Chester School Receiving New Tablets In The Fall

A Lunenburg County school is benefiting from a pilot project funded by the Nova Scotia government. Roughly 90 grade seven students at Chester Area Middle School will receive new tablets in September. The $1-million pilot, announced by the Department of Education, will teach math by providing students free online lessons in the Khan Academy program. Director of Programs and Student Services with the South Shore School Board, Jeff DeWolfe, says he's happy a local school was one of four selected across the province.



The exact cost per tablet isn't known because the school will select the model that works for them. DeWolfe says its a one-year project, but is hopeful the project will be carried over at the end of the year based on student success.

Liverpool Parking Meters Headed For Quick Fix

The cost of repairs has been growing since payment-card parking meters were installed four years ago in Liverpool.  A design flaw has created confusion for drivers. They've been clogging the meters with coins instead of the specially-designed cards. Region of Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke says there's a quick fix.



Each time a parking meter has been clogged by a coin, it costs $100 to repair and those repairs have been mounting. All meters should be safely accepting coins and tokens in a couple of weeks. By the way, tokens can be purchased at the Region of Queens municipal office.

Charges May Be Laid After Gold River Incidents

Two people are in custody in connection with an incident Tuesday night in Gold River. The RCMP say the two men were arrested after a couple of assaults. They say the two incidents were related. Investigators have released few details other than to confirm the arrests. Its not known if anyone was injured. The RCMP say charges are pending.

Former Lumberjacks Forward Recruited By Royal Military College

A former CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjack will continue his hockey career at the Royal Military College of Canada. Luc Ramey will suit up in the Paladin red and white after he was recruited by the school. Ramey scored 35 points in 49 games with the Lumberjacks last season. He was also awarded the 100 per cent award by the club during the team's year-end banquet.

Town Supports Brookside Cemetery Street Names

The roads in Bridgewater's Brookside Cemetery will soon have names. Town council recently supported nine names recommended by the heritage advisory committee. Council also agreed to help fundraising efforts by looking for financial support from local businesses and the private-sector. Staff will also install 17 posts and 34 signs when they are purchased. Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Patrick Hirtle, says he's happy with council's decision.



The street names include Memory Loop, Timber Arch, Brookside Way, Sawmill Arch, Wandering Loop, Pondside Path, Veterans Bend, Glory Bend, and Edgewood Path. Hirtle says there's no timetable for the signs to be installed but is hopeful it will be complete by late fall.

MODL: Resident Ordered To Clean-Up Unsightly Property

A Lunenburg County man is being told to clean up his property or face the consequences. The Municipality of Lunenburg voted in favour of ordering Daniel Lloyd to remove construction debris, auto parts, derelict vehicles and garbage from his camp on Mines Road #2 in Hebbs Cross. The Municipality first received a complaint on the property in 2011. A building inspector with the municipality says Lloyd has received four different extensions to remedy the unsightly condition. Lloyd must improve the property's condition and remove junk and derelict vehicles or he could face charges under the Municipal Government Act.

Tax Rates Unchanged In Lunenburg

The town of Lunenburg will hold the line on taxes over the coming year.  Council has set the residential rate at $1.27.9 per $100. of assessment.  The commercial rate will be $3.26 per $100 and the seasonal tourism tax rate will be $2.44.6.  The rates are unchanged from last year and Mayor Rachel Bailey says it was a challenge to avoid increases.




Lunenburg town council approved an operational budget for 2013-14 of $6,571,150.  The capital budget for the town is $3,027,100.  The lions-share of that goes toward infrastructure projects like repaving a portion of Victoria Road and improvements to water and sewer lines.

Heavy Rain Heading For South Shore

As if we haven't had enough of it, there is more rain on the way for today and in some places on the South Shore and in the Tri-County area, a lot of it. As much as 70 mm of rain is predicted by Environment Canada to drench Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties today.  Rainfall warnings have been issued for those areas. Lunenburg County could get as much as 25 mm.

