VIDEO: Bluenose II "Back In The Tub"

Bluenose II made a successful splash back in Lunenburg water this morning before dozens of spectators along the town's waterfront. The vessel was towed to the Lunenburg Foundry plant wharf where it prepares for dock and sea trials. Dock trials are expected to begin immediately. President and CEO of the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance, Peter Kinley, says sea trials will start once they get clearance from the American Bureau of Shipping. The trials will test the vessel to make sure its seaworthy. Kinley says it's unclear when Bluenose II will be available for public tours.

The vessel has be undergoing restoration work for the last three years, and will cost more than $16-million once its finished. You can watch Bluenose II get lowered into the water in the video below.

Regular & High-Test Gas Prices Lower, Diesel Up

Prices for regular and high test gasoline are down some today at South Shore pumps. Diesel is up in price though. Regular self serve is lower by half a cent to $1.39.3. High test is selling for about a cent lower at $1.48.2 per litre. Diesel rose a cent overnight however to $1.40.4.

UPDATE: Missing South Shore Man Returns Home

A Bridgewater man has turned up safe and sound at his home. 47-year-old Christopher Mark Cook had been missing for a day and had last been seen Wednesday night heading into the woods in the Port Medway area. Cook arrived home last evening in Port Medway and he's said to be in good condition. No word on why he'd gone missing for 24 hours.

Queens RCMP Search For Missing Bridgewater Man

RCMP are on the lookout for a missing man in the Port Medway area. The Mounties in Queens say 47-year-old Christopher Mark Cook of Bridgewater was last seen going into the woods last night around 6:15pm. He is described as a white man,  5'1, 130 pounds with blonde, balding hair and a goatee. He was last seen wearing a grey Old Navy sweat shirt and blue jeans. The Mounties say they have conducted a number of inquiries at local homes and businesses but haven't located the man. The Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP Police Dog Service are all involved in the search. Anyone with information is asked to contact Queens RCMP at (902) 354-5721.

BREAKING: Yarmouth Ferry Deal Reached

A deal has been reach to resume the Yarmouth to Maine ferry service. Economic Development Minister Graham Steele announced today the province has reached a deal with STM Quest to operate the ferry run beginning May 1, 2014. Steele says a few things still need to fall into place such as upgrades to the ferry terminal in Yarmouth. The province will provide the operator with $21 million over seven years as long as a number of terms and conditions are followed including a set schedule. The sailing schedule will be May 1 to Oct. 31, departing Yarmouth daily at 9 a.m. and arriving in Portland at 5 p.m., local time. The return trip would leave Portland at 8 p.m. and arrive in Yarmouth at 7 a.m., local time. The ferry service hasn't been running since a government funded subsidy was cut in 2009.

Local Artists Earn Music NS Award Nominations

A number of South Shore singer-songwriters are looking to win Music Nova Scotia awards. Chester's Old Man Luedecke leads the way with five nominations including entertainer of the year, male artist recording of the year, music video of the year, recording of the year and folk recording of the year. Yarmouth's Ryan Cook is up for three Music Nova Scotia awards including entertainer of the year and male artist recording of the year. Cook joins Chester's Amanda Riley trying to win country-bluegrass recording of the year. Lunenburg's Air Traffic Control is up for rock recording of the year and Electric City Underground for electric recording of the year. New Ross' Jamie Junger is up for children's recording of the year. On the industry side, a number of local festivals are vying for the same award. The Chester Playhouse, Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women and Song in Lockeport and the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society have been nominated for community presenter of the year. Harmony Bazaar is also up for event of the year. The festival's organizer, Errin Williams-Spidle, is nominated for volunteer of the year. Milton's Kimberly Sinclair of SpinCount Music and Promotions has been nominated for industry professional of the year and publicist of the year. Diego Medina of Riverport is hoping to win studio engineer of the year while his workplace, the Old Confidence Lodge, Studio & Stage is up for recording studio of the year. Liverpool's Justin MacPherson Wiles is vying for visual artist of the year. The awards will be presented November 10th during Molson Canadian Nova Scotia Music Week festivities in Sydney.

