Town Holds Consultations On Downtown Plan

The first in a series of consultations on Bridgewater's downtown will be held over the lunch hour today. The town's planning department is welcoming the public to provide their input on improving the core and waterfront part of the community. Four events are scheduled this week including a downtown walkabout beginning at noon at King Street Court. Director of Planning, Eric Shaw, says it's a chance for people to give their ideas towards the town's Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan.



Ekistics Planning and Design has been tasked with creating the master plan. A full list of events include:

- Downtown Walkabout - Monday, Nov. 19th @ Noon
  King Street Court

- Public Visioning Workshop - Monday, Nov. 19th @ 6:30pm
  Bridgewater Days Inn

- Design Drop-In - Wednesday, Nov. 21st @ 9am
  Bridgewater Mall (Concourse)

- Public Open House - Thursday, Nov. 22nd @ 6:30pm
  Bridgewater Fire Hall

For more information on these events or the Downtown Plan, please visit our website at http://www.bridgewater.ca/downtownplan

MHL: Ramblers Roll Over 'Jacks

A long night in Amherst for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks. The Ramblers scored early and often as they pounded the Jacks 10-1. Jarred Dodman had the lone goal for Bridgewater, who surrendered three power play goals and two short handed markers. The Jacks don't have long to lick their wounds, they'll face the Commandos in Dieppe on Sunday afternoon at 2:30PM. Meanwhile, in major midget hockey, the South Shore Mustangs have been eliminated from the Monctonian Major Midget Hockey Challenge. The Stangs wrapped up round robin action with a 3-1 loss to the Fredericton Canadians. The locals finished the event with a 1-2 record.

Sunken Vessel Mystery In Cape Sable Island

An RCMP dive team has finished examining an area where a boat sank in waters off Daniels Head Wharf in Cape Sable Island. The 40 foot boat mysteriously went down late Friday morning. In a media release, police say it's not safe for divers to continue working around the boat because of the way it's resting on the ocean floor. RCMP Sergeant MJ DeLuco says they are still trying to determine the owner of the boat. A search and rescue team scoured the shoreline on Saturday looking for evidence in relation to the downed vessel. According to police they never found much to help with their investigation. Earlier in the day, Mounties indicated they hadn't received a distress call and the boat appeared to be abandon. Members of the Canadian Coast Guard were also involved in the day-long probe. Anyone with information is asking to contact Barrington RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

South Shore: Local Hockey Wrap

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have some confidence as they head out on a weekend road trip. The Bridgewater club has earned points in three of their last four contests including a come from behind win on Thursday against Yarmouth. The Jacks head into the Jungle tonight to face the Amherst Ramblers at 7 o'clock. Tomorrow it's off to Dieppe for a 2:30 start against the vastly-improved Commandoes. The South Shore Mustangs wrap up round robin action this afternoon at the Monctonian Major Midget Hockey Challenge in New Brunswick. The Stangs face Fredericton at 12:30. A win for the locals could earn them a playoff spot. 
In "Q" League action at the Metro Centre last night the Halifax Mooseheads dumped Rouyn-Noranda 8-3.

Barrington: RCMP Divers Investigate Sunken Boat

An RCMP dive team is searching for clues after a vessel mysteriously went down near Cape Sable Island. The boat sunk late Friday morning just off Daniels Head Wharf. However, Barrington RCMP say they did not received a distress call and the ship appeared to be abandon. Members of the Canadian Coast Guard have been called in to help with the investigation. Meanwhile, a search and rescue team is combing the shoreline today in search of any evidence to help with the investigation. Barrington RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact their detachment.

 

Mustangs Move To 1-1 In Moncton

The South Shore Mustangs bounced back from a 4-0 loss yesterday at the Monctonian 'AAA' hockey challenge with a 4-0 win of their own today. The Mustangs scored twice in the first period and twice again in the second period to beat the St. John's Maple Leafs. Alex Nauss scored two goals while Jared Murphy and Jordan Messenger also lit the lamp. Cole Skinner recorded the shutout. The Mustangs meet the Fredericton Canadiens in their final round robin game tomorrow at 12:30pm.

