Pugwash Area ER Closed Friday ( July 21st)

The North Cumberland Memorial Hospital Emergency Department will be closed on Friday, July 23^rd beginning at 8 am and will reopen at 8 am on Saturday, July 24^th. This closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the required medical coverage. At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment.  A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community.

Pugwash ER Closed Tomorrow (Friday)  (July 15th)

The Cumberland Health Authority wishes to advise the public that the emergency department at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash will be closed for twenty-four hours beginning Friday, July 16^th at 8:00 am and will reopen at 8:00 am on Saturday, July 17^th. This closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community.

Sifto Salt Plant Break and Enter Under Investigation  (July 7th)

Cumberland RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in solving a break and enter which took place between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at the Sifto Salt Plant on Smith Road in Upper Nappan. Police say those responsible caused a significant amount of damage to the interior of the building before leaving with a small amount of cash. Police are asking if anyone observed any unusual activity in the area to contact Amherst RCMP at 667-3859 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-9477.

Parrsboro ER Closed Friday  (July 7th) 

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed on Friday, July 9th from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. This closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide medical coverage during this time period.  At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. Nova Scotia’s emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance. If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. The public is reminded that a phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community.


Amherst Council Approves Water Utility Budgets (July 4th)

Amherst Town Council, at its regular meeting held June 29, 2010, approved the Water Utility’s operating and capital budgets. This year’s operating budget which totals $1,573,008 takes into account the recent Order of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, following the Utility’s application for a rate review. In accordance with that order, base charges will decrease, while consumption charges will increase, resulting in a 3.3% overall increase for a 5/8" meter. The capital budget was approved at $243,434 with the majority of that going to the Townshend Avenue project - $136,434 to replace the water main.

Amherst Town Council Takes Summer Break (July 4th)

At its regular meeting on June 29, 2010, Amherst Town Council cancelled its regularly scheduled Committee of the Whole and Council meetings for July and August, as it has done over the past number of years. Special meetings will be called to address issues which may arise and require Council’s consideration prior to the next regular meetings, which will be September 20 (Committee of the Whole) and September 27 (Council). Council intends to hold a special meeting at noon on July 16 to consider 2^{nd reading of a new Dog By-Law.}

Springhill Institution in Lockdown (June 9th)

Suspect Charged With Manslaughter in Connection with Man's Death (June 7th)

A 34 year old suspect has been charged with manslaughter in the death of 47-year-old Paul Douglas Arsenault whose body was discovered in an  Amherst apartment early Sunday morning.  Melvin Roberts appeared in Amherst provincial court this morning. Police say the accused was originally from Amherst but had just returned to the area after an absence of about 14 years.  Deputy Chief Ian Naylor of the Amherst Police Department said the victim died in his apartment at 6 Queen St. . His name will be released later today. Officers responded to a call about a medical emergency at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday and started an investigation after determining the death was suspicious.

Suspicious Death at Queen Street Apartment Under Investigation (June 6th)

Amherst Town Police report the death of a man early Sunday morning on Queen Street is suspicious. Another 34 year old man is in custody following the discovery of the body in an apartment. Amherst Police deputy chief Ian Naylor told reporters police were called to investigae a sudden death. “When we arrived at the scene we found a 47-year-old male in the residence. He was deceased."  Police are saying very little about the incident.  The man in custody had not been formally charged. The deputy said at this point police are not calling the case a murder, only a suspicious death.  An autopsy was being performed Sunday afternoon in Halifax.

Amherst RCMP Officer Slightly Injured in Hit and Run (June 5TH)

Police say a man is facing charges after someone tried to run down an RCMP officer at the Amherst detachment. Const. Dal Hutchinson says the man arrived at the detachment on Thursday to speak to an officer about a matter. But the man then left, with an officer chasing after him. Hutchinson says “he proceed­ed to get into his vehicle and tried to run down the officer." The officer suffered minor scrapes and bruises.
A 64-year-old Cumberland County man is facing one count each of flight, assault with a weapon and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

More Talent Announced for Four Fathers Festival (June 4th)

Organizers for the Four Fathers Festival have secured the musical lineup for the 2010 Festival being held July 1^{st-4th in downtown Amherst, and are pleased to announce the musical entertainment for July 3rd!  On Saturday, July 3rd 2010, legendary maritime performer, Sam Moon and Juno award winner, Garrett Mason will perform on the Stadium stage in a licensed event beginning at 7 pm. Born in Cape Breton, Sam Moon has been performing for over 30 years with hundreds of different musicians but almost always in his signature moo-moo’s and bare feet. With unique rock and blues sound, Moon has shared the stage with such great names as: ZZ Top, The Guess Who, The Doobie Brothers, Sass Jordan, The Band, The Atlantic Rhythm Section, Delbert MacLinton, and The Beach Boys. A Sam Moon performance is always sure to please. Hailing from Truro, Garrett Mason is the son of veteran Canadian Bluesman, Dutch Mason and as such has been surrounded by blues from a very early age. Never one to ride on the coat tails of his father’s success, Mason has carved his own path in the Canadian blues scene, releasing his debut CD in 2004 in Fredericton to a sold out crowd and receiving a Juno award in 2005 for Best Blues Album. It has been said that Mason "is poised to be one of the brightest stars to emerge from the East Coast Blues scene in years" (limelightgroup.com). This event is open to ages 19+ and will begin at 7 pm on Saturday July 3rd. Tickets are $10.00 each with ticket sale location to be announced the week of June 14th.}

