SSRSB Hold Censure Meeting

The South Shore Regional School Board is holding a special meeting Tuesday night, to vote on a motion to censure a member or members of the board. The Board will raise a motion on the matter, followed by an in-camera debate and a public vote. No details have been released on why a member or members could be censured. The South Shore Regional School Board has never censured a member. The meeting will be held at 7pm Tuesday night at the School Board office.

End of the Line for "The Village at Glen Allan Project"

The Town of Bridgewater has nixed a development agreement with a local developer for a proposed condo project. Council voted unanimously to cancel their development agreement with Bridgewater based Jo-Lo development and "The Village at Glen Allan Project" at their regular meeting on Monday. The parcel of land on Roundhouse Drive has been a hot button issue around the council table over the past year with a number of councillors expressing their frustrations on Monday. Mayor Carroll Publicover told reporters last night he's relieved by the decision and adds the land now reverts back to more of a predictable development pattern. Councillor David Mitchell says they had no other option but to discharge the agreement following numerous extensions and second chances. Jo-Lo development has indicated they are still interested in building single family housing on the property.

Decision Day Looms for Workers at Bowater Mersey

Members of CEP Union Local 141 at Bowater Mersey packed a union hall in Liverpool Monday night to hear the devastating details of what's being billed as a "take it or leave it" proposal. Abitibi Bowater wants to trim 80 full time and 30 casual positions from the workforce at the mill in order to reduce costs. In an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News this morning, Union President Courtney Wentzell slammed their employer and called the concessions "huge" and simply "too much". Even if the membership accepts the latest proposal - Wentzell says there's no guarantee the mill will remain open. "Most of us agreed last night after much discussion that the four and half years that Abitibi's been here and merged...taken over the Bowater company basically...they've done more damage to our community, to our membership, to our mill then Bowater ever did in 80 years it was here," He says the proposed cuts would be felt province wide and create a ripple effect in the industry. The membership will vote on the proposal at a meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday) in Liverpool.

Fire at White Point Deemed Not Suspicious

The fire at White Point has been deemed not suspicious. The Fire Marshall's office and Queens County RCMP say they came to that conclusion after examining the remains of the popular resort. They also say the blaze started in the basement of the main lodge. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Queens MLA Reacts to White Point Fire

The MLA for Queens County says the loss of the White Point Beach Resort is devastating to the area. Vicki Conrad says the community is experiencing a run of bad luck with issues including the potential closure of the Bowater Mersey mill in Brooklyn. Conrad says she's very sad and feels a total sense of loss for the community. She says between 100-200 people work at the resort, depending on the time of year. The resort is due to undergo renovations in January. Conrad says she's optimistic, the lodge will be rebuilt better than ever.

Western Hurricanes Move Into First Place in NSBHL

The BMO Western Hurricanes have vaulted into first place in the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League. The South Shore club defeated the Truro Bearcats 5-2 Saturday night and scored a 4-0 victory over Newbridge Academy Sunday afternoon to move into top spot. The Hurricanes have now won eight straight games and lead the league with a 12-2 record.

Bridgewater Police Looking for Home Invasion Suspects

Bridgewater Police are looking for suspects involved in a Remembrance Day home invasion. Police say two masked men entered a home on Aberdeen Road sometime around 6:40pm November 11. A struggle happened between the suspects and the resident before the two men fled on foot. The victim was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital to get checked out and released. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridgewater Police.

White Point Beach Resort GM Overwhelmed by Community Support

The General Manager of White Point Beach Resort says he's energized by an outpouring of community support following this weekend's devastating fire. The fire began in the basement of the popular Liverpool resort and spread quickly, ultimately consuming the main portion of the lodge. Danny Morton says he knew White Point was a special visiting place but not to the degree he's witnessed over the past few days. "I think about a situation on Sunday morning right after the fire where we still had a number of guests staying at the hotel, we were hosting a breakfast for those still staying at the resort and instead of having less food at the end of the breakfast, I think there was more. People in the community were stopping by with baked goods for people they didn't even know," Three investigators remain at the site as they try to determine how the fire began. Morton says it will be hard to pin-point the fire's exact cause but foul play isn't suspected.

