"Hurricanes" Heading To Major Bantam Provincials

The BMO Western Hurricanes are going to the Major Bantam Provincials in Cape Breton in March. Over the weekend, they defeated Pro Hockey Life Cole Harbour Storm in home and home games. Saturday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm, 6-3 with Jered Scott scoring two goals and Jaron Bollivar, Jacob Myra ,Matthew Barron and Keith Getson scoring singles. Sunday, the Hurricanes defeated the Storm in Liverpool 8-1. Travis Parks had a hat trick, Keith Getson had two goals and  Jacob Myra, Logan Walters and Jaron Bollivar scored singles.

Another Record For Athlete, Chelsea Whalen

Chelsea Whalen of Liverpool had a new personal best and set a new Nova Scotia provincial senior womens shotput record over the weekend. She placed 3rd and won bronze at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Blacksburg, Virginia. Whalen's throw of 15.75 meters erased her previous mark of 15.57 meters which she set earlier this year.

Chester: Council Will Take Time On South Canoe

The Warden in Chester says council will take its time before making a decision whether or not to support the South Canoe Wind Project. More than 150 people attended last week's public hearing on the proposed wind farm. Allen Webber says they will need a second public hearing to deal with the matter. He says it's going to be a tough decision.



The proponents behind the project want to construct 34 wind turbines between Vaughan and New Russell. The next public hearing in March will be held at Forest Heights Community School in Chester Basin.

MODL To Review Off-Leash Dog Park Idea

A Lunenburg group is looking to partner with municipal council in finding an area for an off-leash dog park. The local residents are requesting help in acquiring land, because they feel a dog park could be a great addition to the community. Mayor Don Downe says they're looking at their options. But, he adds, he's not sure if there's a demand in the municipality.



Downe says there's also the issues of liability and insurance to think about as well. The matter was sent to committee for review.

Bridgewater: Long Awaited Health Clinic Announced

It's a long awaited announcement for those in need of a family doctor in the Bridgewater area. Details surrounding a new 9,000 square foot collaborative health clinic were unveiled during an afternoon press conference just down the street from the South Shore's regional hospital. The new clinic will be an addition to the Medical Arts Building on Glen Allen Drive. Mayor David Walker called it's a huge step forward for residents of Lunenburg County. The clinic will be home to eight family doctors, two nurse practitioners in addition to various other health services. Meanwhile, South Shore Health's Janet Simm says the authority has already begun recruitment efforts. She says they've already spoke to at least a dozen doctors about the possibility of working in Bridgewater. LaHave Investments Limited was chosen among seven other bidders to construct the clinic. Lunenbueg West MLA Gary Ramey says it's hoped the clinic will be open in November or December.

Anchor Bracelets To Help Remember "The Lost Five"

It's an idea that started in the small community of Sambro and has taken off across the South Shore. Anchor bracelets will soon be available for the public to purchase to help honour the five missing fishermen of the 'Miss Ally'. The bracelets are being shipped from China and proceeds will go to the fishermen's families. Janine Dixon is from Woods Harbour. She says the bracelets are a way to remember.



Dixon expects the first 1,000 bracelets to reach the community within the next few weeks. She says the bracelets are expected to be available in Woods Harbour, Barrington and Liverpool. Dixon says families will decide what to do with the proceeds. She says, starting Monday, people can also donate money to the 'Five Boys Bracelets' account at CIBC in Barrington.

Search Continues For Capsized Fishing Boat & Her Crew

A military aircraft is heading out today to resume searching for any signs of a fishing boat that capsized last Sunday night about 120 kilometers southeast of Liverpool. Its five crewmen were lost. The coast guard vessel Sir William Alexander is also steaming towards the area where debris was spotted yesterday. Fishing vessels are also making their way towards the area. Families of the fishermen have asked federal authorities to attempt to recover the hull of the vessel and bring the bodies of the fishermen home after the search was called off Tuesday night.

Two Men Found After Search In Queens County Woods

A search for two men yesterday afternoon near Liverpool was successful in finding them. The two went for a walk in the woods and somehow lost their way. Queens County Ground Search and Rescue launched an operation and the two were found last evening off the Purdy Road, north of Liverpool. The men are said to be OK but shaken by their experience. They didn't need any medical help.

Gasoline Prices Top The $1.40 Mark!

