Bowater Deal Could Cost Much More Than Thought

The former Bowater mill's power deal could end up costing the Nova Scotia group that now owns the closed paper mill more than three million dollars this year. The province inherited the arrangement when it acquired the mill's assets and liabilities last month from Resolute Forest Products. ReNova, the renamed Bowater Mersey Paper Company, has estimated net debits of 200-thousand to 300-thousand dollars a month. The opposition Liberals and PC's are calling on the Dexter government to reveal the costs of the deal, saying they're concerned about the liabilities the province has taken on.

Gasoline Prices Rise Again

It will cost you more to fill up the car or truck with regular or high test gas and diesel. Prices at South Shore pumps have increased today, as predicted. For the first time in a few weeks, the price of regular self serve has cracked the one dollar and 30 cent mark per litre. Its selling now for $1.30.1 per litre. Diesel is also up today, priced at $1.37 a litre. Thats about two cents more.

Annual New Year's Classic Basketball Tourney Underway

The 39th annual Bridgewater High School New Year’s Classic Basketball Tournament opens up play today. Teams participating will include Park View, Liverpool, Middleton, Hants North, Hants East, Millwood, North Kings Education Centre, and, of course, the host Bridgewater High School Vikings. Games started at 10am this morning and continue throughout the day with two evening games being held at Park View at 6pm and 8pm. There will be an Alumni game played at 10:00 pm featuring only alumni players. Games continue on Saturday at BHS, starting at 9:00 am. The championship game is scheduled for 3pm.

Bridgewater: Stomach Virus Still Going Around

A section of the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater will remain closed to visitors over the weekend. The health authority issued the restriction earlier this week because of a severe stomach virus circulating among patients. Hospital spokesperson Theresa Hawkesworth says another new case has been confirmed bringing the total number of patients dealing with the illness to ten. She says 48 hours need to pass without a confirmed new case before the restriction can be lifted. The gastrointestinal illness is primarily affecting patients on the third floor in the medical and surgical unit. All other outpatient hospital services at the hospital are available.

Busy Times At LCLC

Crews continue to chip away on construction at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. General Manager Kevin Benjamin says a small group of workers were on-site over the holidays. He says there is lots happening including concrete being poured, roofing on the pool area, along with some plumbing and electrical work.



Benjamin says they're on par to meet a summer deadline. Bird Construction started working on the $33.5-million facility last spring. Plans for the facility include an NHL-size ice surface, a six lane 25 metre pool and library. You can watch construction as it happens from the comfort of your own home by clicking here .

Premier Out Of Touch On Ferry Issue Says Yarmouth MLA

Premier Darrell Dexter's recent comments about the state of the economy in western Nova Scotia since the Yarmouth ferry ceased operating are being taken to task by the area's Liberal MLA. Zach Churchill of Yarmouth says if the premier believes all is well, tourism is booming and no jobs have been lost since the ferry service was cut 3 years ago, then he's living in a world of his own.



The premier made his comments during an interview this week. He said the decision to cut the subsidy on the service has "had little impact on Southwestern Nova Scotia" and he said its a myth that the economy in the area was linked to the ferry. Yet, a few months ago, the premier committed 21 million provincial dollars toward a new Yarmouth to Maine ferry service and he's asked Ottawa to provide an additional 15 to 30 million. Zach Churchill says: "we've lost 3,700 full time jobs and 2,800 people have left Southern Nova Scotia since the Dexter government cut the ferry." Churchill says people in the area are fed up with the delays. He says the Yarmouth ferry will be a key issue when the next provincial election is called.

Tancook Island Ferry Back In Operation

People living on Big and Little Tancook Islands or those on the mainland wanting to go there will be glad to know the ferry is up and running again. Service was suspended yesterday by gale force winds and resulting rough seas. The "William G. Ernst" transports passengers back and forth from the mainland to the islands every day. It departs from Chester and services both Tancook Islands.

Gasoline Prices May Rise Again Overnight Tonight

Don't be surprised if gasoline and heating oil prices increase overnight on the South Shore. Prices are up again in New Brunswick today for the third week in a row. The new maximum price there for regular self-serve is $1.27 per litre, an increase of 2.1 cents over last week's setting. Diesel is up nearly two cents a litre this week. Furnace oil has also climbed just over a penny a litre.

