High Liner Supports Lunenburg Academy Of Music Performance

Proponents with the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance have secured a second major financial donation. High Liner Foods Inc. has committed a $100,000 funding agreement over four years with the international school of music. It follows a $100,000 investment last October from Susan and Guenther Reibling, owners of Lunenburg-based Stellar Investment. The support from High Liner will allow LAMP to negotiate a lease agreement with the town for the third floor of the Lunenburg Academy building. LAMP will open its doors to the world on October 13 with the first annual Rossini Opera Academy. The distinguished Maestro, Alberto Zedda will conduct an intense two-week course on modern Rossini performance techniques. President of LAMP's Board of Directors, Ellen Wathen, says they have more potential donors in place and expect to release more news in April.

Sexual Assault Trial Underway in Bridgewater Supreme Court

The sexual assault trial of a Lower Sackville man got underway this morning in Bridgewater Supreme Court. John Leonard MacKean is facing two charges involving a chained-up teenage boy in a cabin in Upper Chelsea in 2012. The 64 year old is also charged with communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services from a person under 18. Crown prosecutor Lloyd Tancock says three witnesses will be called over the coarse of the trial. The young boy is expected to be one of the witnesses. A 12 member jury, consisting of 7 women and 5 men, was selected yesterday. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor will represent the accused. The high profile case is expected to last about three days.

Dying With Dignity Holds Lunenburg County Talks

A new Dying with Dignity chapter in Nova Scotia believes people deserve to know their rights regarding end-of-life choices.  Volunteers with the chapter are hoping to shine some light on the issue on the South Shore A pair of talks are planned for Tuesday. The first one will be at the Mahone Bay Centre at 2pm. Another talk is scheduled for 6:30pm inside the Margaret Hennigar Public Library at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre.

Bridgewater: Jury Selected In MacKean Trial

The trial for a Lower Sackville man charged with sexual assault in the case of a teenage boy who was chained inside a Lunenburg County cabin will begin tomorrow. John Leonard MacKean is scheduled to have a three-day trial by judge and jury in Bridgewater Supreme Court.
Jury selection for the trial began Monday. MacKean is charged with a prostitution related offence. A panel consisting of seven women and five men will hear the trial. Last June, David James LeBlanc was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions.
That conviction involves the same teenage boy who was able to escape the cabin. The incident was reported to police shortly after he escaped.

Plan In Motion To Raise Cape Rouge

A plan is in place to raise an old fishing trawler in Bridgewater. Several pylons will be placed between the dock and the ship over the next few days for stabilization. Divers with RMI Marine Ltd. will then seal up the ship, making it water-tight before the vessel will start being pumped out of the water. Senior response officer with the Canadian Coast Guard, Keith Laidlaw, expects to see some movement on the weekend. He says it's a lengthy process.



Laidlaw says they are being calculated and careful during this step. Over 5,000 litres of fuel was taken out of the ship while over 700 kilograms of absorbent pads soaked in oil were gathered from water surrounding the vessel. The Cape Rouge began sinking at the Port of Bridgewater on March 10.

Business Group Halting Managerial Duties Of 'Why Here' Project

Bridgewater is taking a wait-and-see approach before it decides if it will provide funding to an initiative that promotes the local area. The 'Why Here' project has been managed by the South Shore Business Growth Association since the Lunenburg-Queens Regional Development Agency shut its doors. However, the association will no longer manage the program as of March 31 due to a lack of funding. Manager of the Bridgewater Development Association, Ida Scott, says units including the Region of Queens, the municipalities of Chester and Lunenburg and towns of Bridgewater, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg could look after the 'Why Here' project for six months.



Scott says they have a proposed six month budget of $23,000, which includes a part-time coordinator and technical support for the website. Bridgewater has declined a $5,000 pre-budget request until more information is available.

Trial Begins For Third Man Related To Upper Chelsea Confinement Case

The trial for a Lower Sackville man charged with sexual assault in the case of a teenage boy who was chained inside a Lunenburg County cabin will begin this week. John Leonard MacKean is scheduled to have a three-day trial by judge and jury in Bridgewater Supreme Court. Jury selection got underway this morning (Monday). MacKean is charged with a prostitution related offence and sexual assault. Last June, David James LeBlanc was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions. That conviction involves the same teenage boy who was able to escape the cabin. The incident was reported to police shortly after he escaped.