As expected, South Shore gasoline prices increased overnight. The province's utility and review board has set the price at the pumps for regular self-serve at $1.40.9 a litre. Thats an increase of almost 3 cents from yesterday. Diesel is also up a bit at $1.44.1 per litre. These fluctuations in price are a reflection of whats happening with the world price of oil. For instance today, oil is up this in price after two days of steep losses. Oil gained 40-cents this morning, and is trading at $93.24 U-S a barrel. Traders say gains are being kept in check by ample supplies and worries about the global economic outlook.

Group Asks Town For Parking Spots On Pleasant Street

A local agency is looking to find a solution for parking spaces for its members at their apartment building in Bridgewater. The Support Services Group is asking the town for suggestions on how it can help people living on their own with a disability at 66 Pleasant Street. The group is hoping for restricted parking or permits that gives easy access to the front of the building. Mayor David Walker says one idea could be to remove some parking meters.



The town's traffic authority will study the matter and issue a report and recommendation.

Concerns Expressed Over Large Wind Project

Municipal council in Chester has deferred a decision on approving the South Canoe Wind Project following last night's public hearing in Chester Basin. Another public hearing on the matter will be held March 4th. Last night's meeting was packed with more than 150 people attending. A large percentage of those in attendance expressed concerns over the unknown long-term health effects of wind turbines and their overall look. Others worried about the turbines hurting the value of their property. The $200 million project would feature 34 wind turbines stretching over 3,000 hectares between the communities of Vaughan and New Russell. It would generate enough power to heat 32,000 homes and create $660,000 in annual tax revenue for the municipality.

Drennan Grabs Silver At OUA Track Championships

A Lunenburg native has claimed a silver medal at the Ontario University Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships in Windsor. Jesse Drennan finished second in the men's pentathlon. The 19-year-old had strong showings in all five events he competed in, including the high jump and shotput. The University of Windsor student will now prepare for the CIS championships, being held next month.

Lunenburg's Drennan Ready For OUA Track Championships

A Lunenburg native says he's ready for today's OUA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Nineteen-year-old Jesse Drennan is competing in the pentathlon events, which get underway shortly after 3pm in Windsor, Ontario. The University of Windsor student has five events on tap for today including 60-metre hurdles, long jump, shotput and 1000-metre run. Drennan is captain of the Lancers track and field team and hopes to qualify for the CIS championships being held in March. A live video feed can be viewed here beginning at 3pm our time.

'Quick Care' Health Clinic Extended Into March

The quick care clinic started by South Shore Health in Bridgewater is being extended into March. The two-day-a-week clinic has been at capacity since it opened earlier this month. The clinic has accepted roughly 48 patients per day. It tackles issues like minor cuts, bumps, sore throats, prescription refills and sinus problems. CEO Dr. Peter Vaughan says they're extending the clinic to meet demand. However, he says hospital ER's remain busy.



A doctor accepts patients by appointment 3 to 9pm every Monday and Wednesday.

Upcoming: Large Wind Farm Debate In Chester

It's a critical stage for a large wind project stretching between Vaughan and New Russell. A public hearing will be held tonight to discuss the South Canoe Wind Project. It's the final step in the process before members of Chester council make a decision on whether or not they support the project. The proposed $200 million wind farm is being led by Minas Basin Pulp and Power, Oxford Frozen Foods and Nova Scotia Power. South Canoe would feature up to 34 wind turbines and could generate enough power to heat nearly 30,000 homes. There's been mixed reaction to the massive project to date with some residents in the New Ross area concerned over the location of the turbines. The meeting will be held at Forest Heights Community School beginning at 7 o'clock. 

Donations Continue To Pour In For New Ventilators

The money keeps rolling in to the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore for two new ventilators. Funds have crept up over $69,000. When the third annual ''Gift for the Heart'' radiothon concluded last Thursday, they were just over $66,000. Bernadette Jordan says it has been an emotional week.



Jordan anticipates donations to keep adding up over the next few weeks. She says, one way or another, they will gather enough money to buy a second ventilator.

