Adult Residential Centre Services Threatened?: Baillie

The newly unionized staff at a South Shore adult residential centre is the first group of workers in the province to get their initial contract under the First Contract Arbitration law. The law was passed by the legislature last year despite stiff opposition from the Liberals and PC's. The 50 or more workers at LaHave Manor in Bridgewater are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers Union. PC Leader Jamie Baillie fears First Contract Arbitration at the Manor will lead to cutbacks in service to clients.

There will be a public open house this afternoon (Friday) at LaHave Manor and Jamie Baillie says he will be there to show support for the staff and their families.

Stomach Virus Clearing, Restrictions Remain

A nursing home in Bridgewater has re-opened to visitors after a stomach virus broke loose earlier this week. Shannex-Ryan Hall is allowing limited visits after a restriction was imposed on Wednesday. Infection control nurse Pasty Rodding says the home is open to immediate family members.



Meanwhile, Hillside Pines will keep their visitor restriction imposed over the weekend. Residents at the group home are dealing with a similar illness. Officials say they will reevaluate the situation on Monday.

Nova Scotia: Gasoline Prices Drop

Gasoline prices are down today at South Shore pumps. The utility and review board set the coming week's prices at midnight. Regular self serve is now selling for $1.25.7 a litre, that's a drop of just over 3 cents. Diesel is unchanged though at $1.35.4 per litre.

Clippers Stave Off Huskies In Overtime

It was a sea saw battle last night as the Chester Clippers managed to get by the Shannon Huskies in overtime. The Clippers were down 2-0 early but stormed back to take a 5-3 lead in the second period. The Huskies didn't quit though, tying the game late in the third. Kyle Dilosa was the overtime hero, giving the Clippers a 7-6 win, the team's league-leading 20th victory of the season. The Clippers next game will be at home Saturday night at 7:30 against the Clare Lions.

Park View "Fever Weekend" Begins

Panther Fever Weekend begins tonight with both Park View J.V. and Division one teams in action.  J.V. boys will play Lockeport and the division one boys will look to continue this years dominance of the crosstown rival Vikings. Any elementary or Junior players that attend wearing there team jerseys will receive free admission.  All students that come to the game will receive a ballet for a chance to take the $200.00 half court shot at half time of the division one games. The Panther Booster club lounge will be open for those adults looking for a snack and some conversation. "Catch the Fever" this weekend.


THURSDAY  JANUARY   17th
5:30pm    Park View J.V.    vs      Lockeport
7:30pm    Park View Senior Night Presentation
7:35pm    Park View  D1    vs    Bridgewater

FRIDAY  JANUARY   18th
4:00pm Bridgewater        vs   Park View J.V.
6:00pm    H o r t o n    vs     Cobequid  Ed. Centre
7:40pm    Printers Corner 3 Point contest
8:15pm    North Nova        vs     Park View D1

SATURDAY JANUARY   19th
10:00am North  Nova  vs Bridgewater @ Centre Scolaire de la
Rive-Sud
10:00am  Charles P. Allen   vs     Horton
12:00pm  Park View D1   vs     Cobequid  Ed. Centre
1:40pm Printers Corner  2 Ball  Contest
 2:15pm Horton    vs     North  Nova
 4:15pm Cob. Ed. Centre    vs  Charles  P.  Allen

Bridgewater Offers Residents Budget Survey

The town of Bridgewater wants to hear from you. The town is collecting public feedback on this year's budget through an online survey. The questionnaire asks residents to provide a 'yes' or 'no' answer that would indicate a possible raise in taxes. Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Amy Wamboldt, says they welcome public input.



Residents have until February 15 to fill out the survey but are also encouraged to show up to public sessions.
The first one will be Monday night at town hall. You can find out more details on the survey by clicking here .

