RCMP: Plan Ahead Before Driving New Year's Eve

The message is simple; if you're drinking, you're not driving. RCMP are planning checkpoints across the province this evening targeting impaired drivers including those who are driving under the influence of drugs. Police say people should make plans to get home safe by finding a designated driver, call a cab, stay at a friend's house or take transit. Cpl. Scott MacRae says people can help them stop impaired driving.



MacRae says people should plan ahead and think before they drink.

Chester: Fay Loses In Semi-Final At Junior Curling Provincials

Chester's Mary Fay fell in a semifinal showdown this morning to end her run at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships. Fay lost 11-4 to Mary Myketyn-Driscoll of Truro. Myketyn-Driscoll will battle Mayflower's Emily Dwyer in the title match at 2 o'clock at the Chester Curling Club.
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On the men's side, Stuart Thompson of Mayflower has successfully defended his Provincial crown. The Thompson crew punched their ticket to the Nationals in Fort McMurray, Alberta, by posting a perfect 7-0 record.

Lunenburg: ER Closing At Fishermen's Memorial

The Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is once again short on staff. The ER is closing at 4pm this afternoon and will reopen at 7:30am New Year's Day. Anyone requiring emergency services is advised to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

In Review: Bluenose II Relaunch Big Crowd Pleaser

In looking back at 2012, there were no events on the South Shore that drew the attention of so many people like the re-launch of the province's famous sailing ambassador. After a $16-million re-build lasting three years on the Lunenburg waterfront, Bluenose II was refloated in Lunenburg Harbour early on a dark, threatening morning in late September. If people couldn't be there in person, they watched on the internet just as they had been following the rebuild, day after day. According to the just-retired 33 year veteran of the mayor's office in Lunenburg, Laurence Mawhinney, the re-launch was a crowning moment in his long career.



This winter, Bluenose II is being re-outfitted with masts, sails and other fittings and being made ready to sail again in the spring of 2013. A date for that is yet to be announced.

In Review: Mawhinney Retires After 33 Years As Mayor

In looking back at 2012, the retirement of the venerable Laurence Mawhinney from the office of mayor in Lunenburg was one of the biggest local political changes of the year. The mayor had been in office in one of the province's most-historic towns for 33 years and he decided it was time to go. However, the lure of the old office can be hard to break.



Among his accomplishments, the former mayor says he takes pleasure in being part of the effort to have Lunenburg declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. He's also happy with the apparent political stability he was able to foster in the town over all the years. However, Mawhinney says with his retirement and the retirements of at least two other mayors locally, it became obvious the electorate in last fall's municipal elections wanted change.



These days, former mayor Mawhinney and his wife Marion are continuing their team ministry at several Lunenburg and area Presbyterian churches with the past life at the mayor's office always not far away.

Two Men Charged In Chester Break & Enter

Two men have been charged in connection with a break, enter and theft from a home in the Chester area. It happened on Friday and RCMP investigators say various items were taken. The accused face several charges including break and enter, theft over $5,000., possession of property obtained by crime and numerous firearms offenses. The suspects are in custody and appear in court at a later date.

Storm Centre: Flights Delayed & Power Outages

A winter storm has knocked out power and is forcing airlines to adjust their flight schedule. The system - bringing snow, ice pellets and high wind - moved into the Yarmouth area just before midnight and worked its way up the coastline overnight. Environment Canada is predicting 20-30 centimetres of snow for the South Shore. Nova Scotia Power is working on an outage affecting 500 residents of the Argyle area. Crews have already restored a power outage in Shelburne, roughly 100 to 150 residents were without electricity for a four hours. Also, it looks like flights schedule will be a mess at the Halifax airport. A tweet from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Ice pellets, high winds and snow causing airlines to adjust flights schedules. Disruptions expected to continue through morning/early afternoon. Passengers should check their airlines web site or call ahead to find out the status of their flight. The bad weather is expected to continue through until Sunday night.

