Expect "Easy To Read" Report Cards

South Shore parents can expect some big changes when their child picks up their report card in a few weeks. Reports cards will now include personalized comments from teachers on the students' strengths, areas which need improvements and advice on how to improve learning at home. It's a big change - compared to old system - which some parents found difficult to understand because of wording that wasn't conversational. A recent survey on report cards found 63 per cent of those who filled it out, felt the comments from teachers didn't help them understand their grades. The survey also suggested 58 per cent felt the comments didn’t help them understand where their child need help to improve. Education Minister Karen Casey says parents can expect to see changes immediately. She says the comments will be clear, personalized and jargon free.

Some survey results:

In total, 5,811 students, parents, teachers and school administrators from across the province filled out the survey.

Key findings from parents were:
-- 58 per cent felt teacher comments did not help them understand where their child may be struggling
-- 63 per cent felt comments did not help them understand report card grades and wording
-- 62 per cent felt comments did not help them support their child's learning at home

Annapolis Valley: RCMP Believe Arson Behind Weekend Fire

Arson is suspected after a fire in the Annapolis Valley. The RCMP answered a call to a home last night in Nictaux after someone allegedly threatened another person. When police got to the home on Old Runway Drive, thick black smoke was pouring from the home. Crews quickly put the fire out but the house sustained considerable damage. No one was hurt. Later in the evening, RCMP arrested a man in Middleton for questioning in connection with the fire. No word yet on any charges. The provincial fire marshal's office is also investigating.

Three Charged After Separate Weekend Drug Busts

Three men are facing charges as a result of two un-related, weekend RCMP drug busts in Nova Scotia. A traffic stop near Thorburn in Pictou County resulted in two arrests, the seizure of a large quantity of marijuana, drug trafficing paraphenalia and money. Two Pictou County men in their mid 20's face numerous possession and trafficking charges and will be in court in September. Meanwhile, in Baddeck, a 49 year old man has been charged with marijuana possession and trafficking after a home in the Cape Breton community was searched by the RCMP. He too will be making a fall court appearance.

High Profile Lawyer Found Guilty Of Sexual Assault

A well known Halifax defence attorney has been found guilty of sexual assault. The jury in Lyle Howe's two week trial reached its verdict late Saturday after ten hours of deliberations. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 19 year old woman in Halifax three years ago. However, he was found not guilty of drugging the woman. He will be sentenced July 30th. Howe is expected to appeal the verdict.

Two South Shore Athletes Win Awards

South Shore athletes Alex Duckworth and Thorne Sutherland have received recognition as major amateur athletes. Duckworth of Kingsburg in Lunenburg County has been awarded "Female Athlete of The Year" by Sport-Nova Scotia. She participated in this year's Winter Olympics in Sochi and came close to being in the semi-finals of the half-pipe snowboarding competition. She earlier won the Nationals. Sutherland, who is from Lunenburg, has been hailed "Official of The Year" for his judging talents at the World Trampoline Championships. The awards were handed out last night during a special ceremony in Halifax. (Photo: Alex Duckworth)

SPTS-Getson & Muise Drafted Into The QMJHL

A couple of notable South Shore hockey players have found their places in a familar Eastern Canadian hockey organization. Keith Getson of Bridgewater has been drafted by the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The veteran player with the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs was picked in yesterday's third round of the annual Q-League draft. Another Mustang player, Colby Muise, is off to join the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles after being selected in the 7th round of the draft.
(Photo: Keith Getson)

NDP Leader Ready To Tackle Economic Woes

The leader of Nova Scotia's New Democrats says she doesn't understand why the provincial government hasn't started working out the problems that are dragging down the economy. A clear direction to follow was outlined in the Ivany Report earlier this year and Maureen MacDonald says time is being wasted by just sitting and waiting for something to happen. She says other areas are taking up too much time and being studied to death!



The former finance minister says if asked, she's prepared to work closely with PC leader Jamie Baillie and Premier Stephen McNeil in a combined effort to tackle the economic woes.

YMCA Hosting Healthy Kids Day

It's a chance for youth to try new events while learning the importance of physical activity. The Lunenburg County YMCA will host a healthy kids day on Sunday. The event will allow kids to try a number of events including zumba, a mini-triathlon and tae-kwon do. Director of Communications, Johnathan Gregorash, says it's all about creating awareness.



A yard sale begins at 9am Sunday while kids activities start at noon and go until 2pm.

Province Advances NovaStar Ferry $5 million

The province is advancing money to Nova Star Cruises to support its first season of operation between Yarmouth and Maine. The ferry operator is trying to secure a $5-million operating line of credit with the State of Maine, however, they are having trouble getting the money. The Nova Scotia government says it will advance the company the money while discussions continue. Tourism Minister Michel Sampson says the ferry is important for tourism and understands the company has encountered some early challenges. The money will be used for operating costs, including fuel and supplies necessary for running the ferry. Roughly $19 million in taxpayer money has been given to the ferry - including the $5 million advance.

Home Construction Site Thefts/Vandalism On the Rise

Its that time of year when home construction sites across the region are being increasingly targetted by thieves. The RCMP have been receiving more reports of thefts and vandalism at many of those sites.
Corporal Scott MacRae says anyone who sees something suspicious should report it to the RCMP right away.