Carver Recovering Well After Surgery In Toronto

A New Germany native says she has a new lease on life following double-lung transplant surgery. Thirty-three year old Jessica Carver has Cystic Fibrosis; a genetic disorder which critically affects the lungs, and also the pancreas and liver. She remains on the road to recovery in Toronto General Hospital following the surgery in mid-December. Carver's personal blog reveals she has regained her appetite and enjoyed New Year's Eve at the hospital with friends and family. She says she's grateful for all the support.



Carver hopes to be released from hospital sometime this week. She says the next three months are critical and she will have to take anti-rejection medicine and complete physiotherapy before she can return home. If all goes well, she hopes to return to the South Shore in March. You can read Carver's blog here .

Nearly 45 Aquaculture Jobs Headed To Shelburne

Two new aquaculture sites in Shelburne county will create 27 new jobs. Kelly Cove Salmon Limited, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture, will operate the new pens in Jordan Bay. Spokeswoman Nell Halse says the new sites will be installed and stocked later this spring. The Nova Scotia Government issued the approval to operate the sites last month. The approval is contingent on strict agreements to ensure the sites will protect the local fishing industry and coastal environment. Meanwhile, employees within the provincial aquaculture division are set to Shelburne early in the new year. The move will bring another 15 full-time jobs to the area. Cooke is also in the process of designing a new state of the art hatchery for the Digby area and a processing facility in Shelburne.

Hospital Restricts Visitors After Illness Detected

The third floor at South Shore Regional Hospital has been temporarily closed to visitors because of a gastrointestinal illness circulating among patients. The medical and surgical unit will be restricted to visitors until further notice. Infection prevention practitioner, Sheila Lee, says they've seen a spike in illness from two patients to nine over the past 12 hours. She says there's no timeline for the visitor restriction.



Some exceptions to the restriction may apply for immediate family of critically ill patients. All outpatient hospital services are available. The health authority says thorough hand washing can help prevent the spread of this illness.

Bridgewater Couple Welcomes New Year's Baby

A Bridgewater couple have the first new year's baby for South Shore Health. Wesley Organ was born at 10:31AM on January 1st at the regional hospital in Bridgewater, weighing nine pounds and eight ounces. Twenty-five year old Megan Skinner and 29-year-old Jacy Organ are the proud parents. Jacy says they were a little surprised the baby was delivered New Year's Day.



The parents and baby are expected to leave the hospital today with their new bundle of joy.

Chester Has Concerns Over RDA's Dissolution

The Warden in Chester has some concerns over a proposal to dissolve regional development agencies in Nova Scotia. An independent panel has recommended the creation of six Regional Enterprise Network's across the province. Under the proposal for this region, municipal units from Halifax to Shelburne would join to form an REN - designed to better promote economic development. However, Allen Webber feels the new model is too broad.



The need to replace existing RDAs became necessary when the federal government announced last May it was cutting core funding to RDAs in the province. If the proposal moves forward, the REN's would replace Nova Scotia's 12 regional development agency's.

South Shore Taxpayers Paying More In 2013

Be prepared to see more of your income used to pay higher taxes in 2013. Provincially, the government here still refuses to index tax brackets to inflation and that means more taxation. The federal government also has tax increases of its own that took effect January 1st. They include hikes in EI premiums and CPP payroll taxes. Canadian Taxpayers Federation Atlantic director Kevin Lacey says we're paying more in taxes provincial and federally than elsewhere in the country. He says South Shore residents in particular know only too well that 2012 saw no improvement. The provincial government bailed out major employers like Bowater by pumping big bucks into their operations to keep them afloat.



Lacey believes the effects of those bailouts and company collapses will be felt for years.

In Review: MODL Mayor Recaps Challenging Year

The mayor for the Municipality of Lunenburg says 2012 was a trying year for the district, and hopes better times are ahead. Don Downe says community was hit hard with the Oakhill Sawmill closing and layoffs at the Whynotts Settlement Recycling Centre. But, he notes there were bright moments as well, including the beginning of joint services between the municipality and towns of Mahone Bay and Bridgewater. He also points to construction of the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre. Downe says it will be a dynamic addition to the area.




Construction is expected to wrap up before the fall of 2013. Downe expects the opening to be one of the many shining moments of the year.