Latest forecast: 

Winter storm warning in effect. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties

Today

Snow. Snow mixed with ice pellets this morning. Rain along the coast this morning. Snow and ice pellet amount 15 cm. Blowing snow. Winds gusting to 80 early this afternoon. High plus 1.

Tonight

Flurries ending after midnight then cloudy. Amount 2 cm. Blowing snow this evening and after midnight. Windy. Low minus 5.

Monday

Mainly cloudy. Clearing in the afternoon. Winds gusting to 80. High minus 4.

In Review: Big Decisions Ahead For Chester Council

The Warden in Chester says it was a solid year on numerous fronts for municipal council and staff. Allen Webber says council was able to push forward with it's large wind project in Kaizer Meadow, expected to be operational in 2013. The 2.3 megawatt wind project is expected to generate annual revenue exceeding 270-thousand dollars over the 20 year-life of the turbine. Webber says the municipality remains in good financial health with significant reserve funding as they head into the new year.



Chester council has a busy year ahead with public hearings and a decision expected on Minas Basin's South Canoe Wind Project. Webber says they will also have to decided whether to invest into the Chester-based collaborative health centre - called Our Health Centre.

Update: South Shore Curling Teams Cling To Life

Two South Shore teams remain alive, but both are down to their last life, at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships in Chester. Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater and Mary Fay of the host club must win both of their games on Sunday to clinch a playoff spot. Defending champ Emily Dwyer of Mayflower and Truro's Mary Myketyn-Driscoll have already qualified for the playoffs. In the boys division defending champ Stuart Thompson of Mayflower leads the way with a perfect 4-0 record. Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater was eliminated yesterday. Draws are slated for 11, 4, & 9 today at the Chester Club. The winners will be crowned on Monday.  

Storm Centre: Heavy Snow, Ice Pellets & High Wind

Residents of the South Shore should gas up their snow blowers and get their shovels ready. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the region and most of mainland Nova Scotia. The latest forecast is predicting snowfall amounts totaling 30 centimetres over the weekend. The snow is expected to begin this evening and become more intense overnight. The weather agency is also calling for high winds, blowing snow and ice pellets along the coast. The bad weather will continue into tomorrow with snow, ice pellets and blizzard conditions anticipated. Conditions should begin to improve by Sunday night.

Chester: Mayflower Rink Leads Curling Championship

Mayflower's Emily Dwyer leads the way at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling Championships at the Chester Club. Dwyer improved to 3-0 and grabbed the first playoff spot with a 9-6 win over Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater in last night's late draw. Bachman, at 2-1, is tied with Mary Fay of the host club. Those rinks go head to head this afternoon.  On the guys' side, Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse lost twice yesterday and will now have to win four in a row in order to make the playoff round. Mayflower's Stuart Thompson and Robert Mayhew of Wolfville share the lead with 2-0 records. Draws are set for today at 8am, noon, 4pm, and 8pm in Chester. 

Winners will advance to the Canadian Juniors in Fort McMurray, Alberta in early February.

In Review: Seahawks Football Soars

It was a magical year for local football on the South Shore. The inaugural season for Seahawks Minor Football was an overwhelming success for the players, coaches and parents who supported the team. It took roughly five years of hard work and $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Program co-founder Gary Linthorne says it was a proud moment when  more than 800 fans attended the Seahawks home opener in September. He says their season was filled with highlights.



The program will expand to include a Bantam league in 2013. Linthorne says the organization is also looking to buy a new scoreboard for the upcoming season.

Curling: Bridgewater's Bachman Leads At Junior Provincials

Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse is in search of his first win at the AMJ Campbell Junior curling provincials in Chester. Crouse lost his first match this morning 7-3 to Robert Mayhew. He's on the ice at 4pm against Nicholas Schroeder. Over on the women's side, Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman sits in a tie for first place after winning her second straight game. Bachman defeated Mary Myketyn-Driscoll 6-5 in extra ends today. She also defeated Chester's Mary Fay Thursday night. Fay got her first win today, a 9-4 decision over Hayley McCabe. She sits at 1-1. Tournament winners will represent the province at the "M & M Canadian Juniors" in Fort McMurray, Alberta in February. For all tournament information, click here .

