Arson in Shelburne

A male youth is facing charges of arson casing damage to property in relation to an incident in Shelburne last Saturday. RCMP responded to a fire at the George Street playground at midnight on October 3rd. Once the fire was extinguished by the Shelburne Fire Department, it was discovered that the large plastic slide was deliberately set on fire. The accused cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Ground Breaking for New Hotel

Bridgewater native and two-time NHL all-star Glen Murray is investing in a Best Western Hotel in his home town. He says the plan has been in the works for a couple of years. Murray and his partner, Rodney Grace have known for many years they would partner in a business benture at some point. After more than two years of strategic planning they're ready to hit the ground running. The land at Exit 12 , just beyone Boston Pizza was acquired from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg .The Three level 63 room hotel will also be home to "Lahave Peak Convention Centre", a fully serviced 4 thousand square foot banquet area. The new hotel will also include a large swimming pool equipped with an 80 foot spiral water slide and Jacuzzi. Site work will begin immediately, and General Contractor, Saulnier Lozier of Moncton, New Brunswick will work toward a spring 2010 completion.

Shooting in Shelburne

A Shelburne County man will appear in Yarmouth Court today for a bail hearing following a weekend shooting. Forty-nine year old Michael Goulden of Carleton Village is charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, careless use of a firearm and pointing a firearm. Goulden was arrested at his house early Sunday morning after a 28-year-old driver of an all terrain vehicle was shot in the back with a twelve gauge shotgun. RCMP say two ATVs were being driven in a reckless manner when a man fired two rounds from a twelve gauge, striking one of the drivers. The gun shot penetrated his clothing and lodged in his back. The victim was treated in hospital and released. His injuries are not considered serious. Police seized a total of 43 firearms from Goulden's residence along with a large quantity of ammunition.

Funding for Rec Centre

The dream can now become a reality. Federal funding of 10.35 million dollars has been announced towards the construction of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. MP Gerald Keddy delivered the good news and the check at the Michelin Social Club Friday morning. The federal money is coming from the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund. The Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg have committed a total of 10 million dollars for the project as has the province. Total cost estimates are now pegged at 32.37 million dollars. The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be a year round sport, recreational and cultural facility. The project involves the construction of two NHL regulation sized ice pads with fixed seating for 1800 spectators. The facility will also include a walking track on the upper concourse area, an aquatic centre with sport training, leisure and therapeutic pool, a public library and other multipurpose spaces.

No Charges

Charges will not be laid against a Bridgewater Police Officer who was involved in a collision while responding to an apartment fire September 15th. Deputy-Chief John Collyer was heading to the fire scene to assist in evacuation efforts. At the intersection of North Street and Aberdeen Road he met an oncoming vehicle. No air bags deployed and there was only minor damage to both the police car and other vehicle and there were no injuries. The Deputy-Chief in an effort to clear the road for an emergency vehicle behind him, pulled off the street into the parking lot of a nearby business. The other vehicle's operator did the same thing, however, neither driver was then visible to the other. There was no evidence of any attempt to evade responsibility and the Town of Bridgewater will pay for the damages to the other vehicle.

Rec Centre Funding

The long wait may soon be over. A funding announcement for the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be held this Friday morning at 10 a.m. at theMichelin Social Club on Logan Road in Bridgewater. The Town of Bridgewater and Municipality of the District of Lunenburg have committed 10 million to the project with the province kicking in 10 million as well. The federal contribution is also expected to be 10 million. The plans for the Lifestyle Centre include two ice rinks, one six-lane, 25-metre pool, and fitness and meeting space as well as a new library.

Robbery with Violence

An elderly male the victim of a robbery with violence in West Dublin last evening. Two unknown persons entered the man's residence around 8:30 p.m. last night assaulting him and stealing an undisclosed amount of money from his wallet. An RCMP Police Service Dog and the Forensic Identification Unit are assisting the Lunenburg County RCMP with the investigation which is ongoing.

Death Deemed Accidental

RCMP have determined the death of a 58 year old Lunenburg County man was accidental. The Mounties responded yesterday to a missing persons complaint in the Cherry Hill area. Neighbours reported that a 58 year old male had not been seen for approximately ten days. An extensive search by the RCMP of the adjacent woods near the subjects home located the body of the missing person pinned under his farm tractor.

Crack Cocaine Seizure

A Martin's River couple is facing drug trafficking charges after a quantity of crack cocaine was seized during a traffic stop. Fifty-one year old Judy Ann Demont and 45 year old Stephen Patrick Smith, have been charged with trafficking crack cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking crack cocaine . As a result of a lengthy drug trafficking investigation the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Lower Sackville RCMP Street Crime Enforcement Unit and the Lunenburg County RCMP arrested the couple during a traffic stop in the East River area of Highway 103 . Demont and Smith will be appearing in Bridgewater Provincial Court on November 18th, 2009 to answer to the charges.