Utility Board Gives Green Light To South Canoe Wind Project

The warden of the Municipality of Chester says he's relieved that a decision on the South Canoe Wind Project has finally been made. The province's regulatory board released its 85-page decision on the project Thursday morning in favour of a development agreement between the municipality and the project's proponents including Nova Scotia Power, Oxford Foods and Minas Basin Pulp and Power.  In announcing its decision today, the URB says the Friends of South Canoe failed to show Chester council erred in supporting the wind power project and that the wind farm would be harmful to health. Allen Webber says they're anticipating between $10-15 million worth of benefit to local contractors to provide the groundwork. He says there are other benefits.



Webber says the decision proves Chester's by-law was adequate.  He doesn't expect any development to begin until after supreme court case involving Nova Scotia Power is held in November. When complete and running, the 34 wind turbines will generate enough power to heat some 32,000 homes.

Jury Selection Continues At Eisnor Trial

Jury selection will stretch into a third day in the first degree murder trial of a Lunenburg County man. Nearly 300 potential jurors have been summoned to appear for jury duty in the high profile case. Wayne Eisnor, 50, of Barss Corner is accused of shooting and killing his estranged wife, Tina Mae Eisnor, in June 2010 in a New Germany parking lot, before turning the gun on himself. Dozens of witnesses are expected to be called to testify over the course of the two-week trial.

Green Light For Upgrades At IWK Health Centre

A power outage won't cause any problems at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The hospital is about to get a number of upgrades which include a new generator. Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson says when children need medical attention they shouldn't have to worry about things like a power failure, or the condition of the hospital's energy sources. The IWK upgrades have been given approval and they will now issue a request for proposal, the work scheduled to be completed within 18 months of the tender being awarded. The upgrades were part of the hospital's annual wish list and will include a new generator and transformers. The generator at the IWK is currently 35 years-old.

New Ambulance Makes South Shore Stops

A local paramedic is looking forward to the next wave of ambulances. The province spent today showing off one of the new series of ambulances in Bridgewater, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Meteghan. The new ambulances include a redesigned patient care area with safer seating and reflective graphics on backs and sides to make the vehicles more visible to other drivers. Private-care paramedic Kyle Mohammed says he's pleased with how it looks.



The new ambulances are expected to begin rolling out in November for the next four years. The older models will be refurbished and sold outside the province. The province signed a contract with Tri-Star Industries of Yarmouth to lease 150 ambulances. The eight-year contract is worth $31.4 million.

Bridgewater: Design Work Planned For Four Projects

The town of Bridgewater is increasing the number of projects receiving detailed designs in the downtown and waterfront master plan. Mayor David Walker says two components were originally slated for the preliminary work including wider sidewalks and resting places on King Street and re-development of the south parkade. However, the town would like to prepare detailed designs for the Old Bridge and parking options on King Street after it was awarded a $60,000 grant from the province. Walker says there are a few options to consider for the bridge.



The total cost of the preliminary design work was $150,000 until the town received the grant. Staff will ask council September 9 to approve increasing the budget to $210,000.

News Regarding Yarmouth Ferry Expected Thursday

It's getting close now. An update is expected tomorrow (Thursday) on negotiations between the Nova Scotia government and STM Quest to restart the Yarmouth ferry service. Both sides have been deep in talks since the middle of August. Economic Development Minister Graham Steele is expected to deliver the latest on efforts to bring back the ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine. The government has stated that if a deal can't be reach with STM Quest, it will look at the next proponent in line that's capable of running the ferry. The current proposal would see the ferry operate between May and October.

Friday: Bluenose II Set For Return In Lunenburg

Its been more than 3 years since the restoration began. Now, preparations are underway to return Bluenose II to the water on Friday. There will then be sea-trials for several weeks. The last major job in the $16-million refit was installation of the schooner's steel rudder. Its still unknown when the famous replica will resume its role as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador.

Liberals Hold 10 Point Lead In Latest Poll

The latest political poll in Nova Scotia has the Liberals maintaining a comfortable 10 point lead among decided voters. However, the governing NDP has closed the gap since the last poll was released in May. The Liberal have 41 percent of decided voters backing their party. The NDP sit in second with 31 percent and the PC's are in third at 25 percent. Meanwhile, Stephen McNeil is the most popular leader among decided voters at 30 percent. Darrell Dexter and Jamie Ballie are tied at 19 percent. The number of Nova Scotians who are undecided remains high and rests at 41 percent. The Corporate Research Associates poll is considered accurate to within 2.4 percentage points or 95 out of 100 times.