In Review: Mayor: Positive Year For Bridgewater

The mayor of Bridgewater says 2012 was a positive year for the town. David Walker says an increase in population growth, a reduced commercial and residential tax rate, and more building construction adds up to a good year. Construction also began on the LCLC and the town started working with Mahone Bay and Municipality of Lunenburg on joint services. However, Walker considers the municipal election to be a significant moment for the town.



Walker says he's excited to work with council on concerning issues over the next four years.

In Review: Remembering Bowater

Looking back at 2012, we remember the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn. After weathering slumping paper markets worldwide and the general economic downturn, the mill closed in June and hundreds of people suddenly found themselves without jobs. The closure stunned the region and the mayor of the District of Queens at the time, John Leefe, says the loss of Bowater was a dark time in all his 12 years in office.



A transition team was established to help people in Queens and Lunenburg counties cope with the loss of Bowater and recommend how to move forward.  Ron Smith headed the team.



The province has lately inked a deal with Bowater-owners Resolute Forest Products to take over the company's woodlands and the Brooklyn mill site. Nova Scotia Power purchased the power generating facility.  The Oakhill sawmill which provided wood chips and sawdust to Bowater was not part of the arrangement. Its now closed and the equipment is being dispersed to other Resolute operations in North America.

In Review: New School Board Elected

It was a fresh start for the local school board as seven new faces and one long-time member were elected in October. The new members took over the reins from Judith Sullivan-Corney, who was brought in by the education minister after the previous board was fired late in 2011. The local board endured a busy first eight weeks with some hot-button issues including financially settling with a former teacher and adjusting to their new roles. Chair Jennifer Naugler says she's pleased with how the board has reacted.



She says every day is a new challenge and expects 2013 to be busy with school review and budget time approaching quickly in the new year.

In Review: Fresh Start For White Point

From ashes to opening; it's been an emotional year for officials at White Point. The new main lodge reopened last month, just under a year after fire destroyed the historic building. The lodge features more windows for better views of the ocean, more open spaces, higher ceilings and a beachstone fireplace. General Manager Danny Morton says he's still getting used to the new property.



Morton says roughly 125 workers have been hired back since the new lodge opened. The total cost to rebuild is believed to be around $7-million.

A Messy, Windy Day Ahead

A storm that caused weather troubles in the US over Christmas is rolling across the Maritimes today. Its bringing heavy snow for New Brunswick and ice pellets, snow, rain and high winds to this province. Here on the South Shore, the wind could top 100 kilometers an hour this evening before it peters out over night. Police forces in the area advise all motorists to slow down on the highways. As the temperature hovers around the freezing point, the snow falling this morning (ahead of rain this afternoon) is making the roads dangerous.

In Review: Teen Confinement Case Rocks South Shore

When you re-examine 2012, the one news story that stands out as representing a dark moment in our history came to light in late September.  That's when a teenage boy suddenly showed up on an elderly woman's doorstep in Upper Chelsea pleading for help. The 16- year-old claimed he'd been held captive in chains for days and sexually assaulted in a neighbouring home. The RCMP issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrests of two suspects. One of them, 31-year-old Wayne Allan Cunningham was found dead a week later, along a woods road in Northern Ontario. The other suspect, 47-year-old David James Leblanc, was apprehended in the same area two days later. The incident raised fears among Lunenburg County residents that "big-city" type incidents had finally found their way to the area. District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe tried to ease everyone's concerns.



Since early October, Leblanc has been in and out of court in Bridgewater. He's facing seven charges, including sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement and kidnapping. Leblanc is back in court January 16th when dates will be set for a preliminary hearing. Another man, 63-year-old Leonard McKean of Lower Sackville, has also been charged in the case. He's out on bail and is back in Bridgewater court January 23rd.