50 New Jobs Coming To Michelin In Waterville

Michelin has made a huge commitment at its operation in the Annapolis Valley. The tire manufacturer and the Nova Scotia government announced a $73 million dollar investment at the plant in Waterville. Michelin will invest $64.1 million at the facility in the Valley. The province will invest up to $8.9 million. The money will be used to improve its technology and business processes, and create 50 new jobs. The project will also include a 3,000 square-metre building expansion at the Waterville plant. The company employs about 3,500 in Bidgewater, New Glasgow and Waterville.

Junior 'C': Clippers Host Huskies In Chester

The Chester Clippers look to exact some revenge on the Shannon Huskies when the two teams square off tonight at the Eleanor Pew-Morris Arena. The Clippers were handed just their second loss of the season last Sunday when the Huskies beat them 3-2. Chester sits in first place in the Nova Scotia Junior 'C' League with a 19-2 record. They will go for their 20th win of the season against Shannon tonight at 7:45 in Chester.

Lockeport: Seven Town-Owned Facilities Get Funds

It's a big boost for seven town-owned facilities in Lockeport. South Shore-St. Margaret s MP Gerald Keddy has announced just over 55-thousand dollars in federal funding for renovations and upgrades under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund. The Town Hall and Recreation Centre, the Lockeport Fire Station and the Lillian Benham Library will each undergo upgrades on their roofs. Meanwhile, new windows and doors will be installed at the recreation centre and the Crescent Beach Centre and Visitor Information Centre. The Community Health Centre and the Seacaps Lighthouse Outdoor Stage also received funding for upgrades. The federal fund supports, on a cost-shared basis, repairs and improvements to existing community infrastructure.

Ramey: Bill Restricting Land Owners Rights Won't Move Forward

The MLA for Lunenburg West says his government has no plans to proceed with a private members bill that would limit the rights of private woodlot owners. The Natural Resources Accountability Act was introduced by New Democrat Michele Raymond toward the tail end of the fall session of the legislature. The bill, if passed, would require a permit in order to make alterations such as cutting trees on private land with penalties reaching $1,000 if caught without permission from the province. Gary Ramey quashed the notion during an interview with CKBW/HANK FM News this week.



Ramey says he received numerous calls and emails regarding the bill but assured residents the government has no plans to move it forward.

South Shore: Tricky Driving Conditions Reported

Motorists throughout the South Shore are reporting difficult driving conditions. Comments on our Facebook page indicate slushy and slippery conditions are the norm in Chester, Milton, Lockeport and Newburne - among other areas. The forecast calls for up to four centimetres of snow this afternoon with another five to ten centimetres expected tonight. Residents could also see some ice pellets and rain in Shelburne, Queens and Lunenburg counties.

MODL: Resident Decision Needed Before Paving Starts

The Municipality of Lunenburg has agreed to pay 40 per cent of the cost of paving two roads in Pine Grove. Council members agreed to spend an estimated $130,000 to pave Harold Whynot Road and Craig Chandler Drive. However, the onus is squarely on the residents of those streets, who have to agree to cover the rest of the bill. Mayor Don Downe says 75 per cent of residents will have to approve the decision in a petition.



There are 26 properties between the two streets, meaning 20 households would have to agree or paving wouldn't happen. The estimated cost to residents is $8,600. Downe says there are avenues people can choose to pay either by paying up front or financing with the municipality at 10 per cent administration charge.

Bridgewater: Stomach Virus Closes Group Homes

A stomach virus has restricted visitation at two group homes in Bridgewater. Hillside Pines and Shannex-Ryan Hall are temporarily off-limits due to a gastrointestinal flu. Both homes will be off-limits to family and visitors until further notice.  Officials will reevaluate the situation in a few days.

Bridgewater Building Permits On The Rise

Construction activity in the town of Bridgewater has gone up. The town saw an increase in building permits in 2012, from 159 in 2011 to 168 last year. Most of the activity was either residential or commercial. Mayor David Walker says it's nice to see a gain.



The total value of building permits from last year is estimated to be just over $10.8-million. Walker says its a good year but not spectacular.