MacRae says construction companies should also report if they've been victims of thieves. Reports can be called-in to your local police, RCMP detachment or Crimestoppers.

From the RCMP ... some things to look for:
- Suspicious people and vehicles who may be around at odd times.

- Large box style tricks pulling up after normal business hours could be considered suspicious.

- Thieves often steal fixtures, construction material, or tools. These may be later sold online.

- Brand new appliances sold online or through other means, without proof of purchase or warranty

Halifax: Search For Missing Biker Underway

A ground search is underway for a missing 30 year-old biker in the Halifax area. Marty Legere hasn't been seen since he left to go biking yesterday afternoon around Spider Lake. He left over the lunch hour and was expected to back around 4 o'clock. Legere is tall about 260 pounds with short hair and a beard and moustache. Mounties say his bike was found at the end of Spider Lake Road. A dog team is also helping with the search efforts.

Interim CEO Appointe At Municipality Of Lunenburg

The Municipality of Lunenburg will turn things over to a new chief administrative officer after today. CAO Tammy Wilson has accepted a new position as a director with the province's Department of Municipal Affairs. Wilson has spent 18 years with the municipality. She says she'll miss a few things including working with council. The municipality has named Darrell Hiltz as interim CAO, starting Monday. Hiltz is a former CAO of the Municipality of Chester and has served a number of roles with the province.

Only Diesel Fuel Priced Lower

If you drive a vehicle that takes diesel fuel, you're the only ones who will notice any change at the gas pumps this morning. Diesel is down half a cent to $1.35.6 a litre. No change in prices for the other types of fuel.
Regular self serve is selling for $1.39.3 per litre .. no change. High test unchanged also at $1.48.2

Bridgewater Baseball Players Named To Provincial Team

A number of South Shore boys will represent Nova Scotia at the under-15 baseball nationals this summer. Zach Zinck, Ryan O'Toole, Matt Sabean of Bridgewater along with Keeshaun Such and Yarmouth's Brad Jones have been named to the team. Bridgewater's Dennis Woodworth was also named coach of the team. He says he's hoping to build off a fourth place finish from last year.



The nationals will take place from August 21-25 in Vaughn, Ontario.

Queens: Former Gym Floor Section Being Sold

Looking to grab a piece of your childhood in Queens County? Students at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool are selling sections of the old gym floor as part of a fundraiser. Roughly 300 sections of the 57 year-old gym floor have been shined up by students in shop class and are ready to be sold beginning Monday. Principal Leo Campbell says it's a neat way for some people  remember their years at Liverpool Regional High School.



Campbell says those who buy a section can get them personalized with the years they went to the school. More sections can be made if there is demand. The money raised will be invested back into the school.

Bridgewater Mayor: Loss Of Community Christmas Would Be Disappointing

The potential loss of the Bridgewater Community Christmas would be disappointing for the town's mayor. The group is looking for new leadership after organizers decided they wanted to pursue new activities in the area. The Christmas Day event attracts hundreds of residents every year. Mayor David Walker feels it would be a big loss.



Walker is hopeful a new group of volunteers or individuals will help keep the dinner afloat. However, if no one steps forward, the event will be cancelled. Organizers will issue another call for help later this summer.

Bridgewater First With Pro-Active Approach To Protecting Dogs From Heat

A South Shore community is the first in the province to take action to prevent our four legged friends from being trapped in locked-up, hot vehicles and suffocating. The Town of Bridgewater, its police service and the volunteer group "Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia" have teamed up to educate the public on the dangers facing dogs if left in hot cars. Group member Angela Robar says its becoming a serious, summertime issue. She says pet owners need to be taught the danger involved.



Robar suggests you leave your dog home where its cooler on a hot day! With town and police support, a special event is planned for this Saturday. Members of the group will be handing out educational material, doing public demonstrations, answering questions and selling life meters which measure temperatures inside cars. It will take place at the PetValu store in the Eastside Plaza from 12 noon to 3pm.

Little Change Expected Tonight In South Shore Gas Prices

Don't expect much change, if any, when the utility and review board sets the weekly gas prices tonight. South Shore prices will likely stay the same. In New Brunswick today, self serve regular has increased about half a cent and diesel is unchanged. On the South Shore today, regular self serve is still selling for $1.39.3 and diesel $1.36.3.

Baillie Promotes Economic Stimulation/Job Creation During South Shore Address

The province's Opposition Leader had a speaking engagement over the noon hour on the South Shore. Jamie Baillie addressed a Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. He's promoting getting the economy rolling and job creation to do it. Baillie says for the McNeil government to sail past 100 days since the Ivany Report was unveiled without doing anything is shameful.



Baillie says he's willing to work with the other political parties in the province and federally to help get the economy here rolling again.

Lunenburg Community Garden Is 'Awesome'

The Lunenburg Community Garden is officially awesome. Awesome South Shore named the group its first winner of $1,000 Wednesday night in Lunenburg. The money is expected to be used to help the group buy soil to start filling garden beds. Other nominees included RewardScout, which designed mobile app allowing businesses to send in-store surveys to customers and reward them with discounts and specials immediately. There was also a pitch for a 100-foot mega obstacle course for YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Sunday. Awesome South Shore is made up of local residents that donate money towards a $1,000 grant for new and different events in the community. Pitches are now being accepted for the next $1,000 giveaway in June in Liverpool.