New Legislation Identifies School Board Duties

The province is clearing the path around the roles of school board members. Education Minister Ramona Jennex has introduced legislation clarifying their duties. An audit of the South Shore Regional School Board last November recommended the province help school board members understand their responsibilities, as distinct from the board's operational staff, so they can govern effectively. The proposed amendments to the Education Act include board members maintaining focus on helping all of the region's students and superintendents being responsible for day-to-day management of the board. The province is holding orientation sessions with newly elected boards this month to explain the type of decisions they will face, such as school reviews or approving a budget.

Gas Prices Up Again!

Its no big surprise really! Gasoline prices have increased overnight at South Shore pumps. The utility and review board has set the prices for the coming week. Regular self serve is selling now at $130.5 a litre. Thats an increase of 3.5 cents from yesterday. No change though in the price of diesel fuel. Its selling for $1.33.4 a litre.

Landry: NDP Take Boundary Issue Serious

Residents of Shelburne are rejecting a proposal to divide their county into two provincial riding's at Clyde River. Nearly 100 people attended the the first of two hearings before the province's legislative law amendments committee at the Sandy Point Community Centre. Forty-one presenters have registered to speak during the hearing. However, committee chair Ross Landry opened up the floor for others to voice their opinion. He says the NDP government is taking the boundaries issue very serious.



Meanwhile, MLA for Argyle Chris d'Entremont says residents are trying to send the NDP government a message that they don't want to lose the rich tradition of their electoral riding.



The second and final day of the hearings wraps up on Friday afternoon. The committee will then meet in Halifax to decide how to proceed with redrawing the province's electoral map.

Shelburne Delivers Strong Message On Boundary

It was calm and respectful, but the message was clear during the first of two hearings before Nova Scotia's legislative law amendments committee in Shelburne. Residents rejected the proposal to split the county into two provincial riding's at Clyde River. The recommendation to form two new provincial riding's called Queens-Shelburne and Argyle-Barrington was put forth by the independent boundaries commission in late September. Sherman Embree is a former warden in the municipality of Shelburne. He is against the move because Queens and Shelburne are dealing with a wide range of contrasting issues.




Meanwhile, MLA for Clare, Wayne Gaudet says Shelburne residents have sent a strong message to the committee.



Nearly 100 people attended the hearing at the Sandy Point Community Centre. The second and final day of the hearings wrap up on Friday afternoon. The committee will then meet in Halifax to decide how to proceed with redrawing the province's electoral map.

Mustangs Drop Opener In Moncton

The South Shore Mustangs got off on the wrong foot to start their tournament in Moncton. The Ottawa 67s scored first and never looked back, beating the Mustangs 4-0 Thursday at the Monctonian 'AAA' Hockey Challenge. The Mustangs will try and bounce back with a win when they take on the St. John's Maple Leafs at 10:30 Friday morning.

Parent: Crosswalk Guard Needed On Queen Street

A local mother is urging the town of Bridgewater to put a crosswalk guard on Queen Street near the Elementary School. Stephany Aulenback has two children; one attending BES, the other attending the Small World Nursery School, both located on Queen Street. She says the town has made changes to the traffic patterns around the school, removing a drop-off area or parking spots in front of the York Street entrance. Aulenback says the move has increased the traffic presence on Queen Street.



Aulenback believes its become busy enough to warrant a crosswalk guard, to make sure kids get to the school safely. Mayor David Walker says they will direct staff to look into the matter and issue a report. Walker says Aulenback made many points including crediting senior students with community service to act as crosswalk guards. The report is expected to be heard at the town's December meeting.

MODL: Public Hearing To Discuss Cell Tower

The Municipality of Lunenburg and Rogers Communications Inc. are on the verge of setting up a telecommunications tower in Crouses Settlement. The two sides will hold a public hearing next month after announcing their intention to enter into a contract with each other. The tower would be located on the Crouses Settlement Road, east of Becks Lake and would require almost 4.7 acres of land. Mayor Don Downe says the tower will help improve the coverage area.