Valley: Michelin Announcement Set For Thursday

The North American president of Michelin is expected to make an announcement tomorrow regarding the company's tire plant in the Annapolis Valley. Michelin Canada issued a brief statement today saying the announcement relates to an investment at the Waterville plant. Premier Darrell Dexter is expected to be on hand when Dana LeBlanc makes the announcement near the plant. The tire manufacturer has been looking at expanding its operations in the Annapolis Valley community. Last May, Dexter announced funding for a study that would look at relocating the Waterville Municipal Airport to allow for expansion at Michelin.

Preliminary Hearing for Leblanc Set For April 29th

A single day has been set aside for a preliminary inquiry involving a man accused of sexually assaulting and confining a teenage boy. David James Leblanc is facing seven charges in relation to an incident last year in Upper Chelsea where a 16 year-old boy claims he was held captive and sexually abused for about a week. The 47 year-old made a brief court appearance Wednesday in Bridgewater to set a date for the preliminary inquiry. Defence lawyer Mike Taylor told reporters the case could be complicated by the fact former co-accused Wayne Cunningham is dead. However, he says a one-day hearing will be enough to deal with the matter. Taylor has elected his client be tried in Supreme Court. The case will pick back up on April 29th.

Lumberjacks Seek Illusive Win

It was a spirited Maritime Hockey League game last night in Bridgewater as the Pictou County Weeks Crushers edged the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 4-3. The Crushers built a 4-0 lead after the first period and then held on. Jeremy Butterworth, Michael Crawley, and Shawn Boudreau scored for the Jacks. Goalie Jacob Edwards was very solid in his Jacks' debut making 43 saves. Bridgewater's next game is this Friday night when they host Luke Warner and the Summerside Western Capitals.

Watchdog Group Seeks Less Municipal Control of Tax Rates & Property Assessments

If you are a property owner, you will notice your assessment is up again this year! After a 3.5 percent hike last year, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says its little consolation in knowing its almost 2 percentage points lower than the bill in 2012 when you consider all you're paying out. CTF Atlantic director Kevin Lacey tells us, we are being taxed to death and paying more for everything. He says: "Keep in mind we are already paying more in provincial taxes this year and also many user fees. So, we are getting hit on many different sides. We're only 2 weeks into 2013, and we are paying more in property taxes and provincial taxes and other fees." The CTF is calling upon South Shore municipalities and those elsewhere to reduce  tax rates to ease the burden on residential and business taxpayers and also drop their control of both tax rates and assessments.

MODL Mayor: Disappointed With Water Bill Decision

The Municipality of Lunenburg is left to foot the bill for water at Osprey Ridge Golf Course. The town of Bridgewater denied a request Monday night to offer a grant to the municipality that would help them pay roughly $26,000 to the Public Service Commission. Mayor Don Downe says he's disappointed because he was hoping for a little help.




The municipality took control of the golf course from the Bridgewater Golf and Country Club last November after deciding not to renew an operating agreement with the group. Downe says their relationship with the town remains strong despite this decision.

Scotland Leads 2013 Strathcona Cup

Scotland is surging ahead in the 2013 Strathcona Cup but Bridgewater curlers gave them something to think about. The Scots are enjoying a comfortable 684-587 lead across the country as of Tuesday including a 221-151 margin on the east coast. But, Bridgewater remains one of the few locations where Scotland ran into a bit of trouble. The local curling club took three of four games late last week including wins by Bob Barnes, Bob Forbes, and Baxter Noel. Elsewhere, all four rinks in Chester were defeated by Scotland. The competition goes until January 31 when all games wrap up in Burlington, Ontario. You can find all the results by clicking here .

Chester: Funding Supports Trail Systems

The Municipality of Chester will receive a total of $67,000 in federal and provincial money to make improvements to two popular trails in the area. The funding will help with upgrades to the 35 kilometre Chester Connection Trail and the 11 kilometre Aspotogan Trail. South Shore St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy and Community Services Minister Denise Peterson Rafuse made the joint announcement this morning in Chester. The money was announced through ACOA and the Off-Highway Infrastructure Fund.