Amherst Firefighters Annual Ladder Sit June 10th-12th (June 2nd) 

The Amherst Fire Department and the Amherst Fire Fighters Association will again this year be hosting their 10^th annual John Michels Sr. Ladder sit from June 10^th – 12^th, 2010 at the Wal-mart parking lot. This year Lieutenant Greg Jones will be looking forward to doing his part, along with his fellow fire fighters in helping to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy and other community projects supported by Amherst Fire Fighters Association. Greg will spend a total of 50 hours, regardless of the elements in the bucket. Schedule of events for the ladder sit:

Thursday, June 10th

• 11:25 AM (Approx.) - Ladder sitter will be transported from the Amherst Fire Station (Via. Albion St.) to the Wal-mart parking lot.
• 12:00 Noon – Ladder sit starts; ladder sitter is elevated 70 feet in the air (via. Ladder #4); and voluntary toll booths will open.

Saturday, June 12th

• 2:00 PM – Ladder sit will end with the lowering on the ladder sitter.

*Please note that the end of the ladder sit will be signified by the sounding of sirens of all available units at the site.

This will be the 15^th Ladder sit hosted by the Amherst Fire Department and the Amherst Fire Fighters Association; which was renamed in the year 2000 in memory of the late Lieutenant John Michels Sr.

Parrsboro ER Closed Thursday (June 2nd)

The Cumberland Health Authority wishes to advise the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed on Thursday, June 3^rd from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. No physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage during this period. At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. Nova Scotia’s emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance.  If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. The public is reminded that a phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community. Anyone who is unclear on a proper course of action may also contact the Community Care Centre at 902-254-2540.

Lennie Gallant To Perform at Four Fathers Festival (May 28th)

Organizers for the Four Fathers Festival have secured the musical lineup for the 2010 Festival being held July 1^st-4^th in downtown Amherst. The Festival will be releasing the musical lineup in a series of media releases outlining the acts for each day of the Festival and is pleased to announce the musical entertainment for July 4^th!  Hailing from Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Lennie Gallant is set to take the Four Fathers Festival stage on Sunday, July 4^th for an evening of family entertainment. As one of Canada’s foremost singer/songwriters, Gallant is the recipient of thirteen East Coast Music Awards and has been nominated for two Juno Awards.  Described as a folk artist, Gallant’s music also draws inspiration from the Celtic, rock and country music genre. Gallant has eight albums to his credit and has toured North America and Europe performing with his band, acoustic, and with symphony orchestras. His performances are described as being energetic and inspirational. The Four Fathers Festival is pleased to have Lennie Gallant perform on Sunday, July 4^th under the Festival tent. The performance will start at 7 pm and is open to all ages. Admission is free.

New Oxford Regional Education Centre Officially Opened (May 26th)

A new multi-million dollar school complex was officially opened in Oxford yesterday. The $18-million, state-of-the-art facility will be used by an estimated 450 students, from grades Primary to 12. It replaces Oxford Regional Elementary School and Oxford Regional High School. The school has been named the Oxford Regional Education Centre. In a news release issued after the grand opening, the building was described as high-tech but "green" because rain water is reused, the grounds require low irrigation and the building was constructed with recycled materials.  Education Minister Marilyn More was on hand for the ceremony. The province’s capital construction plan calls for the construction of 16 new schools.

New Oxford School To be Officially Opened (May 21st)

Education Minister Marilyn More will join representatives from Chignecto-Central Regional School Board on Tuesday, May 25, to officially open Oxford Regional Education Centre in Oxford.
The ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. at the new school, 249 Lower Main St.

Four Father's Festival Announces Musical Line-up (May 21st) 

Pugwash ER Closed Wednesday (May 18th)

The Cumberland Health Authority wishes to advise the public that the emergency department at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash will be closed from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 19^th. This twelve hour closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. 

At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance.  

If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. 

A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community. 

Anyone who is unclear on a proper course of action may also contact the Hospital at 902-243-2521.

Temporary Closures Slated For Parrsboro ER (May 18th)

The Cumberland Health Authority wishes to advise the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will experience three temporary closures over the coming week.  All of these closures are necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. 