Junior Curling Championship Kicks Off

The road to the "Canadian Junior Curling Championship" goes through the South Shore starting today. The Chester Curling club will be hosting the "AMJ-Campbell Junior Provincials".
Eight girls' teams will battle for the title including Mary Fay of the host club and Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman.  The one local boys crew is Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater.  The event gets rolling at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Four more draws hit the ice tomorrow morning starting at 8 o'clock. The championship trophies will be handed out on New Year's Eve. Winners will represent the province at the "M & M Canadian Juniors" in Fort McMurray, Alberta in February.  

More ER Closures Planned At Fishermen's Memorial

There are more closures planned for the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. The ER will be closed Friday December 28 at 2:30pm and will reopen on Saturday December 29 at 7:30am. The emergency department will also close at 2:30 this afternoon and open back up at 7:30 Tuesday morning. The closure is being blamed on a shortage of available doctors. Anyone needing emergency services are being asked to head to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811.

Lunenburg: ER Closure At Fishermen's Memorial

The emegency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed over Christmas. A lack of physician coverage is to blame for the closure which begins on Monday afternoon at 2:30PM. The ER will re-open Christmas Day at 7:30AM. Residents requiring emergency services are being asked to visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811.

Gas Prises Rise Ahead of Holiday Rush

If you're hitting the highway heading home for Christmas, you will have to pay more to hit the road. Gasoline prices are "up" at South Shore pumps and elsewhere in the province. The utility and review board set the prices for the next week at midnight last night. A litre of regular self serve is up 3.5 cents this morning to a $1.23.7. Diesel is also up in price this morning by the same amount.
Its selling for a $1-34.8 a litre.

Basketball Jones: Holiday Hoop Fest Tips Off

The Day's Inn Holiday Hopp Fest boys basketball tournament begins this morning at Park View with the host Panthers tiping off agaisnt the Memorial Marauders from Sydney Mines. Games continue all day including the Bridgewater Vikings playing at 2:00pm against the Dartmouth Spartans.The Panthers will play their second game of the day at 6:00pm an the Vikings wil host their scond game at the BHS gym at 8:00pm.

 

HOOP FEST SCHEDULE

 

Game 1 10:00am  Memorial      VS  Park View

Game 2 12:00pm  Central Kings vs  Halifax West

Game 3  2:00pm  Dartmouth     vs  Bridgewater

Game 4  4:00pm  J.L.Ilsley    vs  Shelburne

Game 5  6:00pm  Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Game 6  6:00pm  Loser  of Game 1 vs Loser  of Game 2  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Game 7  8:00pm  Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4  @ Park View or B.H.S.

Game 8  8:00pm  Loser  of Game 3 vs Loser  of Game 4  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Saturday Dec. 22  @ Park View

3:00pm  Championship

Supreme Court: Eisnor Murder Trial Begins In May

Nine days have been set aside for a Barss Corner man charged with first degree murder. Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife, Tina Mae, in a New Germany parking lot in June 2010. He then turned the gun on himself and suffered significant brain damage as a result of the self inflicted gun shot wound. The 48 year was deemed mentally fit to stand trial by a provincial court judge in April. However, Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock says the matter of mental fitness is a live issue. He says Eisnor's mental fitness to stand trial could be put in the hands of a jury before proceed with the remainder of the murder case. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court trial will begin on May 13th. Eisnor will be tried by judge and jury.

Mayor Disappointed Oakhill Sawmill Will Not Reopen

A Lunenburg County mayor says a decision by Resolute Forest Products to keep the Oakhill sawmill closed doesn't make sense. The company revealed its intent to dismantle the mill in a letter that came across the desk of Don Downe on Tuesday. He says it's disappointing news.



Downe was hopeful the company could find a local suitor to take over operations and keep the sawmill afloat. At least 125 people lost their jobs when the mill was idled shortly after the Bowater Mersey Paper mill was closed in June. A call to Resolute Forest Products has not been returned.