RCMP: Plan Ahead Before Driving New Year's Eve

The message is simple; if you're drinking, you're not driving. RCMP are planning checkpoints across the province this evening targeting impaired drivers including those who are driving under the influence of drugs. Police say people should make plans to get home safe by finding a designated driver, call a cab, stay at a friend's house or take transit. Cpl. Scott MacRae says people can help them stop impaired driving.



MacRae says people should plan ahead and think before they drink.

Chester: Fay Loses In Semi-Final At Junior Curling Provincials

Chester's Mary Fay fell in a semifinal showdown this morning to end her run at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships. Fay lost 11-4 to Mary Myketyn-Driscoll of Truro. Myketyn-Driscoll will battle Mayflower's Emily Dwyer in the title match at 2 o'clock at the Chester Curling Club.
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On the men's side, Stuart Thompson of Mayflower has successfully defended his Provincial crown. The Thompson crew punched their ticket to the Nationals in Fort McMurray, Alberta, by posting a perfect 7-0 record.

Lunenburg: ER Closing At Fishermen's Memorial

The Emergency Department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg is once again short on staff. The ER is closing at 4pm this afternoon and will reopen at 7:30am New Year's Day. Anyone requiring emergency services is advised to call 911 or visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811 for medical advice.

In Review: Bluenose II Relaunch Big Crowd Pleaser

In looking back at 2012, there were no events on the South Shore that drew the attention of so many people like the re-launch of the province's famous sailing ambassador. After a $16-million re-build lasting three years on the Lunenburg waterfront, Bluenose II was refloated in Lunenburg Harbour early on a dark, threatening morning in late September. If people couldn't be there in person, they watched on the internet just as they had been following the rebuild, day after day. According to the just-retired 33 year veteran of the mayor's office in Lunenburg, Laurence Mawhinney, the re-launch was a crowning moment in his long career.



This winter, Bluenose II is being re-outfitted with masts, sails and other fittings and being made ready to sail again in the spring of 2013. A date for that is yet to be announced.

In Review: Mawhinney Retires After 33 Years As Mayor

In looking back at 2012, the retirement of the venerable Laurence Mawhinney from the office of mayor in Lunenburg was one of the biggest local political changes of the year. The mayor had been in office in one of the province's most-historic towns for 33 years and he decided it was time to go. However, the lure of the old office can be hard to break.



Among his accomplishments, the former mayor says he takes pleasure in being part of the effort to have Lunenburg declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. He's also happy with the apparent political stability he was able to foster in the town over all the years. However, Mawhinney says with his retirement and the retirements of at least two other mayors locally, it became obvious the electorate in last fall's municipal elections wanted change.



These days, former mayor Mawhinney and his wife Marion are continuing their team ministry at several Lunenburg and area Presbyterian churches with the past life at the mayor's office always not far away.

Two Men Charged In Chester Break & Enter

Two men have been charged in connection with a break, enter and theft from a home in the Chester area. It happened on Friday and RCMP investigators say various items were taken. The accused face several charges including break and enter, theft over $5,000., possession of property obtained by crime and numerous firearms offenses. The suspects are in custody and appear in court at a later date.

Storm Centre: Flights Delayed & Power Outages

A winter storm has knocked out power and is forcing airlines to adjust their flight schedule. The system - bringing snow, ice pellets and high wind - moved into the Yarmouth area just before midnight and worked its way up the coastline overnight. Environment Canada is predicting 20-30 centimetres of snow for the South Shore. Nova Scotia Power is working on an outage affecting 500 residents of the Argyle area. Crews have already restored a power outage in Shelburne, roughly 100 to 150 residents were without electricity for a four hours. Also, it looks like flights schedule will be a mess at the Halifax airport. A tweet from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport: Ice pellets, high winds and snow causing airlines to adjust flights schedules. Disruptions expected to continue through morning/early afternoon. Passengers should check their airlines web site or call ahead to find out the status of their flight. The bad weather is expected to continue through until Sunday night.

Latest forecast: 

Winter storm warning in effect. Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne Counties

Today

Snow. Snow mixed with ice pellets this morning. Rain along the coast this morning. Snow and ice pellet amount 15 cm. Blowing snow. Winds gusting to 80 early this afternoon. High plus 1.