      Wednesday, May 19^th from 4:00 pm until 11:00 pm (7 hours) 

      Thursday, May 20^th from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm (11 hours) 

      Tuesday, May 25^th from 8:00 am until Wednesday, May 26^th at 8:00 am (24 hours) 

At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance.  

If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. 

A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community. 

Anyone who is unclear on a proper course of action may also contact the Care Centre at 902-254-2540.

Cumberland Health Care Seeking Bursary Applications (May 11th) 

The Cumberland Health Care Careers Bursary Program is once again seeking applications from Cumberland County students who are pursuing a career in health care.  Friday, May 28^th has been set as the deadline to submit application packages for consideration this year. The Cumberland Health Care Careers Bursary Program is a joint undertaking of the Cumberland Health Authority and the five health care foundations that serve Cumberland County.  CEO Bruce Quigley said the program has proven to be very successful and the CHA is delighted with the results to date. “Since the program’s inception, we have had twelve graduates come back to work for the CHA and four more are joining our staff this year,” said Quigley.   the CHA has staffing shortages throughout the district and that recipients of this bursary continue to play a very important role in filling these positions. “The CHA operates facilities in Advocate Harbor, Pugwash, Parrsboro, Springhill and Amherst and this program is a very successful way for us to address staffing shortages in each of these communities,” he said.  Application forms and further information on the program are available from the CHA’s Human Resources Department at (902) 667-5400 extension 6237 or from the Cumberland Health Authority district offices at (902) 611-1090.  Information is also available from any of Cumberland County’s high school guidance departments or on the CHA’s web site at www.cha.nshealth.ca  

Stepping up its effort to raise money to go on the air (May 4th)

AMHERST – With just over a year to go before its licence expires Tantramar Community Radio is stepping up its effort to raise the money required to go on the air.

Society members appeared before Cumberland municipal council on Wednesday and are holding a membership meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Cultural Centre at 26 Crescent Ave. People attending the meeting are asked to use the parking lot entrance.

“The society is hoping to provide that important communication link that will provide more synergy between communities both large and small in such an expansive geographic area,” society co-chair Geoff deGannes told council. “We believe that having a strong community voice will further enrich the social, economic and cultural life of our rural area.”

He said the society has until June 2011 to be operational. He said start-up costs and the first year’s operations should cost about $200,000.

The society is hoping to secure funding from the federal and provincial governments as well as from the county’s municipal units including $30,000 from the county and $15,000 from Amherst.

It’s also hoping to get financial support from corporations and from a variety of fundraising activities.

Besides providing an eclectic mix of music, entertainment and news, deGannes said the community station will provide an outlet for creative expression and diversity in opinion. It will also provide an outlet for local performers and part of its focus will be Maritime music.

The business community, he said, is willing to support the initiative.

When the society’s first application was turned down by the CRTC nearly two years ago, it reimbursed the funding it was pledged by the province. When its application was finally accepted, that money was no longer available.

Society president Randy Smith said a lot of people are very interested in the community radio station. He said the station has the potential to be a training ground for potential broadcasters and producers while providing a valuable service to community groups.

“There’s a window of opportunity of about 13 months to get this started and going so we have to move quickly to meet that deadline,” Smith said, adding that people are continually asking for an update. “People are still behind it, but when we lost the first round it sort of stalled us.”

Warden Keith Hunter said the county is in the midst of its budget process and is not in a position right now to commit funding to the organization.

The Tantramar Community Radio Society was given the green light last June by the CRTC to set up an FM community radio station. The licence gave the society two years to get on the air at the 107.9 frequency.

Thinker's Lodge in Pugwash Restored (April 21st)

Bursaries Being Offered by Advocacy Board ( April 20th)

The Cumberland Child Advocacy Board offers $500 bursaries to graduating high school students throughout Cumberland County.  This will continues our tradition of offering bursary awards from the former Family and Children’s Services Board.   The successful student will be one who:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving their community by supporting agencies and initiatives that support children and families
• Plans to continue their studies in the human services/helping professions/health profession/policing, etc.
• Experiences financial hardships and has demonstrated a commitment to overcome them through continued education, hard work and perseverance
• Evidences awareness of, and sensitivity to, equity issues related to race, gender and poverty, etc.

Students can contact their high school guidance counsellors for more information on this bursary or go website:  http://www.cumberlandchild.ca/bursaries.html and download the application form.  There are also some other bursaries from our community partners on the website.  You can request more information at:  info@cumberlandchild.ca.

Bursary applications must be received no later than May 5th.

Pugwash ER Closed April 21st (April 20th)

The Cumberland Health Authority wishes to advise the public that the emergency department at the North Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Pugwash will be closed from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 21^st. This twelve hour closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. 

At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance.  

If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. 

A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community. 

Anyone who is unclear on a proper course of action may also contact the Hospital at 902-243-2521.

