Province/Bowater Mersey Reach $23.7 M Land Deal

The Nova Scotia Government has reached an agreement to buy just over 10,000 hectares of land from Bowater Mersey. The $23.7 million dollar land deal involves various parcels of land from five counties in western Nova Scotia The largest parcel is 5,665 hectares and located is in Annapolis County. Almost 5,500 acres from Queens and 230 from Lunenburg County was also purchased by the province. The land includes forests, old-growth timber stands, ocean and lake frontage, wetlands and some land of cultural significance to the Mi'kmaq. The purchase is part of the government's $50 million bailout package for Bowater's Brooklyn-based paper mill.

Breaking: Shut Down at Bowater Mersey Extended

A shutdown at Bowater Mersey's Paper Mill in Brooklyn has been extended another week. The paper making machines at the mill have been off since Christmas and employees were expected to resume work on Monday. However, Bowater's CEO Brad Pelley says the company has decided to extend their downtime another week because of poor market conditions in Europe. Pelley says operations at the mill will now resume on January 16th. "Selling paper in Europe right now is not a particularly attractive place to sell. Producer who have traditionally sold a lot of volume in Europe are now looking to other markets. There is also over supply issues in both Asia and Latin America as well...those are markets we traditionally serve and prices are being depressed as a result," The company understands the economic uncertainty in Europe won't improve in a week. However, he says by pulling some volume out of the market it may increase the demand for paper products.

RCMP identify Waterloo crash victim

The name of the victim of Thursday's accident on highway 210 in Waterloo has been released by Lunenburg County RCMP. 29-year-old Naomi Rosemary Steele of Chelsea died late Thursday morning when the car she was driving collided with a snowplow. The crash happened during a snowstorm that had created slippery driving conditions. A 31-year-old male passenger in the car was sent to South Shore Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the plow wasn't hurt.

UARB approves power rate hike for Lunenburg utility

Residents of Lunenburg will be paying more for their power. The utility and review board has approved a rate hike but not as much as most Nova Scotians. The increase of slightly less than 10 per cent for customers of the Lunenburg electric utility is retroactive to the start of the year. Staff have not worked out exactly what the price of electricity will be for the local utility's clients. Customers paid 14 per cent less than Nova Scotia Power clients did prior to the rate hike. Lunenburg buys its power from Nova Scotia Power.

South Shore Lobster Fishers to Fight for Higher Prices

Approximately 150 fishermen along the South Shore are prepared to enter into a battle for higher lobster prices. The fishermen have rallied to form a new association that will give them better representation when dealing with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The group met on Wednesday in Barrington for the first time to chart a future path. The new association, that has yet to select an official name, doesn't want to sell any lobsters for less than $5.50 a pound. The new pricing will take effect by midnight next Tuesday, when fishermen will hold their catch until they get what they are demanding. Mood says the unnamed association has to work through a regulatory process to be formally recognized by DFO. Lobster is currently selling for about $5.00 per pound.

Chester Pulls Plug on proposed Wind Energy Project in St. Croix

Chester Council has decided to pull out of a proposed wind energy project in St. Croix. Minas Basin Pulp and Paper have been looking for partners to try and move the proposed $16 million dollar project and had reached out to the municipality for support. Council had been mulling over investing four to five-million dollars into the project. However, during their meeting on Thursday, council determined the return on their investment wouldn't be worth getting involved in the project. Warden Allen Webber says there were too many unknowns surrounding the project. He says the project could still move forward but without the municipality.

South Shore hockey book to be launched

A new book is out describing the history of hockey on the South Shore. 'A History of Hockey on the South Shore and The Guys of the South Shore 1962-63 / 1963-64 Two Nova Scotia Championships' is the books title. It also reflects on hockey teams that played on the South Shore including the Chester Ravens, Lunenburg Victorias and Falcons, Bridgewater Hawks and Liverpool Rovers. Author Kie MacIsaac says the book also talks about the history of local rinks.

"The two rinks that had artificial ice surfaces were Lunenburg and Bridgewater and in the early 1920s, hockey was played in the outdoor arenas in Chester and Liverpool. So, it captures a lot of that information."