South Shore: New Heart Monitoring System Arrives

Residents of the South Shore are benefiting from a new piece of heart monitoring equipment acquired solely through community donations. Medical officials and members of the Health Services Foundation unveiled the Echo Ultrasound system on Tuesday at the South Shore Regional Hospital. The $244,000 investment was raised through various fundraising initiatives including $74,000 through CKBW's and HANK FM's annual radiothon. Dr. Ron Hatheway says community support was critical in securing the new equipment.



The new echo system arrived a few weeks ago and assists health care workers diagnose many different heart problems with sharp imaging and 3D technology.  This year's Radiothon will be held on February 14 and will focus on raising money for new ventilators.

Karissa's Memorial Pet Food Drive Enters Final Year

It never gets any easier for the community, but this will be the last time residents are asked to donate money, pet food and supplies to the 5th Annual Karissa Boudreau Memorial Pet Food Drive. This year's recipients will be the Trap Neuter Release program and Shaid Tree Animal Shelter in Bridgewater. One of the organizers, Tracy Daniels, says the two groups are ideal choices.



Daniels says organizers feel five years is long enough and hope people will continue to support local animal shelters once this year's event wraps up. The food drive was created to honour Boudreau, who loved animals and wanted to be a veterinarian. The event will be held Saturday from 10-5pm in centre court at the Bridgewater Mall.

Town Declines MODL Request To Pay Water Bill

The town of Bridgewater has decided against giving money to the Municipality of Lunenburg for unpaid water bills at Osprey Ridge Golf Course. The Municipality was hoping the town would issue a grant for over $25,000 to help offset the funds owed to the Bridgewater Public Service Commission. But, a four member-council just met their quorum last night and chose not to support it. Councillor Wayne Thorburne, Deputy Mayor Bill McInnis and Mayor David Walker all declared conflict of interest because of their involvement at the golf course. Walker wouldn't give comment on his personal opinion.



The Municipality was hoping the town would support them because many of the golf course's members live in Bridgewater.

Chester: Clippers In Need Of Fan Support

The Chester Clippers are enduring one of their best seasons on the ice since they started playing in 2008. The club sits at 19-2 and are in first place in the Nova Scotia Junior 'C' Hockey League. But, all is not well. The president and general manager, Jehad Assaff, says attendance has been weak and they may be forced to re-locate or fold. He says people should check out the team.



Assaff says they have been getting between 80-100 fans for games, and need at least 180 to break even. He hopes people can try and take-in some of their upcoming home games before the start of the playoffs. Chester's next home game will be Thursday night at 7:45 against the Shannon Huskies.

Mustangs Winless At East Coast Ice Jam Tourney

The South Shore Mustangs can't seem to get the bounces. The local major midget hockey club played well over the weekend at the East Coast Ice Jam tournament in Hammonds Plains but weren't rewarded with a win. The Mustangs fell 4-2 to Fredericton and St. John's and tied Miramichi 3-3. The team gets back to regular season play with a game against the top-ranked Valley Wildcats Saturday night in Berwick.

BMO Western Hurricanes Weekend Wins

A couple of wins over the weekend for the BMO Western Hurricanes. On Saturday the major bantam team defeated the Scotsburn Crushers 9-0. Top goal scores for the Hurricanes were Keith Getson with four and Travis Parks with two. Scoring singles were Quinten Johnson, Noah Naugler, and Logan Walters.  Sunday, the Hurricanes continued their winning ways, beating Pro Hockey Life Harbour Storm 6-3 with Keith Getson and Logan Walters leading the way with two goals each.

