Cancer Group Recognizes Barrington Society

Cancer Care Nova Scotia has recognized a local volunteer group that supports cancer patients. The group's annual Excellence Awards in pioneer, leadership and patient care were presented Thursday. The Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund Society in Barrington received the Patient Care for a Volunteer award. The society was created in 2004 by Shelley d'Eon of Barrington, in memory of her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer when she was 57. The society has organized many fundraising events, which has helped more than 200 cancer patients in the area.

Bluenose II Safety/Sea Trials Expected This Month

Still lots of uncertainty surrounding the Bluenose II. Culture Minister Leonard Preyra says the vessel is expected to undergo sea trials before the end of this month, but it remains uncertain when it will be available for public tours. Preyra says it's important to ensure public health and safety standards are met before the restored schooner is open to tourists. The Bluenose II was lowered into the waters off Lunenburg with much fanfare last September, and the government had said it was expected to be ready for public sailing this summer. Thousands of spectators took in the event along the waterfront in Lunenburg. But since then work has continued on the wooden vessel. Preyra says its restoration has cost about $16 million. The federal government has contributed nearly $5 million toward the project.

Nature Conservancy Unveils Massive Conservation Project

A large swath of land in Nova Scotia is being protected in what the Nature Conservancy of Canada says is the largest private conservation project ever in Atlantic Canada. The group announced today that it acquired about 21 square kilometres of habitat in the Tusket River headwaters area of Digby County. The partial land purchase and donation by J.D. Irving Limited includes stands of Acadian forest, three lake shorelines and sections of the Silver and Caribou rivers. The conservancy says the Tusket River is globally significant for the number of rare plants found in downstream reaches within Yarmouth County. Program Manager Craig Smith says the area provides habitat for the threatened snapping turtle and brook trout. Surrounding forest lands are home to other species at risk, including the Canada warbler, common nighthawk and chimney swift.

LeBlanc To Be Sentenced Today

A sentencing hearing will be held today for a 48-year-old Nova Scotia man who pleaded guilty to confining and sexually assaulting a teenage boy in Upper Chelsea last year. David James LeBlanc changed his pleas to guilty during an appearance last month in Supreme Court in Bridgewater. LeBlanc pleaded guilty to kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault, uttering threats and breach of conditions. The Crown says LeBlanc held the 16-year-old boy against his will for a week before he escaped last September.

Gas Prices Unchanged

If you're following the ups and downs of gasoline prices, today there is no change at South Shore pumps. Regular self serve gas is again priced at $1.29.1 per liter. High test is $1.38.1. Diesel is unchanged too at $1.26.4.

Halifax Company Remains Quiet On Appeal Decision

A Halifax company won't comment on a recent decision by the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council rejected a development agreement for a proposed construction and demolition diversion facility in Blockhouse. In a brief email exchange, Halifax C and D President Dan Chassie wouldn't comment if the company would appeal the matter. The company has the right to appeal council's decision with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Committee Identifies Carding Mill As Potential Heritage Property

The chair of Bridgewater's Heritage Advisory Committee says the Wile Carding Mill has been identified as a possible heritage property. Patrick Hirtle says the mill underwent an initial assessment on its heritage value and architectural significance and ranked high enough to meet criteria. Hirtle says they hope to recognize the mill later this year.



From 1860 to 1968, the water-powered mill lightened the workload for farm families by carding a week’s worth of wool in an hour. It ceased operation around 1968 and was sold to the province in 1973. A year later, the mill was restored and reopened as a museum.

New Liverpool School Could Be Delayed

The new school in Liverpool may not be ready to open for classes in September. Sod was turned on the $15 million South Queens Junior High School in November with plans for the school to open in time for the upcoming school year. However, interim superintendent Jim Gunn revealed last night the building may not be finished in time. In his report, Gunn says the school board will make a decision on when the school will be ready in the coming days. The new middle school would be home to students in grades 6-8. Board spokesperson, Trish Smith confirmed they will issue a media release on the status of the school and what it will mean for parents and students next week.

School Board Balances Tough Budget

The South Shore Regional School Board has passed another difficult budget. The $73.4 million (revenue/expenditures) document was approved in a 7-1 vote last night. African Nova Scotia member Vernon Simms was the lone member to oppose the document. Simms felt the board wasn't involved in the budget process as much as he would have liked. Provincial funding was slashed again this year by nearly $1 million. However, staff were able to juggle the numbers to balance the books. The board saw its biggest savings in staff reductions, school closures and nearly $300,000 through a reduction of pension expenditures. The board was able to increase funding in the key area of skilled trades to the tune of $180,000.

How SSRSB balanced its 2013-14 budget:

• Reduced 17 school based teaching positions
• Reduced 2.5 non-teaching support staff due to school closures and realignment
• Reduced 2.2 regional office positions
• Reduced operating capital maintenance expenditures
• Reduced transportation expenditures
• Reduced telecommunications expenditures
• Increased 2.55 school-based externally funded positions
• Increased two school-based specialists to meet student services standards
• Revenue received from the Province of Nova Scotia for targeted initiatives
• Cost savings from defined benefit pension plan (non-teaching staff)
• Operational cost savings from school closures
• Cost savings from staffing cuts made in 2012-13 budget – August 2012 to July 2013 savings.

Queens County Park Prepped For Summer

Pine Grove Park is the Region of Queens' latest swath of parkland that was once among Bowater Mersey's prized holdings. The 57-acre site on Route 8 near Liverpool was aquired by the province last year when the paper mill closed. The former owner, Resolute Forest Products, also provided a quarter million dollars ($250,000.) to help with upkeep on the park over the next decade. District of Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke says crews have been busy this spring getting Pine Grove ready for use after years of neglect.



