Bridgewater Curling Club Hosting International Event

The Bridgewater Curling Club has been selected to host curlers from Scotland in the Strathcona Cup 2013 tour. Senior men's teams from Scotland will play four, eight-end curling matches against local squads in the one-day event. The club will be one of five Canadian stops on the cup's tour. Canada and Scotland have competed for the Strathcona Cup since 1903. The competition is the oldest international curling event in the world. It will be held January 11, 2013.

Yarmouth-Halifax Bus Route Axed

There won't be a bus service in southwestern Nova Scotia as of December 1st. A private operator has pulled an application to take over the route between Yarmouth and Halifax from Trius Tours. The Charlottetown based bus company is expanding to replace Acadian Coach Lines at the end of this month, but are axing their South Shore run because of low ridership. Bernie Melanson was proposing to keep the same route, but was unable to secure enough agents to sell tickets or handle packages.



He says the losses would be too great because transporting parcels makes up nearly half of annual revenues for motor carriers. There are now just two shuttle services offering rides between Halifax and Yarmouth.

Time Limit Created For Bridgewater Public Meetings

Residents in Bridgewater will have less time to voice their opinion at public participation meetings. The town has altered its meeting procedure, giving people up to five minutes to speak. However, deputy mayor Bill McInnis disagrees with the move, saying five minutes is too long.




Council voted 5-2 on the matter. Councillor Michael Graves was also against the move, saying there shouldn't be a time limit. The move is expected to cut down on longer statements, reserved for public hearings.

Lumberjacks Acquire Nickerson For Fifth Round Pick

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks continue to be active on the trade front. The Jacks have acquired defenseman Brendan Nickerson from the Yarmouth Mariners for a fifth round pick in 2013. Nickerson is no stranger to Bridgewater, after playing major midget with the South Shore Mustangs. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound 16-year-old from Shelburne County had only one assist in 16 games with the Mariners this season. The deal comes one day after a six-player trade with the Metro Shipbuilders.

Lobster Fishing Season Finally Underway

The winter lobster fishing season is finally underway in fishing areas 33 and 34. Department of Fisheries spokesperson, Frank Quinn says no one was hurt as a result of three separate incidents. The first incident occurred in Wedgeport when a lobster vessel lost power just after it set out with a load of traps. It was towed back to port by a coast guard vessel. Three vessels came to the aid of another that was taking on water near Barrington. Pumps were able to get rid of the water and the vessel continued on its way to the lobster grounds. The most serious event saw a vessel go down while it was sitting dockside in Port Maitland. It hasn't been determined what caused the "Cory and Tyson" to sink. Meanwhile, Quinn says here is help standing-by should any other incidents occur.



The season's start was delayed by a day yesterday because of windy conditions. More than 350-thousand lobster traps will be dropped today from the decks of more than 17-hundred vessels in an area stretching from Halifax, along the South Shore into Yarmouth County and on to Digby.

Bridgewater: Two Options For King Street Building

The mayor of Bridgewater called it an opportunity to bring the new council up to speed. Proponents for Cafe 12 presented their business proposal for a second time, after many new faces were elected in Bridgewater in October. Cafe 12 is looking to replace the library, which moves into the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre once its complete. Organizers issued a formal request Monday night to enter into negotiations for a lease-hold agreement of the King Street building for $1 a year. However, David Walker says council has to choose between two options.



A decision is expected to be made during next month's council meeting.

Firm Donates Food, Cash To Local Food Bank

A local consulting firm has stepped up to help the Bridgewater Inter-church food bank. Grant Thornton offices in Yarmouth, Digby, Kentville and Bridgewater helped gather over 1,200 pounds of food and just under $1,400 for the local food bank. Senior Manager Kim Hopkins says it feels good to help.



Hopkins says she noticed the food bank is still in need of key items including peanut butter and things for children's lunches. She encourages everyone to keep donating during the holiday season.

VIDEO: Thorburne Sworn-in As Bridgewater Councillor

Bridgewater council finally became a whole group following the October 20 municipal elections. Wayne Thorburne was sworn-in November 26 after he was overseas when the rest of council was sworn-in November 5. Thorburne is also the chief of Bridgewater's fire department, but it's expected he will step aside from that position in December.