Province Offers Support & Encouragement to Staff of White Point Lodge

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris offered support and encouragement to the staff of White Point Lodge and the surrounding community today,
(Monday, Nov. 14). The main lodge was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Paris applauded the management and staff of the resort, fire departments and volunteer firefighters and community members saying their efforts reflect the feelings people have for the lodge. He says it's an important piece of the tourism industry to the southwestern region of Nova Scotia.  Paris spoke with management and staff after touring the site with owner Robert Risley, general manager Danny Morton and MLA Vicki Conrad. He says he's encouraged by the optimism to rebuild and move on from what is a devastating loss.

Sugar & Spice

Just like a scene from a storybook, there will be over 100 decorated gingerbread men running around the village of Chester. From November 19th until Christmas Chester will once again be filled with Gingerbread houses. It's the annual Gingerbread House Competition and this year gingerbread men will complement the houses on display at various merchants and businesses throughout the Village. Festivities start with the presentation of The Gingerbread Man; The Story of “John Dough” at the Chester Playhouse, noon on Saturday, November 19th. The Grande Finale will be a Family Christmas Party hosted by St. Stephen's Church in the Parish Hall, on Sunday, December 18th, 2-4 pm, at which time the awards for the Gingerbread House Competition will be presented.  Other activities during the Festival will be a Gingerbread Bonspiel November 19th, a Tree Lighting Ceremony November 25th, children's Gingerbread House workshop December 4th and a candle or ornament-making workshop on November 20th. From November 24th through to the 27th, from 10 until 5 pm each day, there will be a Victorian Christmas Craft Sale hosted by the Heritage Society at the newly restored Lordly House.
     For additional information on Chester's Gingerbread Festival please visit the Chester Art Centre's website http://www.chesterartcentre.ca/

Shellfish Harvesting Ban Imposed

A harvesting ban on shellfish in several communities along the South Shore will remain in effect for the remainder of the week. The ban is precautionary because heavy rains on Remembrance Day may have raised bacterial levels in the water. Chief of regulations for the Maritimes region, Rick Young, says waters within three kilometres of the shoreline in Lunenburg, Queens and Digby counties are closed. Officials from Environment Canada and the Food Inspection Agency will conduct tests later this week to ensure the products are safe to eat. Young says officials from DFO have posted signage in areas where the ban applies. The biggest concern is with mussel, clam and oyster harvesting. Scallops can still be harvested.

High Liner Foods Negotiating with Icelandic Group

High Liner Foods is still in talks to complete a deal to secure Icelandic Group's assets but where those negotiations are headed is anyone's guess. High Liner was the successful bidder in a global auction last month to acquire Icelandic's US and Chinese processing and marketing assets. The company has been in exclusive talks with Icelandic ever since. The potential deal would make the Lunenburg based company the continent's biggest marketer of frozen value-added seafood products. However during a conference call last week, High Liner President and CEO Henry Demone gave no assurances that a deal would be finalized any time soon. Should High Liner succeed with the acquisition, it would double its U.S. business. The company had sales last year of $585 million with about half of that total from the United States. Canada's largest seafood processor has its head office in Lunenburg and is a major producer of shrimp, salmon and cod. It employs more than 1,000 people.

Abitibi Bowater Wants to Cut 80 Jobs at Brooklyn Paper Mill

The President of CEP Union Local 141 at Bowater Mersey says 80 jobs are on the line if the membership decides to move forward with the latest proposal from their employer at the Brooklyn Paper Mill. Courtney Wentzell says the latest offer from Abitibi Bowater was presented during a meeting last week in Montreal.  Wentzell called the concessions "huge" and says he will present the entire proposal to the membership at a meeting this evening in Liverpool. "The meeting will happen tonight at 6PM at the union hall, so we're going to present the latest offer and see what the membership want to do with it," The company has set a deadline of January 1st to come up with a management/labour plan to make the plant financially viable. The mill currently employs close to 300 people.