South Shore Labour Protests Cutting Door To Door Mail Delivery

The South Shore District Labour Council held a rally and march this morning (Monday) in Bridgewater. About a dozen members walked from the North Street main post office at 8 o'clock to outside the office of South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy. Rally organizer Jackie Giffin says among other things, they're focusing attention these days on Canada Post's plan to eliminate door-to-door mail delivery.



Eliminating door-to-door mail delivery is only part of Canada Post's plan to cut costs, including increasing postage.  Giffin also says the federal government is cutting too many public services and that is impacting society as a whole.

South Shore Sports: Weekend Wrap

A big weekend for Josh Shatford of Fox Point. The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks' forward scored a goal in his first ever 'Q' League game, helping Charlottetown to a win over Saint John. Shatford and the Islanders begin the playoffs this Friday night in Halifax against the Mooseheads. The red-hot Herd have won 13 straight games finishing second overall in the standings.

The BMO Western Hurricanes finished fourth overall in the NS Major Bantam provincials over the weekend in North Sydney. They were defeated in the bronze medal game in sudden-death overtime 4-3 by the Breton Sport Cougars. In nets for the Hurricanes was Parker Rowter, stopping 32 of 36 shots. The Hurricanes ended their regular season with 21 wins, five losses and seven ties. 

A Bridgewater team has claimed the 2014 Under-15 provincial junior curling championship. The Christopher Rafuse rink topped Liam Moore of CFB Halifax 9-3 in Sunday's final in Liverpool. The team, which includes Kya McArthur, MacKenzie Nauss, and Abby Rafuse, finished the event with a 5-1 record.

UPDATE: 4 Injured In Bridgewater Fire

A pot of grease left unattended and boiling on a stove caused a fire in a Bridgewater apartment Saturday night. Three people were injured and a Bridgewater fire fighter also suffered an injury. Fire chief Michael Nauss explains.



Meanwhile, Chief Nauss says grease fires are among the most dangerous kitchen fires.



By the way, damage to the Pleasant Street apartment was minimal, mainly smoke in the kitchen area.

Bridgewater: Grease Fire Causes Multiple Injuries

 

There were multiple injuries following a grease fire in Bridgewater over the weekend. The fire broke out Saturday evening at a home on Pleasant Street. Police say three people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital - one person was later taken to Halifax for further treatment. Meanwhile, a volunteer firefighter was also injured while fighting the fire. Those injuries are described as being minor in nature. The fire has been deemed accidental.

Top Ten Scams

Computer virus fixing, credit card interest rates, debt settlement and mystery shopping are among the top ten scams making the rounds in our region. The Maritime Better Business Bureau has compiled a list. The Bureau's Jill Atkinson says virus-fixing tops it as consumers get suspicious email messages claiming they have a serious virus problem in their computer that needs fixing right away.



Atkinson says if that happens, you're open to the scammers getting all your personal information, passwords, credit card numbers and the like. She suggests ignoring such messages and even reporting them to police or the BBB.

Here's the top ten list of scams as compiled by the Better Business Bureau:

1.         Computer Virus fixing Scam

2.         Credit Card Interest Rates

3.         Advance Fee Loans Scam

4.         Debt Settlement

5.         Door to Door Sales

6.         Mystery Shopping

7.         Foreign Lotteries

8.         Sweepstakes

9.         Phishing Scams

10.       Inheritance Scams

Demolition of Lunenburg Building Likely After Appeal Period

One of Lunenburg's old waterfront buildings appears headed for demolition. The Yamaha Building on Montague Street was seriously damaged by an electrical fire last fall and its been determined the cost to repair it would be too excessive. The Town of Lunenburg held a public hearing this past week on a demolition proposal. Mayor Rachel Bailey said no one, opposed to bringing the old building down, showed up. There's an appeal period now which lasts thirty days. After that, if there's no objection, the demolition permit will go ahead.

New Wildfire-Risk Season Opens Saturday

A new wildfire-risk season is beginning in Nova Scotia. The season opens Saturday. There are new rules this year. People no longer need a permit to burn domestic brush but they must check an online burning restrictions map to learn when they can burn a pile of brush. The map will show green, red, or yellow in each county. It will let people know if it is safe to burn, unsafe to burn, or safe, with restrictions. The map is at www.novascotia.ca/burnsafe . People can get the same information in a recorded message by calling 1-855-564-2876, toll-free. The map and recorded phone message will be updated daily.

