A Drop In Gasoline Prices Expected Tonight At South Shore Pumps

Look for South Shore gas prices to drop some tomorrow morning (Friday). In New Brunswick this morning, prices there are lower. The price of self serve regular dropped overnight by about 4 cents a litre. Diesel has also been lowered by around 2.5 cents a litre. If similar decreases happen here overnight tonight, the price of regular self serve may drop to about $1.38 per litre.

Bridgewater Mayor: No Intent To See South Shore In Motion Cancelled

The mayor of Bridgewater says it's extremely frustrating and unfortunate to hear South Shore in Motion has been cancelled this year. The group decided to scrap the entire event Tuesday night. A deadline was imposed by South Shore in Motion on Monday night for the town to make a decision on their proposed big rig hill climb event. The town's insurer indicated there was too many risks and wouldn't financially cover the event. David Walker says it was never their intention to see it fold.



Walker feels there needs to be a clearly identified process that could have helped South Shore in Motion this year. Meanwhile, a digital image has surfaced mocking the town as the "Senior Citizen Capital of the World Where quiet-time will soon be everyday." Walker says people have their opinion but he's pleased with the work the town has done to be recognized as senior-friendly and the best community in Atlantic Canada to raise a young family. He hopes to sit down with the festival's chairperson in the next week to work out issues and talk about the future. Interviews with South Shore in Motion chairperson Darren Wentzell and Mayor David Walker can be heard on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning program from 8am-9am on HANK-FM and 9am-10am on CKBW.

Below is the digital image circulating on Facebook.

Famed Author Mowat Dies

Famed Canadian writer Farley Mowat has died. He was a native of  Belleville, Ontario. Mowat was best-known for works like Owls in the Family, The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be, and Never Cry Wolf. His career spanned 50 years and he received numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Award for literature, the Order of Canada and a number of honorary university degrees. Mowat was 92 years old.

NSCC: Tuition Costs Rising In 2014/15

Tuition is on the rise for those planning to attend a Nova Scotia Community College in the fall. Most programs will see a three percent increase. It means about $90 more for a majority of students - with annual tuition sitting at just over $3,000. VP of Academic Services Rosalind Penfound says they know any increase is concerning to students.



There are 13 NSCC's in the province - including Bridgewater, Dartmouth, Kentville and Yarmouth.


Tuition for 2014-15

Full-Time Core - $3,040

Advanced Diplomas - $4,650

Academic and Career Connections - $1,255

International Students - $9,800

Chester: Sewer Rates Back At Council May 15

The future of sewer rates in Chester will be back at the table later this month. The municipality was proposing to amend its sewer by-law and create a universal rate based on property assessment. However, a large number of residents opposed the idea based on unfair rate changes. Warden Allen Webber feels council is doing what it can to keep residents happy.



Council directed staff to look at a modified equivalent dwelling unit system, with a user fee for larger groups. Staff are expected to report their findings back to council on May 15.

No Charges Laid Against South Shore Police Officer

No charges will be laid against a South Shore police officer after allegations of domestic violence. On April 15th (2014), a woman lodged a complaint about her husband, an RCMP officer at the Bridgewater detachment. The province's Serious Incident Response Team launched an investigation. After weighing all the evidence including statements by both sides, SIRT has determined the officer in question did not use unreasonable force to protect his personal property from being damaged. SIRT is responsible for investigating all serious incidents involving police in Nova Scotia.

Update: Woman Fined After Car Strikes Pedestrian

A 37-year-old woman has been fined after an incident Tuesday on Old Bridge Street in Bridgewater. Police Chief John Collyer says the woman must pay a fine of $291.45 as a first time offender for operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. The woman was driving when she struck a 57-year-old female in a wheelchair who was trying to cross the street. However, Collyer says witnesses indicate the woman in the wheelchair did not press the crosswalk lights. She was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police are still investigating the matter.