Investigation into White Point Beach Resort Underway

The RCMP and Fire Marshall's Office are beginning an investigation into Saturday's fire at the White Point Beach Resort. The blaze at the popular resort over the Remembrance Day long weekend destroyed the main building. Close to 100 emergency personnel worked the fire for more than 6 hours on Saturday. Sergeant Jeff Wells with the Queens RCMP told our newsroom no injuries are reported. He says officials will be working to determine the fires exact cause this week. The lodge is home to over 100 employees and was due to close in January for renovations.

More Concessions Needed From Union @ Bowater Mersey

Significant job cuts are on the table following a meeting between union officials at Bowater Mersey and their parent company Abitibi Bowater. The two side met last week in Montreal. Union President Courtney Wentzell says the membership is faced with numerous concessions including a reduction in staff. The company also wants to lower the cost of labour from $97 a tonne of paper to $80. Wentzell stated last week that the union has already made big sacrifices. Just over 170 workers have already taken a 22 per cent wage cut in the last two years to help the mill stay competitive. Other concessions are in the works. Queens and Lunenburg are considering lowering municipal taxes for Bowater facilities in each county. Premier Darrell Dexter is expected to continue dialogue with representatives from the mill, union leaders and lumber producers to figure out what can be done to keep the mill open.

Fire at White Point Beach Resort - UPDATED

A major fire at the White Point Beach Resort is under control but has destroyed the main building at the historic lodge. Up to 60 firefighters battled the intense blaze for more than 6 hours on Saturday. Witnesses reported seeing flames reach 15 metres into the sky. No word on what sparked the blaze which began in the lobby area. Sergeant Jeff Wells with the Queens RCMP told our newsroom late Saturday night that no injuries are reported. Friends of CKBW and HANK FM on Facebook described the situation as "sad", "shocking" and stated they were "glad no one was hurt". The resort, built in 1928 outside Liverpool was set to undergo renovations in early 2012. The lodge was home to over 100 employees. CKBW News will have more on this story and local reaction when more information becomes available.

BREAKING NEWS : Fire at White Point Beach Resort

Photo Courtesy of Matthew Wheelans

Fire officials are on the scene of a major fire at White Point Beach Resort. Up to 14 local fire departments are either battling the fire or on standby in Queens County. The fire reportedly started in the basement of the main lodge of White Point. Reports from Queens County indicate the main lodge is fully engulfed, which houses guest rooms, the dining room, kitchen, a conference centre and swimming pool. There's been no indication how the fire started or if there are any injuries. White Point employs approximately 100 people. The popular resort was to undergo renovations in early 2012.

A Wet Remembrance Day Along The South Shore

It's a wet Remembrance Day for much of the South Shore. Between 40 and 50 millimeters of rain is expected to fall by the end of the day. A majority - if not all - Armistice Day ceremonies are being held indoors. Power was knocked out this morning for a few hours in the Mahone Bay area, which forced officials to come up with a contingency plan for Veterans Day ceremonies. However, power was restored shortly after 10 o'clock this morning meaning ceremonies in that community will go ahead as planned at Lutherin Church. Meanwhile, a live broadcast of the Remembrance Day ceremony in Bridewater will air on HANK FM beginning at 11 o'clock.

LEST WE FORGET

In Flanders Fields Poem

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.


Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow


In Flanders fields

Pitch it! Southwestern Regional Results

A Middleton Company Program students the winners of the first regional Pitch It competition. The students pitched their product to a crowd at the Wildwood Café in Bridgewater Wednesday night.
(Nov. 9th). Down Town Associates is a green company that makes bags and backpacks from recycled sweatshirts and hoodies. The company is made up of students from West Kings District High, Middleton Regional High and Bridgetown Regional High. Representing the company of fourteen were President Erika Rice, Amos Parker, Brandon Krulick and Jessy Gervais.

          Pitch it! encourages creativity and gives Company Program students an opportunity to present their business plan to an audience and panel of coaches.

NS Hospitals To Share $22 M In Funding

Health care facilities will reap the benefits of $22 million dollars in funding thanks to the Nova Scotia government. The funds were announced Thursday and will be put towards building maintenance and upgrading energy efficiency. The money will be divided up among hospitals across the province depending on individual need. Director of Communications for South Shore Health Theresa Hawkesworth says it's too early to determine how much of the overall funding will go to the region's three local hospitals. She explains officials within the health authority will review their capital needs over the next few weeks before sending a funding request. Some of the dollars will also be used to improve air quality and upgrade hospital elevators. Health Minister Maureen MacDonald says the money will make health care facilities safer and more sustainable over the long term.