Waters Selected For Third World Championship

A local paddler is getting another chance to make his mark in Canadian colours. Dave Waters has been selected to represent the country in three premiere events across the world. This is the third year the Fox Point paddler has been named to the world team. Waters will compete July 6 and 7th in Lake Placid for the International Regatta. He will also hit the water in the paracanoe World Championships from August 27 until September 1 in Germany and the Pan American Championships in Puerto Rico October 17-20. Waters is hoping to build off a third place finish during last year's World Championships in Poland.

Repairs Starting On LaHave Islands Bridge

Repairs to a Lunenburg County bridge will start this week. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal says work to the LaHave Islands Bridge will begin Wednesday. A provincial release says work will focus on the abutments of the span on Crescent Beach Road. The bridge will be closed from 9am-3pm Wednesday to install and remove jacks. It will also be closed July 29 and August 19. The bridge will be open to pedestrians and emergency vehicles during those times. It will be open during other work days, but traffic will be regulated and delays are expected.

Happy Canada Day: Safety Tips For Big Birthday Bash

Happy Canada Day! Here are some safety tips if you plan on a backyard fireworks display.







- Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.

- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

- Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

- Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or relight dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.

- Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.

- Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.

- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

- Fireworks can spook your pet. Keep them indoors in a safe place. This will help reduce the noise level of the fireworks and reduce the risk of your pet running away .

- Use a leash or carrier if you must be outside with your pet and keep it on your pet at all times. This will help prevent your pet from running away from.

Yarmouth's Graves Drafted Into NHL

A Yarmouth native could soon be calling the big apple as his new home. Eighteen-year-old defenseman Ryan Graves was selected in the fourth round, 110th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2013 NHL entry draft Sunday evening. Graves spent time with the South Shore Mustangs before he was drafted by the PEI Rocket in 2011. He notched three goals and 13 assists in 74 games this past year. Graves becomes the first hockey player from Yarmouth to be drafted into the NHL.

Bridgewater Makes Final 20 For Kraft Celebration Tour

Bridgewater has made the initial cut for the TSN Kraft Celebration Tour. The South Shore town was among 20 communities across the country that were announced Sunday evening by the Network. Over 625 nominations were received. Bridgewater will go head to head against Windsor, NS for the right to host a live edition of Sports Centre along with $25,000. The submission was made by the South Shore Seahawks Minor Football organization for upgrades to the Kinsmen Field. This is the first time a South Shore community has made the final 20 in the contest's five-year history. According to TSN's website, the Nova Scotia battle will take place on July 10. Voters will have a 24-hour window to pick the winner. Voting will take place here .

Former South Shore Mustang At NHL Draft

A Yarmouth hockey player could make a bit of history Sunday. Former South Shore Mustangs defenseman Ryan Graves is looking to become the first player from Yarmouth to be drafted into the National Hockey League. Enforcer Jody Shelley played minor hockey in Yarmouth but was never drafted into the league. Central Scouting lists Graves 116th overall among North American skaters. The 18-year-old notched three goals and 13 assists in 74 games this year with the PEI Rocket. The draft gets underway Sunday afternoon in Newark, New Jersey.

Martin Finishes Fifth At Edmonton Event

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin had one of her best times of the year, but missed out on a top three finish in Alberta. Martin finished fifth in a tough field at the Edmonton International Track Classic Saturday evening. The 25-year-old ran the women's 400 metre event in 52.45 seconds. She will now move on to Burnaby, B.C. for her next race on Monday.

Unexpected ER Closure At Roseway Hospital

There's an unexpected closure of the emergency department at Roseway Hospital in Shelburne. Emergency services will not be available at the hospital today. In a media release, South West Health indicates the closure is due to unexpected circumstances. The health authority is asking Shelburne area residents requiring emergency services during the hours of closure to visit the nearest open Emergency Department or Collaborative Emergency Centre. The ER will re-open Monday morning at 8am.

South Shore Celebrates Canada Day

The South Shore gets ready to celebrate Canada Day Monday. There will be much to see and do around the region. In Bridgewater, there will be a legion breakfast at the fire hall, a football toss with the South Shore Seahawks and the much-anticipated fireworks. Chair of the event committee, Greg Ritcey, says there is a mixture of returning and new events to look forward to. He says it's an honour to have the Bridgewater Fire Department Band join the celebrations during the fireworks display.