Lumberjacks: Cuts Made Ahead Of Valley Game

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have made more cuts ahead of their game Wednesday night against the Valley Wildcats. Owner Ken Petrie says the team has cut Braden Kamarmens, Brett Tidman, Gavyn Connell-Helle and Isaac Bridge. Petrie also revealed the team has traded forward Josh Bowman to Woodstock for a ninth round pick in 2014. Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey is scheduled to be in the line-up tonight for his first game in a Lumberjacks jersey. The Jacks and Wildcats face-off at 7pm at the Bridgewater Memorial Arena.

Day Two Of Bridgewater Eisnor Trial

The trial of a South Shore man, accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife, moves into its 2nd day today. Jury selection continues. Hundreds of potential jurors filled the courthouse in Bridgewater yesterday as the process began for the trial of Wayne Paul Eisnor. The 50-year-old Barss Corner man is accused of shooting Tina Mae Eisnor in a New Germany grocery store parking lot on June 30th, 2010. Eisnor then turned the gun on himself. He suffered brain damage as a result of the wound. However, he's been deemed fit to stand trial.

Bridgewater Firefighters Compete At FireFit Nationals

Two Bridgewater firefighters are getting ready to prove themselves against some of the country's best. Ryan Buck and Steve Freeman are competing at the National FireFit Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. The pair qualified for the event based on their results at the regional event in Bridgewater earlier this summer. Buck finished fifth after running the obstacle course in one minute and 30 seconds while Freeman finished in a time of one minute and 35 seconds to finish tenth. Both men say they're expecting a new level of competition.



The FireFit nationals open Thursday and last until Sunday.

Valley: Parkers Cove Man ID'd After Boating Mishap

An Annapolis Valley man has been identified as the victim of a boating mishap over the weekend. Police say they recovered the body of 58-year-old Allan Clayton of Parkers Cove. He died in an incident in the Bay of Fundy on Saturday. A number of search vessels were involved in the rescue attempt including a boat out of Saint John. Clayton's body was recovered from the water not far from his boat.

Baseball: Bulldogs Win Provincial Title

The Bridgewater Bulldogs are provincial champs. The Bulldogs went 5-0 in the weekend baseball tournament held in Bridgewater. The 'dogs rolled to a 9-1 win over Dartmouth in the championship game. The Bulldogs will represent Nova Scotia at Atlantic's in Newfoundland next weekend.

Police: Witness Helps Nab Impaired Driver

Police are giving credit to some witnesses after they nabbed an impaired driver in Bridgewater over the weekend. They say witnesses waited until police arrived after a car crashed early Sunday morning on Jubliee Road. It helped officers identify a suspected drunk driver and a passenger who was also riding in the car. Police say a 24 year old Shelburne county man is facing impaired driving charges as a result. He's also been charged with dangerous driving. No injuries were reported.

Shelburne: Police Bust Up Grow-Op

The RCMP have charged a Shelburne County man after dismantling a large grow operation near Shelburne. Police say 70 mature marihuana plants were seized in a wooded area around Lake Wentworth late last week. The Mounties also searched a home on  Lower Jordan Branch Road and arrested at 47-year-old man. He faces a number of drug-related offenses and will appear in Shelburne Provincial Court in October.

Bridgewater Police Turn To Social Media

A local police service is jumping on board social media to try and better inform citizens of Bridgewater. The town police are ramping up the number of tweets they churn out of their Twitter account. Chief John Collyer says they see it as a way to reach out to more people.



The Bridgewater Police Service Twitter account can be found by searching for the handle @policenews. Collyer says they are also looking into getting a police Facebook account. Meanwhile, you can follow our Twitter accounts at @ckbwradio and @HANK_FM

Tuesday: Jury Selection In Eisnor Trial Begins

Jury selection begins today in the first degree murder trial of a Barss Corner man in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Wayne Paul Eisnor is set to stand trial in the shooting death of his estranged wife. The incident unfolded outside a grocery store in New Germany in June of 2010.  Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife twice while she was in a car outside the store. He then turned the gun on himself. The 50 year-old suffered serious brain damage as a result of self-inflicted gunshot wound. His mental fitness to stand trial has been an ongoing issue ever since. In a final decision last month, a supreme court judge ruled Eisnor was fit to stand trial on the murder charge. More than two weeks have been set aside for the trial.

