Bridgewater's Martin Qualifies For National Final

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin has given herself a chance to win a third straight national title. The 25-year-old won her women's 400 metre semi-final heat Friday at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in a time of 53.75 seconds. The final is scheduled for Saturday at 6:15 in Moncton.

Yarmouth: Charges Laid After Police Search Two Homes

Two people faces a variety of charges after police searched two homes in Yarmouth. Police say numerous stolen items were recovered when they carried out search warrants at a pair of homes on Wednesday afternoon. Fifty two year old Keith Muise has been charged with possession of stolen property, possession of illegal cigarettes and possession of a controlled substance. Meanwhile, 50 year-old Mary Muise has been charged with possession of stolen property. Both of the accused are from Yarmouth and are due in court September 24th.

Lunenburg's Drennan Withdraws From Track And Field Nationals

A Lunenburg native has pulled out of the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Twenty-year-old Jesse Drennan was competing in the men's decathlon. He finished the shot-put event yesterday when he felt a minor hamstring pull. Drennan says in an exchange through Facebook that he withdrew as a precaution. He says it's a little disappointing but is looking forward to the Canada Games in August. Three other South Shore athletes are in action today at the event in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Review Committee Seeking Public Input

The public is being asked to provide their perspective to help prepare a discussion paper towards a new school review process. The review committee is looking for feedback from South Shore residents. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Ramona Jennex announced in April that the school-review process was not working. She's looking for input that will help school review meet the needs for everyone involved. The deadline for submissions is July 31. The review committee will then develop a discussion paper by September. The paper will be made public and feedback from parents, school boards, communities and municipalities will be gathered again, before any decision is made. A new process is expected to be in place by next spring. People can make submit their suggestions online at www.ednet.ns.ca/discussionpaperinput or email it to discussionpaper@gov.ns.ca or mail it to:

School Review Process Review Committee
c/o Corporate Policy
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Box 578
2021 Brunswick St.
Halifax, N.S. B3J 2S9

Queens County Mill Closes

A Queens County chip mill is closing for good and its 20 employees laid-off. Great Northern Timber used to supply wood chips to Bowater-Mersey in Liverpool. It also did the same for Brooklyn Power after the Bowater mill closed a year ago. However, GNT says its now not worth continuing in a non-profitable market and will concentrate its operations at its Sheet Harbour facility. The President of Great Northern, Tony Mee, declined our requests for an interview. He did blame the Liverpool GNT mill's decline on Bowater's closure. At peak production, the Great Northern Timber's mill produced as much as 300,000 tons of wood chips every year.

Middleton Man Killed Overnight In Meadowvale

A Middleton man has died after he was struck by an oncoming vehicle overnight on Highway 201. The 37 year old was struck at 2:45 this morning in Meadowvale. A collision analyst was called to scene to help with the investigation. No name is being released at this time.  Police did not reveal whether charges will be laid.

Dog Dealer Expected In Court Next Month

The court case involving a well-known puppy broker is expected to resume next month. Gail Benoit was not in Bridgewater Court earlier this week. Her lawyer, Cathy Benton, told court her client was under the weather and was not able to appear. The Crown is looking to beef up her release conditions. However, she must be present in order to modify her release conditions. Currently, Benoit is not able to sell dogs while her fraud case is before the court. In March, Benoit was charged with theft, fraud and identity fraud after she allegedly sold two boxer dogs that didn't belong to her. The case resumes July 9th.

Limited Parking At Queens General

Parking will be at a premium today and the next several days at Queens General Hospital in Liverpool. The lower School Street parking lot is being paved and will not be in use. The lot should re-open sometime late next week. Parking will be available though in the new lot adjacent to the nurses’ residence. Space is limited and everyone is encouraged to carpool or use drop-off and pick-up. South Shore Health is advising everyone to use caution and follow posted signage when visiting the hospital.

Gas Prices Increase

On the first day of summer, with visions of nice weather ahead, there's nothing like higher gas prices to cool things down some. Prices increased overnight at South Shore pumps. The Utility and Review Board set the coming week's price for regular self-serve at $1.31.7 per liter. That is an increase of almost 3 cents from yesterday. There is no change though in the price of diesel.  Its selling today at $1.29.4 per liter.