MacIsaac says the book focuses on a time period between 1889-1965. The book will be launched at Friday night's hockey game between the Lumberjacks and Woodstock starting at 7pm. MacIsaac will be on-hand to sell and sign the book at a cost of $19.95.

Shelburne monument damaged by vandals

Photo Courtesy of Lisa Crowell/Facebook

A monument in memory of a former Shelburne student has been damaged by vandals. Shelburne RCMP say they are looking for information after a marble stone monument at Hillcrest Academy Elementary School was smashed. The memorial is for Sara Ann Crowell, who died of injuries from an all-terrain vehicle crash 10 years ago. She passed away the day before her 10th birthday. Police say they believe the damage was done between December 16 and December 30. Anyone with information should contact Shelburne RCMP.

Mustangs improve to 1-1 in Gatineau

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs have a notch in the win column at the Kiwanis hockey tournament in Gatineau. Shaun MacEachern scored once and added two assists as the Mustangs earned a 4-1 win Thursday afternoon over Rockland CIHA of Ontario. Josh Shatford, Brandon Challoner and Morgan Messenger also scored while Corey Peterson stopped 22 shots in the win. MacEachern was named the player of the game for the Mustangs. The major midget club gets back on the ice against the Toronto Titans Friday afternoon. For all tournament action, head to http://www.midgetkiwanis.com/en-ca/ .

BREAKING NEWS: Fatal Collision on Highway 210 - UPDATED

A Chelsea woman has died after a collision involving a vehicle and a snow plow. The crash occurred on Highway 210 near Waterloo around 11:30AM. Mounties say the 29 year-old female driver lost control of the vehicle and slid into the path of the oncoming plow.  A 31 year-old male passenger was transported to South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater with undetermined injuries.  Police say roads were slick at the time of the collision due to heavy snowfall and sub zero temperatures. The woman's name or age has not been released. Numerous accidents have been reported along the South Shore today and Mounties are asking motorists to slow down.

Serious Accident on Highway 210 - UPDATED

Emergencies responders are responding to a serious accident on Highway 210. RCMP, EHS and local fire departments from Newcombville and Bridgewater are on the scene. Mounites have told CKBW/HANK FM News they are closing down a portion of the highway near the Waterloo Road. The conditions at the accident scene aren't known at this time. Some snow flurries and freezing temperatures have made for tricky driving conditions this morning. RCMP are advising motorists to slow down until conditions improve. Vehicles have also been seen off the road along Highway 103 near Mahone Bay. No word on the seriousness of those particular incidents.

Flurries Make Driving Tricky in South Shore

A few flurries and sub zero temperatures have made for slick road conditions today in the South Shore. Motorists are being advised to drive with caution until conditions improve. Police report icy and slick roads. There have been reports of some vehicles in the ditch along Highway 103 around Mahone Bay. No word on the severity of those incidents. Mounties are encouraging motorists to slow down.

Mustangs drop opener in Gatineau

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs dropped their opening game at the Kiwanis Midget tournament in Gatineau, Quebec. The Moncton Flyers scored twice in the 3rd period on route to a 3-1 over the South Shore club. Connor Hirtle scored the lone goal for the Mustangs while Jamie Blair had the only assist. Cole Skinner stopped 21 shots and received player of the game honours in the loss. The Mustangs next game will be against Rockland CIHA of Ontario Thursday afternoon at 12:15 eastern time. Follow all the action online at http://www.midgetkiwanis.com/en-ca/ .

Beer and Food Baron Strikes in Windsor

 A hungry, beer guzzling thief has struck near Windsor. RCMP say someone broke into a home in Walton on New Year's Eve but they weren't looking for expensive flat screens, laptops or Ipad's. The thieves were just looking to raid the fridge. Police say all that was stolen was some food and beer while everything else in the home was left untouched. RCMP are looking for information on the crime but its doubtful the goods can be recovered.

Bridgewater Deputy Mayor reaffirms desire to be next Mayor

Deputy Mayor David Walker

A long-time Bridgewater council member is reiterating his desire to be the town's next mayor. Municipal elections are still 10 months away, but David Walker has once again stated his intent to run for the position. He says the timing is right.

"After 20 years and the last seven basically as the Deputy Mayor, if there was a time to offer for mayor, it is now. I think all the cards are lined up and it's the appropriate time to make a decision and I say yeah, I would love the opportunity to serve as the mayor."