Tonight

Flurries ending after midnight then cloudy. Amount 2 cm. Blowing snow this evening and after midnight. Windy. Low minus 5.

Monday

Mainly cloudy. Clearing in the afternoon. Winds gusting to 80. High minus 4.

In Review: Big Decisions Ahead For Chester Council

The Warden in Chester says it was a solid year on numerous fronts for municipal council and staff. Allen Webber says council was able to push forward with it's large wind project in Kaizer Meadow, expected to be operational in 2013. The 2.3 megawatt wind project is expected to generate annual revenue exceeding 270-thousand dollars over the 20 year-life of the turbine. Webber says the municipality remains in good financial health with significant reserve funding as they head into the new year.



Chester council has a busy year ahead with public hearings and a decision expected on Minas Basin's South Canoe Wind Project. Webber says they will also have to decided whether to invest into the Chester-based collaborative health centre - called Our Health Centre.

Update: South Shore Curling Teams Cling To Life

Two South Shore teams remain alive, but both are down to their last life, at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling championships in Chester. Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater and Mary Fay of the host club must win both of their games on Sunday to clinch a playoff spot. Defending champ Emily Dwyer of Mayflower and Truro's Mary Myketyn-Driscoll have already qualified for the playoffs. In the boys division defending champ Stuart Thompson of Mayflower leads the way with a perfect 4-0 record. Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater was eliminated yesterday. Draws are slated for 11, 4, & 9 today at the Chester Club. The winners will be crowned on Monday.  

Storm Centre: Heavy Snow, Ice Pellets & High Wind

Residents of the South Shore should gas up their snow blowers and get their shovels ready. Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning for the region and most of mainland Nova Scotia. The latest forecast is predicting snowfall amounts totaling 30 centimetres over the weekend. The snow is expected to begin this evening and become more intense overnight. The weather agency is also calling for high winds, blowing snow and ice pellets along the coast. The bad weather will continue into tomorrow with snow, ice pellets and blizzard conditions anticipated. Conditions should begin to improve by Sunday night.

Chester: Mayflower Rink Leads Curling Championship

Mayflower's Emily Dwyer leads the way at the AMJ Campbell Provincial Junior Curling Championships at the Chester Club. Dwyer improved to 3-0 and grabbed the first playoff spot with a 9-6 win over Racquel Bachman of Bridgewater in last night's late draw. Bachman, at 2-1, is tied with Mary Fay of the host club. Those rinks go head to head this afternoon.  On the guys' side, Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse lost twice yesterday and will now have to win four in a row in order to make the playoff round. Mayflower's Stuart Thompson and Robert Mayhew of Wolfville share the lead with 2-0 records. Draws are set for today at 8am, noon, 4pm, and 8pm in Chester. 

Winners will advance to the Canadian Juniors in Fort McMurray, Alberta in early February.

In Review: Seahawks Football Soars

It was a magical year for local football on the South Shore. The inaugural season for Seahawks Minor Football was an overwhelming success for the players, coaches and parents who supported the team. It took roughly five years of hard work and $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Program co-founder Gary Linthorne says it was a proud moment when  more than 800 fans attended the Seahawks home opener in September. He says their season was filled with highlights.



The program will expand to include a Bantam league in 2013. Linthorne says the organization is also looking to buy a new scoreboard for the upcoming season.

Curling: Bridgewater's Bachman Leads At Junior Provincials

Bridgewater's Trevor Crouse is in search of his first win at the AMJ Campbell Junior curling provincials in Chester. Crouse lost his first match this morning 7-3 to Robert Mayhew. He's on the ice at 4pm against Nicholas Schroeder. Over on the women's side, Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman sits in a tie for first place after winning her second straight game. Bachman defeated Mary Myketyn-Driscoll 6-5 in extra ends today. She also defeated Chester's Mary Fay Thursday night. Fay got her first win today, a 9-4 decision over Hayley McCabe. She sits at 1-1. Tournament winners will represent the province at the "M & M Canadian Juniors" in Fort McMurray, Alberta in February. For all tournament information, click here .

In Review: Mayor: Positive Year For Bridgewater

The mayor of Bridgewater says 2012 was a positive year for the town. David Walker says an increase in population growth, a reduced commercial and residential tax rate, and more building construction adds up to a good year. Construction also began on the LCLC and the town started working with Mahone Bay and Municipality of Lunenburg on joint services. However, Walker considers the municipal election to be a significant moment for the town.