There will also be celebrations being held in New Germany, Riverport, Lockeport, Clark's Harbour and Caledonia among other communities. A full schedule of Bridgewater events can be found below.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 Breakfast 7:30-11:30 Bridgewater Fire Hall

- Kids of Steel Triathlon 9:00-1:00pm

- Canada Day Street Hockey 9:00-6:00 Bridgewater Arena

- Buck’s Home Building Centre & Gow’s Home Hardware Washer Toss Tournament 2pm Shipyard Landing

- East Coast Kite Club Demo 2:30pm Shipyard Landing

- Seahawks Minor Football club: Football toss 2:30pm Shipyard Landing

- Le Leche League Breastfeeding tent 2:30-10pm Shipyard Landing

- Inflatables 2:30-7pm Shipyard Landing

- Desbrisay Museum Interactive Display 2:30-7pm Shipyard Landing

- Mascots: Cyber Cop, Captain Lighthouse, Boston Pizza Various times between 2:30 and 9pm Shipyard Landing

- Giant Tiger Chalk Drawing: Illustrate your Canadian Pride 2:30pm Shipyard Landing

- NSLC & Lighthouse Publishing Giant block puzzle 2:30 Shipyard Landing

- Giant Tiger beach balls and hula hoops 2:30 Shipyard Landing

- Food vendors: L’il Orbitz, 3rd Bridgewater Scout Troop, Harbour House ice cream, The Airstream Cafe 2:30-10:00 Shipyard Landing

- Trivia 3:00 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- Kippers Gymnastics Demo 3:30 Shipyard Landing

- Flatline MMA Demo 4:00 Shipyard Landing

- Welcoming ceremony and cake cutting 5:00 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- McKenzie College Glow in the dark face painting 5:00 Shipyard Landing

- Open Mic 5:15 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- Stolen Tone: musical entertainment 7:00 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- 1 Eye Open: musical entertainment 8:00 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- Video Dance 9:00-9:30 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- NS Elite Baton Twirlers: Glow baton performance 9:30-10:00 Shipyard Landing

- Bridgewater Fire Dept. Band to lead Oh Canada 10:00 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

- Fireworks accompanied by Bridgewater Fire Dept. Band 10:15 Citizens Bandstand Shipyard Landing

Rain location: South Shore Exhibition Grounds and fireworks will be rescheduled for July 6th 10:15 PM

No Injuries After Bridgewater Apartment Fire

A woman and her cat are safe after a fire broke out Saturday evening at an apartment at 29 Dufferin Street in Bridgewater. Fire officials from the town and Hebbville responded to the call around 8:15pm. Bridgewater Fire Chief Michael Nauss says a short in behind an electrical panel caused the blaze. He says there was minimal damage to the apartment. The Red Cross have stepped-in to relocate the woman and her feline for the night.

Liverpool Paramedic Facing More Charges

A Liverpool paramedic is facing additional charges for allegedly stealing and misusing drugs from an EHS station. RCMP have laid five new charges against 47-year-old Kenneth Cosh including administering a noxious substance, assault with a weapon, theft under $5,000, fraud and criminal negligence. Meanwhile, a charge of forgery will be withdrawn. Cosh is facing 10 charges in total. Police say the additional charges are a result of the ongoing investigation. Officials with EHS alerted police of allegations of thefts and misuse of drugs by the man earlier this year. RCMP searched a home in February on Wolfe Street and seized syringes and medical containers. Cosh will appear in Liverpool Provincial Court July 9.

Forties Community Centre Gets Kitchen Upgrades

They'll be cooking up a storm at the Forties Community Centre. The federal government has awarded the community centre with just over $7,000 to spruce up their kitchen. The money will help replace its stove and two freezers. MP Gerald Keddy made the funding announcement last week. The Forties Community Centre hosts a variety of events in New Ross throughout the year including dinners, crib tournaments and craft fairs.

Group Sells Eisenhaur Place, LaHave Heights To Ontario Company

The president of a Bridgewater company confirms Eisenhaur Place and LaHave Heights have been sold to an Ontario Group. Bob Richards of Jaylynn Enterprises Limited, part of the Home Centre Group of Companies, says the two North Street living spaces have been sold to Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc. of Wasaga Beach. Financial details weren't released. Richards says the deal makes sense for their group.