Privateer Days Opens Up In Liverpool

People can take a step back into 1780 starting today as Privateer Days kicks off in Liverpool. The annual festival celebrates the history of privateering in the area. A number of events are planned including six-time world champion log roller Darren Hudson's Lumberjack camp, an 1812 historical dinner and a street parade. Chairperson Brian Fralic says it's a special event for Queens.



Privateer Days will be held the next three days and wraps up with fireworks Sunday night. A full list of events can be found here.

UPDATED: Four Taken To Hospital After Crash In Shelburne

Four people are in hospital after a two vehicle collision near Shelburne. The crash occurred mid-morning near Exit 26. Police say a pick-up truck travelling northbound on the Ohio Road collided with a mini van that was travelling eastbound on Highway 103. The driver of the pick-up truck and his young passenger from the Welshtown area were treated at the scene. The occupants of the mini van, a male driver, female passenger along with two young people from the Lockeport area were transported to Shelburne Hospital with undetermined injuries. The female passenger had to be airlifted to the IWK Hospital in Halifax for further treatment. RCMP say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Chester: Municipality Preparing To Take Over Elementary School

The warden for the Municipality of Chester says they've asked for a full assessment of Gold River-Western Shore Elementary School. The school is is expected to revert back to the municipality July 19 after it closes early next week. Allen Webber says there are concerns with the roof, they've asked for the maintenance records for the last number of years and council members plan on doing a walk-through of the facility. He says they are are other issues that also need to be discussed.



Webber says the municipality didn't budget for the school takeover, but doesn't expect a significant dollar figure to alter their budget. He says its too early to discuss future plans for the property. Webber says they will also have the building appraised to prepare it for re-sale.

Long Awaited Skateboard Park In Hubbards Gets Funding

It's a big boost for skateboard lovers in the Hubbards area. The Nova Scotia government has approved $48,000 in grant money for a new skateboard park in Hubbards. The park is one of 21 projects in the Central Region receiving grants totalling $582,000. Community Services Minister Denise Peterson Rafuse says the park is way to get young people living health, active lifestyles. The Hubbards Area Recreation Association and Halifax Regional Municipality are building the skateboard park at the Hubbards Recreation Centre. They have been working on the project since 2008. Earlier this week, the government announced nearly $2 million for 59 projects province wide.

Lunenburg's ER Closed Friday Afternoon

There will be a temporary closure of the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial beginning tomorrow afternoon. The closure to due to a physician shortage. The ER will be closed beginning at 2:30pm Friday afternoon. It will re-open at 7:30am Saturday morning. Residents needing emergency services should call 9-1-1 or visit South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Serious Crash Exit 26 In Shelburne

Emergency officials are on the scene of a serious crash near Exit 26 in Shelburne. Multiple vehicles are involved in the crash. No word on injuries at this point. RCMP have yet to release an official statement regarding the collision. When we have more details our newsroom will be sure to pass along any information regarding the incident.

Updated: Mustangs, LCLC Agree To Five-Year Deal

The general manager of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre confirms the South Shore Mustangs will play out of the facility beginning next season. Kevin Benjamin says the team's board of directors negotiated a five-year deal to skate at the new Clearwater Seafood Arena. The deal was officially signed Wednesday. Meanwhile, the president of the Mustangs says he's excited to play out of the LCLC. Lionel Haughn says the two sides were back and forth for months trying to hammer out a deal. He says the timing is right to move on from the Memorial Arena.



Haughn says other arenas in the area approached the team, but he wanted to stay in Bridgewater. The Mustangs have played out of Bridgewater since 1985.

Martin Confident, Excited For National Track Championships

The Canadian Track and Field Championships get underway Thursday in Moncton, New Brunswick. Four South Shore athletes are chasing a national title including Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen in the shotput and javelin, Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan in the decathlon, Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh in the heptathlon. Jenna Martin is also competing as the two-time defending Canadian champion in the women's 400 metre event. The 25-year-old says she's ready for the competition.



