Progress At Bayswater, But Beach Still Closed

Inspectors looking into high bacteria at Bayswater Beach are making progress but it will remain closed until water testing shows it is safe for swimming. Department of Environment inspectors believe that natural conditions in a nearby pond are contributing to elevated bacteria counts. They believe tidal action may also be playing a role in bringing bacteria from the pond to the beach through a shallow stream. Inspectors have not found any obvious signs of human activity contributing to the high bacteria counts. The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service continues to take water samples for lab testing.  However, until bacteria counts return to safe levels, the beach will remain closed. We will let you know when things clear up.

Bridgewater Sends Players To Baseball Nationals

The Bridgewater Baseball Association is sending a number of players to the bantam boys and girls national championships. Local athletes Aiden O'Brien, Zach Zinck, Ryan O'Toole, Cameron MacPherson, Nathan McCarthy, Mackenzie Dimmell and coach Dennis Woodworth will make up part of team Nova Scotia. Play begins for the girls and boys teams Thursday through Sunday. The boys compete in Vaughan, Ontario and open up their tourney against New Brunswick. The girls play in Bedford and open up competition against Quebec. Results can be found here .

Recall: Ben's Bread Issue Voluntary Recall

If you have picked up some Ben's bread in the past few days you may want to keep reading. Canada Bread has issued a voluntary recall for some of its bread products sold because they may contain glass fragments. The company says the glass is believed to have come from a light bulb that shattered during production. The products in question are Ben's Xtra Soft white and whole wheat bread, and Super Club white and whole wheat bread. Both products have a best-before date of Aug. 29. The labels on both products indicate they came from plant No. 2503. There have been no reports of injuries.

Labour Chief Calls For Federal Input on Ferry Issue

The federal government is missing the boat and ignoring public will to have the Yarmouth ferry service restored.  That comment from the head of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.  In a CKBW and HANK-FM News interview, President Rick Clarke says the Harper government has a history of lagging behind everyone else.



Meanwhile, Clarke says restoring the ferry service would mean not only a boost to tourism. He says
it would also increase employment in the region and trade.



Clarke says having the feds on board would add a lot of weight and importance to restoring the ferry service.

UPDATED: One Dead In "Windsor Road" Crash

RCMP say one person is dead after two separate crashes this morning on Highway 14. The first incident ocurred shortly after 7 o'clock when a car veered off the road. Emergency responders were heading to the scene when they came across a serious three vehicle collision involving a car, pickup truck and a garbage truck. The person who was killed was involved in the second, more serious incident. A section of the highway, about 20 kilometres from Windsor, will be closed for the next few hours. RCMP are asking motorists to stay away from the area  - because there is no detour around the crash scene.

Two Crashes Close "Windsor Road"

RCMP are asking drivers to stay off Highway 14 near Windsor after two separate crashes. The crashes happened this morning about two kilometres apart in what's known as the Mill Section of the Windsor Road. One was a single vehicle accident in which a car ran off the highway. The second involved three vehicles - a car, pickup truck and a garbage truck. Mounties say there are multiple injuries but offered no other details. A section of the highway, about 20 kilometres from Windsor, will be closed for the next few hours. RCMP are asking motorists to stay away from the area  - there is no detour route available.

Large Python Seized In Yarmouth County

A huge python has been seized from a home in Yarmouth County. Conservation officers say the 5.4-meter snake is on the list of exotic pets that can't be imported or kept in Nova Scotia without a propoer permit. A spokesman for the Natural Resources Department says it remains unclear whether charges will be laid and few other details have been released. The department is not commenting further on the situation until their investigation is complete. Mounties are also at the scene where the snake was seized but they have yet to release an official statement. Earlier this month, two young brothers sleeping in an apartment in Campbellton, New Brunswick were killed by an illegal African rock python that had escaped from its enclosure.

