ninth in the javelin. She now has a week-off to get ready for the first round of the NCAA qualifiers in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Former South Shore NDP Candidate Leaves Provincial Party

The last candidate to run for the federal NDP in South Shore-St. Margaret's has quit the provincial party. Gordon Earle ran for the New Democrats in the riding from 2004-2011. Earle and his wife have withdrawn their membership from the party because of the provincial government's handling of abuse allegations at the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. In a letter, Earle says the government is taking too long to respond positively and directly to the former residents of the home and feels they are being re-victimized. He was the first black member of Parliament in Nova Scotia. Earle represented Halifax West as an MP from 1997-2000. The province announced late last week an independent panel would address the abuse allegations.

Improvements At Shelburne County Arena Aimed At Seniors

The Shelburne County Arena will soon be more senior-friendly. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy has announced federal funding to the tune of $25,000 to install accessible washroom facilities at the arena. Funding for the project comes from the New Horizons For Seniors Program. Officials with the Shelburne Arena Association say they'll be able to continue with Old Timer's hockey, senior skating and community events. Since its beginning several years ago, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12-thousand projects across the country.

Yarmouth Tories Pick Candidate

Yarmouth Progressive Conservatives now have their candidate for the next provincial election. John Cunningham is a municipal councillor and a long-time area resident. He was selected over the weekend at a three-way contested nomination meeting. In his acceptance speech, Cunningham said he believes the party's plan creates the winning conditions for economic success: lower taxes, responsible government spending and less waste, and will lead to more jobs and relief for the family budget. PC Leader Jamie Baillie was guest speaker at the meeting. He said: “John's experience as a Councilor will be put to use as he advocates for the people of Yarmouth." Baillie said: “The high-tax plan of the NDP has made life harder for Nova Scotians and Yarmouth will be well served by having someone of John’s experience representing them in the House of Assembly.”

Woman Suffers Minor Injuries After Highway 103 Crash

RCMP say a 71-year-old woman was taken to Halifax hospital following a single vehicle crash on Highway 103. Corporal Scott MacRae says the incident happened around 10:30 Sunday morning between Exits 5 and 6 heading towards Chester. MacRae says its believed the woman lost control of the vehicle after it hydroplaned and went into the ditch. Police say the woman suffered minor injuries.

Tri-County Youth Outreach Program Seeks More Federal Help

A youth outreach program in the Tri-County area has applied to the federal government for continued funding. Its last grant expires at the end of June. Officials at the SHYFT Youth Services Society in Yarmouth hopes its federal funding will be renewed before then so there's no lapse in service to homeless and unemployed youth in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby  Counties. The chair, Bernadette MacDonald, says they couldn't function without government support.



The provincial government has refused to provide any funding for the project. The latest application to Ottawa, if approved, will assure another 130-thousand dollars for operations until the end of March 2014.

Caps Win, Bearcats Lose At RBC Cup

It was a tale of two different starts for both MHL teams at the RBC Cup in Summerside. The host Western Capitals got off on the right foot, scoring a 5-1 win over the Minnesota Wilderness. In the tournament opener Saturday afternoon, the Truro Bearcats were thumped 7-1 by the Brooks Bandits. The Bearcats are back on the ice this afternoon against the Surrey Eagles. Summerside has an off-day and will play their next game on Monday.

Minor Injuries After Car Goes Into Ditch On Highway 12

Two women were taken to hospital after their vehicle went off the road and into a ditch. The incident occurred around 4:20 Saturday afternoon in Chester Grant. Members of the Chester Basin Fire Department along with RCMP and EHS were called to the scene along Highway 12. Police say the two women were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater with minor injuries.

Training Courses "Must" For Off-Road Vehicles

The province is reminding ATV, dirt bike and other off-highway vehicles drivers to make sure they take the mandatory safety training course. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says they must also register their vehicles and have liability insurance. All Terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia executive director Barry Barnet, says riders who ignore safety laws give responsible riders a bad name. Off-highway vehicle users also need to remember that laws  against drinking and driving apply to them and they must wear helmets while operating their machines. Some vehicle drivers qualify for exemptions from the training. More details are on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Mooseheads Clinch Spot In Memorial Cup

Nineteen years of frustration has turned into jubilation and joy for the Halifax Mooseheads. The club earned their first President Cup in team history, defeating the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 5-1 in game 5 of the QMJHL final. The Moose clinched the best-of-seven series four games to one. Stephen MacAuley scored twice while Stefan Fournier, Jonathan Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon each added one to pace the Mooseheads to victory. Drouin was named playoff MVP after notching 35 points in 17 games. The Mooseheads will now travel to Saskatoon for the Memorial Cup from May 17 until the 26. They'll open up play against the WHL champion on May 18. Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey is the lone South Shore native on the hockey team.

RCMP: Five Chester Men Charged With Sex And Drug Offences

Five men from Chester are facing a number of sex-related and drug charges following an investigation by Lunenburg County RCMP. Police say they began investigating after officers received tips that the men were allegedly exchanging drugs for sexual acts with four teenage females between the ages of 16 and 18. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says 16 charges have been laid and they include sexual offences, unlawful confinement and trafficking hydromorphone. Police say three of the men are in their 20s, one is in his 30s and another in his 70s. LeBlanc says the accused won't be named to avoid possible identification of the victims in the investigation. He adds, four of the five men will appear in Bridgewater court later this month.