South Shore In Motion Cancels 2014 Event

South Shore in Motion has been cancelled for this year. Committee members with the festival decided not to host it for their 10th anniversary because they feel there is a lack of support from the town of Bridgewater. Councillors decided not to endorse a big rig hill climb on Monday night because their insurance wouldn't cover it. South Shore in Motion chairperson Darren Wentzell says they lost about 40 per cent of their show through the town's decision.



Wentzell says it was a difficult decision to make, but feels they've tried everything they could to make the event happen. He says the group will gather again in June to begin thinking about their long-term future.

Yarmouth: Serious Injuries After Truck Slams Into Home

An older Yarmouth County man has serious injuries after the truck he was driving slammed into a house in Tusket. It happened mid-morning at the intersection of Highway 308 and Frank Doucette Road. Police say the 63 year-old lost control of the truck and went off the road. It's not known what caused the man to go off the road. There was also significant damage to the house and the truck.

Bridgewater: Woman In Wheelchair Struck By Car

A woman in a wheelchair escaped with only minor injuries after she was hit by a car today in Bridgewater. Police, firefighters and EHS responded to the call around 11am at the intersection near TD Bank on Old Bridge Street. Constable Danny MacPhee says they're trying to determine who is at fault and if any charges are pending. The woman was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital for treatment.

Economic Action Plan Desperately Needed For South Shore: PC Leader

Lunenburg Progressive Conservatives meet tonight to discuss issues and look at what lies ahead. Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie will address the area's annual PC dinner. As he prepares to head to the event, Baillie tells us the South Shore is in dire need of economic stimulus. However, he says nothing is getting done because there's no government economic plan in place.



Tonight's PC dinner in New Germany is being held at the Legion starting at 6:30.

Events Lunenburg County Looking For Business Support

A new organization is looking to bring major conferences and attractions to the local area. Events Lunenburg County has secured some start-up funding. Now, they're looking for the business community to jump on board. Andrew Tanner presented the idea to the Municipality of Chester recently and says it's about promoting the area.



Tanner says the group wants to develop a website, hire a part-time person to start bidding on events and partner with similar groups in Queens County and Halifax. A meeting will be held May 12 at Bridgewater town hall at 8am for business groups and industry leaders to learn more about Events Lunenburg County.

Crematorium Land Compromise In Liverpool

Construction of a crematorium in Liverpool appears to be back on track. Chandlers Funeral Home withdrew its earlier application to the Region of Queens a couple of weeks ago. It involved building the facility adjacent to the funeral home in downtown Liverpool. Now, the Region and Chandlers have reached agreement on a new location, in the Liverpool Industrial Park. Chandlers General Manager Kevin Samuels says the new site is a compromise and an effort to appeaze any public opposition.



A purchase and sale agreement is expected to be finalized in a few days and construction on the crematorium will begin right away. Chandlers hope to have the facility in place by the fall.

South Shore School Misses Winning National Competition

The Waldorf School in Blockhouse didn't win the top prize in a national on-line contest. However, according to a parent, the just-completed contest has put the independent school on the education map. Anastatia Malay says being a part of the Majesta Trees of Knowledge competition has laid the ground work for future endeavours.



The Waldorf School, which finished 6th place in the on-line voting, did win a thousand dollars. A similar facility in Ontario placed first and won the 20-thousand dollar grand prize.

Lunenburg County: Softball Season Could Begin Friday

It's hoped the main ball fields in Lunenburg County will be ready for action in the near future. The men's and women's leagues were all set to kick off this week at the MARC in Dayspring, but the fields were still too wet to begin the season. However, Recreation Director Trudy Payne says field conditions have improved significantly over the past 24 hours. She says they just wanted to make sure the fields don't sustain permanent damage.

Payne says if the weather cooperates, the complex could be open tomorrow (Wednesday). The co-ed league is set to open Friday night.

Bridgewater: Town Rejects Big Rig Hill Climb

A big rig hill climb will not make its debut this year for South Shore in Motion. Bridgewater council quashed the request in a 4-3 decision Monday night during a special council meeting. The new event was proposed for Exhibition Drive during their August event. Some councillors felt there would be too much risk after the town's insurer wouldn't cover the event. Mayor David Walker says they weren't ready to endorse the new event.