Lightning Sparks Weekend Blaze In Windsor

Remember that intense lightning storm on Sunday? It actually being blamed for a fire at a home in Hants County. About 20 firefighters from Windsor and Brooklyn responded to the call on Wentworth Road. Windsor's Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Juteau says fire was coming out the top of the roof when they got to the scene. He says the lightning strike hit the peak of the house. Juteau says it doesn't happen very often and it was the first one he's been to in a long time. There was significant damage to the home.

Health Services Moved In Queens County

A numbers of health services in Queens County have been temporarily moved as part of the large hospital project. Support services offered in the former nurses residence will be shifted to Milton School. Programs include Addiction and Mental Health, Palliative Care, Public Health, Seniors Community Health Team and Hearing and Speech Services. Those programs will return to Queens General Hospital when construction of the new medical unit and primary care centre are complete. The health authority says clients will be notified of the change in location when they schedule an appointment.

Lumberjacks: Goalies Chosen, More Cuts Made

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have selected their two goalies for this season. Billy Clarke and Cory Peterson will spend time between the pipes for the Jacks. Clarke is a returning member of the team while Peterson spent last season with the South Shore Mustangs. Meanwhile, owner Ken Petrie says the club released Mike Callahan, and Jacob King from training camp. He adds, Morgan Lunn and Luc Poirier have returned to their midget teams but will be affiliated players. The Lumberjacks also received some good news as Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey will be at practice on Tuesday.

Our Health Centre: Minister, Warden Pleased With Funding

The Minister of Community Services says 'Our Health Centre' will be key in providing access to care to Chester residents. The province announced $500,000 recently for the innovative centre, which will house a number of services including six family doctors' offices with connecting exam rooms, offices for mental health and addiction, a diabetic clinic and blood collection. The proposed 12,500 square foot complex will be located in Shoreham Village. Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the community-driven centre will benefit the area.



Meanwhile, the investment from the province is getting a nod of approval from the municipality's warden. Allen Webber says he's happy to hear the news.



The group behind 'Our Health Centre' is still fundraising towards the health facility. The goal is have it up and running in the next few years.

Regional Hospital Celebrating 25th Anniversary

A major event is in the works to celebrate the silver anniversary of the South Shore Regional Hospital. The Bridgewater hospital will mark it's 25 anniversary with a gala event slated for October. The celebration will be held in conjunction with Health Services Foundation's annual fundraiser "Jeans and Gems" Development Officer Bernadette Jordan says money raised will help with the purchase of a mobile x-ray machine.



The fundraiser is a ticketed event and will feature silent auction, casino night and dance. It will be held October 26th at the Michelin Social Club. The regional hospital was built in 1988 and serves roughly 60,000 people.

MODL: By-Law Addressing Civic Numbers, Road Signs In Effect

A new by-law is making it mandatory to post a civic number at the end of your driveway in the Municipality of Lunenburg. It's designed to make it easier for emergency responders to find homes and businesses. Mayor Don Downe says over 2,600 homes in the municipality are without a civic address. He says its a safety issue.



The by-law also makes it mandatory to post signage on private roads. If numbers or signs aren't posted, people could face a fine of over $225. For more details, please click here .

MODL: Providing Funds For Lunenburg Arena

The Lunenburg Arena is getting a financial boost from its neighbouring municipality. The District of Lunenburg is providing $8,000 to the town to help pay operational costs at the facility. Mayor Don Downe says they're trying to lend a hand when they can.




The funding brings the municipality's total contribution for the rink to $15,000. Downe says the municipality has also agreed to review its policy on providing grants to towns and facilities before the 2014-15 fiscal year.

Baseball Playoffs: Bulldogs Take Down Halifax

In the Bantam AAA baseball playoffs in Bridgewater. The local Bulldogs got off to a good start thanks to some solid pitching Brice Zinn. The 'Dogs beat Halifax 5-3. Ryan O'Tool has a pair of RBI's in the victory to break the game open. The Bulldogs take the field again this afternoon at 3 o'clock. They will host Dartmouth.

Mooseheads Cut Brennan Bailey

The Halifax Mooseheads have parted ways with Lunenburg's Brennan Bailey. The 19-year-old defenseman was cut by the Moose Friday morning before their game against Cape Breton tonight at the Halifax Forum. Bailey was part of the club's Memorial Cup season last year, playing 14 games and notching a goal and an assist. Bailey was acquired by the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks at this summer's MHL draft in Pictou. He also played major midget hockey with the South Shore Mustangs.