Barracudas Win Third Straight Provincial Swimming Title

Make it three straight provincial swimming titles for the Bridgewater Barracudas. The swimming club owned the podium over the weekend in Halifax, winning the overall large-team title, along with placing first in the 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18 age groups. The team won the overall title by roughly 170 points over the Cole Harbour Hurricanes. Head Coach Ian Smith says the team had some odds against them.



Smith was named coach of the year while Barracudas swimmer Fletch Selig was named one of the top men's performers, earning high points at the competition. Eleven barracudas were named all-stars. The provincial title wraps up the swim season for the Bridgewater club.

MODL: First South Property To Be Demolished

Third time was not a charm for a First South resident with an unsightly property. The Municipality of Lunenburg had given the property owner a pair of extensions to repair the home and shed along Highway 332. However, she will now have a 30 day deadline to demolish the two buildings. Mayor Don Downe says they've agreed to take the next steps.



The initial complaint on the property was received last November. The home and shed are listed in a state of non-repair and no longer suitable to live in.

Bridgewater: Mayor Weighs In On Plastic Bag Ban

Bridgewater is looking to become one of the provincial leaders by banning plastic bags at grocery stores. The town discussed the option last week and has directed staff for further research and community engagement. The issue has become a recent concern after complaints of bags being found in local waterways and clogging septic systems. Mayor David Walker says people can do their part to stop using plastic.



Leaf Rapids, Manitoba became the first town to ban plastic bags in 2007. Fort McMurray also banned them in 2010. Walker says anything the town can do to ban plastic bags would be a step forward. One town councillor hopes staff will report back with a goal to create a by-law banning plastic bags in the town by January 1, 2014.

Inspectors Probe Bayswater Beach Closure

Environmental inspectors are at Bayswater Beach to try and find the source of bacteria that's keeping the popular swimming area off-limits. The beach has been closed since August 14 because of unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. Lori Errington is a communications advisor with the Department of Environment. She says they don't normally don't get called in to inspect beach closures.



The province announced yesterday they would inspect the area to see if there is a specific source causing the problem in the ocean water. Bayswater is located on Highway 329 between Blandford and Aspotogan.

Lumberjacks To Play Regular Season Opener In Liverpool

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will open up their regular season at Queens Place Emera Centre. Owner Ken Petrie says the club was informed last week they wouldn't be able to play out of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre to kick off the season. The facility is still under construction and is expected to open in stages beginning in the fall. Instead, the Lumberjacks will take on the Yarmouth Mariners in Liverpool on September 13th. Petrie says they are happy to open up at Queens Place and look forward to a big celebration and tail gate party when they play in Bridgewater the following week. The Lumberjacks are now expected to make their first appearance at the LCLC on September 20th.

UPDATED: Officials Take Closer Look At Bayswater Beach

Bayswater Beach could re-open for swimmers within the next few days. In the meantime, officials will take a closer look at what's causing high levels of bacteria in the water. The Department of Environment is examining the area to try and see if something specific is causing elevated bacteria counts in the water. The Lunenburg County beach was closed to swimmers August 14th. It's the second time this summer the beach has been closed because of high bacteria levels. Meanwhile, Sand Dollar Beach and Sawpit Wharf in Lunenburg Back Harbour will also remain closed to swimmers. Those waters could re-open by Wednesday.

Liverpool: Prostate Cancer Support Group Formed

A newly formed support group in Queens County is reaching out to help those recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. The support group held it's inaugural meeting earlier this month in Liverpool. Gary Conrad helped form the new group and is a prostate cancer survivor. He says it's important to have somewhere to turn if you've been diagnosed with the disease.



Conrad says the group provides people with a place to seek comfort during a difficult time. They meet every second Wednesday each month at the Atlantic Superstore in Liverpool.

Bridgewater: More Retail Space Coming To King Street

Bridgewater is moving ahead with additional retail space along the LaHave River. Only a handful of people showed up to a public hearing last week regarding a proposed development agreement by Bond Street Capital for a 4,400 square foot complex. The property is located at 814 King Street. Mayor David Walker says he's pleased with the decision.