Guilty Pleas In Bridgewater's School Lockdown Case

A Lunenburg County man will be sentenced in just over a month for his role in the lock down of two schools in Bridgewater. Sheldon Earl Bowers entered guilty pleas on six of 11 charges against him following his arrest in January. Bowers pleaded guilty to charges that include possession of cocaine and marihuana, uttering threats and unsafe use and storage of various firearms. He'll be sentenced in relation to those matters April 3rd. In the meantime, the 37 year-old entered not guilty pleas to four charges that include trafficking drugs and uttering threats while he was in custody. Bowers will go to trial on those matters March 28th. Bridgewater Police ordered the lock down of two schools after they received a call regarding a distraught man with firearms at a nearby home January 21.

Liverpool Paramedic Under Police Investigation

A 47-year-old paramedic has been arrested by Queens RCMP after theft and misuse of drugs from an EHS station. Police searched a home last night on Wolfe Street in Liverpool where syringes and medical containers were seized. Officials from EHS alerted RCMP of the allegations late last week. The incidents are alleged to have occurred since 2009. Cpl. Scott MacRae says the man faces a number of theft and drug-related offenses. He is scheduled to appear in Liverpool Provincial Court April 17.

Bridgewater Police Arrest Man During Break And Enter

Bridgewater Police have arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly breaking and entering into a home on Tuesday. Officers arrested Steven Rhodenizer on the front doorstep of the house entered. He has been charged with two counts of break and enter, having his face masked while committing an offence, theft under $5000, and possession of property obtained by crime. Constable Will Creamer reminds residents to make sure doors to their homes and vehicles are locked at all times. Rhodenizer will appear in Bridgewater court April 17.          

Gold River-Western Shore Residents Lobby To Keep School Open

"School is more than walls and a floor." That's a quote from a song students at Gold River-Western Shore Elementary sang, which played last night during a school review public hearing. Roughly 110 people attended the meeting, while nearly 30 residents stood up and echoed how important it is for the school to remain in the community. However, retired school administrator, Tom Feindel, remains confident after a member of the Chester-St. Margaret's constituency office spoke on behalf of the MLA.




Issues around transportation, participating in extra-curricular activities and after school child-care were discussed if the school were closed and students were moved to Chester. A public hearing scheduled for tonight in New Ross has been rescheduled for February 25.

Region Mourns "The Lost Five" After Search Scaled Back

The massive search for "The Lost Five" fishermen of Woods Harbour has been scaled back. Rescue officials say any hope of finding the men alive has -- quote -- diminished significantly because of the cold water and poor weather. Tributes began pouring in last night on CKBW and HANK FM's Facebook pages shortly after officials announced they had called off the search. The file has now been turned over to the RCMP as a missing persons case. A distress signal from the boat came Sunday at 11 p.m. during a strong storm 120 kilometres southeast of Liverpool. The five young men, all in their 20's and 30's, were fishing for halibut in a 13-metre vessel that capsized in the storm.

MODL: Home Owner Has Until June To Clean Property

The Municipality of Lunenburg is giving a local home owner one more chance to clean up his property. A complaint was received in March of last year and inspections showed old doors, lumber and fencing were on-site at 5 Ashwood Lane in Blockhouse. A building official says very little progress has been made since the complaint was received. However, Mayor Don Downe says they have offered the property owner an extension.



The home owner told council he intends to clean up his property by the June deadline. If he doesn't, the Municipality could do the work and apply the cost to his tax bill. Downe says they want the man to remove garbage off his land and pile wood up neatly.

Fisheries Minister: "Region Praying For A Miracle"

Nova Scotia's fisheries minister says the winter fishing season can be extremely tough and unpredictable. Sterling Belliveau, a former lobster fisherman, was commenting on the ongoing search for five fishermen 120 kilometres off the southeast coast of Liverpool. Crew members of the Woods Harbour based fishing vessel "Miss Ally" punched their emergency locator beacon late Sunday night in heavy seas lashed by high winds. Belliveau says his thoughts are with the missing crew members and the rescue team involved in the search.



Belliveau says a few hundred people attended last night's prayer vigil in Woods Harbour in a show of support for the all those involved in the rescue mission. He says the entire region is praying for a miracle.

Energy Minister Kicks Off "Power Trip" In Bridgewater

Energy Minister Charlie Parker will kick of a province-wide tour promoting his government's energy plan Wednesday in Bridgewater.  The focus of the presentation will centre around the province's plan to continue reducing reliance on fossil fuels and update people on work to date in generating power through various alternative energy sources. Parker says the Muskrat Falls/Maritime Link project and it's benefits will also be a significant talking point.