Walker says he's excited to work with council on concerning issues over the next four years.

In Review: Remembering Bowater

Looking back at 2012, we remember the Bowater Mersey paper mill in Brooklyn. After weathering slumping paper markets worldwide and the general economic downturn, the mill closed in June and hundreds of people suddenly found themselves without jobs. The closure stunned the region and the mayor of the District of Queens at the time, John Leefe, says the loss of Bowater was a dark time in all his 12 years in office.



A transition team was established to help people in Queens and Lunenburg counties cope with the loss of Bowater and recommend how to move forward.  Ron Smith headed the team.



The province has lately inked a deal with Bowater-owners Resolute Forest Products to take over the company's woodlands and the Brooklyn mill site. Nova Scotia Power purchased the power generating facility.  The Oakhill sawmill which provided wood chips and sawdust to Bowater was not part of the arrangement. Its now closed and the equipment is being dispersed to other Resolute operations in North America.

In Review: New School Board Elected

It was a fresh start for the local school board as seven new faces and one long-time member were elected in October. The new members took over the reins from Judith Sullivan-Corney, who was brought in by the education minister after the previous board was fired late in 2011. The local board endured a busy first eight weeks with some hot-button issues including financially settling with a former teacher and adjusting to their new roles. Chair Jennifer Naugler says she's pleased with how the board has reacted.



She says every day is a new challenge and expects 2013 to be busy with school review and budget time approaching quickly in the new year.

In Review: Fresh Start For White Point

From ashes to opening; it's been an emotional year for officials at White Point. The new main lodge reopened last month, just under a year after fire destroyed the historic building. The lodge features more windows for better views of the ocean, more open spaces, higher ceilings and a beachstone fireplace. General Manager Danny Morton says he's still getting used to the new property.



Morton says roughly 125 workers have been hired back since the new lodge opened. The total cost to rebuild is believed to be around $7-million.

A Messy, Windy Day Ahead

A storm that caused weather troubles in the US over Christmas is rolling across the Maritimes today. Its bringing heavy snow for New Brunswick and ice pellets, snow, rain and high winds to this province. Here on the South Shore, the wind could top 100 kilometers an hour this evening before it peters out over night. Police forces in the area advise all motorists to slow down on the highways. As the temperature hovers around the freezing point, the snow falling this morning (ahead of rain this afternoon) is making the roads dangerous.

In Review: Teen Confinement Case Rocks South Shore

When you re-examine 2012, the one news story that stands out as representing a dark moment in our history came to light in late September.  That's when a teenage boy suddenly showed up on an elderly woman's doorstep in Upper Chelsea pleading for help. The 16- year-old claimed he'd been held captive in chains for days and sexually assaulted in a neighbouring home. The RCMP issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrests of two suspects. One of them, 31-year-old Wayne Allan Cunningham was found dead a week later, along a woods road in Northern Ontario. The other suspect, 47-year-old David James Leblanc, was apprehended in the same area two days later. The incident raised fears among Lunenburg County residents that "big-city" type incidents had finally found their way to the area. District of Lunenburg Mayor Don Downe tried to ease everyone's concerns.



Since early October, Leblanc has been in and out of court in Bridgewater. He's facing seven charges, including sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement and kidnapping. Leblanc is back in court January 16th when dates will be set for a preliminary hearing. Another man, 63-year-old Leonard McKean of Lower Sackville, has also been charged in the case. He's out on bail and is back in Bridgewater court January 23rd.

Junior Curling Championship Kicks Off

The road to the "Canadian Junior Curling Championship" goes through the South Shore starting today. The Chester Curling club will be hosting the "AMJ-Campbell Junior Provincials".
Eight girls' teams will battle for the title including Mary Fay of the host club and Bridgewater's Raquel Bachman.  The one local boys crew is Trevor Crouse of Bridgewater.  The event gets rolling at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Four more draws hit the ice tomorrow morning starting at 8 o'clock. The championship trophies will be handed out on New Year's Eve. Winners will represent the province at the "M & M Canadian Juniors" in Fort McMurray, Alberta in February.  