Spts-Local Morning Sports Wrap

The South Shore Mustangs doubled the Valley Wildcats 6-3 last night in an exhibition hockey game in Bridgewater. Leading the scoring was Keith Getson with a hat-track. Singles were scored by Travis Parks, Joel Cottreau and Colby Muise. The Mustangs' next exhibiton game will be Sunday at 1 pm, again at the Bridgewater Arena, when the team hosts the Halifax MacDonalds.

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks hit the ice again tonight at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool.
The Jacks will be hosting the Yarmouth Mariners for another pre-season MHL exhibition game. It kicks off at 7 o'clock.

The Bridgewater Bulldog Bantam Triple-A baseball team is hosting the Nova Scotia Provincials in Bridgewater this weekend.  Play gets underway at the Kinsmen Field this morning at 10 with Bridgewater facing off against Hammonds Plains.  The Bridgewater team also plays at 3 pm and again at 10 am & 3 pm on Saturday.

Port Mouton: Province Helps Blue Wave Seafoods

A long standing employer in Queens County is getting help from the Nova Scotia Government. Blue Wave Seafood in Port Mouton is getting a $500,000 loan from the provincial government to help restructure its operations. The loan is repayable over the next ten years. The company employs nearly 70 full and part-time staff and is a fish processor and exporter. Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau says the money will provide the company with working capital as it restructures to achieve long-term sustainability. Nova Scotia is Canada's third largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at about $922 million in 2012.

Chester Councillor Pleased With New Crosswalk

A Chester councillor is applauding the addition of a crosswalk near Chester Area Middle School. Brad Armstrong says parents lobbied for a crosswalk during the last municipal election and he decided to work on the issue. He says he approached the Village Commission and they agreed to pay for the crosswalk, painted by the Department of Transportation, and hire a part-time crossing guard. Armstrong says its good news.



He expects roughly 40-50 kids will use the crosswalk daily at Duke and Main streets.

MODL Provides Funding To Help Recruit Doctors

The Municipality of Lunenburg has agreed to provide up to $2,000 to help persuade nurse practitioners to the area. Mayor Don Downe says the money will help send people from South Shore Health to New Brunswick this fall to market the South Shore and recruit doctors. The municipality will match funding with the town of Bridgewater. Downe says they have to separate themselves from other regions in the Maritimes.



Downe says the one thing he's heard while traveling to local communities is the need for more family doctors.

Standby For NS Gasoline Price Hike

Gas prices have taken a hike in New Brunswick overnight. Regular self serve is up 3 cents a litre today to $1.37.1. Diesel is up even more to $1.39.7. With that in mind, prices are likely to jump overnight tonight here on the South Shore by similar amounts. The increase in gas prices is being fueled by whats been happening on the world markets. The price of oil world-wide is actually down $1.31 today so far after finishing yesterday at its highest close in more than two years. Oil is trading at $108.79 U-S a barrel.
The price jumped more than a dollar yesterday on jitters about a possible U-S-led military attack on Syria.

Ferry Partnership Head Optimistic Yarmouth-Maine Service Will Become A Reality

The man who heads up the International Ferry Partnership is optomistic a new ferry service between Yarmouth and Maine will be in operation by next May.  Keith Condon helped spearhead the move to get the ferry back up and running.  He says the provincial government will is there, compared to 2009 when it wasn't.



STM Quest is in negotiations with the Dexter government that may lead to an agreement between the two for STM to run the service.

Garden Centre Raises Over $5,000 For Breast Cancer Foundation

The Oceanview Garden Centre in Chester has raised thousands of dollars for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. The centre held a pair of fundraising events and also collected bras to send on mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Employee Lauri McCulloch says $5,716.60 was raised for a good cause.


McCulloch says she expects the fundraising event is something they will hold again next year.

Waters Finishes Sixth At Paracanoe Worlds

A Fox Point paddler has a top-10 finish at the Paracanoe World Championships in Germany. Dave Waters finished sixth in the men's 200 metre V1 event, finishing just over a second behind the eventual winner from Spain. Waters posted to Facebook after the race, saying he was happy with sixth place because it was the hardest race he has have ever done. He finished in third place at last year's World Championships in Poland.

MODL: Plans To Market Osprey Ridge In The Works

The Municipality of Lunenburg is taking steps to find a company to market Osprey Ridge. The golf course, just outside Bridgewater, has been under the municipality's possession since they took over ownership late in 2011. Mayor Don Downe says they are preparing to issue a call for companies to submit proposals, showcasing how they could market the golf course effectively in hopes of selling it. Downe says the timing is right.



