MODL: New Strategic Plan Puts Strong Focus On Agriculture

A new strategic action plan hopes to grow the agriculture and food products sector in the Municipality of Lunenburg. The five-year-plan for 2014-19 was introduced recently. It points to goals for agriculture like doing a better job of connecting resources with potential owners, investors or producers.  The municipality also wants to develop a marketing plan. Economic Development officer, Dave Waters, says the timing makes sense to focus more on agriculture.



Waters says there will be a lot of focus spent on promoting the Haskap berry and local wineries. The plan also looks to tourism and promoting arts and culture as a key direction in the future. The municipality will endorse or deny the plan at their meeting on Tuesday.

New Crown Attorney In Bridgewater

There's a new crown attorney on the South Shore. A native of Sydney, John Todd Martin has been appointed to work out of the Bridgewater office. He graduated in 2008 from St. F.X. and from the University of New Brunswick Law School in 2012. Martin had been working with Sampson McDougall Barristers and Solicitors in Sydney. Last year, he was appointed as Crown attorney in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Events Lunenburg County Taking Shape

A number of business and industry leaders feel there needs to be a part-time person in place to help bring major events to the area. The idea is listed in the terms of reference for Events Lunenburg County. The group involved in today's discussion agreed that a part-time person focusing on attracting events would be a better option than a group of volunteers. Andrew Tanner feels they made progress with the discussion.



Events Lunenburg County will hold another meeting this month for further talks on the issue. Almost a dozen people signed up to be part of a committee going forward. They're expected to start looking for a part-time employee in the near future.

Improvements Coming To Nova Scotia Palliative Care

Palliative Care in the province is being improved with a million dollars being pumped into the system. Health Minister Leo Glavine says it will promote a more combined approach to end-of-life care, involving health professionals, community groups and patients themselves. A co-ordinator will be appointed to handle it and the minister also says ....



Glavine says the improvements reflect the increasing number of Nova Scotians prefering to spend their final days at home with family and friends, rather than in a hospital setting.

Exhibition Expects $7,000 Loss Due To Cancelled Festival

The manager of the South Shore Exhibition is holding out hope that a decision between the town of Bridgewater and South Shore in Motion can find a resolution. The festival cancelled their event this year after losing 40 per cent of their trucks and sponsors following the town's decision not to endorse a big rig hill climb. However, Christine Sarty feels the loss of South Shore in Motion will be a huge economic loss. She says the two sides need to try and meet in the middle.



Sarty estimates the Exhibition will lose roughly $7,000 with the departure of South Shore in Motion from their grounds in August. She says they will lose money on things like the grounds rental and canteen sales.

New RCMP District Commander In Queens

There is a new person in charge of the RCMP in Queens County. Staff Sgt. Paul MacDougall has taken over as the new district commander, replacing Corporal Victor Whalen who was filling in on an interim basis. MacDougall comes to Queens following five years at RCMP headquarters in the Halifax-area. He says he's looking forward to the challenge and getting his feet wet in the new role.



MacDougall points to ongoing concerns regarding break and enters in rural parts of the county as things the Mounties are focusing on. He says they're also trying to crack down on the number of impaired or distracted drivers.

Older Moms Want To Stay In Own Homes

On this Mothers Day, it seems many aging moms would prefer to stay at home, live independently, cook meals, clean and do gardening work. Those thoughts result from a new national survey of mothers who are approaching retirement. Jackie Hickey of Bayshore Healthcare in Toronto says many moms could care less about pricey flowers, gifts or restaurant meals.



Hickey suggests the best Mothers Day gift for older moms on their special day is to take the whole family to her place, roll up the sleaves, help her cook dinner and dig in the garden beside her. About a thousand aging Canadian mothers were questioned for the survey.

Yarmouth Ready To Welcome First Ferry Passengers

Final touches are being made in Yarmouth to the town's downtown area as the May 15th startup date for the ferry service to Maine approaches. Mayor Pam Mood says with federal and provincial financial help and the work of townsfolk, the town is ready to showcase itself once again.



The NovaStar arrives in Yarmouth from Portland, Maine with its first passengers and vehicles at 8 o'clock Thursday morning.

Health Care Reform & Labour Designation Doesn't Mix Well With Labour Federation

Nova Scotia's Federation of Labour is calling upon the McNeil government to back off on its efforts to settle union issues surrounding health care reform. President Rick Clarke accuses the government of creating chaos in the system. He says unions have created a plan for health care workers to remain with their current union.
However, Clarke says the government seems intent on imposing its own plan.



Clarke is urging the government to allow unions to represent their members without interference and spend more time and energy instead on fixing problems in the health care system.