Meanwhile, festival chairperson Darren Wentzell says they're disappointed.



Wentzell says the group will talk about the future of South Shore in Motion during a meeting on Tuesday night.

South Shore Hockey Players Win Bronze In Quebec

A bronze medal finish for Nova Scotia at the Quebec Major Junior Excellence Challenge in Boisbriand. Bridgewater's Keith Getson, Christopher Goreham of Clark's Harbour and Hunter Hurlburt of Yarmouth helped Nova Scotia finish third in the five team event. They defeated Newfoundland 6-2 in the consolation game. Getson finished with two assists in five games while Hurlburt and Goreham each had one assist. The QMJHL Entry Draft will be held in Sherbrooke on May 31st.

Contest Challenges Students To Design New Oak Island Logo

Local students are vying for bragging rights and a cool $500 to design a new Oak Island logo. The Friends of Oak Island Society are gathering submissions from art students at Park View Education Centre, New Germany Rural High, Bridgewater Junior-Senior High and Forest Heights. Chairperson Shelley Rafuse says they're looking for something eye-catching.



The logo contest will see the new design be used on clothing, marketing materials, digital media and will be used worldwide. Students have until Friday to submit their art work.

Local Search And Rescue Looking For Younger Volunteers

Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue are looking to attract younger volunteers. The group held a six-hour mock exercise Sunday to kick-off Emergency Preparedness Week across the province. The week serves as a reminder to know the risks, plan ahead and prepare for potential emergencies. Search Director Sherry Veinot says they're always looking for new people.



Veinot says they mainly recruit through social media. Roughly 50 members are part of Lunenburg County Search and Rescue. Emergency Management Minister Mark Furey says Nova Scotia is among the best in the country when dealing with a disaster.



The province's Emergency Management Office says people should prepare kits for their home and car with enough resources for 72 hours. EMO Planning Officer, Steve Mills, says having a 72-hour supply is important.

The kits are available from the Canadian Red Cross.

Search On For Robbery Suspect

The RCMP in Tantallon are looking for a suspect in an armed holdup yesterday of a drug store in the area. During the supper hour last evening, Tantallon Mounties were called to the Lawtons Drugs on St. Margarets Bay Road where a man had enterred the store, threatened a female employee with a syringe and forced her to hand over a quantity of prescription drugs. The suspect escaped on foot and a search of the area with a service dog did not find him. Investigators suspect he fled the area in a waiting car.

RCMP ID Female Pilot In Weekend Plane Crash

RCMP are releasing the name of a woman killed over the weekend when her ultra-light plane crashed in Hants County. Maryanne Hardman of Halifax died when her plane went down near Stanley Airport. The 50 year old was the pilot and only person in the plane. It's still not known what caused the crash.

Province Looks To Reduce Surgery Wait Times

It's hoped some new money will reduce wait times for foot and ankle surgeries in Nova Scotia. The province will invest $4.2 million to improve orthopedic services beginning this year, and is now providing surgeon wait time information online. The money will help recruit a foot and ankle sub-specialist surgeon, perform more hip and knee replacements to help reduce wait times, and streamline orthopedic care.  Kevin Chapman of Doctors Nova Scotia says wait times can reach up to two years.



Health Minister Leo Glavine says they know wait times are too long and adds the investment is an effort to work on solutions for people needing the surgery. To view the online wait times list 

Man Faces Drug Charges Following Yarmouth Bust

A 39 year old Yarmouth area man is facing numerous charges related to an RCMP drug bust just outside the town. A home in the village of Hebron (HEE-brun) was searched by the RCMP and officers seized a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphenalia. Wilfred Laurier Crosby has been charged with possession and trafficking of marijuana. He will appear in Yarmouth court in early July.