The presentation will be held tomorrow morning at the Best Western in Cookville beginning at 10 o'clock. The tour will also make a stop February 26 in Yarmouth.

Search For Fishermen Reaching Critical Stage

The search for five missing fishermen is reaching a critical stage. A Coromorant helicopter and two coast guard ships have been searching a vast area of ocean off the coast of Liverpool since a distress call was issued Sunday night by the crew members of "Miss Ally". The five young fishermen have been lost at sea in cold waters for approximately 36 hours. Lieutenant Peter Ryan of the Halifax search and rescue centre says the Cormorant helicopter involved in the search had to return to base last night due to poor conditions, but is heading out again today. He says seas were rough and visibility was poor last night as the hunt for the 13-metre boat continued.

GPS System Helps Police Find Missing Man

A simple wrist bracelet is being heralded as a life-saver. Bridgewater Police were able to find an 83-year-old man within an hour last week after he was reported missing. The man suffers from dementia. Constable Will Creamer says the GPS-type system, known as Project Life Saver, deserves credit.



Creamer says the device is activated if someone is reported missing and police and ground, search and rescue members can find the person quickly. This was the first time the Bridgewater Police have had to use the system.

O'Regan's, Memories Cafe Among Business Award Winners

O’Regan’s South Shore Automotive has claimed this year's large business award in Lunenburg-Queens. The Business Excellence Awards were handed out last night in Western Shore. O'Regan's took home the honour ahead of J&H Industries Ltd and Sure Courier. Also, Gary Gables Bed and Breakfast received the hospitality award and Terra Beata Cranberry Farms was tops in export achievement. Other award winners include The Gold River Marina for small business of the year , LaHave Forests in the entrepreneurial category and Memories Cafe as best new business. Six awards were handed out in all. A gathering was held last night at Atlantica Hotel & Marina in Western Shore.

RCMP Investigate Upper LaHave Home Invasion

RCMP say a man is in hospital after an apparent home invasion in Upper LaHave. Police responded to a break and enter at a home along Highway 332 early Saturday night. They say a 27-year-old man woke up after he heard glass breaking. The man was then confronted by four people in disguise.The suspects allegedly assaulted the man and fled the scene. The victim was taken to South Shore Regional Hospital where he remains with serious but non-life threatening injuries. Police believe this is not a random incident. Anyone with information is urged to call Lunenburg County RCMP.

UPDATED: Search Continues For Five Fishermen

A cormorant helicopter from Greenwood along with two Canadian Coast Guard vessels continue to search for five fishermen off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia. Navy spokesman Lieutenant Peter Ryan says the 45-foot boat, known as the "Miss Ally", went down 120 kilometres southeast of Liverpool. Ryan says the boat sent out a distress signal last night shortly after 11pm.
 


Ryan says a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft spotted a life-raft early this morning, but couldn't offer any other details. He says the fishing vessel is based out of Shelburne County. A prayer vigil for the five missing fishermen will be held tonight at the Calvary Baptist Church in Woods Harbour at 6pm.

Excellence Awards Honour Local Businesses

This year's Lunenburg-Queens Business awards will go ahead as scheduled this evening. Officials say the show won't be stalled by weather conditions. Six awards will recognize local groups in categories including hospitality, export achievement, new business and entrepreneurial. Meanwhile, LaHave Paving and LaHave River Chiropractic and Health Centre of Bridgewater and the Gold River Marina are up for small business of the year. O’Regan’s South Shore Automotive, J&H Industries Ltd and Sure Courier are nominated for Large Business of the year. The awards get underway at 6pm tonight at Atlantica Hotel & Marina in Western Shore. A full list of nominees can be found here.

School Review: Hebbville Meeting Postponed

A public hearing surrounding the school review process at Hebbville Academy has been postponed due to weather conditions. The South Shore Regional School Board had scheduled the meeting for tonight but it's since been rescheduled to February 28. Meanwhile, three other pubic hearings will still take place later this week. Members of the local school board will host their next public hearing Tuesday evening at Gold River/Western Shore Elementary. School review meetings will also be held Wednesday in New Ross and Thursday at Petite Riviere. All of those meetings begin at 6:30PM.