The park was developed in the 1980's and '90's with the help of Captn Richard Steele, Q.C., one of eastern North America's most noted plantsmen. There are extensive rhododendron and azalea plantings throughout the site. More than three kilometers of walking, hiking and biking trails wind their way through the woodland garden that is, Pine Grove Park. The mayor says its a natural resource like no other in the region.

Fresh Air Films Looking For Volunteers

A group of people helping to bring outdoor movies in Bridgewater are looking for volunteers. The group, known as Fresh Air Films, will begin showing movies later this month at Shipyards Landing. They're hosting a volunteer information session for people to learn about the group's plans and how they can get involved with the project. The meeting will be held Thursday night at 7pm at Town Hall.

Crawley Named Lumberjacks Top Scorer And MVP

After four years in the Maritime Hockey League, including three in Bridgewater, Michael Crawley says he's proud of his accomplishments. The 20-year-old captain for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks took home the top scorer and MVP awards at the team's player awards banquet Wednesday night. Crawley scored 34 goals and 28 assists in 52 games. He was also recognized this season as the Lumberjacks all-time leading scorer. Crawley says he's proud of what he did in his final year of junior hockey.



He says his favorite moment remains the memorable mini-series against Metro in 2011. Crawley will now attend Saint Mary's University in the fall. Other award winners Wednesday night include Jeremy Butterworth as top rookie, Mitch Hennebury as top defenceman, most improved went to Zac Zakas and the 100 percent award was won by Luc Ramey.

Updated: Lumberjacks Sign Five Year Agreement With LCLC

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will officially take the ice at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre in the fall. LCLC General Manager Kevin Benjamin confirmed the news during the team's player awards banquet at the Michelin Social Club Wednesday night. Benjamin says the two sides reached a five-year agreement to play at the new Clearwater Seafood Arena. He says its a fair deal for both sides.



Meanwhile, Owner Ken Petrie says five years is the right amount of time.



The two sides were back and forth at the negotiation table for months trying to come to an agreement. Petrie says he's excited about the upcoming season and looks forward to playing in the new facility.

MODL Approves Development Agreement For Proposed Pub

A proposed pub in Riverport has cleared another hurdle on its way to being established. The Municipality of Lunenburg unanimously approved a development agreement for the Heron Pub and Marina. The proposed facility would be located on Lower LaHave Road in a former fish processing facility with nearly 3,000 square feet of space. Mayor Don Downe says things are moving ahead.



A public hearing for community members will be held July 4.

Province Renames Highway 103 After Lost Fishermen

The province is paying tribute to fishermen who have lost their lives in the fishing industry. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau announced today that Highway 103 will be known as the Fishermen's Memorial Highway. Belliveau unveiled a new commemorative highway sign in Shelburne. In a release, he says the designation acknowledges the debt to the hundreds who have lost their lives at sea. Highway 103 runs from Halifax to Yarmouth and links a number of fishing communities. (Photo Courtesy : Facebook)

South West Health Welcomes 11 New Docs

Eleven new doctors will be working in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby over the next eight months. Seven are family physicians and four are specialists who will begin providing consultant services to the residents of South West Health before fall 2013. The health authority indicates four doctors will move to Yarmouth, one in Shelburne and two for Digby county. Chief of Medical Staff, Alenia Kysela says improving access to primary care is a top priority for the health authority. She says officials will continue to attract doctors to help under-serviced areas. Nine of the physicians completed a major portion of their medical education in Canada or the USA.  

Committee Seeks Town's Help For Cemetery Street Names

More than 30 names have been gathered by Bridgewater's Heritage Advisory Committee for streets inside Brookside Cemetery. The committee asked the public to submit road names to them in April for the upcoming project. The names were requested because the committee felt they would help provide direction to visitors, help locate headstones and improve emergency response times. Mayor David Walker says the matter will go back to staff.



The committee is looking at a cost of roughly $5,000 for posts and sign blades to be installed. Some of the street names received include Glory Bend, Brookside Way, Memory Loop, Edgewood Path, Sawmill Arch, Veterans Bend, Wondering Loop and Pondside Path.

Lengthy Sentence Expected For Sex Offender In Confinement Case

It could be a lengthy prison term for a 48 year-old man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted a teenage boy in Lunenburg County. David Leblanc will be sentenced Friday for his role in the disturbing incident which began in Halifax last fall and ended when the boy escaped a run down cabin in Upper Chelsea after being held captive for ten days. The Crown has indicated they will see a prison term in the range of 11 years. Leblanc pleaded guilty last month to most of the charges related to the case, including kidnapping, forcible confinement and sexual assault. His co-accused, Wayne Cunningham died while on the run from police in Northern Ontario. A third man connected to the case will have a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing will be held for Leonard McKeen on July 25. He is charged with sexual assault and a prostitution related offence.

NSCC Lunenburg Campus Holds Convocation

The Nova Scotia Community College Lunenburg Campus marks its class of 2013 Wednesday morning. Convocation will be held at 10am in the campus gymnasium. Two hundred and six people are graduating. Awards will be handed out including the Governor General's academic medal, President award and the NSCC's Board of Directors award. This year's class Valedictorian is Lunenburg County's Tracy Pagan Hardt from the Natural Resources-Environmental Technology program.

Fisheries Minister To Unveil New Highway Sign

A new sign will be unveiled today in memory of fishermen lost at sea. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau will join members of the fishing community including families and friends to showcase the sign. The unveiling will take place at 1pm at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club and Marina.