Bond Street Capital is developing the property, replacing the current car wash on site.

Record-Setting Summer Games For Nova Scotia

Some South Shore athletes return home Monday following a historic Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Nova Scotia won 56 medals at the games, topping their previous best mark of 52 set at the PEI games in 2009. The province finished fifth in the overall medal standings with 16 gold, 18 silver and 22 bronze. Five of the province's 16 gold medals were won by local track stars including double gold by Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen in the women's javelin and shot put. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh won the women's heptathlon, Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan won the men's decathlon and Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills in the men's 3000 metre steeplechase. Hebbville's Claire McNally also won double bronze in para-swimming events. The next Canada Summer Games will be held in Manitoba in 2017.

Premier Says Public & Business Should Have Had Say In Ferry Future In 2009

Mistakes were made and if he had it to do over again, he'd handle it differently. That comment from Premier Darrell Dexter on the cancellation of the Yarmouth to Maine ferry service back in 2009.  In a CKBW and HANK-FM News interview, the premier says there should have been greater community involvement in the decision-making process.  He says the public and business should have been made aware of the situation and advice sought before cancelling the subsidy which led to the demise of the ferry service.



However, that was then and this is now and the premier says the International Ferry Partnership has taken great strides in making certain the public has been involved in the past year's efforts to restore service.

Negotiations are currently underway between the province and S-T-M Quest and if successful may see a resumption in ferry service by next spring, in time for the tourist season of 2014.

Bridgewater Celebrates $25,000 Donation From Kraft

A raucous crowd gathered at Shipyards Landing in Bridgewater last night with the town in the national spotlight. The South Shore Seahawks Minor Football Club were awarded a $25,000 cheque from Kraft Canada as part of their Celebration Tour before TSN broadcasted a live edition of sportscentre. The money will improve drainage at the Kinsmen Field. Resident Shawn Woodworth says the event was a crowd-pleaser.



Thousands of people attended. This part of the tour moves on to Fredericton, New Brunswick to broadcast again Tuesday.

UPDATE: Fatal Plane Crash Near New Germany

A 65-year-old Barss Corner man has died after a ultralight plane crash earlier this morning in Barss Corner. RCMP say Byron Varner was the pilot and only person in the plane at the time of the crash just after 10am. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Mounties say early investigation reveals the plane burst into flames after impact. RCMP don't yet know the cause of the crash.

BREAKING: Plane Crash In New Germany

RCMP say one man is injured after an ultralight plane crashed near the Old Barss Corner Road in New Germany. Sgt. Al LeBlanc says the incident happened around 10:20 this morning. A cause has yet to be determined. EHS and members of the New Germany Fire Department are on scene.

Kraft Celebration Tour Arrives

Thousands of people are expected to be in attendance when festivities kick-off this evening for the Kraft Celebration Tour at Shipyard's Landing on King Street. Things open up to the public at 5pm, with Rod Smith and Kate Beirness anchoring the live edition of TSN's Sportscentre at 7pm. A member of the organizing group, Tanya Bolivar, says she's hopes people will show their community spirit by wearing jerseys, painting their faces and creating signs. She says people from surrounding communities should enjoy the event as well.



Kraft will present a $25,000 cheque to the South Shore Seahawks football club to help fix drainage issues at Kinsmen Field.

Meanwhile, if you're heading to Shipyard's Landing this evening, make sure you travel ahead of time. The town has closed a number of streets to allow Kraft and TSN to set up equipment for the Celebration Tour. The closures include King Street between Cornwallis Street and Jubilee Road, School Street will be shut down between Prince Street and King Street, and Park Street will be off-limits between Prince Street and King Street. The closures last until 10pm.

