BREAKING: Mustangs Secure Charlie's Pizza As Title Sponsor

A huge boost for the South Shore Mustangs hockey club. Charlie's Pizza in Bridgewater has agreed to sign-on as a title sponsor for the next three years. Financial details weren't released, but President Lionel Haughn says the sponsorship will take a burden off of families. He says a lot of money goes into running a hockey club.




Haughn says the club has been without a title sponsor for the last two years and he's excited about the new partnership. The team is now known as the Charlie's Pizza South Shore Mustangs.

Councillor Wants Urban Tree Farm In Bridgewater

A new idea has sprouted up to try and grow more trees in Bridgewater. Councillor Michael Graves is behind the plan. He would like to start planting tree saplings and then re-plant them five, 10 or 15 years down the road in different areas of Bridgewater or sell them to other municipalities. He says the trees would be planted in a controlled environment.



Graves feels there would be little costs and he would like to see the program implemented as early as next year. However, town staff will issue a report back to council on the capabilities of the project.

Food Bank Fundraiser, "Sounds Good"

A weekend fundraiser for a pair of Lunenburg County food banks will help the organization prepare for the busy Christmas season. The Bridgewater Fire Department Band held a concert Sunday night in support of the Lunenburg and Bridgewater Food Banks. The local band was joined by the 14 Wing Greenwood Brass Band at the Central United Church in Lunenburg. They were able to help raise just over $1,100 in cash donations. A large amount of food was also donated at the door as part of the fundraiser. Food banks across the province are heading into their busiest time of year - the highest demand for food usually falls in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Bridgewater: McInnis Re-Elected Deputy Mayor

Bill McInnis will serve another year as Bridgewater's deputy mayor. He was re-elected to the position following a secret ballot vote during Monday night's council meeting. McInnis says he's humbled and appreciative to be given another term. He says the first year wasn't what he expected.



The town selects a deputy mayor every year while some municipalities choose one every second year or once a term.

Lumberjacks Relieve Watkins Of Coaching Duties

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks continue to make headlines. The team has relieved head coach Ron Watkins of his duties after 16 games. Watkins brought a wealth of coaching experience to the position including over 10 years as an assistant in the Junior 'A' ranks, as well as head coaching stints with the Canada Games men's and women's squads, and team Atlantic at the under-17 world championship. The move comes just as the team traded top scorer Shawn Boudreau to Yarmouth and just over a week after captain Mitch Henneberry was shipped to Summerside. Owner Ken Petrie says they have brought-in Matt Church as an associate coach. However, he adds the club is still actively looking for a new head coach.

Legion's Poppy Campaign Underway

The Royal Canadian Legion's annual poppy campaign leading up to Remembrance Day is underway. Poppies will be sold by war veterans on street corners, gas stations and at grocery stores. More than 18-million poppies have been distributed to the legion’s branches. The money raised goes towards helping veterans and their families. In 2012, the campaign raised around $14-million. Since 1921, the poppy has been a symbol of remembrance to honour soldiers and military personnel who have lost their lives during war and other combat operations.

Park View Students Medal At NSSAF Cross-Country Provincials

A pair of Park View athletes have earned medals at the NSSAF provincial cross-country championships. Tobias Wolter of Conquerall Mills won gold in the senior boys seven-kilometre run. He posted a time of 23 minutes, 10 seconds and won by over a minute. Also, Sarah Taylor took silver in the senior girls five-kilometre run. She finished in a time of 20 minutes, 58 seconds; 45 seconds behind the eventual winner from Riverview. The event was held Monday in New Minas.

Bridgewater Mayor: New Mall Tenants "Significant Boost" For Town

Bridgewater's mayor is applauding the owners of the town's mall for bringing in a variety of new tenants. Four new outlets will occupy space in the former Zellers building on LaHave Street including Leon's, Sport Chek, and Winners. Mark's Work Warehouse will move from Cookville to the Bridgewater Mall, while Dollarama will expand its store. David Walker doesn't know how many jobs will be created, but feels its a significant boost for the town.



Walker says the new stores will bring competition to the area, and give the customers variety. A multi-million dollar renovation is underway at the mall, with many of the tenants expected to move in by next spring.

Visitor Restriction Ban Lifted At Bridgewater Hospital

A visitor restriction at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater has been lifted. A ban was put in place last week because a gastrointestinal illness was detected in multiple units of the hospital. Visitation was limited to immediate family and caregivers. South Shore Health will continue to monitor the situation, but no longer feels visitation restrictions are necessary. There have been no new cases reported since October 25.

Lumberjacks Owner Stands Behind Team

With one win in 16 games, the owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks admits its been a tough year so far. However, Ken Petrie remains optimistic things will turn around for the Junior 'A' club. He says he wants a winning team, the town wants a successful team and he's trying to deliver.




In the last month, the Jacks have traded their captain, Mitch Hennebury, and most recently, assistant captain Shawn Boudreau in return for prospects, draft picks and future considerations. The Lumberjacks are in last place in their division, 10 points behind the fifth place Amherst Ramblers.

