Margaret Hennigar Public Library To Open In January

Lynn Hennigar says her mom would be quietly proud to find her name attached to the new library. The Margaret Hennigar Public Library is scheduled to open January 2 inside the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. The former long-time editor spent nearly four decades working with Lighthouse Media Group before she passed away from cancer in 2006. Lynn Hennigar says it's fitting to have her mother's name connected to the library.



The family's contribution of $150,000 to the LCLC gives them naming rights for 10 years. The current library space on King Street in Bridgewater will shut its doors Saturday evening.

Farms On The Rise In Lunenburg County

The amount of farms in Lunenburg County grew slightly between 2006 and 2011. A resource coordinator with the province's Department of Agriculture says there are 342 farms in the county, up from 326. Brian MacCulloch says the types of farms differ from dairy, beef, fruit and vegetable and egg. The numbers in those categories either spiked or decreased by a small margin. MacCulloch says there are some positives and negatives for the area.



Meanwhile, more women have become farmers in Lunenburg County. Stats show there are 120 females involved in some sort of farming in this area. The number grew by 20 between 2006 and 2011. There is also an age movement in farmers. More people under-35 and over 55-years-old are getting involved.

Major Funding Expected For Astor Theatre

It couldn't be coming at a better time. That's how Astor Theatre manager Chris Ball sums up a planned funding announcement on Thursday in Liverpool by the member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margarets. Gerald Keddy is expected to present a cheque to help with the theatre's fund raising campaign.



The campaign is raising money for a new digital video and audio system for the theatre and also new lighting. To date, more than half of the $100,000 goal has been reached. The Astor is the oldest operating movie theatre in Canada and still uses 35 millimetre film reels.

UPDATED: Water Rate Hearing Postponed

A hearing to consider a water rate hike in the Town of Shelburne has been postponed due to weather. It was set to begin Wednesday, but has been rescheduled and will take place January 15 in Shelburne.

Chester: Wind Turbine Unveiling Rescheduled For January

The Municipality of Chester will wait until the new year to energize a wind turbine at the Kaizer Meadow landfill. Plans were in the works for the public to watch the 98-metre, two mega-watt wind turbine get powered up this week. However, a potential winter storm on Wednesday has pushed the date back until next month. Warden Allen Webber says its unfortunate news.



Webber says he was recently informed that the turbine is expected to provide enough green electricity for around 550 homes, up from 350. It will also provide $300,000 on average annually in revenue to the municipality. Webber expects the event will be rescheduled during the first two weeks of January.

Mahone Bay: Land Purchase Protects Bella Island

The province is protecting more species at risk through buying land in Mahone Bay. Bella Island has been purchased for $800,000. It's home to the piping plover and common loon. It's also a habitat for migratory birds. The Mahone Islands Conservation Association contributed $250,000 toward the purchase of the land - leaving the provincial share at $550,000. Association chair John Meisner says Bella Island is one of the few remaining privately-owned islands in Mahone. He called it a gem that must be protected. Others purchases include land on McNabs Island in Halifax Harbour and woodlands in eastern Nova Scotia. Three other parcels of land were purchased in Annapolis and Antigonish Counties. Total cost to the province was just under $1.9 million.

Liverpool: National Curling Event Still Needs Volunteers

A few key positions still need to be filled for the upcoming national curling event in Liverpool. The M & M Meats Canadian Junior Curling Championships will be held next month. Organizer Paul Fey says they have 150 volunteers signed on to help out with the event. However, he says they need more help filling positions connected to the action on the ice.



Fey is aiming to have roughly 200 volunteers before the curling begins. The junior championships get underway January 18th.

Information for volunteering:

Contact Paul Fay at 902.354.2374 (after 5pm)

Applications online - here

Email: 2014canadianjuniorsvolunteer@gmail.com

Minor Hockey Prez: Declining Enrolment Leads To Less Ice Time

Declining enrolment means less hours in rinks for the South Shore Minor Hockey Association. President Mike Conklin says they were anticipating almost 60 hours a week in arena use, but fewer teams created a decrease in hours needed. Lunenburg's director of recreation has said they're facing a financial shortfall because of the drop-off. Conklin wouldn't comment on those claims. But, he says they wanted to utilize the Clearwater Seafoods Arena as much as possible.