Summer Games: Whalen Wins Second Gold Medal

The feeling of winning gold at the Canada Summer Games is twice as nice for Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen. The 20-year-old won the women's javelin event Friday night in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Whalen had a top toss of 48.83 metres. She won her first gold earlier this week in the women's shot put. Nova Scotia sits at 56 medals heading into the final day of competition at the Summer Games on Saturday.

Summer Games: McIntosh Records Another Gold For South Shore

Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh won gold in the women's heptathlon at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The 22-year-old dominated the competition, scoring 5,407 points and winning six of the seven events in the discipline. McIntosh's effort puts a stamp on South Shore accomplishments in athletics. McIntosh, along with Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan, Conquerall Mills' Mattias Wolter and Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen all won gold medals this week. Whalen still has the women's javelin final later tonight. Courtney Langille of Bridgewater will also run in the women's 4 x 400 metre final tonight.

Premier Says No Election Call This Weekend

Opposition party candidates and voters may have to wait awhile yet for a provincial election call. In a CKBW-HANK-FM News interview, Premier Darrell Dexter says you can pretty well rule out an election call this weekend, despite all the talk to the contrary for the past week. He tell us, there is still work to be done including a fiscal update to be unveiled next week outlining the province's current financial state.



The premier by law must call an election before next June. NDP candidates on the South Shore are ready to officially kickoff their campaigns when the premier "drops the writ". Shelburne MLA and Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau will offer his name up for re-election in the newly created Queens-Shelburne. Elsewhere, the Minister of Community Services and Seniors Denise Peterson-Rafuse is re-offering in Chester-St. Margarets, Pam Birdsall hopes for re-election in Lunenburg, Gary Ramey is looking to be returned in Lunenburg West. The NDP is yet to choose its candidates for Argyle-Barrington and Yarmouth.

CLOSED: Three Lunenburg County Swimming Holes Off-Limits

Three popular swimming areas in Lunenburg County are now off limits. Bayswater Beach, Sand Dollar Beach and Sawpit Wharf in Lunenburg Back Harbour have all been temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria in the water. It's the second time this summer Bayswater Beach has been closed because of unsafe bacteria levels in the water. If you are looking for updates, call the Lifeguard information line at 477-6168.

Martin, Canada Miss Relay Final At Worlds

Bridgewater's Jenna Martin and her Canadian teammates gave it their all, but didn't advance to the finals of the women's 4 x 400 metre event at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Moscow, Russia. The team finished fifth in their heat, in a time of three minutes, 31 seconds, failing to qualify for the finals by less than two seconds. Team Canada set a seasonal best time with their results.

Summer Games. McIntosh Closing In On Gold Medal

A busy day coming up for several South Shore athletes at the Canada Summer Games. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh has a hold on first place, heading into the final three events of the women's heptathlon. Bridgewater's Ryan Nowe and Chester's Allison Chandler tee-off in round three of the golf event. Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen competes in the women's javelin final. Bridgewater's Courtney Langille will run in the women's 4 x 400 metre relay final.

Bridgewater: Street Closures Due To Kraft Celebration Tour

People will need to find some alternate routes around Shipyard's Landing on Sunday. Bridgewater's Public Works department is closing a number of streets to allow Kraft and TSN to set up staging and other equipment for the Celebration Tour. The closures include King Street between Cornwallis Street and Jubilee Road, School Street will be shut down between Prince Street and King Street, and Park Street will be off-limits between Prince Street and King Street. Some streets will be available for detours in the area. The closures take effect Sunday from 7am until 10pm.

RCMP: Two Men Charged In illegal Smokes Bust

A pair of Lunenburg County men are facing charges after Mounties seized some illegal cigarettes. In the first case, officers found some contraband smokes when they raided a home in West Northfield. Police say 2,400 illegal cigarettes were seized or enough to make about 100 packs. William Oswald Russell faces several charges. He was due to appear in court this week. Meanwhile, Robert Murphy of Upper Branch also faces several charges for the same reason. RCMP say the 32 year-old was found in possession of approximately 1,200 illegal cigarettes. He's due in court in October.