Martin says her goal, besides winning, is to achieve at least a 'B' standard time to qualify her for the World Championships in Moscow, Russia in August. (Photo Courtesy: Athletics Canada)

Tax Rates Remain Unchanged In Municipality of Shelburne

The Municipality of Shelburne has approved their operating and capital budgets for 2013-14. Council members agreed to a $5.9-million operating budget and $2.68-million capital budget following their recent deliberations. Meanwhile, residents will continue to pay $1.28 per 100 of assessment for a tax rate while businesses remain at $1.82. CAO Kirk Cox says council felt strongly to keep the same tax rates.




Cox says the capital budget provides investments to key priorities including $440,000 for a wind turbine, over $190,000 for phase four of the sewage treatment plant, $200,000 for upgrades to the Shelburne medical clinic and over $1.2-million for industrial park development. He says the municipality also invested an additional $200,000 to five reserve funds for future operations. This total reserve amount is approximately $2.5-million.

Mother Charged In Daughter's Death Elects Judge & Jury Trial

A 31-year-old woman accused of running over her nine year-old daughter in a driveway has elected to be tried by judge and jury. Candice Roxanne Moore is facing charges of criminal negligence causing death and impaired driving causing death. Moore's daughter, Olive, died after she was struck by a vehicle on Corkum Diverson Road in Pleasantville on January 19th. Mounties laid charges against Moore a few weeks after the incident. A preliminary inquiry into the matter will take place November 29th in Bridgewater.

Election/Plea Expected In Young Girls Death

The case of a mother accused of running over her nine-year old daughter in a driveway is back in court today. Candice Roxanne Moore is facing charges including impaired driving causing death and criminal negligence causing death. Moore was charged after the girl was struck in a driveway January 19 in Pleasantville. Olive Moore died from her injuries shortly after the incident occurred on Corkum Diverson Road. The woman's lawyer, Cathy Benton, is expected to appear on her behalf. Election or plea is expected to be entered during this afternoon's court proceedings.

Local School Buses Getting High Definition Cameras

Officials are hoping some high definition cameras on local school buses will deter motorists from driving through flashing red lights. Transportation coordinator for the South Shore Regional School Board, Denise Crouse, says they've been getting too many reports of drivers running the buses red lights. She adds, they've had trouble identifying the offenders and producing convictions. However, Crouse says that's about to change.



Crouse says luckily there have been no incidents with children getting off buses and traffic. The new high definition cameras will be in place for the upcoming school year.

MODL: Future Of Former Blockhouse School To Be Decided June 25

The future use of the former Blockhouse School won't be decided until next week. A public hearing was held Tuesday night to hear arguments for and against the South Shore Ventures Co-op trying to buy the property for less than market value. The group is trying to develop new sustainable approaches in the facility, but those against the matter argue they wouldn't be able to upkeep the property or gather necessary funding. Mayor Don Downe says it was good to hear both sides.



The property's assessment for 2014 is listed at just over $123,000, but the group is looking to buy it from the municipality for one dollar. Council will discuss the matter further June 25.

Crane Display Inspires Hope For Young Cancer Patients

The idea of folding origami cranes has turned into a sign of hope for a Conquerall Bank boy. Nine-year-old Sam Bond was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia in his white blood cells three years ago. Another young cancer patient from the U.S. created a project of folding 1,000 origami cranes, after a Japanese legend which states anyone who folds that many gets a wish. Now, a set of cranes has been unveiled at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater to help inspire other young cancer patients on the South Shore. Bond's mother, Becky, says the cranes are a symbol of hope.



Bond continues to undergo chemotherapy but will end his three-year plus treatment in late December, just days before his 10th birthday. The cranes are displayed in the hospital's maternal child family waiting area on the fourth floor.

CUPE Receives Strike Mandates From Local School Board Workers

Non-teaching school board workers across the South Shore are joining other local unions in favour of taking strike action. CUPE received strike mandates from 220 workers with the Local 964, Tri-County School Board and 225 people with the Local 4682, South Shore Regional School Board by a 97 per cent vote. The union last met with the Department of Education in May to discuss a new contract for non-teaching staff including janitors, bus drivers, teaching assistants and library techs. CUPE School Board coordinator Kathy MacLeod says pensions are a big part of the negotiations.