He says the purchase includes 474 leased sites within the two living communities. Richards says residents will continue to have the benefits and protections of the Residential Tenancies Act regarding rental increases and other services.

Local Athletes Crack Legion Track And Field Team

The Nova Scotia-Nunavut 2013 Legion Track and Field team for Youth Nationals was announced recently and it has some South Shore flavour. Tobias Wolter headlines the competitors. The Conquerall Mills native won two golds and a silver medal at last year's event. He also set the Canadian record in the 1,500 metre steeplechase event. Other locals include Bridgewater's James Lucas and Liverpool's Sarah Mitton. The national meet is Aug. 9-11 in Langley, B.C.

Happy Canada Day! Gasoline Prices Fall!

The weather outlook may not be looking very nice for the long weekend but the price of gas sure looks a lot better today ahead of Canada Day. Usually you can bet on a hike in prices for a holiday weekend but that hasn't happened this time around. Gas is actually down on the South Shore by three cents a litre at $1.28.9.  High test is also down by the same amount. Motorists driving diesel-fueled vehicles can take heart in knowing the price of diesel didn't increase. It didn't drop either. Its unchanged today at $1.29.4 per litre.

Fire Causes Smoke, Water Damage To Chester Home

No injuries after fire broke out at a home in Chester Thursday night. Officials with the Chester Fire Department responded to the call at 7 Nauss Point Road around 7:15pm. Fire Chief Duke Chafe says when they arrived on scene, they noticed heavy smoke pouring out of the attic but couldn't locate the fire immediately. He says it was a difficult fire to deal with.


Members of the Chester Basin Fire Department were also called-in to assist. A man, woman, two cats and a dog were reported safe but the house suffered severe water and smoke damage. The cause of the blaze is unknown.

New Policy Halts Funding Request From YMCA

The town of Bridgewater will not take any action on a funding request by the YMCA Lunenburg County. The group missed council's deadline before the 2013-14 budget process. Council also approved its new grants to organizations policy in May, providing guidelines for awarding money to non-profit organizations or societies. The 'Y' was looking for support to help cover expenses associated with food and activities for an exchange event in mid-July with youth from the Driftpile Cree First Nations in Northern Alberta. Mayor David Walker says with any new policy, situations will pop-up that will make council wonder how they can address the issue.



Council is expected to follow-up with the YMCA to discuss the new policy and deadlines to ask for support.

Grand Opening Planned For New Visitor Information Centre

The new Bridgewater and Lunenburg District Visitor Information Centre will hold its grand opening Friday. The facility opened in May and will hold a meet and greet with speeches from local mayors David Walker and Don Downe. The municipality and the town helped fund the new centre, cost sharing $23,000 for at least the first five years of a 10-year lease. The Municipality of Lunenburg's Economic Development Officer, Dave Waters, says the new location is in a key area to direct tourists.



The event is planned to start at 10am Friday morning at the new facility along the Cornwall Road in Blockhouse.

South Shore: Paramedics Prepare To Picket This Weekend

South Shore paramedics will be out in full force this weekend in an effort to back contract demands. Members of EHS are set to host a picket in Bridgewater at the Canadian Tire on Saturday. Last week, union members voted 73 per cent against a deal with they employer, Emergency Medical Care, that would have given the province's 800 paramedics a defined benefits pension plan. Paramedics say they want better wages, with some saying they are looking for a 15 per cent pay hike over three years rather than the 11.1 per cent over almost five years that was offered in the tentative agreement. The paramedics won't be able to go on strike or be in a legal lockout position until July 5.

Cineplex Makes Big Move Buys 26 Theatres

Big changes are on the way at Empire Theatres. The Nova Scotia-based Empire Company is getting out of the movie-theatre business. The move is being made so the company can focus on Sobeys, the national grocery chain that accounts for most of its revenue. Canada's largest cinema company, Cineplex, will pay 200 million dollars cash to acquire 26 of the theatres. Empire operates the big screens in Bridgewater but it's not clear what the takeover will mean for the local movie theatre. Landmark Cinemas will buy 20 theatres in Ontario and Western Canada for up to 55 million dollars.