Former South Shore MLA Helping Bridgetown Through Dissolution

A former cabinet minister and South Shore MLA will lead a town in the Annapolis Valley through dissolution. Council in Bridgetown voted in March to drop its town status and join the Municipality of Annapolis County. A declining population and loss of jobs were cited as reasons for the move. Allister Surette has been appointed to transition Bridgetown through the process. Surette was the MLA for Argyle from 1993 to 1998 and served a Minister of Human Resources. He is now the president of Sainte-Anne's University. Municipal Affairs Minister and Lunenburg West MLA Mark Furey made the appointment official earlier today. The dissolution process is expected to be complete by April 1, 2015.

NS: Teenager, 14, Charged With Impaired Driving

A 14 year old has been charged with impaired driving after a crash in Antigonish County. The teenager was caught after he put the car in a ditch on Highway 245 in Clydesdale. Mounties say the boy was not injured and was the only person in the vehicle. He's facing charges of impaired driving and taking a vehicle without consent. Mounties are still gathering details on the matter. The teen will appear in youth court in July.

The Legacy of Westray

Today is the anniversary of the Westray mine disaster in Pictou County. On May 9th, 1992, 26 coal miners died in the worst mining incident in the country since Springhill in 1958. Years later with the passing of Bill C-45 - known as the Westray Bill - in 2004, Canada has some of the strongest health and safety laws in the world. However, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke says they're not used enough nor fully embraced.



Clarke says its time to send a strong message to employers that the health and safety of their workers is their top priority. To date, there has not been a single prosecution under the legislation.

Baillie Calls For Marketing Bowater Land Wood

Nearly two years since the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Nova Scotia's Queens County closed, there is still no word on what will become of all the forest land aquired by the province. With the US housing market on the comeback and the demand for cut lumber rising, Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative Opposition Leader Jamie Baillie is urging the government to aggressively market the wood.



Baillie says everyone accepts the decline of the world newsprint market but he says there's no excuse to pursuing markets for other wood products such as lumber. He says it would boost the economy of the area and create jobs.

Day To Remember Canadian Veterans Of Afghanistan

Today is a National Day of Honor, recognizing Canadian Forces men and women who served in Afghanistan. On the South Shore, Legion branches and the 14 Construction Engineering Squadron will hold a service this afternoon at the cenotaph at Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater. Captain Norm Clancy of the Engineers says its important to recognize the service and sacrifices of Canadians in Afghanistan, even though it was a small war compared to others in the past.



Today's service in Bridgewater begins at 1:45pm. It'll be held at the same time as the National service in Ottawa.

International & Aboriginal Students To Benefit From Universities Projects

A series of new projects will launch at Nova Scotia universities designed to attract international and aboriginal students. Education Minister Kelly Regan has announced $5 million in funding for nine different projects that will help recruit and support new students. The money will also help create an easier application process for students through an online application portal and electronic transcript system. Cape Breton, Saint Mary's and Acadia will study ways to create a Nova Scotia-China learning campus to offer local academic programs in China. Meanwhile, Kings College will pilot a new approach gear toward students from the United Stated. The money for the projects is funneled through the Excellence and Innovation Fund.

Fishermen's ER Closed Most Of The Weekend

The emergency department at the hospital in Lunenburg will be closed for most of the weekend. The ER will not be staffed beginning tonight at 7:30pm. South Shore Health says it's due to the unavailability of a doctor. It will reopen on Sunday morning at 7:30am. Residents that live near the hospital and need urgent medical attention should dial 9-1-1 or go to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater.

Gas Prices Substantially Lower

As predicted, gas prices are lower this morning at South Shore pumps and even lower than expected. Regular self serve is down 5 cents to $1.38.1 per litre. High test is down the same to $1.47.1. Diesel has fallen by 2.5 cents a litre and is selling at many locations for $1.35.1.

Softball: Season Kicks Off Tonight

The summer softball season in Lunenburg County kicks off tonight. The popular co-ed league gets underway tonight in Dayspring. The "BMI Freaks" will be looking to defend their title in the mixed league. The women's league will begin Monday. Eight teams make up the league which is set to enter its third season. Last season, the Pitch Slappers won the league championship over the Lady Alers. The men's season begins on Tuesday. There are seven teams in the league this year. The Apple Auto Glass Impact will be looking to defend their title after winning the league in October last season over the Assassins. The opening of the season was delayed because of poor weather.

It's Definitely McHappy Day

It certainly going to be a McHappy Day for some young children on the South Shore in need of a mentor. Nearly $3,200 was raised yesterday through proceeds donated by McDonalds in Bridgewater to Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was the most raised for the organization on McHappy Day. A dollar from hot beverages and select menu items went directly to BBBS. The money helps fund mentoring programs and after school support for youth in the area. Over the years the partnership has helped raise more than $13,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Canada's Governor General Coming To Mahone Bay

The town of Mahone Bay is getting a special visitor next week. The Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, will help officially launch the Smart and Caring Community Fund. It's administered by the Lunenburg County Community Fund and is expected to support initiatives focused on improving quality of life in the region. Johnston will also present several Governor General Caring Canadian Awards to local residents. The event will be held during the afternoon of May 14 at the Mahone Bay Centre.