Delays Expected For South Canoe Wind Project

The warden of Chester says he's worried about a delayed decision on the South Canoe Wind project. The province's regulatory board has yet to make an announcement on the issue, over a week after their 60-day deadline passed to make a decision. But it's not the only concern on the table. A court challenge is also scheduled for November on the financing package for Nova Scotia Power in respect to the project. Allen Webber says it throws a wrench on a construction start date.



Webber says he has no idea when the Utility and Review Board will render its decision. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power are behind the $200-million project.

Provincial Funds Help Local Fire Departments

Fire departments in the region will have extra cash to buy some new equipment thanks to the Nova Scotia government. The province is investing more than $125,000 in 10 organizations in the Region of Queens, Lunenburg and Shelburne counties. The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment such as personal protective equipment, communication equipment, and thermal imaging cameras. The money is coming from the Emergency Services Provider Fund. The program provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects, to a maximum contribution of $20,000.

In total, the program is providing about $500,000 to 55 organizations.

Fire Departments, Emergency Responders receiving funding are:

-- Big Tancook island Emergency Response Association, Lunenburg County, $6,353

-- Hebb's Cross Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $5,519

-- Indian Point Volunteer Fire Department, $10,873

-- Island and Barrington Passage Fire Department, Shelburne County, $6,492

-- Lunenburg and District Fire Department, $20,000

-- Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue, $3,333

-- Mill Village and District Fire Department, Regional Municipality of Queens, $19,455

-- New Ross Volunteer Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $20,000

-- Tri District Fire/Rescue, Lunenburg County, $13,518

-- Western Shore and District Fire Department, Lunenburg County, $20,000

Sustainability Festival Kicks-Off Fifth Year

People are encouraged to take the next step at this year's Growing Green Festival in Bridgewater. The unique festival has events scattered around Lunenburg County, but is primarily featured on King Street with sustainable booths set up for people to visit. Films began showing earlier this week and concerts will also be held Friday night and Saturday. Festival Chair Patrick Hirtle says the event has grown over the years.



This is the fifth year for the event. A full schedule for the event can be found here .

Queens: Municipality Trying To Save Piping Plovers

The Region of Queens is doing all it can to give a pair of newborn Piping Plovers a fighting chance. They are reminding anyone who goes to Beach Meadows Beach to take their dog for a walk to make sure their pups are on a leash. Director of Recreation Norm Amirault says it will give the sparrow sized birds a better chance to survive. He says a nest of five hatched earlier this month and already three have not survived.



The small birds are sand-coloured and are unable to fly for the first few weeks after they are born. According to statistics, half of the dwindling Plover population live on the Atlantic Coast.

Gasoline Prices Expected To Drop Again!

Look for another drop in South Shore gas prices come tomorrow morning, possibly by as much as 2 cents a litre.  In New Brunswick today, the price there is lower for the third time in the past month. Regular self serve in New Brunswick is down a couple of cents to $1.32.1 a litre.  Diesel is down almost 2.5 cents with no change in the price of propane.  Nova Scotia's Unity & Review Board will set the coming week's prices here at midnight tonight.

Summer Games: Golf Begins, Men's Soccer Into Quarters

A Bridgewater golfer is five shots of the pace at the Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Ryan Nowe shot an opening round two over par 75. Meanwhile, on the girl's side, Chester's Alison Chandler shot an 89. Both Nowe and Chandler play their second rounds Thursday. In other action, Mahone Bay's Hunter Vaszily and Lunenburg's Nick Tanner are off to the quarter-finals as part of the men's soccer team. They beat PEI yesterday 3-0 and will play B.C. Thursday afternoon with a chance to advance to the final four. Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh opens up competition today in the women's heptathlon. (Photo Courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)

No Opposition To Communications Tower In Gold River

There is no opposition to build a communications tower in Gold River. There were no residents at Tuesday night's hearing in Chester or any letters opposing Eastlink's proposal to construct a tower at 165 Beech Hill Road. Warden Allan Webber says they will issue a letter of concurrence to Industry Canada, who has final say on the matter. He says the tower should help residents with improved coverage and data.