He's hopeful enrolment will increase and minor hockey can use more ice at the Bridgewater Memorial and Lunenburg Arena.

Shelburne County Man Injured In Hunting Mishap

A Shelburne County man has undergone emergency surgery at a Halifax hospital after a hunting accident near his home. The un-named 41 year old was duck hunting alone on Saturday in Rockland when he tripped, fell and his shotgun went off. Pellets hit him in a hand, arm and face. He was rushed by ambulance to Roseway Hospital and airlifted to the QE-2 in Halifax where he underwent surgery. No charges are expected and there's no word on the victim's condition.

Arrests In Multiple Home B & E's

A man and a teenage boy will appear in court today in Bridgewater. They were arrested following a rash of break-ins in the Chester area. Lunenburg County RCMP say 40 incidents have occurred since October.
They say items including jewelry, alcohol and stamps were stolen. The Mounties arrested three people Saturday night at a home along Highway 3 in Chester. A 15-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man face charges including break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of marijuana. A girl was released without being charged. Police say more charges are likely.

Its Cleanup Day! Also, Schools Closed!

Welcome to Cleanup Day! The first major winter storm of the season dropped 20 to 30 centimeters of snow. A winter storm advisory was issued across our province as snow, ice pellets and freezing rain made travel impossible. Then, the snow changed to rain in our area and cooler temperatures overnight turned the snow into a frozen slushy mess. The weather conditions prompted cancellations, flight delays and police advised motorists to stay off the roads.
-----
The highways are still tricky to drive on this morning. All 100 series highways across the province, including the 103, are said to be snow covered and dangerous. Drivers are asked to slow down and avoid being caught up by the icy patches.
-----
Schools are closed today in Lunenburg and Queens Counties, including the French school in Cookville and the Waldorf School. Schools are also closed in the Annapolis Valley but open in the Tri-Counties, Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby Counties.

Two People Homeless After Bridgewater House Fire

It couldn't have happened at a worse time but at the height of Sunday's storm, a fire forced two people from their Bridgewater home. One of them was sent to hospital after the blaze erupted a unit of an older wood-frame home at 26 Elm Street containing several apartments. The Red Cross has arranged emergency lodging and meals for the man and his wife, who are now temporarily homeless. The Red Cross intends to assess further needs and provide additional support if needed later today. Cause the  fire isn't known.

Police Advise Residents To Stay Home

The first major winter storm has arrived on the South Shore. A winter storm advisory remains in effect as the region gets pounded with snow, ice pellets and rain. The latest forecast issued by Environment Canada is calling for 25 centimetres of snow today, followed by 10 to 20 millimetres of rain later this evening. Winds will be whipping up to 50 to 80 kilometres per hour throughout the day. Meanwhile, Bridgewater Police are asking residents to stay home. Roads in and around the town are snow covered with drifts on a number of the side and main streets. White-out conditions have been reported in Shelburne, Yarmouth, Queens and Lunenburg counties. However, no major collisions have been reported. There are a few power outages as a result of the storm but mostly in Cape Breton - about 4,000 people without electricity in total. None to report along the South Shore. The Department of Transportation is advising that the Tancook Ferry service is suspended until further notice because of the storm. You can also find what's on and what's isn't at CKBW just click on the community events page.

Southwest Nova Tourism Task Force Providing Contracts To Developers

Southwestern Nova Scotia will benefit from the work of a special task force, set up last summer, aimed at improving the tourism industry in the region. The Chair, Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood, says her group of business leaders and tourism operators is about to offer contracts of financial support to those who have promoted their ideas for new attractions.



The task force, set up by the province, has a budget of a million dollars to help individuals and companies to make their business dreams come true. Another portion of the budget is for marketting the area in the northeastern United States. The group's mandate expires next August.