Residents Plead To MODL To Save Rose Bay Wharf

Proponents of a public wharf in Rose Bay are reaching out to the Municipality of Lunenburg to help them keep the property in the community. Residents are concerned because a divestiture from the Federal government needs to be accepted or the wharf will be demolished. It's the only wharf in the community and local fisherman would need to move to another area if something isn't done. Committee Chair David Adler says the wharf is a necessity.



The municipality has referred information to a committee to further discuss the wharf's future. It has until the end of March to reach a decision on whether it will accept or decline the divestiture.

Dates For Eisnor Trial Will Be Set On Thursday

Trial dates for a Barss Corner man charged with first degree murder in the death of his estranged wife will be set on Thursday. Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife, Tine Mae, in a New Germany parking lot in June of 2010 before turning the gun on himself. Eisnor suffered significant brain damage as a result of the self inflicted gun shot wound but a provincial court judge ruled in April his condition had improved and he was mentally fit to stand trial. The 48 year-old's fate will be determined by judge and jury in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

SSRSB: Some Schools Being Dismissed Early

A number of schools on the South Shore will dismiss their students early today due to tricky road conditions. Students at New Germany Elementary and High School, North Queens, Greenfield and New Ross Consolidated will be sent home at 11:30AM. That also includes New Ross area students attending Forest Heights.

Another Delay In Teen Confinement Case

Inclement weather has delayed the teen confinement case until the new year. Dates for a preliminary hearing involving David Leblanc were expected to be set during today's court appearance in Bridgewater. However, the 47 year year-old's lawyer Mike Taylor, was unable to attend this morning court's appearance in Bridgewater due to tricky road conditions. Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to the sexual assault and confinement of a 16 year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. The matter has been adjourned until January 16th.

UPDATED: Resolute Won't Re-Open Oakhill Sawmill

Resolute Forest Products will not re-open a Lunenburg County sawmill.The Montreal-based company is preparing to dismantle the Oakhill Sawmill and move its equipment out of province to service other operations within the company. Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Jacques Vachon revealed the company's plans in a letter to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. The Oakhill sawmill was idled shortly after the Bowater Mersey Paper mill was closed in June. The sawmill used to employ roughly 100 employees.  The operation was not purchased by the Nova Scotia government in a massive land and assets deal announced last week.

Province, School Board Split Costs For Judicial Review

It's being pegged as a miscommunication between the South Shore Regional School Board and Department of Education. An official with the education department says the two sides will now split the cost of legal and arbitration fees for the judicial review involving Peter Speight. The school board said earlier this week they would incur $47,000 while the Department of Education would cover $116,000. Department spokesperson, Dan Harrison, says the two parties had a misunderstanding over the costs.



Each side will now pay $81,500. However, the school board remains committed to its earlier stance, saying no teaching positions will be affected by the unbudgeted expense.

Energy Audit Planned For Four Bridgewater Facilities

Four facilities in Bridgewater are going under the microscope to have their energy consumption reviewed. The Memorial Arena's seniors complex and shed along with Brookside Cemetery's office and garage will be audited to see if they can reduce their carbon footprint. The four buildings have never been audited and staff believe their could be significant energy-saving opportunities. The audits are part of the town's initiative to lower energy consumption in facilities by 15% compared to 2007-08 levels. Council has approved an unbudgeted expenditure of $4,800 for the audits. Efficiency Nova Scotia has agreed to cover half the costs of the project, and could pay for all of it if the audit recommendations are fully implemented.

BREAKING: Charges Dropped In Chester Basin Murder Investigation

A second degree murder charge has been dropped in the case of an 18 year-old accused of killing his mother in Chester Basin. Jack Buckley was released from custody this afternoon after spending the past nine months behind bars. The body of 57 year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley was found inside her home on the Borgels Point Road on March 2nd.  Her teenage son was arrested a week later and charged in relation to her death. The cause of her death has never been released. Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock told reporters their case lacked sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction in the case.