The deal is subject to a few requirements including Health Canada, Industry Canada and Nav Canada regulations. Downe says certain steps are a must for this type of project. He says it will cost roughly $500,000 for Rogers to construct the tower, and the municipality could see around $5,000 in tax revenue annually. The public hearing is scheduled for December 12 at a location to be determined.

Queens: Funds For Museum, Fairgrounds & Curling Rink

It's a good news day in Queens County and a banner week for the region. South Shore-St Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy has made a trio of announcements in Liverpool and Caledonia. The largest is a $150,000 investment to support the Queens County Museum. The money will help overhaul a portion of the museum to create a new exhibit to commemorate the War of 1812 and display the role of the East Coast Privateers in the war. Meanwhile, the Liverpool Curling Club will get nearly $38,000 to help buy a new refrigeration system for the club.  The local rink is also in the midst of renovations in advance of the 2014 Junior Men's and Women's Curling Championships. The third announcement gives almost $13,000 to Queens County Fairgrounds to assist with roof repairs on pavilion facilities and electrical upgrades. In the last week, Keddy has announced more than $600 thousand dollars in funding for Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties.

New "One Door" Approach To South Shore Addiction & Mental Health Services

South Shore Health is making it easier for people with addiction or mental health issues get access to the help they need. One call to one phone number is all it takes. The Director of Addiction and Mental Health Services Todd Leader says its all about making life simpler.
Leader says many times, patients have numerous problems that take a lot of time to detect. The new system should cut down on the loss of valuable time. South Shore Health still has 18 locations for delivery of addiction and mental health issues. Now though, there is just one number to call 543-5400 and you will be routed through the system.

Prepare For Possible Gas Price Hikes

This may be an indication that gasoline prices on the South Shore will rise tonight. The price of gas has increased overnight in New Brunswick. The province's Energy and Utilities Board has increased the price ceiling on regular self-serve gasoline to $1.28 per litre. That's a 2.6 cent increase from last week. Meanwhile, the maximum price for furnace oil in New Brunswick has been boosted by just under one cent per litre. Diesel prices are holding steady.

VIDEO: Naugler Elected As New School Board Chair

A fresh face will lead the South Shore Regional School Board into a new chapter. Jennifer Naugler was voted as the new chair of the local school board, after receiving more votes than Elliott Payzant and Elmer Garber. Naugler, a newly-elected board member representing District 4, says she's humbled by the recognition.



Meanwhile, Payzant will serve as vice-chair of the board. She says having him in that position will help her adapt to the new role.



Naugler says she expects a sharp learning curve but adds, she is prepared to commit the time.

Puck Drops On Local Hockey

The South Shore Mustangs begin play Thursday afternoon at the 32nd annual Monctonian 'AAA' Challenge. The local major midget club battles the Ottawa 67s in their opening match Thursday before facing off against St. John's Friday and Fredericton Saturday.For updates from Moncton, visit http://www.pointstreak.com/players/players-leagues.html?leagueid=530 . Elsewhere, the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks meet their South Shore rivals Thursday night in Liverpool. The Jacks meet the Yarmouth Mariners at Queens Place. Game time is 7:30. And the puck drops on the 10th annual Glen Murray Invitational hockey tournament Thursday night in Bridgewater. Twelve teams are vying to be champion. Some of the teams in this year's event are the Barrington Barons, Yarmouth Vikings, Cole Harbour Cavaliers as well as tournament hosts Park View Panthers and Bridgewater Vikings. Games start at 4pm Thursday afternoon, starting with Park View against Barrington. To find scores and schedule, go to http://www.htosports.com/teams/default.asp?u=GLENMURRAY-BESTWESTERN&t=c&s=hockey&p=home .

MODL Seeking Clarity On School Zone Speed Limits

The Municipality of Lunenburg is looking for clarification on new speed limits in school zones. Staff with the municipality are writing a letter to the Department of Transportation to find out how long the limits are in effect. Mayor Don Downe says they want to make sure people understand.



