Hockey: Bantam 'AA' Ice Sharks Open Provincials With Win

The South Shore Ice Sharks Bantam 'AA' hockey team scored a 2-1 win over Glace Bay this afternoon in Amherst to open up provincials. Cooper Stuart and Alex Miller scored the goals while Parker Rowter got the win in nets They will play Chebucto at 8 tomorrow morning.

Little Change Likely In Gas Prices

Don't expect much change at South Shore gas pumps tomorrow. The utility and review board will set the coming week's prices at midnight and will likely follow New Brunswick's lead today. There's little price change at the gas pumps in New Brunswick. Those who use diesel and furnace oil are seeing some savings though. The Energy and Utilities Board has lowered the maximum prices of those fuels by two cents per litre. Regular and high-test gas prices dropped by less than half-a-cent overnight in New Brunswick.

Mixed Feelings Over Proposed Development Networks

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says re-establishing regional development agencies or creating new networks in Nova Scotia would be a waste of money. Regional director Kevin Lacey says the provincial government doesn't seem to have learned from its experience with the Southwest Development Authority. It was disbanded a couple of years ago over money mismanagement issues.



The mayor of the Region of Queens is among those favoring establishment of such a development agency for this area. Christopher Clarke says if managed properly, they would benefit Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne by focussing on attracting business and jobs.

School Board: Finance Director Feels Schools Need To Close

The school board's director of finance believes there needs to be some school closures this year to help balance the budget. The board is facing a 1.5 per cent funding reduction from the province for their 2013-14 budget, an almost $1-million loss. There is also expected to be an $850,000 cut for wage and cost of living increases. Wade Tattrie feels there's not too many other options to consider.



Tattrie says they're in a serious financial state right now and adds a school closure would help because it would impact their budget going forward. He urges the board to consider all options before they make their decision next week.