Monday, March 10, 2014

Bridgewater: Fishing Dragger Takes On Water

A 45-foot fishing dragger started taking on water earlier today off the government wharf in Bridgewater. Fire officials from the town and Dayspring along with the Coast Guard arrived on scene after 2pm Monday afternoon. The cause has not been determined yet. Bridgewater Fire Chief Michael Nauss says they noticed a small slick in the water.



Nauss says the owners of the boat have been notified to pump water out of the vessel. He says the Department of Environment has been contacted about the oil slick. The ship is the Cape Rouge.

Risley Honoured By Business Hall Of Fame Nod

The owner of White Point Beach Resort in Queens County says he's honoured to be part of this year's induction class for the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Robert Risley is among four businessmen who will be inducted during a ceremony in Halifax on June 3. He says he's fond of White Point's legacy.



Risley is president of RCR Hospitality Group, which employs over 500 people and operates more than 15 restaurants in Halifax. He will be inducted along with High Liner Foods Inc. CEO Henry Demone and Paul and Stephen O'Regan of O'Regan's Group.


Several NS Towns Facing Dire Financial Squeeze

Last week, Springhill annouced its intention to seek permission to drop its town status in favor of joining the larger surrounding municipality. The main reason being excessive costs to run the town. Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities President, David Corkum of Kentville, says there are at least half a dozen towns in the province in similar financial strains. He says there are plenty of reasons why.



The mayor says making the province's municipal affairs department a stand-alone entity come April 1st will help put more emphasis on this and other strains on the province's municipalities.

Public Hearing Planned On Fate Of Lunenburg Building

The proposed demolition of an old waterfront landmark in Lunenburg is the subject of a public hearing tomorrow night (Tuesday). The town, including its heritage advisory committee, is recommending the Yamaha Building on Montague Street be brought down. It was seriously damaged by fire last year and Mayor Rachel Bailey says studies have all indicated the structural integrity of the building is too far gone.



The 108 year old building was a fish packing plant for years but used for storing fishing gear in later times.
Tuesday's meeting is at the Lunenburg Town Hall starting at 5:15pm

Ramblin' Hank To Be Honored With Stamp

A big celebration is planned for May in Liverpool. May 9th will be Hank Snow's 100th birthday and to commemorate the occasion, Canada Post will unveil a Hank Snow stamp. The administrator of the Hank Snow Home Town Museum, Kelly Inglis, says its an incredible honor for the late country singer and fans too.



Among the many things planned at the Liverpool celebration in May, is the unveiling of a life-size statue of Snow, the release of Vernon Oickle's biography of him and the opening of the new Hank Snow Community Park across from the museum. Grand Ole Opry singer Larry Gatlin will also hold a concert at the Astor Theatre and Hank Snow's son, Jimmy Rodgers Snow, will also be attending events during the weekend. The events run May 9th to 11th.


Former Queens Mayor Named Transition Coordinator For Springhill

A former mayor of the Region of Queens will oversee the change in governance for the town of Springhill. The province has appointed John Leefe as transition coordinator. Springhill's municipal council has applied to the Utility and Review Board for dissolution of the town after 125 years of incorporation. Leefe will facilitate the process and guide discussions for the town to become part of the Municipality of the County of Cumberland.



Leefe is a former educator, author of several books and was the MLA for Queens from 1978 to 1999, serving in several cabinet posts. He was elected mayor of the Region of Queens Municipality three times before stepping down in October 2012.