Monday, April 9, 2012

Kent Cup Final: Sellout for Game 3 in Yarmouth


A sellout crowd is expected in Yarmouth this evening for Game 3 of the Kent Cup Final. The Yarmouth Mariners and Woodstock Slammers split the first two games in New Brunswick before the long-weekend. Puck drops at the Mariners Centre at 7:30PM.

On Tap: Public Meeting on South Queens Middle School


It's a chance for the public to learn more about the future South Queens Middle School. An information session will be held Tuesday night to update the community on planning for the new facility. A conceptual design for the new school will be reviewed followed by an informal question and answer session with School Board and Department of Education staff.  The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at South Queens Junior High School starting at 6:30pm. The new South Queens Middle School is expected to replace the current Junior High. It's expected to be built by September 2013.

RCMP: Impaired Driving Charges in Chester



RCMP in Chester have charged two people after an incident in the village over the Easter weekend. According to police, they received a call on Sunday night regarding two men who piled into a car after having a few drinks at a local business. Soon after, Mounties got another call about a single vehicle collision in the same area. When police arrived at the scene they arrested the two men and charged them both with impaired driving. The men have also been charged with providing misleading information while one of the accused resisted arrest. Both have been released and will appear in court at a later date.

Solid Start: 1688 Lobster Fishermen's Association


It's been a good winter for the newly formed "1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association". President James Mood says the PLFA's membership features more than 800 lobster license holders from Shelburne to Digby. He says the association experienced a lull in new memberships periodically over the winter but the trend has reversed. "What has happened here in the last week is the cheques have started coming in again. I think the reality is they (license holders) had a chance to think things over - they know they have to have a voice. Without a voice and being united - you'll get nowhere," The price of lobster at the wharf has jumped from $3.25 to $6.00 per pound since the PLFA formed in January.  As of last week in Woods Harbour, the price of lobster touched $6.25 per pound.

Mixed Reaction: Tax Cut for Small Business


The President of the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce has mixed feelings over a tax cut for small businesses in the province. Ben Wiper says the extra money will help business owners going forward but cautions the province remains in a position where spending exceeds revenues. He says while the cuts are welcome, but come with a price. "Basically our business tax cut is being financed by deficit spending and being a business owner that's something most business owners don't like to do - because it's not sustainable. We can't just keep spending without matching revenues coming in," The provincial government announced a reduction of half a percentage point in the small business tax rate in its budget last week. Finance Minister Graham Steele says the tax break will translate into another $10-million back into the hands of small businesses in Nova Scotia.

Martin, team win 4 x 400 metre relay event in Florida


Training is certainly paying off for Jenna Martin. The Bridgewater native ran 52.68 seconds in a 4 x 400 metre relay, helping her team win the event at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Florida. Martin's team set a meet and stadium record, also setting the best relay time in the world this season. She is currently training in the U.S. to make Canada's team for the London Olympics. Martin's next event is expected to be this weekend in Miami.

Bridgewater rink wins Atlantic under-18 curling crown


A Bridgewater curling rink has been crowned the Atlantic under-18 curling champions. Daniel Prest's team scored one in the eighth and stole two in the extra end to beat P.E.I 6-4 Sunday in the final at the Bluenose Curling club in New Glasgow. Newfoundland and Labrador defeated Chester's Daniel Jessome 6-5 in the boys consolation final.

Keddy: OAS Changes Necessary


The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's says the old age security system needs to reflect the current labour conditions. The majority conservative government announced increases in OAS eligibility to 67 up from 65 in the federal budget. Canadians who get federal money from other programs will see their benefits extended until they can cash in on OAS/GIS. Gerald Keddy says the changes are necessary and reasonable. "What we are trying to do is get people to work longer those who are able to - those who are not able there is a social safety net in place for them. So it's not as if people will be abandon - that's not the case at all," Ottawa will start making the adjustments to old age security in 2023, and phase them in gradually over six years.  It means anyone over 54 won't be affected while people in their early 50's will see moderate changes and Canadians under 50 will be directly impacted.