The province dropped speed limits in school zones from 50 to 30 km/h at the start of September. Downe hopes to hear back from the province before the new year.

Queens: Funding For Curling Rink/County Fair

There will be three significant funding announcements on Thursday in Queens County. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy will announce new money for the Liverpool Curling Club, Queens County Fairgrounds and the Queens County Museum. The money will be provided through ACOA and  Heritage Canada. It's expected to help with various renovations and upgrades at all three venues. The long standing curling rink on Gorham Street was re-built in 1965 and is in need of a new refrigeration system. The old system broke down last year and left local curlers without a place to play for the season. Meanwhile, the fairgrounds in Caledonia will receive funding to support upgrades around the the popular exhibition grounds in North Queens. The third announcement will help with an expansion project at the Queens County Museum.

Lunenburg: Croft Selected As Deputy Mayor

A veteran councillor in Lunenburg has been selected as the town's new deputy mayor. Danny Croft has nearly 14 years of experience in municipal politics and is the most seasoned politician among the six councillors in the town. Mayor Rachel Bailey called it a good choice.





Croft received the full support of council during a meeting Tuesday night. He takes over the role previously held by councillor John McGee.

PC's Lay Out Economic Vision

It sounds somewhat like an election campaign but the next provincial election likely won't happen until at least the spring. However, the province's PC leader is trying to distance his party from the NDP and Liberals when it comes to economic issues. Jamie Baillie says he'd balance the budget, cut the HST to 13 percent, freeze power rates and kill what he calls labour dis-incentives, like contract arbitration.




Baillie says the other parties would do very little to ease the economic well-being of residents of the South Shore and elsewhere in the province. He says handouts, bailouts and give-away's to create jobs haven't worked and need to be abandoned. (There will be a debate in the legislature this afternoon on the state of the economy and how to grow it.)

Phase 3 Inflow Reduction Over Budget "By a Bit"

The third phase of Bridgewater's inflow reduction project is winding down. Town Engineer Phil Corkum expected paving to be finished on Dominion Street by the end of the week, with the project wrapping up by the end of the month. The work was done to improve underground piping that carries water runoff and sewage. Work on the project started in June before Corkum began working for the town in early September. He says the project is over-budget "by a bit", but couldn't get into specifics.



Mayor David Walker says a report will be issued listing all capital projects approved in the budget and what has been spent so far. He hopes that will shed some light on how to move forward.



Financial details are expected to be given at Bridgewater council's next meeting on November 26.

Confinement Case Adjourned Until December

A Queens County man charged with forcible confinement and sexual assault against a 16 year-old boy has had his case adjourned until next month. David James Leblanc made a brief court appearance this morning in Bridgewater. The 47 year-old is facing seven charges in total in relation to an incident in Upper Chelsea. Leblanc was wheeled into the courtroom with the help of two sheriffs. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor says his client recently had surgery on his feet after suffering frostbite while on the run from police in northern Ontario. The RCMP launched an investigation after a teenager landed at a woman's doorstep claiming he had be held captive for about one week. The case will resume on December 19th. Taylor says he hopes to set dates for a preliminary inquiry.

School Board Holding Annual General Meeting

The newly-elected South Shore Regional School Board will be sworn-in Wednesday night during the annual general meeting. Six elected officials along with the Mikmaq and African Nova Scotian representatives will replace the one-member board that has served the region for the last year. Members will review the previous year's work and elect a new chair and vice-chair of the board. Communications Manager Trish Smith says anyone can run for those positions and will be voted on by the members. The meeting is open to the public and will be held Wednesday night at 7pm at the board office.

Conquerall Bank Church Seeking Heritage Property De-Registration

It could the beginning of the end for a Conquerall Bank church as a heritage property. Municipal council has approved a motion to hold a public hearing to consider de-registering the Redeemer Lutheran Church. Members received a letter from the property's owner saying the church is no longer being used as a house of worship on a regular basis and the building is in need of repairs. Mayor Don Downe says the costs have become too much to bear for the church.