Webber says the municipality will earn minor tax revenue from the auxiliary building built near the tower. He's unsure of the construction timeline, but believes it could be complete in the next few months.

No Swimming: Bayswater Beach Closed

A Lunenburg County beach is off-limits to swimmers. Bayswater Beach has been closed because of high levels of bacteria. The province's Department of Health and Wellness indicates the beach will reopen when water testing shows it is safe. It's the second time this summer Bayswater Beach has been closed because of high bacteria levels. If you are looking for updates, call the Lifeguard information line at 477-6168.

Chester Race Week Sets Sail

The largest keelboat regatta in Canada is underway. Chester Race Week set sail today, and features nearly 125 entries. They will compete for bragging rights in a dozen different divisions on a challenging course in waters around Mahone Bay. Committee Chair JP Currie called it a highlight of the summer sailing season. He says it's also a great community event.



A large percentage of the participants hail from Lunenburg, Chester, Mahone Bay and Halifax. Chester Race Week continues through until Saturday.

Veteran PC MLA Gives Thumbs-Up To Minister For Ferry Announcement

Chris d'Entremont is the Progressive Conservative MLA in Argyle. He says Tuesday's announcement about talks pending between the province and a potential new Yarmouth ferry operator about a resumption of service is the best news he's heard in some time. d'Entremont is also giving full marks to Tourism and Economic Development Minister Graham Steele. He says Steele has added credibility to these two major government departments that seemed for years to lack guidance.



At the same time, d'Entremont says the ferry announcement will no doubt form some part of the Dexter government's re-election campaign in this region.

Liberal Reaction To Yarmouth Ferry Announcement

Yarmouth Liberal MLA Zach Churchill says the ferry service announcement on Tuesday was long overdue. He says, in hindsight, the service should not have been cancelled. Churchill says tens of millions of dollars in potential revenue for the tourist industry and other business has been lost as a result. He says a lot of repair lies ahead.



Churchill hopes the federal government will soon officially come on board and help with the resumption of the ferry service, including renovations to the abandoned ferry terminal in Yarmouth.

Memorial Softball Tourney Raises $5,500 For High School Bursary

A softball tournament has helped raise over $5,500 for a bursary at Barrington Municipal High School. The first ever Katlin Nickerson Memorial Mixed Softball Tournament was held last weekend at the Sherose Island, Shag Harbour and South Side ball fields. The event was held on the same weekend as Mariner's Day and Seaman's Memorial Day, paying tribute to men and women in the fishing industry and remembering those who have lost their lives at sea. Organizer and Katlin's mother, Della Sears, says it makes sense to have the tournament on that weekend.



Sears says she's thankful for the community support during the event.

Local Mayors Pleased By Ferry News

A pair of Lunenburg County mayors are pleased to hear steps have been taken to revive the Yarmouth ferry. The province is entering into negotiations with STM Quest to operate the service between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Bridgewater Mayor David Walker says its good news for the region.



The mayor for the District of Lunenburg agrees. Don Downe says a ferry service will benefit the entire province by bringing in more tourists.



Negotiations with the company are scheduled to begin later this week and last roughly three weeks. An update is expected early next month.

Summer Games: Golden Night For South Shore Athletes

It was a golden night Tuesday for South Shore athletes at the Canada Summer Games. Lunenburg's Jesse Drennan started the gold rush by winning the men's decathlon. The momentum continued with Liverpool's Chelsea Whalen earning top marks in the women's shot put. She had the top toss of 15.54 metres. And finally, Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills raced his way to first in the men's 3,000 metre steeplechase. He finished in a time of eight minutes, 58 seconds. Bridgewater's Courtney Langille along with her teammates also qualified for the women's 4 x 400 metre relay final. They finished third in their heat.

