Lunenburg Supports Dog Park, But Changes Needed

The town of Lunenburg is in support of a request for a dog park in the community, but it's going to take some time to get it established. The town's dog park society has considerable interest in land on Starr Street, but that current space is zoned industrial and isn't permitted. Councillor Peter Zwicker says council has moved to make the necessary changes.



Zwicker says it's part of the process after a site has been identified. He expects it to take roughly four months to go through public information sessions and hearings before it comes back to council for approval.

Queens County B&E's Investigated By RCMP

Two break and enter incidents in Queens County have the RCMP searching for suspects. They occurred between April 10th and 22nd. In the first case, a thief, or thieves, broke into storage facilities on the Airport Road in Middlefield and caused significant damage to a storage trailer. In the second incident, a green and orange Shriner's gas-powered parade car was stolen from another storage unit at the same location. Queen County RCMP are asking anyone who might have information on these two incidents to contact them at  902-354-5721 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS.

Former Mustang Named Finalist For CJHL Rookie Of The Year

A former South Shore Mustang forward has been named a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year award. Seventeen-year-old Morgan Messenger, now with the Yarmouth Mariners, is one of 10 players from across the country to be nominated. The Barrington native was the MHL's rookie of the year. He was was an offensive threat for the Mariners and although he missed several games due to injuries, he finished with 34 points in 36 games. Messenger was also chosen to play in the CJHL Prospects Games last November in Yarmouth. The first-ever recipient of the award will be announced during the week of May 6-10.

Town To Seek MODL Interest In Major Events Committee

The mayor of Bridgewater says a meeting to look at setting up a major events committee for the area was informative and helpful. David Walker says over a dozen people were at the meeting to learn more about the potential committee and its role. He says the manager of Events Nova Scotia provided a good overview of the group and how they can help local communities. Walker says the next steps will be to contact the Municipality of Lunenburg to determine their interest.



He says they still have work to do to determine accommodations and venues, and develop a term of reference for the committee. Walker expects another meeting will be held in the next few weeks.

White Point To Host Atlantic Premiers

A gathering of the four Atlantic premiers will take place this coming Monday on the South Shore. White Point Resort near Liverpool will host the 22nd session of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. Premiers Dexter, Alward, Ghiz and Dunderdale will gather at White Point for the sessions. They will discuss key areas for collaboration, such as growing the regional economy, training and job creation. The day gets underway at 8:30 Monday morning.

Chester: Council Looks To Clear Way For Health Centre

Chester council will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss a zoning issue for the "Our Health Centre" project. Councillors will look at changing some wording in their policies to allow for the construction of the $6 million dollar facility in Shoreham Village. The move will help clear the way for the area's proposed medical centre. They will also need to amend their zoning bylaw. The community group behind the project is in the midst of a major fundraising initiative to help pay for the facility. The medical centre would feature enough space for six doctors offices, examining rooms and blood collection. It's hopes the doors to the facility will be open sometime next year. Tonight's meeting is at 6 o'clock at the municipal office in Chester.

Town, Cafe Group To Try And Negotiate Library Space Lease

A member of Cafe 12 says the group is excited to move ahead with the town to discuss the future space of the current library building in Bridgewater. Council voted 4-3 in favour of opening negotiations for the property at 547 King Street. Two councillors along with the town's CAO will now meet with the group members to see if the two sides can reach common ground on a lease agreement. Cafe 12 team member Rachel Edmonds says they want to remain open with the town.



The two sides are expected to meet a few times over the next few weeks. More information is expected to come to council by the end of May. Meanwhile, the president of the other group hoping to access the future library space says he's okay with the decision made by council. However, John Swain of Swain and Associates says he hopes the town doesn't give special amenities to the non-profit group.



Swain says they hope to find another available space in the near future. The building could still be sold on the market if the town and Cafe 12 can't reach common ground on a lease agreement.

Meeting To Discuss Major Events Committee

A meeting to gather interest in a major events committee for Bridgewater will be discussed Wednesday night. Councillors are expected to join community leaders in business, sports and accommodation to talk about the potential benefits of creating the committee. The manager of Events Nova Scotia will also be at the meeting to share his ideas and information about the organization. Mayor David Walker says the potential committee could do more than attract major events to the area.



The meeting starts at 6pm at town hall.

Osprey Ridge Ready To Open

The lone golf course in Bridgewater is opening its doors to members only. Osprey Ridge will open for the year on Thursday. Director of Golf and Head Pro, Jared Lohnes, says the course is in great shape early in the season. The course is expected to open to non-members and green-feers on Friday.