Meanwhile, defence lawyer Patrick MacEwan says his client is relieved and was told he would be released on Saturday. The investigation into the death of Brauns-Buckley remains active.

Shelburne: Green Light For Aquaculture Projects

The province has approved two new aquaculture sites in Shelburne County. Fisheries Minister Sterling Beliveau says the approvals come with strict agreements to ensure the sites will protect the local fishing industries and coastal environment. Kelly Cove Salmon Limited, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture will operate the new sites in Jordan Bay. The Nova Scotia government says the company went through a rigorous application process that took 26 months. Belliveau says these new sites will help to further grow the industry and the economy. An extensive review concluded these sites would pose minimal risk or adverse effects to fish, fish habitat, and fisheries resources.

Some conditions attached to the licences and leases include:

-- following a code of containment for Atlantic salmon in marine net pens

-- enhanced environmental monitoring by a third-party consultant, including more site visits and additional sampling locations

-- reduced stocking densities.

Lunenburg: Collaborative Emergency Centre Announced

Residents of Lunenburg will have greater access to various health care providers with the creation of a new Collaborative Emergency Centre at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital. It will be the seventh emergency centre established in the province and will provide faster access to doctors and nurses. Health Minister Dave Wilson says it will help to address issues of long waits and overcrowding. However, it's not known when the centre will officially be open to the public. Wilson says more exploratory work is needed regarding staffing and infrastructure.



Wilson says the new centre will also reduce the stress of emergency room closure rates at Fishermen's Memorial. South Shore Health is currently working with officials at the Department of Health and Wellness to develop the best possible model to meet the community's needs. Nova Scotia's first Collaborative Emergency Centre opened in Parrsboro in July 2011. There are now CECs in Pugwash, Tatamagouche, Annapolis Royal, Musquodoboit Harbour, and Springhill.

School Board Faces $47,000 Bill For Judicial Review

The South Shore Regional School Board is footing the bill for a judicial review with an ex-elementary school teacher. The board will have to find $47,000 in this year's budget associated with trying to keep Peter Speight out of the classroom. Director of Finance, Wade Tattrie, says its unbudgeted money.



Tattrie says it's highly unlikely they will be forced to cut a teaching position. The Department of Education will cover the school board's legal and arbitration fees of $116,000.

Schools Lower Flags To Respect Connecticut Victims

Flags are at half-mast today at South Shore Schools to show respect for those who lost their lives in the tragic shooting late last week in Connecticut. Twenty children and six adults were killed Friday when a gunman entered the Newtown school and opened fire. School Board Communications Manager, Trish Smith, says it's important for them to show respect.




Smith says the board has also encouraged staff and parents to speak with kids who have questions about violent events. More details can be found here . The premier has called the event a "shocking and unthinkable act."

Bridgewater Police Getting New Radio System

Bridgewater Police are getting a more modern radio system. Town council has given a green light to a proposal and pre-approved over $37,000 for the resource. The radio equipment was used for a one-month period during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Chief John Collyer says it works out well for the police service.


Thirty-thousand dollars will come from reserve while just over $7,600 will be provided from the 2013-14 budget. The police service's current radio system has been in use since 1993.

Teams Advance To NS Women's Curling Championship

Six women's curling teams advanced to the Provincial Scotties at a qualifier in Sydney over the weekend. Those earning berths include defending champ Heather Smith Dacey of Mayflower and clubmate Mary Anne Arsenault. Bridgewater's Nancy McConnery was ousted after posting a 1-3 record. The final two spots will be decided in Port Hawksbury early next month. The Scotties will be staged in Halifax at the end of January

Western Hurricanes Win One/Tie Another

The BMO Western Hurricanes travelled to Cape Breton over the weekend. The team won Saturdays game 4-3. Keith Getson, Matt Barron, Logan Walters and Cameron Jacquard all scoring singles. Sundays game was a 4-4 tie. Keith Getson scored all 4 goals for the Hurricanes. The team now plays Dartmouth in Liverpool this coming Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 11am.