Woman Dies In Hants County Ultra Light Crash

A woman died over the weekend as a result of the crash of an ultra-light plane in Hants County. It happened in Stanley just after the noon hour on Sunday. The female pilot and lone occupant of the plane was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Income Tax Deadline Near

If you're a procrastinator and you've been putting off filing your 2013 income taxes, you have until midnight tomorrow (Monday) to do so. As you carefully plod your way through all that paperwork, renowned Canadian financial expert, author and university professor Mark Milke (MILL-kee) says you can blame our government of nearly 100 years ago for putting you through all the stress today! Milke says the newly imposed income tax during the First World War was supposed to be in place for a short time, not a long time.



Milke is the author of 5 books and dozens of studies and he's released a new edition of his best seller ... "Tax Me I'm Canadian". Its an entertaining history of how we ended up being saddled with income and other taxes in Canada.

Four of Region's Worst Roads In Nova Scotia

A rural road in Cape Breton is the winner of the Canadian Automobile Association's annual Worst Roads Campaign! The Gillis Point East Road in Washabuck Centre won this year's on-line public voting. Gary Howard of the CAA says often the reason for so many roads cracking and heaving is a result of poor construction.



Howard hopes the top 10 list will shame governments into fixing up the pot-hole littered and crack-laden roads. In all 4 Nova Scotia roads made the list and 3 in New Brunswick. Among them, Park Street in Kentville and the Hanwell Road in Fredericton.

Police Holding Second Prescription Drug Drop-off

RCMP are asking people to get rid of their unused medications safely. The Mounties along with municipal police services are holding their second National Prescription Drug Drop-Off day on May 10. The RCMP say people should clean out their medicine cabinets and bathroom drawers to get rid of medications. Sgt. Keith MacKinnon says they want reduce access and abuse of prescription drugs.



MacKinnon says they collected roughly two tonnes of pills during last year's inaugural event and they're hoping to build off that success. Drop-off points will be held across the province including Bridgewater at the Bridgewater Mall, in Chester at the Chester Pharmasave, at Kinley's Drug Store in Lunenburg and the RCMP detachment in Yarmouth.

EMO: Prepare Today For An Emergency

Emergency Preparedness Week kicks off today in Nova Scotia. The government is using the week to remind people to take responsibility to know the risks, plan ahead and prepare for potential emergencies. Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey will be in Pine Grove on Monday to meet with emergency management officials. Furey, who is also the Emergency Management Minister, says emergency preparedness begins at home. The Emergency Management Office says people can prepare a 72-hour home emergency kit, select a common meeting place for their family and keep a list of phone numbers and addresses by the phone. Emergency Preparedness Week runs until May 10.

World War II Battle Remembered

It was a turning point in World War II. Today, marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino says the month of May in 1943 was a game changer for the Allies. They gained the upper hand over German U-boats. The victory by the Allies kept supply routes open between North American and Britain. Heroic efforts by the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force kept those critical routes open but claimed the lives of 4,600 men and women. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II, running from 1939 to the defeat of Germany in 1945.

Campaign Focus' On Motorcycle Safety

Bikers are set to hit the open road as the warm weather approaches. A public awareness campaign has been launched in Nova Scotia as motorcycle traffic is set to increase on rural roads and cruises on the Trans-Canada. Last year, there were 11 bikers killed in crashes in the province. Spokesperson for Safety Services, Ed Snow says that's extremely concerning.



New data shows there are over 30,000 motorcycles registered in province including 4,500 that are newly licensed. Snow suggests new and experienced bikers should always consider taking defensive driving courses before the riding season kicks into high gear.

Two Arrests In Halifax Homicide Case

A pair of arrests in connection with a homicide last fall in Halifax. Investigators with major crimes are questioning two people in relation to the death of Matthew Sudds. His body was found in a ditch along Africville Road last October. The 24 year old's death was determined to be suspicious the same day. This morning, a 29-year-old Halifax man was arrested in relation to the death. Meanwhile, a 23-year-old woman, originally from Halifax, was arrested in Ontario. They are currently in custody and being interviewed. No charges have been laid.

d'Entremont Challenges Heritage Minister Over Bluenose II Delays

The PC MLA for Argyle-Barrington has taken the heritage minister to task for recent comments regarding Bluenose Two. Chris d'Entremont says minister Tony Ince said in mid-April in the Legislature the vessel was undergoing sea trials. Yet, yesterday Ince said the sea trials won't be done until a steering problem with the vessel is examined during an upcoming test drive in Lunenburg Harbour. d'Entremont wanted clarification.



