Woman Charged Twice With Stunting

A 31-year-old woman from Yarmouth County has been charged not once, but twice, with speeding. She was pulled over by the RCMP in Shelburne County on Sunday, for allegedly travelling way too fast. Officers claim she was clocked at 153 kilometers an hour in a 100 zone on highway 103. If found guilty in court, the driver from Hubbards Point in Yarmouth County faces a fine of as much as $2,412 for "stunting". She's also had her vehicle and license seized. Its the second time in two months the same driver has been caught driving at an excessive speed. On October 9th, she was charged with the same offence after being clocked by the Mounties doing 154 kilometers an hour in a 100 zone. No word on a court date. The RCMP is warning drivers to obey speed signs.

NS Gov't Unwraps Huge Bowater Land/Assets Deal

The Nova Scotia government is adding $117.7 million in debt to acquire a huge swath of private forest land formerly owned by Resolute Forest Products. The mega-deal was announced Monday night and will give the province control of 220,000 hectares of woodlands, along with Brooklyn Power and the former Bowater mill factory site. CKBW/HANK FM's Steve MacArthur has the details.



Dexter says acquiring the assets is necessary in order to revive the forestry industry and ``generate jobs and wealth in the province.'' The premier will unveil details of the Resolute deal at a forum later today in Halifax.

NS Gov't Announces Mega-Deal With Resolute

The Nova Scotia government has announced it has acquired 220,000 hectares of woodlands, Brooklyn Power Corporation and the former Bowater Mersey mill site. Premier Darrell Dexter announced the mega deal through a media release on Monday night. The land and assets were acquired from Resolute Forest Products. The Montreal-based company closed the former paper mill near Liverpool in June, throwing about 320 people out of work. Under the terms of the arrangement to take over the assets, the province is acquiring the shares of Bowater Mersey for $1 from Resolute and the Washington Post. However, with those shares come worker pension and severance liabilities that the province says are estimated to be $118.4 million and have to be repaid as the pension is wound up. In addition, Paul Black, director of policy and community planning in the premier's office, said that the acquisition will add $117.7 million to the province's $13.3 billion debt.

Other details of Resolute/NS Gov't Deal - in purchasing the shares of the company, the province now controls:

--  555,000 acres of commercial and protected woodlands, including the Medway, Rossignol and St. Margaret's Bay districts. The land's fair market value is pegged at $117.7 million or $212 per acre. The province issued an expression of interest earlier today, and is exploring opportunities for a Mi'kmaw forest initiative with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.

-- The former Bowater mill site in Brooklyn, including bio-refining machines, valued at $5 million. The site will be transformed into a research, demonstration and development centre of excellence and innovation in cleaner energy, bioenergy and forestry products and technology.

-- Brooklyn Power Corp, a 30-megawatt biomass generating facility.  The province will sell Brooklyn Power to Emera for $25 million in order to protect ratepayers from the termination of the current Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which expires in 2025.

The value of the assets acquired by the province, including the woodlands, Brooklyn Power, the mill site and fibre inventory, cash and tax credits total $150.4 million.

Total liabilities are $136.4 million, including $118.4 million of the company's assets funding the pension liability and severance, and the extinguishing of a portion of the company's debt at $18 million.

Bridgewater: Nauss Elected New Fire Chief

The town of Bridgewater has a new fire chief. Michael Nauss was elected Monday night by acclamation to take over the position from Wayne Thorburne, who stepped down because he was elected to town council. Nauss, who has served the last eight years as Deputy Chief, says Thorburne is irreplaceable.



Nauss says its nice to know the department's membership believe he's the best choice to serve as chief. Andy Wentzell will serve as Bridgewater's deputy fire chief.

Park View Looking To Cash-In On Provincial Funds

The province has set aside $500,000 to study potential projects at seven different schools including Park View Education Centre. The funds will be used to help the local school board hire consultants to prepare business cases. Director of Operations, Steve Prest, says the high school is in its mid-life stage right now, and could use a refurbishing. He says they want to design a project to extend the building's life by 15-20 years.