More ER Closures Planned At Fishermen's Memorial

There are more closures planned for the emergency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. The ER will be closed Friday December 28 at 2:30pm and will reopen on Saturday December 29 at 7:30am. The emergency department will also close at 2:30 this afternoon and open back up at 7:30 Tuesday morning. The closure is being blamed on a shortage of available doctors. Anyone needing emergency services are being asked to head to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811.

Lunenburg: ER Closure At Fishermen's Memorial

The emegency department at Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg will be temporarily closed over Christmas. A lack of physician coverage is to blame for the closure which begins on Monday afternoon at 2:30PM. The ER will re-open Christmas Day at 7:30AM. Residents requiring emergency services are being asked to visit the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Patients with non-emergencies should contact their family physician or call Health Link 811.

Gas Prises Rise Ahead of Holiday Rush

If you're hitting the highway heading home for Christmas, you will have to pay more to hit the road. Gasoline prices are "up" at South Shore pumps and elsewhere in the province. The utility and review board set the prices for the next week at midnight last night. A litre of regular self serve is up 3.5 cents this morning to a $1.23.7. Diesel is also up in price this morning by the same amount.
Its selling for a $1-34.8 a litre.

Basketball Jones: Holiday Hoop Fest Tips Off

The Day's Inn Holiday Hopp Fest boys basketball tournament begins this morning at Park View with the host Panthers tiping off agaisnt the Memorial Marauders from Sydney Mines. Games continue all day including the Bridgewater Vikings playing at 2:00pm against the Dartmouth Spartans.The Panthers will play their second game of the day at 6:00pm an the Vikings wil host their scond game at the BHS gym at 8:00pm.

 

HOOP FEST SCHEDULE

 

Game 1 10:00am  Memorial      VS  Park View

Game 2 12:00pm  Central Kings vs  Halifax West

Game 3  2:00pm  Dartmouth     vs  Bridgewater

Game 4  4:00pm  J.L.Ilsley    vs  Shelburne

Game 5  6:00pm  Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Game 6  6:00pm  Loser  of Game 1 vs Loser  of Game 2  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Game 7  8:00pm  Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4  @ Park View or B.H.S.

Game 8  8:00pm  Loser  of Game 3 vs Loser  of Game 4  @ Park View or B.H.S.

 

Saturday Dec. 22  @ Park View

3:00pm  Championship

Supreme Court: Eisnor Murder Trial Begins In May

Nine days have been set aside for a Barss Corner man charged with first degree murder. Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife, Tina Mae, in a New Germany parking lot in June 2010. He then turned the gun on himself and suffered significant brain damage as a result of the self inflicted gun shot wound. The 48 year was deemed mentally fit to stand trial by a provincial court judge in April. However, Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock says the matter of mental fitness is a live issue. He says Eisnor's mental fitness to stand trial could be put in the hands of a jury before proceed with the remainder of the murder case. The Nova Scotia Supreme Court trial will begin on May 13th. Eisnor will be tried by judge and jury.

Mayor Disappointed Oakhill Sawmill Will Not Reopen

A Lunenburg County mayor says a decision by Resolute Forest Products to keep the Oakhill sawmill closed doesn't make sense. The company revealed its intent to dismantle the mill in a letter that came across the desk of Don Downe on Tuesday. He says it's disappointing news.



Downe was hopeful the company could find a local suitor to take over operations and keep the sawmill afloat. At least 125 people lost their jobs when the mill was idled shortly after the Bowater Mersey Paper mill was closed in June. A call to Resolute Forest Products has not been returned.

Residents Plead To MODL To Save Rose Bay Wharf

Proponents of a public wharf in Rose Bay are reaching out to the Municipality of Lunenburg to help them keep the property in the community. Residents are concerned because a divestiture from the Federal government needs to be accepted or the wharf will be demolished. It's the only wharf in the community and local fisherman would need to move to another area if something isn't done. Committee Chair David Adler says the wharf is a necessity.



The municipality has referred information to a committee to further discuss the wharf's future. It has until the end of March to reach a decision on whether it will accept or decline the divestiture.