The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance - which has been rebuilding Bluenose Two - says they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. Officials there say they're taking unfair criticism for delays in getting the vessel back in service.

Studded Tires Removal Delayed In Nova Scotia

The province of Nova Scotia has extended the deadline for removing studded winter tires from vehicles to the end of the month. Its designed for garages and tire shops to clear a backlog of customers wanting their studded tires removed. In turn, extending the deadline could lead to even more damage to highways. Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says the benefits of studded tires are outweighed by the damage thats caused.



Howard suggests studded tires are not really needed .. that present-day tires are of higher quality and provide good traction in winter driving.

Barrington Council Votes Down Mayoral Proposal

There will be no change in the form of government in the Municipality of Barrington, at least for now. Councillors there have been discussing the pros and cons of establishing a mayoral system to replace the present warden system. Barrington Warden Eddie Nickerson says council has voted down the issue.



Barrington residents have already voted by plebescite in favor of a mayoral system. Council will be seeking a closer study of the issue before members come up with a final vote.

Peterson-Rafuse: People Feel Betrayed By Liberals

The MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's says she's not surprised to see the spring sitting of the Legislature rise early. NDP member Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the sitting usually goes until at least mid-May but it wrapped up on Thursday. She says the Liberal government upset a lot of people, including students, when they ended the Graduate Retention program and did very little in return.



Peterson-Rafuse says she's heard comments from the public saying the Liberals aren't as advertised and they feel betrayed. The spring sitting was in session for just over a month.

Gas Prices Drop At South Shore Pumps

A nice surprise this morning at the gas pumps! Prices were expected to stay about the same after the midnight setting by the utility and review board. However, prices this morning are down by three cents a litre to $1.43.2 a litre for regular self serve. High test also down in price by the same amount to $1.52.1 per litre. The biggest change is diesel. Its lower this morning by five cents a litre to $1.37.7 a litre.

Liverpool Driver Clocked Going 189km/h

A Liverpool driver faces stunting charges after he was caught going almost double the posted speed limit. Queens RCMP say the 19-year-old man was pulled over Wednesday night after he was clocked doing 189km/h in a 100 zone on Highway 103. The driver's silver Honda Civic was seized for seven days. If convicted, he faces a fine of over $2,400. Three other people in the vehicle also face charges under the Liquor Control Act.

Strong Emotions Emerge Over Bluenose II Project

There are strong emotions emerging in relation to the Bluenose II restoration project. The Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance is telling media outlet they will not be surprised if the iconic vessel isn't ready for public sailing tours this summer. President of Covey Island Boatworks, Al Hutchinson says the alliance is taking the brunt of public criticism over costly delays in the $16.7 million project - but it's not their fault.



However, the province feels once they get the steering situation resolved, the Bluenose will be ready for sea trials. Heritage Minister Tony Ince says they need to find out what's going on with the project.



The biggest issue with the Bluenose is steering problems which have raised safety concerns.

PC's Seek Economic Stimulus Now Rather Than Later

The province's economy is going no where and fast according to the Official Opposition in the Legislature. Jamie Baillie of the PC's says while the economies of other provinces are showing improvements, Nova Scotia's economy has flat-lined and we're in a recession. He says the McNeil government is doing absolutely nothing to get the ball rolling on economic stimulation.



Baillie says the province is in troubled territory with higher-paying manufacturing output down 2 percent and 14 of 19 major companies in decline.

NDP Confronts Premier Over Health Reform Costs

The province's New Democrats continue mining for information on the costs associated with health reform. Leader Maureen MacDonald has tabled Freedom of Information documents that show the costs much higher than first thought. In the Legislature, MacDonald accused Premier Stephen McNeil of breaking promises on how to achieve cheaper health care.