Hurricanes Open Provincials With Two Wins

The BMO Western Hurricanes are hoping to win their first provincial title this weekend. The major bantam hockey club is in North Sydney for the provincial championships along with seven other teams. Jacob Myra and Ian MacPhee each scored as the Hurricanes moved to 2-0 with a 2-0 win over Cole Harbour. The Hurricanes opened the tournament with a 3-2 win over the Nova Jr. X-Men. Head Coach Adam Masland says it's tough competition.



The Hurricanes lost in the finals last year. They also won provincial bronze in 2012. Their next game is Friday night at 8pm against Bedford.

Fire Temporarily Blocks Access To Mahone Bay

Lunenburg County REMO is advising motorists that access to Mahone Bay is blocked at the four-way stop in Blockhouse due to a house fire. Multiple fire departments are on scene on Main Street. People looking to get into Mahone Bay are encouraged to travel Highway 103 and take Exit 10.

Acadia Broadcasting Granted Approval For Moncton Station

Acadia Broadcasting is expanding - the parent company of CKBW/HANK-FM has received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton radio station CKNI-FM from Rogers Broadcasting. Acadia plans to move the station to newly constructed studios and launch its new sound later this year. Moncton becomes the 13th station for Acadia Broadcasting spanning New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Lockeport Mourns Long-Time Fire Chief

An emotional time for the town of Lockeport. The seaside community is preparing to say goodbye to long-time fire chief Leo Williams, who passed away from illness earlier this week at the age of 66. Williams served 39 years as the town's fire chief and was also one of the founding members of the Mutual Aid service. He joined the Lockeport Fire Department in 1972, becoming chief in 1975 until his death on Monday. Mayor Darian Huskilson says the loss has been tough on the community.



Huskilson says he's proud the town, the fire department and first responders created the Leo T. Williams Lockeport High School Bursary, given every year to a graduating student. A funeral service for Leo Williams is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Lockeport United Baptist Church.

Your Clutter May Be Gold For Others

Its almost spring cleaning time and the Canadian Diabetes Association wants all your clutter! The CDA's Clothesline Program has been extended to the end of April giving South Shore residents and others time to get their old stuff bundled up and ready for pickup. Joanna Dunn of the Diabetes Association says money raised when sold to second hand stores goes to a good cause.



The Clothesline Program also has an incentive for you to de-clutter! Its offering a 10-thousand dollar closet makeover or a vacation for four to Barbados.

NS Auditor General Recruitment Too Political: Peterson-Rafuse

Nova Scotia's NDP says the process for finding a new auditor-general for the province smacks of Liberal patronage! Economic Development critic and Chester MLA Denise Peterson-Rafuse says how its being done will hamper who-ever gets the job.



Members of the recruitment panel, appointed by Premier Stephen McNeil, include a former auditor-general, members of the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary's University and several chartered accountants and an un-named recruitment firm. The process results from the recent retirement of Jacques LaPointe after 7 years as auditor-general.

More Money Needed For Infrastructure Improvements

Municipalities across the country are expressing concern about the new Building Canada Fund. Its supposed to keep money flowing to help communities repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. However, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities President David Corkum of Kentvile fears there's not enough money to go around.



Corkum also says there may be too much red tape involved for villages, towns and cities to aquire funding.
He's calling on Ottawa to join in talks with municipalities to examine ways of fixing the problems.

Liverpool Fire Under Investigation

An investigation is underway this morning into a fire last night in an abandoned building in Liverpool. The fire at 90 Common Street in the town broke out around 10pm (Thursday). The building, which used to be a church, was extensively damaged. No one was hurt. The RCMP suspect arson but it hasn't been confirmed yet. They're looking for the public's help in their investigation.

Small Change In Gasoline Prices

Gasoline prices have dropped a bit overnight at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve is about half a cent less this morning, selling for $1.38.6 a litre. High test is down by the same amount to $1.47.5. Diesel is up by about half a cent though and selling at many locations for $1.45.7.

Bridgewater's Martin Competing At Indoor Event In Montreal

A change of scenery for Bridgewater's Jenna Martin. The two-time Canadian champion in the women's 400 metres and 2012 Olympian is competing in the inaugural AC Indoor Open. The event begins Friday and lasts until Sunday in Montreal, Quebec. Martin will race in the women's 400 metre invitational on Saturday. She says it's a good opportunity.



This will be Martin's first time competing indoors in Canada. She has experience running indoors while attending the University of Kentucky.