Other local unions with the Chignecto and Strait Regional School Boards voted 88% in favour of a strike mandate. CUPE represents 3,700 school board workers across the province. A conciliation officer with the Department of Labour will join the talks when the two sides return to the bargaining table Thursday in Dartmouth.

South Shore: Gov't Announces $200,000 In Rec Grants

The Bridgewater Curling Club will see $60,000 in provincial grant money to help keep the rink operating well into the future. It was one of nine grants announced earlier today in Lunenburg. The money will go toward replacing the club's sprinkler system and refrigeration unit. President Sandra Porter-Lowe says the membership is grateful the funding was approved.




Meanwhile, the South Shore Fieldhouse received $40,000 for upgrades to the facility in Bridgewater. A total of 59 grants totaling $2 million were announced throughout the province.

Following is a list of grants in the South Shore region:

-- Bridgewater Curling Club, upgrading the sprinkler system and installing a new condenser for ice-making, $60,000

-- Bridgewater Marina Association, constructing a trail and two public slips, $8,800

-- East Chester Recreation Association, new floor in community hall, $19,000                   

-- Liverpool Curling Club, accessibility upgrades, $10,000

-- Lunenburg and District Swimming Pool, upgrades to pool and deck, $16,800

-- Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, development of Petite Riviere Park, $25,000

-- South Shore Fieldhouse Society, fieldhouse upgrades, $40,000

-- Town of Lunenburg, expanding the skate park, $18,000

-- Pubnico Point Trail Association, constructing the Pubnico Point Trail, $18,700

MODL: Housing Coalition Requests Council Support

A group trying to build awareness of the need for affordable rental housing in the area is asking for help from the Municipality of Lunenburg. Members of the South Shore Housing Action Coalition provided an update this morning to council. The group was formed in 2010 to promote the need for quality rental housing in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Mayor Don Downe says federal and provincial money is needed.



The group says 34 per cent of renters in Lunenburg County pay more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. They also say there are limited range of housing types in the municipality. The coalition is asking the municipality to forward a resolution to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities regarding minimum rental accommodation standards.

Public Hearing Focuses On Former Blockhouse School

The future of the former Blockhouse school will be front and center Tuesday night. A public hearing will be held to allow residents to support or oppose selling the property to the South Shore Ventures Co-op for less than market value. The property was assessed for 2014 at just over $123,000 by Property Valuation Services Corporation. The group has been leasing the property for the last year and is looking to transform the property into a sustainability and permaculture training centre. The hearing starts at 7pm at the Blockhouse Fire Hall.

Bridgewater Still Mulling LED Lighting

The switch to LED lighting in the town of Bridgewater remains a question mark. Council decided to continue consulting staff over the two options on the table. The town must choose to replace existing Nova Scotia Power street lights by purchasing and installing new LED lights or keep renting lights from NSP and let the company install the new lights in the next seven years. The difference between owning and maintaining the lights and renting from NSP, based on assumptions, would result in a savings of approximately $650,000 over 20 years. Mayor David Walker says they're weighing their options.



Walker expects council to choose one of the options at their June 24 meeting to meet the month-end deadline from the province.

Bridgewater's Relay For Life Tops $100,000

The total for Bridgewater's Relay for Life event has topped $100,000. The new six-figure amount was announced late last week by the group. The new total now sits at $100,078.72. Co-chair, Sarah Sweeny, expected more donations to roll in following the June 7th event. Money goes towards prevention, advocacy, research, information and screening for cancer. The total was at $89,000 immediately following the event. Another Relay for Life is scheduled for Friday night at Chester Area Middle School.

BREAKING: Chester Clippers Relocating To Bedford

The president and general manager of the Chester Clippers Junior 'C' Hockey club confirms they won't be back in Chester next season. Jehad Assaff says their intention is to play in Bedford after the NS Junior 'C' Hockey League approved relocation during a meeting earlier this month. Assaff cites a declining fan base and low volunteer turnout as reasons for the move. He says it's unfortunate news for the community, but the team decided to look at other options. Assaff says the club is working to secure a rink in Bedford at the moment and expects more details to be announced by the end of the month.

Bridgewater: Man Faces Child Luring/Porn Charges

Bridgewater police say they have charged a 19 year-old man with child luring and accessing child pornography. The alleged incidents occurred over a seven week span in 2011. Police say the investigation involves a 14 year old girl who doesn't live in Nova Scotia. The accused was 17 years old at the time of the alleged incidents and his identity is protected under the Young Offender Act. The man is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater court on September 4th.