Bridgewater Remembrance Day Ceremonies Being Held Indoors

Heavy rain is forcing Remembrance Day ceremonies indoors in Bridgewater. Rainfall amounts between 50 to 70 millimetres are currently in the forecast for most of the South Shore with further amounts expected Friday. Never-the-less, Executive Member of Legion Branch 24 in Bridgewater, Roger Purnell believes a large crowd will take time to support our Veterans on November 11th.  The Remembrance Day event will be held inside Bridgewater High School, which serves as an alternate venue when the weather fails to co-operate.
Purnell made the decision Thursday morning.

Local Food Banks Urge Donations Ahead of Christmas Season

There's been a six per cent drop in the number of people using South Shore food banks over the last year. Feed Nova Scotia says the figures aren't exactly good news because the number represents people who have likely left the area. Executive Director Diane Swinemar says South Shore food banks are in constant need for donations, with over 1100 people using them every month. Swinemar says the time is now for people to give generously with Christmas season approaching. She says people looking to donate can give non-perishable food items including canned goods or cereal or personal hygeine materials. There are seven South Shore food banks between Chester and Shelburne.

Suspicious Fire In Liverpool

RCMP in Queens are looking into this week's fire at the former Wells Antiques and Book Store. Sergeant Jeff Wells says officials from the Fire Marshall's office ruled Monday morning's blaze was set on purpose. He says Mounties already have some leads and an investigation is underway. No word on how the blaze was sparked or where it began. The Antique and Book Store is located on Main Street in Liverpool and has been vacant and up for sale. Wells wasn't able to say if the RCMP were searching for one or multiple suspects.

Big Plans For Canadian Tire In Bridgewater

The Canadian Tire store in Bridgewater is about to get a new look thanks to $500,000 in remodelling work. Preliminary work on the outside of the store kicked off this week as workers are taking advantage of the warm temperatures. On the inside, a majority of that remodelling work will take place in February and March. General Manager Jodie O'Donnell says they want to improve the floor design to make items and products easier to find. Following the remodeling, O'Donnell says the Bridgewater Canadian Tire will be the most modern store in Atlantic Canada. O'Donnell expects a smooth transition and says customers won't be bothered or disrupted by the work. A grand re-opening of the Canadian Tire is set for this Spring.

A Break For Bowater Mersey Hinges On Future Of Newpage

Three Nova Scotia paper mills could see a $2 million dollar break on their power bills if Port Hawkesbury's Newpage paper mill remains dormant in 2012. Nova Scotia Power is asking the province's utility and review board to approve a 14 percent reduction in a tariff paid by several industrial customers who produce some of their own power. The proposed change in what's called the "load-following rate" would take effect of January 1st and is adjusted annually. NSP spokesperson David Rodenhiser says with NewPage's load off the system the cost of providing back up electricity to the other mills would be cheaper. The proposed adjustment would be welcomed news for officials and employees at Bowater Mersey's paper mill in Brooklyn, in addition to paper mills in Pictou County and Hantsport.

SSRSB Special Meeting To Make Censure Motion

The South Shore Regional School board is holding a special meeting next Tuesday to make a motion to censure a member or members of the board. The motion will be made around 7pm, followed by an in-camera debate and a public vote. Board Chair Elliott Payzant wouldn't confirm if the censuring is a result of the current investigation of the school review process. The review was launched after allegations that some board members tried to derail an open discussion on the future of 12 schools before a March 30 meeting. The special board meeting will be held at 7pm Tuesday November 15.

Ekistics Unveiling Generations Active Park Draft Plan

The next step in the development for the Generations Active Park Master Plan will be held this week. Ekistics Planning and Design will unveil is draft plan for the park Thursday night. Bridgewater's Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, says it's the public's last chance to provide input on the park's look. Shaw says he expects Ekistics to explain the plan's layout and take any feedback before creating the final plan. The meeting will be held at 6:30 Thursday evening at the Bridgewater Fire Hall. Shaw says if the draft plan is approved, Ekistics will put together the Master Plan and make a presentation to town council December 12.