Prest hopes the study can happen early in the new year.

Local Groups Receive Provincial Grants For Seniors

A pair of local groups are reaping the benefits of provincial grants for seniors. The Aspotogan Heritage Trust Society in the Municipality of Chester and the Dayspring and District Fire Department each received $10,000. The money will help the Trust Society create two-to-three minute videos capturing the process of building an ageless community. The Fire Department is working on a project outlining success stories in volunteering, learning and developing research within Lunenburg County fire agencies. The funding was announced in Hubbards today by Seniors Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse.

Bridgewater Curling Club Seeks Loan For Repairs

The Bridgewater Curling Club will seek a loan to replace an aging piece of equipment that is crucial to its entire operation. President Lloyd Tancock says they need roughly $225,000 to cover all the necessary upgrades at the curling rink. Their most pressing need is to replace the club's ice making and refrigeration system. Tancock says they have already applied to access various grants to help lighten the borrowing amount.



He says they also need to replace its sprinkler system before next May. The club's membership authorized the executive to explore borrowing the necessary money for the upgrades during a meeting on Sunday.

Bridgewater Toy Drive Helps The Salvation Army

Empire Theatres in Bridgewater is full of toys! It's part of a toy drive to help the Salvation Army with its Christmas hamper program. The annual event helps struggling families in the South Shore receive gifts for their kids. Daniel Bonner, spokesperson for The Salvation Army says with the need getting higher community members are doing their part. However, Bonner says there is a new type of poor needing help.



Roughly 250 families in Lunenburg County were given toys last year through the help of Empire Theatres and Salvation Army. Donations will be accepted until December 23rd.

Bowater Transition Team Releases Final Report

It's considered a step in the right direction for Queens and Lunenburg counties. The Bowater Transition Advisory Team released their final report with recommendations late last week to help boost the local economy and attract families to the region. Some of the recommendations include capitalizing on regional advantages in seafood and agricultural production and greater marketing for tourism. Queens Mayor Christopher Clarke says the report is a good beginning.



The province is expected to provide resources to hire two or three project officers to pursue ideas in the report. It's not known when the officers will be hired. To see the full report, click here .

Mounties Probe Fatal Crash In Clyde River

A 17 year old is dead and another person is in hospital after a single vehicle collision in Clyde River. According to RCMP, the teenager who was the passenger was ejected from the vehicle. The driver was taken to Roseway Hospital in Shelburne with minor injuries. Mounties say the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Highway 103 when it left the road, rolled over and crashed in the ditch. The crash occurred around 7 o'clock on Sunday night. A section of the highway between Exits 27 and 28 was closed for more than three hours. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Province Opens Proposal Call For Yarmouth Ferry

A future ferry operation is one step closer to returning to Yarmouth. The province announced today they have opened up a request for proposals for a ferry to operate once again between the town and the United States. The government used a draft request for proposals to consult with potential ferry operators. Premier Darrell Dexter says that step helped gather interest.




Dexter says the province is prepared to commit as much as $21-million over seven years to attract a long-term ferry service in Yarmouth. He is hopeful the federal government will partner with the province on the new ferry. The deadline to submit a proposal is January 24.

Dexter: Bowater Land Deal Close

Premier Darrell Dexter says a tentative deal involving thousands of hectares of Nova Scotia woodlands could be announced as early as next week. Dexter made the comments in Liverpool today while at an announcement unveiling a report discussing the economic future of communities impacted by the closure of the Bowater Mersey paper mill. Resolute Forest Products is the former operators of the Brooklyn-based mill. The Montreal based company still owns more than 220,000 hectares of woodland in various parcels of land around Nova Scotia. Dexter would not reveal details of the deal but stated Nova Scotians will have greater control of their destiny The Bowater mill closed in June throwing about 320 people out of work.