Mahone Bay: Items Needed For Former School Anniversary

The public's help is needed to create a living legacy exhibit of the old Mahone Bay school. A 100th anniversary celebration is in the works and a committee is looking for items to be loaned or donated to the exhibit, which is slated to open June 4. Committee member Bob Sayer is asking people to look in their attics, old photo albums or talk with family members to find items. He says they will accept any materials relating to the old school.



Sayer says some class photos and a desk have been collected already. If people have any items, they're asked to call Bob Sayer in Mahone Bay or email him at bobsoccer@eastlink.ca . A gala weekend is also planned as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations from July 4 to 6.

Tourism Promotion Group Folds

A group promoting tourism on the South Shore is closing up shop. The independent Destination Southwest Nova Association has been overcome by financial problems and members of the group have voted in favour of ceasing operations. The CEO of the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency, Patrick Sullivan, says its a major loss but the industry shouldn't be affected too much in the interim.



Destination Southwest Nova promoted tourism from Hubbards to Yarmouth and around to Digby and the Valley on its website. The group is in debt to the tune of $100,000 and officials say its a result of improper budgeting over several years.

Winter Blahs For Charitable Groups

Many charitable groups on the South Shore have been noticing a decline in donations through the winter. The Salvation Army and its Thrift Store in Bridgewater has especially been affected. Captain Felipe Vega says it took a while to realize the bitter weather was the cause.



Vega says staff at the Thrift Store are beginning to see more donations being dropped off, now that spring is near. He hopes everything will be back to normal and people will be dropping off things as usual.

A Replica Of The Replica Of HMS Bounty Is Planned

A proposal is being floated to build another HMS Bounty! The tall ship, a replica of the original 1700's Bounty, built in 1960 in Lunenburg for the movie "Mutiny On The Bounty", sank in Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012 off North Carolina. Now, a consortium of South Shore boat builders is looking at producing another Bounty replica. Lunenburg Mayor Rachel Bailey agrees there's no better place to build such a tall ship than in her town.



Its expected plans for the project and where the money for it will come from will be firmed up later this year.

Bridgewater: Charges Laid After Alleged Hit And Run

An alleged hit-and-run has landed charges against a Bridgewater man. Police say a parked vehicle was struck Wednesday night around 11:15pm at the intersection of Empire and King Streets. The suspect vehicle was located by police near the top of Aberdeen Road a short time later. A 67-year-old man was arrested and charged with impaired driving and breach of a recognizance. He's due in court June 4th.

Big Freeze-Up On The Way

It is a very wet and windy morning all along the South Shore. The rain is creating possible hydroplaning conditions on some roads so drive carefully. As much as 50 mm of rain is forecast before it peters out around noontime. As Environment Canada meteorologist Max descharnais tells us, watch for a big drop in temperatures this afternoon too.



Descharnais also says the wind will be a major factor this afternoon, gusting to 70 km/hr by times.

Small Change Likely Tonight In South Shore Gasoline Prices

Don't expect much of a change tomorrow in some gas prices at South Shore pumps. In New Brunswick this morning, regular self serve is down there by half a cent per litre. Diesel is down a fair bit though. 4 cents a litre. Nova Scotia's Utility and Review Board will set the coming weeks prices at midnight tonight.

Bridgewater: Coast Guard Removing Oil From Cape Rouge

Fuel is starting to be pumped out of the main fuel tank of the Cape Rouge. Most of the ship is now under water after it began sinking Monday afternoon at the Port of Bridgewater. Canadian Coast Guard senior response officer, Keith Laidlaw, says removing all the fuel from the vessel will take several days. They continue to have a boom surrounding the vessel, as well as absorbing pads soaking up fuel. He says their main concern is the environment and feels they're on top of any concerns.



A cause still hasn't been determined. Laidlaw says it's a slow process but the clean-up is a top priority.



The cost also isn't known, but it will be up to the owner to cover the fuel spill and vessel sinking. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook)

Bridgewater: Mayor Welcomes New Municipal Affairs Department

At least one local municipality is giving a thumbs up to the province for creating a stand-alone department for municipal affairs. The mayor for the town of Bridgewater called it wonderful news. The Nova Scotia government is making the adjustment to provide better service to residents. The change is expected to  allow government to provide better tools and guidance to create strong communities. David Walker agrees.



Walker says he's glad to see the province take action and make the switch. The new department is scheduled to be in place April 1.