Fishing Vessel Runs Into Distress - Rescue Mission Underway

CKBW/HANK FM News can confirm the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre is involved in a rescue mission to locate crew members of a fishing vessel in distress. An official with the Canadian Coast Guard indicates their efforts are focused "quite a bit offshore" in the southwestern part of the province. There are reports five people were on board the vessel when they made a distress call before 6 o'clock this morning. There's no word on the exact location of the rescue mission or the status of those on board. We'll update this story as more information becomes available.

Snow, High Winds Closes Schools

Tricky driving conditions are the norm this morning in many areas of the South Shore. About 11-thousand people lost electricity in Nova Scotia early today. Most of those outages are in Digby, Kings and Yarmouth counties. Winds whipping up to 90 kilometres per mixed in with some snow has reduced visibility and caused snow drifts in some areas. It's forced officials with the South Shore Regional School Board and Tri-County Regional School Board to cancel classes for the day. Also, NSCC campus in Lunenburg, Shelburne and Yarmouth are closed for the day.The forecast calls for highs wind and blowing snow to continue until about mid-day. Winds are expected to taper off near noon.

Bailey Notches First 'Q' Goal In Moose Win

A memorable day for a South Shore hockey player as the Halifax Mooseheads dumped the PEI Rocket 5-2 Sunday on the island. Playing in just his second league contest, Lunenburg native Brennan Bailey notched his first career "Q" goal. The win was the third in as many days for the red-hot Herd.

Weekend Fires Leave 11 Temporarily Homeless

Two weekend fires in southwestern Nova Scotia have left 11 people homeless. In a media release, the Canadian Red Cross says a woman and six children in Wedgeport lost most of their belonging in a fire on Saturday afternoon. The children ranging in age between 4 and 17 all escaped unhurt. The other fire occurred Friday afternoon in Lockeport. The agency indicates a home belonging to a couple and their two children was significantly damaged. The causes have not been officially released. No injuries were reported in either fire. 

Yarmouth Man Arrested & Charged After Evading Police

A 26 year-old man faces multiple charges of impaired driving and possession of a stolen vehicle after an incident yesterday in Lunenburg County. Police say they were notified mid afternoon Saturday of a possible impaired driver in a stolen vehicle moving along Highway 103. RCMP say they arrested the man after he tried to evade police and got the truck stuck in the woods around Jungle Road and River Road. The Yarmouth man is facing seven charges including dangerous driving, flight from police, impaired driving and possession of a stolen vehicle. The accused is set to appear before a judge Monday in Bridgewater.

Jacks Fall On Milestone Night For Crawley

A milestone night in Amherst for Michael Crawley as the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks fell 5-2 to the Ramblers. Crawley's third period goal was his 200th point in his 200th career MHL game. Jared Dodman had the other marker for the Jacks who were outshot 44-40. Bridgewater visit Metro on Tuesday with a chance to clinch a playoff spot

QMJHL: Surging Herd Remain Hot

In "Q" action the Halifax Mooseheads doubled Shawinigan 6-3 last night at the Metro Centre. Tonight, a sellout crowd is expected in Halifax, as the Moose welcome the Moncton Wildcats.

Dieppe Drop 'Jacks In Blowout Loss

An embarrassing home loss for the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks as they got drilled 11-1 by Dieppe. The Commandos led 3-1 early in the second before scoring eight unanswered goals. Jared Dodman had the lone marker for the Jacks who travel to Amherst tonight.

School Board Facing Third Straight Year Of Budget Cuts

The South Shore Regional School Board is bracing for their third straight year of budget cuts. The board was hit with a 1.5 per cent reduction from the province earlier this week, resulting in a loss of $995,200. Officials also estimate 1.2 per cent for wage increases and cost of living increases including fuel and electricity. Those targets are expected to be $850,000. That's a loss of over $1.8-million. Last year, the budget was reduced by $1.4-million and in 2011-12, the budget was cut by $2.7-million. Superintendent Nancy Pynch-Worthylake says it's a difficult situation to be in.



The board is facing declining enrollment, which could have resulted in a greater funding reduction but the province set a cap at 1.5 per cent. Pynch-Worthylake says it will be extremely difficult to meet the budget target without reducing staff.

