Land Clearing Halfway Done For South Canoe Wind Project

Over half the land needed for the South Canoe Wind Project has been cleared. Representatives with Nova Scotia Power and Minas Basin Pulp and Power met with Chester council Thursday to give an update on the project. Land clearing began towards the end of January for the 34 wind turbine project in the New Ross area. Community relations manager for Minas Energy, Mary-Frances Lynch, says they have lots of work coming up.



Looke CanCut of Barss Corner was hired to complete the land clearing. Lynch says they're working on developing a local route to deliver the turbines near the Lake Lawson Road and the New Russell Road. However, it still needs final approval from the province. A project office for South Canoe has also been set up on the Forties Road in New Ross at Cottage at the Cross if people are looking for more information.

South Shore School Board Chair Welcomes Study

Former Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor Myra Freeman will be heading up a study of the province's education system. Freeman and 5 panelists will be seeking public input on what's working with the system and what needs improvement. Here on the South Shore, School Board chair Jennifer Naugler welcomes the study.



Education Minister Karen Casey says the education system hasn't been reviewed thoroughly in a quarter century. An action plan will be developed to reflect the input of Nova Scotians during the consultation process.

Skills Canada Showcases Trades For Local Students

Local students are getting a hands on introduction to skilled trades and technology. Skills Canada is hosting a workshop today at the NSCC in Bridgewater for high school students along the South Shore. They will take part in a program called TechShop. It's a one day event offering students the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology career options. The workshop also gives students an opportunity to learn information on training, potential salary for certain position. Some of the programs being featured range from natural resources environmental technology to diesel engine repair.

Gas Prices Will Likely Rise Again Tonight

Don't be surprised if South Shore gas prices take yet another jump overnight tonight. It could increase by as much as 3 cents a litre. New Brunswick prices are up this morning (Thursday). Regular self serve is selling for 2.5 cents more a litre there while diesel is up by half a cent.

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.