New Crown Attorney In Bridgewater

There's a new crown attorney on the South Shore. A native of Sydney, John Todd Martin has been appointed to work out of the Bridgewater office. He graduated in 2008 from St. F.X. and from the University of New Brunswick Law School in 2012. Martin had been working with Sampson McDougall Barristers and Solicitors in Sydney. Last year, he was appointed as Crown attorney in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Events Lunenburg County Taking Shape

A number of business and industry leaders feel there needs to be a part-time person in place to help bring major events to the area. The idea is listed in the terms of reference for Events Lunenburg County. The group involved in today's discussion agreed that a part-time person focusing on attracting events would be a better option than a group of volunteers. Andrew Tanner feels they made progress with the discussion.



Events Lunenburg County will hold another meeting this month for further talks on the issue. Almost a dozen people signed up to be part of a committee going forward. They're expected to start looking for a part-time employee in the near future.

Improvements Coming To Nova Scotia Palliative Care

Palliative Care in the province is being improved with a million dollars being pumped into the system. Health Minister Leo Glavine says it will promote a more combined approach to end-of-life care, involving health professionals, community groups and patients themselves. A co-ordinator will be appointed to handle it and the minister also says ....



Glavine says the improvements reflect the increasing number of Nova Scotians prefering to spend their final days at home with family and friends, rather than in a hospital setting.

Exhibition Expects $7,000 Loss Due To Cancelled Festival

The manager of the South Shore Exhibition is holding out hope that a decision between the town of Bridgewater and South Shore in Motion can find a resolution. The festival cancelled their event this year after losing 40 per cent of their trucks and sponsors following the town's decision not to endorse a big rig hill climb. However, Christine Sarty feels the loss of South Shore in Motion will be a huge economic loss. She says the two sides need to try and meet in the middle.



Sarty estimates the Exhibition will lose roughly $7,000 with the departure of South Shore in Motion from their grounds in August. She says they will lose money on things like the grounds rental and canteen sales.

New RCMP District Commander In Queens

There is a new person in charge of the RCMP in Queens County. Staff Sgt. Paul MacDougall has taken over as the new district commander, replacing Corporal Victor Whalen who was filling in on an interim basis. MacDougall comes to Queens following five years at RCMP headquarters in the Halifax-area. He says he's looking forward to the challenge and getting his feet wet in the new role.



MacDougall points to ongoing concerns regarding break and enters in rural parts of the county as things the Mounties are focusing on. He says they're also trying to crack down on the number of impaired or distracted drivers.

Older Moms Want To Stay In Own Homes

On this Mothers Day, it seems many aging moms would prefer to stay at home, live independently, cook meals, clean and do gardening work. Those thoughts result from a new national survey of mothers who are approaching retirement. Jackie Hickey of Bayshore Healthcare in Toronto says many moms could care less about pricey flowers, gifts or restaurant meals.



Hickey suggests the best Mothers Day gift for older moms on their special day is to take the whole family to her place, roll up the sleaves, help her cook dinner and dig in the garden beside her. About a thousand aging Canadian mothers were questioned for the survey.

Yarmouth Ready To Welcome First Ferry Passengers

Final touches are being made in Yarmouth to the town's downtown area as the May 15th startup date for the ferry service to Maine approaches. Mayor Pam Mood says with federal and provincial financial help and the work of townsfolk, the town is ready to showcase itself once again.



The NovaStar arrives in Yarmouth from Portland, Maine with its first passengers and vehicles at 8 o'clock Thursday morning.

Health Care Reform & Labour Designation Doesn't Mix Well With Labour Federation

Nova Scotia's Federation of Labour is calling upon the McNeil government to back off on its efforts to settle union issues surrounding health care reform. President Rick Clarke accuses the government of creating chaos in the system. He says unions have created a plan for health care workers to remain with their current union.
However, Clarke says the government seems intent on imposing its own plan.



Clarke is urging the government to allow unions to represent their members without interference and spend more time and energy instead on fixing problems in the health care system.

Former South Shore MLA Helping Bridgetown Through Dissolution

A former cabinet minister and South Shore MLA will lead a town in the Annapolis Valley through dissolution. Council in Bridgetown voted in March to drop its town status and join the Municipality of Annapolis County. A declining population and loss of jobs were cited as reasons for the move. Allister Surette has been appointed to transition Bridgetown through the process. Surette was the MLA for Argyle from 1993 to 1998 and served a Minister of Human Resources. He is now the president of Sainte-Anne's University. Municipal Affairs Minister and Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey made the appointment official earlier today. The dissolution process is expected to be complete by April 1, 2015.