Hank Snow Tribute Returning To Queens

Organizers of this summer's Hank Snow Tribute are celebrating today after confirming the event will head back to Liverpool. The Friends of Hank Snow Society say the Tribute will be headlined by Canada's Queen of Country Music, Carroll Baker and Ryan Cook will act as the honorary chair. The event is planned for August 15-18. Co-Chair of the Tribute, Charlotte White, says it should help boost tourism to the area.



The Tribute has been held in Bridgewater at the South Shore Exhibition for the last number of years. Dozens of bands are expected to play at the event, which includes an open mic show and song writer's circle. Early bird tickets are available at the Hank Snow Museum or by visiting here .

Ice Sharks Host Third Annual Shootout Tourney

The South Shore Atom 'AAA' Sharks host the third annual shoot-out tournament this weekend. The Sharks, along with 11 other teams from places like Truro, Cape Breton, Yarmouth and Antigonish are participating in the event. Games begin this morning at 10 and will be held in Bridgewater, Lunenburg and Chester. All semi-final, consolation and championship games are planned for Sunday in Lunenburg. A full schedule is below.


3rd. Annual South Shore Atom AAA Shark Shoot-out 2013 Tournament Schedule
Teams
Division A Division B
1. South Shore Ice Sharks 7. TASA
2. Truro 8. Antigonish
3. Halifax 9. Cape Breton West
4. Glace Bay Miners 10. Bedford
5. Sherwood Falcons (PEI) 11. Kent South Flames (NB)
6. Western Valley         12. Yarmouth


Friday Feb. 15th. (All Friday Games are 3-12 minute periods)
Lunenburg Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
10:00am. 5 South Shore vs. Western Valley 1
11:15am. 4 Truro vs. Sherwood 3
12:30pm. 5 Halifax vs. Glace Bay 1
1:45pm. 4 South Shore vs. Sherwood 3
4:00pm. 5 Truro vs. Glace Bay 1
5:15pm. 4 Halifax vs. Western Valley 3
6:30pm. 5 Antigonish vs. Yarmouth 1

Bridgewater Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
2:00pm. 1 Cape Breton vs. Antigonish 4
3:15pm. 2 TASA vs. Kent Flames 3
4:30pm. 1 Cape Breton vs. Bedford 4

Chester Arena
Times RM. Teams RM.
10:00am. 1 Yarmouth vs. TASA 4
11:15am. 2 Bedford vs. Kent Flames 3




Saturday Feb. 16th. (ALL Remaining games are at the Lunenburg Arena)
ALL Saturday Games, including the Quarter-Finals are 3-12 minute periods
Times RM. Teams RM.
8:00am. 5 Antigonish vs. Kent 1
9:15am. 4 Truro vs. Western Valley 3
10:30am. 5 South Shore vs. Glace Bay 1
11:45am. 4 Sherwood vs. Halifax 3
1:00pm. 5 Bedford vs. Yarmouth 1
2:15pm. 4 Cape Breton vs. TASA 3

Quarter-Finals (Top 4 Teams of Division A & B go to the Quarter-Finals)
Game # Times RM. Teams RM.
19 3:45pm. 5 Team 1A vs. Team 4A 1
20 5:00pm. 4 Team 2A vs. Team 3A 3
21 6:15pm. 5 Team 1B vs. Team 4B 1
22 7:30pm. 4 Team 2B vs. Team 3B 3

Sunday Feb. 17th. Semi-Finals, Consolation Games & Finals

Consolation Games (All Consolation Games are 3-12 Minute Periods)
Games Times RM. Teams RM.
S1 Consolation Semi’s 8:00am. 5 A5 vs. B6 1
S2 Consolation Semi’s 9:20am. 4 A6 vs. B5 3

Consolation Final
Times RM. Teams RM.
2:00pm. 5 WS1 vs. WS2 1


Championship Games (All Championship Games are 3-15 Minute Periods)
Games Times RM. Teams RM.
23 Semi-Final #1 10:40am. 5 WG19 vs. WG22 1
24 Semi-Final #2 12:20pm. 4 WG20 vs. WG21 3

Championship Game

3:30pm. RM. 4 WG23 vs. WG24 RM. 3

Clippers Sweep Fundy; Await Semi-Final Opponent

The Chester Clippers have clinched a spot in the Nova Scotia Junior 'C' hockey semi-finals. Jeremy Church and Ryan Horsman each scored three goals as the Clippers skated to a 10-1 win over the Fundy Phantoms last night in Brookfield, sweeping the best-of-five series, 3-0. Scott MacSween added two goals while Jack Strowbridge and Mathieu Bourgeois each scored once. Ben Bailey recorded the win in goal for Chester. The semi-finals are scheduled to begin February 23rd in Chester. The club's semi-final opponent has yet to be determined.