Blessing the Animals

It's an ancient practice traditionally associated with St. Francis of Assissiwhose feast is October 5. St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, will be holding a Blessing of Families and Animals, this Sunday, October 4th at 2:00pm in the churchparade in front of the church. The service of thanksgiving and blessing is for pet animals as well as farm animals. Peope are asked to ensure their dogs are on leashes and other animals are properly kennelled or restrained. Donations to S.H.A.I.D. would be appreciated.

Drug Trafficker to Jail

Trafficking in cocaine has landed a Lunenburg County man behind bars for two and a-half years. Provincial Court Judge Jim Burrill sentenced 32 year old Randy Joe Naugler of Upper Kingsburg to a prison term last week calling him a retailer of poison who was motivated by greed. Naugler was put under surveillance by the South Shore Integrated Street Crime Unit after they received a tip August 28th last year that he was going to be selling cocaine later that day. Naugler's car was intercepted in Upper LaHave, but sped off as officers approached his vehicle. He struck an unmarked police vehicle and crashed into a ditch. A search of the car turned up five two-gram bags of cocaine powder,a further 23 grams of the drug, four grams of marihuana and seven ecstasy tablets. A search of Naugler's home turned up a further 11.3 grams of marihuana and seven ecstasy pills. Meantime, Naugler will return to Bridgewater Provincial Court October 21stto face new charges of possessing ecstasy and prescription medication for the purpose of trafficking as well as possession of marihuana. Those charges stem from a search in Upper Kingsburg July 29th.

Earle Wins Nomination

Once again Gordon Earle will represent the NDP in the South Shore/St. Margarets riding in the next federal election. Over 100 NDP members turned out Sunday afternoon at the Italy Cross Fire Hall to elect Earle Geoff LeBoutlier , the contender for the nomination , made a motion to make Mr.Earle's nomination unanimous. An association fund raising dinner will be held at the Oak Hill Fire Hall on Oct.24 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, for tickets please call 644-1960 or 543-4989

Race Relations Coordinator

The South Shore Regional School Board has approinted Stephen Johnson as Coordinator of Race Relations, Cross-Cultural Understanding and Human RightsJohnson brings 22 years of experience as a youth worker, community liaison, mental health review board member and teacher/trainer for various programs of the Nova Scotia government. Currently, he is a youth navigator for the western region of Nova Scotia in the high profile Nova Scotia Child and Youth Strategy. Johnson will assume his new position with the Board on October 13, where his role will be to ensure effective implementation of the Board's Race Relations, Cross-Cultural Understanding and Human Rights policies and to advance social justice and equity in all sectors of the South Shore Regional education community

4-H Comes to Town

4-H members will gather in Bridgewater to participate in the 32nd annual Nova Scotia 4-H Show next month. The event will be held at the South Shore Exhibition Grounds from Oct. 2-4. The 2009 event is being hosted by the Lunenburg County 4-H Leader's Council. The 4-H show includes technical presentations and projects, as well as competitions. Agriculture Minister John MacDonell says the 4-H program helps young people learn skills that will help them become confident, responsible citizens and future leaders in communities. Nova Scotia has the largest 4-H Show in Canada. There are 2,400 members, 850 leaders and 85 clubs in the province. The free event is open to the public.

Business Excellence

Six local businesses honoured last night as the best in their category at the prestigious Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards dinner. Held this year at the Days Inn in Bridgewater, the Awards event, which has been running in various forms for more than six years, was expanded for the first time to include businesses from both Queens and Lunenburg Counties. The winners who will be able to hang specially designed plaques in their offices are:
Small Business Award - J & H Industries, Liverpool
Large Business Award - Lighthouse Publishing, Bridgewater
Export Achievement Award - Terra Beata Cranberries, Lunenburg
Entrepreneurial Award - emOcean, Lunenburg
Hospitality Award - Guppy's Place Family Restaurant, New Germany
New Business Award - Classic Granite Countertops, Bridgewater

New SchoolBoard Vice-Chair

Gary Mailman was elected the Vice-Chair of the South Shore Regional School Board at the Board's monthly meeting last night. He replaces Karen Kinley who resigned her position effective August 31st to take a job in Halifax with the provincial government's legislative council office. Four names were put forward but two members declined forcing a secret ballot vote. Mailman says he's humbled and will take the challenge to help the Board move forward. A by-election to fill the seat vacated by Kinley will be held on Saturday, November 21st

BMHS Terry Fox Run

On September 25 (starting at 1 pm) Barrington Municipal High School will be taking part in the annual Terry Fox Run, with staff and students volunteering their time and resources to keep Terry's Dream of a cancer free world alive. Last year all schools in NS raised $408,000 with our school contributing $4847.49, our goal again this year is to raise $5,000. Our route will start 1pm at BMHS and goes along Oak Park Rd. to Cross intersection (past the ESSO Garage) and travel along River Head Rd to Highway 3; Cross road at intersection and travel along Highway 3 to Oak Park Rd. Cross road at intersection and continue along Oak Park Road to the school turn-off. Continue along Oak Park Rd & back to BMHS. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Prizes will be awarded to the Top Pledge-getters, and Fastest Runners, in both Sr. and Jr. High. There will also be draws for other Door Prizes. To be eligible for these draws, students must collect at least $20.00 in pledges. All students and staff who complete the Walk/Run will receive a Certificate of Recognition.