Province Will Announce Rec Grants On Tuesday

A total of nine recreational grants will be announced for South Shore communities and facilities Tuesday morning. MLA Pam Birdsall will deliver the details at the Lunenburg Swimming Pool. The Bridgewater Curling Club is also expected to see funding to help replace the rink's refrigeration system. The event begins at 10:30am.

Open House At Gold River Western Shore Elementary School

Community members, along with alumni and former staff of Gold River-Western Shore Elementary School are invited to celebrate 55 years of learning. An open house will be held this evening to acknowledge the quality of education and community involvement at the school. The school is scheduled to close next week and revert back to the Municipality of Chester. School Board Communications Manager, Trish Smith, says she expects the night will be filled with mixed emotions.



The open house goes from 6-8pm Monday night at Gold River-Western Shore Elementary.

Young Nova Scotian Begins Cross Canada Odessy

Its going to be the adventure of a lifetime. A young Nova Scotia man hit the long and winding road this weekend, headed to the West Coast. 19 year old David Atkinson of Sheet Harbour left Musquodoboit Harbour Saturday morning bound for Vancouver. He's making the trip, all 10,000 kilometers of it, on foot. Atkinson hopes to raise money for cancer research and related programs. His beloved grandmother died from cancer a while back and David says he's also doing this to remember her. As he headed out on the road this weekend, he told CKBW and HANK-FM News he can't help but also remember Terry Fox as he began his cross-Canada trip more than thirty years ago.



With his backpack filled with supplies, like a tent and his trusty laptop, Atkinson is planning to not only hit all of the major centres along the way, but the smaller communities as well. He says: “Every day I’m getting messages from people across the country who have found out about my trip. They’re offering support, encouragement and couches to sleep on.”
The Canadian Cancer Society Nova Scotia Division will be following Atkinson’s progress on Facebook at facebook.com/CancerSocietyNS and Twitter at twitter.com/CancerSocietyNS. If you wish to support David’s Independent Fundraising Event with a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society visit: click here Atkinson hopes to arrive on the West Coast in Vancouver in about six months from now, just before Christmas.

Lumberjacks Acquire Brennan Bailey At MHL Draft

A Lunenburger and newly-minted Memorial Cup champion is now a CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjack. Brennan Bailey's rights were acquired by the Jacks during yesterday's Maritime Hockey League draft in Pictou. Bailey finished last season with the Halifax Mooseheads. Meanwhile, Tyler Boland of St. John's, Newfoundland was taken second overall by the Lumberjacks. He had 43 points in 40 games last season in Midget 'AAA.' The Lumberjacks also selected Chester natives Alex Nauss and Corey Peterson in the 46th and 67th overall, respectively. Full draft results are available below.

Round 1 - 2nd Overall - Tyler Boland (F), St. John's Nfld

Round 2 - 13th Overall - Brett Tidman (F), Kingston NS
              - 17th Overall - Luc Poirier (F), Halifax NS

Round 3 - 24th Overall - Ryan Daley (D), Porter's Lake NS
            - 33rd Overall - Jacob King (G), Hampton NB

Territorial 1 - Josh Fitzgerald (D), Conception Bay South Nfld

Round 4 - No Picks

Territorial 2  - Lawrence Lyver (F), Porter's Lake NS

Round 5 - 46th Overall - Alex Nauss (F), Chester NS

Round 6 - No Picks

Round 7 - 67th Overall - Corey Peterson (G), Chester NS
             - 68th Overall - Brandon Williams (D), Tyme Valley  PE

Round 8 - 83rd Overall - Mason MacDonald (G), Halifax NS

Round 9 - 90st Overall - Chad Cullen (F), Glace Bay NS

Round 10 - 103rd Overall - Braden Kammenands (F), Dartmouth NS

Senior Abuse Day Looks To Raise Awareness

Today is Senior Abuse Awareness Day. It's a day dedicated to shine a spotlight on the circumstances surrounding senior abuse. Lunenburg County's Senior Safety Coordinator, Beth George says she works with seniors who need help every day. However, she says anyone can help stop abuse.