Dates For Eisnor Trial Will Be Set On Thursday

Trial dates for a Barss Corner man charged with first degree murder in the death of his estranged wife will be set on Thursday. Wayne Paul Eisnor is accused of shooting his wife, Tine Mae, in a New Germany parking lot in June of 2010 before turning the gun on himself. Eisnor suffered significant brain damage as a result of the self inflicted gun shot wound but a provincial court judge ruled in April his condition had improved and he was mentally fit to stand trial. The 48 year-old's fate will be determined by judge and jury in Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

SSRSB: Some Schools Being Dismissed Early

A number of schools on the South Shore will dismiss their students early today due to tricky road conditions. Students at New Germany Elementary and High School, North Queens, Greenfield and New Ross Consolidated will be sent home at 11:30AM. That also includes New Ross area students attending Forest Heights.

Another Delay In Teen Confinement Case

Inclement weather has delayed the teen confinement case until the new year. Dates for a preliminary hearing involving David Leblanc were expected to be set during today's court appearance in Bridgewater. However, the 47 year year-old's lawyer Mike Taylor, was unable to attend this morning court's appearance in Bridgewater due to tricky road conditions. Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to the sexual assault and confinement of a 16 year-old boy in Upper Chelsea. The matter has been adjourned until January 16th.

UPDATED: Resolute Won't Re-Open Oakhill Sawmill

Resolute Forest Products will not re-open a Lunenburg County sawmill.The Montreal-based company is preparing to dismantle the Oakhill Sawmill and move its equipment out of province to service other operations within the company. Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Jacques Vachon revealed the company's plans in a letter to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. The Oakhill sawmill was idled shortly after the Bowater Mersey Paper mill was closed in June. The sawmill used to employ roughly 100 employees.  The operation was not purchased by the Nova Scotia government in a massive land and assets deal announced last week.

Province, School Board Split Costs For Judicial Review

It's being pegged as a miscommunication between the South Shore Regional School Board and Department of Education. An official with the education department says the two sides will now split the cost of legal and arbitration fees for the judicial review involving Peter Speight. The school board said earlier this week they would incur $47,000 while the Department of Education would cover $116,000. Department spokesperson, Dan Harrison, says the two parties had a misunderstanding over the costs.



Each side will now pay $81,500. However, the school board remains committed to its earlier stance, saying no teaching positions will be affected by the unbudgeted expense.

Energy Audit Planned For Four Bridgewater Facilities

Four facilities in Bridgewater are going under the microscope to have their energy consumption reviewed. The Memorial Arena's seniors complex and shed along with Brookside Cemetery's office and garage will be audited to see if they can reduce their carbon footprint. The four buildings have never been audited and staff believe their could be significant energy-saving opportunities. The audits are part of the town's initiative to lower energy consumption in facilities by 15% compared to 2007-08 levels. Council has approved an unbudgeted expenditure of $4,800 for the audits. Efficiency Nova Scotia has agreed to cover half the costs of the project, and could pay for all of it if the audit recommendations are fully implemented.

BREAKING: Charges Dropped In Chester Basin Murder Investigation

A second degree murder charge has been dropped in the case of an 18 year-old accused of killing his mother in Chester Basin. Jack Buckley was released from custody this afternoon after spending the past nine months behind bars. The body of 57 year-old Victoria Brauns-Buckley was found inside her home on the Borgels Point Road on March 2nd.  Her teenage son was arrested a week later and charged in relation to her death. The cause of her death has never been released. Crown lawyer Lloyd Tancock told reporters their case lacked sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction in the case.



Meanwhile, defence lawyer Patrick MacEwan says his client is relieved and was told he would be released on Saturday. The investigation into the death of Brauns-Buckley remains active.

Shelburne: Green Light For Aquaculture Projects

The province has approved two new aquaculture sites in Shelburne County. Fisheries Minister Sterling Beliveau says the approvals come with strict agreements to ensure the sites will protect the local fishing industries and coastal environment. Kelly Cove Salmon Limited, a subsidiary of Cooke Aquaculture will operate the new sites in Jordan Bay. The Nova Scotia government says the company went through a rigorous application process that took 26 months. Belliveau says these new sites will help to further grow the industry and the economy. An extensive review concluded these sites would pose minimal risk or adverse effects to fish, fish habitat, and fisheries resources.

Some conditions attached to the licences and leases include:

-- following a code of containment for Atlantic salmon in marine net pens

-- enhanced environmental monitoring by a third-party consultant, including more site visits and additional sampling locations

-- reduced stocking densities.