Walker has served under three mayors; Tom Bird, Ernie Bolivar and Carroll Publicover. He says the three men have helped prepare him to lead the town.

"All three brought a passion and a love for the community and a desire to improve the community. I've learned from each of them, different things but that's one thing that they all have passed on, to whomever the next mayor is."

Walker says he began thinking about the mayoral decision after current mayor Carroll Publicover announced this would be his final term. He says it's still early but if his health remains the same, he intends to run for mayor of Bridgewater in October's municipal elections.

Liberal Health Critic blasts Dexter Gov't over ER closures

Liberal health critic and MLA for Kings-West is blasting the Dexter government after about a dozen Emergency Rooms in Nova Scotia were hit with closures over the Christmas-New Years period. The closures were a result of too few staff and Leo Glavine says its a disgrace. "We have physician and ER specialists from Nova Scotia that go to Ontario for two 24-hour shifts and we can't keep our own emergency rooms open? There is something dreadfully wrong with that picture," He wants the government to throw in the towel, admit its mistakes and target ways of improving the system. Glavine suggests a provincial database be established to match available doctors with the needs of ERs with vacancies. Glavine calls it a province wide crisis in the rural ER's. He says its only a matter of time before there's a fatality resulting from a patient not getting proper care.

Not for Sale: CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks

The owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks has shot down rumours the junior club might be up for sale. In an exclusive interview, Ken Petrie told our newsroom he doesn't have any plans to put the Jacks on the market now or in the future. The club is struggling this season and sit in the basement of the Bent Division, but Petrie says the club is young and heading in the right direction. "We've gone through the tough times. We're very much looking forward to moving into a new facility (Lunenburg County Lifestyle Center) building a team this year that will be very competitive in the years ahead...so no...absolutely not...our hockey team is not for sale," Attendance for home games has been somewhat inconsistent this season and Petrie is hoping fans will continue to support the team for the remainder of the season. The Lumberjacks will hit the ice at the new Queen's Emera Place facility next month. Petrie says the club looks forward to playing in Liverpool and introducing the team to some new fans.

New Canadian Forces action figures in Bridgewater

Photo Courtesy of Heroes Force

It's hard to believe the idea hasn't been thought of yet. But, a Truro man is one of three people behind new action figures dawning Canadian military colours. Graphic Artist John Alan Sperry designed the figures in Air Force, Army and Navy clothing. He says it was important to make figures depicting Canada's military.

"It's almost recognition for their efforts. You know, it's just a small action figure but people are actually attaching themselves and seeing this as some significance and some appreciation and notice of people's effort of their family members."

Canadian military member Shannon Thibodeau of Meteghan started the project. Sperry says 6,000 action figures were made and they've been a hit so far across the country.

"We're getting emails all across Canada already, I guess people are just jumping on this thing and really appreciating it and I think that's part of it. There's a Canadian flag actually on the left arm of the figure and I think there's a lot of pride involved."

Sperry says they've sold about half of the action figures so far, with one dollar going to the Soldier on Fund for military personnel and families of injured members. The action figures sell for around $10 and can be found locally at Miller Optical in the Eastside Plaza, Bridgewater.

Bearcats down Lumberjacks

Another game against Truro, another loss for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Bearcats scored twice in the first and added two in the third in a 5-2 win. Head Coach Terry Rhindress says a sluggish first period hurt his club.

"After we got the first period in, I thought we competed hard, stayed strong, made it 3-2 late in the game, made a couple mistakes and you know, it ended up 5-2 but overall, I thought after the first period we played hard."

Brennan Saulnier and Nick Guthro scored for the Jacks while Billy Clarke stopped 36 shots in the loss. Truro has won all five of its games against the Jacks this season, outscoring them 36-9. The Lumberjacks will try and halt their six-game losing streak Friday night when they host the Woodstock Slammers.

B & E in Western Shore

It wasn't the best end to the year for a home owner in Western Shore. A home in the area was targeted in a break and enter that ocurred on Friday morning just before the New Year's long weekend. Mounties say various electronics, some musical instraments and a quantity of coins were stolen. Police are hoping someone comes forward with some tips to help with the investigation.