George says there are many forms of senior abuse with financial abuse listed as the most common. It's believed roughly 1,000 seniors in Lunenburg County are dealing with some form of abuse on a daily basis.

South Shore Health Extends Same Day Clinics

South Shore Health has extended its same day medical clinic for a number of days this month. A doctor will be available to see patients with non-urgent health issues like minor cuts or bumps, bites, sore throats and prescription refills by appointment only. The clinic dates at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater will be from June 17 to 20th, and June 24 until the 27th. Clinics will run each day from 10am until 3pm. Same day appointments can be made by calling 527-5815 between 8am and 10am on the day of the clinic.

BREAKING: Leblanc Sentenced To 11 Years For Teen Chaining

David James Leblanc will spend the next 11 years in jail for his role in chaining up and sexually assaulting a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea last fall. Leblanc pleaded guilty last month to kidnapping a 16-year-old boy and holding him against his will in a run down cabin for ten days last September. During his sentencing hearing today, the boy's mother told the Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Bridgewater that her son has been traumatized since the horrific incident.


   
The woman read two victim impact statements - one from her and another on behalf of her son. She said she feels like LeBlanc robbed her of her son, saying her boy has been scarred both physically and emotionally.

Cancer Group Recognizes Barrington Society

Cancer Care Nova Scotia has recognized a local volunteer group that supports cancer patients. The group's annual Excellence Awards in pioneer, leadership and patient care were presented Thursday. The Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund Society in Barrington received the Patient Care for a Volunteer award. The society was created in 2004 by Shelley d'Eon of Barrington, in memory of her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer when she was 57. The society has organized many fundraising events, which has helped more than 200 cancer patients in the area.

Bluenose II Safety/Sea Trials Expected This Month

Still lots of uncertainty surrounding the Bluenose II. Culture Minister Leonard Preyra says the vessel is expected to undergo sea trials before the end of this month, but it remains uncertain when it will be available for public tours. Preyra says it's important to ensure public health and safety standards are met before the restored schooner is open to tourists. The Bluenose II was lowered into the waters off Lunenburg with much fanfare last September, and the government had said it was expected to be ready for public sailing this summer. Thousands of spectators took in the event along the waterfront in Lunenburg. But since then work has continued on the wooden vessel. Preyra says its restoration has cost about $16 million. The federal government has contributed nearly $5 million toward the project.

Nature Conservancy Unveils Massive Conservation Project

A large swath of land in Nova Scotia is being protected in what the Nature Conservancy of Canada says is the largest private conservation project ever in Atlantic Canada. The group announced today that it acquired about 21 square kilometres of habitat in the Tusket River headwaters area of Digby County. The partial land purchase and donation by J.D. Irving Limited includes stands of Acadian forest, three lake shorelines and sections of the Silver and Caribou rivers. The conservancy says the Tusket River is globally significant for the number of rare plants found in downstream reaches within Yarmouth County. Program Manager Craig Smith says the area provides habitat for the threatened snapping turtle and brook trout. Surrounding forest lands are home to other species at risk, including the Canada warbler, common nighthawk and chimney swift.

LeBlanc To Be Sentenced Today

A sentencing hearing will be held today for a 48-year-old Nova Scotia man who pleaded guilty to confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea last year. David James LeBlanc changed his pleas to guilty during an appearance last month in Supreme Court in Bridgewater. LeBlanc pleaded guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions. The Crown says LeBlanc held the 16-year-old boy against his will for a week before he escaped last September.

Gas Prices Unchanged

If you're following the ups and downs of gasoline prices, today there is no change at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve gas is again priced at $1.29.1 per liter. High test is $1.38.1. Diesel is unchanged too at $1.26.4.

Halifax Company Remains Quiet On Appeal Decision

A Halifax company won't comment on a recent decision by the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council rejected a development agreement for a proposed construction and demolition diversion facility in Blockhouse. In a brief email exchange, Halifax C and D President Dan Chassie wouldn't comment if the company would appeal the matter. The company has the right to appeal council's decision with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Committee Identifies Carding Mill As Potential Heritage Property

The chair of Bridgewater's Heritage Advisory Committee says the Wile Carding Mill has been identified as a possible heritage property. Patrick Hirtle says the mill underwent an initial assessment on its heritage value and architectural significance and ranked high enough to meet criteria. Hirtle says they hope to recognize the mill later this year.