Feds announce funding for trail section from Woods Harbour to Yarmouth

Gerald Keddy

The Government of Canada is investing more $18,178 in the construction of a trail segment that will link Woods Harbour to Yarmouth. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy made the announcement in Woods Harbour Tuesday. The project supports the development of an 8km section of trail completing a continuous link between Woods Harbour and Yarmouth. The enhanced trail is expected to attract hikers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders from local communities. Keddy says the investment empowers the community to build upon local assets to strengthen valuable infrastructure for residents and visitors.

Bluenose Academy Selects Its Colors

The votes are in for Bluenose Academy school colors. Students from Lunenburg Academy and Centre Consolidated selected Royal Blue & Black for their official colors. The chosen colors will be used on all school attire including sport teams, student t-shirts, hats, and band uniforms.  Next steps include identifying a team name and logo for Bluenose Academy.

Unexpected Layoffs At Composites Atlantic

Thirty-seven employees are temporarily out of work after some unexpected layoffs at Composites Atlantic. The Lunenburg based aerospace plant employs more than 300 people and manufactures lightweight aircraft parts. President and CEO Claude Baril says the layoffs are the result of an unexpected change in delivery schedules from several major customers. The layoffs deal primarily with employees involved in production. Composites Atlantic is currently making parts for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

NGRHS students fundraising for Vimy Ridge trip

Students at New Germany Rural High School are gearing up to take a major history trip. The group is currently fundraising to visit popular historic sites including Vimy Ridge, Anne Frank's House and the Winston Churchill War Museum. Trip Leader Hester Gibson says it will give students a chance to learn more about the past.The trip is called Axis and Allies and travels to Munich, Amsterdam, France and England. New Germany Rural High is the only school in the South Shore region taking the trip. 42 students are fundraising for the journey, which goes from April 2-14, 2012.

Funding Announcement

An announcement for low cost loans under the CMHC Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program will be made in Liverpool on Tuesday (November 8th) South Shore/St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy is making the announcement on behalf of the Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Region of Queen's Mayor John Leefe, and Mayor Phil Roberts of Annapolis Royal will be on hand for the announcement set for 1 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Region of Queens Municipal building, 249 White Point Road, Liverpool.

Busy Day in Queens County

RCMP and firefighters in Queens County kept busy between an accident and fire  earlier this afternoon.  One person was taken to hospital following a collision between a vehicle and tractor trailer on Highway 8 near the River Road between the NS Power Depot.  Staff Sgt. Jeff Wells says the vehicle was hit from behind by the tractor-trailer.  That incident happened around 1 p.m. and traffic was tied up for a time.  Meantime a number of fire departments responded to a fire at 266 Main Street . The vacant building used to house a book store.  The sprinkler system did activate, however, there was a lot of smoke coming from the building and firefighters had to smash down the door to access the building.  No word yet on the cause.

Bridgewater Mayor studies town culture of alcohol

Carroll Publicover

The mayor of Bridgewater is one of three Nova Scotia mayors that participated in a study of alcohol-use in their communities. Carroll Publicover spoke with police officers, paramedics and local principals to help put a report together called "In Our Words: What Alcohol Use Looks Like In Our Towns." Publicover says alcohol is becoming more of a target for younger people, stating between 5-10 per cent of grade seven students already consume alcohol. The most common forms of alcohol related problems in Nova Scotia include assault to domestic violence, binge drinking, and property damage. Publicover, along with Wolfville Mayor Robert Stead and Antigonish Mayor Carl Chisholm documented alcohol-related problems in their communities to try and help create solutions.

Feds announce funding for new Chelsea Cenotaph

Gerald Keddy

The Chelsea Maple Grove Cemetery Committee is receiving a maximum of $13,414 from the Federal Government. South Shore- St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy, made the announcement in Chelsea Monday morning. The project will include the construction of a new black granite cenotaph. In a release, Keddy says "the Chelsea & District Cenotaph will commemorate the men and women from the community who served in war time and will honour the peacekeepers who have dedicated their lives to the country." November 5-11 is Veterans Week in Canada. The funding is provided through the Community War Memorial Program.