The building was built in 1863 and is the oldest church structure in Conquerall Bank. There are currently 14 heritage properties in the municipality of Lunenburg. A public hearing has been scheduled for early January.

Milton Fire Sends Man To Hospital

 A Queens county man is recovering in hospital following a house fire in Milton. The fire broke out over the noon hour on Morely Street. RCMP Sergeant Jeff Wells says the man had escaped the home when members arrived at the scene.



Wells says the home sustained significant smoke and water damage as a result of the fire. No word on the cause.

Highway 103 Crash Victim Identified

RCMP have released the victim's name that was killed in a motor vehicle collision on Highway 103 yesterday afternoon. Seventy-year-old Alan Wayne McTavish of Bridgewater died when the vehicle he was driving collided with a transport truck between exits 19 and 20A near Liverpool. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

New Life For Iconic Cox Warehouse In Shelburne

The iconic Cox Warehouse in Shelburne has been given new life. The historic building will undergo a major restoration following an investment to the tune of $229,000 through ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). Upgrades to the 110-year-old building include a new roof, window replacement, modernizing the heating system, reshingling and structural repairs. Following its restoration, the Cox Warehouse will become the new home of the micro-brewery operated by the Dock Street Brewing Company. President of the Shelburne Historical Society, Louise Lindsay called it a huge opportunity for the community. She says her organization has spent 20 years looking for a suitable use for Cox Warehouse.

Federal Dollars To Help Shelburne Projects

The federal government will contribute more than $100,000  to four projects in Shelburne County. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy was in Shelburne this morning to deliver the cheques. There was one for $10,250 for restoration work on the Sandy Point Lighthouse. Just over $11,000 will go toward improvements along historic Dock Street. A large investment of nearly $60,000 will help the Shelburne County Arena Association in making improvements to the Shelburne Arena. Another $26,530 will support the Municipality of the District of Shelburne to complete work on improving the washrooms, shower facilities, parking lot and floating docks at Welkum Park.

Location Set For Law Amendments Meeting In Shelburne

The province has announced details of where and when its law amendments committee will meet to talk about proposed changes to the electoral boundaries of the Shelburne district. The proposal, submitted earlier by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, has sparked a backlash among constituents. They suggest the proposal cuts the riding in half, even though there was no public consultation. The Dexter government says public meetings will be held at the Sandy Point Lighthouse Centre in Sandy Point on Thursday night and Friday morning. Those hoping to make a presentation are being urged to register in advance by calling the Nova Scotia legislative counsel in Halifax.

White Point's Main Lodge Officially Opens

The doors to White Point's new main lodge are officially open. A grand opening was held Monday after festivities died down from Nova Scotia Music Week. It was a year ago Monday when fire engulfed the previous main lodge, destroying the building. Owner Robert Risley says a new era has begun at White Point.



The new lodge is made up of many materials including White Point beachstone, rough timber, and iron in the interior and exterior of the building. Roughly 90% of staff have also returned to their jobs, which manager Danny Morton says is very special. He says there is still two-or-three weeks of work left to go on the main lodge before its complete. The lodge will only be open to the public during weekends this month before fully re-opening in December.

UPDATED: Bridgewater Man Killed In Highway Collision

A 70-year-old Bridgewater man was killed after a head-on collision between a car and five-tonne truck on highway 103. RCMP say the crash happened around 4pm Monday afternoon between exits 19 and 20A near Liverpool. Police say an eastbound car crossed the centre line and collided with the truck. Cpl. Scott MacRae says they closed that section of highway for roughly five-and-a-half hours so a traffic analyst could investigate the cause of the crash. He says it could be a lengthy investigation.



A LifeFlight helicopter was called-in but was cancelled after the man died in his vehicle. MacRae says the truck driver was shaken up but didn't suffer any injuries. Highway 103 re-opened between the Liverpool and White Point Road exits around 9:30pm Monday night.