Aquaculture Jobs Set To Move Into Shelburne

Government employees within the province's aquaculture division will move to Shelburne early in the new year. The move will bring about 15 full time jobs to the area. The aquaculture offices will be located at the Nova Scotia Community College's Shelburne campus. Fisheries Minister Sterling Belliveau says using available space at NSCC is a responsible use of taxpayers' money and will encourage greater collaboration between the department and the college. Premier Darrell Dexter announced in May that the province would relocate its aquaculture division from Halifax to Shelburne County. Another 22 positions along with headquarters is moving to the Digby area.

Parkview Panthers Split Games In NFLD

The Park View Division-1 boys basketball team split a pair of games in St.John's Newfoundland on Thursday. The Panthers dropped a 91-79 decision to Mount Pearl High School. Jake Langille had 26 points, Adam Fitzgerald added 24 points. In the second game, Park View had nine players score in a 62-47 victory over Bishop's College.

Shelburne County Arena Receives Strong Support

An overhaul of the Shelburne County Arena is helping to extend the life of the 30 year-old rink. The arena has entered the second stage of a four phase project which has seen the rink become more accessible for those with mobility issues. A new ramp at the front entrance has been added to the facility along with a special viewing area in the stands. Spokesperson Tony Mahaney says the rink has received tremendous support from all levels of government to help with the renovations. He says it's proof the local arena is an important part of the community.



During phase one of the project, the facility received 500-thousand dollars in upgrades - some of that work focused on electrical improvements and repair work to their ice making machines. Further improvements to the washrooms will take place in the Spring.

Liverpool Call Centre Nearing Goal Of 100 New Hires

A call centre in Queens County is more than half way to their goal of hiring 100 new employees. HGS Canada in Liverpool has taken on 60 workers since they announced an expansion last month. The new jobs are full time and will be in customer service. The inbound call centre will look to hire 40 more people in the new year. HGS Canada is one of the largest employers in the area, and has seen steady growth since opening in 2006.

South Shore Track Stars To Help Coach Local Kids

A slew of local track and field stars are gathering in Bridgewater later this month to teach kids the fundamentals. National team members and South Shore athletes Rachael McIntosh of Bridgewater, Mattias Wolter of Conquerall Mills and Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool along with CIS athletes Jesse Drennan of Bridgewater and Sarah Glen of Lunenburg will help show kids the importance of warming up and cooling down. Olympian Jenna Martin of Bridgewater could also make an appearance. There will also be focus on drills including high jump, sprints, distance and javelin. McIntosh says she looks forward to helping local kids.



There are two camps being offered at the HB Studios Fieldhouse; introduction and developmental sessions. The Introduction to Track and Field Winter Camp goes from Dec 17-22 while the Development Camp is one day, December 27. Registration details can be found here .      

Cookville Trail To Be Named After Arthur Young

A retired municipal politician will get a trail named after him for his many years of service. Newcombville grade four student Zoe Naugler chose the name 'Arthur Young Trail' because of his over 40 years on council. She received the most votes in the 'Name the Trail' contest for grade primary to six students who attend schools in the municipality. Over 20 submissions were received. Young's name will serve as the title of the connector trail in Cookville.

17 Employees Given Pink Slips At Recycling Centre

Nearly half of the unionized workforce at a Lunenburg County recycling plant are struggling to come to grips after receiving pink slips this week. Seventeen full-time employees at the Whynott's Settlement's plant were given their notice on Wednesday after their jobs were moved to Scotia Recycling of Kentville. The decision was finalized after three municipal units voted to shut down the line that sorts blue bags at the facility. They included the Municipality of Lunenburg and towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. Marilyn Crook, president of the Canadian Auto Workers union, Local 1944 says it's a difficult time for those involved.