From 1860 to 1968, the water-powered mill lightened the workload for farm families by carding a week’s worth of wool in an hour. It ceased operation around 1968 and was sold to the province in 1973. A year later, the mill was restored and reopened as a museum.

New Liverpool School Could Be Delayed

The new school in Liverpool may not be ready to open for classes in September. Sod was turned on the $15 million South Queens Junior High School in November with plans for the school to open in time for the upcoming school year. However, interim superintendent Jim Gunn revealed last night the building may not be finished in time. In his report, Gunn says the school board will make a decision on when the school will be ready in the coming days. The new middle school would be home to students in grades 6-8. Board spokesperson, Trish Smith confirmed they will issue a media release on the status of the school and what it will mean for parents and students next week.

School Board Balances Tough Budget

The South Shore Regional School Board has passed another difficult budget. The $73.4 million (revenue/expenditures) document was approved in a 7-1 vote last night. African Nova Scotia member Vernon Simms was the lone member to oppose the document. Simms felt the board wasn't involved in the budget process as much as he would have liked. Provincial funding was slashed again this year by nearly $1 million. However, staff were able to juggle the numbers to balance the books. The board saw its biggest savings in staff reductions, school closures and nearly $300,000 through a reduction of pension expenditures. The board was able to increase funding in the key area of skilled trades to the tune of $180,000.

How SSRSB balanced its 2013-14 budget:

• Reduced 17 school based teaching positions
• Reduced 2.5 non-teaching support staff due to school closures and realignment
• Reduced 2.2 regional office positions
• Reduced operating capital maintenance expenditures
• Reduced transportation expenditures
• Reduced telecommunications expenditures
• Increased 2.55 school-based externally funded positions
• Increased two school-based specialists to meet student services standards
• Revenue received from the Province of Nova Scotia for targeted initiatives
• Cost savings from defined benefit pension plan (non-teaching staff)
• Operational cost savings from school closures
• Cost savings from staffing cuts made in 2012-13 budget – August 2012 to July 2013 savings.

Queens County Park Prepped For Summer

Pine Grove Park is the Region of Queens' latest swath of parkland that was once among Bowater Mersey's prized holdings. The 57-acre site on Route 8 near Liverpool was aquired by the province last year when the paper mill closed. The former owner, Resolute Forest Products, also provided a quarter million dollars ($250,000.) to help with upkeep on the park over the next decade. District of Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke says crews have been busy this spring getting Pine Grove ready for use after years of neglect.



The park was developed in the 1980's and '90's with the help of Captn Richard Steele, Q.C., one of eastern North America's most noted plantsmen. There are extensive rhododendron and azalea plantings throughout the site. More than three kilometers of walking, hiking and biking trails wind their way through the woodland garden that is, Pine Grove Park. The mayor says its a natural resource like no other in the region.

Fresh Air Films Looking For Volunteers

A group of people helping to bring outdoor movies in Bridgewater are looking for volunteers. The group, known as Fresh Air Films, will begin showing movies later this month at Shipyards Landing. They're hosting a volunteer information session for people to learn about the group's plans and how they can get involved with the project. The meeting will be held Thursday night at 7pm at Town Hall.

Crawley Named Lumberjacks Top Scorer And MVP

After four years in the Maritime Hockey League, including three in Bridgewater, Michael Crawley says he's proud of his accomplishments. The 20-year-old captain for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks took home the top scorer and MVP awards at the team's player awards banquet Wednesday night. Crawley scored 34 goals and 28 assists in 52 games. He was also recognized this season as the Lumberjacks all-time leading scorer. Crawley says he's proud of what he did in his final year of junior hockey.



He says his favorite moment remains the memorable mini-series against Metro in 2011. Crawley will now attend Saint Mary's University in the fall. Other award winners Wednesday night include Jeremy Butterworth as top rookie, Mitch Hennebury as top defenceman, most improved went to Zac Zakas and the 100 percent award was won by Luc Ramey.