Hwy 103 Re-Opens After Fatal Collision

Emergency officials have re-opened a section of Highway following a fatal two-vehicle crash near Liverpool. The crash occurred around 4 o'clock between Exits 19 and 20A. RCMP say an eastbound car crossed the centre line and slammed into a large truck. The male driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the big rig was not injured. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Tuesday: MP Keddy Visits Shelburne/Bridgewater

The MP for South Shore-St. Margaret's will make a trio of funding announcements for the region on Tuesday. Gerald Keddy will begin the day in Shelburne where he's expected to spread around some money to support heritage preservation and economic opportunity in Shelburne. He will also announce funds to upgrade recreational infrastructure in the area as well. Later in the day, Keddy will join Lunenburg West MLA Gary Ramey for an afternoon announcement in Bridgewater. It will be a joint announcement between Ottawa and the provincial government to support the Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship. The funding will be invested into a program aimed at helping those aged 55 to 64 re-enter the workforce or find new work. The details will be unveiled at HB Studio's Sports Complex.

New Traffic System Begins at PVEC In Bridgewater

A new traffic system at Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater will be implemented on Tuesday. The biggest change will see the entrance and exit lanes flipped so the buses can travel around the back of the school. The goal is to free up heavy traffic from the front area of the building. Meanwhile, vehicles parked around the side of the school will now be able to exit through a new road connecting to Panther Way. The school board's communications manager, Trish Smith says it's hoped the changes will improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

Remembrance Day: Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held today throughout the South Shore. If you can not attend a ceremony in your community, HANK FM will carry live coverage of the program from Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgewater. The ceremony begins at 10:45AM.




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.

— Lieutenant Colonel John Alexander McCrae, MD

Local Hockey Wrap: MHL, QMJHL & "A" Challenge

Switzerland has claimed the bronze medal at the World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth. The Swiss upset Canada East 6-0 in last night's showdown. Tonight, the gold medal is on the line when Canada West faces the United States. A rare MHL matchup in Bridgewater this evening as the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks host the Amherst Ramblers. In their only meeting this season the Ramblers scored a 4-2 win. Tonight's contest is a 5:45 start at the Bridgewater Arena. The South Shore Mustangs dropped a 4-3 decision to Cole Harbour last night in Bridgewater. Riley Donaldson had two goals and an assist for the Stangs who travel to the Sportsplex today for a 1 o'clock start against Dartmouth. The Halifax Mooseheads lost in regulation time for just the second time this season, falling 5-4 in Victoriaville.

Finals Set At World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge

A familiar rivalry will be renewed in the final of the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge. Canada West will meet the U.S for the gold medal tomorrow for the third time in the events seven year history. The Americans downed Switzerland 7-4 while the West downed Canada East 1-0 in yesterday's semi final. The East will play Switzerland tonight for the bronze. Russia and the Czech Republic open up action this afternoon in the fifth place game. For more information, go to www.hockeycanada.ca .

Party On: NS Music Week Arrives In Liverpool

The party gets underway in Queens County as Nova Scotia Music Week kicks into high gear this evening. The opening reception for the gala event will take place tonight at White Point Beach Resort. The Mersey Band from Liverpool, and Acadia First Nation will be presenting a traditional drum performance by Eastern Eagle at the kick-off event. An all-star line-up of Nova Scotia musicians are in Liverpool for Music Week. Performances are scattered throughout the county including shows at the Astor Theatre and Lane's Privateers. Meanwhile, the gala awards show will be held at Queens Place on Sunday night. The East Coast Show on CKBW, hosted by Jonathan Crouse, is nominated for Radio Program of the Year. Also, Riverfest has been nominated for Event of the Year. For a complete list of events check out www.nsmw.ca

Lumberjacks Hope Last Night's Win The First Of Many

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks hope to do something tonight that hasn't been done yet this season. That is ..... give Truro a regulation loss. The first-place Bearcats have yet to lose in regulation time and are the number two ranked Junior A team in Canada. The Lumberjacks are coming off a big road win last night in New Glasgow, beating the Weeks Crushers 4-2. The win snapped a 7 game losing streak. Coach Terry Rhinedress hopes the team makes it back to back victories.



Tonight's MHL contest is a 7 o'clock start at the Bridgewater Arena.