Parkview Boys Win/Girls Split Hockey Games

In boys high school hockey action, Park View defeated the Avon View Avalanche 6-2. Nathaniel Beck and Fabien Sund had 2 goals each. Jake Wile was the winning goalie.

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The Park View Lady Panthers hockey team split a home and away series against the Horton Griffins over the weekend. Park View won in Canning on Friday evening 2-1. Scoring for Park View were Robin Knickle and Martha Jenkins. Savannah Cruikshank scored for Horton. Horton won by the same 2-1 score Sunday night in Bridgewater. Giselle Rudderham and Mariah Carey scored the Horton goals. Robin Knickle scored for Park View.

"Jacks" Lose Another

In MHL action in Summerside Sunday afternoon, the Western Capitals doubled the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 4-2. Mitchell Hennebury & Michael Crawley scored for the Jacks who've now lost eleven in a row. Despite the long losing skid, there were positive signs over the weekend for the locals as they kept things close against three of the league's top clubs and earned a point in a shootout loss in Truro on Saturday.

Yarmouth Consolidated To Officially Open

A new school will be unveiled in Yarmouth this afternoon. Education Minister Ramona Jennex will be on-hand with staff and students at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School to mark the occasion. Students started classes in September, but today's ceremony will officially open the facility. It gets underway at 2pm in the school's gym.

Fox Point: RCMP Investigate Weekend Fire

The cause of a fire at an empty home in Fox Point is under investigation. In a media release, police say they were called to the scene on the Lighthouse Road around 9:30 on Friday night. Fire crews in Hubbards and Blandford were dispatched to help battle the blaze. The home sustained significant damage. There were no injuries. Mounties are asking anyone with information to contact the Lunenburg County RCMP.

Second Public Meeting To Discuss Group Home

The town of Bridgewater will hold another public discussion on by-law changes for a group home on Evergreen Road. LaHave Manor wants to increase the number of residents permitted to live in the facility from three to five. The town has changed wording in its bylaw to allow for the increase and are holding a meeting to gather public feedback. Mayor David Walker says they want to keep the public engaged in the process.



The meeting will is scheduled for mid-January.

Hockey Wrap: 'Jacks Hang Tough Against Bearcats

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks battled hard in Truro last night, eventually falling 2-1 in a shootout to the Bearcats. Josh Bowman's goal early in the third period was the equalizer as the Jacks earned a big point on the road. Goalie Jordan Lee made 39 saves for the Jacks who play their third game in as many days this afternoon in Summerside. In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League in Sydney the Cape Breton Tradesmen edged the South Shore Mustangs 3-2. Alex Nauss had both goals for the Stangs who've lost eleven straight. The clubs meet again this morning. In Q League action the visiting Halifax Mooseheads outscored the Moncton Wildcats 8-6. 

Queens Place Celebrates First Anniversary

Queens Place Emera Centre is celebrating their first anniversary next week. Hundreds of residents attended the grand opening of the 22 million dollar facility last December. General Manager, Neil Raymond says over the past year the centre has been well recieved.



He adds there are big plans for the new year including the Hank Snow Tribute in the summer. Queens Place will also be home to the 2014 Canadian Nationals for junior curling.

Gasoline Prices Drop Again!

As expected, gasoline prices along the South Shore dropped overnight. A litre of regular self serve is down almost 4 cents today at $1.20.2. Diesel is also lower. Its selling at $1.31.4 per litre. Thats down 3 cents a litre from yesterday.

MHL: 'Jacks Look To End Slide

It's out of the frying pan and into the fire for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. Bridgewater's Junior "A" hockey team has lost eight straight as they get set to play three games in three days against three of the MHL's top clubs. They'll kick things off tonight at home against the defending league-champion Woodstock Slammers. The Jacks will journey to Truro tomorrow to face the first-place Bearcats before travelling to Summerside for a Sunday matinee against the Capitals.
This evening's tilt against the Slammers faces off at 7 at the Bridgewater Arena.