MODL: Municipality Exploring Clear Plastic Bags

Clear garbage bags could soon be coming to the Municipality of Lunenburg. Council members decided to make changes to a bylaw that would provide them with more information on the issue. The province has set a waste disposal target of 300 kilograms per person by next year. Right now, the municipality is above that number. MODL Mayor Don Downe says they're trying to take the necessary steps.



If it moves forward, residents could still use one black bag for private items. Forty-one out of 55 Nova Scotia municipalities use clear plastic bags in the their waste pick-up. The town of Mahone Bay is also moving towards implementing clear bags. The issue will come to Bridgewater on Monday night.

Yarmouth: Baseball Bat Used In Assault

A 49 year old man in Yarmouth is recovering after he was allegedly beaten with a baseball bat. RCMP say the man was hit in the head twice after an argument broke out involving an 18 year-old. He was taken to hospital where police were made aware of the situation. Wiliam Jamie Nathan Weagle was arrested without incident and is facing two assault charges. The teenager was expected in court today.

Minister: "Education Review Needed"

A former lieutenant governor will lead a panel to identify what Nova Scotians think needs to be done to strengthen the public education system. Myra Freeman and five panelists will seek public opinion on what is working with public education and what needs improvement. Education Minister Karen Casey unveiled the panel today. She says the system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in 25 years. The panel has reps from Digby, Brookfield, Sydney, Pugwash, Sydney and a former Yarmouth resident. They will review curriculum, technology and student outcomes. An action plan will be developed that will reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation period.

VIDEO: Businesses Concerned About Proposed Sewer Rates In Chester

Businesses in Chester are worried over new proposed sewer rates. Council is looking at introducing a universal rate to help eliminate deficits in five of the six sewer systems in the municipality. However, businesses are worried the increases will cost them thousands of dollars more each year. Chamber of Commerce President Jo-Ann Grant says more work on the issue needs to be done.



Council is looking into a flat fee or increased assessment as options for applying a universal sewer rate. Staff will gather more information and report back to them in March. Video of Grant's speech to council can be watched below.

Prepping For The Drive On Snowy Roads

As we get set for yet another snowstorm tonight and the usual bad driving conditions the morning after, the Canadian Automobile Association is advising South Shore motorists to bone-up on their driving habits and skills. Gary Howard of CAA says its especially important not to rush to get to work on a snowy-road morning. He says back off on the speedn and don't worry if you're a bit late getting to the office.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of all snow and ice before you head out, stay well behind other vehicles on the highway and do not use cruise control. Its dangerous to use in the winter.

Remembering The Wrath Of "White Juan"

As we plough through storm after storm this winter, many people say its nothing like 2004. Ten years ago this week, a weather-bomb known as "White Juan" struck the South Shore and the rest of Nova Scotia, crippling the region for days! More than 100 centimeters of snow, blown around by 120 kilometer an hour gales, trapped people in their homes, hotels and in a few cases, vehicles. Department of Transportation Area Manager Glen Strang went to work the evening the storm began and didn't get home for nearly three days. He and his fellow DOT crewmembers worked feverishly to keep things open.



Strang says there was an "upside" to the storm though.



The storm lasted for two days and was named "White Juan" because it had been less than 6 months since Hurricane Juan swept across the province.

Health Minister Eyes South Shore Health

Nova Scotia's Health Minister will be spending the day (today) on the South Shore meeting with health care officials at South Shore Health. Its a continuing series of meetings province-wide as Leo Glavine prepares to overhaul the health care system. The plan is to reduce the number of health authorities from 9 to 2, one for Capital Health/IWK and one for the rest of the province. Glavine will also be dropping by the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater and Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg to talk with doctors, nurses and specialists.



Last month, the minister was in Queens County and visited Queens General Hospital for similar consultations.

Steady She Goes On The Highways

Its a very messy drive this morning everywhere along the South Shore and particularly nasty driving in Lunenburg County! Queens County is a little better. The 103 is snow-covered with icy patches underneath.
Pretty much the same for most other roads. If you're heading out this morning, Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association says don't risk speeding to make it to work on time.



Howard says make sure your car, truck or SUV is clear of snow and ice, stay well behind other vehicles on the road and don't use cruise-control.

Bridgewater: More Information Needed On Big Rig Racing

A few issues are throwing caution flags in the air for a proposed event in Bridgewater. The town has been exploring the option of allowing South Shore in Motion to add big rig drag racing to its event in August. However, Mayor David Walker says insurance, the number of concrete barriers needed, along with a traffic plan and security are all a concern at this point. He says they're waiting for more details.



Organizers would need to temporary close Dufferin Street, between York Street and Hillcrest Street to hold the afternoon event. Walker says they're hoping to have more information for their next meeting on Monday night.

LaHave Ferry: Repaired Again After Minor Hydraulic Probem

The LaHave River ferry was quickly repaired after more damage was discovered. The ferry was pulled out of service for a few hours this afternoon. However, the Department of Transportation says workers fixed a hydraulic problem. The ferry was originally damaged after it broke free from its cables during a blizzard January 3.

Business Impacted By New Holiday?