Yarmouth: Youth Transition Program Receives Federal Dollars

An outreach support program in the Tri-County area for homeless and at-risk youth has received some encouraging news.  The federal government has extended "Shyft Youth Services" funding for another 9 months to the tune of 130-thousand dollars. Director Bernadette MacDonald says she and her staff are thrilled and see it as an indication the issue of rural homelessness is being taken seriously in Ottawa.



The funding allows Shyft to continue employing outreach workers for Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties and to staff and pay the rent and other bills at the actual homeless shelter in Yarmouth.  It also provides homeless youth with a chance to get their lives back in order, get a job and re-establish themselves in the community.

South Shore Students Awarded RRFB Scholarships

Two South Shore residents are being awarded with scholarships from the province's Resource Recovery Fund Board. The RRFB awarded 14 cash prizes to grade 12 students who submitted essays to the group's Nova Scotia Recycles contest earlier this spring. Both Sebastien Clairmont of Barrington Municipal High School and Julia Goodwin of Yarmouth Consolidated received runner-up prizes of $750. Roughly $55,000 was awarded to students across the province.

Coastline Closed to Shellfish Harvesting

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has closed a section of coastline to shellfish harvesting after encountering high counts of Paralytic Shellfish Poison. Shellfish harvesting has been banned along the coast from Stonehurst East in Lunenburg County to Cole Harbour. The ban includes all of Mahone Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Blind Cove, Prospect Bay, and Terence Bay. The harvesting ban includes clams, mussels, oysters and scallops. The news release states shellfish closures can change frequently, and harvesters are encouraged to check with their local DFO offices for a listing of current closures prior to harvesting. Symptoms of PSP include nausea, tingling or burning lips, tongue, hands and feet, and shortness of breath. In more severe situations, PSP can be fatal. More information can be found here .

New Hunting Regulations In Effect

New hunting regulations came into effect this week. Hunters can now use crossbows for deer hunting, and rifles up to twenty-three calibre are allowed for species such as coyotes during the regular deer hunting season. The changes will make it easier to control wildlife that cause damage or pose other threats, and will help more Nova Scotians get involved in hunting and ensure its sustainability. Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says hunting has long been a part of our heritage and the province is working to  ensure it has a healthy future.

Metro-Company Appeals Proposal For Diversion Facility

A metro-based recycling company is appealing a decision by municipal council which rejected their proposal for a diversion facility in the Blockhouse area. Halifax C & D filed the appeal with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board on Tuesday. The issue has been a contentious one for residents in Lunenburg County. Business owners in the area are concerned because they feel the facility shouldn't be located near a new visitor information centre and will flood the area with more vehicle traffic and pollution. The Municipality of Lunenburg officially turned down the proposal earlier this month. The regulatory board has yet to set dates for a hearing before the panel.

Enviro Group Must Continue 3 Year Lease Of Blockhouse School

An environmental group will not be allowed to buy the former Blockhouse School for a buck, at least not for now! Municipality of Lunenburg Council decided last night to continue with a three year lease with the South Shore Society Venture Co-Op. Mayor Don Downe says he and council are impressed though with the sustainable development work of the group.



The group is entering the second year of its three year lease on the building with the municipality. The Mayor says if it meets its targets, including paying the rent and shows its a reliable group, then serious consideration will be given to allowing it to buy the school property.

Wolter Named To National World Youth Track Team

A Conquerall Mills runner has been named to the 2013 Canadian World Youth Track and Field team. Tobias Wolter will dawn the red and white during the competition from July 10-14 in Donetsk, Ukraine. He's expected to run the men's 2,000 metre steeplechase event. The 15-year-old was ranked number one in Canada after he beat the qualifying standard time by 14 seconds. Only the top two times were eligible to qualify. Wolter and Bluenose Athletics coach Tanya Daniels will represent the South Shore at the event.

Bridgewater To Purchase And Install LED Lights

The town of Bridgewater has decided to look after their own street lights instead of renting from Nova Scotia Power. Council decided to move ahead with replacing existing rented NSP street lights with LED lights purchased and installed by the town. The lights would be owned and maintained by the town. Council had to make a decision by the end of the month. Mayor David Walker says the decision could help save up to $30,000 a year, making it the best choice for taxpayers.