Meanwhile, Municipality of Lunenburg mayor Don Downe called it an extremely tough decision. He says the facility is in need of roughly $2.5 million in upgrades. The contract with Scotia Recycling will save the municipalities $2.7 million over the life of the ten year contract.

Steven Page Will Play The South Shore

Steven Page is coming to Shelburne. Former lead singer of the popular band "Barenaked Ladies" will be playing the Osprey Arts Centre July 13th. Page is well known for classics like "If I had a million dollars" and "Brian Wilson". Since leaving the Canadian pop rock group, Page has recorded three solo albums and is touring on his own. For the South Shore concert he will perform with co writer Craig Northey. Tickets are now available by phone or in person.

Son Of Murdered South Shore Woman Talks About Violence

Today is the 23rd anniversary of the Montreal masasacre. On this date in 1989, Marc LePine enterred L'ecole Polytechnique and shot 14 female students to death before taking his own life. The event has become a symbol of violence against women and vigils and flag-lowerings will be held across the country today and tonight to mark the anniversary. Here on the South Shore, the District Labour Council is sponsoring a vigil this evening. For Devon Illingsworth, this will be the first time he's attended the annual event. His mother, Tina Mae Eisnor, was shot to death in June 2010 in New Germany. Her son says he's only now starting to move on with his life and he has some advice for those who have been affected by violence.



Tonight's candle light vigil in Bridgewater will be held at the fire hall.

Local Schools Get New Tool For Students With Autism

A new resource is coming to South Shore schools to help teachers and staff support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The information guide includes details on how students with autism learn and teaching strategies. A spokesperson for the local school board, Catherine Rahey, says it's an important document.


Autism specialists and health professionals are among a group of people who helped develop the guide.

Shelburne Food Bank Ready For Christmas Rush

The Shelburne Loyalist Food Bank is in a good position as Christmas nears. Spokesperson, Wayne Dukes says residents of the community have been a great help by organizing food drives, and donating money. Dukes says the organization hands out turkeys over the Christmas season. However he says they need other food donations too.

Donations are being accepted at their Shelburne location on Carleton Street.

Lumberjacks Owner Stands Behind Head Coach

The owner of the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks is giving his head coach a vote of confidence. Ken Petrie says his hockey club has under-achieved so far this season, but that isn't reflective of his head coach's work ethic. Petrie says Terry Rhindress is a quality coach.



The Lumberjacks sit in fifth place in the Eastlink Division, six points ahead of Metro for the final spot in the mini-series. Petrie says he hopes to acquire a scoring forward and defenseman before the league's trade deadline on January 10.

IWK & South Shore Health Form New Partnership

IWK surgeons will perform routine procedures in Bridgewater under a new partnership with South Shore Health. The surgeries will be conducted once a month and will eliminate the need for families to travel to Halifax for smaller procedures on the ear, nose and throat. South Shore Health CEO Peter Vaughan called it an innovative and cost effective approach to health service delivery. He says the partnership will bring the expertise of IWK surgeons much closer to home for residents of south western Nova Scotia. The surgeries are being held on Friday's and booked through the South Shore Regional Hospital.

CKBW And Empire Theatres Host Toy Drive

CKBW will partner with Empire theatres this Saturday for their second annual toy drive. Last year was a huge success helping over 200 families celebrate the holidays on the South Shore. Ted Haley from Empire theatres says he hopes to exceed last year and fill the entire lobby with toys this weekend.  Haley says they are asking for new unwrapped toys for both boys and girls.  The toy drive officially kicks off from Empire theatres Saturday, toys will be accepted until the 23rd.

Christmas Kettles Steaming Hot With Donations

The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Kettle campaign is well underway. For more than a century, the familiar donation bins have been found in all the key shopping areas and other public-gathering spots. Captain Fillippe Vega of the Lunenburg County Salvation Army says the money raised through the Christmas season helps needy families through the entire year.