Board's Transportation Department Completes South Queens Route Review

The South Shore Regional School Board's transportation department has completed a full route review of the South Queens busing system in anticipation of the new middle school opening this fall. Among the changes, Milton students will attend Dr. John C. Wickwire, all grade six students will attend South Queens Middle School and all grade nines will go to Liverpool High. The department says the changes will be implemented in September for the 2013-14 school year, to make the transition as smooth as possible. Students who use the bus will be given information from their home room teachers. A full overview of the changes are listed below:

• Milton students will attend Dr. John C. Wickwire
• All grade 6 students will now attend South Queens Middle School
• All grade 9 Students will now attend Liverpool Regional High School
• Dr. John C. Wickwire will now have a bell time of 8:45am to 2:45pm
• Some bus stops have been combined to ensure our bus routes comply with motor carrier regulations and School Board policies. (If this affects your family, you will be contacted directly)
• Roads have been removed from service if a student residing on a particular road does not live at least 800m from the main road travelled. (If this affects your family, you will be contacted directly)
• All P-5 Students within this catchment area will be bused
• Walking distance for Grade 6 to 12 students will remain the same.

Mounties Investigate Break-Ins In Lunenburg County

RCMP say they are following leads after a rash of break-ins around Lunenburg County. Staff Sergeant Bruce Hill says officers have been investigating at least ten incidents around the areas of Baker Settlement, Newcombville, Chelsea and West Clifford. However, Hill says police are also working to dismiss some social media rumours regarding a break in earlier this week in Laconia.



Hill says the break ins over the past two weeks are connected. He's asking residents of the area to be vigilant and make sure they lock their doors to their homes and vehicles.

UPDATED: Phone Service Restored At Regional Hospital

The landline system at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater is back up after it was down for repairs. The service was not available for roughly two hours last night. Both reception and inpatient lines are operating normally.

Regulatory Board Sets Hearing Dates For South Canoe

A two day hearing before the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board regarding a large wind farm will take place beginning May 30th. Friends of South Canoe Lake filed an appeal with the regulatory board just days after Chester Council gave the project the green light. Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power are behind the $200 million project. It would feature 34 turbines stretching between Vaughan and New Russell. Residents of the New Ross area are concerned over the location of the turbines and the unknown health effects. The second day for the hearing takes place on the evening of June 3rd. Both hearings will be held at the New Ross Fire Hall.

QMJHL: Mooseheads Score OT Victory Over Huskies

The Halifax Mooseheads remains undefeated in this year's playoffs after another overtime victory against Rouyn-Noranda. Johnathan Drouin scored the OT winner to give the Moose a 3-2 win over the Huskies. The Mooseheads lead the series 3-0. Game 4 goes on Thursday night.

Valley Wildcats Face Must-Win At Telus Cup

The Valley Wildcats are winless in two starts at the Telus Cup in Sault St. Marie, Ontario. On Tuesday, the Atlantic Midget champs fell 4-2 to the Ottawa 67's. The Wildcats face a must win scenario this afternoon when they face a squad from Montreal.

Phones Lines Down At South Shore Regional Hospital

The telephone system at South Shore Regional Hospital will be out of service for repairs for about two hours beginning at 5 pm today. The hospital will not be able to answer incoming calls during this time. The patient line will also be out of service. Officials with the health authority are asking anyone with a medical emergency to phone 911. South Shore Health apologizes for any inconvenience.

Kitchen Fire Contained Quickly In Liverpool

A popular eatery in Queens County is expected to re-open later today following a kitchen fire. The blaze at Lanes Privateer Inn in Liverpool broke out near the deep fryer Monday morning. Manager Susan Lane says the sprinkler system and quick response by local fire crews helped contain the fire.



Damage to the kitchen is described as minimal. Lane says they still plan to take part in a fundraiser this evening for the Maritime Heart Centre in Halifax.

Committee Rejects Development Agreement For Blockhouse Facility

Residents of Blockhouse and outlying communities have spoken and it was pretty cut and dry; they don't want a diversion facility in their area. Over 200 people attended a meeting at the Blockhouse Fire Hall Monday night to learn more about the facility that Halifax C and D is proposing off the Cornwall Road. Over a dozen people stood up and spoke on issues including the type of material on-site and the proximity of the facility to a nearby school. A member of the area advisory committee, Paula MacDonald, says the local residents stated their case.



The committee decided to reject a recommendation by Halifax C and D for a development agreement. Blockhouse resident Paul Young says the next step is going to the Municipality of Lunenburg's Planning Advisory Committee.



The issue will come up again in late May.

Local Teachers Receive Awards For Sustainable Vision

A pair of South Shore teachers are being recognized for their vision of a sustainable future. Vanessa Henwood of South Queens Junior High and Greg Sutherland of Hebbville Academy received provincial awards during a ceremony in Halifax today. Sutherland is considered an integral part of his school's green team, making sure no lunch waste goes into the wrong waste bin. His class also grows salmon and releases them into the LaHave River every spring. Henwood has students collect salvageable fabrics from home to use for class projects, transforming garbage into everyday items like pyjamas, pillows, and tote bags. She will also be the lead teacher when the school partners with the Queens Municipal Landfill on inquiry-based learning modules. The awards are given out annually during Education Week, which lasts until Saturday.

Liverpool Native New GM At Queens Place

A Liverpool native has been selected as the new general manger of Queens Place Emera Centre. Council voted unanimously to appoint Steve Burns to the position during a special meeting Monday afternoon. Burns has spent spent 23 years as store manager with Sobey's. He says the facility plays a big role in Queens County.



Burns will begin work May 6th.