Queens Fitness

The Region of Queens is setting up a subsidy program for fitness instructor training. At the present time there are very few certified leaders in the Region of Queens offering classes to the public . Council feels that with the opening of Queens Place on the horizon, and increased attention nationally to activity levels in youth and adults, there is a need for an increase in local fitness leadership. A major factor in getting certified is the cost, so Council has approved subsidizing 50 percent of course fees to become a fitness leader. Participants will be reimbursed the subsidy upon presentation of a certificate from the course along with a receipt showing they paid for the course.

Police Car Collision

Bridgewater police are looking into an accident involving one of their police cars as it was responding to a building on fire on North Street last week. Chief Brent Crowhurst is doing the investigation himself. He says there's been an allegation of a hit-and-run, something he says doesn't apply in this case because there was no attempt to evade criminal or civil liability. Chief Crowhurst says because the car was being driven by Deputy Police Chief John Collyer a prosecutor will be consulted to make sure there is an independant review of the case. The unmarked car was responding with lights and sirens activated last Tuesday morning as it was responding to the building on fire on North Street. There was a head-on collision at the intersection of Glen Allan Drive and Aberdeen Road with a vehicle that was turning left on to Aberdeen from Glen Allan Drive. The driver of the other car was assessed at South Shore Regional hospital and then released that morning. Collyer was un-injured.

Bowater Money

The N-D-P government is investing in the sustainability of a major employer and exporter in Nova Scotia's paper products industry. Bowater Mersey Paper Company Ltd. is receiving $2.5 million dollars to support adding book-grade paper to its manufacturing process. Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris says the company is finding innovative ways to manage through difficult economic times. The Bowater Mersey mill in Brooklyn employs about 500 full-time employees andsupports the jobs of more than 1,000 people in industry-related operations. The investment is from the Community Development Trust Fund, a $34.9-million fund set up by the federal government in 2008 to help communities and sectors experiencing economic challenges.

FULL RELEASE:
The province is investing in the sustainability of a major employer and exporter in Nova Scotia's paper products industry.
Bowater Mersey Paper Company Ltd. is receiving $2.5 million to support the addition of book-grade paper to its manufacturing process.
Book-grade paper, used mainly in the printing of paperback books, requires more demanding quality standards than those for newsprint. The book-grade paper market tends to have more stable demand and pricing trends.
Economic and Rural Development is supporting the company's diversification plan through the Community Development Trust Fund. The $34.9-million fund was established in 2008 by the federal government to help communities and sectors experiencing economic challenges.
"Bowater Mersey is managing through difficult economic times in this industry by finding innovative ways to reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and develop new product lines and markets," said Minister of Economic and Rural Development Percy Paris.
"The fundamentals of this company are solid and, along with the company, its employees, suppliers, and customers and various governments, we want this mill to continue to be a viable part of our economy and return to higher employment levels as the economy rebounds in the coming months."
Bowater Mersey employs about 500 full-time employees. Its operations include the newsprint mill near Liverpool, Queens Co. the Oakhill sawmill near Bridgewater; the Mersey Woodlands forest management group and the Brooklyn Power Corporation in Brooklyn, Queens Co.
Indirectly, the company supports the jobs of more than 1,000 people in forest management and harvesting operations, private sawmills, trucking firms and other suppliers. Its products are exported around the world.
Bowater Mersey has invested more than $7 million toward the product diversification project, including new manufacturing processes, technology and equipment. The company has already marketed its book-grade paper in the United Kingdom and is seeking opportunities to supply European and Asian pressrooms. Book-grade paper is shipped by vessel from the port at the Bowater Mersey mill as well as by container through the Port of Halifax.
Bowater Mersey continues to work closely within the industry to develop certified forest management practices. The co-generation plan produces electricity under contract to Nova Scotia Power Inc., which provides a stable steam supply to the newsprint plant.
The priorities of the Community Development Trust Fund are to enhance sustainable prosperity, diversify economic and trade opportunities, improve productivity, innovation and training, assist communities with transition planning, and help workers facing adjustment challenges. More information on the Community Development Trust Fund in Nova Scotia is available at http://www.blogger.com/www.gov.ns.ca/econ/cdtrust .