 

Mustangs drop weekend contests to Halifax

The Halifax Titans proved to be too much for the South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs. The first place Titans completed a weekend sweep of the Mustangs with a 3-1 victory Sunday evening in St. Margaret's Bay. Halifax dumped the second place Stangs 5-2 on Saturday. The Mustangs host the Cape Breton Tradesman this weekend with games in Bridgewater and Chester.

Park View, Bridgewater High win provincial soccer titles

Bridgewater Vikings

A pair of South Shore schools won Provincial High School soccer titles over the weekend. The Park View Panthers took the NSSAF Division One boys crown by shutting out Riverview 2-0 in the final. The Bridgewater Viking boys squad grabbed the Division Three championship with a 3-2 win over Ecole du Carrefor.

Cenotaph Funding Announcement

Gerald Keddy

Federal government funding for a new cenotaph will be announced in Chelsea Monday morning. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will make the announcement on behalf of Veteran's Affairs Minister Steven Blaney. The funding announcement will take place at 9am at the Chelsea Fire Hall,1426 Highway 210.

Adoption Awareness Month

South Shore residents and all Nova Scotians are encouraged to consider adopting school-age children. November is being marked as Adoption Awareness Month. 
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says there are many children, most of whom are between six and sixteen years old, who are waiting for a loving, caring place to call home. More than 120 children were adopted by Nova Scotia families last year, but there are still many more waiting for a permanent home. Peterson-Rafuse says many of the nearly 350 children in permanent care and custody available for adoption are older, have siblings, or have special needs.
        The Department of Community Services offers information and training sessions to families when they choose to adopt. Ongoing support and financial assistance are also available for families who adopt a child with special needs. More information about adoption, and how families can take the first step toward adopting a child in Nova Scotia, is available by calling 1-866-259-7780 or watching the department's online adoption video series at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .

Recreational Fishing Meetings Scheduled

A series of meetings gets underway next week inviting Nova Scotians to discuss angling regulations and provide input on sportsfishing issues . One of the six scheduled meetings to be held across the province is set for Tuesday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Fire Hall/Community Centre. The Recreation Fishing Advisory Council meetings are an opportunity for the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to share information on research, fish stocking programs, education and extension programs, and discuss regulatory issues with the public. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau says sportsfishing generates about $94 million annually in economic activity and is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Information on angling and meeting dates can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/fish/sportfishing or by calling 902-485-5056.

14-year-old girl charged after alleged stabbing in West Dublin

Lunenburg County RCMP say a 14-year-old girl faces charges including aggravated assault after a stabbing in West Dublin. Police say they went to the community Friday after a 21-year-old man was stabbed once in the left shoulder. He was treated in South Shore Regional Hospital for injuries police describe as not life-threatening. The girl is also accused of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

Evening of Remembrance

It's a gathering honouring military men and women from past and present. The Evening of Remembrance will be held Sunday night, November 6, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridgewater. The coordinator, Dan Hennessey, says this is the first year for the event.

"It's just going to be an evening of relection and remembrance that's going to be done through music and images. So, it's a gathering of people, and for lack of better words, it's a lead-up to events on Remembrance Day, November 11."

Hennessey says the evening will include the video "Time to Remember", as well as music from a variety of South Shore artists. The event gets underway at 7pm Sunday night at St Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Mustangs, Titans square off in first-place battle

The South Shore Canadian Tire Mustangs will face their toughest opponent of the year this weekend. The Mustangs travel to St. Margaret's Bay for a two game set against the top-ranked Halifax Titans. The Mustangs, who sit in second place, play a Halifax team that has only lost once in 13 games this season. Mustangs Head Coach Tim Boyce says he's not worried about Halifax's record.

"They're definitely beatable. You have to play a good game to beat them, there's no question about that, they are a very good hockey club but any team in the league is beatable."

The two clubs square off Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3pm at the St, Margaret's Community Centre.

Time to Change Your Clocks !