The town has to convert all their street lights to LED by 2020 under the mandate of the province. The approximate cost for 20 years is $3.7-million. Staff will get back to council on issues including the pros and cons and purchasing options for the LED lights.

Chester Basin House Fire Deemed Accidental

The provincial fire marshal's office has confirmed that the cause of Monday morning's house fire in Chester Basin was accidental. The deputy fire marshal wrapped-up his investigation today after spending most of Monday at the scene of the blaze at 20 Kitchener Daw Lane. A man and a woman along with two pets escaped the blaze around 4 a.m. The woman was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation and was later released. Chester Basin fire officials along with four other volunteer fire departments responded to the blaze.

Commanding Officer Leaving Bridgewater Squadron

The commanding officer at the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron in Bridgewater is leaving the position after her three-year mandate. Major Sarah House took over the position in July 2010 and will move to Trenton, Ontario for a job at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre. House, who is originally from Shelburne, says she enjoyed her time but knew this day would come.



House will be replaced by Major Rick Leighton, who was previously at the Engineering School in Gagetown. The change of command ceremony will be held Thursday afternoon at the Best Western in Cookville.

Pool, Arena Under Town's Microscope

An evaluation is expected to be done to discuss the future of the Memorial Arena and outdoor swimming pool in Bridgewater. The two recreational facilities are under the microscope with the opening of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre just a few months away. Mayor David Walker says they will take a closer look at the facilities in the fall. He says they want to make sure both facilities are still being used.



Walker hopes a committee will be created with council members, staff and residents to discuss options and come up with recommendations. The rink will remain open for at least a year after the LCLC opens.

Local Women's Group Set For Summer Camps

The Second Story Women's Centre is preparing to to host their annual summer camp for girls aged nine to 12. It's the tenth year the non-profit organization will offer the camps throughout Lunenburg and Queens Counties. The four day retreat is designed to bring issues like bullying, self-esteem and body imagine to the forefront for girls getting set to enter junior high school. Facilitator Julie Venoit says its been extremely successful in the past.



Camps will be held in Bridgewater, New Germany, Liverpool, Lunenburg and Chester throughout July and August. Venoit says there are only 12 spots available for each camp and encourages those interested to pre-register.


The camps will be held:

 July 8-11 in Bridgewater
(St. Paul's  Lutheran Church Hall)

July 15-18 in New Germany
(Elementary School Gym)

July 22-25 in Lunenburg
(Central United Church Hall)

July 29-August 1 in Chester
(Forest Heights Community School)
   
August 6-9 in Liverpool (Queen's Family Resource Centre)
   
If there is enough interest we will hold a second camp in Bridgewater August 12-15,
location to be determined.

For more information, call 543-1315 ext. 15 or 640-3044 ext. 15. E-mail girltalk@eastlink.ca.

Delays Expected At New South Queens Middle School

The new South Queens Middle School in Liverpool will not be ready for classes in the fall. Instead, students and staff will remain in the existing school until some time in November. Officials with the local school board say they want to make sure the new building is safe, healthy and meets the needs of the students and staff. The delay will give workers more time clean up the school properly and ensure air quality standards are met. Sod was turned on the $15 million South Queens Middle School last fall. The new middle school would be home to students in Grades 6-8. Construction on the school is expected to be complete in October.

Canada Wins First Leg Of 61st Annual International Dory Races

It was a rare victory for the Canadian team of dory racers at the Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester, Massachusetts over the weekend. Teams earned two victories in three races in the first leg of the 61st Annual International Dory Races. The Canadians surprised many, as rowers from Gloucester have been difficult to beat on their home turf in recent years. In mixed doubles, it was the Americans beating the Canadian pair of Kelly George and Robert Fox. Canada's Gail Atkinson and Kathryn Moore won the women's division and Markus Schmidt and Joel George got by the U.S. in the men's category. The second leg of the event will be held in Lunenburg August 24. Full results are below.