Parrsboro ER Closed This Week (April 6th)

The Cumberland Health Authority is advising the public that the emergency department at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre in Parrsboro will be closed from 8:00 am on Wednesday, April 7th until 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 8^th. This thirty-six hour closure is necessary because no physician is available to provide the necessary medical coverage. At all times, those experiencing a medical emergency should always call 911. The emergency response system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to provide immediate medical assistance.  If medical service of a non-emergency nature is required, individuals should contact their family doctor’s office to make an appointment. A phone call can also be made to 811 where registered nurses are available around the clock to give advice and information and to provide reassurance concerning all kinds of general health concerns. HealthLink 811 also provides information regarding health issues and services available in the community. Anyone who is unclear on a proper course of action may also contact the Community Care Centre at 902-254-2540.

Wallace Fire Leaves Two Homeless (March 31st)

Two people are temporarily homeless after a weekend fire gutted their home near Wallace, Nova Scotia, along the Northumberland Strait about midway between Amherst and New Glasgow.

The pair have been staying with relatives nearby since the fire Saturday. Red Cross volunteers contacted Monday assisted with personal-care items and emergency purchases of clothing and food. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire (at 14044 Highway 6) is under investigation.

Sports-Ramblers Swept From MJAHL Playoffs (March 4th)

The Amherst Ramblers' Maritime Junior A Hockey League season has come to an end.  The Ramblers lost 8-3 to the Bridgewater Lumberjacks at the Amherst Stadium Thursday night.  The Lumberjacks swept the best of three Bent Division mini-series 2-0.     

Sports-Bridgewater Tops Amherst in MJAHL Playoff Action (March 3rd)

The Amherst Ramblers again find themselves in a must-win situation after losing 5-2 to the host Bridgewater Lumberjacks last night to begin their best-of-three first-round Maritime Junior A Hockey League playoff series.The two teams will square off again in the Bent Division mini-series for Game 2 on Thursday at the Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

With their eclectic rock sound and contagious energy, the Tom Fun Orchestra will be the first band to kick off the Four Fathers Festival! Originally from Cape Breton, this high energy band features a mix of electric and acoustic instruments that produce a unique blend of folk, roots, blues, rock and punk to entertain audiences of all ages.

Formed in 2005, this unique band has toured throughout Canada, Ireland and the UK and in 2009 received the East Coast Music Award for Galaxy Rising Star. They are said to embody the east coast tradition of playing music while giving a new spin on what is considered to be "traditional east coast music". The Tom Fun Orchestra is being applauded as being "a group that creates a timeless, unique sound that bridges generational gaps and defines musical clichés" (www.cbc.ca)

The Four Fathers Festival is pleased to have the Tom Fun Orchestra perform on Thursday, July 1st at the Robb Complex. The performance will start at 7 PM as the lead up to the Canada Day fireworks. Admission is free and open to all ages.

Organizers for the Four Fathers Festival have secured the musical lineup for the 2010 festival being held July 1^{st to the 4th in downtown Amherst. Building on the success of last year, festival organizers are excited to be hosting an array of talented artists on both a local and a regional level. Continuing on the format from 2009, there will be something for everyone’s musical taste, as well as all age groups. With their eclectic rock sound and contagious energy, the Tom Fun Orchestra will be the first band to kick off the Four Fathers Festival! Originally from Cape Breton, this high energy band features a mix of electric and acoustic instruments that produce a unique blend of folk, roots, blues, rock and punk to entertain audiences of all ages.  Formed in 2005, this unique band has toured throughout Canada, Ireland and the UK and in 2009 received the East Coast Music Award for Galaxy Rising Star. They are said to embody the east coast tradition of playing music while giving a new spin on what is considered to be "traditional east coast music". The Tom Fun Orchestra is being applauded as being "a group that creates a timeless, unique sound that bridges generational gaps and defines musical clichés" (www.cbc.ca)  The Four Fathers Festival is pleased to have the Tom Fun Orchestra perform on Thursday, July 1st at the Robb Complex. The performance will start at 7 PM as the lead up to the Canada Day fireworks. Admission is free and open to all ages.}

Hailing from Rustico, Prince Edward Island, Lennie Gallant is set to take the Four Fathers Festival stage on Sunday, July 4^th for an evening of family entertainment. As one of Canada’s foremost singer/songwriters, Gallant is the recipient of thirteen East Coast Music Awards and has been nominated for two Juno Awards.

Described as a folk artist, Gallant’s music also draws inspiration from the Celtic, rock and country music genre. Gallant has eight albums to his credit and has toured North America and Europe performing with his band, acoustic, and with symphony orchestras. His performances are described as being energetic and inspirational.

The Four Fathers Festival is pleased to have Lennie Gallant perform on Sunday, July 4^th under the Festival tent. The performance will start at 7 pm and is open to all ages. Admission is free.