NS: Teenager, 14, Charged With Impaired Driving

A 14 year old has been charged with impaired driving after a crash in Antigonish County. The teenager was caught after he put the car in a ditch on Highway 245 in Clydesdale. Mounties say the boy was not injured and was the only person in the vehicle. He's facing charges of impaired driving and taking a vehicle without consent. Mounties are still gathering details on the matter. The teen will appear in youth court in July.

The Legacy of Westray

Today is the anniversary of the Westray mine disaster in Pictou County. On May 9th, 1992, 26 coal miners died in the worst mining incident in the country since Springhill in 1958. Years later with the passing of Bill C-45 - known as the Westray Bill - in 2004, Canada has some of the strongest health and safety laws in the world. However, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says they're not used enough nor fully embraced.



Clarke says its time to send a strong message to employers that the health and safety of their workers is their top priority. To date, there has not been a single prosecution under the legislation.

Baillie Calls For Marketing Bowater Land Wood

Nearly two years since the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Nova Scotia's Queens County closed, there is still no word on what will become of all the forest land aquired by the province. With the US housing market on the comeback and the demand for cut lumber rising, Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie is urging the government to aggressively market the wood.



Baillie says everyone accepts the decline of the world newsprint market but he says there's no excuse to pursuing markets for other wood products such as lumber. He says it would boost the economy of the area and create jobs.

Day To Remember Canadian Veterans Of Afghanistan

Today is a National Day of Honor, recognizing Canadian Forces men and women who served in Afghanistan. On the South Shore, Legion branches and the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron will hold a service this afternoon at the cenotaph at Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Captain Norm Clancy of the Engineers says its important to recognize the service and sacrifices of Canadians in Afghanistan, even though it was a small war compared to others in the past.



Today's service in Bridgewater begins at 1:45pm. It'll be held at the same time as the National service in Ottawa.

International & Aboriginal Students To Benefit From Universities Projects

A series of new projects will launch at Nova Scotia universities designed to attract international and aboriginal students. Education Minister Kelly Regan has announced $5 million in funding for nine different projects that will help recruit and support new students. The money will also help create an easier application process for students through an online application portal and electronic transcript system. Cape Breton, Saint Mary's and Acadia will study ways to create a Nova Scotia-China learning campus to offer local academic programs in China. Meanwhile, Kings College will pilot a new approach gear toward students from the United Stated. The money for the projects is funneled through the Excellence and Innovation Fund.

Fishermen's ER Closed Most Of The Weekend

The emergency department at the hospital in Lunenburg will be closed for most of the weekend. The ER will not be staffed beginning tonight at 7:30pm. South Shore Health says it's due to the unavailability of a doctor. It will reopen on Sunday morning at 7:30am. Residents that live near the hospital and need urgent medical attention should dial 9-1-1 or go to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Substantially Lower

As predicted, gas prices are lower this morning at South Shore pumps and even lower than expected. Regular self serve is down 5 cents to $1.38.1 per litre. High test is down the same to $1.47.1. Diesel has fallen by 2.5 cents a litre and is selling at many locations for $1.35.1.

Softball: Season Kicks Off Tonight

The summer softball season in Lunenburg County kicks off tonight. The popular co-ed league gets underway tonight in Dayspring. The "BMI Freaks" will be looking to defend their title in the mixed league. The women's league will begin Monday. Eight teams make up the league which is set to enter its third season. Last season, the Pitch Slappers won the league championship over the Lady Alers. The men's season begins on Tuesday. There are seven teams in the league this year. The Apple Auto Glass Impact will be looking to defend their title after winning the league in October last season over the Assassins. The opening of the season was delayed because of poor weather.