Daylight Time ends this weekend so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday
November 6th,  or before going to bed Saturday night. Watches and clocks are not the only items that need adjustment. Microwave ovens, answering machines, car clocks, automatic timer lights, mobile devices and computers may need to be turned back as well. It is also a reminder to change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years. Remember FALL BACK...SPRING AHEAD !

Heating Assistance Rebate Applications Available

The Heating Assistance Rebate Program is being offered again this year to benefit those most in need. The application based program offers a rebate of up to $200 for eligible applicants who heat their home with oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets. propane, electricity or coal. Households with net annual incomes of less than $42,000 and single people making less than $27,000 and who purchase home heating fuels, qualify for the rebate. Last year, more than 50,000 Nova Scotians received the rebate. Applications have been mailed to last year's recipients to encourage them to re-apply. They must meet all program requirements for this year to receive the rebate. Applications are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices, Department of Community Services' offices, online at http://www.homeheatinghelp.ca/ , or by calling 1-800-670-4357.

Speed Limits to be Reduced in School Areas

You might want to pay closer attention driving through school zones. To protect students and make roads safer the province has introduced legislation (November 2nd) to reduce speed limits in school areas. Speed limits in school areas will be reduced from 50 kilometres per hour to 30 kilometres per hour in school areas where the surrounding speed zone is 50 kilometres an hour. In school areas where the surrounding speed zone is higher, the speed limit will remain 50 kilometres an hour. Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks says slowing drivers down in school areas will give them extra time to react and help keep children safe. The legislation would go into effect in fall 2012.

South Shore Members Attend National Conference

Three Lunenburg County residents are among 13 Nova  Scotia 4-H members attending a national conference in Toronto which runs through to Sunday November 6th.. The conference is a five-day program in leadership and agriculture for 4-H members between 16 and 21 years old. Eighty-five members from across Canada, two from the U.S.A. and one from the United Kingdom, will attend. Science and technology is the focus of this year's conference. Throughout the week, members will discuss global issues, hear lectures from guest speakers and make a group presentation.  Discussion will include energy, water, land use, soil loss, air and water quality, climate change, plant and animal production, biodiversity, sustainability and biotechnology.
The three Lunenburg County members attending are:

-- Lianne Lenihan, New Ross, Lunenburg Co.
-- Murray Clements, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.
-- Katie Dufresne, Blandford, Lunenburg Co.

During the week, 4-H members will also visit several points of interest in Toronto, including the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Rogers Centre, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower and the University of Guelph.

Province searching for solutions for Bowater Mersey Mill

Premier Darrell Dexter

The Premier of Nova Scotia says officials with the Bowater Mersey paper mill have told him they need help to address increased labour, wood and energy costs. Darrell Dexter attended an emergency meeting in Liverpool Wednesday with staff and management at the mill. He says the company is in desperate need for the province's assistance to find a solution to cut down costs. Dexter says Bowater Mersey has significant price gaps they need to close.

"They need to take the cost of manufacturing price per tonne from $537 to $480. They need to take their labour costs from $97 per tonne to $80 per tonne. So, as you can see, those are very, very significant gaps."

The President and Chief Executive Officer of AbitibiBowater, Richard Garneau, says the Brooklyn mill will remain open, unless they can't reduce costs. He says the mill will close if costs don't improve. Dexter says Bowater Mersey is a vital part of Queens County and the South Shore and he will be actively looking for help to keep the mill open.

Nature Conservancy of Canada acquires two new properties near Shelburne

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has added two new properties to the land it is protecting along the South Shore. The conservation organization says it has acquired two privately held properties totalling about 370 acres southwest of Shelburne. The pieces of land fall within the boundaries of the Bowers Meadow Wilderness Area in Round Bay.
The program manager for Nature Conservancy of Canada's operation in Nova Scotia, Craig Smith, says the land is critically important to the local eco-system.

"The head waters of the Round Bay river are located within the Wildnerness area, which drains out into the Atlantic Ocean, it's a potential habitat for the endangered mainland moose, there are a couple of rare plant species located there and its also a stopover or staging ground for a few different waterfowl species among their migratory roots."

Smith says they purchased the two properties of land for roughly $131,000. He says it took just over a year to purchase the properties. The Nature Conservancy of Canada owns roughly 723 acres of land along the South Shore.