Mooseheads Look To Win First Ever President Cup

The Halifax Mooseheads have a chance tonight to end nearly two decades of frustration. The Moose will play game five of the QMJHL final series against Baie-Comeau with a chance to wrap-up their first President Cup title. Halifax leads the Drakkar 3-1. This is the third time in 19 seasons the Mooseheads have played in the league final. In the other occasions, the herd lost in seven games in 2002-03 to Hull and were swept in 2004-05 by Sidney Crosby's Rimouski club. Game five goes at 7pm at the Halifax Metro Centre.The series winner advances to the Memorial Cup in Saskatoon from May 17-26.

Minor Injuries After Trailer Fire In Bayport

Two people suffered minor burns after a trailer caught fire overnight at a campground in Bayport. Riverport Fire Department Deputy Chief Pat Lohnes says they were called to the scene around 1:30 Friday morning and didn't leave until just before 5am. Lohnes says the trailer was fully engulfed when they arrived. The fire marshal's office has been called-in to investigate the cause of the blaze. (Photo Courtesy: Lori Gurney)

Gas Prices On The Rise!

After slowly coming down for a couple of weeks, then holding steady, gas prices on the South Shore have increased overnight. They're up today by two cents a litre for regular self serve. Its selling for $1.27.3. Diesel is selling for $1.26.2 per litre.

Caledonia Robbery Suspects Back In Court Next Week

Two Lunenburg County men, charged in connection with last week's robbery at a drug store in Caledonia, have been remanded to jail until May 16th. 27 year old Shane Michael Hall and 28-year-old Jamie Jerome Renouf, both of West Clifford, will return to Bridgewater court on that date for a show-cause and bail hearing. Both were arrested earlier this week and are accused of being involved in the armed holdup of the Caledonia Pharmasave. A man walked into the drug store and demanded prescription drugs. Its believed he escaped in a waiting vehicle. Renouf faces seven charges, including possession of hydromorphone, morphine and dextro-amphetamine and possession of stolen property under $5000. Hall faces five charges, including robbery and carrying an imitation handgun with the intent of committing a crime. Police say they have seized a significant amount of prescription pills believed to have been taken in the holdup.

Mobile Health Care Unit Comes To Bridgewater

An event to try and create more awareness for men's health will be held Friday in Bridgewater. Medibus is bringing its mobile health unit to Bridgewater mall parking lot from 9am until noon. The wellness event is expected to offer an open forum and provide information on men's health. Medical examinations will be offered for those who qualify and provide a valid health card. The event is being provided by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Two Men Arrested In Connection With Pharmasave Robbery

Two people have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery last week at the Caledonia Pharmasave. Twenty-seven year-old Shane Michael Hall and 28-year-old Jamie Jerome Renouf of West Clifford were arrested in Lunenburg County on Tuesday. Renouf faces seven charges in relation to the matter. They include possessing hydromorphone, morphine and dextroamphetamine and possession of stolen property under $5,000. Meanwhile, Hall faces five charges. They include robbery and carrying an imitation handgun with the intent of committing a crime. Both men were due in Bridgewater Court today.

Trial In Teen Confinement Case Set For Next March

A Supreme Court trial will held next year for a man involved in a high profile sexual assault and forcible confinement case. David James Leblanc 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 for about ten days. Seven days have been set aside for the judge and jury trial beginning March 3rd in Bridgewater. Leblanc's lawyer, Mike Taylor says he will submit an application to the court for a challenge for cause hearing. It would give the defence an opportunity to question potential jurors about their knowledge of the case. It's used to ensure jurors selected for the trial are not bias in any way.

School Board Receives Top Transportation Award

The South Shore School Board's Transportation Department is being recognized as the top school bus carrier in the province. The group has received the Gerald W. Buchan award, the highest achievement presented in Nova Scotia. This is the first time the board's transportation department has been given the honour. The group also received it's fifth consecutive gold award for exceptional performance. The awards are presented jointly by the Departments of Education and Transportation, Infrastructure and Renewal for exceptionally high scores in a number of safety and performance-related areas. The awards were given to the board earlier this week.

Mooseheads Dump Drakkar, Skate To 3-1 Series Lead

A six goal second period has helped put the Halifax Mooseheads one win away from the Memorial Cup. Marty Frk scored two goals and added three assists as the Moose downed Baie-Comeau 7-4 in game four of the QMJHL championship series. Jonathan Drouin added a goal and three assists for the Mooseheads, while Zachary Fucale made 39 saves. The Moose lead the series three games to one and will look to clinch the best-of-seven series at home Friday night.

South Shore Under High Risk For Forest Fires

A Fire Control official is urging people to be extra cautious as the province's forest fire index is at high across the South Shore. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties have been in the high-risk category all week. Kara McCurdy says people need to be careful.



McCurdy suggests if it is dry and windy then people shouldn't burn. The forest fire index could drop as rain is in the forecast starting Thursday until Tuesday.