It's Definitely McHappy Day

It certainly going to be a McHappy Day for some young children on the South Shore in need of a mentor. Nearly $3,200 was raised yesterday through proceeds donated by McDonalds in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was the most raised for the organization on McHappy Day. A dollar from hot beverages and select menu items went directly to BBBS. The money helps fund mentoring programs and after school support for youth in the area. Over the years the partnership has helped raise more than $13,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Canada's Governor General Coming To Mahone Bay

The town of Mahone Bay is getting a special visitor next week. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will help officially launch the Smart and Caring Community Fund. It's administered by the Lunenburg County Community Fund and is expected to support initiatives focused on improving quality of life in the region. Johnston will also present several Governor General Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. The event will be held during the afternoon of May 14 at the Mahone Bay Centre.

Chester: Municipality Supports Debate Over Oak Island Bill

The spring session of the Nova Scotia Legislature may have ended late last week but that won't stop a local MLA from trying to protect artifacts on Oak Island. NDP member for Chester-St. Margaret's Denise Peterson-Rafuse tabled a bill in the house. However, it will have to be revived when the house resumes in the fall. She says current legislation isn't strong enough and doesn't provide restrictions to have an archaeologist on the island while treasure hunters search for the hidden loot.



Meanwhile, Chester will do what they can to help their area MLA get the legislation debated. The municipality has agreed to send a letter asking the Nova Scotia government to push Bill 68 through the Legislature to debate. Warden Allen Webber says it's important for them to show support.



Peterson-Rafuse says they have received hundreds of emails from Norway, Sweden and England supporting the bill.

RCMP Make Pot Bust In Hebbville

A Lunenburg County man with some past trouble with the law is facing more charges after police did a routine check up at a home in Hebbville. RCMP say they went to check on a 31 year-old man yesterday afternoon. However, they were allowed into the home. That's when Mounties came back with a search warrant and found some pot plants. He was arrested along with another 38 year old man. The 31 year-old was taken to Burnside Correction Centre for not following his court conditions.  The other man was released and will appear in Bridgewater Court at a later date.

Full Review Of Education System Underway

Residents of the South Shore can help shape the education system. The first major review of education in 25 years is underway in Nova Scotia. A six-person panel has been formed to gather input from teachers, students, parents, education groups and community members. The panel is being led by former Lieutenant Governor and teacher Myra Freeman. The review was originally intended to focus on curriculum, but it will examine all aspects of the public school system. A discussion guide is available online to help get the conversation started and includes a series of questions to help gather input You can submit input by emailing educationreview@gov.ns.ca  or by phoning 844-424-3777. You can also tweet @NSEdReview. The deadline for submissions is June 13.

Mail:

Minister's Panel on Education
c/o Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
P.O. Box 578 Halifax, N.S.,
B3J 2S9

Getson Rated Second Round Pick For Upcoming QMJHL Draft

A Bridgewater hockey player is rated as a second-round pick for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's draft by the Central Scouting Service. Sixteen-year-old Keith Getson is ranked 35th overall for the upcoming draft on May 31st in Sherbrooke, Quebec. However, things could change on draft day and Getson could move up or down. He says he just wants to be drafted.



Getson is coming off a terrific year with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs, notching 28 points in 29 regular season games and was named to the league's rookie all-star team. Four Nova Scotians are rated to be drafted in the first round.

A Famous South Shore Son Being Honored

Tomorrow (May 9th) will be the 100th anniversary of the birth of country music legend Hank Snow. The Liverpool area is preparing to celebrate the centennial of its most famous son and thousands of Snow fans are expected to attend. Hank Snow museum administrator Kelly Inglis says there is one event many Snow fans are truely looking forward to. Its tomorrow's unveiling of a new Canada Post stamp commemorating the life of the famous singer.



In addition to the stamp, there will also be the unveiling of a life-size Hank Snow statue near the museum.
There is also the release of a Snow biography by South Shore author Vernon Oikle, a new Hank Snow CD release, the opening of the new Hank Snow Community Park, a country music show at the Astor Theatre featuring headliner Larry Gatlin and a lot of other events. The centennial celebrations run through Sunday.

Gold Star For South Shore Bus Drivers/Staff

It's more recognition for bus drivers and staff within the South Shore Regional School Board's transportation department. They received the Gold Award for exceptional performance at the Nova Scotia Pupil Transportation Conference. The South Shore board scored a remarkable 197 out of 200 possible points in a number of safety and performance related areas. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says he's thrilled for their staff and drivers in achieving such a high standard of excellence. It's the sixth year in a row the board has picked up the Gold Award. The transportation department manages 87 buses, over 330 routes and employs 100 drivers.

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.