Downe expects the overall process to last months but is confident they can find a company that will keep the course publicly-owned.

Bridgewater's McIntosh Finishes Fourth In Holland

Bridgewater's Rachael McIntosh is back in Canada after a fourth place finish in a women's heptathlon event in Holland. McIntosh competed in the 11th International Meeting of Combined Events against some of Europe's top heptathletes. The 22-year-old narrowly missed out on the bronze medal. She finished with a total of 5,443 points, only 48 behind third place. McIntosh won the 800 metre run and finished third in the 200 metre run and shot put. (Photo Courtesy of Fiona Clark)

Belliveau Selected As NDP Candidate In Queens-Shelburne

Fisheries and Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau will be the NDP candidate in Queens-Shelburne for the next provincial election.  He was chosen at a nominating meeting last night in Liverpool.  Belliveau says he's inheriting a legacy of community service by retiring MLA Vicki Conrad.



Belliveau was unopposed for the nomination.  He says some of the issues in the riding in the upcoming election campaign will include jobs, aquaculture, health care and seniors programs. Belliveau also says he's proud to have helped the area re-group after the closure of Bowater.  As a result of electoral boundary changes, his present riding of Shelburne has been split in two parts, Queens-Shelburne (in which he will be running) and Argyle-Barrington.

Province Adding Relief Staff To Adult Day Centres

Four South Shore agencies are among 29 groups soon to benefit from staffing improvements in adult centres for persons with disabilities. The province announced roughly $900,000 in annual funding to provide relief staff in the centres when regular workers are sick or need to be away. The money will go towards salaries for relief staff and kicks-in January 1, 2014. Minister of Community Services, Denise Peterson-Rafuse, says its an initiative she's been working on for over a year.



Local groups that will benefit include The Ark in Bridgewater, Penny Lane Enterprises in Queens, the Shelburne Association Supporting Inclusion and Kaye Nickerson Adult Service Centre in Yarmouth.

Lunenburg Academy's Future In Question

The mayor of Lunenburg says the town has to regroup when it comes to the future of Lunenburg Academy. A plan to host a graduate school for music, starting this fall, has been scaled back after funding sources fell through. The program was looking for roughly $4.6-million to cover start-up fees and three-year initiation period for the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, or LAMP. Rachel Bailey is optimistic they can find a solution.



Bailey says the town is providing roughly $250,000 in this year's budget for operating costs and capital repairs. She says council will meet to discuss options in the near future.

Bridgewater: Tickets/Fines If Caught With Grass? Maybe

If you're caught with a joint or a dime baggie full of grass you might be slapped with a ticket and fine. Canada's Police Chiefs are suggesting it might be the way to move forward after they supported the motion during a meeting last week in Winnipeg. John Collyer of Bridgewater Police says it would still leave the door open to proceed with criminal charges depending on how much pot the person has on them. He says by issuing a ticket, like they do for open liquor, it could give his members more time on the streets and in the community to deal with other matters.



However, Collyer was quick to point out, police do not support the legalization of marihuana. Police still have to work with government to amend legislation in order for the change to take affect.

Liverpool: Strike Vote At Queens Manor

Nursing home workers in Liverpool can legally go on strike. The 56 members of CUPE local 2648 at Queens Manor have voted 98 percent in favour of the action. The main issue deals with sick leave. The workers can strike after 48 hours notice to the Minister of Labour. However, both sides have agreed to bring in a conciliator to resume talks. A date hasn't been set for the talks. Unionized staff at the manor include continuing care assistants, cooks, licensed practical nurses and personal care workers.

Lumberjacks Make Cuts At Training Camp

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have trimmed down their training camp roster. The Junior hockey club released five players following last night's inter-squad game including Josh Bowman, Ryan Campbell, Alex Rawding, Zack Foster and goaltender Dylan Frank. The cuts aren't the first to be made as Joel Cleveland, Brandon Barrett and Tim LaFleur were left go following opening ice times in Liverpool over the weekend. Owner Ken Petrie also revealed this morning that Josh Fitzgerald is heading back to Newfoundland to complete his grade 12 and play major midget. The cuts leave 33 players at training camp. The team has an off day today before players return to the ice in Bridgewater Wednesday.