McNeil says reform is already underway to cut the number of health authorities to 2 from the present 9 to achieve better front line care.

Bridgewater: Teen Arrested For Trespassing

A 16 yeard old is facing charges after an incident in Bridgewater last night. The teenager was arrested around 11pm in a residential area near Pinehurst Avenue. Police say the teen is from Caledonia. He was arrested for trespassing and is facing three charges. The youth is due in court next month.

Gasoline Prices Expected To Remain Unchanged For Coming Week

Don't expect much of a change, if any, overnight tonight in South Shore gas prices. Prices in New Brunswick are down by less than half a cent this morning. The same for diesel. Gas prices there and in our area are at record highs right now.

Bridgewater Police Budget Increasing For 2014-15

A slight rise in funding for the Bridgewater Police Commission budget for the upcoming year. The commission oversees policing in the town and has just over $4-million for 2014-15, but that includes more than $442,000 in income. The budget is increasing by roughly $170,000 from last year including a raise in small equipment costs, crossing guards and training. Police Chief John Collyer says there are a lot of young members that require training.



Collyer feels it's a reasonable budget, but understands the public might not be happy with the increase. He says they work hard to find efficiencies each year to keep the figure as low as they can.

New Grads Can Apply For Loan Relief

New graduates can apply to have the government pay the interest on their provincial student loans. The average loan is roughly $5,600. Removing the interest would save about $800 over the life of the loan. Education Minister Kelly Regan says it will save money as people get ready to begin their career. In order to qualify, you would have to live in Nova Scotia, have a government-sponsored direct lend loan and have graduated from a post secondary school. A link to the application forms is available here

MODL: Mayors Not Interested In Partnership On Bridgewater Arena

It's a decision based on what is affordable. The deputy mayors and mayors of the Municipality of Lunenburg and town of Bridgewater recently met to talk about working together to fund the Memorial Arena. However, initial feedback from Don Downe is that the municipality isn't interested in supporting the arena because they have already invested $3.85-million in the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe feels it wouldn't be something council would entertain.



Downe feels council wouldn't support a facility in competition with the LCLC. The Memorial Arena will remain open for the the year at a cost of over $150,000.

Puppy Program A Farce: Baillie

A program that provides puppies for inmates of provincial jails is still being funded by the McNeil government. Yet, it was supposed to be scrapped. PC Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie says the government is still pouring out money to do nothing more than make prisoners feel all warm and fuzzy. Baillie says the program plays no role in boosting the economy or re-habbing inmates.



Baillie says getting guns off the street should be a priority of the government. He says the puppy program is simply an indication of poor fiscal management.

Shelburne County Youth Park Changes Hands

The Municipality of Shelburne will take over a local youth park. Council has agreed to assume maintenance needs and operating costs at the Jordan Falls Youth Park. A local association in Shelburne County had been looking after the park but they no longer have the resources to continue up keep on the property. The municipality is currently looking at what needs to be done for upgrades at the park. They want to keep it in good shape so families and visitors can continue using the park. The Jordan Falls Youth Park is located just off Highway 103.

Nova Scotia: NDP MLA Fighting Cancer

A Cape Breton MLA is fighting cancer. Gordie Gosse has announced he has been diagnosed with the disease and is set to undergo chemo-therapy. He represents the riding of Whitney Pier-Sydney. Gosse will reduce his responsibility while he receives treatment and states the cancer was detected in its early stages. The long-time NDP MLA was first elected in 2003. He hopes to return to his seat in the legislature for the fall session.

Health Reform Costs To Soar Says MacDonald

Its going to cost a lot more than first estimated to reform health care in the province. Former health minister and now NDP Leader Maureen MacDonald has told the Legislature newly released Freedom of Information documents showing cost projections. She made them public by tabling documents released by Freedom of Information.



MacDonald called on the premier to make good on his election campaign promise of transparency in government by revealing all costs associated with health care reform.