Cdn Teams In Semi-Final Matchup At Jr. A. Challenge

Canada-West will meet Canada-East in a semi-final showdown today at the 2012 World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge in Yarmouth. Nick Yorston reports.

South Shore Senior Fined For Having Illegal Smokes

A South Shore senior has received a stiff fine for selling illegal cigarettes. In Bridgewater court yesterday, the Crown said police seized 130-thousand contraband smokes from Anthony Phillip Grange's car in a Cookville parking lot on September 2, 2011. They had been tailing him from the Cobequid Pass north of Truro. The 71 year old Liverpool resident also lost his vehicle in the seizure. At the end of trial yesterday, Grange was given the minimum fine for such an offence which rings in at $108,528. The judge has given him a year to pay it. Judge Greg Lenehan told Grange his attempts to sell cheap cigarettes, on which taxes had not been paid, cheated Nova Scotia taxpayers.

Gasoline Prices Up ... and Down!

A change in the price of gasoline today. Regular self-serve is selling at South Shore pumps for $1.26.8 per litre. Thats an increase of just short of a cent from yesterday but less than the 5 cent hike a week ago. High test is also up in price today by about the same amount. Meanwhile, diesel is down in price by 2 cents. Its selling for $1.33.4 a litre.

Chester Councillor Keen On Proposed Health Centre

A councillor in Chester is keen on hearing more about a proposed primary health care project slated to be built in the area. The project is called "Our Health Centre" and would be home to six doctor's offices, examining rooms and a blood collection clinic. However, the organizers behind the project need to raise five or six millions dollars in order to move ahead with their plans. Brad Armstrong says he's looking forward to hearing details on the OHC.


 
The facility would be built on some land near Shoreham Village in Chester. It's hoped the doors to the facility will be open in 2014.

'Jacks Butterworth Gets Nod For CJHL Squad

CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks rookie Jeremy Butterworth will play four games over the next four days, but he doesn't mind. Butterworth, the MHL's rookie scoring leader this season, has been invited to play in this weekend's CJHL Prospects Games. The 17-year old is tied for ninth in league scoring with 9 goals and 11 assists. Butterworth and the rest of the Jacks play in New Glasgow tonight before hosting Truro tomorrow. The propect games take place in Digby on Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon in Yarmouth.

Chester: Webber Returned To Warden's Office

The new council in Chester has selected a familiar face to serve as warden for the municipality. Allen Webber received the full support of council during a meeting this morning. Webber has been the warden for the past 18 years and represents Chester Basin residents in District 4.



Meanwhile, Floyd Shatford was elected as deputy mayor. He was also unopposed for the position. Shatford represents residents in the Hubbards and Mill Cove area in District 2.

Quarter Finals Set To Begin At Hockey Challenge In Yarmouth

Round robin play has wrapped up and it's time for the knockout stages at the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge. Nick Yorston has more from Yarmouth.

Lumberjacks Look To End Slid Against Crushers

The local Junior A hockey team are hoping a mid-season break will help turn their fortunes around. The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks, who haven't played a league game in a week and a half, have lost seven straight. The Bridgewater club head to New Glasgow tonight to face the Weeks Crushers at 7:30. It's the start of three games in four days for the Jacks, who host Truro tomorrow night and Amherst on Sunday.

Court Confirms Eisnor Can Stand Trial



Site of June 30, 2010 New Germany Shooting

 A Lunenburg County man accused of killing his estranged wife more than 2 years ago, has been found fit to stand trial. A Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge has upheld an earlier ruling which now clears the way for a 2-day preliminary hearing at the end of November. Wayne Paul Eisnor is charged with first-degree murder in the June 2010 shooting death of his estranged wife, Tina Mae Eisnor in a New Germany parking lot. The accused then turned the gun on himself, causing a brain injury that raised questions about his mental fitness to stand trial. This past April, a lower court ruled Wayne Eisnor's resulting amnesia is genuine, but that he didn't need to have a memory of the event to be able to instruct his lawyer on his defence.