MODL Extends Lease Agreement With School Group

A one-year lease is being extended to the South Shore Ventures Co-op. The group is behind the retrofit at the old Blockhouse School. They agreed to the lease last year with the Municipality of Lunenburg. Now, council is extending the lease until August 30. Deputy Mayor Don Zwicker says the group needs a bit of extra time.



The agreement has been extended to help the group complete necessary steps around an environmental approval, public hearing and development agreement.

Area Information Session Planned For April In Barrington

An event to help people learn more about what's happening in the Shelburne area has started planning for this year. The 'Our Community - Something for Everyone' initiative is in its eighth year of providing people with information on local organizations, agencies, programs and activities. Manager of Community and Economic Development for the town of Shelburne, Jerry Locke, says its an important event for community members.



Locke considers the event a trade show of sorts, which helps contribute to the quality of life in Shelburne County. The event is scheduled for April 20 at the Barrington Lions Hall.

Shelburne RCMP Issue Phone Scam Warning

Shelburne RCMP say they've responded to multiple fraud related complaints in the area. Investigators have determined a large scale phone scam is making the round across Canada. In this scam, a man claims he is from Publishers Clearing House and he is calling to say the person has won $2.5 million in sweepstakes. Police say the person uses the name Michael Bell. The man then tells would-be victims in order to claim the prize money, they either have to wire cash to a bank account or provide personal information. RCMP are asking those who receive these calls to hang up and contact your local police department.

Superintendent Leaving School Board For New Role

The head of the South Shore Regional School Board has accepted a position with the Department of Education. Nancy Pynch-Worthylake is leaving the role after spending six years as Superintendent of Schools. In a release, Pynch-Worthylake says the decision wasn't easy but adds she is looking forward to her new role. She will become the Senior Executive Director of Public Schools within the Department of Education. Pynch-Worthylake says students in the region will continue to be served by a strong senior team, effective regional support and amazing school-based staff. A transition plan will be developed for SSRSB leadership while a national recruitment search is conducted to fill the position.

Lunenburg: Council Pre-Approves Funds For Water/Sewer Project

Town council in Lunenburg has pre-approved funds to complete a large water and sewer project. The decision to commit just over $610,000 toward the last portion of the project was approved earlier this week. Work on the $1.2 million project began last fall with a large portion carried out on Bluenose Drive and Pelham Street. The project is being assisted by federal funding and will help increase water flows to assist with fire fighting in Old Town Lunenburg. Town Engineer Marc Belliveau says the project also involves splitting their storm and sanitary water lines. He says that will help with efficiently and keep costs down at the town's water treatment facility. Work will resume in the spring around Bluenose Academy.

Yarmouth Liberal MLA Will Seek Re-Election

The Liberal member of the Legislature for Yarmouth says there's absolutely no question, he will seek another term. Zach Churchill says he finds his role as the MLA rewarding and he wants to continue pushing for changes to education and health care. He says a major highlight of his first term was the public meeting in Yarmouth last summer during which 25-hundred residents stood-up to the Electoral Boundaries Commission. They unanimously rejected a proposal to split the Yarmouth constituency. Churchill was first elected in a June 2010 by-election in the Yarmouth riding. As a member of the opposition Liberals, he's served in the Legislature as their critic for the departments of Advanced Education and Labour, Tourism and the Youth Secretariat.

Gas Prices Will Likely Remain Unchanged

Be prepared for South Shore gasoline prices to probably remain the same or drop ever so slightly when the prices for the coming week are set tonight. The utility and review board will unveil prices at midnight. In New Brunswick, there's a small drop in the price there this morning. It's down half-a-cent. The new maximum price for regular self-serve is $1.36.7 a litre. However, it's not the only dip this week. Diesel is down in New Brunswick by 2.6 cents a litre, while furnace oil is down by 1.3 cents a litre.

Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks Begin Mainland Tourney

The South Shore Ice Sharks Bantam 'AA' hockey club will host the Mainland League tournament beginning today in Liverpool. The tournament is held every year once the regular season wraps up to determine which teams qualify for provincials. The Ice Sharks are ranked #1 heading into the tourney. Head Coach Jody O'Donnell says its gut-check time for his team.



Ten teams are in the tourney including Pictou, Brookfield, Yarmouth, Truro and West Hants. The club plays their first game at 4:30 against Cumberland at Queens Place Emera Centre.

Three Car Crash In Chester Basin Sends Five To Hospital

RCMP say five people were sent to hospital following a three-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Chester Basin. Police say the incident happened around 4:40pm along Highway 12 near the Lacey Mines Road. Cpl. Jamie Vacon, watch commander for Lunenburg County, says four people were taken to South Shore Regional Hospital while one other was transferred to Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. He says all injuries are serious but non-life threatening. RCMP say the investigation continues and charges are pending.

North Queens Hopes For New Fire Hall

The North Queens Fire Association is campaigning for a new $1.5 million fire hall. Officials say the old one is worn out and they're seeking $700,000 from the Region of Queens toward a replacement. District council is weighing the request and will make a decision by late April. However, Mayor Christopher Clarke says it's a challenging time because the district is bringing in less tax revenue since the closure of the Bowater mill. He says they need to look at the numbers and a decision likely won't come until sometime in April. The Fire Association will also be requesting $200,000 from Annapolis County and the remaining $300,000 will be raised through community donations. The Association has already raised $300,000 on its own.

RCMP Identify Liverpool Paramedic Facing Drug Charges

A Liverpool paramedic is up for six charges for allegedly stealing and misusing drugs from an EHS station. RCMP say 47-year-old Kenneth Cosh is facing three counts of possession, breach of trust, theft under $5,000 and forgery. Officials from EHS alerted police of allegations of thefts and misuse of drugs by the man recently. RCMP searched a home earlier this month on Wolfe Street and seized syringes and medical containers. The man is scheduled to appear in Liverpool provincial court April 16.