The Kettle campaign along the South Shore raised thousands of dollars last year. Captain Vega says despite a difficult economy in recent years, residents in the area haven't wavered in their support of the Salvation Army's efforts to help those in need.

Jacks Trade Snair To Indiana For Future Considerations

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks are moving on without the services of goaltender Anderson Snair. The club traded the 18-year-old to Indiana of the USHL for future considerations. Snair was acquired by the Lumberjacks just over a week ago from the Metro Shipbuilders, but never reported to the team.

Mustangs Battle Halifax On Eastlink

The South Shore Mustangs will be shown on prime-time television tonight. The local major midget hockey club will take on the Halifax Titans in Eastlink's game of the week. The last time the two teams met, the Titans outscored the Mustangs 17-1 in a weekend home-and-home series. The game starts at 8pm and will be seen on channel 10.

Demolition Order Issued For Cherry Hill Property

A demolition order has been approved for an eyesore in Cherry Hill. The Municipality of Lunenburg has given the thumbs up to demolishing an old house and storage building at 7640 Highway 331. The two have been deemed in a state of non-repair and no longer suitable for use. Mayor Don Downe says it was an easy decision for council to make.



The property owner, Teman Conrad, has abandoned the house and now lives in San Antonio, Florida. A 30 day order has been issued to Conrad to demolish the buildings. If not, an administrator with MODL will carry out the work and could proceed to lay charges under the Municipal Government Act.

Unknowns Surround Proposed New Bodies Replacing RDA's

The head of a regional development agency on the South Shore is raising questions over the new economic structure pitched in Nova Scotia. An independent panel has proposed to create six Regional Enterprise Networks to replace the province's 12 regional development authorities. Executive Director of the Lunenburg-Queens RDA, Andrew Button admits the panel had a difficult task which produced some bold recommendations. However, he feels the report contains a lot of grey areas.



Button says the precise makeup of the new bodies and governance model is also unknown. The Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities has been tasked to work with stakeholders to consider the recommendations and look at ways to best implement the report.

Queens: Food Bank Dealing With Spike In Usage

As the holiday season approaches  Queens County food bank is feeling the pressure. The organization has helped over four thousand people this year, which represents an increase in usage of about 150 families. Craig Condon, treasurer for the food bank says they're reaching out to area schools for help.



Condon says, they are still looking for donations heading into the Christmas season. Donations can be dropped off at local grocery stores in Queens. 

Irving Secures New Work At Shelburne Shipyard

Irving Shipbuilding has secured two new work contracts for its repair yard in Shelburne. The company says it will rehire many of the workers who were temporarily laid-off in November. A National Defence firefighting tug and a Canadian Coast Guard vessel will arrive in the ship yard for repairs next week.  The two projects will provide enough work for roughly 15 weeks. Irving says 16 employees have already been recalled while dozens more will return to work in the coming weeks. The company was forced to temporarily lay off 48 workers last month due to a lack of work.

BES Crosswalk Guard Voted Canada's Favourite

A local crosswalk guard is being recognized as one of the best in the country. Arnold Knickle from Bridgewater Elementary has been chosen as Canada's favourite crossing guard. He is one of only three crossing guards across Canada to win the award. Students across the nation wrote essays to explain who their favourite crosswalk guard is and why. Knickle says the award means a lot to him.


Knickle and BES both receive $500 awards. A trophy presentation will also be held for Knickle during a December 20 assembly at Bridgewater Elementary School.

Maritime Bus Approved For Bridgewater-Halifax Route

The owner of Maritime Bus says his company will offer a new route between Bridgewater and Halifax on a trial basis. Mike Cassidy says the bus will make the trip into the city four times a week for the month of December and then he'll seek feedback from customers to see how its working. The bus will pick up riders at the Wileville Irving and make trips on Sunday's, Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's. Cassidy is hopeful the service will be popular to offer year-round.The company is offering more convenient arrival and departure times - leaving Bridgewater in the morning at 6:30AM and leaving Halifax in the evening at 5:30PM. The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board gave Maritime Bus temporary approval to operate the run late last week.