Gary L. Wentzell Hockey Tournament Back For Sixth Year

Local hockey teams are gearing up for one of the biggest tournaments on the South Shore. The Gary L. Wentzell March Break tournament opens up play Thursday and goes all weekend in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Liverpool. Fifty-two teams will play in this year's event, the most-ever in the tournament's short six year history. The first year, it had just four teams. One of the organizers, Devan Naugler, says they try and create an enjoyable time.



Teams are coming from as far as Cape Breton and New Brunswick for the event. A skills competition and a pair of auctions will also be held during the hockey tournament.

Economist Predicts Higher Prices At South Shore Retailers

Stagnant wage and employment growth combined with higher energy costs and a weak dollar will result in higher retail prices this year at South Shore retail stores and those elsewhere in the country. That prediction from the Chief Ecomist at CIBC. Avery Shenfeld says little's changing for lower wage earners. However, high-paid workers are receiving steep increases in their salaries and its all reflected in what both sides are buying.



Shenfield predicts inflation will climb to 2 percent this year, there will be a slight increase in interest rates and the Canadian dollar will remain lower.

Chester: Cost Savings Expected With Blue Bag Switch

Chester is gearing up to start saving roughly $60,000 by switching blue bag processors. The municipality recently approved the recommendation to send their recyclable material from the Annapolis Valley to Bayers Lake. The municipality currently pays about $130 per ton. The new provider in Bayers Lake is expected to charge just under $70 per ton. Warden Allen Webber expects some additional cost savings.



Webber says it good news to find a more cost-effective solution. The new agreement is with the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Bridgewater Snow Removal Budget Way Over

Bridgewater's snow removal budget has taken a major hit from all the winter storms! It's projected to be now about $135,000. over and counting and winter isn't quite finished yet. The town's Director of Finance Dawn Kaizer says if there aren't many more storms, there should be a safe way around the dilemma.



Kaizer says another snow storm could push the cost for the year to more than $500,000. The town will deal with the situation when budget deliberations go into high gear in April.

Big Rainfall Ahead

Its the middle of the week and there is yet another storm about to bear-down on us! Big difference for our area this time though! Meteorologist Bruno Marquis of Environment Canada tells us we're going to get a big downpour of rain instead of snow.



There will also be strong gusty winds through tonite and into tomorrow.

South Shore Soccer Coach Calling It Quits After 50 Years

A soccer guru on the South Shore is calling it a day after 50 years. Bob Sayer has decided to retire from coaching. The Mahone Bay native has enjoyed the ups and downs of the South Shore United Football Club including guiding 10 teams to the nationals. Sayer also founded the Lunenburg District Youth Soccer Association and the first Atlantic Canadian to be elected vice-president of the Canadian Soccer Association. He says the time has come to pass the torch.



Sayer began coaching in England before bringing his knowledge to the South Shore. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1992 as the first inductee for the sport of soccer. He says he will continue refereeing the game and working with the South Shore United Football Club.

Coast Guard Investigating Cause Of Sinking Ship

The Canadian Coast Guard says the cause behind a ship taking on water in Bridgewater remains unknown. The vessel, known as the Cape Rouge, is continuing to leak fluids. However, the Coast Guard has setup additional booms with absorbent pads that soak up fuel and not water. The ship began sinking Monday at the Port of Bridgewater. Canadian Coast Guard senior response officer, Keith Laidlaw, says they're working to stabilize the vessel and remove all pollutants.



Laidlaw has been told estimates of between 3,700 and 7,500 litres of fuel is on board the ship. He says the Coast Guard will be on top of the situation until the vessel is no longer an environmental threat.

No Trace Of Stolen Greenfield Flight Equipment

An investigation is continuing. However, nearly three months after they were stolen, there is no sign of equipment taken from a hanger at the Greenfield airport. A Cesna-172 aircraft (seen in photo) was damaged and 2 GPS systems, a headset, antennae and welding equipment were stolen over Christmas. Barry Mercer of the Bluenose Flying Club says not a trace of the gear has been found but his fellow members are watching.



The total price tag for what was taken is around $4,000. Meanwhile, the flight club is installing better security including cameras and stronger hanger doors. Members are also watching the Internet in case the stolen gear shows up there for sale.

Mooseheads Add Bailey For Remainder Of Season

The Halifax Mooseheads have added a familiar face for their playoff run. The herd called up CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks captain Brennan Bailey. The Lunenburg native is back in moose country after playing 48 games with the Lumberjacks this season. He notched three goals and 11 assists. Bailey was part of the Mooseheads Memorial Cup winning season last year.