Like most parts of Canada, this province will also have its own holiday in mid-February, starting next year. Some businesses in HRM are complaining though about possible lost revenue as a result. On the South Shore, Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce Manager Dan Hennessey doesn't see that happening here.



The holiday on the third Monday of February will honor notable historic figures important to the province. The first one, next February 16th, will honor Viola Desmond, a black activist. A province-wide schools contest to give the holiday a general name is now underway.

Best In Lunenburg-Queens Business Receive Awards

A Liverpool company has been named the best large business in Lunenburg and Queens Counties for 2013. J and H Industries took home the honour during the Lunenburg-Queens Business Excellence Awards Monday night in Cookville. Also, Lanes Privateer Inn of Liverpool was recognized with the hospitality award. Other award winners include Bailly's Fuels in small business, Cocoa Organic Spa for best new business, RPS Composites for exporting and New Voice Language Academy for entrepreneurial.

LaHave Ferry Returns To Service Monday Evening

Good news for LaHave Ferry users. The Brady E. Himmelman has underwent sea trials and will be back in service around 6pm Monday evening. Workers have fought several snow storms and icy conditions the past few weeks trying to get the ferry returned to residents. There was also a problem with the hydraulic pump, which caused another week long delay. The ferry has been out of service since January 3 after a strong wind and snow storm knocked the cable ferry loose and sent it adrift until it ran aground at Oxners Beach. It travels daily from LaHave to East LaHave.

Lunenburg: Mayor Backs Shipyard Alliance On Bluenose II

The town of Lunenburg's mayor is standing behind its shipyard alliance. Covey Island Boatworks, the Lunenburg Industrial Foundry and Engineering Ltd. and Snyder's Shipyard make up the group which is re-building the Bluenose II. The project is making headlines after the Nova Scotia government asked the auditor general to investigate its costs. However, Rachel Bailey feels the alliance isn't at fault.

The last confirmed cost of the Bluenose II was around $16-million, almost $2-million over budget. Bailey says she's interested to hear what the investigation concludes.

Bus Drivers Given Credit During Challenging Winter

It's been a challenging year for bus drivers traveling roads within the South Shore Regional School Board. Superintendent Geoff Cainen says this winter has been atrocious when talking about road conditions. Cainen says local bus drivers deserve credit. He says back roads have been a major challenge.



Even with several major storms, no major incidents involving buses and students have been reported. Cainen says bus drivers face challenges even on the best of days.

Yarmouth: Three People Charged Following Robbery

Three people face charges following a violent robbery in Yarmouth. RCMP say the incident happened in the early hours Sunday morning on Tooker Street. Police arrived on scene to find a 46-year-old man who was assaulted with a weapon. He was taken to Yarmouth hospital with serious injuries and later released. Eighteen-year-old Ronald Higby, 21-year-old Desi Sisco and 22-year-old Trevor Jacquard, all from Yarmouth, are in court today. They have been charged with several offences including robbery and assault causing bodily harm. Police say the victim and suspects know each other and it was not a random act.

Tenth Anniversary of "White Juan's" Mighty Wrath

Remember this!? Ten years ago this week, one of the South Shore's most spectacular storms bore down on the region. It was a snowy hurricane called "White Juan", just a few months after Hurricane Juan smashed into Halifax in September 2003. More than 100 centimeters of snow crippled most of the region and winds, in some cases exceeding 120 kilometers an hour, destroyed trees, roofs and power lines and tied up transportation. Many people had no power for many days. In almost two weeks, the Red Cross helped more than 30,000 people province-wide.

Shelburne County Honours Miss Ally

Porch lights in Shelburne County will be left on over the next few days to remember the five fishermen killed in a tragic fishing accident last year.  It's being seen as a way to honour the young men killed a year ago when the Miss Ally capsized in rough seas. The lobster fishing boat was based out of Woods Harbour. The five fishermen that were killed were Captain Katlin Nickerson, Joel Hopkins, Tyson Townsend, Billy Jack Hatfield and Steven Cole Nickerson. Their bodies were never recovered despite a dramatic search. During the search last year, many people left their lights on in the symbolic hope that the fishermen would find their way home.

No Injuries As Fire Destroys Windsor Home

The Red Cross is helping a young family left homeless over the weekend in the Windsor area as a result of a fire. Firefighters were called to battle the house fire on Tongue Hill Road Saturday afternoon. When they arrived, flames were coming through the garage doors. Several other fire departments were called for help. No one was hurt and the family was apparently away at the time. They're now staying with relatives.

Opposition Leader Suspects Bluenose II Cover-Up

Nova Scotia's Opposition Leader says there's something fishy with the excessive expenses incurred by the still-incomplete Bluenose II re-build. Jamie Baillie suspects a coverup and he's calling upon the McNeil government to come clean!



Baillie also suspects the recent "retirement" of Freedom of Information officer Dulcie MacCallum had something to do with the release of information about Bluenose II from her office. He intends to bring the issue up when the Legislature resumes sitting in the spring.



The original cost for the rebuild was $14-million. Then, it jumped to $16-million, and now, many suspect the cost will be pushing $20-million by the time its completed. Bluenose II still has not returned as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador after nearly 4 years into the project.