Bridgewater High Hosts Division-Two Hoops Regionals

Bridgewater High School is hosting the senior boys' division-two basketball regionals over the next two days. The local club will host Middleton at 5pm this evening. The other semi-final pits Central Kings against Kings Edgehill at 7pm. Play continues at noon Saturday with the consolation game and championship at 2:00. Middleton hosts provincials in two weeks time. The two highest teams from this weekend's regional's will advance.

Jacks' Look To Clinch Postseason Berth

The CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks will try to make it back to back wins tonight when they welcome the Dieppe Commandos. The Bridgewater club has been off since an impressive 5-2 victory over Campbellton eight days ago. The Jacks can officially punch their playoff ticket this weekend. A win tonight combined with a Metro loss tomorrow in Truro would clinch a post-season berth for the locals. The Lumberjacks and Dieppe hook up tonight at 7 at the Bridgewater Arena.

Radiothon Another Huge Success

It was another huge success. The Health Services Foundation along with CKBW and HANK FM helped raise more than $66,000 towards new ventilators for the local health authority.The foundations, Bernadette Jordan says members aren't getting hung up on falling short of their goal of raising $80,000. She says they will look at others ways to make up the $14,000 needed to purchase the new ventilators.




Yesterday's, radiothon at the South Shore Regional Hospital was the third annual.

Town Pre-Approves $7,000 For Growing Green Festival

A festival entering its fifth year has received pre-approval of funds from the town of Bridgewater. The Growing Green event has been a fixture in the community since 2008, though no event was held in 2009. The town pre-approved $7,000 for the festival. Funding for the event has grown each year since it was held. It's information that hasn't gone unnoticed by Mayor David Walker.



Festival co-chair Patrick Hirtle says he appreciates the help the town provides. However, he says the festival is growing and provides a unique opportunity for the town.


Hirtle suggests if funding is scaled back, they would have to change their approach and what could be offered at the event. The two-day festival is usually held in the summer and features events across the county.

School Board Bracing For Cuts In 2013-14

The South Shore Regional School Board received some unwelcome news today from the Education Minister. Ramona Jennex says school boards will get $1.047 billion in 2013-2014, $3-million more than they received this year. However, Jennex revealed the local board is facing a reduction. She says the province is cutting 1.5% of funding from the South Shore, resulting in a $995,000 loss. Jennex blamed declining student enrollment for the cuts. It's still too early to tell how the cuts will affect the board.

Clippers Dominate Phantoms For 2-0 Series Lead

The Chester Clippers downed the Fundy Phantoms 12-2 last night to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five Nova Scotia Junior 'C' Hockey League quarter-final series. Alex Armstrong notched three goals, while Scott MacSween also added a pair. Scoring single goals for the Clippers was Ryan Horsman, Luc Way, Kyle Dilosa, Jack Strowbridge, Mathieu Bourgeois, Josh Thompson and Jeremy Church. Chester's Doug Barrier stopped 24 shots in the win, and was relieved by affiliate goalie Daniel Lohnes in the third period who stopped three shots. Chester outshot Fundy 56-29. Game three goes tonight at 9pm at the Don Henderson Sportsplex in Brookfield.

Chester: Council Works On Climate Change Action Plan

The Municipality of Chester is in the midst of a rigorous pre-planning process to mitigate the effects of climate change on its coastal communities. Councillors and staff are working to create a Climate Change Action Plan as mandated by the Federal Government in order to access funding known as "Gas Tax". The funding is administered through Infrastructure Canada and helps municipalities pay for various public projects such a improving drinking water and upgrades to waste water treatment. Warden Allen Webber says they are taking a proactive approach with long term planning in mind.



The plan will focus on expectations the sea level will rise and the area will be hit by harsher weather patterns in the coming decades. Councillors are mulling over a draft plan presented to them earlier this month. The plan is due on the federal government's desk before the end of this year.