South Shore Health Welcomes New Board Chair

South Shore Health is bidding farewell to their long time board chair. Roxie Smith retired after spending the last 12 years in the position. The health athority welcomed Wayne Foster into the new role late last month. The Bridgewater resident has served on four South Shore health boards and will hold the title for the next three years.

Curling Club Requests Support For Major Repairs

Two pressing issues have forced the Bridgewater Curling Club to scramble for funds. The club's sprinkler system is nearing its 50-year inspection and must be replaced before next May. The system was installed in 1962 and has to be changed or the club will no longer be certified to operate. President Lloyd Tancock says its a major facility problem.



The compressor, used to make and maintain the ice, has also malfunctioned and a new one is needed. Officials estimate it will cost around $225,000 to fix the problems. The club has requested support from the town, Municipality of Lunenburg and applied for provincial funding.

Windsor RCMP Find Grow Op In Apartment Complex

RCMP are investigating a marihuana grow operation at an apartment building in Windsor. Police and fire crews were responding to a fire alarm yesterday morning, when they made the find. A search warrant has been conducted, and Mounties seized a kilogram of pot and some growing equipment. The matter is still under investigation.

Group Calls For Support Amid $3 Lobster Prices

A fishermen's advocacy group will hold meetings this week to discuss the low price of lobster. The 1688 Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association is calling on licence holders, crew members and the business community to show support for the industry by attending meetings on Wednesday in Yarmouth and Barrington. Fishermen have been hauling in a record harvest since the winter season began last Tuesday. However, the large catches are flooding the market and driving down prices at the wharf. obster has been selling in most areas of south western Nova Scotia for three dollars per pound. The organization is calling on fishermen to either stay home or hold back their catch until the prices go up. The organization formed last year in an effort to boost lobster prices. The PLFA claim fishermen need at least five dollar per pound in order to make a profit.           

Hockey: Wildcats Edge Stangs & 'Jacks In Action

In Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League action last night in Bridgewater the Valley Wildcats edged the South Shore Mustangs 4-3 in a shootout. In MHL action today the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks travel to Woodstock to face the Slammers. Gametime is 3:30.  

Lobster Group Looks For Better Prices

Lobster fishermen are hauling in a record catch after the first week of the fall fishing season. However, the big harvest is flooding the market and driving down prices. Lobster has been selling for roughly $3.00 per pound at wharfs from Shelburne to Digby. The Professional Lobster Fishermen's Association is calling on licence holders to either tie up their boats or hold onto their catch until prices increase. The group was established last year in an effort to drive up prices. The PLFA claims they need at least $5.00 to make a profit.

Man Arrested After Robberies On King Street

Bridgewater police have laid nine charges following an alleged robbery on King Street. Twenty-five year old Matthew Manuel Faustino was arrested over the weekend in relation to separate incidents where a man and woman were roughed up and had their money stolen. Faustino is charged with two counts of robbery with violence and breaching court orders. Police say the alleged victims were not badly hurt and did not require medical attention. He's due in court in Bridgewater on Monday.

Councillor Concerned After Near Misses In Crosswalks

A councillor in Lunenburg says he's had too many close calls in crosswalks around the town. Peter Zwicker says council will look at ways to improve pedestrian safety in the new year. He says several times over the past few weeks, cars have zoomed through crosswalks while he was out walking.



Zwicker says better signage or traffic lights on crosswalks might be the answer. He adds council and staff are weighing their options.