Lewis, Timberwolves Battle Lumberjacks

The former captain of the Halifax Mooseheads will lead the Miramichi Timberwolves into town tonight to play the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Mooseheads parted ways with Trey Lewis last month after the club had four over-age players. The team decided to release Lewis after he missed time because of a torn labrum in his hip. Now, Lewis headlines a Miramichi team fighting for first place in the Roger Meek division. They have won six straight and take on a Bridgewater club that lost twice to Yarmouth last weekend in overtime. Puck drop is 7pm at the Clearwater Seafoods Arena.

Bridgewater, Yarmouth To Host School Review Consultations

Bridgewater and Yarmouth will host public meetings on school review consultations in mid-January. Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey announced the dates today. She says the province wants a full discussion on a solution that works for all students, families, school boards and communities. Bridgewater's meeting will be January 13th at Park View Education Centre. Yarmouth's meeting will be the next night at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School. The meetings will be held from 7-9pm. A consultations committee, headed by Robert Fowler, has started to gather input from the public, school advisory councils, school boards, the teachers' union, and municipalities. The feedback will be used to develop recommendations that will be given to the minister by the end of February. For more details, you can go here .

Bridgewater: Town To Address Parking Early In 2014

Parking in Bridgewater will be a major focus early in 2014. Three recommendations were given the green light by committee including creating a parking map for the town and scheduling a meeting to discuss parking meters, signs and parking at special events. Mayor David Walker says a parking map makes sense.



The committee came up with the recommendations after concerns were raised over parking meter enforcement, incorrect and missing signs and illegal parking at venues. A date for the meeting hasn't been set yet, but is expected early in the new year.

Tips To Survive Being Stranded In Your Car During The Storm

As we prepare to hunker-down for the first big blast of winter this season, the Canadian Automobile Association is offering up some tips on how to survive being "storm-stayed" in your vehicle. To be ready for the possibility, C-A-A's Gary Howard says your winter tires should have been put on long ago, you should have a cell phone on you, your battery should be top-notch and have a winter driving kit handy.



Howard says above all, if you have to be out, drive slower than normal if visibility is low and driving is slippery.



Also, alert family and friends of where you're going and check road condition reports before heading out.

Rash Of Break Ins at Lunenburg County Homes

Lunenburg County RCMP are dealing with a rash of breakins at homes in the area. Since October 1st, there have been 34 B & E's with East Chester the hardest hit. The RCMP is warning the public to take extra precautions and be vigilant to prevent having their homes burlarized. They say the public should properly secure their homes prior to going out. So far there have been no arrests. The Mounties are also offering up these tips to avoid being a victim:
- lock windows and doors whether you are home or not, it maybe enough to deter or cause the culprits to overlook your property;
- obtain a security system. Thieves are less likely to enter a property with an alarm;
- when you are away from your home, make it look occupied by leaving lights on when you go out.  If you are gone for any length of time, it is a good idea to leave a radio playing and to use automatic timers on several lamps;
- don’t allow daily deliveries to accumulate.  Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or relative to take in your mail or newspapers if you are going away.
- keep your garage door closed and locked;
- arrange to have your driveway and walkways shovelled;
- record serial numbers of electronics and valuable items whenever possible.  Providing serial numbers significantly increases the chances of having items returned and charges laid;
- never leave keys under flowerpots, doormats, inside mailboxes or in other “secret” hiding places…burglars know them all;

Above all, be a good neighbour and report anything suspicious to police right away.  Let the police determine if something is wrong.

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to contact your local RCMP Detachment or Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS), or submit a Secure Web Tip at http://crimestoppers.ns.ca.

Surprise! Lower Gas Prices This Morning

Gasoline prices are down some this morning! Despite increases in New Brunswick yesterday, prices here have dropped about a cent overnite. Regular self serve is at $1.31 while high test is down by about the same amount to $1.40. Diesel has also dropped to $1.42.3, down almost a cent and a half.