Lumberjacks Trade Boudreau To Yarmouth

One of the Lumberjacks top scorers has been shipped to their South Shore rivals. Nineteen-year-old Shawn Boudreau is off to Yarmouth for Austin Dunlevy, Matt Wright, a second round pick in 2014, a fifth round pick in 2015 and future considerations. Boudreau notched seven goals and three assists in 16 games with the Bridgewater club this season. He has 92 career points in the MHL. The Lumberjacks originally acquired Boudreau from Yarmouth in 2011 as part of the Andrew Wigg deal. He heads back to a Mariners team that is ranked ninth in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks also traded Brett Arthur to Yarmouth for Devon Earle and future considerations. The Jacks have just one win in 16 games this season.

'Jeans and Gems' Raises Over $19,000 Towards New X-Ray Unit

A fundraiser has raised over $19,000 towards a new piece of equipment at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. The Health Services Foundation of the South Shore held its 14th annual 'Jeans and Gems' event at the Michelin Social Club on Saturday. Money raised is going towards a new mobile x-ray unit. Development Officer Bernadette Jordan says the current unit is outdated.



The new mobile x-ray unit costs roughly $225,000. Jordan says they have more fundraisers planned including the radiothon in February, to help raise enough money to purchase the new equipment.

Bridgewater: Mall Upgrade Means Dozens Of New Jobs

Dozens of new retail jobs will be coming to the South Shore as a host of new stores are set to open in the new year. Michael Levy of the Bridgewater Mall has confirmed a multi-million dollar makeover at the building is underway. They have also secured several new tenants which are set to move into the mall in the new year - they include Winners, Sport Chek, Mark's and Leon's. Co-owner of Leon's in Coldbrook, Colin Lewis says they are excited about expanding to the South Shore.



Lewis says they hope to be open by March. The bid to attract new tenants to the mall began when Zellers and a few other stores closed earlier this year. An exact total on the number of new employment opportunities is not known at the point.

Wet Roads Potential Cause Of Crash Near Chester

Heavy water on the road might be the primary factor behind a crash near Exit 6 on Sunday afternoon. Chester RCMP responded to a collision involving two cars around 1 o'clock. Police had the highway shut down for a period of time while the scene was cleared up. A 63-year-old woman was transported to South Shore Regional Hospital with minor injuries. Mounties say the roads were extremely wet and it was raining heavily at the time of the crash. However, the cause of the crash is under investigation.

"Second Tourist Season" Underway On South Shore

We're in the middle of whats become known as the "Second Tourist Season". For many older people, the kids have left the nest, the regular and busier tourist season is over and the fall is a perfect time to travel.
The Manager of the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce, Dan Hennessey, says the South Shore is seeing more seniors than ever visiting the area this time of year.



Hennessey says the travellers spend a considerable amount of money when they're here, giving the local economy an added boost. He says the new tourist bureau at Exit 11 off the 103 is expected to show increased visitation through the summer and fall. Its open for another week or so.

Premier Says 103 Improvements Still A Priority

Nova Scotia's new premier says he fully intends to move forward with a pre-election promise to make highway 103 safer! In a CKBW and HANK-FM News interview, Stephen McNeil says the highway corridor from Yarmouth to Halifax has become a serious threat to the lives of motorists. He says he will seek out ways to finance twinning the 103 from Tantallon to Bridgewater and at least add passing lanes from there to Yarmouth.



The 103 is considered the most dangerous highway in all of Canada. McNeil says the safety of motorists, many who drive the 103 every day, has been neglected far too long!

Advice: Watch Your Halloween Spending!

Next Thursday will be Halloween and many South Shore parents are outfitting their kids with costumes, shopping for candy and decorating. However, it can get expensive. A parent to 9 and 7 year old boys, Gord Brost, who happens to be Southwest Nova Scotia District Vice-President of Scotiabank, says its easy to pour out the cash for one night of fun!



Most Canadian parents will spend about 70 dollars on Halloween this year. Here in our region though, its a bit less .... around 51 dollars.

Bridgewater Church Looks For More Parking Space

A local church is looking to access land to help create more parking spaces. The Bridgewater Open Bible Church has requested to lease or purchase property from the town located on the corner of Jubilee and Exhibition. It's under an acre of land. Mayor David Walker says they have to determine if there is a future for the land.



The chairman of the church's Trustees Board says they have a congregation of approximately 170 people and parking needs to be expanded. Council referred the matter to Planning and Recreation departments to figure out if there are any plans for the land.

Yarmouth: Junior Hockey Event Receives Federal Dollars

A seven-day event showcasing junior hockey players in Yarmouth has received federal funding. Ottawa has given $75,000 to the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge. The money is pegged to attract and retain national and international visitors, including accommodations, advertising and promotions. Visitors including players, fans and more than 150 NHL scouts will have access to guides highlighting areas along the South Shore that are "must do" and "must see" destinations. The event also has activities spanning from Digby to Queens County. The province is also investing $150,000 in the event. Additional support includes a combined $67,500 from the Municipalities of Yarmouth and Argyle and the town of Yarmouth and a $30,000 contribution from Hockey Canada. The event will showcase the world's top Junior 'A' players from the United States, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Canada from November 4-10.

Regional Hospital: Visitation Ban Remains In Effect

A visitation ban will remain in effect at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Infection Control Practitioner Elizabeth Watson says they are still dealing with a stomach virus that's been making the rounds in multiple units at the hospital. She says the restriction will remain in place throughout the weekend. There have been more confirmed cases in the past few days. Normally, a 48 hour period must pass without any new cases before a restriction is lifted. Family members of critically ill patients can still visit their loved ones while the ban is place. All outpatient services at the hospital are available as usual.