Yarmouth Ferry Terminal Needs Overhaul Or Replacement: Mayor

The mayor of Yarmouth says the day the ferry service returns to her town will be a great event. Pam Mood says the loss of the service four years ago has devastated the region and its going to take a lot to repair the damage.



The International Ferry Partnership and local municipalities have kicked-in money to hire a promoter to spear-head upgrades to the Yarmouth ferry terminal. Federal dollars will be sought for the project. Meanwhile, a company in the United States says it has an agreement to lease a vessel and start a Yarmouth to Maine service beginning this summer if it is awarded a contract. Quest Navigation Inc. of Eliot, Maine is one of two companies proposing to operate the service between Maine and Nova Scotia. Quest officials say the vessel has 162 cabins, two restaurants and capacity for more than 1,200 passengers. The other company, Baltimore-based Maritime Applied Physics Corp., is an engineering firm that specializes in designing electro-mechanical systems for harsh environments. The ferry's former operator, Bay Ferries Limited, announced in December 2009 that it would cancel the money-losing service after the government said it could no longer provide an annual $6-million subsidy. The Nova Scotia government issued a request for proposals in December for an operator of the ferry service. A decision is expected in a few weeks.

South Shore Health Stands Up Against Bullying

Students, teachers and other local businesses are wearing pink today to take a stand against bullying. Among the groups recognizing the importance of today is South Shore Health. They have partnered with students from Bridgewater High, who have developed a video message in support of the movement. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they're on board with creating change.



The video will be shown during a gathering at South Shore Regional Hospital this afternoon. Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 after two Nova Scotia teenagers encouraged others to wear pink t-shirts in support of a grade nine student who was being bullied for wearing pink.

Bridgewater Man Facing Drug Trafficking Charges

A 49-year-old Bridgewater man will appear in court in the spring on alleged drug trafficking charges. RCMP arrested the man Monday afternoon at a home on Pleasant Street. Police seized marihuana, cash, drug paraphernalia, and other offence-related property. The suspect is facing charges of possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking, and trafficking marihuana. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court May 15.

Consultations Set For 1.5 Million Acres Of Crown Land

The province will begin consultations in March on best use of 1.5 million acres of Crown land in Western Nova Scotia. Large parcels of the land up for discussion are located in Queens, Shelburne, Halifax Regional Municipality and Annapolis County. Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey says input will be used to help develop a land-use plan for the region. He says possible use could include mineral exploration, renewable energy projects and agricultural operations. Ramey says the government will also consult Mi'kmaq, municipalities and industry to help manage the Crown land and its natural resources. The former Bowater Mersey lands will also be included in the consultation process. No dates have been set for public meetings.

Group Home Receives Council Nod Of Approval

The CEO of the LaHave Manor Corporation says she's relieved with a decision by Bridgewater council to allow a group home to remain in a residential neighbourhood. Town council voted 4-2 in favour of keeping Compassion House at 6 Evergreen Road. A by-law change now defines the home as a single dwelling unit, not an institution and allows five people to live in the home, up from three. Joanne Wentzell agrees with council's decision.

"We are very pleased with the decision that council made last night. I think that after being presented with all the facts and the information, they made the right decision." 

There will now be a 14-day window for people to appeal. If it is appealed, the matter will go to the province's Utility and Review Board for final decision.

Hospital Staff, Patients Dealing With Flu-Like Symptoms

South Shore Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from the flu. The health authority says they currently have a handful of patients and staff with flu-like symptoms in the medical unit at South Shore Regional in Bridgewater. Infection Control Practitioner, Elizabeth Watson, says people are experiencing fever, headaches, sore throat and muscle aches. She says they have taken steps to limit the spread of illness.



Watson says some tips people should follow include washing hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. She also says getting a flu shot can help prevent people from getting sick.

Parkview Girls Hockey Team Heads To Regional Playoffs

Its off to the Western Regional Girls Hockey Playoffs for teams in this part of the province. Among them, Bridgewater's Park View Lady Panthers team. Parkview finished in third place in regular season play in the nine team Valley Hockey League. The playoffs are taking place in Kingston in the valley and kick off today.

New Ross: Community Wants Its Grade 9's

The community of New Ross wants to keep their school in tact. The Grade 9 class at New Ross Consolidated School could be transferred to the nearby Forest Heights. It`s a proposal pitched under the school review process currently underway at six schools throughout the South Shore Regional School Board. Retired New Ross Consolidated teacher, Greg Jollymore says he`s hoping for the status quo.



Other concerns raised include the negative impact on finances, staffing and a thinning athletics program should Grade 9`s be moved out of New Ross. Members of the local school board are also reviewing various scenarios at Mill Village, Pentz, Petite Reviere, Hebbville Academy and Gold River-Western Shore. They make a decision on each school's proposed scenario in late March.

Glenn Anderson, Leafs Alumni Skate In Chester

A six-time Stanley Cup winner and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame will be in Chester tonight for the NHL Legends Maritime Tour. Glenn Anderson spent 16 seasons in the NHL, including almost three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is among a number of Leafs Alumni playing tonight to help the local branch of the Navy League's 351 Llewellyn Sea Cadets. Anderson says he enjoys lacing up the skates with former professional players.



The 60-year-old notched 157 points while he was with Toronto from 1991-1994. Other players involved include Al Iafrate, Gary Leeman, Tiger Williams, Mike Krushelynski and Mark Osborne. The game gets underway at 7pm and some tickets will be available at the door.