Shelburne: More Charges In Illegal Smokes Bust

RCMP in Shelburne County have laid additional charges against three men in relation to thousands of contraband cigarettes intercepted near Truro last year. Police seized approximately 140,000 illegal smokes and a 2007 Chevy Impala on October 9th following an extensive investigation. Forty-four year-old Thomas Benjamin Foote and 24 year-old Cody Douglas Garron were arrested at the time and charged with Possession of Unstamped Tobacco. The newest charges are against 25 year-old Logan James Swim. He has been jointly charged with Conspiracy to Commit the Offence of Possession of Unstamped Tobacco. The men also face charges under the Provincial Revenue Act. All three men are Shelburne County residents and are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Chester: Public Hearing Set For "Our Health Centre"

A public hearing will be held next month to discuss a zoning change which would allow for a collaborative health care centre in Chester. The group behind "Our Health Centre" is proposing to build the new centre near Shoreham Village and the current zoning bylaws do not permit such a facility in that area. Organizers are in the midst of a major fundraising drive to raise six millions dollars for the project which would be home to six new doctors offices. The proposed location of the centre needs to be zoned "Institutional" before the project can move forward. The public hearing will be held at the Municipality of the Chester offices on February 6th.

Wedgeport Fisherman Not Wearing Life Jacket

Foul play is not suspected in the death of a 20 year-old lobster fisherman over the weekend near Yarmouth. The vessel was carrying three crew members when Michael Doucette of Wedgeport fell overboard on Saturday evening. A large scale search was organized and included nearly 30 fishermen, two helicopters and a pair of Canadian Coast Guard boats. Sergeant Alain Leblanc called it an unfortunate incident.



The fishing vessel "Row Row" was 33 miles south west of Yarmouth when the incident occurred. The search was scaled back early Sunday morning.

Barrington Bay, Valley Win Lohnes Lumbermen

The Barrington Bay Lightning are the 2013 Lohnes Lumbermen hockey champions. The Lightning defeated the Aucoin Locksmith Blues 6-5 in overtime to win the Labatt's Blue C+ division. Meanwhile in the Buck's Building Centre C division , the local club Eclipse Physio Rusty Blades made it to the semifinals but lost 2-1 to the Valley Bruins. The Bruins then went on to win the final 4-2 over the St. Margaret's Bay Storm. This was the 29th year for the tournament, which held games in Lunenburg and Bridgewater.

Whalen Sets New Provincial Indoor Shotput Record

A Liverpool native has established a new Senior Women's provincial indoor shotput record. Chelsea Whalen erased her own 15.04 metre throw of 2012 with a new personal best of 15.57m. Whalen reached her new PB at the Crimson Tide Indoor Open Track and Field event in Birmingham, Alabama. Whalen, who attends Florida State University finished second at the first indoor meet of the NCAA season.

VIDEO: White Point Quilt Unveiled

Over 500 hands, one stitch at a time. That's what it took to get a quilt created telling the story of White Point's past and present. The quilt is called 'Stitching White Pointers Back Together' and consists of 13 blocks showcasing popular White Point traits like its fireplace, golf course, bonfires and bunnies. Quilter Bev Crouse says she's proud of the work.



Quilters from as far as China, Australia and Sweden made their mark on piece. It will be hung on the wall between the first and second floors of the main lodge. In the video below, Crouse talks about the quilt, each of the 13 blocks and how it was made.

Wedgeport Lobster Fisherman Presumed Drowned

A 20 year old lobster fisherman is missing and presumed drowned after falling overboard in waters near Yarmouth. RCMP say Michael Doucette of Wedgeport went overboard around 5:50PM on Saturday. Nearly 30 fishermen, two helicopters and a pair of Canadian Coast Guard vessels helped searched for Doucette at the height of the rescue efforts. The search was called off at 9AM on Sunday. Mounties are investigating the matter.

Hockey: 'Jacks Lose In Amherst

The Amherst Ramblers exploded for four goals in the final period to down the visiting CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 6-2 last night. The Ramblers were nursing a slim 2-1 entering the final frame. Ex-Jack Jacob Conrad had a goal for his new team while Brandon Gaudet and Connor Hilton replied for Bridgewater. The Jacks now begin a stretch of seven straight home games starting Tuesday when the Weeks Crushers come to town. Meanwhile, in "Q" action at the Metro Centre the Halifax Mooseheads overcame a 2-0 deficit to edge the PEI Rocket 4-3.