TSN Anchor Excited For Kraft Celebration Tour

One of the on-air personalities with the The Sports Network says he's looking forward to traveling to Bridgewater for the first time. Rod Smith has worked for TSN for 26-years, but will make his first appearance on the Kraft Celebration Tour since it began in 2009. Smith will team up with Kate Beirness to host Sunday's live broadcast at Shipyard's Landing. He says he's excited for the experience.



Smith says he's expecting a loud broadcast, with plenty of raucous people during the Bridgewater stop. Festivities get underway at 5pm Sunday before TSN begins its live broadcast at 7pm.

MODL: Local Group To Construct Highway 10 Sidewalk

A portion of Highway 10 near the French school in Cookville is getting over 300 metres of sidewalk. The Municipality of Lunenburg has awarded a tender to Town and Country Property for $108,507.37 to construct the sidewalk and around 270 metres of widened shoulder along Champlain Drive and Evanagelie Court. Funding is being provided from gas tax, as well as roughly $60-thousand from the Nova Scotia Moves grant. Mayor Don Downe says it's a community benefit.



The main purpose for the work is to allow children to have access to a sidewalk if there is an emergency at the French school. The start date for the work is not known.

Bridgewater: Town Exploring Plastic Bag Ban

The town of Bridgewater is exploring the option of banning plastic bags. Council is directing staff to further research and engage the community on the issue. Councillor Andrew Tanner says banning the plastic carry-out bags would help reduce litter and protect water quality in the area. He says things need to change.



Tanner says people could adjust to using reusable bags or paper bags when shopping. He hopes staff will report back with a goal to create a by-law banning plastic bags in the town by January 1, 2014.

STM Quest, Province To Negotiate Yarmouth Ferry Service

The Nova Scotia government will enter into negotiations with STM Quest to set up and run a ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele announced the decision today in Yarmouth. Three companies submitted business plans to operate the ferry service beginning next year.  A team of representatives from the Nova Scotia International Ferry Partnership and the province evaluated the plans based on financial stability, a management structure with expertise and a history of managing successful ferry services, and tourism and marketing experience. STM Quest is a joint venture between ST Marine Ltd. and Quest Navigation. The province has committed to investing up to $21-million over seven years for the service.

Chester: Public Hearing On Proposed Cell Tower

A communications tower will be topic for discussion Tuesday evening in Chester. Council is holding a public hearing on the matter, to gauge resident opinion on the installation of a 76-metre tower planned for 165 Beech Hill Road in Gold River. Eastlink is proposing the tower to meet the increasing demand of wireless services in the Chester, Chester Basin, Gold River and Western Shore areas. The hearing begins at 7pm at Chester Municipal Council Chambers.

Town Agrees To Sell King Street Library Building

The town of Bridgewater is selling the current library building on King Street. Council agreed to direct staff to advertise a tender that would list the property for sale, before the current tenants move to their new location in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The decision was 5-2 in favour of the motion, with councillors Jennifer MacDonald and Michael Graves voting against it. Graves hopes council doesn't live to regret the choice.



Mayor David Walker says he's confident with council's decision.



The decision comes after the group known as Cafe 12 withdrew their proposal to use the building for a non-profit community cafe.

Riverfest Founder Reflects On Summer Festival

Final prep work is underway before the start of Riverfest. The popular grassroots festival - which is held in the heart of a Lunenburg County turnip field - is entering it's ninth year. Organizer Jonathan Crouse says the concert grounds have been cleared and staging is being assembled today (Tuesday). Crouse says it's been special to watch the event grow over the years.



All the proceed from the event go toward Lunenburg County 4-H and St. Andrews Lutheran Church. For more information on tickets and performers - log on to www.rockthebush.com.