South Shore: Teacher Wins Court Battle With School Board

The Nova Scotia Supreme Court has ruled in favour of an elementary school teacher who argued he was unreasonably fired more than three years ago. Peter Speight was let go by the South Shore Regional School Board after he plead guilty to committing an indecent act. The Bridgewater native was given a conditional discharge and later fired by the board. It marked the beginning of a three year legal battle which concluded with a decision on Thursday. Speight was teaching Grade 3 at New Germany Elementary School when the charge was laid in connection with incidents that occurred in 2008 in the Halifax area. Police said Speight would call women over to his car and pretend to ask for directors while he masturbated in his vehicle. In a 45 page decision, Justice Gerald Moir determined Speight is apologetic, a low risk to re-offend and has completed rehabilitation. The decision means Speight could get his job back if his teaching certificate is reinstated. He would also need to participate in a restorative justice program. An official with the school board told CKBW News late this afternoon the Department of Education has stepped in to try and block Speight from returning to the classroom. If the process moves forward in his favour, Speight would be awarded $150,000 in back pay for the work he has missed or in lost wages while fighting the matter in court.

Lower Gasoline Prices

There has been another drop in gasoline prices. Regular self serve is selling at South Shore pumps today for $1.25 per litre. Thats 2.5 cents less than yesterday. Diesel is also down in price. Its selling for $1.34.2 per litre, 1.5 cents less than yesterday.

Food Bank Challenge Close To Competition Day

It's the last day to drop off donations to three groups vying to raise more food than the other. The fourth annual Paramedic versus Police versus RCMP Food Bank Challenge will be held Saturday. Proceeds are going to the Bridgewater Interchurch Food Bank. People can still donate food or give money at the RCMP station on Cooks Lane, EHS Base on North Street or police service detachment on Exhibition Drive. The winner is decided by who fills up their vehicle with the most non-perishable food items. The event will be held at the Bridgewater Superstore from 1-5pm on Saturday.

Dominion Street Project Hundreds Of Thousands Over-Budget

The town of Bridgewater's engineer has revealed the water and sewer project on Dominion Street is $298,600 in the red. The figure was released during a meeting Monday night. Low cost estimates, additional paving and a mix-up accessing federal money are among several factors contributing to the project being over-budget. Mayor David Walker says they are tasking senior management to find money in their capital budget to cover the costs.



Staff will notify council if it can be done, at a later date.

Liverpool: Author's Fourth Crow Series Book Launch

A well-known Queens County author will unveil his latest book this evening during an official launch. Vernon Oickle to set to release the fourth installment of the popular crow series called "Four Crows A Boy". The fictional book features a few strange twists and tells a wild story based around life in Liverpool. The series has been a tremendous success so far and the book's publisher has deemed it a best seller. The launch kicks off at 7 o'clock tonight at Lanes Privateers Inn in Liverpool.

Shelburne Ship Repair: 48 Layoffs Since Nov 2nd

Shelburne Ship Repair has laid off more than half of its workforce due to a lack of work orders. A spokesperson for Irving Shipbuilding confirmed the layoffs in an email, indicating that the company has laid off 48 workers since November 2nd. Deborah Page says a series of layoffs began after repair projects wrapped up on HMCS Shawinigan and the DND Water Barge. Page says the company needs to secure new work orders before they can begin to re-hire the workers. The Shelburne Shipyard now has 15 full-time workers down from a peak of 75 employees earlier this year.

Board Members Learn More About Impact Reports

It was a chance for the newly elected local school board members to ask questions and learn more information about the school impact assessment reports. A pair of consultants for Deloitte met with the board Wednesday night to present an overview of the work they've been doing since April. The two men focused on key issues like education program delivery, operational expenditures and capital expenditures for the six schools in the review process. One of the consultants, Dr. Jim Gunn, says members provided good feedback.



No decision was made during the meeting. The six schools up for review include Mill Village Consolidated, Hebbville Academy, Pentz Elementary, Gold River-Western Shore Elementary, Petite Riviere Elementary and New Ross Consolidated. Study committees for each of the schools will write a response on the impact assessment reports to the board by February 1. More information can be found here : http://ssrsb.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=770&Itemid=371