Camperdown: Two Charged After Drug Bust

Lunenburg County RCMP have laid charges after a drug bust in Camperdown late last week. Police say seized marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash while carrying out a search warrant at the home on Thursday. A 39 year old man was taken into custody and released. He's facing possession and trafficking related charges. Meanwhile, a 26 year old woman was also arrested and is facing similar charges. They will both appear in court in the spring.

Bridgewater: Two Men Caught With Prescription Drugs

Two men face charges after police in Bridgewater seized prescription drugs during a traffic stop. The men, aged 22 and 53, were arrested following a traffic stop. They are facing a variety of drug related charges including trafficking prescription drugs and possession for the purpose of trafficking. In a release, RCMP Corporal Bill Wilcox says officers are working hard to eliminate drug trafficking from the South Shore, regardless of the commodity. Both of the accused will appear in court on March 27th.

RCMP Investigating Mahone Bay Church Break-In

Lunenburg County RCMP are investigating after a break and enter at the Trinity United Church in Mahone Bay. Mounties say the break-in happened sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning. Thieves stole money and other church items. Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP.

Off-Leash Dog Park Opens At Exhibition Grounds

Dogs can now run free in Bridgewater with the opening of a part-time off-leash park. A group of volunteers is offering a fenced-off space for canines at the South Shore Exhibition grounds in exchange for monetary donations of any amount. The funds will help go towards a number of initiatives including rescuing dogs from the Dominican Republic, helping send kids to school as well as providing them with clothing and supplies. Organizer Colleen Baker says there are rules to follow including male dogs have to be neutered, no toys and owners should watch their pets.



The park is open twice a week, Wednesday and Sunday from 3pm-5pm.

VIDEO: Rally In Support of First Nations/Idle No More

Natives and non-native members joined the South Shore Council of Canadians for a rally at Gerald Keddy's Bridgewater office this afternoon. The council planned the rally to support First Nations in their efforts to have the Federal Government respect their treaty rights. The protest comes on the heals of a planned meeting between the prime minister and First Nations chiefs. Chapter member Linda Loth says we have a long way to go to bridge the gap between natives and non-natives.



Rallies have been planned across the country today. The South Shore rally supported both First Nations and the Idle No More movement. Check out the video of the event below.

Strathcona Cup Hits Chester And Bridgewater

The Strathcona Cup tour begins its South Shore run at the Chester Curling Club this morning. The Chester teams are now set. Coordinator Ron Ternoway says the teams are as follows:

 - Jose Teixeira, Thomas Avery, Nathan Reid, Jim Mason
 - Ian Phinney, Dave Foster, Dave Wall, Doug Ross
 - Rhys Harnish, Paul Green, Paul Avery, Andy Hare
 - Terry Atherton, Ron Ternoway, Bill Hilchey, Dave Jessome

Games start at 10am and will be eight ends each with a break for lunch for the curlers after the fourth end. Spectators are welcome. The winner of the Cup will be the side, Scotland or Canada, scoring the most total points across all the games in the tour, as many as 400 games. The Bridgewater Curling club has announced their teams for the Strathcona Cup. They are as follows:

Rink 1: Brian Carver, John McIntoch. Don Stewart, Bob Forbes (Skip)
Rink 2: David MacAuley, Lloyd Ernst, John MacLean, Keith Warren (Skip)
Rink 3: Ron Hotchin, Sherman Creaser, Al Wilwand, Bob Barnes (Skip)
Rink 4: Dave Rose, Jim Smith (Team Captain), Royce Boss, Baxter Noel (Skip )

Those teams will compete against Scottish curlers at the Bridgewater Curling Club at 3pm.

Lumberjacks Lose Game With Miramichi

In Maritime Hockey League action last night in Liverpool, the Miramichi Timberwolves topped the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks 3-1. Jeremy Butterworth scored Bridgewater's lone goal on the power play late in the second period. The Jacks next game is tomorrow night in Amherst.