LaHave Resident Pleased With MasterChef Experience

A LaHave resident says competing in MasterChef Canada was a great experience. Trevor Jessome made it into the top 50 of the television show before losing out. He cooked grilled tenderloins of lamb with a potato gnocchi, a kale pesto and ribbons of zucchini and red onion. Jessome says it was a risky dish but he wanted to make an impression.


He needed two votes from the three judges to move on, but only received one. Jessome recently returned home. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and was deployed overseas just before the show started. Jessome says he will continue cooking with his wife and catering locally.

SiRT: No Charges In Liverpool RCMP Cell Death

The province's Serious Incident Response Team says no charges will be laid after their investigation into an incident in Liverpool. SiRT says two RCMP members in Queens along with a civilian guard were working in the detachment when a 40 year-old-man died in a jail cell on July 9, 2013. The man was found lying on the River Head Road in Queens County and was arrested for being intoxicated in public. SiRT says the man stopped breathing at the detachment. EHS administrated CPR before he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation revealed the man had a self-inflicted overdose of morphine and alcohol. SiRT says the two police officers may have breached RCMP policy by not seeking further medical attention by placing the man in the cell while unconscious. However, there won't be any criminal charges laid. SiRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Bridgewater: Fishing Dragger Takes On Water

A 45-foot fishing dragger started taking on water earlier today off the government wharf in Bridgewater. Fire officials from the town and Dayspring along with the Coast Guard arrived on scene after 2pm Monday afternoon. The cause has not been determined yet. Bridgewater Fire Chief Michael Nauss says they noticed a small slick in the water.



Nauss says the owners of the boat have been notified to pump water out of the vessel. He says the Department of Environment has been contacted about the oil slick. The ship is the Cape Rouge.

Risley Honoured By Business Hall Of Fame Nod

The owner of White Point Beach Resort in Queens County says he's honoured to be part of this year's induction class for the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Robert Risley is among four businessmen who will be inducted during a ceremony in Halifax on June 3. He says he's fond of White Point's legacy.



Risley is president of RCR Hospitality Group, which employs over 500 people and operates more than 15 restaurants in Halifax. He will be inducted along with High Liner Foods Inc. CEO Henry Demone and Paul and Stephen O'Regan of O'Regan's Group.

Several NS Towns Facing Dire Financial Squeeze

Last week, Springhill annouced its intention to seek permission to drop its town status in favor of joining the larger surrounding municipality. The main reason being excessive costs to run the town. Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities President, David Corkum of Kentville, says there are at least half a dozen towns in the province in similar financial strains. He says there are plenty of reasons why.



The mayor says making the province's municipal affairs department a stand-alone entity come April 1st will help put more emphasis on this and other strains on the province's municipalities.

Public Hearing Planned On Fate Of Lunenburg Building

The proposed demolition of an old waterfront landmark in Lunenburg is the subject of a public hearing tomorrow night (Tuesday). The town, including its heritage advisory committee, is recommending the Yamaha Building on Montague Street be brought down. It was seriously damaged by fire last year and Mayor Rachel Bailey says studies have all indicated the structural integrity of the building is too far gone.



The 108 year old building was a fish packing plant for years but used for storing fishing gear in later times.
Tuesday's meeting is at the Lunenburg Town Hall starting at 5:15pm

Ramblin' Hank To Be Honored With Stamp

A big celebration is planned for May in Liverpool. May 9th will be Hank Snow's 100th birthday and to commemorate the occasion, Canada Post will unveil a Hank Snow stamp. The administrator of the Hank Snow Home Town Museum, Kelly Inglis, says its an incredible honor for the late country singer and fans too.



Among the many things planned at the Liverpool celebration in May, is the unveiling of a life-size statue of Snow, the release of Vernon Oickle's biography of him and the opening of the new Hank Snow Community Park across from the museum. Grand Ole Opry singer Larry Gatlin will also hold a concert at the Astor Theatre and Hank Snow's son, Jimmy Rodgers Snow, will also be attending events during the weekend. The events run May 9th to 11th.

Former Queens Mayor Named Transition Coordinator For Springhill

A former mayor of the Region of Queens will oversee the change in governance for the town of Springhill. The province has appointed John Leefe as transition coordinator. Springhill's municipal council has applied to the Utility and Review Board for dissolution of the town after 125 years of incorporation. Leefe will facilitate the process and guide discussions for the town to become part of the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.



Leefe is a former educator, author of several books and was the MLA for Queens from 1978 to 1999, serving in several cabinet posts. He was elected mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality three times before stepping down in October 2012.