Mixed Doubles:

USA-Mike Frontiera and Elin di'Angelo 6:27
CAN-Kelly George and Robet Fox 6:35

Women's Division: 

CAN-Gail Atkinson and Kathryn Moore 6:48
USA-Samantha Rose and Alexandria Pizzimenti 7:53

Men's Division:

CAN- Markus Schmidt and Joel George 9:45
USA-Tom Jarvis and Jimmy Tarrantino 9:54

Seahawks Seek Town Support For Celebration Tour

The South Shore Seahawks Football Club are calling on the town of Bridgewater to rally behind them if they're selected for the next step of the Kraft Celebration Tour. The group asked council to help them further promote the chance to win $25,000 through the town's facebook and website. The Seahawks are hoping to be chosen, to help put money towards improving drainage at Kinsmen Field. One of the club's organizers, John Peters, says they're hoping to keep the field in good condition.



The group recently signed up more than 90 kids this season for teams in the atom, peewee and bantam divisions. The Seahawks will find out if they have been named to the final 20 nominations later this week.

Sportchek Moving Into Bridgewater Mall

A sports equipment and apparel store is coming to Bridgewater. The manager of the Bridgewater Mall, Jim Chambers, confirms in an email that Sportchek is expected to occupy some space in the former Zellers building. Chambers says construction will start soon. The email also suggests Dollarama will roughly double in size to 15,000 square feet. Chambers says two more tenants of 30,000 and 10,000 square feet will be announced shortly. He believes the changes will bring new and exciting retail offerings to the local market.

Spts-Bridgewater Baseball Team Loses In Tournament Final

The Bridgewater Bulldogs Bantam Triple-A baseball team travelled to Dieppe, New Brunswick over the weekend. The team competed in one of the largest and most competitive tournaments in Atlantic Canada.
The Bulldogs defeated Charlottetown, Miramichi, Fredericton and Riverview but ultimately lost to the host team Dieppe Cardinals 2-0 in the final. Zack Zinck threw a 1 hitter to lead the Bulldogs.

Spts-South Shore Boys 'n Girls Soccer Teams Have Up & Down Weekend

In Under-14 Tier-1 Girls Soccer action over the weekend, South Shore United girls shutout Valley United in Kentville. 3-0 was the score. Kaye Dorey was the shutout goalie while McKenzie Sinclair scored two goals and McKenzie Kelley had one. The under-14 boys soccer team didn't fare as well, they were defeated by Dartmouth FC, 2-1.

New CT Scanner Coming To Yarmouth Regional

A new CT Scanner should be in place at Yarmouth Regional Hospital later this fall. The scanner will cost about $1.4 million. The Nova Scotia government has announced it will contribute one-million dollars toward the new equipment while South West Health will pick up the remainder of the tab. The new scanner will provide high quality scans faster and give health care staff more time to focus on patients. Last year, more than 7,500 scans were performed at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. The hospital serves about 60,000 people in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties.

Six-Figure Lottery Ticket Sold In Bridgewater

Someone in Bridgewater could be sitting on $100,000. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation's website indicates a six-figure ticket for Friday night's Lotto Max TAG draw was sold in the town. The website doesn't say what store sold the ticket. The winning number is 110530. The winner must contact the ALC regional offices in Dartmouth, St. John's or Moncton to claim their prize.

Woman Injured In Chester Basin Fire

One person was injured in a fire earlier Monday morning in Chester Basin. The blaze broke out around 4 o'clock in a home on Kitchener Daw Lane. Those living in the home were apparently awakened by smoke detectors and escaped but a woman suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital. Chester Basin Fire Chief Doug Rines says there was little fire fighters could do to save the home except keep the blaze from spreading.




Several fire departments responded to Chester Basin's call for help including Martin's River, Western Shore, Chester and New Ross. The fire marshal and RCMP are expected on scene later today to determine the cause of the fire.

CUPE School Board Locals Reach Tentative Agreement

Non-teaching school board workers appear to be avoiding a strike. A tentative agreement has been reached between the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions and the Department of Education. The council represents the seven CUPE locals in the province, including the hundreds of non-teaching staff across the South Shore and Tri-County who voted in favour of a strike mandate. CUPE School Board coordinator, Kathy MacLeod, says it's a positive step.



Details aren't being released until members have had a chance to vote. The tentative agreement was reached through conciliation after more than 15 hours of discussion late last week.