Gasoline Prices Down

Gasoline prices on the South Shore are down this morning. The Utility and Review board set the coming week's prices at midnight last night. Regular self serve is down just over a cent to $1.28.9 per litre. Diesel is down as well to $1.35.4 per litre. That's a drop of about 1.5 cents.

MHL: Lumberjacks Send Co-Captain Conrad To Amherst

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have dealt hometown boy Jacob Conrad to the Amherst Ramblers. The 20-year-old was sent to the Jacks' division foe and will get plenty in return including Jesse McInnis, Brandon Forgeron, the rights to Brett Arthur, Brandon Parker, Ryan Penny, Braydon Wood and future considerations. Conrad is enjoying a solid offensive campaign, notching 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 28 games this season. Meanwhile, the Jacks get a few players who can step right into their lineup including McInnis, who has five goals and eight assists in 30 games while Arthur has three goals and six assists in 21 games. 

MHL: Lumberjacks' Warner Traded To Summerside

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks have traded one of their crowd favorites to Summerside. Luke Warner has been dealt to the Western Capitals in exchange for a third-round pick in 2013 and future considerations. The 19-year-old, known for his gritty style of play, scored three goals and 10 assists in 36 games this season for the Jacks. Warner will join a Summerside team that is bolstering its line-up in preparation for hosting the 2013 RBC Cup in May.

Bridgewater Fire Department Fills Outdoor Rinks

A pair of local outdoor skating rinks have been filled with water by the Bridgewater fire department. Members flooded the skating surfaces last night at Kinsmen Field. Now, town councillor Andrew Tanner says they need some cold weather to help them out. Tanner asks people to stay off the rinks until they're ready for use. He hopes enough cold weather will allow the rinks to open early next week.

Queens: Feds Support Three Community Groups

Three organizations in Queens County received a boost today with the announcement of federal dollars for upgrades. South Shore-St. Margaret's MP Gerald Keddy announced just over 30-thousand dollars this morning for the Hank Snow Museum, the local baseball club and Port Joli Community Hall. The museum will see more than 11-thousand dollars to conduct some renovations while the Port Joli Community Association will receive nearly 14-thousand dollars to support upgrades. Meanwhile, the Liverpool Baseball Club will use 8-thousands dollars to upgrade the Murray C. Smith baseball field.

Hoops: Horton Drops Park View

In Division 1 boys basketball action the Horton Griffens defeated the Park View Panthers 102- 69. Jake Langille led the Panthers with 16 points while Bradley Fuller of Horton was outstanding with 37 points. The Panthers will play two games today at the prestigious Irving Classic in Moncton New Brunswick.

MHL: 'Jacks Face Timberwolves in Liverpool

After ending a long drought earlier in the week the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks go for a second straight win tonight when they travel to Liverpool to face the Miramichi Timberwolves. The Jacks are coming off a big win against Metro after coach and GM Terry Rhindress stepped down. Don Dodman and Doug Petrie will be guiding the Junior A club the rest of the way. It's also trade deadline day in the MHL and the Jacks have several players that might be moved before this evening's puck drop. The Lumberjacks and the Timberwolves hook up at 7:30PM at Queens Place Emera Centre.

VIDEO: Residents Concerned About School Review Process

Tears were shed and voices were heard as around 100 community members gathered at the Western Shore Fire Hall for an information session on the school review process. Parents and concerned citizens spoke out on many issues including longer bus times, class sizes and the lack of an after-school program if students from Gold River-Western Shore Elementary were moved to Chester District Elementary. Members from Deloitte along with members of the school's study committee gathered at the head of the room to answer questions and collect information. Anil Chakraborty has one child at the school. He says people are willing to stand up to keep their school alive.



Information gathered by the study committee last night will be put into a report and released in early February. A public hearing which will include members of the South Shore Regional School Board will be held next month. For a full schedule of all the public hearings for each of the schools under review, click here . Meanwhile, in the video below, Municipality of Chester councillor Robert Myra and the former manager of capital construction and energy conservation with the South Shore Regional School Board, Wellesley Eisnor, make public comment during the meeting.